Lifegate Baptist Church

Christ's Leadership

2009-04-30T13:50:00.001+01:00

“And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.”

John 2:6–8

Leadership does not come by developing followers but by developing yourself.

Former President Dwight Eisenhower once wrote, “In order to be a leader a man must have followers. And to have followers, a man must have their confidence. Hence the supreme quality of a leader is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, on a football field, in an army, or in an office. If a man's associates find him guilty of phoniness, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose.”

Leadership is a coveted role in today’s world. Whether it’s a position at work or simply leading a children’s sports team, many people covet being in a position of leadership. But leadership isn’t about being in charge of people; it is about a lifestyle you live.

Let’s notice Christ’s display of leadership in our verses today. Why did the servants obey Him? Was it because Mary had commanded them to? Perhaps they listened to Mary, but what Christ commanded them did not make sense.

The water pots they used were pots used for cleansing or purifying. These pots had already been used and put to the side. Yet the Lord commanded them to take the pots and fill them with water. Why water? Surely the guests would know the difference between the water and the wine. Their jobs were at stake! Yet they obeyed Christ.

Jesus’ influence over these men was not a result of a great leadership style, but of a humble, godly life. His life was above reproach, and they may have even heard of His testimony before the wedding. They followed Him because of His actions.

Too many times people force leadership. They “rule with an iron fist” so that others will respect and obey them, yet not many people respect a tyrannical ruler. Follow Christ’s example of leadership; lead with your life, not your words. Anyone can command, but few people wish to live a life of holiness and honesty.

Are you in a position of leadership in your life? Maybe you aren’t an executive at a company but are you a teacher, Sunday school teacher, or parent? We all have people who look to us for leadership, people who follow our actions. Rather than trying to exert authority or talk of leadership, simply show them leadership through your actions.

As you lead your team, your coworkers, or your family today; remember to lead through your actions. Live honestly, never compromise your beliefs, and show others that you can be trusted and respected. As you live a holy life, others will more willingly follow your lead.

Dust or Liquid?

2009-04-30T13:19:00.002+01:00

God said to Adam, “…dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return” (Genesis 3:19). However, now you may avoid the “dust” at death by having your remains liquefied. The Week news magazine (May 30, 2008, p. 22) reports a new option of “dissolving a body in lye and high heat and pouring the remains down the drain. The method, which is known as alkaline hydrolysis, involves placing a dead body in a steel container with the caustic chemical lye. The vat is then heated and pressurized so that human remains boil down to a brown, sterile fluid the consistency of motor oil. These remains can then be safely disposed of in public sewerage systems.” This gives new meaning to the Roto-Rooter jingle: “Roto-Rooter, that's the name; and away go my troubles down the drain!”

Advocates point out that it is more environmentally friendly than burial, which takes up needed land, and cremation, which can pollute the air with toxic chemicals from items such as dental fillings.

However, man cannot completely outsmart what God said to Adam in Genesis 3:19. After liquefying the cadaver, there’s a small amount of dry bone residue (dust) remaining from the body, which can be handed over to family in an urn.

Ashes to ashes… Dust to dust.

Great day visiting Christian sites

2009-04-06T08:48:00.002+01:00

We left our home a little before 9.30 a.m. and headed towards Moulton where William Carey pastored.

Then went to Olney and visited the church where John Newton pastored and saw the house where he penned "Amazing Grace". We actually sang it in the church. Great accustics! LOL

In the same town is where William Cowper lived. We saw the summer house where he wrote many of his poems and hymns.

After that we headed to Bedford and the town of John Bunyan. We were telling the folks a Bunyan's where we had been and they had never heard of William Carey. Isn't that sad? Such wonderful history in this great land, yet folksdon't even know about it. Heartbreaking!!

Had FISH-N-CHIPS for supper to end a great day

The Word Contemporary

2009-02-05T11:26:00.002Z

It is sometimes amazing to think of the many different implications of a single word. The word contemporary is such a word. For starters, this word may be used as both a noun and an adjective. We might read that “George Washington was a contemporary of Thomas Jefferson,” or “President Bush’s official portrait employed more contemporary painting techniques than you would find in the official painting of George Washington.”

When it comes to churches and music, the word contemporary has many different meanings. On one hand, the word contemporary might mean “existing at this time.” So you could say, “All the churches in America are contemporary,” meaning only that “All the churches in the United States exist at this point in time.” Actually, it would be hard to imagine a situation where such a sentence would even be useful.

On the other hand, the word contemporary is often used to contrast with old-fashioned in the sense that an old-fashioned church proclaims the Word of God and some contemporary churches believe that even carrying a Bible to the pulpit is offensive to today’s churchgoers. An old-fashioned church looks to the Book of Acts for its pattern of operation; a contemporary church may send out questionnaires to the community to ask what kind of a church they would like to have.

In the area of music, a very old tradition divides music into several categories: church music, theater music, and concert music. This traditional idea essentially acknowledges that church music should be different from other styles. In some contemporary approaches to church music, it is believed that all musical styles are perfectly appropriate for church, whether it is a traditional hymn of praise to God or a modern dance style with new words. It is this notion of the word contemporary that gives us pause. I am not aware of any sensible person who thinks a song is wrong simply because it was written within the last twelve months; when the term contemporary is used in a negative sense, it is used to convey the idea of church music that embraces traditional church music, modern dance music, and essentially all styles as equally suitable for the church service.

Pastor Trieber has long stated that he believes in using old-fashioned music in an old-fashioned church service. By this, he does not mean that a fresh coat of paint may not be used or the church may not purchase new buses. He means that he still adheres to the idea that the doctrine of the church should be guided by the Bible, and the music of the church should be separate and clearly distinct from the music of the world.

by Dr. Mike Zachary
Golden State Baptist College

Faithfulness not Success

2008-12-17T08:15:00.000Z

“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”
1 Corinthians 4:2

God measures success in terms of faithfulness.

Clarence Jordan was a man of unusual abilities and commitment. He had two Ph.D’s, one in agriculture and one in Greek and Hebrew. He was so gifted, he could have chosen to do anything he wanted. He chose to serve the poor. In the 1940s, he founded a farm in Americus, Georgia, and called it Koinonia Farm. It was a community for poor people of all skin colors. As you might guess, such an idea did not go over well in the deep South of the '40s.

Ironically, much of the resistance came from good church people who followed the laws of segregation as much as the other folk in town. The town people tried everything to stop Clarence. They tried boycotting him and slashing workers' tires when they came to town. Over and over, for fourteen years, they tried to stop him.

Finally, in 1954, a group of people had enough of Clarence Jordan. They decided to get rid of him once and for all. They came one night with guns and torches and set fire to every building on Koinonia Farm but Clarence's home, which they riddled with bullets. The next day, a reporter came out to see what remained of the farm. He found Clarence in the field, hoeing and planting.

“I heard the awful news,” he called to Clarence, “and I came out to do a story on the tragedy of your farm closing.” Clarence just kept on hoeing and planting. The reporter said in a haughty voice, “Well, Dr. Jordan, you got two of them Ph.D’s and you've but fourteen years into this farm, and there's nothing left of it at all. Just how successful do you think you've been?” Clarence stopped hoeing, turned toward the reporter with his penetrating blue eyes, and said quietly but firmly, “About as successful as the Cross. Sir, I don't think you understand us. What we are about is not success but faithfulness. We're staying. Good day.”

Success in the world’s eyes means having many possessions and having a well-known reputation. But in God’s eyes, these things mean nothing! In fact, only one time in the Bible did He use the word “success” yet almost 100 times the word faithful or faithfulness is used.

As we saw yesterday, it’s not where God placed you but how you serve Him while you’re there. God isn’t looking for the next great millionaire or public speaker to use; He’s looking for a faithful servant. God can use anyone, but His choicest servants are those who are faithfully serving Him.

Do you desire to be used of God? Sometimes we can read of men like John Newton, Charles Spurgeon, DL Moody, and others, and dream of being used like them. But they were just normal sinners, saved by grace, faithfully serving God when He used them.

Remember, God isn’t looking for success in your life. He’s looking for a humble heart, faithfully serving Him. If you want more responsibility from God, faithfully serve Him in what He’s already given you to do today.

Out of the Darkness

2008-12-09T08:40:00.000Z

“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
Luke 1:30–34

The molding process isn’t enjoyable, but it is necessary for a vessel to be ready for use in God’s master plan.

I once read this poem called “Out of the Darkness”:
Out of the dark forbidding soil
The pure white lilies grow.
Out of the black and murky clouds,
Descends the stainless snow.
Out of the crawling earth-bound worm
A butterfly is born.
Out of the somber shrouded night,
Behold! A golden morn!
Out of the pain and stress of life,
The peace of God pours down.
Out of the nails—the spear—the cross,
Redemption—and a crown!

Even in the midst of trials or troubles that come your way, God is working His good. Let’s go back over 2,000 years. Imagine you are a young person. You love and obey your parents and are faithful to God’s house. You have spent your life seeking to live by God’s laws and to live a holy life.

Suddenly, an angel comes to you and announces that you will be accused of a crime. But not to worry because it will all work out in the end. You are puzzled, wondering what God’s purpose in something like this could be. But you agree to follow Him.

Then people in your town begin finding out about the accusations. Your friends leave you, your parents question you, and most everyone in your town ostracizes you because of the charges against you. You are an outcast, left to fend for yourself. How could God be in this? How could He have allowed this to happen? What was His point?

I imagine this is how Mary must have felt. She had lived her life in obedience to God and her parents, yet now she was told she would bare a child. Infidelity was one of the highest sins a Jewish woman could perform in her day. Even though she was overjoyed to be bearing God’s Son, she must have had to endure harsh treatment from others who doubted her story.

Even in the midst of Mary’s difficulties, God was working. He had a divine plan and was molding her to be the mother of His Son! What an honor!

Are you facing trials today? You never know what God is preparing you for through your trials. He uses difficulties to mold His children into prepared vessels, ready for His use! Rather than questioning His will, trust Him like Mary and subject yourself to His molding.

I Predict...

2008-12-08T09:25:00.001Z

“Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness. Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.”
Psalm 119:159–160

Man’s predictions are based on man’s strength; but God’s promises are based on His strength!

The book The World's Worst Predictions lists some of history's all-time prophetic goofs.

King George II said in 1773 that the American colonies had little stomach for revolution.

An official of the White Star Line, speaking of the firm's newly built flagship, the Titanic, launched in 1912, declared that the ship was unsinkable.

In 1939, The New York Times said the problem with TV was that people had to glue their eyes to a screen, and that the average American wouldn't have time for it.

An English astronomy professor said in the early 19th century that air travel at high speed would be impossible because passengers would suffocate.
In 1958, Business Week reported, “With over 50 foreign cars already on sale here, the Japanese auto industry isn't likely to carve out a big slice of the U.S. market.”US Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox predicted on December 4,1941, “Whatever happens, the U.S. Navy is not going to be caught napping.”
On October 16,1929, Irving Fisher, Professor of Economics at Yale University, said, “Stocks have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau.”

Over the years men have tried to predict when things would happen. But as these quotes show, they haven’t always been right. With so much error and so many variables in the world, how can you know who or what to trust for the truth?

Have you ever wondered how we know God’s Word is true? There are many people who believe their book or belief is truth, so how do we know the Bible is divinely inspired? The proof is in the predictions God makes in His Word.

If you read through the prophetical books of the Old Testament, you will read several “predictions” regarding the birth, earthly ministry, and death of Christ. When the time came, all these prophetical predictions came true. The predictions were proven by the results.

Even so God has made several “predictions” or promises in His Word for you. He promises to protect you, guide you, provide for you, and to one day come again and take you to Heaven if you are saved. These are predictions you can trust!

Do you ever feel down, wondering if God’s promises are true for you? Look through God’s Word and see that He has always come through on His promises! God will not go back on His Word. So rather than questioning His promises, trust Him and lean on the knowledge that He will never break a promise to you.

Gap Theory - No Support

2008-10-27T11:37:00.002Z

Gap Theory: Its BackgroundThe Gap Theory was first proposed in 1814 by a Scottish minister named Chalmers. It was during this period that scientists were beginning to teach that the earth was billions of years in age. As a response to the scientific community, Chalmers theorized a "gap" in time between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2. His motive was probably well intentioned, but there is no scriptural reason to infer or imply that such a gap ever existed.

Gap Theory: The Position & ProblemsThe Gap Theory holds that the ages of evolution (the periods and eras of "modern science") occurred before the six days of biblical Creation, but were part of the creative process of God. These ages were then terminated by a global cataclysmic event, followed by a period of replenishing the earth, according to the following instructions of God in Genesis: "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth" (Genesis 1:28 KJV).

Probably the greatest problem with the Gap Theory is that it makes God responsible for the creation of evil. The theory implies that God used the methods of death and decay on a global scale for billions of years in order to accomplish His unknown purposes in a primeval world. The fossils and geological records, which the theory tries to place before Genesis 1:2, are the direct testimony of this violence and death. However, Paul writes about the manner in which Christ will destroy the last enemy - death: "For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death" (1 Corinthians 15:25-26 KJV).

Death cannot be construed as a benefit that God instituted in order to aid mankind or creation. Evolutionism teaches that death is part of the process that nature uses in order to continually promote each species and allow adaptation to the environment (survival of the fittest). The Bible clearly teaches that death is the result of the rebellion of Satan and Adam's sin, and not something that God created during the time period that gap theorists believe exists between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. Chalmers taught that the rebellion of Satan and his demons took place before Adam was created (a pre-adamite rebellion.) Satan's rebellion and eventual placement in Eden is actually discussed in a couple of books of the Bible, including Ezekiel: "Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee" (Ezekiel 28:13-15 KJV).

To believe that a rebellious Satan was on earth prior to "day six" is in direct conflict with the following scripture: "And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day" (Genesis 1:31 KJV). If God beheld everything after day six and it was "very good," how could Lucifer have rebelled back in verses one and two? That is simply impossible, since scripture would be in conflict with itself, which is an interpretive violation. Everything would not be "very good" if sin was present in the Garden and Lucifer had already rebelled against God. The concept of a pre-adamite rebellion seems to fall apart quite rapidly upon further examination of all the scriptures associated with the fall of Lucifer. Since there could not have been a pre-adamite rebellion, Satan's actions could not have accounted for the age-long spectacle of suffering and death in the world during the geologic ages that preceded it. Thus, God would have to be responsible for the death and suffering in the pre-adamite world, but that is impossible.

Gap Theory: No Support in ScriptureThe Gap Theory has been advocated by many sincere Bible teachers, but it actually involves numerous and serious fallacies. In general, contemporary biblical scholars and scientists do not accept this theory. There is no scriptural support for any of its tenets that pass the tests of sound Biblical interpretation.

The Financial Fiasco

2008-10-10T23:01:00.001+01:00

“Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” ¯Luke 12:15

We are facing the biggest financial crisis since the Great Depression of 1929. It is a monetary mess! You know things are bad when Washington Mutual suffers the biggest bank failure in the history of the United States.

Who’s to blame? Labour Party say the Tories. The Labour Party point to the Tories. But perhaps we should to look somewhere else—In a mirror! It’s our addiction to greed and spending money we don’t have! From Wall Street to Main Street and across the political spectrum, we have long ago stopped believing in the importance of “living within our means.” We’ve become accustomed to having whatever we want, when we want it—cars, flat-panel TV’s, plush furniture, designer clothes and accessories, and yes, houses—trying to figure out ever-more “creative” ways to postpone the inevitable. The inevitable has happened.

Another mirror we should look into is the mirror of the Bible (James 1:23-25). We don’t have to look far. Just take a peek at 1 Timothy 6:9-10—“They that WILL BE RICH fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which DROWN men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is THE root of all evil: which while some COVETED AFTER, they have ERRED from the faith, and pierced themselves through with MANY SORROWS.”

Will we ever learn?

UK's first official sharia courts

2008-09-15T20:59:00.001+01:00

ISLAMIC law has been officially adopted in Britain, with sharia courts given powers to rule on Muslim civil cases.

The government has quietly sanctioned the powers for sharia judges to rule on cases ranging from divorce and financial disputes to those involving domestic violence.

Rulings issued by a network of five sharia courts are enforceable with the full power of the judicial system, through the county courts or High Court.

Previously, the rulings of sharia courts in Britain could not be enforced, and depended on voluntary compliance among Muslims.

It has now emerged that sharia courts with these powers have been set up in London, Birmingham, Bradford and Manchester with the network’s headquarters in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. Two more courts are being planned for Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Sheikh Faiz-ul-Aqtab Siddiqi, whose Muslim Arbitration Tribunal runs the courts, said he had taken advantage of a clause in the Arbitration Act 1996.

Under the act, the sharia courts are classified as arbitration tribunals. The rulings of arbitration tribunals are binding in law, provided that both parties in the dispute agree to give it the power to rule on their case.

Siddiqi said: “We realised that under the Arbitration Act we can make rulings which can be enforced by county and high courts. The act allows disputes to be resolved using alternatives like tribunals. This method is called alternative dispute resolution, which for Muslims is what the sharia courts are.”

The disclosure that Muslim courts have legal powers in Britain comes seven months after Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was pilloried for suggesting that the establishment of sharia in the future “seems unavoidable” in Britain.

In July, the head of the judiciary, the lord chief justice, Lord Phillips, further stoked controversy when he said that sharia could be used to settle marital and financial disputes.

In fact, Muslim tribunal courts started passing sharia judgments in August 2007. They have dealt with more than 100 cases that range from Muslim divorce and inheritance to nuisance neighbours.

It has also emerged that tribunal courts have settled six cases of domestic violence between married couples, working in tandem with the police investigations.

Siddiqi said he expected the courts to handle a greater number of “smaller” criminal cases in coming years as more Muslim clients approach them. “All we are doing is regulating community affairs in these cases,” said Siddiqi, chairman of the governing council of the tribunal.

Jewish Beth Din courts operate under the same provision in the Arbitration Act and resolve civil cases, ranging from divorce to business disputes. They have existed in Britain for more than 100 years, and previously operated under a precursor to the act.

Politicians and church leaders expressed concerns that this could mark the beginnings of a “parallel legal system” based on sharia for some British Muslims.

Dominic Grieve, the shadow home secretary, said: “If it is true that these tribunals are passing binding decisions in the areas of family and criminal law, I would like to know which courts are enforcing them because I would consider such action unlawful. British law is absolute and must remain so.”

Douglas Murray, the director of the Centre for Social Cohesion, said: “I think it’s appalling. I don’t think arbitration that is done by sharia should ever be endorsed or enforced by the British state.”

There are concerns that women who agree to go to tribunal courts are getting worse deals because Islamic law favours men.

Siddiqi said that in a recent inheritance dispute handled by the court in Nuneaton, the estate of a Midlands man was divided between three daughters and two sons.

The judges on the panel gave the sons twice as much as the daughters, in accordance with sharia. Had the family gone to a normal British court, the daughters would have got equal amounts.

In the six cases of domestic violence, Siddiqi said the judges ordered the husbands to take anger management classes and mentoring from community elders. There was no further punishment.
In each case, the women subsequently withdrew the complaints they had lodged with the police and the police stopped their investigations.

Siddiqi said that in the domestic violence cases, the advantage was that marriages were saved and couples given a second chance.

Inayat Bunglawala, assistant secretary-general of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: “The MCB supports these tribunals. If the Jewish courts are allowed to flourish, so must the sharia ones.”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article4749183.ece

Update on Delange Family

2008-09-14T00:52:00.002+01:00

Please find an update from his wife. Please continue to pray for the family

Matthew has been improving more and more each day. They moved him to a regular room on Thursday and now I can stay in the room with him 24/7 and I am thoroughly enjoying it. The first night was pretty good. He slept all night and I got the best sleep I've had in 3 weeks. Last night was a FAR different story. He didn't sleep a wink and was very agitated and restless all night.

I have been reminded in the last few days of many memories of our life together. One of those memories is the song I sang to Matthew on our wedding day 18 years ago.

*****************'I asked the Lord for someone and I always knew that in God's time and in God's way it would be someone like you. All my hopes and all my dreams were suddenly fulfilled. It's almost unbelievable our love was in His will.Only God could love you more for He gave this love I have for you. What a blessing to know He's your Lord. For only God could love you more than I do.I'm tempted to be saying that we met by chance. But God was there at every turn in every circumstance. To share this love God's given me seems such a fearful task. But every moment we have shared is more than I could ask.'*****************

Then as I lay on the floor next to my husband's hospital bed our vows rang loud. 'For better or for worse...in sickness and in health.... as long as we both shall live.' So many times those vows are just part of the ritual. We repeat them quick to get to the end where the preacher says, 'I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs...'. But laying there next to Matthew those vows had a different meaning to my heart and for the first time in 18 years I LOVED those vows and wanted so badly to say them over and over again to him. You see, without going into great detail about the affects of Matthew's brain injuries, I am taking complete care of him. He can do nothing on his own. The therapist said your brain is a filing cabinet and when you hit it as hard as Matthew did all those files fall out and scatter. It is painstaking and very frustrating to have to sit down and put them all back where they belong. That is where Matthew is right now. Sometimes he knows the kids, sometimes he doesn't. There are times when he gets mad at me and says things he would NEVER say before. That's when I just step back and look at him and say, 'For better or for worse....in sickness and in health....and we are BOTH still alive!'

If I could give anyone advice from this side of the trial. Ladies, when you lay your head down tonight next to your husband, please, for me, don't take it for granted. Tell him how proud you are to be his wife. How much you love him. Thank God that it is not him laying in a hospital bed and that you are blessed to have your best friend to help you cope with a messy house or unruly children. Thank God that your husband is able to lead your home and follow him without doubt and question. Remember, he is the head of your home and he has to stand before God.

We will be flying out Monday morning to North Carolina. I have made the decision to move there for the time being. Our families are very supportive of my decision and I need everyone else to just believe that I am doing what I feel the Lord would have me do. Matthew will be going to a LTACH facility for sometime and then he will move to a rehab hospital. We are looking at 6 - 9 months of intensive rehab. The medical staff here is calling him a miracle and we have been overjoyed to introduce many of them to THE GREAT PHYSICIAN. By all of their medical knowledge Matthew should have died, but we serve a God who raises people from the dead. This was God's way of saying, 'I love you both and My grace will always be sufficient.'

Haleigh is doing great and back to her old self. We will see how much more help she needs when we get started back in school. Please keep that in your prayers as well.

Again, Matthew is doing great and progressing far better than the doctors ever thought he would. Please pray for him as he struggles to get 'back' to us.

Because of God's Grace and Mercy, Lori, Matt and children!

Pray for Dr. Sammy Allen

2008-09-14T00:34:00.002+01:00

I want to let everyone know that our pastor back in Georiga Dr. Sammy Allen went to the doctor for a heart cath. He has 5 blockages in his heart and is going to have bypass surgery next week.

Please pray extra for him that all will go well. He is in good spirits, and is handeling everything well. Just please pray extra for him.

Thanks so much.

In Christ,
Bro. Roger Tooley

Delivering the Message

2008-09-03T08:58:00.000+01:00

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

John 14:1–3

Christians are the mail carriers of God’s message.

Have you ever sent someone a letter or an email but they never got it? One of the most frustrating things in life is when an important message doesn’t reach its destination. From the time of the Pony Express back in the Old West or the modern age of email, text messages, and voicemail, human beings have been looking for a more reliable way to communicate with each other.

God is looking for reliable Christians to deliver His message. But God’s message is more important than any email we could send. His message provides life to a dying world. It provides hope to those who are lost, and it provides love to those who are hurting. God’s message is the message of salvation through His Son.

Romans 8:29 shows us this, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Each day that we yield our lives to Him and follow His will, we are choosing to become more like Him. One of the foundational reasons for becoming like Christ is that we may share the message of Christ without reservation to a lost and dying world.

Second Timothy 1:9 says, “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.” God has given us a holy calling. He called us by His grace and for His purpose.

One of the great things about being a Christian is that we know there is a purpose in life. While most people wonder about the meaning of life and seek to “find themselves,” we know that God has a plan for our existence on earth. His plan for every Christian is that we would tell others the good news of His salvation.

The message of Christ is vitally needed in our world today. God is calling people who have conformed to His image and who are living for Him to take His message and deliver it to the world around them.

Can God use you to deliver His message to this world? So many times we complain about the mail system or about technology not being dependable, but are you being dependable to deliver God’s message? Determine today to be the best “mail carrier” God has in delivering His message of salvation to those around you.

Update on Delange Family

2008-09-02T19:10:00.002+01:00

After a night and a day (Saturday night and Sunday, 8/30-31) of a few unwanted hurdles, today (9/1) has been a better day with some very welcomed and much need victories.

On Sunday evening they did the tracheotomy and PEG tube (feeding tube through the abdomen) on Matthew which seemed to have made almost immediate improvements. Later that night, as told by the nurse, she went in at one point, called his name and he opened his eyes to look at her. He also gave the 'thumbs up' on command and stuck out his tongue when she asked him to. Upon hearing this great news from the nurse, the anticipation for Lori and the family to get in to see him at 11AM (the first visiting hours of the day) was enormous, and he did not dissappoint! During the day today he has responded to simple commands like the 'thumbs up' and 'stick out your tongue.' HE WATCHED LORI as she would bend down to wipe his forehead or to give him a kiss for which he could not get enough (nor could she!) They have increased his 'stimulation' medicine to try to get him to 'wake up' even more. His breathing has also improved with the tracheotomy. Although still connected to the ventilator, he is breathing mostly on his own. In fact, all the time that I was in with him today, all the 'breaths' as monitored by the ventilator were his – not one by the machine!!!

Haleigh is getting better by the day. In physical therapy she played 'beach volleyball' with her siblings and cousin. She has lost some weight but the nurses are working on that. She will need some more rehab as she continues to work through her injuries inside and out.

WCPO out of Cincinnati ran a feature story on their news cast on Monday (9/1) evening.

Copy and paste this link into your browser.http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=7fe4daae-1aaa-4387-9fd7-62df3f328e13

Pray for Delange Family

2008-08-29T13:25:00.003+01:00

Please be praying for some dear friends of ours. They are in home missions out west in the U.S. Bro. Matt and I went to school together at Bible College in Resaca, Ga. Please pray for this family.

HALEIGH

She has been moved to Rehab and is no longer bedridden, she is free to move around as she can! She is remembering some things and she cannot process that her "daddy" cannot come to see her, but they are working towards getting her a pass in the near future to be able to come over to the on other hospital to see him.

MATT

Last night his BP went up extremely high as well as his heart rate ( up to 180) and he spiked a fever. This was somewhat a turn for the worse but reporting from a personal standpoint...this is something that will happen A L O T over the next few weeks....Higher BP and Heart Rate and even Fever is a sign of many things , but some being that he is feeling pain more, his body is responding to it and to possibly infection , and the fact that they are trying to lower the sedation and up the pain meds, so that he won't be completely "OUT OF IT" all of the time.....if they lower the sedation then they can get more responses out of him , and although some of the responses may be pain ,and that seems horrible......it IS a good thing. The more places he CAN FEEL pain......the better!

They, ( the doctors) believe that he has pneumonia in the LEFT lung, but at this time the RIGHT lung looks the same. Later today he will go down for a BRONCIOSCOPY ( not sure on the spelling....sorry!) to have a light run down thru the respirator and then they will take a sample of the mucus there to test it for what type of pneumonia, they will begin him on a antibiotics anyway bc the test takes up to 48 hours and do not want to risk it laying dormant for that long, when they determine the type they may or may not have to change it but hey......prayerfully it will already be getting better before that!

Wednesday ,he did wave his hand at one of the nurses and he had squinted his eyes, seemed to have bit down on the tube in his mouth and waved his arm!!!! PRAISE THE LORD !So as you can see there will be MANY - MANY small victories over the next few days and weeks and months, please rejoice with this family over even them slightest.....it DOES MEAN THE WORLD

Delange Family

2008-08-29T13:21:00.002+01:00

I received e-mail last week.

The email began to report regarding the Delange Family. The family had been in an accident and Bro. Matt and one of their twin sisters had been flown via lifeflight to Ohio.

Here is the clip I found on the internet about the http://madisoncourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=178&SubSectionID=270&ArticleID=45981.

Please please please pray!!!!!!!!!!!! Matt is still in critical care and although Haleigh has improved some she is still in a lot of pain and has a long road ahead.

Is there a Hell?

2008-08-06T18:41:00.002+01:00

So many people refute the very existence of Hell today. I read one report which states that 7 out of 10 adults today do not believe in a literal Hell. But what does the Bible say about Hell, and in particular, what is the teaching of Jesus on this subject?
There are two main descriptions of Hell in the Bible. One is linked to burning. Jesus often used the word ‘Gehenna’ to describe Hell. The Jews at the time would have known about Gehenna. This was the dump on the southern outskirts of Jerusalem where fire was always present, burning the rubbish. Also, maggots and worms were fed continually on the corpses of dead animals, criminals and vagrants from the city.

Whether there will be literal fire and worms in Hell, we don’t know, but we are left in no doubt that it will be a horrendous place. Jesus repeated His description of Hell as a place “where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched” three times in Mark 9. Everything Jesus said as recorded in God’s Word is important. In repeating this description of Hell and then repeating it again, I believe Jesus wants us all to be aware of how awful a place Hell is.
Jesus also linked Hell with darkness.

