Kurt Michaelson

The enemies of the cross are those...

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Michaelson) — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 03:56:00 PDT

The “cross” was the instrument of death on which the Redeemer died to make atonement for sin. As the atonement made by Christ for sin is that which especially distinguishes his religion from all others, the “cross” comes to be used to denote his religion; and the phrase here means, that they were the enemies of his religion, or were strangers to the gospel. It is not to be supposed that they were open and avowed enemies of the cross, or that they denied that the Lord Jesus died on the cross to make an atonement. The characteristic of those persons mentioned in the following verse is, rather, that they were living in a manner which showed that they were strangers to his pure gospel. An immoral life is enmity to the cross of Christ; for he died to make us holy. A life where there is no evidence that the heart is renewed, is enmity to the cross; for he died that we might be renewed. They are the enemies of the cross, in the church:

who have never been born again;
who are living in the indulgence of known sin;
who manifest none of the peculiarities of those who truly love him;
who have a deeper interest in worldly affairs than they have in the cause of the Redeemer;
whom nothing can induce to give up their worldly concerns when God demands it;
who are opposed to all the unique doctrines of Christianity; and,
who are opposed to all the special duties of religion, or who live in the habitual neglect of them.

It is to be feared that at all times there are such enemies of the cross in the church, and the language of the apostle implies that it is a proper subject of grief and tears. He wept over it, and so should we. It is from this cause that so much injury is done to the true religion in the world. One secret enemy in a camp may do more harm than fifty men who are open foes; and a single unholy or inconstant member in a church may do much more injury than many men who are avowedly opposed to religion. It is not by infidels, and scoffers, and blasphemers, so much, that injury is done to the cause of religion; it is by the unholy lives of its professed friends - the worldliness, inconsistency, and want of the proper spirit of religion, among those who are in the church. Nearly all the objections that are made to religion are from this quarter; and, if this objection were taken away, the religion of Christ would soon spread its triumphs around the globe.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible, Philippians 3:18

Is This the Testimony of God in Your Life?

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Michaelson) — Tue, 29 May 2012 19:10:00 PDT

Recently, while following my bible reading plan for the year, I read 1 Timothy, chapter 1 and verse 16 really made me stop and think a bit about what Paul was addressing to his young protege and the likely concern he had about some of the most difficult people he was trying to win to Christ.

But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:16, ESV

As I read this, I noticed these 3 characteristics that the Apostle Paul felt were certainly undeserving for him, especially since he was such an opponent of those following Jesus Christ. They are, I believe, intended to be an encouragement to us regarding some of the most difficult people who think they don't deserve to be saved by God at all. But we are examples too, for them to see that God's mercy, grace and forgiveness is as effectual for them as it is for us.

1) God's Mercy - Received
The display of God's mercy involved a light so bright that it caused Paul to be blinded only for a short period of time. Jesus didn't strike Paul dead while on his way to Damascus because he was on his way to persecute and arrest Christians.

Look over your life and examine the times when sin was willfully present and God did not cause you to suffer a sudden death only to then find yourself immediately in His presence to face His judgment. Those times may be too numerable to mention, but God's mercy is infinitely greater.

Have you received God's mercy? How grateful are you for His mercy?

2) God's Perfect Patience - Displayed
This example of patience is unlike anything that we could humanly conceive. Imagine the span of time in Paul's life that God remained unchanged in His attitude toward Paul. It's astonishing!

Only a perfect God could exemplify such a level of patience that would never change and all because of the acceptable atonement of His Son for the sins of Paul, for the sins of the world.

Our only example of the perfect patience of God that can be seen today, is each day that is set before us and the 24 hours that it is made of.

How often have we not acted like God in this respect? I know I'm guilty. Are you? How will you reconcile this?

3) God's Example of Salvation - Seen
Paul was willing to allow himself to be used as an example, to show any person that regardless how opposing or distant they may be to God, He is willing to show how great and merciful He was through Paul's life.

How merciful has God been, even today that it should cause us to be in awe of the greatness of these characteristics of God!

The Christian is the recipient of these good things about God and should exemplify them as much as possible to those around us. Sadly though, sometimes we don't and we need to seek the forgiveness of others, which thereby becomes an example of God in our lives that is seen by others.

