Berean Concepts

Feel Good Movies, God, and Me

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 15:15:00 +0000

A young man born into wealthy circumstances has no appreciation for what he has. He wastefully spends money on parties, extravagant trips, and any desire or pleasure he wants. His grandfather decides to teach him some life lessons. At first the young man rejects the effort but over time, often against his own will, he begins to see reality, changes his behavior and his life, and falls in love with the right young girl and all ends well. So ended the “feel good” movie we watched just the other night.

This reminds me of the Bible story of the prodigal (wasteful, reckless) son in Luke 15. He demanded his inheritance, left home and wasted the money on “riotous” living. He reached a point where the money ran out and the “friends” all left. He took a job feeding swine. It got to the point that he was so hungry he was willing to eat the swine’s food. Then the Scriptures tell us starting in verse 17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father.” When he returned home his father met him on the road, kissed him, welcomed him home and made a feast.

Jesus uses this story to paint a picture of our loving God and His willingness to receive us back after we have travelled down a reckless road. His desire is for us to return home. His desire is to welcome us back. His desire is to provide us a place in His home where there is no more pain, hardship or death.

When I watch these “feel good” movies, I often find myself thinking that this makes for a good movie, but in real life these people usually don’t get back on the right road where everything turns out rosy. Just think of Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Madonna and others. We all know people in our own lives that are ruined by the lure of worldliness.

So while God is waiting on that road for us to return home, we often resist the efforts He provides through the lives of others to teach us, admonish us, and mold us into what the He wants us to be. We prefer to sit in the swine pit and never “come to our senses.” Or, we think that one day the right occasion will come along and we’ll change. We’re waiting on that “movie moment” when everything suddenly and magically turns around for us. Instead, like the prodigal son, it takes determination of our will – a decision – to cease following the world’s ways and finally start walking down the path toward God.

Luke 15:7 “…there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

Are you in the swine pit of life? Do you want a different way? Can we help you come home to God? Let us know how we can help.

Letting Go

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:56:00 +0000

For a Christian, death can be a joyous time if your loved one shares faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Letting go of someone so they can be with the Lord is actually not so hard when you consider that going home is what the Christian’s life is all about.

The hardest part of letting go is the loss of the unique things that made our loved ones who they were. Shortly before my dad died I recall going from the hospital with mom over to their house to get some items either she or he needed. When I walked into the house it suddenly occurred to me that dad would never again be in that house. His spot on the couch in the corner of the den would forever be empty of his presence. Never again would we walk into their house at Thanksgiving and see dad standing at the stove stirring the Thanksgiving gravy while mom put the finishing touches on the other things. He always called me first thing in the morning on my birthday. I don’t remember a year when he didn't…until that first year he was gone.

It is those things about a person that you miss; those characteristics and actions that were uniquely theirs and that we came to depend on in our lives.

Nan’s dad was unique in his own way. He was “Grandpa Moody” to most of the family. He had a distinctive way of communicating. Instead of answering in the affirmative by saying “Yes,” Arthur always said, “True.” When you left his presence and said goodbye, he always responded, “Bye for now.” If anyone ever complained in his presence about another person, he was quick to provide a positive comment regarding them. Everything about life had a spiritual application. All the grand kids know “God said, ‘Let there be light, and there was light’” as he turned the light switch on in a dark room. You could depend upon Arthur’s strong will, yet behind that strong will was a man who cared deeply for others and who could quickly become emotional when touched by their struggles.

Arthur touched as many as 6 generations of God’s people with his godly life – from Florida to Alaska, Washington State to New York. Even his great grandchildren are influenced by him through their parents, his grandchildren who sat on his knee learning godliness and they watched his unwavering service to the Lord.

Letting Arthur go is easy, and at the same time hard. Easy because we have confidence in his eternal destiny. Hard because the unique man who touched our lives is forever gone from this life. But because of his confidence in the Lord of a life after this one, I’m certain he is telling us all, “Bye for now.”

W. Arthur Moody, November 24, 1918 to April 22, 2013

Lessons From the Death of a Friend

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 17:25:00 +0000

Two days before he passed away I visited with a friend of mine and his family. Due to medication he was unconscious. The family told me that except for his liver, which was failing due to cancer, his health was pretty good. His heart was functioning well. His blood pressure was normal. When he was able to be awake his mind was good. In almost every way he was healthy...except for that liver.

I thought later about how just one part not functioning correctly can affect the whole body. Each part of the body has a role and an important function. There are very few parts that can be sick or stop providing their function and us be able to live or function normally.

This all reminds me of two passages in the Scriptures. In 1 Corinthians 12 the apostle Paul addresses the problem of division in the church at Corinth. He compares the church, with its many members, to a body with its different members (parts). "If the foot should say, 'Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,' is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, 'Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,' is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased." (15-20) and "the eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you'; nor again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you.'" (21).

Paul's point is twofold. First, if I am a Christian and think I have no need of other church members, either because I don't want to be a part of a church, feel I have no need of fellowship with other ChrIstians or I think I am some how better or superior to the other members, I lack proper appreciation and concern for other Christians. Second, if I feel inferior because I cannot contribute to a church as well as others, perhaps because of lack of knowledge or ability that others possess, I fail to understand that it takes Christians at various levels of knowledge and ability for a church to be properly composed as God arranged.

In Ephesians 4:16 Paul again uses the analogy of the church to the body and says, "the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the
edifying of itself in love."

Note: "every part does its share." The problem my friend Don had was that one of his parts stopped doing its share. What are the Lord's people, his church, missing because you are not doing your share by being an active, involved, dedicated part of the body of Christ?

Lessons to Consider

The church is important and if I am to be a faithful Christian I must be part of a local church (Paul was writing to Corinth, a local church). The Bible doesn't okay the "christian at large" concept or somehow substituting "TV church" for being an responsible member (in person) of a local church.

The Lord's teaching doesn't condone pew warming when it says that "every part does its share." You can greet others, encourage others, visit others, help sick folks, etc.
Members who are struggling or still weak in their faith are not disposable. We can't act like the little toe can be thrown out because it is unimportant to me. Romans 15:1-2 says, "We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification."

Do you need to learn the value of the church? Do you need to better understand the value of your role within the Lord's church? We are ready to help. Just send an email and we'll be glad to talk with you. Lets all learn to appreciate our role in the Lord's plan for our life on this earth.

Choices for Our Children

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 03:57:00 +0000

Hannah is an Old Testament Bible character who struggled daily because she had no child. In deep sorrow she went to the Lord in prayer and made a vow. She said if You “will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life…” 1 Samuel 1:11. The Lord blessed her with the birth of Samuel. When Hannah took young Samuel to Eli the priest she said, “Therefore I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord.” Verse 28.

Would you consider directing the life of your son this way? Perhaps deciding when your son is born that he will be a preacher of the gospel. From the moment of his birth you tell everyone, “My son will be a gospel preacher.” As he grows you continually remind him of the plan you have for him. You read the Bible to him every day. You have him spend time with godly men being taught the word of God. In His teenage years you make arrangements for him to work in a church under the guidance of godly elders and evangelists who are committed to holiness. Finally the day comes when he is ready and he begins preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Many would say a parent should never decide such a thing for their child. “You can’t force religion on your child! This kind of decision has to be made by the child without the influence of a parent,” they say. Yet many parents decide their child is going to excel in school and work diligently to place them in the best schools with the best teachers. Or parents begin at an early age instructing their child in a sport, working with them every day, purchasing the services of a trainer, placing them on select teams and filling their extra time with the sport.

Why is raising a child to be a preacher of the gospel something to be avoided? Hannah is certainly commended for her choice for Samuel and Samuel was a great leader of God’s people.

What we need today are parents who simply decide that their children are going to grow up to be holy and righteous. I don’t mean hoping that they will be holy and righteous but determining from the first day that they will be holy and righteous young men and women. That’s what Timothy’s mother and grandmother did. Paul said to Timothy, “…from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Jesus Christ.” 2 Timothy 3:15.

If your child grows up to be holy and righteous, you’ll have to be holy and righteous. You’ll need to be spending time with spiritual activities such as worship services, both scheduled and “extra-curricular,” Bible studies, sing praises to God, etc. You’ll be selective in who your children are friends with. You’ll be careful about what they watch on TV and how much time they spend on the computer playing games or FaceBooking. Sports, band, arts, and academics will not be the major focus of their life but will take second place to spiritual activities.

Someone might object saying that our children have to prepare themselves for a career. Yes, our children need to make good grades and prepare themselves for life, but that is still secondary to their spiritual life. Our responsibility before God is to raise spiritual children (Ephesians 6:4). By not making their spiritual life our number one priority, we neglect our God-given responsibility as parents.

Hannah is a great example. We may not dedicate our child’s life to God by determining he will be a preacher of the gospel, but we had better dedicate their life to the Lord and raise them accordingly. Oh, they may be an insurance salesman, a school teacher, a mechanic or enter some other line of work, but primarily they will be a holy and righteous servant of the Lord who places the Lord first, and secondarily whatever else they are in life.

Need help raising your children this way? Please contact us if you feel we can help.

Should You Invest In Gold?