Matthew 8:12 and Matthew 22:13 speak about being “cast out into outer darkness” and that in that terrible place “there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth". Here the image is one of terrible loneliness. Man will be completely separated from God. (Just remember when Jesus was fully separated from God the Father for the very first time, He uttered those agonising words from the cross “why hast Thou forsaken Me?”). Those who are consigned to Hell will be in the total blackness of eternity, with nobody to turn to, nobody to talk to, and they will be constantly alone. A conscious eternity alone with only your thoughts of ‘what could have been’, is a very scary thought indeed!

Is it any wonder that Jesus taught more about Hell than any other subject! The Bible speaks of a ‘lake of fire’ reserved for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). Man was never intended to go into Hell. But those who freely choose to reject God in this life WILL one day follow Satan into Hell.

Luke 16:19-25 gives an account of a man who went to Hell:

"There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: and there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence"

From this and other passages we learn that there will be no exit from hell, no way out, no second chance.

That is why it is so important in this life to receive the pardon that God extends to all men through the cross of Jesus Christ.

Please consider this warning.

Hell IS real but so is the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Are you SURE that you have your place booked in Heaven?

Credit Crunch

2008-08-02T18:56:00.005+01:00

It has just been revealed that inflation in the UK is at an eleven year high. Rising food and fuel costs pushed inflation up to 3.8% in June from 3.3% in May.

Most of us are well aware of the credit crunch and its effect on our day to day expenses. Food prices are steadily growing, causing many to buy only the necessities and look for cheaper brand names.

Rising fuel prices are making us question whether the journeys we take are of necessity. Someone recently joked "My wife and I recently celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary. I asked her what she wanted and she said she would like to go somewhere expensive, so I took her to a gas station!"

There will inevitably be job loses, with the construction industry already feeling the pain. Some of the leading house building firms in the UK have announced a 40% cut in their workforce. House sales have become stagnant with banks making it more and more difficult to obtain mortgages.

It’s a very gloomy picture and no matter how people with vested interests may try and spin it, the man on the street is beginning to feel the pinch. If you had asked someone who “Fannie Mae” and “Freddie Mac” were a few weeks ago, they probably would have guessed that they were a couple of cartoon characters!

We now know that they are the two biggest players in the USA mortgage market and that the US government have had to step in and save them from collapse. Together, the two firms own or guarantee about $5.3 trillion (£2.7 trillion) worth of home loans, that’s about half the outstanding mortgages in the US.

It is all very depressing and quite troubling. In difficult times like this it is good to know that there is one who never changes and that His love and help will never be effected by the credit crunch.

Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

The biggest disaster for any family would be to lose their home. I hope and pray that this will be a very rare occurrence.

There is one inheritance that the credit crunch and the banks cannot touch. It’s a home for all who trust the Saviour and it’s not susceptible to market forces. Have you got a home secured in heaven yet?

1 Peter 1:4 - To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you

When Facing Adversity

2008-07-24T10:24:00.003+01:00

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” 1 Peter 4:16

Adversity comes to those who are making a difference for Christ.

Missionary statesman Oswald Chambers once wrote, “Suffering is the heritage of the bad, of the penitent, and of the Son of God. Each one ends at the Cross. The bad thief is crucified, the penitent thief is crucified, and the Son of God is crucified. By these signs we know the widespread heritage of suffering.”

If there is a common thread running through the human race it is the thread of suffering. Every person has trials and challenges that are unexpected. This was especially true for the Christians in the first century.

These Christians put their faith in the resurrected Christ in the midst of a Roman culture that didn’t allow anyone to give obeisance to a god other than Caesar. The Roman government ruled with an iron fist, and the emperor Nero persecuted anyone who gave allegiance to Jesus Christ.

History records that during this time the games of the Coliseum were popular. Many times, Christians were imprisoned and sent to battle lions or gladiators in the Coliseum as sport for the Roman citizens to watch. Truly, if any Christians have known suffering, the first century Christians went through incredible persecution and suffering for the faith.

Adversity comes and goes in all our lives. It’s like taking a rock in your hand, walking to a perfectly still pond, throwing the rock into the middle of the pond and seeing the sudden disturbance of the water. The ripples made by that rock in the water stretch out and affect the entire pond. When adversity comes into our lives, the ripple effect of that trial may last a week, a month, or an entire lifetime. No matter the amount of time, adversity does affect our lives.

In our verses today, Peter was writing to the Christians who were scattered throughout what is modern-day Turkey. He was assuring them that God had a reason and a purpose for the trials that had entered their lives.

While it may not be physical persecution or the possibility of death, suffering for the cause of Christ still happens to many Christians. Whether it’s ridicule at work or rejection by others, many Christians still face adversity today.

So how can we experience victory during times of adversity? What caused the first century Christians who were persecuted for their faith to have joy and peace during times of suffering? When adversity or suffering enters your life, seek refuge in the promises of God’s Word. The peace that many early Christians felt came from quoting Scripture, singing spiritual songs, and meditating on God’s promises.

Are you facing adversity? Spend time with God now. Meditate on His Word and let Him fill you with His peace. Claim Philippians 4:7 as you go about your day today, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

FAITHFULNESS

2008-07-17T21:23:00.002+01:00

In I Corinthians 4:2 our Lord teaches us that “it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” The Word does not say we are required to be successful, glamorous, popular, handsome, beautiful, appealing, imposing in personality, well-liked or well-known; it says that we are required to be faithful. A lot of us could never reach the requirements if they were the aforementioned things, but we can all be faithful!

A shepherd once came to the city of Edinburgh from the country. He had his small obedient dog with him. While there, the man died and was buried. That little dog lay upon its master’s grave – not for a day, a week or even a month, but for 12 years. Every day at one o’clock a gun was fired in the castle of Edinburgh. When the shot was heard the dog would run to the local baker who gave it food and water. Then back to the grave it would go. This continued until the dog died and that was 12 years later. That was faithfulness!

The owner threw a goose which had been run over and crushed by a car into an oil drum. For 7 years the gander, that goose’s mate, never went more than 10 feet away from that oil drum. Yes, that gander kept watch by the drum until it died 7 years later. That was faithfulness!

A Welsh postman had the British Empire Medal conferred upon him by Queen Elizabeth; he had not missed a day’s service in 43 years. A Minneapolis man retired as a high school teacher without having missed a single day on the job for 43 years. Paul Ehrlick, the chemist, performed 605 unsuccessful experiments; the 606th was a success! Thomas Edison executed 18,000 experiments before he perfected the arc light. At another time, after 50 failures on a project he said, “I have found the 50th way it cannot be done!” That was faithfulness!

During the Korean War a man buried himself in the muck and mud of a pig sty (except for his nose and mouth so he could breathe) for 8 days and nights rather than betray his buddies and surrender to the enemy. That was faithfulness!

George Muller prayed for 52 years for a certain man to come to Christ. A certain pastor visited an elderly man 21 times before being admitted, but then he befriended the man and led him to Christ. That was faithfulness!

Are you not glad that Jesus was faithful in dying for us and that He now lives and is faithful to care for us? God grant us grace to be faithful!

DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF FAITHFUL?

1. Is a car that starts once out of seven time “faithful”?

2. Is a refrigerator that quits for a day now and then “faithful”?

3. Is your paper boy “faithful” if he misses you with your paper every few days?

4. If you fail to come to work two or three days each week, would you be “faithful” to your job?

5. If your hot water greeted you with cold water one or two mornings each week, would you consider it “faithful” and “dependable”?

6. NOW, if you fail to come to Sunday Morning Worship and Thursday Evening Meeting once or twice or three times each month, are you “faithful”?

Are You Good Enough

2008-07-10T11:57:00.000+01:00

A Simple “Good” Test - Answer the following questions:

1. Have you ever told a lie? (white lies, and fibs count)

2. Have you ever stolen anything? (no matter how small, or how long ago)

3. Have you ever looked at someone with lustful thoughts?

4. Have you ever used “God”, “Jesus”, or “Christ” as a swear word or a curse word (like, “Oh my G-d!”)

5. Have you coveted after the things in another person’s life?

6. Have you gone to church every week? EVERY week?

7. Have you given to charity regularly?

Based on your answers, do you think yourself good enough to go to heaven when you die? Most people are able to show they are good in some areas. You probably are a pretty good person in most people’s eyes, but what about in God’s sight?

Absolute Laws of Right and Wrong

God gave us a list of absolute laws in Exodus chapter 20 defining forever what is right and wrong for everybody! It is called God’s Ten Commandments. They prove every one of us are sinners – law-breakers! Even if you are not a murderer, you still are a sinner if you do ANY wrong at all. Can you honestly say…

I have NEVER made anything in my life more important than loving and obeying God (that’s the first commandment)!

I have NEVER bowed down to a statue or a picture

I have NEVER used God’s (or Jesus’) name flippantly

I have NEVER worked on the Sabbath

I have NEVER dishonoured or disobeyed my parents

I have NEVER killed anybody (or just hated them)

I have NEVER committed adultery (or lusted in my heart)

I have NEVER stolen ANYTHING, … EVER

I have NEVER told a lie

I have NEVER coveted anything (be honest now)

That’s the killer list – it proves beyond any doubt that we all (if we are honest) are thieving, lying, blaspheming, disobedient adulterers at heart – if not worse!

The Need for Salvation

Do you still think you would go to Heaven when you die? While you may hope God in His goodness will overlook your sins, the truth is, He can’t. Sinful acts deserve righteous justice. What we “sow” is what we are going to “reap” (Galatians 6:7).

Since God is so good He will make sure that every murderer, every rapist and every thief receives full justice. But He won't stop there. He will also make sure every liar, blasphemer, and adulterer also is punished. And we at heart know that this is right for Him to do. Our problem is that the Bible is very clear that the place of punishment for those who sin is Hell. God says, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalm 9:17).

Does the fact you're headed for Hell concern you? It should! Jesus said Hell is so horrible that you would be better off tearing out your own eyes than ending up there for all eternity (Mark 9:43-48). So what are you going to do?

Salvation is found in a Person, Not in a Religion

Whether you admit it or not, everyone of us are all sinners, separated from God by a mountain of sins! “For All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. And there’s no escaping it—our sin is killing us! “The wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23. Here is the good news - “But God commendeth (extended) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8. Did you get that? Jesus died in your place not because you were a good person, but because you were a sinner who will perish without His intervention! So, God sent his only Son, Jesus, to die in your place on the cross -- suffering the punishment that God’s justice demands for sin. Then Jesus rose again from the grave, defeating even death! The Bible tells us, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16).

You have an important choice to make today – you can either hope for the best, OR, trust in Jesus Christ alone to fully forgive your sins! He died to save you from a real place called HELL!

Ask Him in prayer to save your soul right now! God says it is impossible for any sinner to save themselves from the penalty of their sin through their own good works! “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” Ephesians 2:8,9. Only Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross, was buried, and three days later miraculously rose again to bring something called salvation to anyone who would just call on Him in prayer to save them! It is a GIFT! “The gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23.

Stop trying to be good enough for heaven, and just accept by faith the free gift that Jesus offers even a sinner like YOU! For God, it cost everything. For us, it is all free! All you have to do is ASK in faith - “For whosoever shall call (in prayer) upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved.” Romans 10:13.

Don't be so proud you would miss this opportunity. Hell is full of good people who were too proud to do what needed to be done, right away! If you're not sure what to pray, use this as an example: "Dear God, I don’t want to go to hell. I do repent of all my sins, such as (name some of them). I now put my trust in Jesus Christ as the Saviour of my lost soul. Please forgive me of my sins and grant me your free gift of everlasting life like you promised in Your Bible. I accept Jesus Christ by faith, believing He died to save me. I ask all this in the power of Jesus' precious name. Amen."

Now, write or phone us and let us help you grow as a disciple!

What Makes A Dad

2008-06-14T14:25:00.001+01:00

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,

The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad

DON'T FORGET TO REMEMBER DAD

2008-06-12T15:38:00.004+01:00

When James IV of Scotland was a boy, he stood in arms against his father. All his manhood was one long bitter penance for that sin. In memory of it he wore under his robes an iron belt, and to that belt he added every year a new link, that his repentance might be heavier every year of his life.

—F.W. Farrar

If I were writing today about forgiveness, I would be quick to point out that the blood of Jesus Christ can wipe away the remorse James IV was going through and that iron belts long enough to wrap this planet twice over again could never bring him forgiveness. What I want to discuss with you, however, is that some regret often comes to those of us who have lost a father. No matter how “good” a kid, people say we were to our Dad, we could easily point out ways and things we could have done differently.

With this list I give you, I don’t mean to be adding a link to an iron belt but rather a learning experience we could all profit from. I would like to list some things you could do to remember your dad.

1. I would write more often. I’ve talked to people who have declared bankruptcy. Explanations have been given as to why they went bankrupt such as over-extended credit, business gambles that went sour, expectations from business partners that were not fulfilled, and so on. I have never heard anyone say they became financially unstable from the purchase of 34-cent stamps. It doesn’t take much money, and it doesn’t take much time—so write dad.

2. I would call for more casual conversation. So often I found myself calling Dad only for advice. Although I did it from time to time, I wish there were more times I called just to say “Hello, you were in my thoughts” or “I miss you.”

3. I would never miss or be late in remembering a Father’s Day, birthday, anniversary, or any other occasion that was special to him. I've spent the last 12 years away from my dad. I miss him very much. I pray he remembers how much his son loves him while serving the Lord here in England.

Bad News

2008-06-05T11:22:00.003+01:00

As most of us know that many parts of the world is experiencing a credit crunch. But my dear friends and neighbors, it doesn't have to be this way!!

There IS a LIGHT at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes it's good for our tunnel to become very dark, because it is then that the LIGHT shines the brightest. Sometimes it takes dark times such as these to draw us closer to that Light. You see, bad news can become something good and wonderful if we'll only do as the Word of God instructs us to. We're human, and the feelings of fear and insecurity are sure to come. And God knows this. He understands our frailty and because He loves us and cares for us so much, He provides the comfort and the help we'll need if we'll only allow Him the opportunity. It requires doing as His Word tells us. This is where many folks stop in their quest for Divine help. They're not willing to DO as God says. Because they REALLY DON'T BELIEVE that God's way will work. This is so, because God's means of deliverance are just the opposite from man's solutions. Many times they just don't make sense. Here is where we must begin.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says... Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths

David was a human just as we are and obviously suffered a level of fear due to the circumstances of his day as well. Why did he survive? Notice where He went with that fear.....he said, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee" (Psalms 56:3) David knew that the "government", nor the solutions of mere mortal men would be enough to carry him safely through his ordeal. He knew the truth of Psalms 118:8-9 "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes."

As we step out in faith and approach difficult times in obedience to Him by faith in God's Word.....He promises that He'll carry us through. If we will do as Psalms 4:5 says and... "offer the sacrifices of righteousness (that's living a life that is conformed to Jesus Christ), and put your trust in the LORD".....then we can rely on God's promise found in Psalms 34:22 "The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate." Will God's children survive the drought? Will God's own prized possession suffer the lack of their basic needs? The Bible makes clear that as we "seek first the Kingdom of God, all these things shall be added unto you" Psalms 37:3 provides the key to surviving a "drought" such as our town has suffered and will no doubt suffer again......"Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed."

As we trust in the Lord and rely fully on His Word, we will find that our feelings of depression, discouragement, and pessimism will be turned to hope, joy, and optimism. As you lean on His everlasting arms, Psalms 40:3 will describe you in this community. It says.... "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." Don't ever forget my friends what our loving Heavenly Father assures us of in Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." May God bless you all.

Before of Tony Campolo

2008-05-21T14:01:00.001+01:00

Tony Campolo is a popular "evangelical" speaker
and author. He is professor emeritus of Sociology
at Eastern University and an ordained minister in
the liberal American Baptist Convention.
According to Wikipedia, he currently serves as an
associate pastor of the Mount Carmel Baptist
Church in West Philadelphia, whereas his wife
attends Central Baptist Church in Wayne,
Pennsylvania. In an interview with me at the New
Baptist Covenant Celebration in Atlanta in
January 2008, he confirmed that he and his wife
attend different churches.

Campolo is associated with the emerging church.
For example, he co-authored Adventures in Missing
the Point with Brian McLaren. McLaren also
endorsed Campolo's book Speaking My Mind: The
Radical Evangelical Prophet Tackles the Tough
Issues Christians Are Afraid to Face (2004).

Campolo is a master entertainer. No doubt about
it. Of course, that is the kind of speaker who is
popular in this confused, carnal hour. Campolo is
dynamic, interesting, and personable. He appeals
to the young and to the old. He can make you
laugh, and he can make you cry. He is full of
zeal. He can move people. But Campolo is a
dangerous man because of his aberrant theology.

A "GRADUAL" SALVATION EXPERIENCE

In Letters to a Young Evangelical Campolo
described his own salvation experience in the
following words:

"When I was a boy growing up in a
lower-middle-class neighborhood in West
Philadelphia, my mother, a convert to Evangelical
Christianity from a Catholic Italian immigrant
family, hoped I would have one of those dramatic
'born-again' experiences. That was the way she
had come into a personal relationship with
Christ. She took me to hear one evangelist after
another, praying that I would go to the altar and
come away 'converted.' BUT IT NEVER WORKED FOR
ME. I would go down the aisle as the people
around me sang 'the invitation hymn,' but I just
didn't feel as if anything happened to me. For a
while I despaired, wondering if I would ever get
'saved.' It took me quite some time to realize
that entering into a personal relationship with
Christ DOES NOT ALWAYS HAPPEN THAT WAY. ...

"In my case INTIMACY WITH CHRIST WAS DEVELOPED
GRADUALLY OVER THE YEARS, primarily through what
Catholic mystics call 'centering prayer.' Each
morning, as soon as I wake up, I take
time--sometimes as much as a half hour--to center
myself on Jesus. I say his name over and over
again to drive back the 101 things that begin to
clutter up my mind the minute I open my eyes.
Jesus is my mantra, as some would say. ...

"I learned about this way of having a born-again
experience from reading the Catholic mystics,
especially The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of
Loyola. ...

"After the Reformation, we Protestants left
behind much that was troubling about Roman
Catholicism of the fifteenth century. I am
convinced that we left too much behind. The
methods of praying employed by the likes of
Ignatius have become precious to me. With the
help of some Catholic saints, my prayer life has
deepened" (Letters to a Young Evangelical, 2006,
pp. 25, 26, 30, 31).

This is very a very frightful testimony. Campolo
does not have a biblical testimony of salvation.
He plainly admits that is not "born again" in the
way that his mother was, through a dramatic
biblical-style conversion. Instead, he describes
his "intimacy with Christ" as something that has
developed gradually through the practice of
Catholic mysticism.

For one thing, this is to confuse salvation with
spiritual growth. The conversions that are
recorded in the New Testament are of the
instantaneous, dramatic variety. We think of the
woman at the well (John 4), and Zacchaeus (Luke
19), and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8), and Paul
(Acts 9), and Cornelius (Acts 10), and Lydia
(Acts 16), and the Philippian jailer (Acts 16),
to name a few. The Lord Jesus Christ said that
salvation is a birth (John 3:3). That is not a
gradual thing that happens throughout one's life;
it is an event!

Further, Catholic mysticism itself is
unscriptural. Jesus forbad repetitious prayers
(Mat. 6:7). He taught us to pray in a verbal,
conscious manner, talking with God as with a
Father, addressing God the Father external to us,
not searching for a mystical oneness with God in
the center of one's being through thoughtless
meditation (Mat. 6:9-13).

Campolo's testimony is more akin to the Roman
Catholicism that his mother was saved out of. It
is repeating mantas and doing good works and
progressing in spirituality. Campolo clearly
attributes his "spirituality" to Catholic-style
mysticism. He even speaks in terms of
experiencing "oneness with God" and entering a
"thin place" wherein God "is able to break
through and envelop the soul."

"The constant repetition of his name clears my
head of everything but the awareness of his
presence. By driving back all other concerns, I
am able to create what the ancient Celtic
Christians called 'THE THIN PLACE.' The thin
place is that spiritual condition wherein the
separation between the self and God becomes so
thin that God is able to break through and
envelop the soul. ... Like most Catholic mystics,
[Loyola] developed an intense desire to
experience A 'ONENESS' WITH GOD" (Letters to a
Young Evangelical, pp. 26, 30).

Roger Oakland observes:

"This term 'thin place' originated with Celtic
spirituality (i.e., contemplative) and is in line
with panentheism. ... Thin places imply that God
is in all things, and the gap between God, evil,
man, everything thins out and ultimately
disappears in mediation" (Faith Undone, pp. 114,
115).

I suspect that Campolo's many heresies are
largely the product of his unscriptural mystical
practices which have brought him into intimate
communion with something other than the Jesus
Christ of the Bible.

A SHAM EVANGELICAL "TRIAL"

After Campolo published the book A Reasonable
Faith some evangelical leaders became concerned
that he was teaching universalism. Campolo
developed the idea that "Christ lives in all
human beings, regardless of whether they are
Christians." He asserted that the resurrected
Jesus of history is "actually is present" in each
person and said, "Jesus is the only Savior, but
not everybody who is being saved by Him is aware
that He is the one who is doing the saving."

When Campus Crusade for Christ and Youth for
Christ cancelled Campolo's speaking engagement at
Youth Congress '85, the Christian Legal Society
organized a "reconciliation panel" let by J.I.
Packer.

After examining the book and questioning Campolo
the panel came to the amazing conclusion that
though his statements were "methodologically
naïve and verbally incautious." Christianity
Today editor Kenneth Kantzer wrote that Campolo
was entirely orthodox.

Campolo told Christianity Today,

"I'm worried that evangelical intellectuals will
not say anything except the old phrases and the
old worn out terminology ... The way evangelical
Christianity is doing theology really bothers me.
If everybody has to say only things that they
know are safely orthodox, if we lose the capacity
to be open and to share ideas that people may
consider heretical, I think we will lose our
creativity."

This is a foolish statement, and for Christianity
Today to leave it unchallenged is inexcusable. To
call for a questioning of the "old worn out
terminology," and for theological openness to new
theology is the apostasy described in 2 Timothy
4. "For the time will come when they will not
endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts
shall they heap to themselves teachers, having
itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears
from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

Today's evangelical leaders do not have the heart
nor the spiritual discernment needed to protect
the flock of God. They are blind guides and dumb
dogs. Christianity Today's defense of Campolo
does not demonstrate his orthodoxy, it
demonstrates Christianity Today's confusion.

Campolo complained that he was being persecuted,
even though the theological watchdogs turned out
to be pussycats.

On the authority of God's Word, we say that
Campolo was a heretic in 1985 and since then he
has proceeded from heresy to heresy, yet he is
still accepted as an "evangelical theologian."

CAMPOLO BELIEVES IN EVOLUTION

When Campolo was examined by the evangelical
leaders in 1985, they noted that "while he
accepts an evolutionary view of the origin of man
and the universe, he holds that this is
consistent with Scripture that teaches only the
fact (not the method) of Creation" (Christian
News, Sept. 23, 1985).

Christianity Today did not see this as a serious
problem because they allow room for all sorts of
doctrinal error, but it is a very serious matter.

It should be obvious even to a child that the
Bible teaches not only the fact of creation, but
the method, as well. The Bible plainly teaches
that the world was created by God in six days and
six nights. There is no room for any sort of
evolutionary thinking here, and to allow men such
as Campolo to hold such views is folly. The
doctrine of special creation is the only view
that reveals the nature of man as distinct from
the animals and that explains the literal fall of
man in a literal Garden of Eden. If there were no
literal creation and fall, the atonement of
Christ on the cross is without meaning.

CAMPOLO DOESN'T BELIEVE THAT THE BIBLE IS INERRANTLY INSPIRED

In an interview with Shane Claiborne in 2005,
Campolo was asked to define "evangelical." He
replied:

"An evangelical is someone who believes the
doctrines of the Apostle's Creed. That outlines
exactly what we believe in detail. Secondly, an
evangelical has a very high view of scripture
THOUGH NOT NECESSARILY INERRANCY. And the third
thing--we believe that salvation comes by being
personally involved with a living resurrected
Jesus. So I've defined evangelical in those three
terms. There is a doctrinal statement, so that
there is some content to what we believe. There
is a source of truth, Scripture. And there is a
personal relationship with Jesus" ("On
Evangelicals and Interfaith Cooperation,"
Crosscurrents, Spring 2005,
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2096/is_1_55/ai_n13798048).

Campolo's doctrinal statement is not only
exceedingly weak, shallow, vague, and confusing,
but it is heretical as well! Further, defining
salvation is "being personally involved with a
living resurrected Jesus" allows for a world of
heresy. It allows for an Orthodox sacramental
gospel, a Roman Catholic mystical gospel, a
Church of Christ baptismal regeneration gospel,
you name it.

In his book Partly Right, Campolo said:

"Abraham's knowledge of God fit no theological
system. It complied with no dictates of
knowledge. ... [Kierkegaard] rejected the
bibliolatry of those fundamentalists who would
make the Scriptures the ultimate authority for
faith. Even though he would agree with those who
hold to the doctrine of the inerrancy of
Scriptures, he refused to put the Bible in a
higher place of authority than the inward
encounter with God" (p. 99).

Thus, Campolo holds to the heresy that the Bible
is not the ultimate authority for faith and
practice and exalts the liberal-mystical idea
that an inward encounter with God is a higher
authority than the Bible. He does not explain how
it is possible to test the genuineness of an
"inward encounter with God" apart from the Bible
and fails to acknowledge that "faith" is not a
leap in the dark but that "faith cometh by
hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans
10:17).

CAMPOLO IS AN ECUMENIST

I attended Missionsfest '92 in Vancouver, British
Columbia, to hear Campolo speak. Though the
participants represented a wide variety of belief
and practice, most came under the evangelical
label. There were Pentecostals, Baptists,
Presbyterians, Mennonites, Anglicans, Lutherans,
to name a few. I did not see any Catholic groups,
though some of the people we talked to at the
booths were strongly sympathetic toward
Catholicism.

Campolo spoke on Friday evening to a
standing-room-only crowd, and he literally
brought the people to their feet. The man is a
very effective speaker, which of course makes him
all the more dangerous.

He began his talk by noting how incredible and
wonderful it was that so many different kinds of
Christians had come together for the meeting. He
mentioned Pentecostals, Baptists, Presbyterians,
Anglicans, and Mennonites.

As Campolo stood before this mixed multitude, he
did not have one word of warning about the false
teaching represented by the various groups that
were present. He did say, "If your theology is
not right you will be messed up and not be able
to follow Jesus adequately." But he did not
explain what he meant, and of course he gave no
examples of being "messed up theologically." He
appealed to the people to give themselves to
world missions, and he made no exceptions for
those who hold to false doctrine.

Not only did Campolo approach this conference in
a compromising ecumenical spirit, he did not even
clarify the Gospel. He mentioned the Gospel; he
referred to the Gospel. But he did not explain
what the Gospel is. He did not preach the Gospel.
He talked about "giving your life to Jesus
Christ," but that is not the Gospel. He spoke of
the necessity of winning people to Jesus Christ,
and he said that "missions starts with the
declaration that Jesus Christ must be the Lord of
your life." But that is not the Gospel. That kind
of language is interpreted many different ways by
the various denominations. Campolo said, "I
believe in heaven, and I believe in hell." But
that is not the Gospel. He mentioned the cross,
but the cross must be explained. Especially is
this true in this hour of doctrinal confusion.
Even Rome mentions the cross, but Rome, of
course, does not preach the biblical gospel.

All of this is not surprising in light of the
ecumenism of the conference. If Campolo had
preached a clear Gospel, he would have caused
problems for some of the participants. He would
have caused divisions. He could not preach
against baptismal regeneration, because this was
held by many of the Lutherans and Anglicans who
were present. He could not preach against the
heresy of losing your salvation, because this was
held by many of the Pentecostals present.
Ecumenists speak in generalities and inferences,
not in plain doctrinal Bible language. They do
not reprove and rebuke (2 Timothy 4:2).

Ecumenism has long been Campolo's methodology.
His American Baptist Convention is the most
liberal group of Baptists in the United States
and is a member body of the World Council of
Churches. Bible-believing Baptist churches long
ago separated from this modernistic group.

You can find Campolo practically
anywhere--preaching the same ecumenically-popular
message: You can find him in a National Council
of Churches meeting (he spoke at the
NCC-sponsored "A Gathering of Christians," May
1988, in Arlington, Texas), and you can find him
at a National Association of Evangelicals meeting
(Campolo spoke at NAE's annual convention, March
1987, in Wheaton, Illinois). Any lip service
Campolo gives to the importance of doctrinal
correctness is negated by his constant fellowship
with heretics. In practice, the man has no
concern for doctrinal purity.

Campolo signed an article in the liberal
Sojourners magazine in May 1981, which lambasted
the United States and stated that Roman
Catholicism was the one bright light in the dark
situation in El Salvador.

