The Good Reporters

DEFENDING THE FAITH!

noreply@blogger.com (The Good Reporters) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 21:52:00 +0000

We have too many Fundamental Baptists who apparently don’t think anything is worth fighting for. Someone once said there were four things not worth fighting for. They are the following: dress, music, who one associates with, and Bible versions.

If those things are not worth fighting over, what is? Sensual dress may not be as important as Bible versions but it surely is sinful, and it says a lot about the level of spirituality. Does God approve of music that is of the world? Who one associates with is not important? That means you may have a popular New Evangelical (or whoever you please) in your pulpit.

Whatever happened to “Come out from among them and be ye separate.”?

It is amazing that so-called Bible believers are not concerned about whether they have God’s true Word or not! If that is not worth fighting over, one wonders what we are doing! All modern versions deviate seriously from God’s Word, from the King James Bible and they teach error. They eliminate scores of verses and destroy many others with marginal notes. Imagine - Fundamental Bible believers with a phony bible!

We are admonished, we are commanded (this is not just good advice) to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” You can’t do that with a modern version!!! May we, like the apostle Paul, be able to say, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4:7. Not some of “the faith” - all of it! Cafeteria Christianity (pick and choose) is popular but not with God.

Are Atheists Children of God?

noreply@blogger.com (The Good Reporters) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 02:30:00 +0000

If your child denies that you exist, I think it would be wise to take him to a good child psychiatrist. If you clothed, fed, and educated him, and even gave him his own room, taught him right from wrong, loved him and nurtured him, and he denied that you exist, he certainly needs evaluation or he's just plain rebellious to a point of being really weird. Either way, you should make that trip to the psychiatrist.

Your alluding to God sending His children to Hell is a typical mistake often made by those who profess to be atheists. God never sends His children to Hell. All of them will go to Heaven. However, children of the devil will go to Hell, and that's what the Bible clearly says we are until our sins are forgiven, and we are born into the family of God.

The things that comes so naturally to us—lust, pride, greed, anger, hatred, selfishness, ingratitude, etc., are not attributes of God, but are from the god of this world. Jesus said that he is our father and it's his will we readily do.

The second big mistake atheists make is that they trivialize both sin and God's righteousness. They see little wrong with greed, hatred, lying, anger, lust, pride, envy, ingratitude, stealing, adultery, or the killing of a baby in the womb. This is because until we come to Christ, we are "ignorant" of God’s righteousness. How true that is. We have no idea of what "holiness," or "perfect righteousness" are, but that's what we must face on Judgment Day.

If you lift your hand to strike your dog, there probably won't be any repercussions. Try and hit a police officer and you may go to jail. Try and hit a judge, and you will go to prison. But if you lift your hand to strike the President of the United States, and you will probably be shot before you even get a hand to him.

It's the same crime, but each one has a different punishment, depending on the status of the one whom the crime is against.

Every time you sin, in thought, word, or in deed, you are sinning against a morally prefect and holy God, and at the same time you are "storing up wrath" that will be revealed on Judgment Day. If God gives you justice, you will be damned. You have fair warning, and you may repent and be forgiven because of what Jesus did on the cross.

He took the wrath of the Law of God upon Himself, so that your case could be dismissed. You can be forgiven every sin you have ever committed, if you trust alone in Jesus Christ who died for sinners and rose again on the third day. You are not a child. You are a grown human being, so please give this some mature

Atheist Central

The One God of the Bible

noreply@blogger.com (The Good Reporters) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:53:00 +0000

"I've had some atheists comment on my site saying God isn't real and that He doesn't exist, if they'll read and search their Bible, they'll be able to see that He does exist. Here is another article proving of his existence."

Isaiah 45:18-22 [18] For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else. [19] I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. [20] Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save. [21] Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. [22] Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

See All... - "For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else. I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save. Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else."
Introduction
The history of mankind reveals that most societies have always been religious. Not only have most societies been religious, but also religion has played a major role in those societies. Some cultures have embraced a religion which was polytheistic in nature. Their religion recognized the existence of many gods. Such was the case in our text were those who were “makers of idols.” Ancient Greece was polytheistic, believing in the many gods of mythology. Other cultures were monotheistic in their religions. They believed that only one God existed.

The Christian believes in the one God of the Bible. Of this one God, Isaiah wrote, “Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Savior; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else” (Isaiah 45: 21-22). The Bible clearly teaches that there is but one God, and He is the God of the Bible.

It is this one God of the Bible that you will study about in this lesson. You will study about the Doctrine of God which is called Theology. The Bible teaches two important truths about God that are covered in this lesson. First, the Bible teaches you that God exists. Secondly, it teaches you how He exists.

The Existence of God
The first truth that you will study is about the existence of God. As the Bible begins, it states, “In the beginning God. . . .” It makes no attempt to explain God; it simply declares that He exists. You will examine two approaches to proving the existence of God.

Arguments of God’s Existence
From books on the subject of theology, you find different arguments as to the existence of God. Three of these arguments are listed below.

Intuitional Argument
This argument states that mankind just knows by intuition or from within that God exists.

Cosmological Argument
This argument states since the world exists, there must be a cause for its existence. This cause would be the existence of God.

Anthropological Argument
This argument is based on the fact that man has both moral and intellectual qualities. Since other animals do not have these qualities, then a God must exist who endowed mankind with these them.

These three arguments are most commonly presented in any study of the existence of God.

Authentication of God’s Existence
The second approach is the authentication of God’s existence. Rather than rely on the usual arguments concerning the existence of God, this lesson will authenticate or will document the existence of God.

We know that God exists because He has chosen to reveal Himself to mankind. Of this revelation of God, Paul wrote, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1: 18-20). There are two ways that God has chosen to reveal Himself to mankind.

Visual Proof of His Existence
The first way you know that God exists is the visual proof of His existence. God has revealed Himself to mankind by the worlds He has made. The invisible Godhead is clearly seen by the visible things He has made. Of the things that God has made, Moses wrote, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth . . .” (Genesis 1:1In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

See All...). Of these visible things, the Psalmist wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psalm 19:1The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

See All...). Again the Psalmist wrote, “Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end” (Psalms 102: 25-27). The theologian would state that this is the cosmological argument for God’s existence. Yet, this far exceeds the cosmological argument! While this argument reveals there is a cause for the existence of the world, the Bible declares that “God created the heaven and the earth.”

Visionless Proof of His Existence
The second way you know that God exists is the visionless proof of His existence. God has chosen to reveal Himself to mankind in the Word He has written. Of the visionless proof of God’s existence, the writer of Hebrews wrote, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews ll:6). Of this visionless proof, he further wrote, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen . . .” (Hebrews 11:1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

See All...). Therefore, the Bible begins by saying, “In the beginning God. . . .” It makes no attempt to explain God; rather it simply declares that He exists. Those who acknowledge His existence must do so on the basis of faith based on revelation from the Word of God.