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:41:00 +0000

Invest in Gold! While driving to work and going out for lunch each day I usually listen to the radio. That totals about 40 minutes of my time each day in four driving segments. I get in roughly 15 minutes of listening to and from work and about 5 minutes to and from lunch.

Though I have not actually made a scientific study of it, I believe that more than 90 percent of the time I hear at least one commercial per drive segment exhorting me to buy gold. I can almost recite the commercials from memory. Have you ever wondered...if this is such a great time own gold, why are so many companies selling gold? Just something to think about.

It is argued that gold has lasting value. One commercial says that gold will still have its value when the world no longer uses dollars, euros or the yen. It is true that gold has greater value than currencies that come and go over many years. Yet gold prices fluctuate, sometimes wildly. There was a time when gold was so common that silver was considered to have little value. (1 Kings 10:21)

What Investment Should You Make? Proverbs 23:23 says, "Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding." In Jesus' prayer in John 17:17 He said, "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your [God's] word is truth." (Emphasis mine-BH) So we are encouraged by Solomon to "buy the truth" and Jesus says God's word is truth.

The Psalmist David wrote about the words of God in Psalm 19:10 where he said, "More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold." Making an investment in the word of God has a far greater value than an investment in gold.

How Do I Invest? Buying the truth is an investment of time. Paul told Timothy, "Give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine." (1 Timothy 4:13) The Psalmist said of the righteous man, "But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night." (Psalm 1:2) So we must take the time to read God's word and then meditate on it, thinking carefully about what it is saying.

Investing in God's word requires change. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Being conformed to the world carries the idea of being molded or shaped by the world - letting those around us or those on TV dictate our values, our language, and our dress. In contrast, those investing in God's word will be "transformed." The word that is translated transformed is based in the idea of metamorphosis. Just like a caterpillar is transformed into a butterfly, we are changed by the word of God into something very different from the world's view of how people should act and think. Peter calls it "partaking of the divine nature" in 2 Peter 1:4. That means that we are less and less like the people around us and more and more like God Himself. All because of our investment in His word.

Good Investments Are Costly. Get rich schemes are just that...schemes. When it comes to God's word, one does not make a minimal one-time investment and receive a huge payout. It is continual investment over a lifetime. "Be faithful unto death and I will give you a crown of life" Jesus said in Revelation 2:10. Take time to read 2 Peter 1:5-11 and note the diligence necessary for this investment to provide a return.

Ready To Invest? We are willing to help you make your investment in God's word. We'll get together with you and read God's word together. The beginning of a New Year is right around the corner. Won't you start your investment now? Contact us via FaceBook message or by using the email address on this blog. My wife and I would love to read and grow with you. May God bless your investment of time in His word.

Do You Have An Exit Strategy?

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 05:31:00 +0000

We hear a lot about exit strategies. When the war starting going long in Iraq, President Bush was accused of not having an exit strategy. I received an email the other day from a company wanting to invest in my business. Their email asked, "Do you have an exit strategy?" I suppose they would like to develop one for me and get me out of the business.

Exit Strategies Are Important. They are important in war because without one, a nation becomes bogged down in a conflict that has no end. The expense of war is high and a nation soon tires of increasing body counts. In one's career, an exit strategy means knowing when it is the right time to move on, either to a nice retirement, or to start another venture that hopefully will be as profitable as the last.

In either case, having an exit strategy means that one's eye is set on an achievable goal and a plan is in place that will reasonably assure success.

How About You? Do you have an exit strategy? I mean, do you have an exit strategy from this life - your physical life? What plans are you making for eternal life? Are you "even more diligent to make your call and election sure?" (2 Peter 1:10).

Without an exit strategy that looks toward eternal life, we become bogged down in this life. We begin to chase wealth, bigger houses, a huge retirement and more toys. Rather than adding to our physical possessions, we need to follow the advice of the Apostle Peter.

"But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:10). You see, focusing on the spiritual virtues in our life prepares us for an entrance into the everlasting kingdom.

Is Your Exit Strategy Developed? Are you actively working toward it or has your life been diverted by less important matters? Perhaps you would like to study the Scriptures with me and begin work on your exit strategy. I'd be happy to help. Please contact me.

What's In Your Wallet?

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 03:24:00 +0000

Capital One has these somewhat funny commercials that always end with, "What's in your wallet?" They hope that the Capital One Rewards card is in your wallet and, if not, the commercials extolling their rewards program are an attempt to entice you to apply.

As I thought about the Viking guy asking "What's in your wallet?", it occurred to me that many preachers are basically saying the same thing. Only they want what's in your wallet and entice you to send it to them by offering various earthly rewards.

Earthly Rewards? They speak of sowing "faith seeds" that will sprout into a rich harvest for the sower. They tell stories of how they once were in the depths of poverty but they kept on planting their faith seeds (giving money to a preacher) and now they wear a Rollex and drive "holy beemers," as one preacher referred to all the BMWs in the studio parking lot. They remind me of the guy who sells the DVD that tells you how to make millions on eBay. Of course, he is making his millions selling DVDs on TV. These preachers are paying for their BMWs and mansions by convincing simple people that they should sow "seeds" of money to their ministry.

God's Warning. God warns us about such people. Peter wrote about the false teachers who "speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage." (2 Peter 2:18,19). Earlier in the chapter Peter said of those false prophets, "And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not." (2 Peter 2:3). The NKJV reads "...they exploit you..."

These preachers want to know, "What's in your wallet?" They'll pray on TV and say that "Someone watching is having financial trouble; it is even causing problems in their marriage. God wants you to sow your seed of faith and be free of those financial problems and fix your marriage." When did Jesus use such tactics? Do you recall Jesus ever taking any money from his followers? Did He ever promise personal enrichment in trade for financial contributions to His ministry?

The apostle Paul, while trying to solicit funds to help the poor Christians in Jerusalem, did refer to sowing and reaping. He said to the Corinthians, "He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).

Notice the difference in Paul's appeal and the appeal of modern day preachers. Paul was soliciting funds for others, not himself (cfm. 2 Corinthians 9:1). The giver would "reap" but the result of the reaping was not to purchase a BMW but to "have an abundance for every good work." Paul didn't even touch the money. Each church was to select a member to bear the gift to Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:3) so that there would be no question about the handling of the money (2 Corinthians 8:18-21). Paul was not about enriching himself or enriching those who gave. His effort was to bring glory to God. (2 Corinthians 9:12-15).

What's in your wallet? There are preachers who want to know and they want to have it. According to Peter, their continual interest in your wallet and their rich lifestyle is proof that they are not from God. You'll do well to avoid them and search out those who are more concerned about your spiritual well-being than those who give you empty promises of health and wealth in swap for what money you have.

If you would like to learn about God's solutions for your life, I would love to help. I have no ministry for you to give to and do not want any money. Your honest heart, open to the word of God, is what I want. Contact me when you are ready.

Election 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 22:05:00 +0000

Across the United States citizens went to the polls on Tuesday to cast their vote. We are blessed to live in a land where we can freely modify our government. The purpose of this blog is not to discuss the election results but to make a spiritual application of the election process.

People vote on candidates for several reasons.

Name Recognition. I doubt too many people walk into the voting booth and select a name they have never heard of. The reason candidates put out so many signs and bumper stickers is so you will recognize their name when you go vote. The candidates want you to know their names.

Similarity on Issues. We expect candidates to tell us where they stand on certain issues. We listen to their positions to see what they believe is important. We hear what they say they will do to resolve issues that concern us. Over time we decide on a particular candidate based upon the similarity we feel with him or her on matters important to us.

Character. Americans want to elect good people. A man of questionable character, even if he stands toe to toe with us on issues, isn’t likely to win our vote. That is why opponents try to dig up dirt on each other. If character issues are too great, a candidate generally will not be elected.
The candidates work hard to convince us that they are the ones who meet our criteria.

Candidates spend months, if not years, campaigning to be elected.
They give up good-paying jobs for the chance to be elected.
They spend hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars, in an effort to win the race.
They willingly suffer close examination and scrutiny. Sometimes they endure lies, harsh words, and unfair treatment by the media, and consider it worth the effort in order to win.

When the big day comes, Election Day, they learn how effective their effort has been.

The Spiritual Election

There is a spiritual election, or selection, taking place. “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:10-11

We don’t cast a vote in this election – God is the one making the choice. It is a selection process much like our elections. If we are elected, it will be for similar reasons candidates are elected today.

Name Recognition. In James 2:7, James, in reference to the oppression of Christians by the rich, says, “Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?” That would be the name Christian. If we are elected by God it will be because of our name recognition, not because we call ourselves Christians but because we are truly wearing the name of Christ.

Revelation 3:5 “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” We have name recognition with God if our name is written in the Book of Life. It is only written there if we overcome sin.

Similarity on Issues. 2 Peter 1:2-4 says, “As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” Think about this. God gives us “all things” pertaining to life and godliness (in His word) so that we can be “partakers of the divine nature.” He elects people who are like Him and even provides us with everything we need so we can be like Him.