Campolo was on the editorial board for the
production of the film Mother Teresa, which
exalted the Roman Catholic nun and contained no
warning about her false gospel. Campolo often
uses Mother Teresa as an example of biblical
Christianity, though she preached a false gospel,
believed that all men are children of God,
worshiped the wafer of the mass, and prayed to
Mary.

Campolo has spoken at self-esteem guru Robert
Schuller's Institute for Church Growth. In 2001
he joined hands with Catholic priest Michael
Moynihan at this Institute.

Campolo referred positively to Seventh-day
Adventism in his book 20 Hot Potatoes Christians
Are Afraid to Touch (chapter 3).

Campolo is exceedingly dangerous because he is an
ecumenist who is willing to work with and
fellowship with error. He refuses to obey Bible
separation. He refuses to lift his voice against
heresy. In fact, he often pokes fun at the
fundamentalist position. This is wickedness. It
is impossible to please God while preaching the
kind of positive ecumenical message that Campolo
preaches.

CAMPOLO DESCRIBES MAN AS DIVINE

In his 1985 book Partly Right, Campolo used the
word "divinity" seven times in one chapter to
refer to man. He made the following statements:

"[Robert Schuller] never lets us forget that WE
HAVE A DIVINITY ABOUT US and that as sons and
daughters of God we are capable of great things.
... [Schuller] affirms OUR DIVINITY, yet does not
deny our humanity ... Isn't God's message to
sinful humanity that HE SEES IN EACH OF US A
DIVINE NATURE of such worth that He sacrificed
His own Son? ... [Christ] was aware of the filthy
side of Mary and her sisters in the world's
oldest profession, but He also saw THEIR
DIVINITY" (Partly Right, pp, 118, 119).

Man is made in God's image, but he is never
described as divine in Scripture. Christ did not
teach that man is divine. He told the unsaved
Pharisees that they were of their father the
devil (John 8:44). It is confusion to describe
man in such unbiblical terms.

CAMPOLO BELIEVES NON-CHRISTIANS MIGHT GO TO HEAVEN

In a letter to Jerry Falwell that was printed in
the National Liberty Journal, August 9, 1999,
Campolo said that Romans 2:14-16 "suggests that
the work of Christ on the cross may be broader
than some of us think." He quoted Billy Graham as
saying that "on Judgment Day, there may be people
who enter the Kingdom who have not called
themselves Christians." Campolo stood by his
statement on The Charlie Rose Show: "I am not
convinced that Jesus only lives in Christians"
(Calvary Contender, October 1, 1999).

In January 2007, Campolo told the Edmonton
Journal (Alberta, Canada) that he is not sure who
will go to heaven. Asked by the paper, "Do you
believe non-Christians can go to heaven?" Campolo
replied: "That's a good question to ask because
the way we stand is we contend that trusting in
Jesus is the way to heaven. However, we do not
know who Jesus will bring into the kingdom and
who He will not. We are very, very careful about
pronouncing judgment on anybody. We leave
judgment in the hands of God and we are saying
Jesus is the way. We preach Jesus, but we have no
way of knowing to whom the grace of God is
extended" ("Canada's Different Evangelicals,"
Edmonton Journal, Jan. 27, 2007).

This is contradictory gobbly-gook! If we believe
that "trusting Jesus is the way to heaven," then
we most definitely DO know who Jesus will bring
into the kingdom. He will bring those that trust
Him and He will not bring those that do not trust
Him. As for pronouncing judgment on people, it is
not our judgment. It is God in His infallible
Word who has stated such things as, "He that
believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he
that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16),
and, "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), and, "He that hath
the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son
of God hath not life" (1 John 5:12).
To say that we have no way of knowing who Jesus
will bring into the kingdom is to play the
religious politician and to deny the plain
teaching of Scripture. God has already told us,
Mr. Campolo! "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). Words could not be
plainer! The unbeliever does not have to wait
until he dies to find out whether or not he will
go to heaven. The Bible says he is condemned
already (John 3:18), dead in trespasses and sins
(Eph. 2:1), controlled by the Devil (Eph. 2:2), a
child of wrath (Eph. 2:3), "having no hope, and
without God in the world" (Eph. 2:12). Revelation
21:8 says the unbeliever will be outside of the
eternal city of God.

In about 1996, in an interview with Bill Moyers
broadcast on MSNBC, Campolo was asked about
whether evangelicals should try to convert Jews.
He replied:

"I am not about to pronounce who goes to heaven
and who goes to hell. That is not within the
realm of any of us. We are not here to declare
who is out and who is in. All we are here to say
is what is meaningful in our own lives, what has
been significant in our own personal experience
with God. I have come to know God through Jesus
Christ. He is the only way that I know God. And
so I preach Jesus, and I not about to make
judgments about my Jewish brothers and my Muslim
brothers and sisters. I'm just not about to make
those kinds of statements. I think we ought to
leave judgments up to God and we ought to call
people to obedient faith in their own traditions,
even as we faithfully preach out own faith to
others. I learn about Jesus from other religions.
They speak to me about Christ, as well"
(http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4117713232348817752).

In an interview with Shane Claiborne in 2005,
Campolo said: "Evangelicalism is heading for a
splitŠ There is going to be one segment of
evangelicalism, just like there is one segment in
Islam that is not going to be interested in
dialogue. But there are other evangelicals who
will want to talk and establish a common
commitment to a goodness with Islamic people and
Jewish people particularly" ("On Evangelicals and
Interfaith Cooperation," Crosscurrents, Spring
2005,
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2096/is_1_55/ai_n13798048).

Claiborne then asked Campolo, "When we talk about
inter-religious cooperation, does that mean that
we need to stop trying to convert each other?" To
which Campolo replied:

"We don't have to give up trying to convert each
other. What we have to do is show respect to one
another. And to speak to each other with a sense
that even if people don't convert, they are God's
people, God loves them, and we do not make the
judgment of who is going to heaven and who is
going to hell. I think that what we all have to
do is leave judgment up to God."

If Muslims are already God's people, then why in
the world should we try to "convert" them?

Campolo said further:

"I've got to believe that Jesus is the only
Savior but being a Christian is not the only way
to be saved. ... Now Muslims do not believe that
Jesus died on the cross. So we have a difference
there. We kid ourselves if we pretend that we all
believe the same thing. What we have to do is say
that we believe different things. But there is so
much goodness in the Islamic community, it cannot
be ignored. Those who write off Islamic people
are making a serious mistake. ... I don't think
you have to compromise as a Christian the belief
that Jesus is the only Savior but what I do think
we have to say is that the grace of God extends
way beyond the limitations of my religious group.
Our Muslim brothers and sisters can say Islam is
the only true faith but we are not convinced that
only Muslims enjoy salvation. I contend that
there is no salvation apart from Jesus Christ,
but I am not convinced that the grace of God does
not go further than the Christian community."

This is exceedingly unscriptural thinking. If
Jesus Christ is the only Saviour, then the grace
of God extends precisely to those who are in
Christ. Jesus IS the grace of God, and salvation
is in Him and nowhere outside of Him. It is the
sinner that believes on Christ that has eternal
life; he that that does not believe is condemned
already (John 3:16-18). Ephesians 2 describes the
condition of those who have not been regenerated.
They are "dead in trespasses and sins" (v. 1).
They walk according to their head, the devil (v.
2). They are "by nature the children of wrath"
(v. 3). They are "without Christ ... having no
hope, and without God in the world" (v. 12). They
are "far off" (v. 13).

Later in the interview Claiborne said:

"Rarely are people converted by force or words,
but through intimate encounters. Perhaps one of
the best things we can do is stop talking with
our mouths and cross the chasm between us with
our lives. Maybe we will even find a mystical
union of the Spirit as Francis did."

To this Campolo replied:

"Speaking of Francis [of Assisi], here's a
wonderful story. I got to meet the head of the
Franciscan order. I met him in Washington. He
said let me tell you an interesting story. He
told me about one of their gatherings, where they
bring the brothers of the Franciscan order
together for a time of fellowship. About eight
years ago they held it in Thailand and out of
courtesy, they really felt they needed to show
some graciousness to the Buddhists, because they
were in a Buddhist country. So they got Buddhist
theologians together and Franciscan theologians
together and sent them off for three days to talk
and see if they could find common ground. They
also took Buddhist and Franciscan monastics and
sent them off together to pray with each other.
On the fourth day they all reassembled. The
theologians were fighting with each other,
arguing with each other, contending there was no
common ground between them. The monastics that
had gone off praying together, came back hugging
each other. IN A MYSTICAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD,
THERE IS A COMING TOGETHER OF PEOPLE WHERE
THEOLOGY IS LEFT BEHIND AND IN THIS SPIRITUALITY
THEY FOUND A COMMONALITY.

"It seems to me that when we listen to the Muslim
mystics as they talk about Jesus and their love
for Jesus, I must say, it's a lot closer to New
Testament Christianity than a lot of the
Christians that I hear. In other words IF WE ARE
LOOKING FOR COMMON GROUND, CAN WE FIND IT IN
MYSTICAL SPIRITUALITY, EVEN IF WE CANNOT
THEOLOGICALLY AGREE, Can we pray together in such
a way that we connect with a God that transcends
our theological differences?

"So we make sure we don't compromise what we
believe. But we also make sure that in mystical
spirituality we find a kind of oneness that we
leave judgment of who goes to heaven and who goes
to hell in the hands of God and just preach the
truth as we understand it" ("On Evangelicals and
Interfaith Cooperation," Cross Currents, Spring
2005).

Campolo exalts experience over doctrine. The
reason that he can say that he doesn't compromise
what he believes even while claiming that
Buddhist and Muslim mystics are in fellowship
with God is that he doesn't believe anything!

"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. ... 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 3:18, 36).

CAMPOLO BELIEVES WE ARE BUILDING THE KINGDOM OF GOD TODAY

One of Campolo's most serious errors is his
confusion regarding the kingdom of God. He holds
the popular "kingdom now" theology, which is
sweeping through much of the
evangelical/charismatic world. According to this
thinking, the kingdom of God is something that is
presently in this world. Campolo places the Bible
promises for a future earthly kingdom into the
context of this sin-cursed, apostate hour. Thus,
Campolo challenges Christians to go into the
world and to transform society.

In his message at Urbana '87, Inter-Varsity
Christian Fellowship's annual youth meeting,
Campolo said, "This night is a historical moment.
This night God wants to raise up a generation of
men and women who will enter into every sector of
society as agents of change, transforming the
world into the kind of world he wills it to be"
(Decision magazine, Mar. 1988).

Campolo claims that believers are saved to change the world:

"Conversion is not basically so that you can go
to heaven when you die. The purpose of conversion
is so that you can go through the kind of
personal transformation that will enable you to
be a different kind of a person here on Earth and
to become an instrument of God for changing the
world" ("Evangelist seeks social justice,
preaches conversion," Toledo Blade, Aug. 2, 2003).

"[Jesus] saved us in order that He might begin to
transform His world into the kind of world that
He willed for it to be when He created it"
(Campolo, It's Friday but Sunday's Coming, p.
106).

"Our call is to be God's agents, to rescue not
only the human race but the whole of creation"
(Campolo, "Why Care for Creation," Tear Times,
Summer 1992).

Campolo claims that believers are commissioned to
build the kingdom of God in this world, and he
borrows his theology from all sorts of heretics
to prove his point. In How to Rescue the Earth
without Worshiping Nature (Thomas Nelson, 1992),
he said: "If the Shalom of God and the peaceable
kingdom of Isaiah 11 are to become real, then new
ways of thinking must be established. With some
help from St. Francis and Teilhard de Chardin, we
just might make it" (p. 89). Thus he even borrows
from Teilhard who worshipped a new age cosmic
"christ."

This is why Campolo says "the kingdom of God is a
party." That is the title of one of his books and
is a theme that he brings into many of his
messages. To prove this idea, Campolo quotes from
the Bible's references to such things as the Old
Testament Jewish festivals and wrongly applies
this to our time.

There is no hint in the New Testament that the
apostles considered themselves agents of change
in society. We don't see them having a party.
They gave their attention to preaching the Gospel
and to building churches. They did not protest
the problems of the Roman Empire. They did not
start new businesses for the poor. They looked
upon this present world as one under the imminent
judgment of God and they did all they could to
snatch brands from the fire, to get men saved
before it is too late. Yet, as we shall see,
Campolo actually makes fun of this type of
thinking.

Campolo claims to believe in a future earthly
kingdom of God that will be established when
Christ returns, but his kingdom focus is
definitely upon this present time. Chapter two of
The Kingdom of God Is a Party is called "Signs of
the Kingdom." Campolo relates how he came up with
the term "party" in relation to the kingdom of
God. He first describes some popular ecumenical
definitions of the kingdom of God. He mentions
the Shalom concept of the World Council of
Churches and the Jubilee concept of liberal
social activists such as Ron Sider and John Yoder.

"During the 1950s, another biblical symbol or
image came to the fore, as Christian leaders
tried to find some new way to express God's
mission in the world and to explain that people
like us are to have a part in it. Many
main-denominational theologians, particularly
those associated with the World Council of
Churches, took hold of the concept of Shalom. ...
Shalom was that time when the lion and the lamb
would lie down together, swords would be reshaped
into plowshares, and war would be no more. ...
The imagery provided by the word Shalom became a
motif around which church leaders organized their
activities. Building houses for poor people was
done to contribute to Shalom. Fighting racism,
supporting the peace movement, participating in
efforts to save the environment--all were done to
foster Shalom.

"Over the last few years, several neo-evangelical
writers have made use of still another word to
give expression to what they believe to be the
purpose of the Christian mission. They have used
the term 'Jubilee.' This symbol is especially
useful for those who believe that the church
should have a primary commitment to meet the
needs of the poor and the oppressed. Writers such
as Ron Sider and John Howard Yoder have made good
use of the concept of Jubilee in their
writings..."

Campolo's only criticism of Shalom and Jubilee
involves the difficulty of explaining these
things.

"The main problem with this image, or symbol of
the Christian mission, is that Jubilee, like the
concept of Shalom, requires too much explanation
to hammer home its meaning to most people. ...
Something that will give a more immediate picture
of what God wants to do in this world is needed.
I have been groping for a word or image that can
do that for us. ... The word is 'party.' The
Kingdom of God is a party."

It should be obvious that Campolo is focused on
this world when he says the kingdom of God is a
party.

Further, an entire chapter in this book is
dedicated to an attempt to prove that it is God's
will for Christians to give ten percent of their
income for worldly celebrations. This is based on
a faulty application of Deuteronomy 14:22-29.
Israel was to bring a tithe of the harvest to
Jerusalem each year for a great festival. Campolo
applies this directly to the hour in which we
live.

In another chapter of the book Campolo applies
kingdom work to efforts to solve the social
problems of the world. Consider this quote:

"If ghetto kids in Philadelphia have little to
celebrate because they have hovels for homes and
live in the midst of gang violence, then we must
do something to change all of that. If blacks in
South Africa have to endure humiliation because
of apartheid, then apartheid must be destroyed.
If the Palestinians are denied human rights and
are made into aliens in the very land in which
they were born, then we must protest. If
Catholics in Northern Ireland are made into
second-class citizens by the Protestant majority,
then we must work and pray for the restructuring
of the Irish social system." (pgs. 43,44)

It is obvious that Campolo's focus is upon
something that is foreign to the Bible for this
present time.

For a refutation of this error, see the article
"The Kingdom of God" at the Way of Life web site.

CAMPOLO HATES DISPENSATIONALISM AND REJECTS THE IMMINENT RETURN OF CHRIST

Campolo often pokes fun at fundamentalists who
preach doom and gloom from a literal prophetic
standpoint:

"Doomsayers at one time in America seemed limited
to those who preached the fundamentalist gospel.
Leaning on their Scofield Bibles, these preachers
of the Word predicted an increasing tendency
toward sin and decadence until that day when the
world would be so bad that Jesus would have to
return to put a stop to it all. There seemed to
be a degree of satisfaction in any news that
things in this world were falling apart. As they
understood it, the faster this world went down
the tubes, the more the Lord's return would be
hastened" (The Kingdom of God Is a Party, pp.
132,133).

Speaking at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship's
annual meeting in June 2003, Campolo said:

"Instead of preaching against Harry Potter I
suggest that you people who are preachers start
preaching against those really hot sellers in the
Christian community, those 'Left Behind' books.
Nobody wants to say it. You are scared to attack
the 'Left Behind' books which are false theology
and unbiblical to the core. And it is about time
you stand up and say so.

In the same sermon he called dispensationalism "a
weird little form of fundamentalism that started
like a hundred fifty years ago." He also said,
"That whole sense of the rapture, which may occur
at any moment, is used as a device to oppose
engagement with the principalities, the powers,
the political and economic structures of our age"
("Opposition to women preachers evidence of
demonic influence," Baptist Press, June 27, 2003).

CAMPOLO AND THE HOMOSEXUAL ISSUE

Though Campolo believes homosexuality is
unnatural, he also believes that homosexuals are
usually born that way, that it is not a
"volitional" issue, and they should be allowed to
join churches and be ordained without renouncing
homosexuality as such as long as they remain
"celibate." Campolo's pastor performs homosexual
weddings.

Campolo's wife, Peggy, "argues that the church's
traditional teaching on homosexuality is
mistaken--just as the church's traditional
teaching on the role of women, slavery, and
divorce is also mistaken" (Wikipedia, source:
"Straight But Not Narrow," keynote address,
Evangelicals Concerned, Western Region 1994,
audio cassette). Central Baptist Church in Wayne,
Pennsylvania, where Peggy Campolo attends, is "an
open and affirming congregation," meaning that it
accepts unrepentant practicing homosexuals as
members.

In 2003 Campolo's wife spoke out in support of a
homosexual American Baptist congregation that was
starting in the Philadelphia area. The church,
called Fusion Baptist Church, held its inaugural
service on February 2. It was sponsored by Drexel
Hill Baptist Church, another American Baptist
congregation. Drexel Hill's female co-pastor,
Jeri Williams, said that God told her, "Start a
church downtown where they [homosexuals] could
experience the love of Christ and be able to
serve Him within the church context." Williams
said she wants the new church to be a place where
homosexuals can be safe and not judged. Peggy
Campolo is a national leader of the Association
of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, which urges
Baptist congregations to be supportive of
homosexuals. Both women are very confused. God
invites all sinners to be saved through faith in
the blood of Christ, but He also commands them to
repent of their sin. Churches should welcome
homosexuals to hear the gospel, but they should
also preach against the moral perversion of
homosexuality and demand that church members give
evidence of the new birth. "Know ye not that the
unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?
Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor
idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor
abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves,
nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor
extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
And such WERE some of you: but ye are washed, but
ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the
name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our
God" (1 Cor. 6:9-11).

When the Pacific Southwest region of the American
Baptist Convention (ABC) voted on May 11, 2006,
to withdraw from the parent denomination over the
issue of homosexuality, Tony Campolo criticized
them. The 300 churches in California, Hawaii,
Nevada, and Arizona withdraw because of the
denomination's acceptance of churches with lax
policies on homosexuality ("Split among American
Baptists," Baptist Press, May 18). Many American
Baptist churches accept unrepentant homosexuals
as members. Fifty-four ABC congregations are
members of the Association of Welcoming and
Affirming Baptists, which encourages the
acceptance of homosexuality in Baptist churches.
This Association "advocates for the full
inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender persons within Baptist communities of
faith."

Campolo criticized the withdrawal decision,
saying that it "runs counter to the prayer of
Christ that we might all be one people." Campolo
was referring to Christ's high priestly prayer in
John 17, but there is nothing in this prayer that
would encourage unity between those who obey the
Bible with those who do not. This prayer is for
those who keep God's Word (Jn. 17:6, 8) and are
sanctified through the truth (Jn. 17:19). The
Lord Jesus prayed that God the Father would keep
them from evil (Jn. 17:15). It is obvious that
this is not a prayer for nominal Christians that
so disregard the Scriptures that they accept
homosexuality as a legitimate lifestyle.

CAMPOLO PROMOTES ROMAN CATHOLIC CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICES

Tony Campolo co-authored a book with Mary Darling
that promotes contemplative spirituality.

"We finally decided to use the term 'mystical
Christianity' to distinguish the kind of
spirituality we are advocating from other forms
known in the Christian community. For instance,
using the word mystical makes it clear that the
Christian spirituality that we are discussing
here is not to be confused with the kind used as
a synonym for personal piety, which too often
comes with destructive legalism, or scholastic
Christianity, which can reduce faith to
theological propositions. ... This book is about
tapping into the love and reality that goes
beyond what rules and reason alone can apprehend.
We want to show how daily moments marked by
mystical revelations of God's love reveal the
limits of propositional truth" (The God of
Intimacy and Action, pp. 3, 4).

Campolo describes "supersaints" as "people who
have been caught up into some mystical unity with
God," and he claims that Roman Catholic mystics
such as Francis of Assisi, Ignatius of Loyola,
Teresa of Avila, and Catherine of Siena, were
supersaints that we should emulate (pp. 9, 10).

In true emerging church contradictory fashion
Campolo says, "We must pay serious attention to
mystical happenings, and discern, in the context
of biblical understanding in Christian community,
whether or not we believe they are of God.
Discernment is crucial to mystical spirituality.
Without it, anything goes. On the other hand, we
must learn to doubt our doubts if we are going to
be open to the work of the Spirit in our lives"
(p. 11).

To "doubt our doubts" cancels out effective biblical discernment!

Campolo practices what he preaches. He says: "I
get up in the morning a half hour before I have
to and spend time in absolute stillness. I don't
ask God for anything. I just simply surrender to
His presence and yield to the Spirit flowing into
my life. ... An interviewer once asked Mother
Teresa, 'When you pray, what do you say to God?'
She said, 'I don't say anything. I just listen.'
So the interviewer asked, 'What does God say to
you?' She replied, 'God doesn't say anything. He
listens.' That's the kind of prayer I do in the
morning. I empty myself and allow the Spirit to
speak to me as Romans 8 says, 'with groanings
that cannot be uttered" (Outreach Magazine, July/
August 2004, pp. 88, 89).

As we have seen in his 2005 interview with Shane
Claiborne, Campolo sees contemplative mysticism
as a means of interfaith unity.

In his book Speaking My Mind Campolo wrote:

"Beyond these models of reconciliation, a
theology of mysticism provides some hope for
common ground between Christianity and Islam.
Both religions have within their histories
examples of ecstatic union with God. ... I do not
know what to make of the Muslim mystics,
especially those who have come to be known as the
Sufis. What do they experience in their mystical
experiences? Could they have encountered the same
God we do in our Christian mysticism?" (pp. 149,
150).

CAMPOLO BELIEVES IN FEMALE CHURCH LEADERS

Campolo holds that women can preach. Toward the
end of his message in Vancouver in 1992, Campolo
said, "Are you suggesting women can preach? A lot
better than most men! If they can preach in
Africa, they can preach in Vancouver. That's what
I say."

Campolo is one of the signers of a statement by
Christians for Biblical Equality which affirms
that "in the New Testament economy, women as well
as men exercise the prophetic, priestly and royal
functions," and "in the church, public
recognition is given to both women and men who
exercise ministries of service and leadership"
(Christian News, Apr. 16, 1990).

In an interview with Laura Sheahen entitled
"Evangelical Christianity Has Been Hijacked,"
published on Beliefnet in July 2004, Campolo said:

"I take issue, for instance, with the increasing
tendency in the evangelical community to bar
women from key leadership roles in the church.
Over the last few years, the Southern Baptist
Convention has taken away the right of women to
be ordained to ministry. There were women that
were ordained to ministry--their ordinations have
been negated and women are told that this is not
a place for them. They are not to be pastors.
They point to certain passages in the Book of
Timothy to make their case, but tend to ignore
that there are other passages in the Bible that
would raise very serious questions about that
position and which, in fact, would legitimate
women being in leadership positions in the
church. ... We don't want to communicate the idea
that to believe the Bible is to necessarily be
opposed to women in key roles of leadership in
the life of early Christendom."

In fact, Campolo says that those who say women
are forbidden to be pastors are "of the devil."
Speaking at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
annual meeting on June 26, 2003, he mentioned
groups such as the Southern Baptist Convention
which prohibit women preachers and said:

"It's one thing to be wrong, but that isn't
wrong, that's sinful. The Bible says, 'neglect
not the gift that is in you,' and when women are
gifted with the gift of preaching, anybody who
frustrates that gift is an instrument of the
devil" ("Campolo: Opposition to women preachers
evidence of demonic influence," Baptist Press,
June 27, 2003).

CAMPOLO SUGGESTS PRAYING TO PEOPLE

In the 2007 book The God of Intimacy and Action:
Reconnecting Ancient Spiritual Practices,
Evangelism, and Justice, which is co-written by
Tony Campolo and Mary Albert Darling, we find the
following heretical statement:

"While pointing out how important it is for
Christians to pray for others, [Frank] Laubach
makes a bold and intriguing proposal for another
way of praying. He suggests that in addition to
praying for someone in need of God, that we
should consider praying to that person as well.
He tells us that God may want to work through the
praying Christian as a channel to reach into the
heart and soul of the person who is in need of
saving grace. Laubach proposes that a person who
is resisting God might be open to the spiritual
impact of a Christian concentrating God's power
on him or her. It is as though, according to
Laubach, a praying Christian might be a lens
through whom God focuses saving power into
another person's life. Call it a kind of mental
telepathy, but what Laubach is suggesting is that
the Holy Spirit flowing into a Christian, as a
result of prayer, can stir up spiritual energy in
that Christian that can then be directed toward a
person who needs Christ's salvation" (pp 34-35).

CAMPOLO IS VICIOUS IN HIS JUDGMENT OF FUNDAMENTALISTS

At the National Council of Churches "Gathering"
in May 1988 Campolo said those who stand firm on
absolutes and strongly resist error are doing the
devil's work (Foundation magazine, June 1988).

When Campolo spoke at the Cooperative Baptist
Fellowship's general assembly June 26, 2003, he
lambasted fundamentalists, conservative Southern
Baptists, and dispensationalists. He said that
anyone who resists women pastors is an
"instrument of the devil" and is committing sin.
He said every Christian should support
homosexuals as they "struggle for dignity." He
said that the perpetual cycle of violence in the
Middle East is not the result of the
Palestinians. He spoke of the "terrorism of the
Israeli army" and criticized American military
aid to Israel. He said Harry Potter, which is
filled with witchcraft, as "good for kids to
hear." He said preachers should warn about
dispensational theology and the doctrine of an
imminent rapture. He spoke against Christians who
do not support the United Nations.

CAMPOLO MAKES LIGHT OF SERIOUS THINGS

Throughout his speeches, Campolo makes light of
frightfully serious things. In his speech in
Vancouver in 1992, he made light of threatening
people with death and hell in order to frighten
them into being saved. He told of when he was a
kid and was in church and the preacher tried to
scare him like this. In his speech to the
National Council of Churches meeting in 1988,
Campolo said we should hold on to the King James
Bible, because it uses "words like
'imputed'--that's sexy!" He keeps his crowds
laughing at such things.

This was the spirit that permeated Campolo's
message. , Campolo said, "We've got enough boring
people in the ministry, we need people who can
dance." He called for Christians to "create a
joyful celebration for a world that doesn't know
how to celebrate anymore." According to Campolo,
"The kingdom of God is a glorious and gigantic
party!"

This is all foolishness. The hour in which we
live cries for seriousness, for repentance, for
mourning over sin. James 4 speaks of the kind of
worldliness that has permeated evangelical
Christendom. Missionsfest '92 evidenced this
worldliness on every hand. There was rock music
and the jungle beat everywhere. The evening youth
meetings were nothing more than rock concerts. A
great many of the women were dressed indecently.
Only a handful of women wore dresses. Most had on
tight pants. Some of the ushers were young women
who were dressed revealingly in leotards and high
boots with a jacket-like affair that came only to
their buttocks. In the exhibit area, there were
all sorts of worldly things for sale, such as T-
shirts with weird artwork and mottos.

Listen to the James:

"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that
the friendship of the world is enmity with God?
whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world
is the enemy of God" (James 4:4).

What does James say about the worldly crowd? Does
he say, "Hey, folks, laugh and clap and shout and
dance; the Kingdom of God is a party, man! Be
happy" That is Campolo's message, but James says
something quite the contrary to a worldly people:

"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.
Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your
hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and
mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to
mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble
yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall
lift you up" (James 4:8-10).

This is not the time to be laughing it up, folks,
in the sense that Campolo is calling for. I
praise the Lord for laughter, and I'm not calling
for a ban on humor or fun; but the hour is one of
deep apostasy, wickedness, and shallowness, and
if Christ had spoken at Missionsfest '92 I am
convinced He would have preached a message along
the lines of James as quoted above.

Beware of Tony Campolo. He is a dangerous false
teacher, all the more dangerous because he claims
to believe that the Bible was given by divine
inspiration and moves in "evangelical" circles.
He is an enemy of Bible Christianity. The kingdom
of God is not a Campolo-type of party.

by
Dr. David Cloud

Did Jesus Die on Good Friday?