Even though God has revealed Himself in the Bible, there are three groups of people who refuse to accept God’s existence by faith. They are listed below.

•Atheist: The atheist denies that God exists.
•Agnostic: The agnostic doesn’t deny that God exists, but he denies one can know that God exists.
•Apathetic: The religious apathetic doesn’t care whether God exists or not. He is simply apathetic to the things of God.
The most powerful argument for the existence of God is authenticity of the Word of God. The Bible gives you two proofs of God’s existence. First, it tells us that God exists and that He is the creator of the world which we see. It is this world which He created that is our visual proof of his existence. Secondly, God has chosen to reveal Himself in the written Word. The Word He has written is our visionless proof of God’s existence as we accept His existence by faith– “the evidence of things not seen.”

The Essence of God’s Existence
The second truth you will study is the essence of God’s existence. This truth reveals how God exists. There are five elements that constitute the essence of God’s existence.

Span of His Existence
The first element which constitutes the essence of God is the span of His Existence. Of this element, John wrote, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

See All...). This verse is similar to Genesis 1:1In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

See All... which states, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” One could correctly restate the words of John by stating, “When time began, God was.” God has always been and He shall always be. God is eternal in His existence. Of the eternal nature of God, the Psalmist wrote, “I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations. Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end” (Psalms 102:24-27 [24] I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations. [25] Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. [26] They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: [27] But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.

See All...). The God of the Bible is eternal in His existence!

Spiritual Form of His Existence
The second element which constitutes the essence of God is the spiritual form of His existence. Of this element, the Apostle Paul wrote, “For the invisible things of him . . . even his eternal power and Godhead . . .” (Romans 1:20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

See All...). According to Paul, the Godhead exists in an invisible spiritual form which can be “clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made” (Romans 1:20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

See All...). Concerning the form of God’s existence, Jesus said, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

See All...). Jesus clarifies the spiritual form saying, “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have” (Luke 24:39Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

See All...). While the risen Christ was in the form of a man, the God of the Bible exists in a spiritual form. Consequently, only Christ who became flesh can be seen. He chose to become flesh that he might die for the sins of the world.

Steadfastness of His Existence
The third element which constitutes the essence of God is the steadfastness of His Existence. Malachi wrote of this steadfastness, “For I am the Lord, I change not . . .” (Malachi 3:6For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

See All...). God does not change; He is steadfast in His existence. This is often referred to by theologians as the immutability of God. Of this immutability, James wrote, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

See All...). James is simply saying that God is steadfast. As the writer of Hebrews wrote about Jesus (who is God) in Hebrews 13:8Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

See All..., it can be said about the one God of the Bible who is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” God is eternal in His existence.

Spiritual Description of His Existence
The fourth element which constitutes the essence of God is a spiritual description of His existence. This description can be classified into two parts.

Character of God
The first way that God can be described is according to His character. There are two major attributes which describe what God’s character is like.

•Love: The most commonly known description of God is that He is a God of love. John wrote of this love, “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love” (1st John 4:8(For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)

See All...). Surely, this well describes God’s character. Of the magnitude of this attribute, John wrote, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

See All...). God is well-know for His love! Out of His love comes grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
•Holy: While many recognize that the God of the Bible is a God of love, they fail to recognize that the Bible teaches that He is also a holy God. Of His holiness, Moses wrote, “Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” (Exodus 15:11Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?

See All...). Of all the attributes of God mentioned in the Bible, His holiness is mentioned more than any other. Of this, Mark Cambron, in his book entitled Bible Doctrines, stated that “Holiness is indeed the ‘attributes of attributes.’ ” Nothing will cause one to have a distorted view of God more than to view God as a God of love without consideration of the holiness of God! A balanced view of the character of God requires that one recognize the holiness of God. Out of God’s holiness comes righteousness, justice, judgment, and wrath against sin. Someone has said a God of love could not send anyone to Hell. However, the unrepentant sinner will discover that a Holy God must execute righteous judgment. Of this balanced view, John wrote, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life [the love of God] : and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God [the holiness of God] abideth on him” (John 3:36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

See All...).
Capabilities of God
•Omnipotence: The first attribute of God that describes His capabilities is His omnipotence. This attribute means that God is all–powerful. John wrote of this, “And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth” (Revelation 19:6And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

See All...). Of this attribute, Moses wrote, “Is any thing too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

See All...a). Of God’s might, the angel Gabriel proclaimed “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37For with God nothing shall be impossible.

See All...). God is omnipotent; He is all–powerful!
•Omniscience: The second attribute of God that describes His capabilities is His omniscience. This means that God is all– knowing. John wrote of this, “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things” (1st John 3:20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

See All...). Concerning the omniscience of God, Paul wrote, “Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world” (Acts 15:18Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

See All...). God is omniscience; He is all–knowing.
•Omnipresence: The third attribute that describes the capabilities of God is His omnipresence. This attribute means God is everywhere. Of His omnipresence, the Psalmist wrote, “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there” (Psalm 139:7-8 [7] Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? [8] If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

See All...).
Substance of His Existence
John wrote of the substance of God’s existence, “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one” (1st John 5:7The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

See All...). Of this one God, Isaiah wrote, “I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me. . .” (Isaiah 45:5I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:

See All...). The Bible teaches there is one God, but that He exists in three persons. This teaching is referred to as the Doctrine of the Trinity. The plurality of His existence is found as God is first mentioned in the Bible. Moses wrote of His plurality, “In the beginning God . . .” (Genesis 1:1In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

See All...). The Hebrew word from which the word “God” comes is Elohim. This is a plural noun indicating three or more. So the Bible begins by revealing one God who exists in three persons. This plural existence of God was authenticated as Moses wrote, “And God said, Let us make man in our image . . .” (Genesis 1:26And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

See All...). The use of the word “us” reveals that this God of Genesis exists in more than one person. Of the triune nature of God, Matthew wrote, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost . . .” (Matthew 28:19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

See All...). The word “name” is singular for He is but one God. While the singular word “name” is used, the three persons of God are listed in this verse. God exists in the persons of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. While the word “trinity” is not found in the Bible, the teaching that there is one God who exists in three persons is clearly found in the Scriptures.

The Bible teaches you there is but one God, and that He is the God of the Bible.

Melton, Donnie

The Existence of God

noreply@blogger.com (The Good Reporters) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 02:18:00 +0000

We are constantly challenged by atheists, skeptics and hecklers to prove that there is a God.

It is difficult for natural man to believe in something that he cannot see, touch or feel (I Cor. 2:14).

The problem for the Christian is solved with the first verse of the Bible, "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" (Gen. 1:1).