Character. Reading on, 2 Peter 1:5-8 lists for us the character traits that we must “add to faith” in order to be elected – such things as virtue, knowledge, self-control, godliness, and love. After saying all these things Peter tells us of this great election being made by God and instructs us to be “diligent to make [our] call and election sure.” Does that suggest that we may not be elected? That is certainly the case if we are not diligent and do not add these things to our faith.

So are you trying to “win” your election?

Are you willing to do whatever is necessary to be elected by God?
Are you willing to give up anything, maybe a job, a pleasure, a habit, in order to be elected?
Are you willing to suffer as a Christian in order to be elected? 1 Peter 4:1-4.
Are you willing to grow and develop as necessary to wear the name of Jesus, to be like Him by partaking of the divine nature, to develop the character He wants in those He elects?

Elections are tough. To win them requires diligence.

In our national elections only one candidate can win the race. In God’s election all who qualify will win. See 1 Peter 1:3-5, 22-23. Those who are “begotten” or “born again” by the mercy of God and “purify [their] hearts in obeying the truth” are those who will be elected.

Do you qualify? Do you need to start the race? Not sure of where you stand? Our election by God is extremely important since eternity is at stake. Contact us to study these matters in more detail.

Prophecy: A Foundation for Faith

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 22:28:00 +0000

About 750 years before Jesus was born, God chides the nation of Israel for their lack of faith in Him. They had turned their hearts to idols and served them as their gods.

As proof of His greatness compared to idols, God said the following in Isaiah 46:9, 10. "Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure.'" The proof He wanted them to see is that He is capable of telling the end from the beginning - that is, He tells us of future events and they happen as He said. The idols Israel served can't even speak and were made by man's hands. God states that fulfilled prophecy is a proof, or convincing reason, why Israel should place their faith and trust in Him.

What Prophecy?

What events does God have reference to in this message to Israel by the mouth of Isaiah? He refers to their history, the "former things of old." Let's look at a few of the events He may have reference to.

The Flood

Those Jews knew about and believed in the flood. Before the flood came, God appeared to Noah. Hebrews 11:7 says, "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." God warned Noah about the flood and instructed him about how to save himself and his family from the coming destruction. He foretold the future event of the flood.

Their Land & Nation

Hundreds of years before the nation of Israel came into existence, God said they would exist. Speaking to Abraham God said in Genesis 12:1,2, "Now the LORD had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing." God promised Abram a land and the formation of a great nation. Israel was living proof that God can "declare the end from the beginning." Both the land of Israel and their Jewish nation fulfilled those promises to Abram.

The Captivity in Egypt and Their Deliverance

Every Jew knew the history of their captivity in Egypt. God told Abraham that it would happen and how many years it would be before they were to be delivered. In Genesis 15: 13-16 God said, "Then He said to Abram: "Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions. Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age. But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete."

This fascinating prophecy tells of the captivity in Egypt ("strangers in a land" and "serve them") that lasted 400 years ("afflicted" 400 years) and of their deliverance (remember Moses?). So 400 years before the events happen, God reveals them to Abram.

Those Jews in Isaiah's day who were serving false gods had turned their backs on the God who kept His promise, made them a great nation, gave them the land of inheritance, and delivered them from the affliction in Egypt. Isaiah is trying to call them back; to wake them up to the fact that abandoning God would cause Him to keep another promise - loss of that land and a return to captivity at the hands of another nation if they remained unfaithful. Read 1 Kings 9:6-9.

Prophecies of Jesus

I want to list here just a few of the prophecies made concerning Jesus, the Old Testament passage in which they were made, and the New Testament passages that shows their fulfillment.

Jesus Born in Bethlehem Micah 5:2 Luke 2:4-7
Jesus to be a Priest in the order of Melchizedek Ps 110:1,4 Hebrews 5:5-6
Entrance into Jerusalem on a donkey Zechariah 9:9 Mark 11:7-11
Judas paid 30 pieces of silver to betray Him Zechariah 11:12 Matt 26:14-15
30 pieces of silver used to buy a potter's field Zechariah 11:13 Matt 27:5-7
Feet and hands pierced Ps 22:15-16 John 20:25-57
Buried in the tomb of the rich Isaiah 53:8,9 Matt 27:57-60
Jesus would be resurrected Psalm 16:10-11 Mark 16:5,6; Acts 2:30

A Foundation for Faith

Many today are amazed at Leonardo Di Vinci and wonder at the writings of Nostradamus. Neither of these men predicted with the accuracy of fulfilled Bible prophecy. We recognize that if they did see the future, something was revealed to them from outside of this world. If those men fascinate you, consider the fulfilled prophecy found in the Scriptures. This blog barely touches the hem of the garment when it comes to fulfilled prophecy.

The prophets of the Old Testament did not claim any special ability apart from God. They gave credit to God as the source of all their words. It is God who should impress us, not His spokesmen. When He can tell us the "end from the beginning" then do we not believe that He is in control of "the end from the beginning?" Such ability is beyond man. It is a divine ability. As such, this should build our faith in God and cause us to submit to His will. He promises us an eternal reward that is beyond our wildest expectation.

Won't you let fulfilled prophecy be a foundation of faith for you? If you want to study this or other subjects in more depth, please contact me. We can arrange a time to consider the things of God. You can email me or click over the the Facebook page and post a request. Thanks for reading.

Fairy Tales and Myths or Facts?

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 02:38:00 +0000

Reading the book of Luke reveals some very interesting things about the Bible. We'll use Luke chapter 1 as the basis for several key points.

Fairy Tales or Myths?

When you read your child a fairy tale, how does it begin? Something like, "Once upon a time in a land far away..." Notice how Luke's story of Jesus begins. Luke 1:5 reads "There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth." Once upon a time is replaced by "in the days of Herod, the king of Judea" Herod was from a well-known, historical ruling family. The story didn't take place in a far away land. It was Judea, a place we can locate on our maps today. Zacharias was no made up character. He was a priest of the division of Abijah and his wife a descendant of Aaron.

Just the Facts

Luke, the writer, opens himself up for severe scrutiny by giving so much factual information. To witness just how vulnerable Luke is willing to be, read Luke 2:1,2 and Luke 3:1. These were no fairy tales. What we have from Luke is a factual account that takes place at a specific point in time. A point in time that can be verified for accuracy. Luke does not fear this scrutiny, else he would not have made himself vulnerable.

Credible Testimony

Luke was not a blogger. He was an investigator, a physician by trade. He carefully gathered information and assembled an orderly narrative of this story about Jesus. Luke 1:2,3 "...just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account..." Luke took testimony from eyewitnesses. The word "perfect" means complete. His account was not written until he had all the facts together.

The result of Luke's very serious effort is "that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed" Luke 1:4. His writing was not simply to tell a story. Its design is to instill confidence in the reader -- a certainty that the things written are so.

Real Humans

Luke depicts real people who have real life struggles just as you and I. An angel appears to Zacharias. Is he excited about seeing this angel? Luke 1:12 "And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him." Unlike many today who claim to see angels, Zacharias was afraid, like so many others in the Scriptures who experience these heavenly beings. Mary, the mother of Jesus, had a similar reaction when Gabriel appeared to her. Luke 1:30, "Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God."

Because Zacharias didn't believe the angel, he became mute until his promised son was born. Reacting just as humans do, when the child was born the people were trying to communicate with him about the child's name. Luke 1:60 says, "So they made signs to his father--what he would have him called." Zacharias was not deaf, he was mute! Yet the people, in typical human fashion, made signs to him, probably speaking very loudly, asking for the name of the child.

Will You Read With Us?

So the story that continues beyond chapter 1 is designed "to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." Luke 1:77-79.

Will you read the book of Luke with us? Will you let Luke tell this story of Jesus to you? We offer to read this story with others and discuss what Luke says. We let him teach us and our conclusions come from his testimony, one who lived in the time of Jesus and so ably wrote a narrative to help us come to faith. Send us an email or comment telling us of your desire to read together.

The Great Chilean Rescue

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 03:30:00 +0000

People all across the globe were riveted to their TVs Tuesday night waiting for the first of 33 miners to emerge from the rescue capsule. For many the rescue of the first man was quite an emotional experience.

A huge crowd gathered around the small opening that served as the life line and escape route for the miners. In the crowd were their rescuers, family and friends, employees of the mining company, the president of Chile, his wife and several others from the government. Surrounding that crowd were many from the media and through their cameras, the rest of the world looked on.

As the first miner emerged the huge crowd erupted into applause and cheers accompanied with tears of joy. Those reporting even gave in to their emotions just a bit as they chronicled the events of the evening. Those of us watching were silently cheering as well. I enjoyed the chants of the crowd as they expressed their national pride shouting, "Chi Chi Chi, le le le, Chile!" Everyone was overjoyed by the deliverance of the miners.

A Similar Picture From Scripture

"Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Luke 15:10. Imagine a man trapped in sin. He is separated from God by his sin. Without a rescue he will perish in a Devil's hell. Some around him realize his desperate condition and tell Him about a Man who came to rescue him. They teach him of the love of God who sent His Son to pay the price for his sin so that he can avoid the destruction awaiting him.