2008-03-17T20:57:00.003Z

August 5, 2001 (Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061-0368, 866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org) - The following study is by Dr. James D. Crumpton, founder, Maranatha Baptist Mission, Natchez, Mississippi:

How could there be three days and three nights from late Friday afternoon until early Sunday morning? At the most, there could only be two nights, one day, and a part of another! Had the Scriptures only said three days, we could have understood them to mean a part of three days, since both in and out of the Scriptures we use the word to mean only a portion of a day. However, the Scriptures specify "three days and three nights," and thus verbal inspiration demands three twenty-four hour days.

It is good for us to note the difference in the Roman day, the Jewish day, and our present day. THE ROMAN DAY began at 6:00 A.M. and closed at 6:00 the next morning. THE JEWISH DAY began at sunset and closed at the next sunset (or from about 6:00 P.M. to the next 6:00 P.M.). OUR DAY begins at midnight and closes the next midnight.

The Lord Jesus was placed on the cross about 9:00 A.M. our time and was there until about 4:00 P.M. It was on Wednesday! He was taken down from the cross and placed in the tomb before sunset-- before the beginning of the sabbath. Note that this was not the beginning of the regular weekly sabbath at sunset on Friday, but a "high sabbath"--a Passover sabbath which came on Thursday that week! [See Lev. 23:5-7, where we find that the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread was a sabbath day.] At about sunset on Thursday He had been in the grave one day and one night. At about sunset on Friday, He had been in the grave two days and two nights. Then, just after the three full days and nights, He arose. He arose as it began to dawn the first day of the week (just after sunset Saturday, our time). The women came early Sunday morning, our time, but He was already gone. The expression "on the third day" in the Gospels referring to His resurrection would be "after the third day" in our way of saying it.

Many have sunrise services commemorating the resurrection, and we see nothing wrong with that. It would be fine to have a high noon service commemorating His resurrection. But maybe we should have a sunset service.

He arose about sunset on Saturday. And that was sunset for our sins--because they were gone forever. Hallelujah!!! [Used by permission from Maranatha!!!, April 1982, Westside Baptist Church, P.O. Drawer 1425, Natchez, MS 39121]

Beams From The Cross

2008-03-16T13:30:00.002Z

Death by crucifixion was a shameful and painful death. It was reserved for the worst of criminals. No Roman had to face the shame of the cross. The “offence of the cross” was real in the Apostle Paul’s day. Yet, Paul gloried in that cross because he saw something attractive in it. When Paul viewed the cross, it was an emblem of love to him. Some hated and despised the cross but it was Paul’s delight and the subject of his worship and praise. These beams are connected with the Old Testament offerings.

I.The Upward Beam From the Cross (v.34-46)- It involved the Father delighted and God glorified. According to Jn. 17 Jesus came to finish the work the Father gave Him to do. As you read v. 4 of John Ch. 17, you can see Christ viewed His work as already completed. This is the burnt offering aspect of the sacrifice of Christ. That offering was completely for God. In all the other offerings the priest had a portion, but not so in this one. This speaks of the highest aspect of the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus and comes before the sin-offering.

II. The Backward Beam From The Cross (v.22,41,47)- This beam speaks of the exoneration of the Lord Jesus Christ. The foes, friends, and demons had to confess of the Lord Jesus there was “no fault” or “nothing amiss” in regard to Him. Christ was and is the Lamb of God without blemish and without spot. This speaks of the meal-offering aspect of the sacrifice of Christ. “Fine flour” was one of the ingredients of the important offering. That testifies of the evenness and fitness of Christ’s life. It points us to the absence of sin in Christ’s life–He is the Sinless One. “Honey and meal” was not included in the offering, testifying to us the absence of sin in Christ’s life.

III. The Downward Beam From the Cross (vs. 35-36,39)- This speaks to us of the exceeding sinfulness of sin. The Lamb of God took away the sin of the world. That is illustrated by the various classes of people around the cross. They mocked, reviled and derided Christ. All the sin of the word was upon Him. This speaks to us of the sin-offering aspect of Christ’s sacrifice. The sins of the people were laid on the sin offering when the offerer laid his hand on the head of the animal. In doing so his sin and guilt was transferred to the animal. Then the animal was sent into the wilderness never to return (Lev. 16). Similarly, God laid on Christ the sins of the world that they might be taken away. God forgives of sins.

IV. The Onward Beam From The Cross(v.43). There is a message here about paradise regained. Heaven opened for the dying robber as it opens for all true believers. The trespass offering is represented in the onward beam. This became fixed between God and man. In the cross, the claims of divine justice were met by the death of the robber for His crimes. Similarly the claims of divine justice were met in the death of Christ for man’s sins.

V. The Inward Beam From The Cross(v.49)- Speaks of reconciliation being brought about. God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself (2 Cor. 5:19). This inward ray points to the peace-offering. This offering had the underlying idea of communion with God. Fellowship with God was lost through sin, but it has been restored through sacrifice. What was lost in the first Adam has been made available in the death of Christ

The Old Cross and the New Cross

2008-03-15T09:22:00.002Z

This wise saint went to be with the Lord in 1963. His messages were written more than forty years ago, yet they are as relevant now as they were then!

Unannounced and mostly undetected there has come in modern times a new cross into popular evangelical circles. It is like the old cross, but different: the likenesses are superficial; the differences, fundamental.

From this new cross has sprung a new philosophy of the Christian life, and from that new philosophy has come a new evangelical technique -- a new type of meeting and a new kind of preaching. This new evangelism employs the same language as the old, but its content is not the same and its emphasis not as before.

The old cross would have no truck with the world. For Adam's proud flesh it meant the end of the journey. It carried into effect the sentence imposed by the law of Sinai. The new cross is not opposed to the human race; rather, it is a friendly pal and, if understood aright, it is the source of oceans of good clean fun and innocent enjoyment. It lets Adam live without interference. His life motivation is unchanged; he still lives for his own pleasure, only now he takes delight in singing choruses and watching religious movies instead of singing bawdy songs and drinking hard liquor. The accent is still on enjoyment, though the fun is now on a higher plane morally if not intellectually.

The new cross encourages a new and entirely different evangelistic approach. The evangelist does not demand abnegation of the old life before a new life can be received. He preaches not contrasts but similarities. He seeks to key into public interest by showing that Christianity makes no unpleasant demands; rather, it offers the same thing the world does, only on a higher level. Whatever the sin-mad world happens to be clamoring after at the moment is cleverly shown to be the very thing the gospel offers, only the religious product is better.

The new cross does not slay the sinner, it redirects him. It gears him into a cleaner and jollier way of living and saves his self-respect. To the self-assertive it says, "Come and assert yourself for Christ." To the egotist it says, "Come and do your boasting in the Lord." To the thrill-seeker it says, "Come and enjoy the thrill of Christian fellowship." The Christian message is slanted in the direction of the current vogue in order to make it acceptable to the public.

The philosophy back of this kind of thing may be sincere but its sincerity does not save it from being false. It is false because it is blind. It misses completely the whole meaning of the cross.

The old cross is a symbol of death. It stands for the abrupt, violent end of a human being. The man in Roman times who took up his cross and started down the road had already said good-by to his friends. He was not coming back. He was going out to have it ended. The cross made no compromise, modified nothing, spared nothing; it slew all of the man, completely and for good. It did not try to keep on good terms with its victim. It struck cruel and hard, and when it had finished its work, the man was no more.

The race of Adam is under death sentence. There is no commutation and no escape. God cannot approve any of the fruits of sin, however innocent they may appear or beautiful to the eyes of men. God salvages the individual by liquidating him and then raising him again to newness of life.

That evangelism which draws friendly parallels between the ways of God and the ways of men is false to the Bible and cruel to the souls of its hearers. The faith of Christ does not parallel the world, it intersects it. In coming to Christ we do not bring our old life up onto a higher plane; we leave it at the cross. The corn of wheat must fall into the ground and die.

We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum.

God offers life, but not an improved old life. The life He offers is life out of death. It stands always on the far side of the cross. Whoever would possess it must pass under the rod. He must repudiate himself and concur in God's just sentence against him. What does this mean to the individual, the condemned man who would find life in Christ Jesus? How can this theology be translated into life? Simply, he must repent and believe. He must forsake his sins and then go on to forsake himself. Let him cover nothing, defend nothing, excuse nothing. Let him not seek to make terms with God, but let him bow his head before the stroke of God's stern displeasure and acknowledge himself worthy to die.

Having done this let him gaze with simple trust upon the risen Saviour, and from Him will come life and rebirth and cleansing and power. The cross that ended the earthly life of Jesus now puts an end to the sinner; and the power that raised Christ from the dead now raises him to a new life along with Christ....
Dare we, the heirs of such a legacy of power, tamper with the truth? Dare we... alter the pattern shown us in the Mount? May God forbid. Let us preach the old cross and we will know the old power.

By: A.W. Tozer

WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES CELEBRATES 60TH ANNIVERSARY

2008-03-02T08:50:00.003Z

(Friday Church News Notes, February 29, 2008, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org,
866-295-4143)

At a meeting on February 18 at St. Pierre Cathedral in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Council of Churches (WCC) celebrated its 60th anniversary. The Council is an international ecumenical union of roughly 340 denominations in 120 countries
representing more than 500 million professing Christians. It was formed in 1948 in Amsterdam, Holland. The goal of the World Council is to "move forward towards the manifestation of the one holy church"

(The Genesis and Formation of the World Council of Churches, p. 66). This supposed "one holy church" is a figment of a heretical imagination. The Bible warns repeatedly that "Christendom" will become increasingly apostate as Christ's return draws near. "Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being
deceived" (2 Tim. 3:13). They will have "a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof" (2 Tim. 3:5), and will "turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables" (2 Timothy 4:4).

True Bible churches are commanded to remain separate from this error. "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them" (Romans 16:17). The World Council of Churches is a hotbed of theological heresy.

In 2006 the WCC moderator, Walter Altmann, said that ecumenism "extends far beyond the frontiers of the churches and embraces the whole of humankind and the whole created universe" ("Greater Communion Not Minimalist Agenda," Christian Post, Aug. 28, 2006). The Bible says the created universe is under the curse of God because of sin and will only be set right at the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His kingdom. There will be no peace or true justice until Christ returns.

As for the "whole of humankind," it is under the condemnation of sin and every individual that dies without Jesus Christ will spend eternity in the lake of
fire. Thus, the urgent task of the churches of Jesus Christ is to rescue men from the judgment to come by preaching the Gospel. The World Council of Churches has replaced Christ's Great Commission with a humanistic program of socio-political work; the objective of saving souls has been replaced with that of saving the creation. Not surprisingly, the WCC is radically anti-fundamentalist.

In 2003 the moderator of the WCC's Central Committee meeting called fundamentalism "the greatest enemy of religion and the most dangerous force of our times" (Presbyterian Church USA News, Aug. 26, 2003). As the push for unity intensifies, more pressure and persecution will come to nonconformist biblical fundamentalists.

For more about the World Council of Churches see http://www.wayoflife.org/fbns/wcc.html.

Over half of Britons claim no religion

2008-03-01T20:45:00.000Z

Freedom from religion in Britain is becoming as important as freedom of religion, according to a United Nations investigation into religion in the UK.

In a 23-page report published this evening, a UN rapporteur claims the 2001 Census findings that nearly 72 per cent of the population is Christian can no longer be regarded as accurate. The report claims that two-thirds of British people now do not admit to any religious adherence.

The report also calls for the disestablishment of the Church of England. The role and privileges of the established Church are challenged because they do not reflect “the religious demography of the country and the rising proportion of other Christian denominations.”

The report also warns that measures to combat terrorism in Britain could be undermined because of discrimination against Muslims.

According to the report into the freedom of religion and belief in the UK, there is an “overall respect for human rights and their value.” But the report warns that Muslims in particular face screening, searches, interrogation and arrest.

Citing research that showed that 80 per cent of Muslims in Britain feel they have been discriminated against, the report singles out the Terrorism Act 200 for particular criticism.

Under the act, police in some areas can stop and search people without having to show reasonable suspicion.

The report says this affects ethnic and religious minorities more than other groups, especially since the July 7 bombings in 2005.

Figures for 2004 to 2006 “show that searches of people with Asian appearance under this provision increased by 84 per cent, compared to an increase of only 24 per cent for White people,” the report says.

The report’s author, Asma Jahangir, the UN special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, also criticises terms in the Terrorism Act 2006 for being “overly broad and vaguely worded.” Phrases she focuses on include "indirectly encouraging" acts of terrorism, and “glorification”, interpreted to mean “any form of praise or celebration.” She also describes the policy of 28 days in detention without charge as unsatisfactory.

Ms Jahangir, 55, twice chair of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and who was herself only released from house arrest in Lahore during November, says in her conclusions “there exists no hierarchy of discrimination grounds.”

She argues that religion should not have a lower ranking when competing rights are being balanced.

However, she does acknowledge concern about “informal matrimonial courts operating within the Muslim community based on sharia law.” Ms Jahangir, a mother of three children, says the argument by some religious leaders that their traditions should override the rights of women is “unacceptable”.

The report was published the day after the Archbishop of Canterbury said some of the ways in which Sharia was practised were “appalling”.

Dr Rowan Williams said the way the system was applied to women in countries such as Saudi Arabia was “grim”. The Archbishop was speaking in Cambridge days after being criticised for raising the possibility that some aspects of Sharia might be introduced into the British legal system. “What I was trying to say the other day is that sharia law is a very, very wide-ranging scheme of legal understanding within historic Islam,” the Archbishop said at a public lecture in Great St Mary’s Church.

“It is rooted in the sense of doing God’s will in the ordinary things of life.” But he added: “In some of the ways it has been codified and practised across the world, it has been appalling.”

Please Pray for this couple

2008-02-21T14:40:00.001Z

I would to leave a prayer request. This is a young couple from our sending church back in Georgia. They are members at the Concord Baptist Church in Resaca, Ga.

Please be much in prayer for little John Nailon, infant son of John and Sarah Nalion.

Little John was born several months premature and only weighed a little over 1 pound. He is facing major heart surgery. The doctors have told John and Sarah that without the surgery there is a 99% chance that he will die and if he has the surgery there is a 98% chance that he will die during the surgery.

Please pray that God, the Great Physician, will touch and heal Little John Nailon.

Great Britian & America Needs A Leader Like This!

2008-02-08T23:36:00.000Z

Prime Minister John Howard - Australia

Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia , as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.

Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Quote: ' IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.'

' This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom'
' We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society . Learn the language!'

' Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.'

' We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.'

' This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom,

' THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.'

' If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.'

Maybe if we circulate this amongst ourselves, American & British citizens will find the backbone to start speaking and voicing the same truths.

What the Bible Says About Dreams

2008-02-05T19:54:00.001Z

The Bible not a religious textbook or a book of rules and regulations. The Bible is God’s Word, therefore it contains everything we need to know about life and godliness. All the issues of life are dealt with in this Book. There is no other book like it.
Therefore, if we want to know about dreams, we must look into the Bible to get God’s mind on the subject. There is only one infallible source concerning dreams—The Bible.
Everyone dreams (about 5 dreams a night). Most of the time we cannot remember our dreams unless we wake up suddenly while dreaming. Usually, the memory of the dream is gone within ten minutes after waking.
Dreams can be mysterious, humorous, foreboding, and scary! We’ve all experienced nightmares.
Sometimes dreams puzzle us regarding what they could possibly mean. This is leads many into the occult. You see books at grocery store check-outs claiming to interpret dreams. Satan would love to have people seek him for the answers to their dreams.
DEFINITION: A dream is a succession of images or ideas present in the mind during sleep.
ÆDIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DREAM AND A VISION. Basically, a dream occurs while one is asleep. A vision would be while a man is awake.
We are not talking about a “daydream.” A daydream is a visionary fancy, voluntarily indulged in while one is awake. We are not going to study daydreams since they are voluntary and can be controlled (see Jer. 29:8-9).
You need to be careful about people who say, “I have a dream,” when it is just a product of their own imagination (see Jer. 23:25-32).

We are going to study those uninvited images that enter our subconscious mind during sleep.
THREE CATEGORIES OF DREAMS:
I. Dreams as COMMUNICATIONS from God (Job 33:14-17).

A. God would speak to men through dreams because when man is sleeping his pride and purposes are laid aside. When man is sleeping he cannot fight against God’s message. When a man is awake, he can resist God’s message, so God sends His message when man’s resistance is down.
1. Abimelech purposed to have Abram’s wife so God spoke to warn him in a dream (Gen. 20:3-6).
2. Laban was plotting a course against Jacob, so God warned him in a dream (Gen. 31:24).
3. God’s communication to Solomon (1 Kings 3:5-15).
4. Joseph was thinking about putting Mary away when God spoke to him in a dream (Mt. 1:18-24).
B. There are 20 dreams recorded in the Bible (14 in the O.T. and 6 in the N.T.). There in not one dream recorded after the resurrection of Christ. The last one was the dream of Pilate’s wife in Matthew 27:19.
1. Today, it is not necessary for God to communicate through dreams because we have His Word. We are commanded to bring every thought into captivity and make it comply with the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 10:5).
2. In the tribulation period God will again speak through dreams (Joel 2:28-30).

II. Dreams from CONCERN for the affairs of life (Eccl. 5:3).

Pre-occupied with the routines of everyday living. We dream about the very things that occupy our thoughts while we are awake.

A. During your waking hours you are all wrapped up with business situations, family troubles, financial crisis, health related problems, national security, etc. that when you finally get to sleep, the mind cannot be freed or released from everyday stresses.
ÆSometimes what we watch on television will effect what we dream about.
B. Therefore, it is important to occupy our minds with the faithfulness of God in our daily routines (Isa. 26:3).

III. Dreams from cravingS of the flesh (Isaiah 29:8).

The subconscious mind will often try to satisfy unfulfilled longings and desires while you are asleep.

Your mind is like a computer. It processes what you put into it. Sometimes the processing occurs while we are sleeping and results in dreams.

A. Nightmares are often the out-workings of frustrations in the flesh (Job 7:13-16).
B. Battling the lusts of the flesh during daylight hours will often be continued and lost in our dreams at night.

1. Unresolved anger is played out in dreams.
2. Conflicts are carried on in dreams.
3. Sexual tensions are released in dreams.

C. Dreams are often an indicator of our inner depravity.

We must judge everything by what is written in God’s Word. If a dream does not match what God’s says, ignore it. If the dream does match what the Bible says, you don’t need it anyway, since the Bible has already said it.

THREE FUNDAMENTAL NEEDS OF OUR LOCAL CHURCH

2008-02-02T14:03:00.000Z

“THREE FUNDAMENTAL NEEDS OF OUR LOCAL CHURCHES”*Dr. Crumpton is the long time pastor of Victory Baptist Church and is the founder of Maranatha Baptist Missions P. O. Drawer 1425 Natchez, Mississippi 39121

Sermon by: James W. Crumpton

“And unto the angel of the church in 5ardis write; These things saith he that bath thQ seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” (Revelation 3:1)

Surely the needs of our local churches have never been greater than they are today. From the days of the apostles in the New Testament record the churches have faced many problems, but how could we dare say that they were ever greater than those of the present? There are several different things than can and are being done about these needs. Some are ignoring them; even others are denying that they exist. But those who are playing the ostrich are really “kidding” themselves only. Again, there are those who are facing the needs and seeking by God’s grace and the leadership of the Holy Spirit to meet them in the way that, would best glorify our Lord Jesus.

It is the laziness, coldness, indifference, and lethargy’ of the average member of the local church that has and is resulting in the springing up of various "isms" “cisms”, and “spasms”. In Romans 1:18 we read, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness anti unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.” The last phrase of this quotation could be read—”who hold down the truth in unrighteousness”. What a picture that is of many present-day Christians. They are as orthodox as the apostle Paul but doing nothing about getting out the truth of the Word of God. They are sound in the faith; yea, but they are sound— asieep! God’s children are definitely responsible to give out the message of the gospel and as He said, “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you . . “. Today we have so many preachers trying to ride several horses going in various directions at the same time anti bragging about how they overlook discussion of the nonessentials in order to reach all people in a!! religious groups. Pray tell me what Jesus taught that is non-essential! He said that we were to teach them ALL things whatsoever He had commanded. We are as obligated by ‘the words of this commission to teach the truth about the church’s organization, ordinances, and polity as we are to preach the gospel.

The average church member knows more Hollywood (fallen) stars than hetoes of the Word of God. They can tell you what some actress wears, eats, and how she takes a bath, but some of these same folk cannot talk intelligently about the experiences of Abraham, Moses, Elijah, or Jeremiah with the Lord. How many of you listeners have a reason from the Word of God to believe the doctrines that you claim to stand for as a church member? Is your belief merely a lot of second-handed, polly parrot stuff that has been handed down to you,or do you search the scriptures for the truth? Oh, that more might be burdened for our church to be one that teaches and practices the teachings of the New Testament without compromising with the sinful desires of men.

In this message I want us to note three needs that the church faces which I believe are truly fundamental.

The first one is that of a converted church membership.

The New Testament teaches it. In Acts 2:47 we read, “Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” This contradicts the teaching of our Roman Catholic friends when they say that the church is a saving institution. Really, it is a body of regenerated people who have been immersed in baptism and are voluntarily banded together for the purposes of worshipping God, spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth, and of living, teaching, and practicing the complete message of the Saviour. Hence, we can scripturally say that an unsaved person should not be a church member. A lost person has no more business being a ‘church member than a rattlesnake has in being in a baby nursery.

But in the face of the New Testament. which teaches that we should have a converted church membership, what is the present condition? Thousands and thousands of lost church members are ample proof that the teachings of the Word have been ignored. . One preacher has said that our churches do not need new members half so badly as they need to have the old bunch worked ovcr. It is an unregenerated church membership that led this preacher to speak thus. A missionary to Palestine under the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention returned to the states. visited and preached in many churches. anti then stated that he believed that the devil could tuck his horns behind his ears, walk down the aisle of the average Baptist Church, and, without objection, be received into the full fellowship of the church. Baptists, this ought to cause us to hang our heads in shame and confession of sin before God. And you peo ple of the other denominators muct admit that your situation is no better. There is not as much care taken in receiving folk into the church as there is in receiving them into the lodges, clubs, and societies of the world. How can we expect a church to be anything but dead when its members are composed of those whom the Bible speaks of as being dead in trespasses and sins. Too many church meetings today are merely herding lost people into the church instead of winning them to Christ.

Let me challenge you Christian friends to get a burden for a converted church membership. We are stewards for the Lord Jesus; how can we go on failing Him? We must take the responsibility of talking with those seeking church membership that we might have assurance that they have had an experience of salvation with Christ. They must also be instructed as to what Cod expects of a church member. A good friend of mine testifies that when he went forward during an invitation that he was given three words of instruction before the church received him. The pastor shook hands with him, giving the three words of instruction which were: “Have a seat!” Personally, I believe that every church should have a church membership committee. It is not to serve as a police force, as sonic falsely accuse. hut as an instruction and welcoming committee. In observing one function for nearly ten years, I can testify that it works.

The second need of out churches which is fundamental is that of consecrated church membership.

Of course, consecration is a work that God does for us when we sanctify ourselves or. We do the sanctifying (setting apart), and rod does the consecrating (baneful— the giving of handsful to do for Him). Again, we turn to the Now Te:tcment to find the Word advocating the separation that is necessary for consecraticn to be effected. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye seoarate saith the Lord, and touch net the unclean thing, and I will receive you.” (II Corinthians (6:17). "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendshin of the world is enmity with God? . Whosoever therefore will he a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”, (James 4:4)

Our churches sadly lack what the Word advocates here. The absence of prayer with its power, Bible study with its food, soul winning with its joy, and daily abiding in Him with its peace is conspicuous. There is more and more attention given to such things as the theater, the dance, the night club, the cocktail party, the mixed bathing party, the bridge party, and the “our clique” party. Many attend Sunday School to eat and drink the doughnuts and coffee that will be served without thinking oF the food and drink that the inner roan needs. Others attend regularly in order to be able to play on the church’s athletic team. “They satisfy”, ‘Not a Cough in a Carload”, and “Easy on the throat” have convinced many church folk of the harmlessness (??) of the filthy, sinful habit. Oh for a separated, consecrated people that would be the New Testament kind of Christians who are all out for God.

Let us accept God’s challenge, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1) The story is told of a lady who asked her pastor to tell her how to go about becoming a consecrated Christian. His reply was that she should take a blank sheet of paper and sign it at the bottom. Then she was to’ ask God to fill it in; she had already signed whatever He would write. Think of the transforming revival that we would experience with a consecrated, converted church membership.

Finally, we ‘look at a courageous church membership as the third fundamental need of our churches.

We see it in the testimony of Peter and John when they were forbidden to speak any more in the Name of Jesus; listen to their answer in Acts 4:19-20: “But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” Paul manifested that needed courage in preaching the true gospel of salvation by grace through faith plus nothing, and when attacked by the Judaizers, he, by the leadership of the Holy Spirit, uttered the words of Galatians 1:8-9: “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”

We live in a day when every truth of the Word is attacked. The virgin birth, inspired Bible, blood atonement, bodily resurrection, and second coming are denied by so many that even some Christians seem apologetic for believing these truths. I attended a Sunday School class sometime ago where a preacher was teaching the lesson on the resurrection, but he practically apologized for believing it before he was through. Oh, for courageous Christians who will go in the boldness of the Holy Spirit When we see the lack of courageous Christians, we say that there is no wonder that the world laughs at Christianity. This same lack of courage is seen in the matter of taking a stand against sin. The average church today has drunkards, gamblers, murderers, thieves, whoremongers, harlots, adulterers, adulteresses, and operators of various immoral and illegitimate places of business who are still in good standing with the church. Some times the church officers have a part in these gross sins; yet, the church officers and members in general lack the courage that is necessary to take a stand for Christ. Is there any wonder that the world often thinks of the church as a sissy, soft-soaping, compromising institution?

God help us to courageously stand for the truths of the Word of God, to condemn sin fearlessly, and do it all lovingly for the glory of our Lord Jesus. Every church should courageously carry on a New Testament church discipline program. It will work, else Jesus would not have commanded it.

May we face these needs of a converted, consecrated, and courageous church membership and seek His leadership in meeting them for His glory!

HOW TO BE HAPPY

2008-01-14T14:29:00.000Z

HOW TO BE HAPPY”

Psalm 146:5 “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his Help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.”

In our world today there are multitudes of people who are unhappy. They have gone here and there seeking happiness, and have not found real joy or lasting peace, because they do not possess the Lord God of Jacob in their lives. Happiness is not something that just happens in our lives. Neither is it something that can be bought with silver or gold. I have heard people say that if they had a million dollars, they would be happy, but some of the most miserable people in the world are rich people. The only happy people in this world are those “whose hope is in the Lord his God.” (Psalm 146-5b

It would seem strange if only the unsaved people were unhappy, but we find that many Christians are unhappy also. I want you to notice some unhappy people in the Bible.

First, notice the wicked found in Isaiah 57:20-21. “But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.”

Second, the backslider is unhappy, for in Psalm 51:12 we find David’s plea to the Lord. “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” This prayer of David’s came after he had committed the awful sin Bathsheba (II Samuel 11:1-27). I would have you to notice Psalm 51:12 very carefully, because many people have misinterpreted this scripture verse. David had not lost his salvation, as many people would have you believe, but had lost the joy of his salvation. My friends, God is not an Indian giver. No, no, salvation is eternal and everlasting. It is not my intention to preach on “The Eternal Security Of The Believer” in this message. I am only trying to show that backsliders are unhappy and many-born again believers are unhappy, because they lost the joy of salvation.

Third, the greedy and selfish Christians are unhappy. Proverbs 15:27 says “He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house.” Jesus warned us of this in Matthew 16:26, when He said, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” There is one more group of people I want to mention before I show you what one must do to be happy, because many times jealously turns into hatred and the Bible plainly states in Leviticus 19:17a “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart.” One of the big sins of today is jealously and envy of our neighbors. If God see fit to bless others more than us, we should rejoice and praise God for it. Some of us can stand more blessing than others. In other worlds, “more people can stand poverty than prosperity.” It helps some people to draw a monthly pension, for instance, the Social Security check. There is not enough money to live socially, and not enough money to be secure, so they have to depand on the Lord. Amen! Now notice four things we must do to be happy.

I.. TO BE HAPPY WE MUST WALK RIGHT

Psalm 128:1 says “blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in His ways.” Yes, to be happy, we must walk in the fear of the Lord God. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 11:7a that “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house.” My friends, if all the unhappy, lukewarm, wayward, proud puffed up, selfish, unkind, high-minded, self-willed easily offended, covetous, envious, deceitful, boastful, disobedient church members feared God, they would be a lot happier. Amen! I know why church members curse, swear, smoke chew, dip, dance, gamble, drink and miss church. They do not have the fear of God in their hearts. You can’t run around with every old tar baby and mud hen and be happy in the Lord. My brother and sister, if you want happiness, you must walk right.