The apostle knew that he would justly have perished, if the Lord had been extreme to mark what was amiss; and also if his grace and mercy had not been abundant to him when dead in sin, working faith and love to Christ in his heart. This is a faithful saying; these are true and faithful words, which may be depended on, That the Son of God came into the world, willingly and purposely to save sinners. No man, with Paul's example before him, can question the love and power of Christ to save him, if he really desires to trust in him as the Son of God, who once died on the cross, and now reigns upon the throne of glory, to save all that come to God through him. Let us then admire and praise the grace of God our Saviour; and ascribe to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, three Persons in the unity of the Godhead, the glory of all done in, by, and for us. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

Is the Gospel of Jesus Christ truly alive in your life? How much do you admire and praise the grace of God our Savior and the forgiveness of your sins?

For myself, not enough, I dare say. Not enough.

I confess to live and die in this faith

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Michaelson) — Fri, 25 May 2012 04:19:00 PDT

The Last Will and Testament of John Calvin.

In the name of God, I, John Calvin, servant of the Word of God in the church of Geneva,...thank God that He has shown not only mercy toward me, His poor creature, and...has suffered me in all sins and weaknesses, but what is much more, that He has made me a partaker of His grace to serve Him through my work...I confess to live and die in this faith which has given me, inasmuch as I have no other hope or refuge than His predestination upon which my entire salvation is grounded. I embrace the grace which He has offered me in our Lord Jesus Christ and accept the merits of His suffering and dying, that through them all my sins are buried; and I humbly beg Him to wash me and cleanse me with the blood of our great Redeemer,...so that I, when I shall appear before His face may bear His likeness. Moreover, I declare that I endeavored to teach His Word undefiled and to expound Holy Scripture faithfully, according to the measure of grace which He has given me.

John Calvin died at age 54 on May 27, 1654, in the arms of Theodore Beza, his successor. Looking back on Calvin's life, Beza concluded:

Having been a spectator of his conduct for sixteen years, I have given a faithful account both of his life and of his death, and I can now declare, that in him all men may see a most beautiful example of Christian Character, an example which it is as easy to slander as it is difficult to imitate.

It is appropriate that Calvin's last words - "How long, O Lord?" - were the words of Scripture. He literally died quoting the Bible he preached, having expended himself in the work and will of God, faithful to the very end.

From the book, The Expository Genius of John Calvin

In The Expository Genius of John Calvin, Dr. Steven J. Lawson delves into the practices, commitments, and techniques that made John Calvin, the great Reformer of the sixteenth century, such an effective preacher during his long pastorate at Saint Pierre Cathedral in Geneva, Switzerland. Dr. Lawson identifies thirty-two distinctives of Calvin s preaching, providing comments from Calvin s writings, quotations from Reformation scholars, and examples from Calvin s own sermons to reinforce his points. In the end, Dr. Lawson finds in Calvin a strong model for expository preaching and calls on modern pastors to follow the Reformer s example.

TAPS: Marine Corps League Member - Frederick P. Johannsen, Verplanck, NY

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Michaelson) — Thu, 03 May 2012 08:02:00 PDT

The Chaplain of the Westchester Detachment of the Marine Corps League, regrets to announce the death of LIFE Member - Frederick P. Johannsen of Verplanck, New York. He died on Monday, 30 April 2012.

He is survived by his wife Molly Johannsen, his son Einar Johannsen, brother Dennis Johannsen, sister Peggy Anne Hennessy, daughter in law Melissa Johannsen, and four beautiful granddaughters, Kami, Paige, Emma, and Maggie.

His obituary is listed here.

Pastor Kurt Michaelson

Chaplain, Westchester Detachment
Marine Corps League

TAPS: Arnold Edson, Major, USMC (Ret).

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Michaelson) — Wed, 02 May 2012 15:30:00 PDT

The Chaplain for the Westchester Detachment of the Marine Corps League, regrets to announce the death Arnold Edson, Major, USMC (Ret). He passed away on 1 May 2012 and was a resident of New Rochelle, New York.

Edson is a World War ll veteran who served in Guadalcanal, Saipan, and various other locations too.

He was a LIFE Member of the Westchester Detachment of the Marine Corps League.

A Jewish Memorial Service is scheduled for Sunday, 06 May 2012 beginning at 1415, at Friends Meeting House, 133 Popham Road, Scarsdale, NY.

Pastor Kurt Michaelson
Chaplain, Westchester Detachment
Marine Corps League

TAPS: Marine Corps League Member - Robert P. Reisman

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Michaelson) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:13:00 PDT

The Chaplain for the Westchester Detachment of the Marine Corps League, regrets to announce the death of Robert P. Reisman of Eastchester NY, Corporal, USMC, on April 24, 2012. He was 89 years old.