As he learns more he develops his faith in Jesus. "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6. He understands the need for repentance, a permanent change that must take place in his life so that his life will become like Jesus' life. "[God] commands all men everywhere to repent." Acts 17:30. He confesses His faith in Jesus. "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9. He responds in obedience by being baptized so that Jesus washes away his sins. "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." Acts 2:38

Looking on are God and Jesus Christ. With them are the angels in heaven, a huge crowd of heavenly host who want this man to be rescued and saved. When he responds, heaven erupts in joy over this sinner who has repented.

Conclusion

We are so glad that the men in Chile have been rescued and thank God for their safety. We need to realize how many of our friends are trapped in sin, perishing as we live next door to them, work with them, and interact with them socially. Will we help to bring joy to the huge crowd in heaven by opening our mouths and telling these lost ones about the saving grace of Jesus Christ? Let's busy ourselves with an even greater rescue mission that results in even greater joy.

God's Higher Love

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 22:09:00 +0000

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.”
– Isaiah 55:8-9

Have you ever felt out of your league? Have you been around someone who was so much smarter, so much wealthier, or so much more powerful than you were that you felt intimidated and uncomfortable? Doesn’t it seem that this is how this passage portrays God? It doesn’t matter how wise we are, or think we are – God is wiser beyond comprehension. It doesn’t matter how powerful we are – God is more powerful still. Everywhere we look, and in all things, God is greater than us.

Do you feel intimidated by God? Do you feel like He is watching you at all times, just waiting for you to make a mistake? Do you feel like He just simply refuses to be pleased with how you live your life, no matter how hard you try to please Him? Perhaps God, to you, is like an overly strict father from whose gaze you cannot wait to hide yourself because you know that He is just waiting to see something wrong and punish you to the fullest extent of His power. If that is the case, then perhaps you have read these verses, or ones like them, without reading the verses surrounding them.

Verses 6-7 say this: “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord, and He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”

Notice the things that God is trying to emphasize to His people in this passage. Nearness. Reconciliation. Compassion. Pardon. This is not a passage describing God as a distant God – one so remote that He cannot relate to us. Rather, we see God describing Himself as a God who, despite His awesomeness, and yes, distance from a sinful human race, desires very much to be near to men and women who He sees in sin.

So how are we to read and understand verses 8-9, and all of that talk about God’s thoughts and ways being so much higher and better than ours? We are to interpret them in terms of God’s capacity to love, forgive, and show grace to us. One of the main reasons many people view God like a strict, even abusive, parent is that they anticipate that His reaction to their mistakes will be the same as a typical human-being. Lawsuits, vengeance, justice, grudges, and hatred are just a few of many typical ways in which people quickly respond to one another after being wronged. Rarely does a person severely injured in a car accident or in surgery stop to think that an honest mistake might have been the cause. Almost never does the typical person actually completely forgive one who intentionally wronged them, and let them get away “scot-free.” It is not natural to us to instantaneously think in terms of forgiveness and mercy; rather, we more often tend to think in terms of making sure no wrong against us goes unpunished.

But God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. He looked at the race of people He created, and saw our disgusting sins, inexcusable atrocities, and all-out assault on goodness and desired to “abundantly pardon” every miserable one of us. In exchange for that pardon He might have asked more than we could give – He certainly had the right to. If the just penalty for mistreating men is sometimes 25+ years of a person’s life, or at times even the person’s life itself, how much greater is our debt to God after wronging Him so badly? And yet, after offending Him so much, He requires so relatively little. He simply says, “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord.” God only asks that we change ourselves completely from how we were living in sin, and seek and serve Him. It requires our total dedication, but that is so much less than He could have asked us to pay! We can celebrate with the psalmist David when he said, “He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities” (Psalm 103:10).

Just because God is so willing to pardon us does not mean that we can take His offer lightly and just assume that He will pardon us without us having to make an effort to change our lives. Isaiah 55:6 says, “Seek the Lord while He may be found.” There comes a point after which one may wish to seek Him, and He will not be found by that person. God’s offer will not last forever. Hebrews 9:27 says, “…it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment.” (See also Luke 16:19-31 and 2 Corinthians 5:10) Let us make sure we take advantage of the grace God has given to us while we still have the time.

--Joel Holt

FaceBook and Christians

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 14:00:00 +0000

My son laughed at the idea that his mom and dad were on FaceBook. Why, I'm not sure. It isn't like we're backwards from a technology standpoint. I actually feel fairly certain that I'm above average when it comes to the use of technology, both in business and in my personal life.

FaceBook has been an interesting experience. I've enjoyed the way I'm being connected to old friends long forgotten. I have been able to catch up with people last seen over 30 years ago. That has proved fun though it also points out just how many years have gone by. Most of them have raised their children and are even grandparents. I still remember them as they were at 19 and 20 years old.

FaceBook has also been revealing in some other ways. Mostly, this occurs in the status comments where people post how they feel or tell about what they are doing. Some are fun to read. Some are encouraging. Some are innocent. But others are troubling.

Whining. Some Christians, who are supposed to be full of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24) such as love, joy, and peace, post Facebook status messages complaining about life and its troubles. Some seem to never be able to post positive things. "John is having a bad day." "Karen's friends don't want to spend any time with her." Some complain out loud about nearly everything. Where is the joy of being a Christian? When did we lose the concept of thinking on good things? (Philippians 4:8) These complainers will likely not join us in heaven because they likely blame God for their troubles - not on Facebook mind you, but in their inner hearts.

Disappointing. It has always been discouraging to me to hear about Christians who involve themselves in activities that are questionable, if not sinful, for Christians to be involved in. For example, several have posted on Facebook about movies they've seen, talking about how good the movie was, yet it is rated R. Simply from the previews it is obvious Christians have no business seeing the movie. Others will post a status and use language that is inappropriate for Christians to utter or write. Others post pictures of themselves immodestly dressed so not only am I discouraged by knowing they dress immodestly, I see them dressed immodestly.

Poor Selection Of Friends. Paul warns us about the company we keep. In 1 Corinthians 15:33 he said, "Do not be deceived; Evil company corrupts good habits." Looking at the Facebook pages of some Christians I know, it is obvious that they use poor judgement in their selection of friends. The comments their friends make on their page include inappropriate slang, outright cursing, references to drinking and drugs, etc. Paul indicated that we cannot go out of the world in our effort to avoid sin but he also tells us we must select our company carefully, lest we be corrupted by them. It is obvious that some Christians may have been "deceived" and need to rethink who their Facebook "friends" are and delete them...from Facebook and from their personal lives!

Time Wasting. Sometimes we talk about how hard it is to take the gospel to others. We comment about how our area is a "hard area" and "people are just not interested in hearing the gospel." Sometimes we talk about "how busy we are." It is apparent that many Christians on Facebook are consumed with Facebook and have no time for finding those to study with because they are spending far too much time on Facebook. They have multiple farms, they send hugs, kisses, and presents of all types to all their friends, they take quiz after quiz and score higher and higher on several Facebook games. Christians are to be "redeeming the time" in reference to those outside the body of Christ. (Colossians 4:5) Could Satan be using Facebook to make you an ineffective Christian while you sit for hours at your computer involved in all Facebook has to offer?

No doubt there are good things about Facebook. But for all its good, it must be kept in perspective. It has revealed some things to me that I wish I didn't know about some Christians. I hope they'll repent. The world has a very strong grip on too many Christians these days and I am afraid they have been overcome while feeling they are "okay" with the Lord. The Bible warns again and again, "Be not deceived."

July 27, 2009 Followup: A blog reader suggested this audio link. I think it is worthwhile.

Torchlights To The Cherokees

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 03:30:00 +0000

One place that is near and dear to my heart is called Audubon Acres, located in Chattanooga, TN at the end of Gunbarrel Road in East Brainerd. Many of you may think that I like this sanctuary because of my bird watching hobby. Actually, this place is special for another reason -- its history.

Audubon Acres is the old home place of a man named Robert Sparks Walker. He was born and raised in the log cabin that still stands on the property. His family moved into this cabin after purchasing the land it sat on. The cabin was abandoned by the Cherokee Indians when they were removed from Tennessee during what is now known as the Trail of Tears. Recently I was on the property and stepped into the visitors center. Their bookstore had a book by written by Mr. Walker called Torchlights to the Cherokees. The book chronicles the history of the Brainerd Mission, whose purpose it was to teach the Cherokees Christianity.

As a side note for you Chattanooga area readers, the areas known as Brainerd and East Brainerd take their names from this mission. There is a cemetery located to the right of Eastgate toward the creek, the only portion of the Mission site that is left.

Chapter two records some interesting information that I felt was applicable to our day. Mr. Walker discusses the founding of the Chickamauga Mission (later renamed Brainerd to avoid confusion with the town of Chickamauga) and its purpose to bring Christianity to the natives. Until the mission had been formed there was very little opportunity to influence the Cherokees with the gospel. The following paragraph from the book explains why.

"The natural criterion by which one judges the efficacy of any religion is its visible effects on the character and behavior of its adherents. Many of the Indian's most brutal, selfish and thievish white neighbors claimed to be Christians. It was natural that the Cherokees should judge the value of this new religion by the character of the people who were steadily encroaching upon their property and many of whom had introduced whiskey into their tribes. To them, Christianity was something that they might do well to avoid."