II. TO BE HAPPY WE MUST TALK RIGHT

1 Kings 3:10 says “And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.” Can you say right now that your speech pleases God? I can’t help but think how the little Sunbeam sing “Be careful little tongue what you say.” My friends, one day we will give account to God for everything we do and say, and I want my speech to be pleasing to Him daily. Sometimes it is hard to talk right; what I mean is to speak the truth (even preaching). God commands the preacher to lift up his voice like a trumphet. Listen to Isaiah 58:1 “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumphet, and shew my people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins.” God tells us to preach Hell hot and heaven sweet, and I am going to obey Him and preach it gun barrel straight. Have you ever heard a preacher preach a good sermon and then apologize for it? I have, and God have mercy. You listen to me, a preacher who is afraid of the deacons of his church needs to check on his calling again. Now don’t get me wrong because I love my deacons. They are real clean, dedicated, consecrated men of God, but I don’t get my orders from them, and they know better than to try and give any. I may not know many scriptures, but there is one that I believe I understand thoroughly, and it is found in Acts 5:29b “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Now I know it has come to the time when people don’t want the truth. People don’t want toi hear right things. Listen to Isaiah 30:10b “Prophesy (preach) not unto right things, speak unto us smooth things.” I heard of a preacher who was preaching and the people got mad at him, and he yelled out at them, “Don’t you want the sincere milk of the word?” One Woman yelled back and said, “Yes Sir, but we wants it condensed.” My brother, my sister, I fully made up my mind when God called me to preach not to be a compromising preacher, and I don’t intend to change. I had rather die than to be a soft-soaping, compromising, dishonest, half-hearted, lukewarm, ear-tickling, back-scratching, toe-tipping, please-them-all, easy-going, beat-the-bush, miss-the-mark, side-tracking preacher. I am so glad, praise God, that He called me to preach and not to please, I don’t know what to do. I fell like shouting, “Hallelujah, praise His wonderful name,” from every housetop. I am so glad I am on God’s side so I can talk right and not be afraid. Everybody looks alike to me at home or away while I am preaching. I don’t care how rich, how poor, educated, uneducated, cultured, uncultured, talented, untalented, sophisticated or unsophisticated, they get the truth. I know by experience that some can’t take the plain, clear cut, straight-forward, soul-piercing Word of God. I heard someone say we should preach to make people mad, sad, and glad. I like that. Amen! I know when preachers begin to tell the truth and tell it right, people run off and get mad because the preacher didn’t dance to their little jig. So many churches are run by clicks and clans. “When I want to know how they are getting along, I just ask them, “How are you clicking and clanning nowadays?” Yes, we must talk right, if we are to be happy.

III. TO BE HAPPY WE MUST GIVE RIGHT

MalachI 3:10 “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” God has never asked anything of us that He didn’t promise us a great blessing. My friends, God cannot lie. Now listen to Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 16:1a “Now concerning the collection.” I want you to notice in verse two “Upon the first day of the week (Sunday), let everyone of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him.” We should all tithe our income, and bring it to the storehouse (local church) where it belongs. There was a soldier in World War II whose arms were shot off. Someone asked him if he lost them in the war. His answer was, “No, I gave them.” My friends, are you willing to give right, the things that belong to God, as this soldier was willing to give for his country?”

IV. TO BE HAPPY WE MUST LIVE RIGHT

Titus 2:11-15 says “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and world lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” It is essential for us as Christians to walk right. Some people may never read the Bible according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, but they will read it according to you. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” (II Corinthians 5:10) I heard a preacher say one time, “If you want to hear the Pearly Gates click behind your heels, you better live right. Are you looking for the “Blessed Hope?” God said in III John 1:4 “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” If you want to please the Lord, you must walk right, talk, right, give right and live right. You cannot be happy until you turn everything over to Him. Come now.

CREMATION: WHAT DOES GOD THINK?

2008-01-09T12:37:00.000Z

In a book on the subject of Christian funerals, a writer gives the following advice regarding cremation:"

Personally, the minister may or may not approve of such proceedings. Privately, he is free to hold any opinion that he will. But officially he should keep an open mind. In the Christian religion there is nothing that frowns upon cremation or requires burial."

Is this sound advice? Is cremation a matter of Christian liberty? In certain places land space is so crowded that burial plots are very expensive and in some cases there are efforts by the governments to discourage burial in preference to cremation. That this problem has become acute in Singapore is referred to in the following official statement made by the Bible Presbyterian Church of Singapore in May, 1987--"

1. There is an increasing number of cremations in Singapore even amongst Christians. 2. It is quite evident that our Government favours cremation by improving the facilities of the existing crematoria and columbaria, and by increasing the cost of burial while keeping down the cost of cremation. 3. Some non-Bible Presbyterian pastor have spoken and written in favour of cremation and have officiated at cremations while some non-Bible Presbyterian churches have even built columbaria. 4. Those who favour cremation claim it is more hygienic, cleaner and cheaper. 5. They see cremation as a convenient form of disposal of the dead. 6. Cremation does away with burial plots that need to be upkept and falls in line with our Government's stress on strategic land use" (Far Eastern Beacon, July 1987, p. 4).

In light of this situation, the Bible Presbyterian Church of Singapore has taken a clear and commendable stand for the Word of God and against the practice of cremation. We have included their statement on this issue in the back of this booklet.

CREMATION INCREASING IN NORTH AMERICA

The number of cremations in North America is increasing dramatically. In 1975, only 6% of the people who died were cremated. By 2005 this had increased to 32% overall. In Hawaii, the percentage of dead that are cremated is 66%, Washington 64%, Nevada 65%, Arizona 59%, Oregon 63.7%, Montana 59%, Alaska 58%, Colorado 56%, Maine 53%, California 52%, Florida 51%, Wyoming 46%. (The states with the least percentage of cremations per death are Alabama at 9.5%, Mississippi and Tennessee 10%, Kentucky 12%, Louisiana 15%, South Dakota 16%.)

The 2005 statistics for Canada are as follows: British Columbia 79%, New Brunswick 61%, Alberta 59%, Manitoba 53%, Nova Scotia 50%, Quebec 47%, Ontario 47%, and Saskatchewan 46%.According to the cover story in the December 5, 1995, issue of USA Today, the rising acceptance of cremation has coincided with a drop in "religious barriers to cremation." It is interesting that this secular newspaper noticed the connection between religion and cremation. The disposal of the body after death is a religious matter. One's beliefs will determine such choices. Historically, burial has been a testimony of faith in the bodily resurrection. Historically, cremation has been practiced among those, such as Hindus, who deny the bodily resurrection and who believe in reincarnation. Historically, wherever the Gospel of Jesus Christ has found acceptance, pagan practices such as cremation have been rejected. The increase in cremation in North American society has paralleled the wholesale rejection of the Bible in this same society. As paganism increases its steely hold on American and Canadian hearts, cremation becomes increasingly popular.

THE METHOD OF CREMATION IN THE WEST

The following is excerpted from USA Today, December 5, 1995:"The three-hour process of burning a body and grinding it to small fragments often takes place away from loved ones' eyes. The body, usually dressed but stripped of all jewelry, slides into "retort"--a brick-lined oven that looks like a big bread oven."

Pacemakers are removed because their batteries can explode at high temperatures. Silicone breast implants, which can't be removed, are creating problems for crematory operators who say remains often stick to the melting silicone."

The gas or oil-fired ovens are heated to about 1,700 degrees. Although often called ashes, the remains are actually bone fragments. These are swept with a giant hoe-like scraper from the bottom of the retort and put in a container to cool down. Any large debris, such as dental crowns or hip prostheses, is removed."

Everything is then ground to granule-sized pieces. The whole process takes about three hours. The result is about six pounds of remains compact enough to fit in a shoe box."For the following reasons, we are convinced that the practice of cremation should be rejected by God's people:

CREMATION HAS A HEATHEN ORIGIN AND PURPOSE

Cremation, as just described and as practiced today in the more technically advanced nations, no longer has the physical ghastliness associated with cremations performed in the less developed parts of the world. The modern method, as we have seen, incorporates the use of an exceedingly hot incinerator which reduces the body to ashes quickly, and the entire process is done out of the view of loved ones and the public.

Not so in places like South Asia, where we lived and served Christ for ten years. It would seem that any Christian who could stand beside the "holy" River Bagmati in Kathmandu, Nepal, and observe the burning of the body of a Hindu and the heathen death rituals, would cast aside in repulsion every thought of cremation being an acceptable Christian practice.

A few years ago I stood three or so feet from a burning corpse with a missionary pastor from Singapore and his wife who were visiting us. The head was already burnt beyond recognition and the skull was split open due to internal expansion from the heat of the fire. The lower legs and feet were unscorched, as they were protruding from the pile of burning wood and stubble upon which the man's body lay. The professional Hindu burners were poking the body from time to time to keep the members in the fire and adding stubble and wood as needed. The bones were contracting and popping; the bodily organs were frying and the juices sizzling in the intense heat.

My wife, a nurse with experience working with lepers in a hospital in a very remote part of Asia and in an intensive care ward in the United States, stood with another friend observing the ghastly sight from a distance, unwilling to come closer.

The air for a hundred yards or more was filled with the unmistakable, stomach-turning stench of burning human flesh. When the fire had burnt most of the body, the ashes and remaining members were shoved into the river.This is cremation as has been practiced by heathen religions for centuries, but without the sanitization adopted in more technically advanced areas.

Would you treat your loved ones so? Is this an acceptable Christian practice? No sir, cremation is a heathen practice. It is of heathen origin and serves heathen purposes. Why do the Hindus and those of other heathen religions cremate? It has a connection with their belief in reincarnation.

There is nothing Christian about cremation. We were standing that day, as I have many other times, observing cremation in the surroundings from which the practice arose--idolatrous, Christless heathenism.

GOD'S PEOPLE HAVE ALWAYS PRACTICED BURIAL

At the outset let me answer an objection sometimes made at this point. The objection is, "Yes, God's people in the Bible practiced burial. The example is clearly there. But are we bound to follow these examples; they are not direct commands?" The answer is given in Romans 15:4. "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning ..." And again in 1 Corinthians 10:11 we read, "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." In these passages God is telling us that we are to follow the Bible's examples as well as its direct instructions.

Following are just a few examples.

Abraham was buried (Genesis 25:8-10)
Sarah was buried (Genesis 23:1-4)
Rachel was buried (Genesis 35:19-20)
Isaac was buried (Genesis 35:29)
Jacob was buried (Genesis 49:33; 50:1-13)
Joseph was buried (Genesis 50:26)
Joshua was buried (Joshua 24:29-30)
Eleazar was buried (Joshua 24:33)
Samuel was buried (1 Samuel 25:1)
David was buried (1 Kings 2:10)
John the Baptist was buried (Matthew 14:10-12)
Ananias and Sapphira were buried (Acts 5:5-10)
Stephen was buried (Acts 8:2)

EVEN WHEN BURIAL WAS DIFFICULT

Even in difficult circumstances God's people in olden days practiced burial. For example, Joseph's body was kept for over 400 years in Egypt and then carried through the 40 years of wilderness wanderings before being buried in Palestine, the Promised Land. We read of this in Genesis 50:24-25; Exodus 13:19 and Joshua 24:32.

How much simpler it would have been for the Israelites to have cremated Joseph, then carried his ashes with them in a tiny container! But this they refused to do. Joseph, a follower of the one true God, a man who looked forward to the bodily resurrection, was given an honorable burial. From this important example, we learn that even if cremation is less expensive or easier than burial, it is still to be rejected, as the Israelites rejected the economical and simpler way to carry Joseph to the Promised Land.

BURIAL LOOKS FORWARD TO RESURRECTION

"For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body" (Rom.8:22-23). See also 1 Cor. 15:20-23; 2 Cor. 5:1 and 1 Cor. 15:51-57.

The reason God's people have always been careful to practice burial is not difficult to understand. We believe in a bodily resurrection. Yes, the buried body will decompose in time. Yes, there are occasions in which Christians die in ways which render burial impossible--in the sinking of ships, in house fires, etc. But when at all possible we bury. Why the trouble? Because it is our certain hope that the same individual will be raised in the same body, only changed.

The physical body is called the seed for the resurrection body. When planted, a seed decomposes, and the new plant comes forth. The Bible uses this to illustrate resurrection."

But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain; But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. ... So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power; It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body" 1 Cor. 15:35-44

Notice that the Apostle answers those who would ask how it is possible for God to raise again a decomposed body. The terminology used by the Holy Spirit in this passage is that of husbandry--planting seed. The farmer does not destroy his seed; he plants it, then from the decaying seed comes forth the new life. Such is burial and the resurrection. When we bury a Christian loved one, we are planting the seed for the resurrection body! It is a powerful testimony of our unwavering faith in God's Word regarding the promise of bodily resurrection.

Contrast heathenism. They have no such knowledge or hope. The Hindus and Buddhists, for example, believe in reincarnation. Yes, they believe in a human soul which is distinct from the body. But they do not believe that soul, once departed from the body at death, will be resurrected in any relation whatsoever to the first body. Rather they believe the soul will be reincarnated in another entirely unrelated body, or into a non-physical sphere of existence.

Were those who were buried in Old Testament times buried with a knowledge of resurrection? Yes, God's people have had some knowledge of a bodily resurrection from the earliest days. The book of Job is commonly considered to be the oldest book in the Bible. There is no mention in the book of Job concerning Israel, or Jerusalem, or Palestine, the temple or the Jewish kingdom, and it is most likely that Job was a God-fearing man who lived in the days prior to Abraham. Yet we see in Job 19:25-27 that this ancient man of God had thorough knowledge of the bodily resurrection."

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me."

God's people have always buried their dead with this magnificent hope burning in their hearts. "We will see that brother or sister again in that same body, only changed, glorified!" Hallelujah! Only through the death and shed blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ can we have this certain hope. He has taken upon Himself on the cross the punishment for our sins, carried our sins into the grave, and rose again in eternal triumph three days later. When an individual thoroughly acknowledges his sinfulness before God, repents (changes his mind about and desires to turn from his sinful, self-willful life) and receives Jesus Christ as his or her Lord and Savior, the sin debt is paid, and eternal life and glory is promised from God the Father. Part of this heritage in Christ is the glorified resurrection body.

GOD PRACTICES BURIAL

Another reason I believe burial is the will of God for His people is seen in the fact that God Himself buried Moses: "So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day" (Deuteronomy 34:5,6).

CREMATION IS A SIGN OF GOD'S CURSE

Throughout the Bible the destruction of a human body or of an object by fire is used as a sign of divine wrath.

Consider with me some examples:The example of Sodom and Gomorrah (2 Peter 2:6)
The example of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1,2)
The example of the men who rebelled with Korah (Numbers 16:35)
The example of idols (Exodus 32:20; Deut. 7:25; 2 Kings 10:26; 1 Chron. 14:12)
The example of magic books (Acts 19:18-19)
The example of unsaved cast into the lake of fire for eternal punishment (Revelation 20:15)

FOR A PERSON NOT TO HAVE A PROPER BURIAL WAS CONSIDERED A DISHONOR

A key example of this is Jezebel who, because of her wickedness, was eaten of dogs (1 Kings 21:23-24). Again, we read of the Midianites "which perished at Endor: they became as dung for the earth" (Psalm 83:9-10). Shall we dishonor our loved ones by failing to give them a proper Christian burial?

THE CHRISTIAN'S BODY BELONGS TO GOD; IT IS NOT OURS TO DESTROY BY FIRE OR BY ANY OTHER MEANS

"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" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

When something does not belong to me, but is only borrowed from its rightful owner, I certainly have no right to destroy it. If the master destroys his own possession, that is his prerogative, but such does not belong with the borrower. This is true of death and the Christian's body. The body is not ours to desecrate or destroy. If God chooses to allow a Christian to die in a house fire, that is His prerogative. But the Christian himself has no such freedom to chose to destroy his own body. And Romans 14:8 reminds us that this is true both in life and in death! "... whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's."

GOD HAS PLAINLY CALLED CREMATION WICKEDNESS

"Thus saith the Lord; For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime" (Amos 2:1).

THE LORD JESUS WAS BURIED, AND HE IS OUR GREAT EXAMPLE

"Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. ... There laid they Jesus therefore. ..." (John 19:38-42)

Just as the Lord Jesus Christ was buried in certainty that He would rise again on the third day according to the Scriptures, even so is the Christian said to rest at death. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, as the Apostle Paul testified (2 Cor. 5:9 and Phil. 1:21-23). The body without the spirit is dead (James 2:26). The dead body sleeps in the grave while the redeemed soul waits in glory for the great resurrection day.

In light of the above Bible facts, the statement, "In the Christian religion there is nothing that frowns upon cremation or requires burial," proves to be untrue. Of course we cannot force people either to bury or not to bury. And we know that the manner of one's burial does not affect his resurrection.

But we do believe these things are important, and we are convinced that Christian leaders and God's people should patiently share these truths in the churches and with friends. In these days of widespread apostasy and doctrinal confusion a clear voice in all matters of Bible teacher is urgently needed.

Isn't it wonderful that in Christ Jesus the sting of death has been removed! We no longer must live in fear of death, but in hope of the dawning of that Perfect Day! Let this be the Christian's testimony: If I die before Christ returns, lay my body to rest in quiet sleep to await that Day. Please don't treat me as the heathen treat their loved ones.

WHAT IF MY LOVED ONE ALREADY HAS BEEN CREMATED?

Many sincere Christians have approached me after reading this book or after merely seeing the title of the cover, and have expressed deep concern about the status of their loved ones who have already been cremated.

I always remind these friends that the way the body is disposed of has no eternal consequences. While I strongly believe cremation is contrary to Scripture and is therefore not something a Christian should do, the most important question is whether or not the deceased had trusted Jesus Christ as his or her Savior, whether or not that one had been born again.

The question of whether someone is buried or cremated is a decision which primarily affects the living rather than the dead. Burial witnesses to our faith in the bodily resurrection, but the witness is to the living. Burial honors the body of the deceased, but this honor, again, is something which relates largely to the living who witness the burial, because the soul of the deceased has already departed.The soul of the saved person goes to be with Christ immediately upon death (Phil. 1:23; 2 Cor. 5:8; 2 Tim. 4:6; Lk. 23:43).

The soul of the lost man or woman descends to hell immediately upon death (Lk. 16:22-23; Rev. 20:13). That which is done to the body after death does not affect the soul's condition nor the future resurrection.

Thus, if a loved one has been cremated, it's not something to fret about. It is over and done with and has no eternal consequences. If that loved one was saved through the blood of Jesus Christ, the fact that he was cremated certainly didn't keep him out of heaven!

A similar situation arises with those Christians who have loved ones who have determined to be cremated. Many in such a situation have asked me what they should do about this matter. An example would be a wife whose unsaved husband wants to be cremated. Another example is a son or daughter whose parent wants to be cremated.

The only thing that can be done is to try to explain with that loved one the things we have shared in this study. We have seen many Christians change their mind about cremation after reading this booklet. Again, the most important issue is whether or not that loved one is born again and is ready to meet God. Sometimes the very discussion of this topic can offer an opportunity to share the Gospel. One man who was dying in a hospital was saved after his sister read this booklet to him and discussed his need to be saved.

May the Lord encourage your heart and give you wisdom in dealing with these sensitive but crucial subjects with your loved ones.

By Dr. David Cloud

The New Internationa PER-Version!

2008-01-07T00:57:00.000Z

". . . ye have PERVERTED the words of the living God. . ."Jeremiah 23:36

This generation has a hunger for perversion. What was perversion just a few years ago, is now "normal". What was "hiding" in the closet is now "parading" in our streets. Perversion has found a welcome home - from the living room, to the White House; from our churches - to even the word of God!

Our friend Webster, defines "pervert" as 1. to cause to turn aside or away from what is good or true... 2. to twist the meaning or sense of: misinterpret (Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, 1977, p.856).

A perfect definition of The New International Version (NIV): "to cause to turn aside or away from what is good or true" and "to twist the meaning or sense of". If you doubt that, before you start reading this tract - get the NIV and check it as you read this.

The NIV perverts the deity of Jesus Christ!

I TIMOTHY 3:16: The clearest verse in the Bible proclaiming that Jesus Christ was God. The King James Bible (KJB) reads, "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: GOD WAS MANIFEST IN THE FLESH. . ." The King James says, plainly, "GOD was manifest in the flesh". The NIV reads, "HE appeared in a body". The NIV "twists" "GOD" to "HE". "HE appeared in a body"? So What? Everyone has "appeared in a body"! "He" is a pronoun that refers to a noun or antecedent. There is no antecedent in the context! The statement does NOT make sense! The NIV subtilty (see Genesis 3:1) perverts I Timothy 3:16 into utter nonsense!
PHILIPPIANS 2:6: The KJB again, clearly declares the deity of Jesus Christ: "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery TO BE EQUAL WITH GOD" The NIV reads, "Who, being in very nature God, DID NOT CONSIDER EQUALITY WITH GOD something to be grasped,". T

he NIV again subtitly perverts the deity of Jesus Christ!
The NIV perverts the virgin birth!

LUKE 2:33: The King James Bible reads, "And JOSEPH and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him." The NIV reads, "The CHILD'S FATHER and mother marveled at what was said about him." The "CHILD'S FATHER"? Was Joseph Jesus's father? Not if you believe the virgin birth! Not if you believe John 3:16, that Jesus Christ was the Son of God! A subtil, "perversion" of the virgin birth. See also Luke 2:43.

The NIV removes the blood of Jesus Christ!

COLOSSIANS 1:14: The KJB reads, "In whom we have redemption THROUGH HIS BLOOD, even the forgiveness of sins:" The NIV reads, "In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." The NIV rips out the precious words "THROUGH HIS BLOOD"! Friend, redemption is ONLY "THROUGH HIS BLOOD". Hebrews 9:22, reads, ". . . without shedding of BLOOD is no remission." That old song says, "What can wash away my sins, NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS!"

The NIV perverts John 3:16 into a LIE!

JOHN 3:16: The NIV reads, "For God so loved the world that he gave his ONE AND ONLY SON, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" Jesus was NOT "the one and only son" - Adam is called the "son of God" in Luke 3:38, there are "sons of God" in Job 1:6 and Christians are called "sons of God" in Phil 2:15, I John 3:2- but Jesus was the "ONLY BEGOTTEN SON"! By removing the critical word "BEGOTTEN" - The NIV perverts John 3:16 into a LIE! The NIV does the same in John 1:14, 1:18, and 3:18.

The NIV perverts TRUTH into LIES!

The NIV perverts Mark 1:2,3 into a LIE! The NIV reads "It is written in Isaiah the prophet: I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way-a voice of one calling in the desert, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him." It is NOT written in Isaiah! "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way" - is found in Malachi 3:1! The King James correctly reads: "As it is written in the PROPHETS, . . ." A better translation! Easier to read - BY A LIE!

Psalms 119:160 says, "Thy word is TRUE. . ." John 17:17 says, ". . . thy word is TRUTH." Titus 1:2 clearly says, ". . . God that CANNOT LIE" How could the God of Titus 1:2 be the God of Mark 1:2,3 in the NIV!? IT IS IMPOSSIBLE! For Hebrews 6:18 clearly declares, ". . . it was IMPOSSIBLE for God to LIE" It is impossible for the LIES in the NIV to be the words of GOD! Whose words are they? I'll give you a hint - Jesus Christ calls him "A LIAR, and the father of it" in John 8:44!

The NIV again openly LIES in 2 Samuel 21:19, ". . . Elhanan son of Jaare-Oregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite, who had a spear with a shaft like a weaver's rod." What 8-year-old doesn't know that David killed Goliath?

Romans 1:18-32 describes the "path to perversion" and verse 25, describes their decline, "Who changed the TRUTH of God into a LIE. . ."! Not surprisingly, The NIV perverts Romans 1:25 from "CHANGED the truth of God INTO a lie" to "EXCHANGED the truth of God FOR a lie"!
The NIV and sexual perversion!

Romans 1:26-32 also shows the "fruits" of "sowing" ". . . the TRUTH of God into a LIE. . ." Verses 26-27 says "FOR THIS CAUSE (vs 25 for "changing the TRUTH of God into a LIE") God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, . . ."
The last few years homosexuality and sexual perversion have "exploded" into the mainstream. Legislation is now pending making same-sex marriages legal. Books such as Heather Has Two Mommies and Daddy's Roommate, promoting homosexuality, are in our schools. According to The Washington Post, bisexuality and homosexuality, are the "in thing" in our public schools. And even churches are now welcoming homosexuals and are even ordaining them in the ministry!

A literary critic on the NIV translation was homosexual author Dr. Virginia Mollenkott. In Episcopal, Witness (June 1991, pp. 20-23), she admits, "My lesbianism has ALWAYS been a part of me. . ." To no surprise, "sodomite" is completely removed from the NIV. (Deut. 23:17, I Kings 14:24, 15:12, 22:46, II Kings 23:7) And of course, I Cor. 6:9, ". . . effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind. . ." is replaced with the non-offensive ". . . nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders. . ." Notice the NIV in I Cor. 6:9 does NOT condemn "homosexuals" or the "act of homosexuality" - but ONLY "homosexual OFFENDERS".

The NIV & Zondervan A little known fact: In 1988 Zondervan and the NIV was purchased by Harper & Row, Publishers (now HarperCollins Publishers). HarperCollins publishes "pro-homosexual" books such as Making Out, The Book of Lesbian Sex and Sexuality described as "Beautifully illustrated with full-color photography,. . . Making Out is the complete illustrated guide to lesbian sexuality and relationships. . .the intricacies of love play. . ." and many other pro-homosexual books!

HarperCollins is a subsidiary of the global media empire, The News Corporation, owned by Rupert Murdock. The News Corporation empire include Fox Broadcasting, Twentieth Century Fox, and more than 128 newspapers. Fox Broadcasting produces some of the most sexually lewd shows on television. Murdock also publishes the British newspaper, the Sun, notorious for its nude pin-ups.

Now where is Don Wildmon when we really need him? Don was quick to boycott Kmart because subsidiary, Waldenbooks sold Playboy and Penthouse. Kmart can't "hold a candle" to the "filth" spewed by The News Corporation. Why isn't Don boycotting Zondervan and the NIV? Friend, every time you purchase the NIV you are giving to people who produce pro-homosexuality, and pornographic material. "Can two walk together, except they be AGREED?" Amos 3:3

Jesus Christ plainly said in Matthew 7:17-18: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. (Matthew 7:17-18)Do you think Jesus Christ was LIEING?

Do you really believe God would ALLOW His HOLY word to be "owned" by that group? ". . .for what fellowship hath RIGHTEOUSNESS with UNRIGHTEOUSNESS? and what communion hath light with darkness?"2 Cor. 6:14

Being born again, not of CORRUPTIBLE seed, but of INCORRUPTIBLE, by the WORD OF GOD, which liveth and abideth for ever. (1 Peter 1:23)

Isn't it EQUALLY amazing that the King James Bible is the ONLY Bible that is not OWNED by men?That's right! The King James Bible has no COPYRIGHT ownership! It's copyright is the CROWN COPYRIGHT which ALLOWS it to be published by ANYONE, ANYTIME! Without asking ANYBODY for permission!". . .but the word of God is NOT BOUND." 2 Timothy 2:9
The NIV robs Jesus Christ of worship!

In Matt. 8:2, 9:18, 15:25, 18:26, 20:20, Mark 5:6, 15:19 "worshipped him" is removed in the NIV! Why doesn't the NIV want Jesus Christ to be worshipped? Hint: see Luke 4:7, Matt. 4:9.
The NIV perverts Jesus Christ into Lucifer!

Isaiah 14:14 reveals Satan's grandest desire, "I will be like the most High." And with a little subtil perversion - the NIV in Isaiah 14:12 grants Satan's wish!

ISAIAH 14:12: The KJB reads, "How art thou fallen from heaven, O LUCIFER, son of the morning!. . ." The NIV PERversion reads, "How you have fallen from heaven, O MORNING STAR, son of the dawn. . ." The NIV change "Lucifer" to "MORNING STAR".BUT WAIT. . . I thought the Lord Jesus Christ was the MORNING STAR?Doesn't Revelation 22:16 say, "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and MORNING STAR".The NIV CLEARY AND BLATANTLY makes LUCIFER -- The Lord Jesus Christ! WHAT BLASPHEMY! WHAT PERVERSION! And Christians claim the NIV is a "better translation"!

ISAIAH 14:15: The King James Bible condemns Lucifer to hell: "Yet thou shalt be brought down to HELL . . ." The NIV does NOT condemn Lucifer to HELL! The NIV reads, "But you are brought down to the GRAVE. . ." We all go to the GRAVE! Why doesn't the NIV want Satan in hell?

The NIV removes and perverts the place of hell!

The word "hell" occurs 31 times in the Old Testament in the King James Bible. In the Old Testament of the NIV it occurs - ZERO! The word "hell" is NOT in the Old Testament of the NIV!

And what do they do with "hell"? Take PSALM 9:17 for example: The King James reads, "The wicked shall be turned into HELL. . ." The NIV, reads, "The wicked return to the GRAVE. . ." We ALL "return to the GRAVE"! By removing "hell" the NIV perverts Psalm 9:17 into nonsense!