The Bible is not a textbook that attempts to prove the existence of God - the Bible opens with a positive fact that God does exist.

It did not occur to any other writer of the Bible to prove this fact.

The Bible plainly states that it is the fool who denies the existence of God.

Psa. 14:1, "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God."

Anyone with any intelligence would acknowledge the evident fact of a living God.

The greatest proof apart from Scripture of the existence of God is our daily fellowship with Him in prayer.

I know that there is a God because I talked to Him today and He heard and answered the prayer of my heart though it was only whispered silently.

I. PROOF FROM SCRIPTURE
Psa. 19:1, 'The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handywork." The beauty and glory of the heavens speak loudly saying, "God exists."

Rom. 1:20 goes farther and suggests that creation even teaches about the eternal power of the Godhead, "For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse."

The man who accepts Scripture will readily acknowledge the existence of God.

Let us study some other less convincing but nevertheless powerful arguments.

II. PROOF FROM CONSCIENCE
Man is born with a universal belief in a supreme Being; no tribe has yet been discovered that lacks this. They know that some Being creates and controls.

Rom. 2:15, "Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another." The existence of God is written in the human conscience.

Acts 17:23, "For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To the Unknown God." Conscience told them that there was a God though they did not know Him personally.

Some atheists may claim that their conscience does not tell them about God.

It is doubtful if a genuine atheist can be found for at best they are men who have stilled conscience by blatant unbelief.

Some men are so blind that they may deny the existence of the sun in the sky but that does not alter the fact that the sun exists, rises and sets each day.

None are so blind as those who refuse to see. The honest man will find that the inner still small voice says that God exists and is alive today.

Men deny the existence of God not because they cannot find Him but because they are afraid to face the responsibility of being accountable to Him alter death.

Atheism is one of the devil's tools to put men to sleep without accepting salvation.

If there is no God then I am not responsible to anyone and I can live and die as I please. but in the quieter moments of reflection the conscience of every man whispers, There is a God" and only fools deny it.

To look up and see a plane and not see the pilot and say that the plane is pilotless is as ridiculous as looking into the heavens and saying that there is no God simply because we cannot see Him.

Few of us have ever seen our brains, yet we believe that we possess them because of a centralized control system in the body. Because we see creation, we believe in God.

III. THE ARGUMENT FROM CAUSE (Cosmological)
The world is here. It must have come from somewhere. Somebody or something must have caused it to come into being at one time or another.

Here is a book. Someone must have written it. No printing press can of itself produce a book, be it ever so modern a press with the latest electrical gadgets.

Someone built the building. Someone created the trees. Someone operates the universe.

If all the pieces of a watch were placed in a can and the can shaken gently for a million years the watch would not be "accidentally" put together and running.

The only sensible answer to the problem of the existence of the world is the existence of an intelligent Being whom we call God.

IV. THE ARGUMENT FROM DESIGN (Teleological)
A watch not only exists but it has a designer. It was planned for a specific purpose.

A watch was not designed for mosquitoes to live in. It was designed by a keen mind for the purpose of accurately telling the time.

An examination of the world and the things large and small shows that each is designed by an intelligent mind for a specific purpose in life.

The colors of the bird and means of defence of the animals are not accidents. They are the result of a plan of a superior planning mind of the originator.

V. THE MORAL ARGUMENT (Anthropological)
Man has an intellectual and moral nature showing that the Creator must not be merely an inanimate force but a living, intelligent moral Being.

Gen. 1:26, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness."

Gen. 1:27, God created man in the image and likeness of God, that is, patterned after Him.

Pea. 94:9, "He that planted the ear, shall He not hear? He that formed the eye, shall He not see?" God has given to man ears, eyes, knowledge, intelligence, and will power for these are the things that He possesses.

Conscience teaches man right and wrong, good and bad; for the Creator is a moral Being that is holy, and loves righteousness but abhors evil.

VI. THE LIFE ARGUMENT
Life comes from life and the original life must have come from a Being possessing eternal life, that is, life that existed before physical life was created.

Where can such life be found? It can only be found in God who possesses eternal life. Psa. 36:9, "For with Thee is the fountain (source) of life."

The apple tree gets its life from the parent tree, the lamb from the mother sheep. But where did they get life from? We go back to the original creation.

Jesus said in John 11:25, "I am... life," also in John 14:6, "I am ... life," and in John 10:28, "And I give unto them eternal life."

All life proceeds from God. The theory of spontaneous generation has been proved false and completely unacceptable to authoritative science.

Life must have a beginning. The only logical answer is that beginning was with God.

VII. THE ARGUMENT FROM CONGRUITY
The theory of atheism solves no problems but only multiplies unsolved mysteries.

The acceptance of the existence of God as Creator of the world is like a magic key that fits all the facts of Scripture, revelation, knowledge and science.

This irrefutable doctrine is held tenaciously by multitudes of souls who are willing both to live and die in the consolation of this assurance.

Atheism which is only giant doubt and unbelief can only lead to darkness and despair for the one accepting it.

Acceptance of Gen. 1:1, "In the beginning God," leads a sincere seeker into the path of a fuller revelation of God Himself.

Heb. 11:6, "He that cometh to God must believe that He Is [exists)."

Let us come as children in simple faith, based on the revelation of God in Scripture and nature, believing and trusting Him completely.

Dr. Alban Douglas

Read The Bible

noreply@blogger.com (The Good Reporters) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 06:25:00 +0000

Romans 1:20-22

"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,"

How to Become an Atheist

noreply@blogger.com (The Good Reporters) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 06:14:00 +0000

There are two main hard and fast rules for anyone who would like to become an “atheist.” If you are tempted, beware. It’s not an easy thing to do.

The first rule is to ignore design in nature. You will see it everywhere—from the planets, to the atoms, to the seasons, to the design of the human body, to the design of the birds and the bees, flowers, fruit, feet, and even fungus. And, of course, the amazing human eye. Everywhere you look and everywhere you can’t look, you will see design.

Now here’s the hard part: ignore your God-given common sense. Admit that everything man made is manmade, but be uncompromisingly adamant that everything in nature came from nothing, with no Designer. Once you have set aside your acumen to do this, crown yourself as being intelligent. Very. Then find other atheists who will confirm that you are indeed intelligent.

The second rule is to “believe.” This is very important, because if you let doubt in, it will let in fear, and that can be a scary thing when the issue at stake is a place called “Hell.”

Believe that you are right in your beliefs. Believe that evolution is indeed true. Believe that it’s scientific. Believe that there are no missing links, and believe that Richard Dawkins knows what he is talking about.

Believe that you are related to an ape, and therefore you are not morally responsible because apes have no moral absolutes. Believe that your conscience was given to you by your parents and society, and not by God (always use a small “g” for God, if possible).