Then he tells of an Indian Chief who would not permit any literature to be distributed among his tribe until he had first read it and approved of it. Mr. Walker continues, "After listening earnestly to a portion of St. Matthew, the old chief dryly, but seriously remarked, "Well, it seems to be a good book, but it is strange that the white people are not better for having had it so long!"

What about our day? What sort of influence do we have on the world due to the influence the Word has on us? How do people view the religion of Christ based upon what they see in my life? Has God's word had a profound impact on me so that my character speaks positively about God and His word?

Fewer and fewer Christians look different from the world. We dress like the world, talk like the world, and there are even those among us who compromise with the world and even attempt to justify the behavior of the world.

For example, women professing to be Christians wear clothing that reveals their cleavage and showing from under their narrow tops are their bra straps. I hear Christians talking about seeing movies that are rated R. The language and certain scenes in those movies are not content that Christians should either see or approve of. Some young men get up and lead in worship yet in their seats it appears they would rather be anywhere than at worship. The language of Christians is getting worse and worse with more use of euphemisms, speech not becoming a child of God, and even text message abbreviations that take the Lord's name in vain.

In His sermon on the mountain Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:13-16).

Just as the Cherokees were not influenced by the Christians among them who did not exhibit the character of Christ, so we cannot influence our generation if we are flavorless salt or if we hide our light in shame, afraid to be recognized as different. Christians who conform to the world and cannot be distinguished from it bring no glory to God.

We need to take a long look at our lives and be certain that we are truly what Jesus wants us to be. It is highly unlikely that we will be what Jesus wants us to be and still be like the people of this world. It will probably be the case that "they think it strange that" you are different and start "speaking evil of you." (1 Peter 4:4). Examine your clothes, your language, what you watch on TV or movies, your interest in the worship of the Lord, your work habits, your attitude, your charity toward others, your willingness to take the gospel to others, how much you think about heaven, your study habits in regard to the word, etc.

Let's make it our aim that if our history is written 100 years from now that it will not be said of us that we failed to influence our peers because our religion had no "visible effects on [our] character and behavior" as Mr. Walker wrote.

'Foul' Speech

noreply@blogger.com (Joel) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:14:00 +0000

From the way the woman was yelling, one might have guessed that the man being yelled at had just insulted her child. The woman accused the man of being ignorant, blind, a poor excuse for a human being, and a myriad of other accusations too numerous to list. The tirade continued, off and on, for about an hour, and when the man would not apologize for what had happened, the woman stormed out of the building muttering her disgust. What had the man done to deserve such treatment? Well, among other things, he had failed to call a few fouls, he had called a few fouls that “should not have been called,” and had “been the reason the [insert sports team here] had lost the basketball game.” Who was the woman? Unfortunately, she was a Christian whose child was on the losing team.

It is alarming how that in some Christian’s minds sporting events have become acceptable venues for all kinds of ungodly behavior. Is it true that we are to “put away anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from our mouth” in every area of our life except in the sporting arena (Col. 3:8)? Does taking our seat in the bleachers relieve us of our responsibility to, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification…so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Eph. 4:29)? Surely we are to maintain our “tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” even when we attend sporting events (1 Tim. 2:2).

Not only do some Christians forget their godly behavior when they attend the games, they also excuse themselves from righteousness whenever the topic of sports comes up. How can two Christians be “diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” when they refuse to speak to each other for a week (or longer) after the annual in-state rivalry football game (Eph. 4:3)? If two Christians cannot sit together and discuss something as eternally irrelevant as a sports rivalry without becoming irritated or angry at each other, have they really learned what it means to be “slow to anger” (James 1:19)? Are they not allowing a mere game to divide two people who should be one in the Lord (John 17:21)?

We can hear the objections now. “Sports officials aren’t bothered by the comments of the fans – they expect to hear those things.” Obviously officials do expect to hear insults during games, but does the fact that one is prepared to hear insulting speech make it acceptable for a Christian to use it? “I may look worked up, but I know deep down it’s just a game.” Christians need to know the difference between enthusiasm and a lack of self-control. It is one thing to cheer loudly, and even to express disapproval of a call in a respectful way, but it is something completely different for Christians to say degrading things and leave the impression to all standing around that they cannot control their tempers. “I was just kidding; don’t think I really meant what I said or did.” It is one thing to give a good-natured ribbing to a rival fan, and it is another to push them to the point of anger. It is one thing for Christians to fake disgust when someone teases them about their team; it is another to allow something so trivial to actually arouse their anger or even to destroy their relationships with others.

A teenager yelling from the bleachers at the high school basketball game had no idea how embarrassed he was about to be. After very angrily yelling some insults at the referee, and making his disgust known to everyone around him, he looked two rows behind him, and to his horror, saw a fellow Christian listening to every word he said. (That man would go on to become an elder in a few years later.) Seeing the man sobered the young man’s attitude quickly, and he spent the rest of the game cheering on his team in a much more civil manner. You see, the reason we have come down so hard on Christians behaving this way is because the author of this article knows first hand how easy it is to forget godliness when it comes to sports – I was that embarrassed teenager. Christian living requires that we make no exceptions when it comes to godly behavior. We cannot be a Christian “most of the time.” It is a full time job, even at sporting events, to “Be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Mt. 5:48)

Wild Game Expo & Woof 'n' Worship

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Tue, 26 May 2009 02:24:00 +0000

During my 50 years on this earth I have seen a lot of change in churches. As our society has become more wealthy and more focused on fun, churches have also grown in resources and have changed their focus to providing fun.

When I was in high school a local denomination put on a presentation for the student body. It was an abbreviated presentation of the "Magic with a Message" event going on at the church. A preacher did some magic tricks that served as a teaser to come and see the full show at the church. Of course, the magic came with a message about Jesus. All that the kids at school talked about afterward was the magic, not the message.

These days churches have gone into the counseling business, and the day care and education business. Many churches are now offering financial planning and most have physical fitness centers that rival the local YMCA where you can exercise to your favorite gospel music.

As churches have innovated and expanded their "services" they have always tried to slip some gospel into those services. That is, until now.

Watching TV the other night I saw an ad being run by the Oakwood Baptist church near Chattanooga, Tn. The ad promoted their upcoming Wild Game Expo. I was very surprised when the ad ended and not one reference was made to any sort of worship, praising the Lord, a time for teaching about Christ, etc. Not only that, to attend the evening event the church is charging $10 for tickets. So I went to their website. I figured they would surely have an agenda of their events that would include some spiritual activities. Here is the content of their site:

Woods-N-Water Wild Game Expo will take place Saturday, May 30, 2009, on the Chickamauga Campus. We are pleased to have Hank Parker as a special guest speaker. Chris McDaniel will provide musical entertainment.There will be a Wild Game Cook-off Competition during the day's events. Samples will be given until they run out. Entries will be judged by an "Oakwood Celebrity" panel. Trophies and bragging rights will be awarded. Contact Michael Swanson for details on competing at 706-375-7236.

Join us beginning at 3 pm for a day of FREE events

Archery Exhibition by Frank Addington, Jr.
Classic/Hot Rod Car Show
Motorcycle Show
Virtual Fishing & Archery by Georiga DNR
Displays by Outdoor Equipment & Supply Vendors
Wild Game Cook-Off Competition
Evening Events (Ticket required)
BBQ Dinner
Special Guest Speaker: Hank Parker
Music provided by Chris McDaniel
Door Prizes

Advance Tickets Now On Sale! Tickets for evening events: $10

There it is. No mention of anything spiritual. Apparently you can go and they won't even try to slip in a message about Jesus. Atheist's should feel comfortable going to this one. In fact, they can attend and perhaps walk away with one of the door prizes! And maybe it won't be a Bible.

I would say that I'm amazed but I am not. This is the natural course of events for churches whose emphasis has become fun and games and pleasing the masses. This falls under the "Recreation Ministry" of the Oakwood Baptist church (wasn't Timothy in the Bible a recreation minister? - I jest).

One of the popular "church growth" teachers today advocates that churches take a survey of the community to learn what they want and then provide it. Perhaps that is what the Oakwood church has done.

Now checkout this link. A church in Weymouth, Massachusetts now offers a Sunday evening service they call Woof 'n' Worship. Since the Scriptures speak of all creatures praising God, the Rev. Rachel Bickford decided to have her church members bring their dogs for worship. She said, "I thought this would be a wonderful opportunity for everyone to get together." She even blesses the dogs that are sick.

By just reading the article you get an idea of who is being pleased by these actions. "I love it. My life revolves around making my dogs happy" one member said. Continuing she said, "It makes me happy and it makes them better socialized and better dogs." Ms. Bickford stated "people were excited to be able to take their dogs to church." Like most politically correct organizations today, the church is an inclusive church. Bickford said she was glad the church was able to include all breeds.

In Acts 20:28, Paul refers to the church as "the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." Do you think Jesus shed His blood so that a church can put on a Wild Game Expo or help dogs be better socialized animals through Wolf 'n' Worship? Such activities border on blasphemy, if they aren't!