In the New Testament the NIV zaps out "hell" 9 times. And what "clearer" "easier to understand" word does the NIV "update" hell with? Five times they use - HADES! (Matt 16:18, Rev 1:18, 6:8, 20:13,14) What "common person" understands HADES? Everybody knows what HELL is! Do you know what HADES is? Hades is not always a place of torment or terror. The Assyrian Hades is an abode of blessedness with silver skies called "Happy Fields". In the satanic New Age Movement, Hades is an intermediate state of purification! Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary defines HADES: "the underground abode of the dead in Greek MYTHOLOGY". The NIV perverts your Bible into MYTHOLOGY!

The NIV perverts The Lord's Prayer into The Devil's Prayer!

LUKE 11:2-4: The KJB reads, ". . .Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil." The NIV removes everything that refers to a Holy God in heaven -"WHICH ART IN HEAVEN. . . Thy will be done, AS IN HEAVEN, so in earth. . . but DELIVER US FROM EVIL." Everything that distinguishes God from the Devil is REMOVED! "OUR FATHER" of the NIV is "NOT IN HEAVEN" and "DOES NOT DELIVER FROM EVIL!" I wonder who it could be? (hint: see John 8:44)

The Bible warns against taking away and adding to the words of God!

Deuteronomy 4:2 reads: "YE SHALL NOT ADD unto the word which I command you, NEITHER SHALL YE DIMINISH ought from it . . ."

Proverbs 30:6, reads, "ADD THOU NOT unto his words . . ."

And just in case you missed it, GOD'S LAST WARNING is Revelation 22:18,19, ". . . If any man SHALL ADD unto these things. . . And 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 Jesus Christ, in Luke 8:12, gives a clear aim of Satan, ". . . then cometh the devil, and TAKETH AWAY the word . . ."

The NIV completely "TAKETH AWAY" 17 verses!

Wonderful and precious verses like:MATTHEW 18:11: "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.".ACTS 8:37: "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
The NIV PERversion completely "TAKETH AWAY" Matthew 17:21, 18:11, 23:14, Mark 7:16, 9:44, 9:46, 11:26, 15:28, Luke 17:36, 23:17, John 5:4, Acts 8:37, 15:34, 24:7, 28:28, Romans 16:24 and 1 John 5:7!

After Mark 16:8 the NIV says, "The most reliable early manuscripts and other ancient witnesses do not have Mark 16:9-20." ZAP-There goes another 12 verses! And by the way, that is absolutely untrue! The book, The Last Twelve Verses of the Gospel of Mark, by Dean Burgon contains over 400 pages of documented evidence for Mark 16:9-20, that has never been refuted, nor ever will!

After John 7:52, the NIV, reads, "The earliest and most reliable manuscripts and other ancient witnesses do not have John 7:53-8:11" ZAP-There goes another 12 verses!

Matt. 12:47, 21:44, Luke 22:43 and 22:44 are all removed in the footnotes!

That's 45 complete verses the NIV removes from the text or in the footnotes!

The NIV "TAKETH AWAY" 64,576 words!

Don't look for the "mercyseat" in the NIV - GONE!Don't look for "Jehovah" in the NIV - GONE!Don't look for the "Godhead" in the NIV - GONE!

The NIV removes wonderful Bible "terms" like remission, regeneration, impute, propitiation, new testament and many others!Despite God's clear warnings about "taking away" from His words - the NIV removes 64,576 words! Over 8 percent of God's word is "TAKETH AWAY"!

That equals REMOVING the books of Ruth, Esther, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Lamentations, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Malachi, Colossians, I Thessalonians, II Thessalonians, I Timothy, II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, James, I Peter, II Peter, I John, II John, III John, Jude and more - COMBINED!!! The equivalence of ripping out OVER 30 BOOKS of the Bible!

In case you think it's insignificant words like "thee" and "thou"? The NIV removes major portions of at least 147 verses!

Here's a small (very small) sampling of words removed in the NIV!

Matt. 6:13, "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."Matt. 15:8, "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth"Matt. 19:9, "and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery."Matt. 20:7, "and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive."Matt. 20:16, "for many be called, but few chosen."Matt. 20:22, "and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with"Matt. 25:13, "wherein the Son of Man cometh."Matt. 27:35, "that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet They parted my garments among them and upon my vesture did they cast lots"Mark 6:11, "Verily I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city."Mark 10:21, "take up the cross."Luke 1:28, "blessed art thou among women"Luke 4:4, "but by every word of God"Luke 4:8, "get thee behind me Satan"Luke 4:18, "he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted"Luke 11:2-4, "Our ... which art in ... Thy will be done, as in heaven so in earth... but deliver us from evil"John 1:27, "is preferred before me"John 3:13, "which is in heaven"John 3:15, "should not perish"John 11:41, "from the place where the dead was laid"John 16:16, "because I go to the Father"Acts 10:6, "he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do"Acts 15:18, "Known unto God are all his works"Acts 20:24, "But none of these things move me"Acts 23:9, "let us not fight against God"Rom. 8:1, "who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit"Rom. 13:9, "Thou shalt not bear false witness"I Cor. 6:20, "and in your spirit which are God's"I Cor. 11:24; "Take eat... broken"II Cor. 10:4, "but mighty through God"Gal. 3:1, "that you should not obey the truth"Eph. 5:30, "of his flesh, and of his bones"Phil. 3:16, "let us mind the same thing"I Tim. 6:5, "from such wthdraw thyself"Heb. 7:21, "after the order of Melchisedec"I Pet. 1:22, "through the Spirit"I Pet. 4:14, "on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified"I John 4:3, "Christ is come in the flesh"I John 5:13, "and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God"Rev. 1:11, "I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last"Rev. 5:14, "him that liveth for ever and ever"Rev. 14:5, "before the throne of God"Rev. 21:24, "of them which are saved"

Jesus Christ says, in Luke 4:4, ". . . It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY WORD of God." But not according to the NIV! In fact, the NIV even "TAKETH AWAY" the last half of Luke 4:4 - "BUT BY EVERY WORD OF GOD"! And Jesus Christ was quoting Deuteronomy 8:3 to Satan! Does the NIV PERversion seriously think the Lord Jesus Christ does NOT know Duet. 8:3???

The LIES used to promote the NIV. . .

LIE 1) The NIV "just" updates the "archaic" words and makes it "easier to understand". Nothing is "really changed.

FACT: The NIV denys the deity of Jesus Christ; the virgin birth; glorifies Satan; openly lie; removes 17 complete verses and 64,576 words!

LIE 2) The NIV is easier to read and understand.

FACT: According to a Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level research study, The King James Bible is by far the easiest! Out of 26 different categories - the King James graded easier in a whopping 23! In selected analysis, the KJB average grade level was 5.8 - the NIV was 8.4! (New Age Bible Versions, Riplinger, pp.195-209)
LIE

3) Older and more reliable manuscripts have been discovered since the King James Bible.

FACT: Dr. Sam Gipp writes, "The fact is, that the King James translators had ALL OF THE READINGS available to them that modern critics have available to them today." (The Answer Book, Gipp, p.110) And furthermore, it is a well documented fact that 90 - 95 per cent of all readings agree with the King James Bible!

LIE 4) The NIV is more accurate.FACT: The KJB is a literal word for word translation. When the translators had to add words for sentence structure they are in italics. The NIV uses "dynamic equivalence". Rather than a word for word translation, they add, change and subtract to make the verse say what they "thought" it should! The Preface to the NIV even says, ". . .they have striven for more than a word-for-word translation. . ."

". . . ye have PERVERTED the words of the living God. . ."Jeremiah 23:36

The New InternationalPER-Version!

"The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt KEEP them, O LORD, thou shalt PRESERVE them from this generation FOR EVER." Psalms 12:6, 7

WHICH ROAD WILL YOU TAKE IN 2008?

2008-01-02T09:25:00.000Z

Jeremiah 3: 20 - 21

As we are now encountering a new year we know not all the different changes, heartaches, and directions life may take us in the next 12 months. The road of life is filled with turns and corners that can lead to danger and ruin. Our text reveals the fact that God has charged His people with "perverting their way." The word "way" is where we get our word "road." That is why we use the word "highway" or "wayside" we mean by the side of the road.

God rebukes Israel for getting off track and going down the wrong road for their lives. Getting off course can be a slow action that only shows the danger in the long run. People leave the road working a cell phone instead of driving the car and watching the road before them. It just takes you moving the steering wheel slightly for it to run you into danger down the road.

The Lord is warning Israel not to go to the left or the right, but to stay straight and continue down the right road of life. I wonder as we all face a dangerous intersection of this new year, which road will we take? Oh no, the change may not seem much now, but later on it will run us in a ditch or cost us our lives. May God give all of us the grace to stay on the road that is straight and narrow that leads to life everlasting.

The remaining space will be used to illustrate some different roads people took that has cost them more than they could have ever imagined.

1. DEFILEMENT
(Psalms 1:6)

The way of the ungodly shall perish. There is a road you can take that will lead you into the dark pits of ungodliness. I wonder how many young people will start smoking this year? Rebel against parents? Run away from home? Experience sex before marriage? Drop out of school? Start gambling? Drink their first beer? Indulge in drugs? Get hooked on porn? Or even murder someone? Yes all of this list and much more can happen to any of us this year if you decide to take the wrong road of life.

Untold numbers of people carry the scares and marks of an uncontrolled life. Sin and corruption now have total leadership over every area of their lives. They function in bondage and slavery to the experiences of the flesh. The world has made them perform in a way they never dreamed they would every live. Failure and spiritual sickness influences every thought and goal. What a sad way to conclude life, being a puppet for the wages of sin. I wonder how many people will read this article and will not even be serving God at all this time next year?

2. DECEPTION
(Proverbs 14:12)

A way that seemeth right to a man. That means that there are people that have ways that are not right, but they have deceived themselves into thinking it is a proper mind set. False doctrine and fleshly leadership has manifested this truth ever so much in the last generation of time. Cults and religions have come up everywhere as a result of spiritual deception. We must make sure that everything we believe and promote is straight from God's Word. The sayings of man and convictions of leaders has smoked out the true Bible doctrines that are to be taught and preached.

I have been amazed, yet very vocal, about this very matter happening in our movement. I have seen "man worship" and praises from seducing spirits promoted and enjoyed by pastor's to the point of making me sick to my stomach. Upon questioning such actions I was considered a threat to their cause and I remain that way until this day. But, I have also watched many of them run off with the same women that was praising them. I have seen the work of God turned into a cult ever so slow but sure. Wake up people of God to the reality that truth is with God's Word and nothing else.

3. DEATH
(Matthew 7:13)

Broad way that leads to destruction. When people feel "free" because they have left the right road they know not that many of them has signed their own death notice to eternity. This is the part of the journey the Devil hates for people to reason within themselves. The high cost of rebellion and disobedience to God's will and His Word. This is not a threat nor a scare effort. I need not resort to such actions, but the truth remains that taking the wrong road will lead to much suffering and damage. Some will live long enough to return, but only to be handicapped and crippled for the rest of their lives. Most will die in ruins of regret and pain. The pay day for sin has always been death for the unpaid balance of fleshly desires.

How many untold number of graves could declare the truth to this dead end road of life? Yet some reading this article today will venture into that area before the next new years day! I would reconsider the price on not only my life, but the others it will affect as well.

4. WHY NOT TAKE THE ROAD TO DEVELOPMENT?
(I Samuel 12:23) The good and right way.

This refers to the road of growing, because you have a desire to do right. Responding to God's Word as it deals with your heart and grooms your life to be more like Jesus. Not becoming a robot to the will of man, but a tool in the hands of God. We are encouraged to grow in the grace of God. Why don't we all make this year a year to let the life of God grow and guide every area of us from the inside out! When my boys were growing up they like to mark their height from one year to the next on a post. Each year they could witness their growth by the post. Lets all mark where we are with God today and see how much we can grow in the next 12 moths of time. I don't ever want to stop maturing in the things of our Lord. I want to reach out to higher ground to have a closer walk with God in my personal life.

5. WHY NOT THE ROAD TO DEDICATION?
(Isaiah 35:8) The way of holiness.

What ever happened to old fashion down to earth clean living? The right road is a road of holiness and dedication unto The Lord. Holiness is not just separating from, but it involves separating unto as well. We are to be free and clean from the world so that we can be filled and used by The Lord. We should be trusted, focused, clean, above reproach, blameless, honest, of good report, and Christ like.

Dedication is not easy and it leads to a lonely life much of the time. But, God will fill those times with His presence and power to give you grace to continue in His will.

The church has become so worldly and the world has become so churchy that it is hard to tell the difference between the two. Christians should be bold and glad to be different than the world and it's system. But, we have become shy and afraid because of our lack of the power of God in our lives. Holy Ghost filled people are bold people. We dare not be ashamed of our faith and our walk with God. It is an honor and joy to follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

CONCLUSION:

God said in (Isaiah 55:7) Let the wicked forsake his way.

To get on the right path of life a sinner must be willing to repent. He must turn from the direction he is going and turn to the direction God has laid out for us to travel. Jesus said it is the straight and narrow that leads to life everlasting. Mans will must be changed by the power of God to give him the desire and strength to overcome the world, flesh, and the Devil and turn to God. There might be one today reading this article and you understanding the road you are on is a dead street that will drop you off into the pit of hell. Turn to God and call upon Jesus Christ to save you. Christ paid the debt to God that will permit you to obtain the right road that leads to eternal life. Call upon Him while He is near, seek Him while He may be found. If you witness a desire to get right with God more than anything else in the world respond to that call with faith and willingness to obey God's Word to the saving of your never dying soul.

By Dr. Phil Kidd

Jesus Is Greater Than Santa Claus

2007-12-18T12:44:00.000Z

Santa lives at the North Pole.

JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh.

JESUS rides on the windand walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year.

JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies.

JESUS supplies all your needs.

You have to wait in line to see Santa.

JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap.

JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name,all he can say is

"Hi, little boy or girl, what's your name?"

JESUS knew our name before we did.

Not only does He know our name,He knows our address, too.

He knows our history and futureand

He even knows how manyhairs are on our head.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly.

JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO, HO, HO. JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry".

JESUS says "Cast all your careson me for I care for you."

Santa's little helpers make toys.

JESUS makes new life,mends wounded hearts,

repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle, but

JESUS gives you a joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree,

JESUS became our gift and died on the tree. I

ts obvious there is really no comparison! Jesus is still the reason for the season.

Yes, Jesus is better,he is even better than Santa Claus.

Written By Rev. James Spellman of Ohio

Teaching children modesty

2007-12-15T13:28:00.000Z

Think your children are too young to learn modesty and respect? You might think again. Most parents work with their children at a young age teaching them to respect others. Teaching modesty and self-respect should happen at very young age.

When children wanted to know why the door was closed gong to the bathroom, Tell them that I needed my privacy. Soon, as they were potty training, they too wanted their privacy. I have always been modest about dressing in front of my children. Your children should see you fully clothed at all times. I began to let out a little "Ah!" when they opened the door when I was dressing. Soon they too wanted privacy. The issue was never pushed in our home, only modeled.

Your children should never wonder around in their underwear. My wife and I don't wonder around outside our bedroom without clothing. When someone comes to the door, I might say, "Hurry up and get some clothes on. So early on, our children have an awareness of their body and clothing.

We need a generation of people teaching our families regarding modesty from the day they we're born. If dressing modesty is right they should be taught from the day they are born.

Santa Claus Vs Satan's Cause

2007-12-10T23:34:00.000Z

The modern-day Santa Claus is an American version of Saint Nicholas, a fourth century Roman Catholic bishop from Asia Minor who was noted for his good deeds and gift giving. This tradition first spread throughout Europe, and then found its way to America by the early Dutch settlers.
Since God's word warns us to BEWARE of tradition (Col. 2:8), we shouldn't be surprised to find the Devil right in the middle of the world's most celebrated holiday. Lucifer's desire has always been to dethrone God and exalt himself (Isa. 14:12-15). He desires worship (Luke 4:7; II Ths. 2:3-4). Perhaps you've never thought of it, but please note how Satan robs the Lord Jesus Christ of His glory by spreading the Santa Claus tradition...

SANTA IS ETERNAL A child knows nothing of his beginning. To a child, Santa has just always "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." (Rev. 1:8)
JESUS CHRIST IS ETERNAL

SANTA LIVES IN THE NORTH Tradition holds that Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, a place ABOVE the rest of us.
JESUS CHRIST LIVES IN THE NORTH"Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King." (Psa. 48:2)

SANTA WEARS RED CLOTHING Santa wears a red furry suit.
JESUS CHRIST WEARS RED CLOTHING"And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God." (Rev. 19:13)

SANTA HAS WHITE HAIR Santa is always pictured as an old man with white hair like wool.
JESUS CHRIST HAS WHITE HAIR"His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;" (Rev. 1:14)

SANTA FLIES AROUND GIVING GIFTS Santa has the ability to defy the laws of gravity and fly around giving gifts to people.
JESUS CHRIST ASCENDED AND GAVE GIFTS UNTO MEN"But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." (Eph. 4:7-8)

SANTA IS COMING SOON During the Christmas season it is emphasized over and over that "Santa is coming".
JESUS CHRIST IS COMING SOON"He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." (Rev. 22:20)

SANTA IS OMNISCIENT Children are taught that Santa "knows when you've been good, and he knows when you've been bad".
JESUS CHRIST IS OMNISCIENT"The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good." (Pro. 15:3) "And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?" (Mat. 9:4)

SANTA IS OMNIPRESENT Santa must be omnipresent, because he has the ability to visit over a billion homes in a twenty-four hour period. That's over 1100 per second!
JESUS CHRIST IS OMNIPRESENT"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Mat. 18:20)

SANTA IS OMNIPOTENT He has the ability to carry presents for over a billion children.
JESUS CHRIST IS OMNIPOTENT"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." (Mat. 28:18)

SANTA HAS SPIRIT HELPERS CALLED ELVES Webster, 1828: "ELF...a spirit, the night-mar; a ghost, hag, witch"
JESUS CHRIST HAS SPIRIT HELPERS CALLED ANGELS"Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him." (Mat. 4:11)

SANTA - SANAT - SATAN?
Sanat Kumara is worshipped by some new age groups as God. H.P. Blavatsky, the mother of the new age movement, said on page 350 of her book, The Secret Doctrine, Vol. 2: "The name isn't important. It is the letters". "Santa" has the same letters as "Satan"! According to G.A. Riplinger, "Ole Nick" is listed as the name of a fallen angel in the Dictionary of Fallen Angels. (New Age Bible Versions, Gail Riplinger, pg. 53)

Friend, don't glorify Satan by giving the glory and attributes of Jesus Christ to Santa Claus! Santa is a COUNTERFEIT GOD, and you are honoring Satan when you teach your children to believe in Santa! Christians should teach their children the TRUTH. We should glorify God by teaching our children about Jesus Christ and His saving grace!

Should Ladies Wear Trousers?

2007-12-10T19:14:00.000Z

Deuteronomy 22:5 says, “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.” The word pertain is defined as “to belong as a part, member, accessory, or product; to be appropriate to something; to have reference to” (Merriam Webster’s 11th Collegiate Dictionary).

The question is, “Do trousers or pants have reference to men, or to women? They have reference to men. Questions like, “Who wears the pants in the family?” has reference to the man and his place of leadership in the home (and to women who try and usurp that authority; hence, they are said to be wearing the pants in the family).

Just go to a public restroom, and see which door has the pants on it, and you will quickly see that even the world knows that pants “pertain” to men. Some women quickly say that they only wear “pants for women.” The problem is that no one can see the TAG on the inside, but only the APPEARANCE on the outside. Can you imagine public restrooms with pants on both doors? Which door would you use? You cannot see the tags on the pants (because they are on the inside). From the outward appearance, there is no way to tell what door is the men’s and what door is the women’s. The result would be CONFUSION. Some would go in the wrong doors, and there would be screams and/or great embarrassment as the result.

It is the hypocritical Pharisees that kept the letter of the Law, but not the true spirit of the Law. The true spirit of the Law here is that there is to be a CLEAR DIFFERENCE in the LOOK of men and women’s CLOTHES. If you are looking close enough to see tags or certain cuts, you are looking too close at the bodies of other people.

God wants a difference in the LOOK of clothing — not just the LABELS. It is the LOOK that causes LUST — not the LABEL. If men and women look similar in the way that they are dressed, then people look over their bodies for the differences in the way that God made men and women to tell which they are — male or female. Those are areas that people should not be staring at, and areas that cause lust.

God has also ordained that there be distinct differences in the length of hair. I Corinthians 11:14,15 says, “Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.”

If men dressed like men, and had short hair like men should have, no one would ever have to look them over to tell what they are — male or female. If women dressed like women should, and had long hair like women should have, then no one would ever have to look them over to tell what they are — male or female. The whole unisex fashion system (same style clothes and hair) is but another subtle work of the devil, and many Christians have fallen for it. Many Christian women have their hair cut short, and dress just like men. Many Christian men have long hair like women, and wear all kinds of feminine jewelry. They are adding to the confusion of this day, and the immoral perversion that is abounding. Remember, you can get mad when someone tells you the truth about dress and hair styles, but one day you will answer to God, and He is the One who had written, “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.”

BEWARE OF "GOLDEN COMPASS

2007-12-01T08:28:00.000Z

The following is excerpted from "The Upside-down World of Pullman's 'Golden Compass,'" Berit Kjos, November 13, 2007: "More than 15 million copies of Philip Pullman's trilogy have been sold. The first movie in the series opens December 7. Flying witches, evil specters, talking bears and evolving 'Dust' abound in The Dark Materials, Philip Pullman's popular fantasy series for children. In this confusing cosmos of multiple universes, humans are linked to personal daemons, and telepathic seekers find answers to life's mysteries through divination, Eastern meditation, ancient 'wisdom' and ritual magic. These occult practices are essential to the battle for the 'free' Republic--against the despised old Church. Lyra, the pre-teen heroine, is a headstrong tomboy raised without parents at an Oxford college in a universe parallel to ours. A proficient liar, she's first seen snooping in a forbidden area with her daemon camouflaged as a moth. From then on, she follows her intuition from one crisis to the next until all remnants of Biblical truth and authority have been destroyed. By the end of the series, God is dead. Free-spirited Lyra (still a 12-year-old) has sexually 'come of age' and fulfilled her prophetic assignments in the war against Christianity. As readers move from book to book, they meet likeable God-haters, experience magical worlds, and discover the strange forces that drive Pullman's occult cosmos. ... Pullman's crafty tale pulls the readers' minds into an occult context where--through their imagination--they experience life from his atheist/occult perspective

What About Divorced Preachers?

2007-11-27T00:14:00.000Z

What does the word of God say about being in the ministry if you have been divorced? Is it all right to be a pastor, evangelist, or missionary if you have been divorced? Do the callings of God change with divorce? What if you were divorced before you were saved . . .? How is a church affected when the pastor, evangelist, or missionary, who preaches the Word of God, remains in the ministry. This is an issue that it will be hard to pump the well dry on, although it is a simple issue muddied by our personal relationships and preconceived ideas. In the hour of decay we are Living in it is very important that we face this important issue.

First, are preachers of the Word of God given qualifications that they must meet in order to remain in the ministry? We know that they are . . . those are given in, I Tim, 3:2-7:
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

These qualifications are given again in Titus 1:7-9, added to the qualifications in Titus are: "not self-willed, not soon angry, a lover of good men, holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers." Let's conclude this first: the office of bishop is important, and the man that holds it must be qualified. Our Constitution gives qualifications for a man to hold the office of president, and the Old Testament gave qualifications for a man to hold the office of priest. Detailed study will reveal the qualifications of a priest were in many ways more stringent than that of a bishop in the New Testament. Please note Leviticus 23: 17-21: 17Whosoever he be of thy seed in their generations that hath any blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God. 18 For whatsoever man he be that hath a blemish, he shall not approach: a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose, or any thing superfluous, 19 or a man that is brokenfooted, or brokenhanded, 20 or crookbackt, or a dwarf, or that hath a blemish in his eye, or be scurvy, or scabbed, or hath his stones broken; 21 no man that hath a blemish of the seed of Aaron the priest shall come nigh to offer the offerings of the Lord made by fire: he hath a blemish; he shall not come nigh to offer the bread of his God. Obviously God is concerned about this most important office and He has always set up qualifications in the Word of God for those who would hold office in his work.

Second, when the qualifications given state, "a bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife . . ." does that mean one wife at a time? If you say it does mean this as A.T. Roberson said, in Word Pictures in The N.T. , then what God is saying is that a bishop cannot be a polygamist. Was polygamy an issue at that time? Detailed study will reveal that it was not. But for the sake of argument let us say it was and this is what is meant. Would this be the only qualification that would disqualify a bishop? I do not think so, note: "blameless . . . one that ruleth well his own house . . . having a good report of them which are without." Is a divorced preacher blameless, did he rule his home well, has his marriage situation caused him to lose a good report of them that are without? The honest answer is yes, and these short-comings will inhibit his ability to preach the full counsel of the Word of God.

Third, Rom. 11:29 says, "for the gifts and calling of God are without repentance." If God's call is not going to change, would a man be disobedient to not answer that call on the basis of divorce? No he would not be disobedient at all, in fact he would be honoring the Word of God by obeying it in its entirety. The statement made is, no matter who you are and how big your ministry is, you are going to obey the Word of God.

Fourth, if you were divorced before you were saved, should that be held against you when considering qualifications to preach? Let me answer that by first saying that we believe God forgives all sins when a person truly repents and asks forgiveness. However, God makes a distinction about marriage, God set marriage up and recognized it as a holy institution whether a couple is saved or lost. If a person says "My divorce did not count because I was not saved at the time," then he must also say "My children conceived previous to salvation were illegitimate and my whole marriage did not exist in the eyes of God." You cannot say your marriage was God-sanctioned and yet did not count in the eyes of God. "What God hath joined together let no man put asunder."

Finally, many say there should be a difference of qualification to be a pastor, a missionary, or an evangelist. Some would never agree to a divorced pastor, but would agree to a divorced missionary or a divorced evangelist. Is this consistent with the Word of God? First let's remember that their are two offices in the church, bishop and deacon. Both of these are given qualifications. The Bible requires that a deacon, according to I Tim. 3:10-12 must be, "10 first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well." How can we conclude that a deacon office-holder, who according to Acts 6:2-3 was created only for the purpose of meeting the daily ministration needs of the church, must be qualified, but an evangelist or a missionary does not have to meet a set of Bible qualifications? The only way is say these are not part of the Bible office of bishop. Some take this position and say evangelists do not oversee in the house of God. We will find though, that Judas in Acts 1:20, fell from his Bishoprick (the same word used in I Tim 3:10), and he never pastored a single church. He was an Apostle, though, and the Word of God says in Ephesians 4:11, "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers." I would conclude these are the office gifts that comprise "bishop," if this be the case then an evangelist and missionary, and a Pastor must all be qualified.

In conclusion, the effects of using double-married preachers will be to lessen the sanctity of marriage, weaken and dilute the office of bishop, and to less-than-honor the Word of God. Will this be just another precept of the Word of God we practice "humanism" with? I hope not.

What does the Bible Teach Regarding GAP Theory

2007-11-14T14:47:00.000Z

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” Gen 1:1-2

Many people believe that there should be a GAP between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2. They believe that the GAP involved a very long period of time – many millions or perhaps even billions of years. Some of the people who believe in this GAP say that there was once a race of men living on earth during this GAP period (some kind of “prehistoric men“). We know that ADAM was not created until the sixth day of Creation (see Genesis 1:26-31). SO: This means that if there were men that lived on earth DURING this GAP, then they must have lived BEFORE Adam! Now even though many people seem to hold to this belief, the Bible doesn’t teach this at all. The Scripture shows us GAPS in the GAP Theory! Let’s see this…
GAP #1: Were there really men living before Adam? Not according to 1 Corinthians 15:45, “And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.”

Now someone can try to make this verse mean something that it doesn’t say…for example: “Yes, Adam is the first man…after the great catastrophe between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2“. But friend - THAT’S NOT WHAT 1 COR 15:45 SAYS! According to the Bible, Adam was the first man on earth!

Gap #2: Was there death before sin entered into the world? If a pre-adamic race existed, they surely weren’t around when God created Adam. This means then that this prehistoric man had to DIE somewhere in the GAP! But death before Adam is Biblically impossible if Bible-logic is to be followed.

Here’s what I mean: The Bible plainly tells us that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). The judgment of death came upon the world as a result of sin - “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). Death could not exist before Adam in the GAP, because it was Adam’s sin that brought forth death. If a race of man died before sin entered into the world, then death cannot be the wages of sin. Pre-Adamic man allegedly died BEFORE sin…but Biblically, death can only come because of sin.

Oh, but some will say, “Mankind in the GAP did sin, and they were judged, and they did perish”. NONSENSE! That’s a hypothetical statement and it definitely doesn’t line up with the Word of God!

Here’s a great idea: Stop trying to make God’s Word fit your own homespun philosophies! Don’t look for a GAP or anything else between two verses. When reading the Bible, God wants us to read the verses and not between the verses. We need to read the lines and not between the lines! We must read Genesis 1:1 and then read Genesis 1:2. There’s nothing between them. The person who reads between the verses can make the Bible say anything he wants. Read God’s Word and not the GAPS! Stop looking for secret messages that aren’t even there.