To grow as an atheist, you will need to learn believers’ language—phrases like, “There is no creation,” “Evolution is a proven fact,” and the powerful “Flying Spaghetti Monster” argument. Learn the fine art of cutting and pasting quotes, and responding to evidence with “Straw man!” That means you won’t have to respond to anything challenging.

All this will give a perception of intelligence. Never question evolution, and don’t think for yourself.

Do these things, and you will be able to call yourself an atheist, or even a “new” atheist. How cool is that! Well, I should say, as much of one as you can be called one. No one can be a true atheist because you need “absolute knowledge” to say that there is no God. So until you are omniscient (like God), you will just have to do with pretending to be one.

"Atheist Central"

The Existence of God

noreply@blogger.com (The Good Reporters) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 01:29:00 +0000

Hebrews 11:6 "...He that cometh to God must believe that He Is (exists)."

God Does Exist

noreply@blogger.com (The Good Reporters) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 02:05:00 +0000

If God doesn't exist, then what are you so uptight about?

How Do You Measure Your Christian Life?

noreply@blogger.com (The Good Reporters) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:54:00 +0000

Romans 6:12-19, “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not , that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; w hether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.”

As a Pastor for many years, I have had the opportunity to observe many Christians in different situations. One of the grave errors that Christians make in their life, which will affect their home, marriage, and children, is the lack of being controlled by the Spirit of God. This error is a very serious problem for each of us and we do not give this near enough consideration in our lives.

One of the things that the business world does is measure the progress of their business. They use different ways to measure their progress. God also wants us to measure our Christian life. Every day we have an opportunity to act and react. The unsaved person does not have the resource and ability of the saved person in this matter. When you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ you now have to do some things differently, especially in how you act and react.

We know that the devil seeks to put outside pressure on our lives. The purpose is to get the Christian to react in a non Christ like way. The devil wants to reproduce his character in us.

You have heard the statement many times “actions speak louder than words.” That little statement is so true. But do you know there is something that speaks louder than our actions? It is our reactions!

Listen carefully; many people can discipline themselves to try to act like Christ. But it is more difficult to train your soul to react like Christ. When faced with unfortunate or difficult circumstances in life, it is our reactions that reveal whether we are Spirit controlled, Ephesians 5:18, or soul controlled. Remember, God speaks to our Spirit and the devil speaks to our soul.

Ladies and gentlemen, if our relationship with the Lord is weak, we can clearly see such weaknesses not only by our own failures to act right, but also by our consistently inappropriate reactions. That is the way we measure our Christian life, by how we react when something difficult happens or something is not going our way. I call this the point of impact.

We are going to get the opportunity to react every single day and many times a day. At the point of impact, when the devil puts outside pressure on our life, we will either respond by being controlled by the Spirit or allowing ourselves to be controlled by the lusts of the flesh. Proverbs 12:13-14, “The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompense of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.”

Have you ever noticed at the point of impact how much trouble our mouth gets us in? We many times respond in anger or frustration when we are at the point of impact rather than being Spirit controlled. Have you ever thought about how your spouse or your children view that? We desire for our children to grow up and walk with God, but all too often they learn from us how not to be controlled by the Spirit when the day or circumstance is difficult.

James 3:10-17, “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh? Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”

This passage is written to Christians not unsaved people. How too often it is played out in the every day life of the Christian. When is this? At the point of impact! Folks, when each of us is not Holy Spirit controlled and led in our lives, our interpersonal skills go down the tube. In other words, in some ways, we have a poorly trained soul. A well trained soul is simply the definition of self discipline and is generally called character.

Folks, when something happens to us, and it is not good, if our reaction is to be angry or frustrated and to react mean to others, we are not showing good character in our life.

Proverbs 21: 23-24, “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.”

Did you notice that our non Spirit controlled anger is because of pride? People who respond in anger, frustration, or with an angry spirit are not controlled by the Holy Spirit; they are being controlled by the devil.

I hope you see how this affects our children and our spouse. Then we expect our children to grow up to have God’s power in their life and have a desire to walk with Him. When the child ends up in destruction, living like the devil, we wonder out loud what happened.

Proverbs 13:13, “Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed….”

The word despiseth means does not give proper attention to. Many parents who contact us here at For the Love of the Family do not understand the point at all. They are utterly confused about why their home is in the disaster it is in.

Guess who is the author of confusion? It is not God. I find one of the hardest things for us as Christians is the fruit of the Spirit, longsuffering.

When people fall short of our expectations for them we exhibit, (longsuffering), an enduring temperament that expresses itself in patience with the shortcomings of others. Or we react quick tempered, with an irritability that negatively excites the passions (lust of the flesh.).

Did you react to any people or circumstances with irritability and anger this week? The measurement of spirituality: “whenever I am harsh or quick tempered, I am quickly aware that I am weak spiritually and not in tune with the Spirit’s leading. Many people seek to fake being right with God. They talk the talk, but when faced with adversity at the point of impact they immediately react in anger, frustration or irritability.

We do not even understand this is not acceptable behavior with God. Most Christians believe it is okay to be angry. However, Ephesians 4:29-32 teaches that is definitely not the case. So, many Christians are violating a very important command of the word of God every day and many times a day, but expect to have God work in their lives and in the lives of their spouse or children.

Listen carefully; the right way for us to live our lives is not seek to ACT like Christ, but YIELD to Christ. When we teach ourselves out of habit or sure determining will power, how to act like Jesus would act, we think we are being holy. We are only making an attempt to do holy. His holiness is something we are asked to be not to do.”

Romans 6:11-13, “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”

When someone hurts your feelings, or corrects you, or is inconsiderate of you, what is your first reaction? Anger? Frustration? Excuse making? Evil thinking? Temper? Hidden anger? Rationalization? Contempt? Bad facial reactions? Yelling? Cussing? Criticism? You are showing your true spiritual condition. By sheer will power we seek to control that, but that does not work in the spiritual realm.

The devil’s management system is in I John 2:15-17. His system goes clear back to Adam and Eve. He has not changed it because it has worked very well. Through the world the devil seeks to get each Christian through outside pressure, (remember the pressure he put on Eve), to get us to live by three things: the lust of the flesh; getting us to desire to do; the lust of the eyes, getting us to desire to have; and the pride of life, getting us to desire to be. He desires to control our soul through his system and ultimately control our body, what we do.

We are seeking to do holy. We wonder why we fail so much.

Romans 6:12, “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.”

The reactions I described above are lustful soul control. What should be our first reaction? Romans 6:13, 16, 19 tells us to “YIELD.” Folks, when we are serving Jesus in our own power we can do some right things sometimes, but it does not mean we are yielding to Christ. It means we are living in self righteousness. The real love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance, is found doing things the right way, YIELDING!