During the period of the judges the nation of Israel would cycle through periods of faithfulness to the Lord and unfaithfulness. Those cycles were pretty much timed with their poverty (reliance upon God) and their wealth (their periods unfaithfulness). Twice in the book of Judges we read this statement, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." (Judges 17:6; 21:25). That statement characterises several events throughout Bible history. The fact that such a statement is recorded in Scripture is evidence that doing things "our own way" is not acceptable before God.

I'm sure that the Oakwood church and the church in Weymouth, Ma believes they are doing what is right. The problem is, they are doing what is right in their own eyes. Our attitude should be like Jesus' regarding what He could and could not do. "For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak." (John 12:49). And, "I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me." (John 5:30). You see, unless God has instructed us to do a given thing, then that thing is not authorized and we had better not do it. He told us to "preach the gospel to every creature" and we see how his disciples did that. Not with Wild Game Expos or Woof 'n' Worship services which as designed to appeal to the desires of those participating, but through diligent teaching of His word. No gimmicks, no fleshly appeal - and no charge!

You might want to refer to another post of mine called Noah Was A Failure. You can also click on the tag below called "authority" for more posts related to doing things in God's ways. I would also appreciate your comments. May we all examine our efforts before the Lord and be certain that we are not guilty of doing what is right in our own sight.

Public Opinion and a Christian's Work

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Sat, 16 May 2009 15:39:00 +0000

A recent Gallup poll indicated that for the first time in 15 years a majority of Americans, 51%, considered themselves pro-life. Fearing an anomaly, Gallup conducted two additional polls and came up with the same results. Also, two corresponding FOX News polls revealed that 49% of Americans considered themselves pro-life, while 43% considered themselves pro-choice. So, the facts are in for this year – more Americans object to abortion than are for it.

From a Christian’s perspective that’s good, so far as it goes. It turns out that last year the same Gallup poll revealed that 50% of Americans considered themselves pro-choice, while 44% considered themselves to be pro-life.

I would like to think that the change is due to the fact that large numbers of people have looked into the issue and have come to the conclusion that life begins at conception, and that abortion is murder. Even better would be if large numbers of people began caring what God’s word teaches about abortion. Jeremiah 1:5 – “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” God obviously felt that Jeremiah was “somebody” before he reached the third trimester. (see also Isaiah 49:1) John the Baptist is called a “baby” in Luke 1:44 prior to his birth while Jesus is called the same thing after He was born, Luke 2:16. Obviously, then, the Bible teaches that a fetus, though undeveloped and unborn, is a child – a person. So, to kill an unborn fetus is to kill a person according to the Scriptures, and therefore it is murder (Romans 1:28-32).

But while it would be wonderful to think that those might be the reasons the majority opinion has shifted on this issue, my gut tells me otherwise. Crowds are easily swayed, and often the majority opinion is determined by how big a push certain propaganda (good or bad) gets. When public opinion on an issue like this changes so drastically in just a year, it smacks of people who make up their minds about moral issues the way divas choose clothes – whatever is in style that season is what gets picked.

This fickleness is not new. Some of the same people who worshiped Jesus as he entered Jerusalem to die (Matthew 21:1-11) mocked Him and demanded His execution a week later (Matthew 27:20-25). The difference? They were stirred up by different people, and got caught up in the moment both times. Exodus 23:2 says, “You shall not follow the masses in doing evil.” Doing wrong because it is the majority opinion does not justify the wrong, but in a similar way, rejoicing because the right choice has been picked by a majority does not necessarily mean that righteousness on an issue is prevailing. Truth is sometimes “in season” and sometimes “out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). Fortunately, on this issue, it may be somewhat more “in season” than it has been in the past, but that doesn’t mean it won’t change for the worse in another year’s time.

The main point Christians need to see in this is that we don’t need to take relief in the fact that the majority is now on “our side.” The majority of people were on “Jesus side” too, early in His ministry,” and He lamented that they were like “sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). Just because people are following the right way on an issue does not mean they always fully understand why they have made that choice. Our job is to educate them about the true reason to believe killing unborn babies is wrong – because God’s word says it is – and then to bring them knowledge of the rest of God’s truths. As Paul told Timothy (2 Timothy 4:2), we are to continue preaching the word when it is “in season” – not take the opportunity to rest because most people are accepting it (or accepting parts of it).

God’s success does not depend on entire nations believing or disbelieving His word – it depends on individuals believing and doing what is right, sometimes in spite of the nation they live in. We need to fight the good fight now more than ever, and if it is the case that public opinion has partially torn down a barrier to some people accepting the truth, then we need to take full advantage by bringing them the rest of the saving plan of God.

--Joel Holt

Proposition 8: The Musical

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 03:01:00 +0000

Bill O'Reilly showed a clip of a 3 minute video called "Prop 8: The Musical." The video pits a group of anti-Prop 8 actors against a group of actors dressed up like fundamentalist Christians. Of course, those depicting the Christians are made out to be haters and even say "It is time to spread some hate" with Proposition 8.

Jack Black (I've never heard of him) portrays Jesus who miraculously appears on the scene between the Christians and the supporters of the gay and lesbian community. The "preacher" bows down before Jesus and asks, "Jesus, doesn't the Bible say these people are an abomination?" Jesus replies, "Yeah, but it says the exact same thing about this shrimp cocktail." As he holds up a loaded shrimp cocktail the preacher and his followers lick their lips saying, "Yum!" Jesus continues, "The Bible says a lot of interesting things" and he talks about men selling their daughters into slavery. The preacher replies smugly, "Well, we ignore those verses." To which Jesus says, "Well friend, it seems to me you pick and choose. Well please choose love instead of hate."

There are several problems with the logic used in the arguments this video makes. I seriously doubt that Jack Black and his ilk really care, but here are the difficulties.

Picking and Choosing. If Christians are guilty of being inconsistent in the application of God's word, such guilt does not change the word of God. If it is an abomination to eat shellfish and we choose to eat it anyway, the dismissal of God's word regarding shellfish doesn't argue that homosexuality is therefore okay.

Jesus (not the impostor Jack Black) accused the Pharisees of His day of inconsistently applies God's word. "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Matthew 23:23 Jesus didn't excuse the Pharisee's omission of the weightier matters of the law because they ignored them. He said they should have done both. If the Bible teaches that homosexuality is an abomination (admitted in the video) as well as eating shellfish, then both are wrong. Ignoring either teaching does not justify ignoring the other.

The writers of the video are simply encouraging more picking and choosing rather than submitting to the word of God. The real Jesus said, "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him--the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day." John 12:48.

Ignorance of Sound Teaching. The video reveals the ignorance of Biblical teaching on the part of the writers and producers. Unfortunately this ignorance is shared by many people who call themselves Christians. Without going into a lot of explanation, there is a fundamental teaching in the Scriptures regarding the Old Testament law. That law, which forbade homosexuality and the eating of shellfish, is no longer God's law for man.

In a lengthy discussion that begins in Hebrews 7, the writer of Hebrews argues that the Old Testament law (referred to as the first) was replaced by the New Testament (referred to as the second). He concludes in Hebrews 10:9 that Jesus "takes away the first that He may establish the second." Paul says in Galatians 3:19 that the Old Testament law "was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made" and tells us that the Seed was Jesus. Once Jesus came the old law ended and the law of Christ was established (Galatians 6:2).

So we must determine what the New Testament teaches about homosexuality and shellfish to know what we as Christians can do today.

Teaching Concerning Homosexuality and Shellfish. Here are the New Testament passages regarding shellfish and homosexuality.

Shellfish.

In a discussion about what is proper to eat Paul says, "For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving." 2 Timothy 4:4. The proper conclusion is that anyone may eat shellfish based on the teachings of the apostle Paul, who said, "If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord." (1 Corinthians 14:37).

Homosexuality.

The New Testament teaching regarding homosexuality is also clear and easy to understand. Consider these passages.

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Corinthians 6:9,10.

"For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them." Romans 1: 26-32

"For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; 6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly." 2 Peter 2: 4-6

Homosexual and lesbian behavior is said by God to be unrighteous, vile, unnatural, shameful and ungodly. But those involved in such are not alone. Those committing adultery and fornication are in the same condition. So are those who murder and those who steal. As well as those who are disobedient to parents.

Inconsistency. Those who demean Christians with such material as "the musical" are inconsistent. The fake Jesus is clearly a mockery of the real Jesus and is an expression of intolerance toward Him. The fake Jesus accuses Christians of being unloving while the real Jesus says "If you love Me, keep my commandments." John 14:15. There is no expression of love for Jesus to be found in the video.

Legislation. Christians may try to force the Lord's ways on others through legislation but until they win the hearts of those in sin over to Christ, no battle has really been won. The homosexual and lesbian community may eventually and probably will secure the legislation they want. A legal victory may temporarily cause them feel justified in their behavior, but the final verdict is Christ's.

Jesus has spoken. His word is clear. All who are in sin must believe in Him (John 3:16), turn away from their sinful behavior in repentance (Luke 13:3), confess His Lordship over their lives (Romans 10:9,10), and be baptized in water to allow his blood to cleanse them of their sin (Acts 2:38; Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:4). When one follows those teachings and lives faithfully to the Lord, it can be said of them, "...such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Corinthians 6:11.