Marine Reisman had been a member of the Westchester Detachment for at least ten years and attended a number of their functions.

Corporal Reisman enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on March 21, 1941, and was discharged on September 12, 1941 in order to return home to assist his family, which was still suffering from the effects of the Great Depression. He re-enlisted on October 10, 1942 and was followed into the Marine Corps shortly thereafter by his two younger brothers, where the three of them served in action against the enemy in the Pacific Theater of War.

Marine Reisman participated in the Battle of Tinian in 1944. In 1945 he witnessed the take-off of the Enola Gay as it began its mission to drop the first Atomic Bomb on Japan. He was discharged on December 10, 1945 with the rank of Corporal.

Arrangements are as follows:

Wake
Date - Thursday, 26 April
Time - 1400-1600 & 1900-2100
Location - Bennett's Funeral Home, 824 Scarsdale Avenue, Scarsdale, NY.

Funeral
Date - Friday, 27 April
Time - 1030
Location - Church of the Immaculate Conception, 53 Winter Hill Road, Tuckahoe, NY
Interment - Gate of Heaven Cemeter, Valhalla, NY

All Marine Corps League members and Veterans are encouraged to attend the wake Thursday evening.

Semper fi in Christ,

Pastor Kurt
Detachment Chaplain
Marine Corps League

The Challenge of Learning About Theology

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Michaelson) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 05:21:00 PDT

I thought this was funny video of how learning theological doctrines can be quite the mental challenge, but it shouldn't be.

The video was found on the media section of the Preaching Today website and is produced by Brian Christopher Productions.

God may be seasoning you as a vessel of mercy

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Michaelson) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:08:00 PST

"The vessels of mercy are seasoned with afflictions, and then the wine of glory is poured in." ~ Unknown

Ray Comfort once told me, "God usually breaks a man before He makes the man." My pastor's wife is recovering from cancer surgery and started her chemotherapy treatment today. She picked out a cute wig to wear when her hair falls out. She is sharing her thoughts and feelings with all of us as a church body through email. Her amazing husband Rex is courageously leading his bride through each day, comforting her, providing for her, and protecting her from a thousand scary thoughts and feelings. As a couple, they inspire thousands through their faith and courage. I recently asked Rex if he would fill in for me as teacher at my church Marriage and Family class. Due to this new trial in his life, Rex shared with more unfiltered honesty, joy, and wisdom about loving his wife and raising his children than ever before. The men in the room raved all week about what they had heard that night from this seasoned mentor. Tenderness of heart, genuine humility, wisdom, and compassion are the bold flavors that develop in the hearts of those whom God has seasoned with affliction. Through Rex and Sherry, God is pouring out the fine wine of his glory for the rest of us to enjoy. If you are experiencing trials and affliction right now, have you considered that God may be seasoning you as a vessel of mercy, to be filled with a new glory to be poured out for the blessing and healing of others?

~ Kirk

The story above is from Kirk Cameron who shares his thoughts in a weekly email that is sent out from the ministry of Living Waters. The photo is not the couple mentioned in this story.

Reading the Bible in the 2012: 31 Days & 310 Chapters Later

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Michaelson) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:35:00 PST

What a great milestone this is, to have read 310 chapters of the Bible in just 31 days! According to the plan, I have read 11.6% of the Bible and I am projected to complete this reading plan on, or before September 6th, 2012.

In these past 31 days, I have read the following books of the Bible entirely: Matthew, Acts, Romans, 1st & 2nd Thessalonians, 1st & 2nd Timothy, Titus, Philemon, James, Joshua and Proverbs.

Each month I will read Acts and Proverbs over the next 8 months throughout the reading plan, which means I'll read each book at least 8 times. I think I would hope to know and recall several passages rather easily after reading it so much too. =D Even though the plan outlines reading the entire book of Psalms in 150 days, I know I could adjust that to read 5 chapters each day during the month and read the entire book of Psalms each month too, enabling me to read Psalms at least 7 times over the next 8 months, which I might consider making that change too.

I am incredibly grateful for this reading plan, because reading the Bible should not be an overwhelming task, which many people are afraid to undertake because of its size: one book with 66 other books that make this the complete cannon of Scripture. Very few people can actually say that they have read the entire Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation and this plan make it completely possible to accomplish!

My ESV MacArthur Study Bible, from Genesis to Revelation is 1,974 pages, but there are a lot of footnotes in this bible too, so without those footnotes, the page length may be 1,400 or 1,500 pages long. Still, that’s a lot of pages and a lot of reading.