Living a life yielded to Christ’s leading is the only way to live a holy life. Of course, as long as we are human, we will fail to be holy sometimes. Just remember that when you are training yourself through sheer discipline, you may do a lot of things in a holy way, but that does not mean you have been holy. To be or even do with consistency that which is holy, it must emanate from that which is Holy within us.

Remember the Bible says, “That in me, that is in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing.” But in me, dwelleth the One to whom I should yield. God wants us to yield not to react. If we yield, He will act for us. If we react rather than yield He is rendered useless to that particular circumstance. That does not please Him. God does not appreciate what He does not initiate.

I do not please God when I seek to act like Christ; I please God when I yield to Christ. The next time the point of impact happens rather than react in the lust of the flesh, say, “Lord, I want to turn this over to you.” YIELD! As you practice yielding in your life rather than being anxious you will have peace and you will then have a real sense of the presence of God in your life. Rather than being angry and frustrated, you will be controlled by the Spirit of God.

Ephesians 4: 29-32, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, w hereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let ALL bitterness and WRATH, and ANGER, and clamour (public quarreling), and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice (desire to hurt). And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

You do understand that seeking to act like Christ rather than yielding to Christ grieves the Holy Spirit. Today, our churches are filled with people who are seeking to act like Christ rather than yield to Christ. No wonder the church is powerless and the ho m e as well is powerless.

The Holy Spirit is grieved by this activity and many disasters are happening in the homes of Christians who believe they are walking with God, but in reality they have no joy, no sense of His presence, and no real, intimate, passionate relationship with Him. You can change that starting today by yielding to Him.

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

The change begins when we cleanse our selves from the filthiness of the flesh and the spirit.

Many Christians are living in filthiness of the flesh and spirit, but do not even know it.

The measurement of the Christian life is how you react at the point of impact. How are you doing with what Christ wants you to do? YIELD! It will make all the difference in your Christian life and the lives of your spouse and children.

By DR. TERRY L. COOMER

THE PROGRESSION OF REJECTION

noreply@blogger.com (The Good Reporters) — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 01:35:00 +0000

Acts 19:9 “But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.”

Paul had revisited Ephesus and spent more than two years there. As was his custom, Paul initially went into the synagogue and preached the Word of God. All did not enthusiastically receive his message. As our text declares, he met considerable resistance from some. As we read this Scripture, we can see how the rejection of truth develops. You will notice that those who heard Paul’s words “believed not.” They did not accept the Gospel message as truth. When a person refuses to believe the truth, the only thing left for him to believe is a lie. Then we see that they “were hardened.” Their hearts were hardened as they resisted the Word of God. The next thing we see is that they “spake evil of that way before the multitude.” Because they refused to believe the Bible, their hearts became more calloused to the truth. They began to slander the way of Christianity. We can see an obvious progression in this passage of Scripture. There are severe consequences associated with the rejection of truth. Some of the hardest people are those who have heard the Word of God and have rejected it. We have been dismayed by the vicious words and critical attitudes of people who at one time listened to the preaching of truth. How does a person go from an apparent listener to a contentious opponent of truth? Sometimes it occurs as our text discloses. They close their minds to some matter of Biblical principle, refusing to submit to the authority of the Scripture. As they continue to resist the truth, they become more adamant. The harder they are, the easier it is for them to contradict and criticize. After all, if one is not going to obey the truth, it is only natural to try to save face and make the message or the messenger look wrong. It is absolutely essential that we make a conscious and consistent decision to respect and follow the Word of God. The way we respond to truth will greatly influence our continued Christian growth. Sometimes the Bible requires us to adjust our way of thinking or surrender our opinions. When we hear the truth, we can either believe and accept it, or resist it with lasting and harmful repercussions.

For Atheists Only

noreply@blogger.com (The Good Reporters) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:50:00 +0000

I would like to ask a big favor. Forget (for a moment) about whether or not God exists, and give me your serious thoughts on the few verses below. Please read them carefully:

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." (John 5:24-29).

Here's the build-up to my question: Some say Jesus of Nazareth was a great teacher. Others say that He was crazy, while others (a few) think that He didn’t exist at all.

I think that "great" teachers don’t say the sort of weird things He said (believe His words and you have everlasting life, that His voice would raise the billions of the dead human race, etc.), and if He didn’t exist, who said these amazing words? So, I think that there are only two reasonable options. He was either a crazy liar, or He was the Son of God. Am I wrong?

By Ray Comfort

"But Dad, Which One is God's Word?"

noreply@blogger.com (The Good Reporters) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:20:00 +0000

(I read this at Chick Publications and thought it was good.)

"Please turn in your Bibles to..." The pastor began his sermon. One could hear pages turning all over the building. One father watched his son, barely 9 years old, proudly open his Bible. His father had told him, "Make a habit of knowing God's Word for yourself. Never take man's word for what it says. Read it yourself."

The Words Didn't Match

But as the pastor began reading, something was very wrong! The youngster checked to be sure he had the right verse. Yes, that's the one. But the words didn't match! The pastor was reading from a new translation and, to those with limited reading ability, it sounded like another book! The boy glanced at his father, made a helpless gesture and closed his Bible. The father stared at his Bible but he wasn't following either. In his mind he was on the way home trying to answer a little boy's questions without destroying his respect for his pastor or the Word of God. "Which words were really God's words, after all?" he wondered.

All over the auditorium, Bibles could be heard closing. The Word, for which so many had died, would go unread by the people. Instead, they would receive it from the lips of the "holy man," who understood which words were really God's. An overreaction? Maybe. That is, if one accepts the notion that the professional clergy know best about spiritual matters, and are the only ones who can be trusted to find "truth."

As more and more Bible translations are published, fewer people preach the Word with confidence. One says it one way. Another says, "I like mine better. It says..." But what does God say? Can we really choose a Bible which says what we want it to say, and still take it seriously as the Word of God? Modern translations rely upon a Greek text which rests largely on two Catholic manuscripts. One of them is so pathetically marked up with corrections it finally ended up in the trash, where it was found.

Most Agree Beautifully

The other disagrees with the first, and is missing most of chapters 9 through 13 of Hebrews. How convenient that this manuscript neglects to mention we have no further need of priests! However, the vast majority of old manuscripts agree beautifully with each other, are quoted extensively by early church leaders, and are obviously from the text accepted by the early church as correct. These manuscripts combine to form the text from which the King James Bible was translated.

The importance of the King James lies mainly in the fact that it was translated from the true text, and therefore gives us the true and error-free Word of God. Pastors need to recognize that using many translations in the church undermines the people's confidence in the written Word, and thus undermines the whole church. They need one standard text. And it would certainly help to get the right one!