Spreading The Wealth Around

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 17:37:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago Senator Barak Obama fueled national discussion when he told Joe the plumber he wants to "spread the wealth around." Regardless of your political views on whether or not the government needs to be taking from your pocketbook and distributing your wealth to others, the Lord has plenty to say about the subject.

Paying Taxes. Taxation is nothing new. We are not the first generation to deal with taxation. In Jesus' day taxation was a burning issue. In Mark 12 some men came to Jesus with a controversial question: "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" they asked (14). The story continued with Jesus saying, "'Bring Me a denarius that I may see it.' So they brought it. And He said to them, 'Whose image and inscription is this?' They said to Him, 'Caesar's.' And Jesus answered and said to them, 'Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.'"

In Romans 13 the apostle Paul addressed taxation. "Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor." (7). What is the message from both Jesus and Paul? Pay your taxes. No one wants to be taxed and no one wants to be over taxed. But what if the government does? Jesus and His apostle instruct us to pay our taxes.

Spreading The Wealth Around. Whether or not the government takes our money through taxes or leaves us with all our wealth, Jesus says we are to spread the wealth around. Consider these passages.

"Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need." Ephesians 4:28

"Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

Christians have the responsibility to share their blessings with others who have need. Note that these are commands - obligations the Lord expects that we will fulfill. We cannot hoard our blessings or spend all of our bounty on our own selves. As the Lord blesses us, those blessings should flow through us to others. In the story of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man was condemned because he did not share his wealth with a poor man who sat right on his doorstep.

Observations.

Many have argued that rather than the government taking Americans' wealth and distributing it, Americans should be allowed to decide for themselves how their wealth will be distributed. There is probably merit to that sentiment but it cannot be simply a slogan for Christians. We must follow-through with action and share the wealth as the Lord intends.

Some argue that when the government takes wealth from Americans, it discourages a sharing attitude by those whose wealth is taken. That may be true with people in general, it cannot be true of Christians. We cannot dismiss helping those around us because we feel that our government's tax policy is flawed or unfair. Those two commands quoted above were given to the same generation of people who were asking Jesus about whether or not to pay taxes.

The "institutional" concept of wealth sharing violates God's intent whether it is our government collecting the funds or the churches. Churches are charged with helping needy Christians (1 Corinthians 16:1,2) but the commands to help the world's needy are given to individuals (Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 4:28). By placing an "institution" between the giver and the recipient, whether that institution is a government or a church, a disconnect occurs. People develop the "I gave at the office" mentality and real care and concern for our fellowman is diminished. Christians must not allow increased taxation to be our excuse for not fulfilling our responsibilities to others and we must not place the church in a role it has not been given.

Bottom-line. Spreading our wealth around is pleasing to the Lord. Regardless of how much of our wealth the government decides to tax, we must still be sharing people.

Don't Worry, Be Happy

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:57:00 +0000

Remember that song with the catchy tune, "Don't worry, be happy"? There is a lot of truth in those words and we can use that encouragement today.

Economic Crisis. The stock market dropped 777 points today, its largest single-day point drop in history. How did you fare? Is your 401k still performing well? Has your bank been sold or taken over by the federal government?

Political Crisis. Regardless of who you lean toward in this election, McCain or Obama, you would have to agree that the political situation in this country seems to be at its worst. Terrible blame-game tactics, do-nothing attitudes and jealousy abound. It is enough to make you want Jerry Brown to be running again!

Moral Crisis. The values of our countrymen seem to be at an all-time low. The sexual revolution has caught up with us and is destroying lives all around us. Dishonesty abounds, lack of respect for others is evident on every hand, a decent work ethic is lacking in so many, etc. The crimes being committed against fellow human beings now make Charles Manson seem like a small-time killer. How could it get any worse, we might think.

Keeping Our Perspective. A friend recently wrote me about the situation of some Christians in another country. He said, "police are putting pressure on religion generally, especially those who do not completely yield to the government...local police who had been somewhat tolerant of the brethren are now insisting that the churches stop assembling for at least a month. The brethren have instead asked the police to come to the assemblies to verify their purpose. Unfortunately, the police are so fearful of their superiors that they are reluctant to attend." In this same country the government has eliminated many of the jobs those Christians had and they cannot now find employment. Our brethren are being saddled with burdens their non-Christian friends do not have to bear.

So how is your 401k? Has the name changed on your bank yet? Which presidential candidate do you believe will persecute Christians? Do you fear the elimination of your job or your life simply because you are a Christian?

Don't Worry, Be Happy. My friend goes on to write, "In the midst of all these struggles, good is being accomplished." He tells of young men who are studying diligently so that they can spread the gospel to their countrymen. One recent convert to Christ is one who previously would have persecuted our brothers and sisters there, or would have had little compassion on them. How can these Christians be busy in the Lord's kingdom when so many terrible things are happening all around?

Jesus said, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:25-33).

Our concern should be for those things that pertain to the kingdom of God and His righteousness. That does not include the Wall Street bail-out plan. That does not include who will be our next President and what will happen if our favorite isn't elected. It doesn't include sitting around worrying about how bad the world has gotten.

If we will busy ourselves with the kingdom of God, He will take care of all the rest. That is His promise to us. Will we "seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness" or will we just go on worrying? Do we truly believe His promises?

NOTE: Some readers know the country where this persecution is taking place. Please do not comment on this blog and mention that country by name or anyone involved there. You could jeopardize our brethren and their work. Thanks!

Are You Rapture Ready?

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 23:35:00 +0000

I visited a web site the other day called “Rapture Ready.” It is a site devoted to its author’s passion - the rapture. It even comes complete with an index giving the likelihood that the rapture is imminent. By the way, index numbers are high right now. The present reading is 166. The record was set on September 24, 2001 when the index peaked at 182! Of course, you can make a donation of money (not tax deductible) at the website.

So, are you rapture ready? Probably the best way to be prepared for the rapture is to find out what the Bible says about it. Use a concordance, perhaps the one in the back of your Bible and look up the word rapture. Find all the scriptures that use the word and study them carefully.

To make it easier for you, especially since the little concordances in the backs of Bibles are not very complete, I will list the verses for you. Here they are.

...

Now that the list is complete…, well, I was going to suggest that we study the passages, but it appears there are no verses that use the word rapture. In fact, the word is not even in the word of God. How can we be rapture ready if the Bible does not even use the word?

The idea of the rapture is that Jesus will return and “catch away” all Christians from the earth leaving behind confusion and a seven-year tribulation. You may recall the bumper sticker declaring, “In case of rapture this car will be unmanned.” Another one jokingly said, “In case of rapture, can I have your car?”

The Bible, in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, does speak of Christians being “caught up” in the clouds with the dead who are raised and “so we shall ever be with the Lord.” The rapture is supposed to be a sudden event that is secret except for the fact that lots of folks have disappeared. No warning. Just “poof” and they’re all gone.

The problem with using this text to prove the rapture is verse 16. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” The archangel is going to shout and the trumpet of God is going to sound, yet no one is going to hear them? Keep in mind that Paul is trying to help the Thessalonians understand that their brethren who have died did not miss heaven. They will be raised, then those who are alive will be changed, and all will be caught up and be with the Lord forever. He is addressing only what will happen to Christians. To get the full picture, we must read other passages.

“Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28,29). Observe that the good and the evil are raised at the same time! Jesus said that “all who are in the graves” will come forth. Not just the good folks - all of them. This passage presents great problems for the teaching of the rapture in which only the good are raised. Remember, the word rapture does not appear in the scriptures.

Combine John 5:28, 29 with Matthew 25 and we get even more of the picture. John 5 tells us that the good and bad are raised at the same time and go either to the resurrection of life or the resurrection of condemnation. Matthew 25:31-46 says that Jesus is coming and will gather all nations before him. Jesus will separate the people into two groups, those who have done good and those who have done bad. According to verse 46, the good receive “eternal life” and the wicked receive “everlasting punishment.” Once again, this presents serious problems for the idea of a rapture that includes only the good folks.

Someone may say, “What about Matthew 24 where it says that one will be taken and one will be left?” Let’s examine the passage. The context is Jesus’ prediction of the destruction of Jerusalem which occurred in 70 AD. He is warning the faithful to be prepared for the destruction that is coming as it did in the days of Noah. In verses 37-41 He says, “But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.” The “coming” of the Son of Man is a phrase used many times in the Bible to describe God’s “coming” in judgment on a nation. The nation under consideration here is Israel, specifically Jerusalem. Notice that in the days of Noah the flood came and “took them all away.” In the same way two men will be in a field and one will be “taken,” two women at a grindstone and one will be “taken.” Those who are taken are taken in destruction just like those in Noah’s day were taken in destruction. The “taking” is not the rapture.

The rapture is not Biblical. The idea does not fit with clear teaching in God’s word. As always, you should abandon the teachings of men and follow only what God says in His word.