One of the first long books I ever read was Tom Clancy’s Clear and Present Danger and I read it while on my first deployment to Okinawa, in 1992 when I was in the Marine Corps. That book is 704 pages and back then, it was the longest book I had ever read! And I loved the book too because it was a thrilling military novel that I could definitely relate to. But now, I’m reading a book that is nearly two and a half times the size and I’m not in a rush to get through it, but really enjoying the steady pace the plan has outlined.

To read at such a steady pace makes this reading plan very doable and very achievable for anyone and I would encourage anyone to get started with one of the reading plans. It’s not too late. It’s only February 1st and there are 11 months remaining before the end of the year arrives, so no need to fuss over not feeling comfortable starting with others that began on January 1st. YOU, just get started and join the Facebook group with the others who are reading as well. No matter when you begin and if you join The 3650 Challenge group on Facebook, you’ll be encouraged by everyone’s contribution of their experiences related to what they have read for that day.

So now, I want to share with you one brief observation from a verse of Scripture and today’s reading.

Mark 3:12 - And he strictly ordered them not to make him known.

In this passage from Mark 3:1-12, Jesus had upset the Pharisees in the synagogue were upset with Jesus for healing a man on the Sabbath. Verse 6 says the Pharisees sought for a way to destroy Jesus, meaning they were looking for a way to kill him. There were also many people that began to follow Jesus from many different places too.

Mobs of people crowded who were sick with various diseases crowded around him, to touch him so they could be healed.

Verse 11 says that whenever an unclean spirit saw Jesus, they fell down before him and cried out, "You are the Son of God." Those unclean spirits fell at Jesus’ feet and worshipped Him because they knew unquestionably, who He was. Yet verse 12 is a strange command by the Lord, where He strictly commands them not to make Him known.

So many people today doubt the power of Jesus Christ to heal them, but He can. So many people doubt that Jesus Christ actually existed, but He did. So many people will die and go to hell because they have refused to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

What is surprising is that Jesus Christ; God-incarnate came to make Himself known to those whom He created. The unclean spirits of Satan and his angels know who Jesus Christ is – the Son of God and that is terrifying to them. Those unclean spirits of Satan know the power that the Lord holds and are incredibly fearful to be in His presence. Yet, the Lord comes and performs many great signs and wonders to prove that He is the Christ, God’s Messiah.

How tragic it is that the unclean spirits of Satan know the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God and there are people that reject the notion of a man born of a virgin woman that lived to die on a cross and rise again from the dead three days later.

It should be quite embarrassing to someone to realize that all the servants of Satan, those unclean spirits are smarter about knowing who the Son of God is more than the people God has created.

Such knowledge cannot be a mere ascent of knowledge to say, “Yep, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” because that is foolish. There has to be a real understanding concerning the reality that God sent His Son from heaven, to die on a cross for the sins of humanity because we have all sinned against God, either in thought, word or deed. Without a conscious recognition of that fact, that our sin separates us from God and we need someone, not something, to reconcile us to God for the sins we have committed. That single Mediator, between God and man is Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

What a glorious gift those people have that have come to know Christ as the one who has become the atonement of their sin and reconciled them to God through faith in Christ!

So, here is my hope for people who don’t know the Son of God, more than the devil does. You must! Because if the unclean spirits of Satan are terrified in the presence of the Son of God, how much more will a person who has not been reconciled to God, through faith alone in Christ, how much more will they be terrified to stand before Him in judgment before His throne?

Do you KNOW Jesus Christ as the Son of God, who died for your sins? If not, then start here.

Faithfully in Christ,

Pastor Kurt

GOOD NEWS! We'll be going to Israel in March!

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Michaelson) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 07:36:00 PST

Late yesterday afternoon, I learned that the trip to Israel is a 'GO' and I was beginning to feel that the trip wouldn't happen because of the low number of people that had signed up. Whether we're going as a smaller group or with the exact number that was needed to carry on with the trip, I don't care. I'm just ecstatic that we are going to be visiting Israel soon and I thank God for what He has done through our fundraising and for what He has done to help others make this trip possible for them too. In just 6 weeks we'll be leaving.

To those who have made a donation for this trip and I am incredibly thankful for what you have given. Regardless of the size of your donation, I cannot begin to express how grateful and appreciative my wife and I are to each of you for your generosity. There were those that just couldn't help and they informed me of that as well, which is completely understandable. It is my hope and prayer for those that are in difficult financial situations right now, to see this experience of God's faithfulness and provision toward us, that He may do the same for you, as you place Him first in your life. (Matthew 6:33)

The very first donation we received included a note saying, "I want to help your wife to go too", which was very encouraging for my wife as well as myself. Then, for the other donations that continued to come in, even after the deadline date it was truly a blessing from God.