Why I Hate Halloween

2007-10-31T13:28:00.000Z

"He observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger" (II Chronicles 33:6).

I. It glorifies death, I Corinthians 15:26.

II. It honors Satan and demons, I Corinthians 10:20; Psalm 78:49; I Peter 5:8.

III. It is helping to destroy England, II Chronicles 33:6, 10-11.

IV. It is not needed by young people. They needGod! II Chronicles 33:12-13.

Beetle Warfare Little Bugs That Evolutionists Would Like to Forget!

2007-10-20T18:58:00.000+01:00

Here, excerpted from The Collapse of Evolution by Dr. Scott M. Huse, is one of the many humorous examples in nature that make evolutionists look silly.
Beetle Warfare

Did you ever notice how sometimes big surprises can come in little packages? Well, such is the case of the surprising little bombardier beetle. The bombardier beetle is a small insect that is armed with an impressive defense system. Whenever threatened by an enemy attack, this spirited little beetle blasts irritating and odious gases, which are at 212ºF, out from two tailpipes right into the unfortunate face of the would-be aggressor.

Hermann Schildnecht, a German chemist, studied the bombardier beetle to find out how he accomplishes this impressive chemical feat. He learned that the beetle makes his explosive by mixing together two very dangerous chemicals (hydroquinone and hydrogen peroxide). In addition to these two chemicals, this clever little beetle adds another type of chemical known as an "inhibitor." The inhibitor prevents the chemicals from blowing up and enables the beetle to store the chemicals indefinitely.

Whenever the beetle is approached by a predator, such as a frog, he squirts the stored chemicals into the two combustion tubes, and at precisely the right moment he adds another chemical (an anti-inhibitor). This knocks out the inhibitor, and a violent explosion occurs right in the face of the poor attacker.

Could such a marvelous and complex mechanism have evolved piecemeal over millions of years? The evolutionist is forced to respond with a somewhat sheepish “yes,” but a brief consideration of this viewpoint will reveal its preposterous nature.

According to evolutionary “thinking” there must have been thousands of generations of beetles improperly mixing these hazardous chemicals in fatal evolutionary experiments, blowing themselves to pieces. Eventually, we are assured, they arrived at the magic formula, but what about the development of the inhibitor? There is no need to evolve an inhibitor unless you already have the two chemicals you are trying to inhibit. On the other hand, if you already have the two chemicals without the inhibitor, it is already too late, for you have just blown yourself up. Obviously, such an arrangement would never arise apart from intelligent foresight and planning.

Nevertheless, let us assume that the little beetle somehow managed to simultaneously develop the two chemicals along with the all-important inhibitor. The resultant solution would offer no benefit at all to the beetle, for it would just sit there as a harmless concoction. To be of any value to the beetle, the anti-inhibitor must be added to the solution.

So, once again, for thousands of generations we are supposed to believe that these poor beetles mixed and stored these chemicals for no particular reason or advantage, until finally, the anti-inhibitor was perfected. Now he is really getting somewhere! With the anti-inhibitor developed he can now blow himself to pieces, frustrating the efforts of the hungry predator who wants to eat him. Ah, yes, he still needs to evolve the two combustion tubes, and a precision communications and timing network to control and adjust the critical direction and timing of the explosion. So, here we go again; for thousands of generations these carefree little beetles went around celebrating the 4th of July by blowing themselves to pieces until finally they mastered their newfound powers.

But what would be the motivation for such disastrous, trial and error, piecemeal evolution? Everything in evolution is supposed to be beneficial and have a logical purpose, or else it would never develop. But such a process does not make any sense, and to propose that the entire defense system evolved all at once is simply impossible. Yet, nature abounds with countless such examples of perfect coordination. Thus, we can only conclude that the surprising little bombardier beetle is a strong witness for special creation, for there is no other rational explanation for such a wonder.

The water beetle is also equipped with an impressive—although different—defense mechanism. He manages to escape his enemies by secreting a detergent substance from a gland. Ejecting the detergent accomplishes two things. Firstly, it serves to propel the beetle forward quickly so that he is out of the immediate danger. Secondly, the detergent causes the surface tension of the water to break down, and the pursuing insect sinks into the water. How true are the words of the psalmist who wrote: "O Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches" (Ps. 104:24).

This delightful book by Huse, full of illustrations, builds the readers understanding step by step, until it is obvious that creation (not evolution) agrees with the scientific facts.
Read it!

Godly Standards for Christians

2007-10-17T13:46:00.000+01:00

In most spheres of life, we welcome standards. The provide safety, uniform levels of acceptable performance and guidelines for behavior. Take, for example, the manufacturer who is interested in selling a product on a long-term basis. Such an entrepreneur must maintain rigid quality controls to secure and keep long term satisfaction with his product. Should he let down his standards in production or in handling consumer concerns, it would mean ultimate loss of business and profitability or, to put it another way, the success or failure of his venture.

The "World" Uses StandardsThough many consumer products are shoddily made and with a philosophy of "planned obsolescence," they do not survive in a market place of fair competition. Purchasers with discernment look for quality, value and service and thus impose certain "standards" on that which is acceptable to the market at large. Manufacturers who ignore these consumer-mandated "standards" do so at their own peril and will not survive.

In the medical community, professional health providers must meet exacting standards of education, peer review, on-the-job performance and licensure. Though these various standards do not guarantee quality health care, the public and our governmental agencies use them to weed out quacks, incompetents and charlatans. Who would desire to have brain or heart surgery performed on them by a health care provider who never mastered or understood anatomy, or came to the procedure with no prior skills or experience?

Picture the sports enthusiast watching professional baseball, basketball, football, hockey, etc. when suddenly all rules (standards) were eliminated. He would be amazed at the poor batter who insisted on six strikes instead of three, the football team that played with twenty players instead of eleven, or the basketball player who used a stepladder to facilitate his "slam dunks"! Standards provide the parameters necessary for uniformity, fair competition and predictability. Without the "rules of the game," anarchy would reign.

The World's Standards Change

Culturally or socially mandated standards, however useful and necessary for various spheres of life, are fickle and transient. Whereas our God is holy and immutable (changeless), the standards of men seemingly change with the winds.

Clothing styles acceptable to society are in a constant state of flux. The punk rocker of this generation would laugh hysterically at the attire of the "flapper" of the roaring twenties. The "evangelical" believer of today may look on the dress of the pre-World War II believers with a condescending amusement, and conclude they were unnecessarily austere.

Various forms of social behavior also seem to undergo changes in standards, or acceptable norms. Strictly observed "courtship" of the past which was guided by parental rules and guidelines seems "old-fashioned" to today's youth who often choose serial dating, unfettered petting, and brazen fornication. Physicians and nurses who would have been arrested and incarcerated forty years ago for the same procedure, are now enriching themselves through socially acceptable abortion of preborn children. Divorce, which was unheard of among believers 50 years ago, or at least was discussed in hushed tones, is now becoming prevalent in our circles. A believer of Fanny Crosby's day would be horrified to hear the average Christian teenager's tape and CD collection of today. The sensual performers, driving beat and worldly music styles would have been rejected by those God-fearing folk of yesteryear, but such musical tastes are common and acceptable to contemporary professors. What the average American believer now watches on his TV set during the course of an average week would have been grounds for church discipline several generations ago.

Whereas society at large can be expected to follow the dictates of the flesh and a depraved human nature, believers must march to the beat of a different drum. Our contemporary culture looks with a patronizing disdain on our godly American forebears, considering themselves enlightened and freed from the shackles of Judeo-Christian ethics. It reminds one of Paul's conclusion: "... but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools" (Romans 1:21b-22).

Christians Standards Should Never Change

What is the lesson in all of this? Man left to himself will "do that which is right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). His "standards" will be flexible and of a temporary nature. They will change with the whims of each generation and, over a period of time, will even be contrary to that of preceding cultures!

Christian friend, the question is not how you and your manner of life are acceptable to your mutable generation, but to your immutable God! We can find small comfort in the fact we "fit-in" with the mainstream of professing Christendom: "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you!" (Luke 6:26).

Standards of dress, behavior, etc., will always be followed. The question is, whose standards do you observe? Because our inborn, fleshly temptation is to follow the standards of the world around us, God wants us repeatedly to resist these inclinations: "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil..." (Exodus 23:2); "for thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth." (Deuteronomy 14:2)

Israel failed to heed God's warnings about standards that would effectively separate them from Canaanites and Philistines if they were observed. Israel's desire was such that they wanted to be like all the other nations of the earth (Judges 8:20). The pressure to conform is as old as human history.

Godly Standards Set Christians Apart

Standards observed for their own sake become legalistic and Pharisaical. However, godly standards of dress, behavior, music, church order, separation, etc., observed to please the Lord, and, formulated on the basis of scriptural principle, effectively set us apart as a peculiar people that live lives considered inscrutable by our peers.

Do not pride yourself, my friend, on your liberality or your broad-mindedness. We must concern ourselves with obtaining God's approval, and not that of society. Godless Israel persecuted and stoned the prophets who tried to call them back to standards of decency, morality and God's order. Most will be irritated with prophetic calls for repentance and a return to the ancient landmarks established by our fathers; only a few tremble at God's Word and will pay the price of ostracism, rejection, scorn and ridicule heaped on them for following standards considered old-fashioned and out-of-date.

Popularity and social acceptance by their very nature cannot be the criteria of the right or wrong standards, but rather; what saith the scriptures? The important question is what will please the Lord; not, what will please the world around me?

Those who fear God and eschew evil will seem eccentric to their contemporaries. Their standards of life, because they conflict in so many ways with their world, make them objects of curiosity, defamation and misunderstanding. They become a spectacle (1 Corinthians 4:9) to a laughing society.We would all do well to take personal inventory on our manner of life.

We all live by standards of some kind, formulated after some criteria, whether discerned or not. Personal holiness, denial of flesh, scriptural principle, separation from sin and the world, and pleasing God have got to be our motivations for establishing standards of life. If they are not, you will look like, think like and act like the God-rejecting world whose standards you have unwittingly followed.

A Fellowship of Believers

2007-10-15T12:09:00.000+01:00

I Corinthians 1:9
We know that the church is not a building made of brick, mortar, stone, or wood. The church is not a “place”. The church is a body. A body of people who belong to God. The church is God’s flock. Jesus is the chief shepherd. Pastors are the under shepherds. The church is the body of Christ. In it He lives and through it He carries on His redemptive mission in the world. The church is a fellowship of believers into which God has called us out of darkness into light; out of death into life; out of despair into hope. In this fellowship, all believers are to share in a remarkable unity.

1. Ours is the unity of the new birth. 2. Ours is a unity of a common faith in one Lord. 3. Ours is the unity of the indwelling Spirit. 4. Ours is the unity of a goal. 5. Ours is the unity of a sustaining hope. 6. Ours is the unity of a common enemy. 7. Ours is the unity of a Divine love.
I. GOD CALLS THE CHURCH INTO BEING AS A FELLOWSHIP OF BELIEVERS BY THE MESSAGE OF A CRUCIFIED CHRIST.

A. By preaching of the crucifixion, men are made to see the severity of sin and the love of the saviour. B. Man is made to see the horrors of hell and the hope of salvation.
I
I. GOD CALLS THE CHURCH INTO BEING AS A FELLOWSHIP OF BELIEVERS BY THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST.

A. Resurrection transformed tragedy into triumph.B. Resurrection transformed defeated disciples into dynamic servants. C. Resurrection transforms dead sinners into live Saints.

III. GOD CALLS THE CHURCH INTO BEING AS A FELLOWSHIP OF BELIEVERS BY THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

A. The Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin.
B. The Holy Spirit brings the miracle of the new birth.
C. The Holy Spirit brings maturity of members.
D. The Holy Spirit brings power to the message.

IV. GOD CALLS THE CHURCH INTO BEING AS A FELLOWSHIP BY MEANS OF THE WITNESS OF BELIEVERS.

The church as a witnessing fellowship is God’s last hope, and the world’s ONLY hope. The story is told that the angel Gabriel asked Jesus as He prepared to come into the world, “What is this plan fails?” God’s reply was, “There is no other plan.”
God needs the testimony of satisfied customers.

V. GOD CALLS THE CHURCH INTO BEING AS A FELLOWSHIP OF BELIEVERS THROUGH THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL. (Romans 1:16) The Gospel is the death, burial and the resurrection of Christ. We must proclaim it.

A. Because of His command.B. Because of man’s need. C. Because of our duty.

Nurturing through Godly Discipline

2007-10-04T08:30:00.000+01:00

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

Ephesians 6:1–4

A recent survey studied the relationship between parents and their children. It showed that parents rate their inability to spend enough time with their children as the greatest threat to the family. In a survey conducted for the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Corporation, thirty-five percent pointed to time constraints as the most important reason for the decline in family values. Another twenty-two percent mentioned a lack of parental discipline.

Over the past few days we have seen that God desires for us to raise our children for Him. It can be difficult to instill godly morals in our children in the world in which we live. But God has given us certain steps we can take in helping to nurture our children.

As we have seen, we must first express our love to our children both verbally and personally. If our children do not know that we love them, how will they know that God loves them? Many times a child’s perception of God is based on their relationship with their earthly father. We must be active in showing them our love. We have also seen that we must nurture our children by spending time with them in God’s Word each day. We must teach them of God at an early age so their hearts will be grounded in Him. Today we will see that godly discipline is a vital part in raising our children for God.

Our verses today point out two ways we are to raise our children. Ephesians 6:4 says, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” We are to bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

The word nurture in that verse has to do with teaching and training our children. It is the process of education in which our children learn. It deals with both head knowledge and heart knowledge. It deals with teaching them arithmetic, science, history, and also of teaching them the Bible and God’s principles for life.

The other part of Ephesians 6:4 says we are to bring them up in the admonition of the Lord. The word admonition has to do with encouragement and warning. It is a combination of exhortation and rebuke. We are to encourage them to do right and exercise godly discipline when they do wrong.

There is an idea in our society today that many forms of discipline are harmful and abusive to children. Yet God commanded us in Proverbs 22:15, “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” God desires that we would raise godly children through proper discipline.

After a meeting, the evangelist D.L. Moody was once asked, “How may converts did you have last night?” “Two and one-half.” “You mean two adults and one child?” “No. I mean two children and one adult. The children still have their entire lives to live.”

Children are special to God and raising them is a great privilege and responsibility! We must seek God’s help in nurturing our children and we must follow His instructions. He desires that we would instill godly morals in them by correcting them through godly discipline when they are wrong.

Are you following God’s guide to raising your children for the Lord? Are you properly admonishing them when it is necessary? Make sure you are applying both discipline and encouragement when necessary. Your children should know that you fear God and that sin will not go unpunished, but they should also know that you are doing it out of love. Take time now and ask God to help you correctly apply both exhortation and rebuke in your children’s lives. Seek God’s help each day as you strive to raise your children for Him.

Teaching our Children God's Word

2007-10-03T08:24:00.000+01:00

“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.”

Proverbs 4:1–4

A Sunday school teacher was once teaching her children about God and how we communicate with Him. As an example, she had the kids write letters to God. One letter said, “Dear God, I heard Thomas Edison made light, but in Sunday school they said you did it. So, I bet he stole your idea. Donna.” Another one said, “Dear God, In Sunday school they told us what You do. Who does it when You are on vacation? Janie.”

Yesterday we saw that God desires for us to raise our children for Him. He delights in the faith and love of small children and He has a special place in His heart for them. He even sets distinct consequences for those who harm children. Matthew 18:6 says, “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” God takes the raising and nourishing of children very seriously.

In giving us the gift of children, God has also given us a responsibility. We are to raise our children to love the Lord. We are to help them develop hearts for Him. Yesterday we saw how we can help them by expressing our love to them each day. Today we will see that God desires for us to teach them His Word.

We are the ones responsible for teaching our children God’s Word. Every child needs a set of principles to live by. They need to learn respect, integrity, honesty, and discipline. These attributes can only be learned if we, as parents, are teaching them God’s Word.

Many of the problems in our world today can be traced back to parents who failed to teach their children God’s Word. Many times parents avoid teaching their children the Bible because they do not know it themselves! Parents, we must be in God’s Word each day so we can teach it to our children.

Also, we must realize that God’s Word keeps the heart. When we teach our children Bible verses and Bible stories, their hearts are nourished. We may not think so, but even young children can learn and retain Bible stories! It is a good practice to nourish their heart early on in life with good Bible stories and verses.

Time in the Bible does not have to be boring for your children! You can make it fun and exciting so they will want to learn God’s Word and spend time with Him. As you cultivate a love for God and His Word early on in your child’s life, they will be more established in Christ when they are older.

Parents, it is our responsibility to teach God’s Word to our children. Our world is not teaching them about God and how to live a moral life. If we do not teach them, who will? Also, we can help protect their hearts by teaching them His Word. As we teach them to hide His Word in their hearts, they will be better prepared to face the devil and his temptations.

Are you actively teaching your children God’s Word? It isn’t the job of the church, Sunday school, or even the Christian school to teach your children of God! It is your job as the parent. Spend time with God now and commit to helping establish your child’s heart by teaching him God’s Word. Take time today to teach your child a Bible verse or to tell them a Bible story. Help ground their lives in God’s Word today.

Raising our Children for God

2007-10-03T08:23:00.000+01:00

“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.”

Psalm 127:1-4

A man made a phone call the other day to a home where a little boy answered the phone. There was a soft whispered “hello.” The man said, “Is your mom there?” “She’s busy,” replied the boy. “Well, is your father there?” “He’s busy too.” The man persisted, “Is there anyone else there?” The boy replied, “Yes. There is a fireman and a policeman.” “Can I speak to them?” “They’re busy.” Frustrated, the man said, “What is everyone doing?” The boy paused and whispered, “Looking for me.”

God gives us many gifts in this life, and He desires that we would be wise stewards. There is no greater gift, no greater stewardship in our lives, than our children. Admittedly, raising children in these days is an incredible challenge. When it comes to the subject of children, the Bible has some very clear instructions. God tells us how we should raise our children and how we can help them cultivate a heart for Him.

God’s will for every parent is that we would help our children reach their full spiritual potential. Over the next few days we will see ways we can help our children reach their full potential. Today we will see that God desires for us to express our love to our children as we raise them for the Lord.

First of all, we must express our love to them verbally. Our children need to know that they have our unconditional love and acceptance. First Thessalonians 2:7–8 says, “But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.” Paul expressed his love to the church! Our children need to hear that we love them. They need to hear they are special to God. We must verbally express our love to them each day.

We must also express our love to them personally. Luke 18:16 says, “But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” Christ shows us that He cherishes little children! He often described great faith as a childlike faith.

In order for our children to know of our love for them, we must personally spend time with them. They must not only hear of our love, but also see our love for them through our actions. A recent study showed that fathers have 2.7 encounters daily with kids for less than 60 seconds each. This is not enough time to personally mentor and love our children! We must spend time showing our love to them each day.

How is your relationship with your children? Are you taking time each day to verbally and personally show your love to them? God desires that we would raise our children for Him and to do that, we must show our love for them. Ask God now to help you show your children how much you love them. Look for ways today to verbally and personally convey your love to your children.

What is a Christian Fundamentalist?

2007-10-01T08:10:00.000+01:00

The term fundamentalism includes many different areas of application -- such as religious fundamentalism, and scientific fundamentalism -- but as far as Christianity is concerned, fundamentalism is a strictness of literal interpretation of the Scriptures, and a desire to take the Bible seriously in all matters.

Fundamentalism in the media has been applied primarily to religious extremists, like "militant, Muslim fundamentalists." Following in that broad stroke of application, if any other group claims to be a "fundamentalist" they are looked upon as ALSO being extremist, and like the militant Muslim fundamentalist, they are looked upon as being dangerous. Nothing could be further from the truth!

The term “fundamentalism” today is, of course, simply misleading.

In Christianity it refers to those who read the Bible literally, those who believe the Bible is the inerrant word of God.

By this definition, every Muslim also is a “fundamentalist,” because every Muslim believes that the Quran is the unadulterated word of God delivered in the Arabic language to the Prophet Muhammad. And they also take it quite literally.

The fact that both are fundamentalists just means they take both books literally. One is safe, and sacrificial of their own lives, while the other is deadly, and sacrificial of others.
I'll add this: Most every mathematician is a fundamentalist too! To be a recognized

mathematician, he or she must take math statements literally, and must believe the science of mathematical law as not allegorical, and subjective, but absolute. Does that approach to the study math make a mathematician DANGEROUS? Of course not! Only the subjective mathematician is dangerous, because math facts are truths are up to his or her feelings at that moment instead of to absolute laws.

Christian Fundamentalism comes from the Bible, and was promoted by Jesus Christ Himself. And believe me, it is the safest way of thinking and living ever presented to mankind!

SCRIPTURES THAT DEMAND LITERAL FUNDAMENTALISM
The Bible demands literal interpretation of its Scriptures. Christians call that a fundamental approach to the Scriptures. If a believer takes the Bible seriously he or she will be a fundamentalist. Following are some of the Scriptures that demand fundamentalistic approach the interpretating the Bible:

THE BIBLE DEMANDS STRICTNESS IN DOCTRINE
Matthew 28:20 -- Jesus commanded His disciples to go into all the world, “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.” Teach everything Jesus taught without adjustment, or partiality.

Acts 20:27 -- The Apostle Paul explained, “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” He had not held back from teaching anything that the Bible said. That is quite a task!

Ephesians 4:14 -- Paul also says that without an absolute, fixed reference point of literal truth, believers would remain confused and deceived when he challenges us, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with EVERY WIND OF DOCTRINE, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.”

1 Timothy 1:3 -- “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach NO OTHER DOCTRINE.” There were many other "teachers" who constantly tried to introduce new doctrines into the Christian belief system, but because the doctrine was settled with the Apostles, no more was to be tolerated. Did you get that? There is NO TOLERATION for any other doctrine than is already taught in the Scriptures, literally!

1 Timothy 6:13-14 -- “I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; that thou keep this commandment WITHOUT SPOT, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Timothy 1:13 -- “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.”

2 Timothy 2:2 -- “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, THE SAME commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”

Titus 1:9 -- “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”

THE BIBLE DEMANDS THAT WE TEST ALL THINGS
Isaiah 8:20 -- “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”

Matthew 7:15 -- “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”

Acts 17:11 -- “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.”
Romans 12:2 -- “... that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

1 Corinthians 2:15-16 -- “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.”

Ephesians 5:10 -- “Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.”

Philippians 1:10 -- “That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.”

1 Thessalonians 5:21 -- “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”

1 John 4:1 -- “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”

Revelation 2:2 -- “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:”

THE BIBLE DEMANDS CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH
Galatians 2:5 -- “To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.”

Philippians 1:7 -- “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”

Jude 3 -- “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

THE BIBLE DEMANDS PLAIN EXPOSURE OF ERROR
Psalm 119:128 -- “Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.”

Romans 16:17 -- “Now I beseech you, brethren, MARK THEM which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”

Galatians 2:11 -- “But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.”

1 Timothy 1:19-20 -- “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.”

2 Timothy 2:16-18 -- “But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.”

THE BIBLE DEMANDS SEPARATION FROM ERROR AND APOSTASY
Romans 16:17 -- “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and AVOID THEM.”

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 -- “BE YE NOT UNEQUALLY YOKED TOGETHER WITH unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. WHEREFORE COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM, AND BE YE SEPARATE, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

2 Thessalonians 3:6 -- “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye WITHDRAW YOURSELVES from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.”

1 Timothy 6:3-5 -- “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: FROM SUCH WITHDRAW THYSELF.”

2 Timothy 3:5 -- “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: FROM SUCH TURN AWAY.”

Titus 3:10 -- “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition REJECT.”

2 John 10-11 -- “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.”

Revelation 18:4 -- “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, COME OUT OF HER, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.”
THE BIBLE DEMANDS STRICT SEPARATION FROM SIN AND WORLDLINESS

Matthew 6:24 -- “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. YE CANNOT SERVE GOD AND MAMMON.”

Romans 12:2 -- “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.”

2 Corinthians 6:3 -- “Giving NO offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed.”

Ephesians 5:11 -- “And have NO fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

1 Thessalonians 5:22 -- “Abstain from ALL appearance of evil.”

Titus 2:11-14 -- “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, DENYING UNGODLINESS AND WORLDLY LUSTS, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from ALL INIQUITY, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

James 1:27 -- “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and TO KEEP HIMSELF UNSPOTTED FROM THE WORLD.”

James 4:4 -- “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the FRIENDSHIP OF THE WORLD IS ENMITY WITH GOD? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

James 4:8 -- “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. CLEANSE YOUR HANDS, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”

1 Peter 1:15 -- “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in ALL MANNER OF CONVERSATION.”

1 John 2:15-17 -- “LOVE NOT THE WORLD, NEITHER THE THINGS THAT ARE IN THE WORLD. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

1 John 5:19 -- “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.”

Have You Touched Him?

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Lu.8:40-47
As Jesus got off the ship there was a great crowd which gathered around Him. Many came out of curiosity, some came out of duty, a few came out of a need they had. Jairus came and fell down before Him because he had a little daughter sick and almost dead and he desired healing from Him. As they were on the way to his house another strange thing happened. With all those people pushing and bumping into Him He suddenly stopped and asked, “Who touched me?” The disciples, surprised, said unto Him, “What do you mean, who touched you? There are people all around pushing, bumping and crowding around you touching you”. Yes, He said, “But someone touched me out of faith for virtue has gone out of me.”

All those around denied touching Him but in vs. 47 the woman saw that she was not hid. I believe Jesus was looking directly in her direction waiting for a response from her. She came to Him and told Him the whole story. She had been afflicted for twelve long years with an issue of blood. She wasn’t able to go to the temple because she was considered unclean. She spent all she had trying to find someone who could cure her only to be disappointed time after time. She knew this was her last hope. If she could get to Jesus, she believed He could heal her. I want to ask you, “Have you touched Him?”

It certainly isn’t a shame for us to reach out to Him and touch Him. It isn’t an inconvenience for Him for us to touch Him. It doesn’t make Him angry if we touch Him. As a matter of fact, He desires we reach out to Him. Mt.11:28 “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden.” This pictures one climbing up into His lap and taking a rest.

Have you reached out and touched Him about your salvation? Are you saved today? Do you know Jesus Christ as you personal Saviour? I’m not interested in your church membership. I am not asking if you have been baptized, pasteurized or simonized. I am asking, have you asked Jesus Christ to save you and have you repented of your sins? You may be a good moral person but that is not enough to get to Heaven. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Jn.14:6 He is the only way to Heaven today. I Tim.2:5 “For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” “Well, I haven’t done exactly that”, you may say. Then you are exactly lost. Do you realize what a dangerous condition you are in today? Lost! At any time you could go out into eternity unprepared without God.

You may ask, “Why do I need to be saved? Why is it so important?” For one reason, you may die. “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Heb.9:27 Secondly, Jesus may come. His coming is imminent. He could come at any moment without warning. “For yet a little while, and He that shall come, will come, and will not tarry.” Heb.10:37 How can you reach out to Him? Simply, by faith. Heb.11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Will you not call unto Him today? He died to pay your sin debt and desires to save you. The only thing preventing Him from saving you today is you.

Have you touched Him concerning service? “I’m saved preacher!” you may say. That is simply great. “I’m secure!” you may add. Wonderful! “I’m going to Heaven when I die!” Hallelujah to God! But, what are you doing on the trip? How are you serving Him? “Oh, I serve Him by coming to church.” No you don’t. You don’t serve Him by taking up eighteen inches (some more some less) of pew space! You come to church to worship Him. There are Christians who have been saved for years who do not serve God. You do not serve God by sitting idly by twiddling your thumbs. A servant stands by and listens for orders from the master. We, as a good servant, should be listening for orders from our Master. There are some today who never witness to others. Some never invite other people to church. They never pass out a tract or drop a dollar into the mission offering and they say they are serving God. I don’t think so! Saved? Maybe, but serving, no way. In order to serve Him a person needs to present themselves to Him. Ro.12:1 “I beseech ye therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Some may say I give Him my spirit. He doesn’t want your spirit. He can’t use your spirit. He wants your body!

Lastly, have you touched Him when you are in need of solace? Has there ever been a time when you just needed Him? No one else could help you. No one else was around. You had been hurt in the battle and you needed help. There have been times we have all needed strength. There have been times we have all been wounded. He wants us to reach out for Him today. Will you do it? It’s not a shame to be wounded, but it is a shame to not seek help when it is near. David said in Psalms 27:13 “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord, in the land of the living.” What David is saying is I would have fainted if I had not believed God for help while I was living. We all know if we are saved, we have a home in Heaven when we die. That is great. But, we have hope down here in the land of the living too.

This woman didn’t care after it was over who saw her. She got the help she needed. No doubt there were others there that day that needed help that never got help. Why? They never reached out to the One who could help. Will you reach out to Him today? He is reaching down to you.

BELIEVER'S BAPTISM IN THE BIBLE

2007-09-28T11:19:00.000+01:00

The purpose of this article is to examine the word of God concerning the subject of believer's baptism. We will examine some important questions which arise concerning one of the first steps in the new Christian's walk with the Lord, believer's baptism.