FOXY PEOPLE

noreply@blogger.com (The Good Reporters) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 21:06:00 +0000

"…the little foxes, that spoil the vines…" Song of Solomon 2:15

The "little foxes" that spoil the vine may be so little that only the eagles' eye can detect them. Regardless, they gnaw away at the vine of character and of trustworthiness.

Jacob was plagued with these "little foxes," prior to his wrestling match with God. His every thought and action had a personal agenda which profited him in some way. He had to win all the arguments, have the last word, and be at the front of the line, regardless of where it was going.

A person plagued with these "little foxes" may not be aware of them. They might not tell an out-and-out lie but they will embellish the story, misstate the facts and omit information, which does not promote them. Their little fits of temper, their tendency to place blame on others, and their superficial attempt to "out fox" you by promoting themselves betray them. These people are too draining to indulge, too clever to be trusted and too dangerous to ignore. They too need a wrestling match with Jacob's God in order to rid themselves of these "little foxes"

By Ken Blue

Casual Christians

noreply@blogger.com (The Good Reporters) — Thu, 15 May 2008 04:23:00 +0000

We have too many casual Christians who dabble in everything but are not committed to anything. They have a nodding acquaintance with a score of subjects but are sold on nothing. “Of course I’m interested in church—but with my club and my lodge and my golf and my bridge and my stamp collecting and my ceramics and my African violets, I just can’t get too excited about religion.” Our Lord had no place in His program for casual disciples. It was all or nothing.

Vance Havner

Dangers of Drifting

noreply@blogger.com (The Good Reporters) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 01:54:00 +0000

Hebrews 2:1 "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip."

Laws of the Drift:

You always drift down stream.

You can drift without realizing you are doing so.

It takes no effort to drift. When we stop battling we often start drifting.

Drifting cost you plenty. Sin takes you father than you want to go; keeps you longer than you will want to stay and will cost you more than you want to pay.

Drifting puts others in danger as well.

The closer to the “falls” you get the faster the current.

If you fail to stop drifting the trip will end in disaster.

How to know when you are drifting.

When you find you are reading Bible less than you once did.

When you find you are praying less than you once did.

When you find you are attending church less than you once did.

When you find you are sharing the gospel less than you once did.

When you find you are reading Bible less than you once did.

When you desire for worldly things is growing stronger.

When sin hold on you is increasing.

How to stop drifting!

Get out of the water until you are stronger.

Stop doing what you were doing when you started to drift.

Paddle once again against the tide.

Separate yourself from those who are drifting with you.

Enlist the help of those who are going the right direction.

Refocus on where you want to go.

Be sure you are anchored in Christ.

By Jim Preston

The Blonde Mortician

noreply@blogger.com (The Good Reporters) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 03:04:00 +0000

A man who just died is delivered to a local mortuary wearing an
expensive, expertly tailored black suit.

The Blonde mortician asks the deceased's wife how she would
like the body dressed. She points out that the man does look good
in the black suit he is already wearing.

The widow, however, says that she always thought her husband
looked his best in blue, and that she wants him in a blue suit. She
gives the Blonde mortician a blank check and says, "I don't care what
it costs, but please have my husband in a blue suit for the viewing."

The woman returns the next day for the wake. To her delight, she
finds her husband dressed in a gorgeous blue suit with a subtle chalk
stripe; the suit fits him perfectly.

She says to the mortician, "Whatever this cost, I'm very satisfied.
You did an excellent job and I'm very grateful. How much did you
spend?"

To her astonishment, the blonde mortician presents her with the
blank check. "There's no charge," she says.

"No, really, I must compensate you for the cost of that exquisite
blue suit!" she says.

"Honestly, ma'am," the blonde says, "it cost nothing. You see, a
deceased gentleman of about your husband's size was brought in
shortly after you left yesterday, and he was wearing an attractive blue
suit.

I asked his wife if she minded him going to his grave wearing a
black suit instead, and she said it made n o difference as long as he
looked nice."

"So I just switched the heads."

What the Bible Says About Television

noreply@blogger.com (The Good Reporters) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 02:57:00 +0000

(The version of Psalm 23 believed by most Christians today)

The TV is my shepherd, I shall not want,

It makes me lie down on the sofa; it leads me away from the faith.

It destroys my soul; it leads me in the paths of fornication and violence for the sponsor’s sake.

Yea though I walk in the shadow of Christian responsibilities there will be no interruption, for the TV is with me, its cable and remote they comfort me.

It prepares a commercial for me in the presence of all my worldliness, it anoints my head with humanism and consumerism, my coveting runneth over.

Surely insignificance and ignorance shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house watching TV forever.

True Christian Living

noreply@blogger.com (The Good Reporters) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 03:43:00 +0000

Titus 2:12,13 "Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;"

1. True Christian Living denies ungodliness and worldly lust.

2. True Christian Living, lives Godly, soberly, righteously in this present world.

3. True Christian Living, lives with the 2nd Coming of Jesus in mind every day.

By Jim Preston

I DO BELIEVE IT'S A COMIN'!!!

noreply@blogger.com (The Good Reporters) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 01:49:00 +0000

Three strangers strike up a conversation in the airport passenger lounge in Bozeman, Montana, while awaiting their respective flights.

One is an American Indian passing through from Lame Deer. Another is a Cowboy on his way to Billings for a livestock show & the third passenger is a fundamentalist Arab student, newly arrived at Montana State University from the Middle East

Their discussion drifts to their diverse cultures. Soon, the two Westerners learn that the Arab is a devout, radical Muslim who has a famous relative in America. The conversation falls into an uneasy lull.

The cowboy leans back in his chair, crosses his boots on a magazine table and tips his big sweat-stained hat forward over his face.

The wind outside is blowing tumbleweeds around, and the old windsock is flapping; but still no airplane comes.

Finally, the American Indian clears his throat and softly he speaks, 'At one time here, my people were many, but sadly, now we are few.'

The Muslim student raises an eyebrow and leans forward, 'Once my people were few here,' he sneers, 'and now we
are many. Why do you suppose that is?'

The Montana cowboy shifts his toothpick to one side of his mouth and from the darkness beneath his Stetson says in a smooth drawl . .

'That's 'cause we ain't played Cowboys and Muslims yet, but I do believe it's a-comin'.'

Little Is Much When God Is In It

noreply@blogger.com (The Good Reporters) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 03:18:00 +0000

“One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.” John 6:8–11

Thousands of hungry people surrounded Him. There wasn’t enough money to buy food for everyone, so Christ sent His disciples out to find food among the people. No one could find anything except for Andrew who found a little boy with a lunch that consisted of five loaves of bread and two fishes. This boy was willing to give his lunch to Jesus.