Are you rapture ready? Don’t worry about the rapture. It won’t catch you or anyone else off guard. However, the second coming of Jesus might. You need to be prepared for that. There is no second chance as taught by many rapture theorists. Your opportunity to prepare is now. Hebrews 9:27 says, “...it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Can I help you be prepared? Send me an email letting me know how I can help.

Man Sues Church Due To Holy Spirit Injury

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 01:02:00 +0000

According to an AP report a Knoxville, Tennessee man is suing a church because of injuries he sustained when the Holy Spirit knocked him down and no one at the church bothered to catch him. Several things about this story strike me as interesting.

When members of a church give their money on Sunday, to whom are they giving it? Is it not an offering to the Lord? If so, then isn't a law suit against a church a law suit against God? So this guy goes to church, gets worked up and according to the article was wanting a Holy Spirit experience, received it and is suing God for providing it. That's strange.

Next there is the action of the church. This guy was injured and went to the hospital for treatment. The suit is to recover medical costs as well as compensation for pain and suffering. Surely the church knew he was injured. If this church truly cares for its members, surely they knew he went to the hospital and perhaps even sent folks to visit him. So why didn't some of their Holy Spirit filled members simply go to his house or to the hospital and heal him? That would have saved the church, as well as this man, a lot of "pain and suffering." He is still hurting today. Why don't they help him even now?

In Acts 20 we read that the apostle Paul was preaching one night and continued until midnight. Eutychus, a young man who was present that evening, fell two stories out of a window and died. Eutychus did not fall because he was filled with the Holy Spirit. He actually had gone to sleep. Acts 20:10 says, "But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, "Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him." Paul raised this fellow from the dead and gave him back his life. The Knoxville church should have done something similar for this man who was merely injured, if indeed they are filled with the same Holy Spirit as the apostle Paul.

A careful study of the Scriptures makes it very evident that the supposed miracles claimed in churches today are not miracles at all. In New Testament days people's withered hands were made whole in an instant (Luke 6:6ff). In Bible times the dead were raised up (Acts 9:36ff). In the time of the apostles people who had never walked jumped up and began to leap and run (Acts 3:1ff). Whole cities were coming out for healing because people that they knew were actually healed - not gradually over time, but instantly. Why aren't whole cities going to these churches for such healing today? Why isn't the news media covering one amazing story after another on the TV each night? The reason is because Bible miracles are not being performed by these folks today.

The reason Bible miracles are not being performed today is because God didn't intend for those types of miracles to continue. They had a purpose (Mark 16:19,20; Hebrews 2:1-4) and that purpose was served and they are no longer needed. God even intended that they they cease (1 Corinthians 13: 8-10).

Have you been disillusioned by the claims of modern day healers? Contact me if you would like more information about what God really wants to do in your life. He can heal your broken spirit, forgive your sins, and set you on a path to a place where there are no tears, no pain, and no suffering. Email me at the link on this page.

From Worms to Butterflies

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:49:00 +0000

Nature has always amazed me. I watch with interest all the things around me and thoroughly enjoy being outdoors. Several years back when my boys were much younger, they collected some caterpillars from the churchyard and were just dying to bring them home. I consented.

When we arrived home, as all boys do, our guys found a jar and put the caterpillars inside with a stick and some leaves. Our house rule for bug prisoners is that they must be turned loose the next morning. Much to my surprise the caterpillars had turned into cocoons by morning. Once again I consented to the begging and we kept a watchful eye on the cocoons for several days.

Coming home from work one evening my very excited boys ran to the car to inform me that the cocoons had turned into butterflies. Actually they were moths, but the technicality seemed to go over their heads. It was indeed quite amazing to see the transformation from worm to butterfly, or rather, moth. Science calls this process of change metamorphosis.

In Romans 12:2 Paul said, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” The word transformed in the original language is “metamorphoo.” Look familiar? Yes, Paul is telling Christians to change their lives.

Just like moths and butterflies, this change is a process. It is accomplished by the “renewing” or renovation of our minds. Everyone understands what it means to renovate a home. You take a run-down place and fix it up. You make it into livable space again.

Paul warns us not to conform ourselves to the world. When we conform ourselves to the world we become like the world. Many have conformed themselves to the world through inappropriate attire such as beachwear or clothing designed to draw attention to the sensual part of our bodies. As the world’s standards have gone down so have the standards of Christians. It was not uncommon just 30 years ago to hear preachers teach against mixed swimming. Who has heard a sermon on that recently? Who takes it seriously any more?

Others conform by becoming covetous in the pursuit of this world’s goods. The quantity of their “things” increases year after year and they lay up treasures for this life. Their happiness begins to come from abundance of things and the quest for more grows greater.

Many conform by adopting the errant attitude that it really doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are a sincere person. Careful attention to the word of God has given way to a “spoon fed” religion where whatever the preacher says must be right. Look around at church. How many open Bibles do you see? Better yet, how often does your preacher reference passages of scripture or open his Bible as he teaches? Does he avoid passages?

Paul warns us to not conform but to be transformed. How is that accomplished? Does God change our lives in a miraculous way?

The process comes through studying God’s word and putting into practice what we find in it. Change comes through examining the life of our Lord Jesus and trying to be what we see in Him. Isn’t that what Paul said in verse 2? “...proving what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” A person cannot know how God’s word can change their lives until they spend time with it.

Paul talks about the process in another passage. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” The context of this passage is the revealing of the New Testament scriptures. Using the word of God (given by the Spirit) as a mirror, we can see the Lord. We also see ourselves and recognize how we differ from the Lord. As we transform those areas of our life that are out of line, we begin to look more and more like Him. We can be like Him!

Paul told the Colossians, “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27) Paul isn’t talking about Christ literally being in our body. He is talking about the change that occurs when we let Jesus transform our lives from worms to butterflies. Are you allowing that transformation to take place in your life?

He Was Gathered To His People

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 21:07:00 +0000

In the books of Genesis and Exodus the phrase “gathered to his people” is used in connection with the deaths of Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and Aaron. Genesis 25:8 says, “Then Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people.” When I ponder that phrase I picture the spirits of these men leaving their bodies and making their way to the spirits of those who have gone on before them.

My dad passed away two days ago. He, too, was gathered to his people. Dad’s “people” (his parents) were Christians and I am told that they were fine people. They passed away early in dad’s life. To me they are just faces on a picture that go with a few stories dad told about them. I envision dad being gathered to his mom and dad and becoming acquainted in a way that dad was never privileged to share in this life. There will be no separation this time. Eternity is their’s to share and enjoy.

Two Groups of People

The book of Revelation paints a picture of two groups of people: those faithful to the Lord and those who follow after Satan.

Each group is pictured in two different settings, one while living on earth and one after this life is over. Those faithful to the Lord are represented in various ways such as the 144,000, a great multitude, the bride of Christ, those having the seal of God in their foreheads, and the great city, holy Jerusalem. Those serving Satan are pictured as those in league with a beast, having his mark on their hand or forehead, following a great serpent and performing abominable deeds with the great harlot. All people are pictured as in either one or the other group. No one has a question mark on their forehead. They wear either the seal of God or the mark of Satan, indicating their allegiance.

Each group has a different destiny. The faithful of the Lord live forever in paradise where “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4). The followers of Satan are those of whom it is said, “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8).

To Whom Will You Be Gathered?

Christians are the “people of God” (1 Peter 2:10). Those who are not Christians are “people of this world” (1 Corinthians 5:10).

When you and I die we will be gathered to our people. Who have we made “our people” in this life? Those who serve the Lord Jesus Christ or the people of this world? Since the ultimate destiny of every person is one of these two groups, you need to decide who you want to be gathered with. If you love this life and its sin and pleasures, then do nothing. However, if you want an eternity of peace and comfort with the best people who lived this life, then you need to be following Christ. You'll be gathered to your people in the end so be certain that the people you call friends are the people of God.

Dad’s death is a sad event for me. I will miss him so very much. However, I have a hope that I will be gathered to my people, the people of God. When that happens I will be with dad throughout the ages, no longer separated by the pain of death. Knowing how much my dad loved me and desired to be with me in this life, I’m confident that he’ll be the first to greet me when I arrive.

Are You A Martian?

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 03:17:00 +0000

On November 13, 2007, the Fox News website headline read, “Life On Earth May Have Come From Mars.” It seems that scientists performed a test to see if life molecules embedded in rock could survive in space and through the fiery entry into earth’s atmosphere. Strapping a rock full of fossilized microbes onto a rocket launched into space and returning it a few days later, some of the microbes survived the ride.

This test was conducted to see if there might be any validity to the theory known as Panspermia, the concept that Earth was “seeded” by life from outer space. Apparently the belief is that a rock from Mars (thrown?) with some life forms onboard made it to Earth, fell into a pool of water where the little creatures began to swim, grow and thrive. Over billions of years those little Martians developed gills, legs, and the desire to breathe with lungs and walk on dirt. After billions of years we Martians invented radio so that H. G. Wells could scare us all to death by tricking us into thinking that our ancestors had come for a visit.

Actually, I believe the Panspermia theory has a basis in fact. Life on Earth was seeded from outer space. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth…Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.’” (Genesis 1: 1 and 26). Which explanation is more plausible?