By "rightly dividing the word of truth" (II Tim. 2:15), we can find practical answers to these questions and understand God's purpose for believer's baptism.

1. WHAT IS BAPTISM?

What then is believer's baptism? What is the purpose of it, since salvation is "by grace through faith" (Ephesians 2:8,9)?

Water baptism is clearly a FIGURE or TYPE of something which already took place in the heart of the believer the moment he/she was saved (1 Pet. 3:21). Water baptism is the ordinance representing the identification of the Christian with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

You are "crucified" (standing upright in water), you are "buried" (immersed into the water), and you are "resurrected into life" (raised out of the water). Water baptism then, is a picture of spiritual baptism as defined in Rom. 6:3-5 and 1 Corinthians 12:13. It is the outward testimony of the believer's inward faith. A sinner is saved the moment he places his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Baptism is a visible testimony to that faith.

This is the SCRIPTURAL basis for water baptism. It PICTURES and PROCLAIMS four important things:

Scriptural baptism PICTURES and PROCLAIMS the believer's death, burial, and resurrection with Christ. "Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him, through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead." Colossians 2:12

Scriptural baptism PICTURES and PROCLAIMS the death of our old life to sin, and our resurrection to walk in newness of life. "As Christ was raised up from the dead, by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Romans 6:4

Scriptural baptism PICTURES and PROCLAIMS our faith in the Trinity of the Godhead. "Baptizing them in the NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Matthew 28:19

Scriptural baptism PICTURES and PROCLAIMS our "putting on" of Christ. "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:26,27

So then, water baptism is a picture of what transpired when you placed your faith and trust in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ to save you from your sins (Romans 6:3-5). It does not atone for sin. Only the blood of Christ cleanses us from sin (I John 1:7; Colossians 1:14).
II. WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

Next, let's consider WHO should be baptized. The Bible makes it clear that scriptural baptism is BELIEVER'S baptism.

In Acts 2:41 we observe that they received the word, THEN they were baptized.

In Acts 8:12,36,37 we find that they believed, THEN they were baptized.

In Acts 10:43,44,47, it is plain to see that those who believed received the Holy Ghost, and THEN they were baptized. (Lost people do not receive the Holy Ghost).

When the Philippian jailer asked, "What must I do to be saved?" they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved...." (Acts 16:30-34). Paul did not tell him to be baptized to be saved. His baptism came AFTER his believing, which sets the scriptural standard.

Who then should be baptized? According to the established Bible pattern, only those who have trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

Water baptism then, is NOT salvation, but obedience to a command by God concerning discipleship.

WHEN AND WHERE SHOULD WE BE BAPTIZED?

WHEN is the believer to be baptized? The Bible teaches that water baptism follows shortly after (the new birth).

Notice the example of Paul (Acts 9:18), Cornelius (Acts 10:43-48), and the Philippian Jailer (Acts 16:33).

You were placed into the body of Christ by spiritual baptism at the moment you were saved (Galatians 3:26-27). Now you follow the miracle of spiritual baptism with physical immersion into water, according to Acts 8:38; 10:47; 16:33.

As to WHERE a believer is to be baptized, the obvious answer is in the presence of other believers, the local New Testament church. The Lord Jesus Christ gave the local
church the ordinance of water baptism (Matthew 28:18-20).

An ordinance is a ceremony appointed by Christ to be administered in the local church as a visible type of the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary.

IV. HOW SHOULD WE BE BAPTIZED?

HOW is a believer to be baptized? Immersion in water is the only scriptural method of baptism.
ln Matthew 3:13-16 and in Mark 1:9-10 we find that John the Baptist needed "much water" for baptism.

In Acts 8:38-39 we are taught baptism by immersion.

In Romans 6:3-6 we see that baptism must furfill three types: death, burial and resurrection. It is also referred to as being "planted", and being raised. It is not difficult to see that the only mode of baptism which fulfills all these pictures is the immersion of the believer in water.

Furthermore, scriptural expressions such as "much water" (John 3:23), and "down both into the water" (Acts 8:38) are very conclusive evidence that water baptism is by immersion.

WHY SHOULD WE BE BAPTIZED?

Spiritual baptism is the Christian's identification with Christ (Colossians 2:12). This is WHY we should submit to water baptism.

Romans 6:3-5 teaches us that it is literally a picture of your death, burial and resurrection with Christ. It is your first act of obedience to God after salvation. WHY be baptized? Consider the following:

Scriptural baptism pleases the Lord. When Jesus was baptized, God the Father said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). Whe n we follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ we certainlplease the Father.

Scriptural baptism is a testimony to the world. Jesus said, "Whosoeverthereforeshall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 10:32). Our baptism is a public testimony o f our faith in the Lord Jesus: Christ, and the way in which we identify ourselves with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection.

IN CONCLUSION

We understand and believe that baptism is not a "sacrament" that imparts saving grace, but an ORDINANCE. We are not saved by baptism, but by faith in Jesus Christ and His blood..."cleanseth us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).

Baptism is the outward symbol of what has already transpired in the heart of the one who has trusted the Lord Jesus Christ for full salvation.

Have you taken this first step in your walk with the Lord? Have you been obedient to the word of God concerning this matter of believer's baptism? In Acts 2:41 we read, "Then they that GLADLY received his word were baptized..." What is your response?

50 Things That You Should Know About Tongues and Healing

2007-09-27T17:48:00.001+01:00

1. The Jews, as a nation, began with signs (Rom. 4:11; Exo. 4:8, 9, 17, 28, 30; 7:3; 8:23; 10:1-2; 13:9; 31:13, 17; Deu. 4:34; 6:22).
2. The Old Testament Jews lived by signs (Deu. 11:18; Jos. 4:6; 1 Sam. 10:7; 2 Kgs. 19:29; Isa. 7:14; 38:7, 22; Ezk. 4:3; 20:12, 20).
3. The Jews demanded signs from the Lord Jesus Christ (Mat. 12:38; 16:1-4; 24:3; Jhn. 2:18; 6:30).
4. The Jews require a sign, not the Gentiles (1 Cor. 1:22; Jhn. 4:48).
5. According to the Lord Jesus Christ, the gifts of tongues and healing are signs (Mar. 16:16-20).
6. These signs were for the purpose of confirming the word of God (Acts 14:3; Heb. 2:3-4).
7. These signs are spoken of in the past tense in 2 Corinthians 12:12 and in Hebrews 2:3-4, not in the present or future tense.
8. Those who still look for signs and wonders today are on dangerous ground for the Antichrist will deceive the world with signs and wonders (Rev. 13:13-14; 2 Ths. 2:8-12).
9. The Lord Jesus Christ said that an evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign (Mat. 12:39).
10. The Bible speaks of various spiritual gifts to believers, but tongues and healing are never emphasized more than the other gifts (1 Cor. 12:4-11).
11. The gifts of tongues and healing were not considered the best gifts (1 Cor. 12:28-31).
12. The gift of healing was a sign (Mar. 16:17-18; Exo. 4:6-8; 2 Kgs. 20:8-9).
13. It is not God's will for all Christians to be healed (2 Cor. 12:5-10).
14. The apostle Paul could not heal himself (2 Cor. 12:5-10).
15. Near the end of his ministry, Paul could not heal Trophimus (2 Tim. 4:20).
16. Instead of healing Timothy, Paul gave him medical advice (1 Tim. 5:23).
17. Contrary to the modern faith healers, "love gifts" and "faith offerings" were not a part of the healing ministries of the disciples (Mat. 10:8-9).
18. A Christian who hasn't confessed his sins and repented of them has no business expecting God to heal him of anything (Psa. 6:1-4; 41:4; 2 Chr. 7:14; Hos. 5:10-13; 1 Cor. 11:29-32; Jas. 5:14-16; 1 Jhn. 1:7-10).
19. If modern faith healers really have the gift of healing, then they should prove their ministry by visiting hospitals and nursing homes and healing the sick, rather than writing books, holding healing meetings, and begging for money on television (2 Tim. 4:5; Mat. 10:8-16; 1 Tim. 6:5-10).
20. Satan has the power to heal and this will cause millions to be led astray in the coming Tribulation Period (Rev. 13:1-4, 12).
21. The gift of tongues was given as a sign (Mar. 16:17; 1 Cor. 14:22).
22. The gift of tongues was the supernatural ability of some Christians to speak in foreign languages in the presence of unbelieving Jews (Acts 2:7-11).
23. God has never caused or commanded Christians to speak in unknown tongues (Mar. 16:17; Acts 2:4; 1 Cor. 12:10; 1 Cor. 14).
24. The Bible never says once that tongues is the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
25. There is no baptism of the Holy Ghost in 1 Corinthians 14.
26. Paul said that all true Christians were baptized into the body of Christ by the Holy Ghost (1 Cor. 12:13), and all true Christians were sealed with the Holy Ghost until the day of redemption (Eph. 4:30), but all Christians did not speak in tongues (1 Cor. 12:29-31).
27. The Bible never says that the baptism of the Holy Ghost is a second Christian experience or blessing.
28. The baptism of fire is the condemnation of the wicked in Hell (Mat. 3:11-12), not being "on fire for the Lord."
29. Acts 2:3 speaks of "cloven tongues LIKE AS of fire," but the Book of Acts says nothing at all about tongues of fire or a baptism of fire.
30. If a person does not have the spirit of Christ, he has no business waiting for the baptism of the Holy Ghost, because he doesn't even belong to Christ (Rom. 8:9).
31. Pentecost was never a religious movement, or a religious experience. It was a Jewish feast day which always occurred fifty days after the Passover (Lev. 23:15-22 ).
32. Jesus said that when the Holy Ghost came He (the Holy Ghost) would not speak of Himself, because He would glorify Christ (Jhn. 16:13-14).
33. No Christian in the Bible is ever told to pray, preach, sing, or praise God in tongues.
34. The disciples received the Holy Ghost in John 20:22, but they did not speak in tongues when this happened.
35. The filling of the Spirit in Acts 4:31 and Eph. 5:18-20 does not include speaking in tongues.
36. When speaking of spiritual gifts in Ephesians 4:8-12, Paul does not mention tongues.
37. There were only three cases in the Book of Acts where people spoke in tongues (not unknown tongues), and these tongues were a sign to the Jews each time, because the Jews require a sign (Acts 2:1-11; 10:44-46; 19:6-8; 1 Cor. 1:22; 14:22).
38. The former and latter rain of Joel 2 has nothing to do with Acts 2 or the modern-day Charismatic Movement, because the rain of Joel 2 is literal wet rain from the sky in Israel (Joel 2:1-31).
39. Tongues are not even mentioned in the list of spiritual gifts in Romans 12:6-8.
40. Although tongues (not unknown tongues) were permitted in 1 Corinthians 14 (because there was a Jewish synagogue in Corinth - Acts 18:1-4), they were not encouraged because tongues did not edify the church (1 Cor. 14:4-5, 26).
41. It is better to speak five words clearly than ten thousand with an unknown tongue (1 Cor. 14:19).
42. No more than three people were allowed to speak in tongues in the church assembly, and then only one could speak at a time (1 Cor. 14:27).
43. No one was permitted to speak in tongues in the church without an interpreter (1 Cor. 14:27-28).
44. Women were not allowed to speak in tongues in the church (1 Cor. 14:34-35).
45. Those who did speak in tongues (foreign languages) had power over their own spirit (1 Cor. 14:32).
46. A religious man who doesn't bridle his tongue is deceived and he has a vain religion (Jas. 1:26).
47. Many "seducing spirits" are in the world and it is every Christian's duty to "try" these spirits (1 Tim. 4:1; I Jhn. 4:1; Rev. 2:2).
48. The word of God is the standard by which we are to judge all doctrines (Isa. 8:20; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).
49. He that is spiritual judges all things (1 Cor. 2:15).
50. Teaching the Scriptural Truth about signs, healing, and tongues is not a matter of being mean, prejudiced, or intolerant. It is simply a matter of obeying the command to RIGHTLY DIVIDE God's word (2 Tim. 2:15).

New International Version Test

2007-09-27T17:30:00.000+01:00

Try Answering These From Your NIV

INSTRUCTIONS:

Using the New International Version Bible, answer the following questions to this NIV quiz.
Do not rely on your memory. As the Bible is the final authority, you must take the answer from the Bible verse (not from footnotes but from the text).

Fill in the missing words in Matthew 5:44. "Love your enemies,__________ them that curse you, ______________ to them that hate you, and pray for them that __________ and persecute you."

According to Matthew 17:21, what two things are required to cast out this type of demon?
According to Matthew 18:11, why did Jesus come to earth?

According to Matthew 27:2, what was Pilate's first name?

In Matthew 27:35, when the wicked soldiers parted His garments, they were fulfilling the words of the prophet. Copy what the prophet said in Matthew 27:35 from the NIV.

In Mark 3:15, Jesus gave the apostles power to cast out demons and to: ____________
According to Mark 7:16, what does a man need to be able to hear?

According to Luke 7:28, what was John? (teacher, prophet, carpenter, etc.). What is his title or last name?

In Luke 9:55, what did the disciples not know?

In Luke 9:56, what did the Son of man not come to do? According to this verse, what did He come to do?

In Luke 22:14, how many apostles were with Jesus?

According to Luke 23:38, in what three languages was the superscription written?

In Luke 24:42, what did they give Jesus to eat with His fish?

John 3:13 is a very important verse, proving the deity of Christ. According to this verse (as Jesus spoke), where is the Son of man?

What happened each year as told in John 5:4?

In John 7:50, what time of day did Nicodemus come to Jesus?

In Acts 8:37, what is the one requirement for baptism?

What did Saul ask Jesus in Acts 9:6?

Write the name of the man mentioned in Acts 15:34.

Study Acts 24:6-8. What would the Jew have done with Paul? What was the chief captain's name? What did the chief captain command?

Copy Romans 16:24 word for word from the NIV.

First Timothy 3:16 is perhaps the greatest verse in the New Testament concerning the deity of Christ. In this verse, who was manifested in the flesh?

In the second part of First Peter 4:14, how do [they] speak of Christ? And, what do we Christians do?

Who are the three Persons of the Trinity in First John 5:7?

Revelation 1:11 is another very important verse that proves the deity of Christ. In the first part of this verse Jesus said, "I am the A______________ and O___________, the _________ and the _______:"

Conclusion: Little space is provided for your answers, but it's much more than needed. If you followed the instructions above, you not only failed the test, you receive a big goose egg.
(These are all missing in the NIV.) So now what do you think of your "accurate, easy to understand, up to date Bible"?

If you would like to improve your score, and in fact score 100%, you can take this test using the Authorized (King James) Bible.

Real Friendship

2007-09-27T13:53:00.000+01:00

It's been said, that in a person's lifetime, one can expect to have only 3-5 genuine friends that will be there regardless of the circumstances. Only 3-5 friends that will never turn their back on you, that will be there FOR you 24 hours a day. I've come to learn, through dealing with people on an every day basis, that this is quite true. True but sad!! I would like to bring your attention though, to the issue of whether YOU are one of those 3-5 friends to OTHERS. You see, real friendship doesn't depend on what "I" get out of a relationship with someone.....real friendship is for me to love others REGARDLESS of what "I" get out of it. As a Christian, it's to demonstrate the Christ like love He has shown me....to folks around me. (Ephesians 4:28-32) So what is it to be a "real" friend to the folks around me, as opposed to being an enemy of the people around me? The question is......Am I a friend or a foe? Allow me to very simply show you the difference.

1- A genuine friend lends you his EAR. A real friend listens. A real friend doesn't just "hear" what another is saying, but instead is sincerely interested and concerned about the person, and because of it, acknowledges what is being said. There's a big difference!! It's a result of learning to put OTHERS FIRST. Someone who is NOT a friend, couldn't care less what others have to say. While others are talking, they are rehearsing what they're going to say next. They are wrapped up in themselves.

2- A genuine friend uses his TONGUE in the right way. To edify, encourage, and build up those around them. He is one who uses his tongue to lift others up in PRAYER, asking God to bless and protect them. Someone who is NOT a friend, will instead, use their tongue to discourage, tear down, ridicule, and verbally abuse others around them. May this never be said of us Christian!!

3- A genuine friend yields his HANDS. I mean literally. I'm talking about "helping hands". When there's a job that needs done, a real friend rolls his sleeves up, jumps in, and works till the job is finished. I have many friends who are just that kind of person, Ossie and Jared Stanley, just to name a couple. May God bless them. On the other hand, someone who is NOT a real friend will instead use their tongue again to do nothing but tell you how they could have or would have done it better or differently. When in fact, they've never lifted a hand ever before, due to laziness.

4- A genuine friend offers his BACK. Romans 15:1 says...... "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves." Everyday, there are folks around us who are burdened with a load of care. Burdens of finance, sickness, suffering and hurt. A real friend will help by taking all, or some of, the load. Someone who is NOT a friend will instead TURN their back on you when things get rough.5- A genuine friend LOVES from the HEART. When one loves another with all of their heart, it will express itself outwardly toward them. True love, true friendship, always backs up the verbal statement of "I love you" with ACTION. It's to SHOW others.......compassion, understanding, sympathy, patience, honesty......unconditional love!! Even when treated badly in return. Someone who is NOT a friend "tells" you how much they love you, but by their lack of actions, prove otherwise. Aren't you glad God isn't that kind of friend to sinners? Thankfully, Romans 5:8 tells us..... "But God commendeth (showed, demonstrated, expressed) His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Praise the Lord.6- A genuine friend would GIVE HIS LIFE for others. I'm reminded of our fallen soldiers, martyrs of old, missionaries around the world who give their lives for the Gospel's sake. Someone who is NOT a friend wishes instead to TAKE your life. Radical Islam is a perfect example. satan is a perfect example. They hate people, they wish to steal, kill, and destroy.

Christ died for the world because PEOPLE matter!! People then, should matter to us!! The multitudes out there are hurting, suffering, lonely, searching to be loved, seeking after the Truth that will set them free. May YOU and I be the friend they're looking for. May you and I be one of the 3-5 friends they'll probably ever have in this life. May God bless you as you strive to be that person.

The Stranger

2007-09-26T15:32:00.000+01:00

"A few months before I was born, my dad met a stranger who was new to our small Tennessee town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer, and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around to welcome me into the world a few months later.

As I grew up I never questioned his place in our family. In my young mind, each member had a special niche. My brother, Bill, five years my senior, was my example. Fran, my younger sister, gave me an opportunity to play 'big brother' and develop the art of teasing. My parents were complementary instructors-- Mom taught me to love the word of God, and Dad taught me to obey it.

But the stranger was our storyteller. He could weave the most fascinating tales. Adventures, mysteries and comedies were daily conversations. He could hold our whole family spell-bound for hours each evening.

If I wanted to know about politics, history, or science, he knew it all. He knew about the past, understood the present, and seemingly could predict the future. The pictures he could draw were so life like that I: would often laugh or cry as I watched.

He was Iike a friend to the whole family. He took Dad, Bill and me to our first major league baseball game. He was always encouraging us to see the movies and he even made arrangements to introduce us to several movie stars. My brother and I were deeply impressed by John Wayne in particular.

The stranger was an incessant talker. Dad didn' t seem to mind-but sometimes Mom would quietly get up-- while the rest of us were enthralled with one of his stories of faraway places-- go to her room, read her Bible and pray. I wonder now if she ever prayed that the stranger would leave.

You see, my dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions. But this stranger never felt obligation to honor them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our house-- not from us, from our friends, or adults. Our longtime visitor, however, used occasional four letter words that burned my ears and made Dad squirm. To my knowledge the stranger was never confronted. My dad was a teetotaler who didn't permit alcohol in his home - not even for cooking. But the stranger felt 1ike we needed exposure and enlightened us to other ways of life. He offered us beer and other alcoholic beverages often.

He made cigarettes look tasty, cigars manly, and pipes distinguished. He talked freely (probably too much too freely) about sex. His comments were sometimes blatant, sometimes sugestive, and generally embarrassing. I know now that my early concepts of the man-woman relationship were influenced by the stranger,

As I look back, I believe it was the grace of God that the stranger did not influence us more. Time after time he opposed the values of my parents. Yet he was seldom rebuked and never asked to leave.

More than thirty years have passed since the stranger moved in with the young family on Morningside Drive. He is not nearly so intriguing to my Dad as he was in those early years. But if I were to walk into my parents' den today, you would still see him sitting over in a corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures.

His name? We always just called him TV."
-Told by Keith Currie

Reasons to Visit Us at Kettering Baptist Church

2007-09-25T10:26:00.000+01:00

A Church for Worship

The primary reason we meet together is to focus our attention on God, giving Him our worship and receiving His blessing through the word of God! Each service is a special time of spiritual refreshment and hearty "Amens!"

A Church for Service

Just as Jesus came "not to be ministered unto, but to minister.." Matt. 20:28. We accept our responsibility to reach out in service to others and glorify God. This applies both within the church family and outside our fellowship.

A Church for Learning

To us, studying the Bible is vital because it not only instructs us intellectually, but also guides spiritually and practically. We believe and accept God's Word, a book that is alive, amazing, and relevant to life today. Join us in "searching the scriptures daily".

A Church for Enrichment

For every person at every age level, we offer a wealth of opportunities - special programs and ministries for children, youth, and adults which fill the church calendar. You can be sure that in this kaleidoscope of activities there's more than one place where you can be personally enriched.
A Church for Friendship

Nothing quite compares to the joy of Christian friendship. That's why we make it a priority to pray and fellowship together. Our church family has lasting bonds between the members of our church family - bonds of concern and genuine commitment to one another. We would love to include you in that church family love!

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. -John 13:35

Introduction to our church

2007-09-24T09:12:00.000+01:00

The Lord leds us over two years ago to start a new church in Kettering, England. We're a group of Christians that love the Lord and desire to be more like Jesus. We thank the Lord for blessing in a special way. There was no Fundamental Baptist Church in the town.

If your living near the Kettering area we welcome you to come and visit us. We preach from the King James Bible. I promised when you attend our church you will hear the Bible preached and taught.

God's Emergency Room

2007-09-24T09:05:00.000+01:00

Please find below this weeks article by Evangelist Phil Kidd

GOD'S EMERGENCY ROOM
Matthew 9: 10 - 13
Within our text once again we see religious people questioning and doubting The Lord Jesus. This consistent pressure and abuse will follow Jesus throughout His ministry here on earth. The reasoning and fault finding continued until He hung His head and yielded up the ghost while on the cross of Calvary. They criticized His motives and methods of reaching people. They were offended in more than one situation, because of the low life people He was reaching with His message. In several different settings, Jesus tried to illustrate and explain His salvation plan and how it was designed to reach everyone.
Our text reveals one of the times that Jesus illustrated how redemption works in the hearts and lives on men and women. He draws a mental picture using the office of a doctor. It is here that He describes that people that are whole have no need for a doctor, but only those that are sick. This was to point them to the fact that as long as they did not see the need for a Saviour they would never call upon Him for help. He makes that very clear by declaring that He came to call "sinners" not the "righteous" to repentance.
With that thought in mind, let me ask you a question. If Jesus would illustrate His divine work to that of a doctor, then what would be wrong with saying that the church could be a type of hospital. After all that is where Jesus does most of His work, in the church, even though He does make house calls! I looked up what it takes to be a high rated hospital and I believe this could apply to us, to help us have a high rated church. All of us should have the desire to help our local church be all it can be, to reach as many as we can, with The Gospel of Jesus Christ. Allow me to list seven steps to having a high rated unit.
1. WE WILL BE THERE WHEN YOU NEED US?
The availability of the hospital increases its worth and outreach. People may pass by the hospital for years and never use it, but in the back of their minds they know when the time comes it will be there for them. The community should know that it is a place where the hurting can get relief, those crippled by accidents can recover, and the one that has fallen can get back up and have another chance at life. Its known as a place of healing and a place to get restored.
There are people all around your church that may have never been yet, but they know that when the time comes and they need healing, restored, or converted, there is one place they can always turn too. Everyday your church sets on the road side, it is a reminder to the community that you are still there and you are ready and willing to help those in spiritual need.
2. TRANSPORTATION MUST BE OFFERED
All hospitals have some kind of ambulance services to offer to those that might not be able to transport themselves. What kind of hospital only offers help to those that are able to get there on their own? Some people are such shape that they count on others to pick them up and get them to the proper place of help. As long as the hospital doors are open then transportation is offered.
This is one area of our churches that has long bothered me as I travel and preach across this country; I see less and less chance for people without transportation to have an opportunity to get to church and get saved. Most church vans set in our parking lots for months without being moved, unless it is for a supper or a shopping spree for the women. Once in a while we will move it to attend an area meeting for church people. Many sinners have died lost, because the ambulance does not minister to the needs of the sick that can't drive themselves. Does your church have a bus or a van? When is the last time your church has picked up some sick sinner and seen them recovered by God's divine grace? Yea, your van is like everyone else's it sets in the parking lot with dry rotted tires waiting to be sold to someone else when the men finally decide it is falling apart beside the church. How about each member? Why don't you start picking up people in your own car and bring them to the place of help and healing? Our churches are not helping people because we offer no transportation.
3. EVERYONE MUST RECEIVE THE SAME TREATMENT
One survey that rated hospitals in high regard was the one that noticed that all people were treated the same. No matter the problem, the color, male or female, or income, they all received the same concern and treatment. What a great testimony for any hospital to have. Nothing makes people feel any smaller than to be treated different for any reason.
I have preached in churches that have been guilty of this very charge. I have watched the pastor and others in the church slight poor people and fall all over the rich. I have heard the pastor say that he wished the junk cars in the parking lot was parked behind the church so others could not see them or get oil on the concrete. I have seen the poor and dirty set down and that area clear out because of their clothes or problems in their lives. How would you like it if they treated you that way at the hospital? People have souls and they have a right to hear the Gospel of Christ no matter what they do or do not have in life.
We had a multimillionaire attend our church last week (I did not know it, and don't care), our building was packed and I set him down next to the poor old woman that attends our church every week. I pick her up myself and take her to church. I want everyone to know that souls are not judged according to worth in the eyes of the world. The millionaire left and is sending an offering back to the church, because he said he saw people loving people from all levels of life.
Jesus reached the rich, the poor, the sick, the lame, the blind, the hurting, the crooks, the demon possessed, the broken, those caught in sin and the religious. All received the same treatment when they came to Jesus.
4. KNOWN FOR FRIENDLY AND CONCERNED STAFF
High rated hospitals has staff that are willing to listen to the hurt of those in need. Some patients feel better just finding someone who cares enough to listen to their hurt. Some people go to the hospital just to get attention and feel worth about themselves.
I wonder if you attend a church where everyone meets in the church and gets with their own little groups and talks about everything under the sun while visitors set alone on the back pew and no one ever takes the time to introduce themselves or set next to them during church? Did you know that being friendly does not cost you anything? One small expression of concern could change someone's life forever. Everyone wants to feel wanted and thought of. Some people are easier to reach and touch than others, I understand, but we must keep trying and searching for ways to make people feel and know that they are wanted in our churches.
5. DOCTORS MUST BE WELL QUALIFIED AND AVAILABLE
Nothing is more nerve racking than to get to the hospital and the doctor can't be found. You set in the room for hours waiting for someone to at least tell you that help is on the way. When he finally arrives, he is tired, blood shot eyes, and not in a very good mood. You fear to take his time or express your real feelings. This is uncomfortable for everyone involved and it should never be this way. Good hospitals have staff doctors that are there, on call and ready to serve needs, any time day or night.
The church has a well qualified doctor that is always on call day or night. He never sleeps or slumbers. He has never lost a patient, and He knows your every need. This is why we need to reach as many people as we can, we have the truth and what people need for their souls and their lives.
6. OFFERS A CONSISTENT FOLLOW UP PROGRAM
First class hospitals will contact you after your visit to check on you and offer further services if needed. This follow up program is important to the patient as well as the family. It shows the family the desire of the hospital to help and heal. One phone call from a staff member makes the process of concern reach another level.
May I say that most church follow up programs stink! Most visitors leave without the church having any information about them, where they live, or how to reach them in the future for a visit. They leave and never hear from the preacher, or even get a letter of thanks for coming. It is a sad day when people visit our churches and they never hear from us at all. We need to try and contact them by phone, card, and visit. They visited the church so just return the favor! We have had families join our church just because of one visit. And all of them say the same thing; "We came back because your church was the only one that ever visited us after we attended a service there". Sad is the day when we are to busy to do follow up work on those that need our help.
7. ALWAYS EXPANDING AND GROWING
Top rated hospitals are always growing in size and number. The unit is always being added on to while the beds are being rearranged to meet the need for all the people coming in.
I would not go to a hospital that never has to add on or most of the beds are always empty! And that is why many people in our community never attend our churches. Most of our pews stay empty and we never have to add on, because there is no need.
I don't want to get into the numbers game or a race to see who is the greatest, but there is something wrong with empty churches and hollow buildings. There is a deadness there that should not be.
In closing, may God allow all of us to help our "hospital-church" be more affective this year than ever before. People need help and we have the answer, so lets get to work.

2007-09-23T22:03:00.000+01:00