From Andrew’s perspective, this wasn’t very much. He had searched and found what he could in his own strength, and he offered it to Christ, not knowing what the Lord was going to do with it. He told God, “This isn’t much, but You asked for us to find food, so this is what I found. You can have it.”

Sometimes Christians can think they don’t have much to offer Christ. You may not be the most eloquent speaker, the most gifted singer, or the boldest witness, but don’t fail to see the bigger picture. It isn’t about what talent you have or what you can do alone; it’s about what God wants to do through you. God doesn’t require a certain talent; He only requires your willingness to be used by Him.

When you do your part, God will do His part. This young boy was willing to do His best for God. He gave his lunch—all that he had. But notice that a wonderful thing took place! John 6:11 says, “And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.” Notice the phrase “as much as they would.” Jesus kept distributing the bread until the entire crowd had been fed "as much as they would." This was a complete work, for no one was going to go home hungry.

Aren’t you glad that God delights in blessing the simple things of this life? In 1986, when my wife and I moved to Lancaster and I preached that first message to roughly twenty people in a downtown building, you would not have had to remind us that we weren’t much. We didn’t have any talent or many material possessions, but we did have faith in God and belief in His Word. And over the years we have seen that little is much when God is in it.

First Corinthians 1:27 says, “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” When you give your life to God, no matter where you’ve been or what you’ve been through, He will use it for His glory. You will be amazed at how God will bless and use you as His servant. All you need is faith and a willingness to serve God.

Does God have your life today? Maybe you dedicated your life to Him many years ago, but are you still living by faith in Him? It doesn’t matter what you have in the way of material possessions or special talent. All God wants from you is your all. Let God have full control of every aspect of your life. Offer what you have to Him just like the little lad did with the lunch, and remember that little is much when God is in it.

By Dr. Paul Chappell

Blonde Joke

noreply@blogger.com (The Good Reporters) — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 01:50:00 +0000

A blonde was weed-eating her yard and accidentally cut off the
tail of her cat who was hiding in the grass. She rushed her cat along
with the tail over to Walmart!

Why Walmart? Walmart is the largest retailer in the world!

Clever Monkey

noreply@blogger.com (The Good Reporters) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 02:52:00 +0000

National Geographic are at it once again. It seems that ratings are more important to them than the truth. Apparently, they have exclusive videotape showing a chimp actually making a spear. In a documentary called “Ape Genius,” the narrator says, “Never before has any non-human species been known to routinely make and use deadly weapons.” Wow. That is amazing. It looks like more evidence to back up Darwin.

Jill Pruetz is one of the National Geographic explorers who spent four years following the monkeys around in their natural habitat. When an NBC interviewer asked her the question, “When you saw a chimp actually fashioning a weapon, were you amazed?” she replied, “I am still amazed. In fact, I saw it a week ago before I came here, and Bilbo [the chimp] was nice enough to make a spear. He wasn’t successful, but I'm still amazed by it.” Whoa! What did she say? “He wasn’t successful…” In other words, he didn’t make a spear. All he did was bite off the end of a stick and use it to poke into a tree limb. It was typical evolutionary mumbo jumbo, and it will no doubt continue to “deceive the hearts of the simple.”

By Ray Comfort

One Home Under God

noreply@blogger.com (The Good Reporters) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 03:48:00 +0000

The Pathway to a Better Day

In 1607 one hundred and five settlers landed in Jamestown and ALL OF THEM WERE MEN. From the founding of our nation to 1820 men were the leaders, providers, and protectors of their families. These men were self-reliant and self-sufficient. Men of that era lived off the land, built their own houses, and grew their own food. The average family had seven children who were an integral part of the family economy.

The Industrial Revolution took place from 1840-1940. During this period, fathers left the homesteads to work in cities. The influence of men in home and society began to gradually decrease. Women assumed the moral leadership of home, school, church, and social reform. The reason matriarchal influence became dominant was because men had abandoned their roles. An ongoing erosion of manhood has been under way in our nation for the last two hundred years. Strong male leadership has not been the defining feature for many decades.

Most men are so busy today that few have taken an objective look as to where we are and how we got here. We used to sing about “Home, Home on the Range,” but the buffalo quit roaming long ago. Here are some updated words for that well known tune. Home, Home on the Run, Where family members are seeking their fun. Where seldom is heard an authoritative word, And the house is empty all day. Few would deny family life has fallen on hard times, but One Home Under God is a goal to which every man should aspire.

The Marines are not the only ones looking for a few good men — God is too! On his deathbed, David said to Solomon, “I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man” (I Kings 4:2). Today, there is a crying need for men who are masculine, mature, and have moral character. Every home needs a Prophet, Priest, and Patriarch.

Prophet

In the Old Testament, prophets were the watchmen on the wall. They were men who discerned danger and spoke with clarity. They measured every trend by the plumb line of God’s Word. They were the voice of God in their generation — God’s emergency men!

Every home needs a prophet to guard the family. America’s credo is “unity in diversity.” Sadly our nation continues to slide toward “unity in per-versity!” Gender confusion, role reversals, and the loss of the moral compass mandate the need for an authoritative voice. Mothers are going off into combat while men are staying home to care for children. Godly order has been turned on its head. People of European descent fail to reproduce themselves. Scores of DINK’S (Double Income No Kids) don’t want offspring, while homosexuals are fighting for the right to adopt children. Societies do not repudiate God’s blueprint for the home without incurring serious consequences.

A survey was conducted in a Christian School on the topic What Constitutes Success? The top answers were: win the lottery, become a Rock Star, become a famous actor, get into professional sports, get into the stock market, and think of a great product and sell a million of them. These answers are identical to what you would expect from children raised in atheistic homes.

We live in a generation where most of us have had to mentor ourselves. For a number of reasons, we have grown up with disciplinary and directional deficits. Precious few have been privileged to have fathers who were vitally involved in their lives. Detached parents are little better than absentee parents. Too many children are left to themselves which ultimately leads to shame (Proverbs 29:15).

Like Mordecai told Esther, you and I are come to the kingdom for such a time as this. It is important to comprehend history, but we cannot afford to limit the future by focusing on the past. What’s done is done, but what we do now will determine what happens in the future. Quit looking in the rear view mirror and get your eyes on the goal. Things CAN be different for the next generation. Our God is the God of possibilities!

God calls men to act as prophets in their families. I am not talking about the foolish extremes which alienate and poison families, but I am saying that God’s plan is for men to rule their homes for God.

You are responsible for the media and music that comes into your home. The London School of Economics says that nine out of ten children who go online to do homework stumble across hardcore pornography. Fifty percent of kids who enter chat rooms have given out personal information to complete strangers. The Kaiser Family Foundation Report reveals that 68% of children now have a television in their bedroom. MTV is the number one viewing choice of teenage girls . . . . Scores of “youth ministries” are emulating the MTV format. The number one music genre for today’s youth is the often verbally pornographic and violent rap and hip-hop. The average child in our culture consumes six and one half hours of media every day. Then there are video games like Grand Theft Auto where the player becomes a character who steals cars, rapes women, has sex with a prostitute, and then clubs her to death.

God has given men the responsibility to guard their homes. It doesn’t take an act of Congress to take back your home. You must patiently and lovingly confront bad attitudes and behaviors. You alone are accountable to God for teaching Bible principles and applying them to your family. Countless thieves are attempting to steal the hearts of your children, but you are the watchman on the wall for your home.

Priest

Israel’s destiny was intrinsically linked to the priesthood. You have heard the slogan, “Like priest, like people.” The character of Israel’s priests trickled down to the people. When the priests went corrupt, the people followed. Similarly, godly priests tended to rally the people toward godliness. Leadership always sets the moral tone.

The father’s choices during the Passover in Egypt had dire consequences for the family. Faithful fathers took their responsibility seriously. Just as God commanded, they selected a spotless lamb, drained its blood, and splattered it on the doorway of their houses. If the father failed to act it meant the sure destruction of his home — the first-born would be killed. The father’s action, or inaction, was the key to his family’s well being. The choices we make as modern men will determine whether judgment passes over, or rests on our homes.

Every man is ordained by God as a priest to guide his home. We live in a day of pragmatism, pollution, and perversion. Direction in the home, just like the ministry, is not determined merely by what is taught, but by what is tolerated. Men must be groomed to establish godly convictions and remove destructive influences from their homes. There is a crying need to train faithful men who are able to teach others also.

God commissioned Jewish fathers to shepherd their homes. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7 we read, And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. These fathers were ordained as the primary communicators of truth to their households. They understood God’s charge to teach the Word of God to their families. By applying truth to the everyday circumstances of life they were instilling character in the souls of their families.

Today’s children have too many choices and too few guides. Many fathers and mothers are attempting to be “pals” instead of “parents.” The perilous times in which we live demand an “on the job” Dad who is actively watching over the souls under his care. What fathers do, or don’t do, tremendously impacts the home.

Patriarch

Abraham was a man who earned the respect and admiration of his family. His wife referred to him as “lord” and Isaac trusted his father implicitly, even in the face of death. In speaking of Abraham God said, For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment (Gen. 18:19). God calls men not merely to dole out orders, but to command the esteem of those who know him best.

Sir, you should aspire to become a Patriarch. One of your chief goals as a man should be to govern your home for the glory of God. R.G. Lee said, “Parental authority has not disappeared, it has just changed hands. The children have taken it over!” Child-centered parenting is a colossal failure. Now is the time to stand up, not clam up.

In Isaiah chapter three we read how God judged Israel by removing the mighty man, the prophet, the prudent, and the honorable man. Children behaved proudly against the aged (no respect for elders). Further, God said the men would become so weak that children would oppress [tyrannize] them and women would rule [dominate] them. One sure sign of a deteriorating culture is when the men become woman-like and the women become man-like. The idolatry of socialism (making a god out of government) continues to strip men of initiative and responsibility. Emasculated men become increasingly passive and act like a bunch of neutered wimps. The psychologists have been telling us we need to get in touch with our “feminine side,” but the Bible tells us to act like men (1 Cor. 16:13)!

God has an order in the home. Adam was first created and from his side came Eve as his completer. The scripture is clear that the man is the head of the home. For the last several decades boys have been primarily raised and taught by women. Scores of young men never had a father, or any other strong male figure, during their upbringing.

The lack of example in the home and the dearth of instruction on biblical manhood have left a vacuum which must be filled . The average church has numerous ministries to youth, children, and women; but very little targeted ministry to men. Brethren, the time has come to break with our feminized culture and with God’s help bring back the Patriarchy!

Yes, every Christian home desperately needs a Prophet to Guard, a Priest to Guide, and a Patriarch to Govern. Men need illustration, instruction, and inspiration. We must rebuild the foundations for future generations. If Noah got his family on the Ark with all the wickedness in his day, so can we! Vision, prayer, work, obedience, and faith are the stepping stones to a better day. The atheists may succeed at removing any reference to the Lord from the Pledge of Allegiance, but you can strive for One Home Under God. For Jesus’ sake, BE A MAN!

By Evangelist Harold Vaughan

PREPARING FOR WINTER

noreply@blogger.com (The Good Reporters) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:47:00 +0000

"There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;" Proverbs 30:24-25.

Ants are considered wise because they plan during the summer months for the coming winter. Since ants cannot read, this passage must have been written for our sakes. The message is simple; wise men prepare for the winter.

Fortunate is the pastor who has leaders in his church that are farsighted and will implement some form of retirement for him. Neither the pastor's health nor his ministry will endure forever. The time will come when you will be forced to retire. (That time has come for me.) You must ask yourself the question, "Will my wife and I be able to live on Social Security?" You probably cannot.

I suggest the pastor purchase his own home and have it put in his name. The church is also permitted to give him a housing allowance with which to make the payments. This allowance is also tax free. In addition, a retirement fund should be set up immediately. It may be a small amount at first, depending on the ability of the church. However, it can be increased as funds increase. I do believe Jesus is coming again, but that theology need not interfere with practical wisdom. It is not selfish to prepare for winter. According to Scripture, it is wise to do so. Besides, you should be as wise as an ant.

By Ken Blue

The dying Preacher's last request!!!

noreply@blogger.com (The Good Reporters) — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 19:38:00 +0000

The old preacher lay dying in the hospital. For years, he had faithfully
served the people of the nation's capital in Washington D.C. He motioned
for his nurse to come near.

"Yes, preacher?" said the nurse.

"I would really like to see President Bill and Senator Hillary Clinton
before I die," whispered the preacher.

"I'll see what I can do, preacher." replied the nurse.

The nurse sent the request to the Senate and waited for a response. Soon
the word arrived; the Clintons would be delighted to visit the preacher.
As they went to the hospital, Hillary commented to Bill, "I don't know
why the old preacher wants to see us, but it certainly will help our
images and might even get me elected President. After all, I'm IN IT TO
WIN IT." Bill agreed--it was a very good thing for her campaign once
they put out a press release about it.

When they arrived at the preacher's room, the old preacher took
Bill's hand in his right hand and Hillary's hand in his left. There was
silence and a look of serenity on the old preacher's face. Finally Bill
spoke. "Preacher, of all the people you could have chosen, why did you
choose us to be with you as you near the end?"

The old preacher slowly replied, "I have always tried to pattern my life
after our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."
"Amen," said Bill.
"Amen," said Hillary.

The old preacher continued,
"He died between two lying thieves. I would like to do the same."