This experience has reminded me of something that reinforces my faith in God as I remember how much I can trust Him in the future and that is that He is never late, never too early, but always right on time and in His timing too. If this was going to be His will for us to attend, He would move upon the hearts of those whom He would use, to help us get to go to Israel and learn from this wonderful experience. I thank God for His amazing provision for us to go to Israel.

Our trip will be from 11-22 March and the full itinerary will be the following:

March 11 (Sun) Leave New York

March 12 (Mon) Arrive Tel Aviv
If time today, visit Caessarea Maritima, capital of Roman Palestine, where Paul was incarcerated before being shipped to Rome. Transfer to Seasons Hotel, Netanya.

March 13 (Tues) Muhraqa / Megiddo / Nazareth/Nain
Our day begins with a drive up the heights of Mount Carmel, stopping at the summit where Elijah contested with the prophets of Baal and Asherah. Then we descend to Megiddo, Solomon's store city, for a look at Canaanite temples, stables and a water system from the days of Ahab. Megiddo is mentioned in Revelation as the geographical point that will control the world. On our way to the sea we pass the lower Galilean town of Nain where Jesus raised a widow's son from the dead. The Herodian cemetery is clearly visible as we consider Luke's account there. Finally, we cut back to the ridge of Nazareth, Jesus’ boyhood home, for a consideration of village life in New Testament times and what Jesus’ upbringing would have been like. Then we drive through the rolling hills to a guest village astride Magdala, home of Mary Magdeline. This will be our home while touring Galilee. Overnight Kibbutz Nof Ginnosar, Tiberius.

March 14 (Wed) Nazareth / Chorazin / Kursi/Capernaum/Lunch/Boat Ride on Sea/Jordan River
This day begins with a visit to the ruins of Chorazin where we also get a first-hand look at life inside a Jewish fishing village of the first century. Then we circle around to the eastern shore of the sea to Gergesa/Kursi, the site of the casting out of the demons into the swine herd. Afterwards it is just a short ride to Capernaum, Jesus' headquarters in the home of Simon Peter's mother-in-law. Then after lunch by the sea, we take a jaunt across the Sea from Gennesaret to Tiberius on a boat replica from the time of Jesus. Our day climaxes on the shores of the Jordan River and a look at baptism in Jesus’ day. Overnight Kibbutz Nof Ginnosar, Tiberius.

March 15 (Thurs) Beth Shean / Ma’ayan Harod /Qumran/Jericho
After a good night's sleep we visit Beth Shean (known as Scythopolis in Jesus' day) at the foot of Mt. Gilboa. This city gives us the most complete picture of life in Gentile Galilee during the time of Christ. Then it is on to the spring where Gideon pared down him men at the command of the Lord in dealing with the Midianites. Then we motor down to Qumran and the famous Dead Sea Scroll caves. After lunch and a visit to the community housing the Yachad, we cut back to Jericho to see this infamous city and discuss Joshua’s assault on the land of Canaan. Overnight Intercontinental Hotel, Jericho.

March 16 (Fri) Ein Gedi Hike / Masada /Dead Sea Overlook
This day begins with a hike up the canyon where David hid from Saul (I Samuel 24). Here we’ll consider the setting of the 23rd Psalm with all of its features. Then it’s on to a visit of the infamous fortress of Masada where Jewish Zealots stood to the last against the 10th legion of Rome. After this, we motor on the high plateau of the eastern Negev and our stopping place at the Israeli city of Arad. Overnight Inbar Hotel, Arad.

March 17 (Sat) Arad / Beersheba / Lachish/Azekah
Our day beings with a visit to the strong point of ancient Arad, where rest the ruins of Solomon’s fort and temple established during the latter days of his reign. Then it’s on to Beersheba, city of Abraham, situated on the highlands of the western Negev. We then move north through the encampments of desert dwellers to the fortress city of Lachish. Here we examine what's left of the attack of Sennacherib's Assyrian regulars on this strong point. Lachish is the probable site of the Lord's smiting of Sennacherib's army for his insolence against Hezekiah's Jerusalem. A short ride north brings us to the beautiful, spacious Elah Valley where David fought Goliath. The overlook from Azekah is spectacular. Then it's up to Bethlehem and on to Jerusalem and our first look at the city where God placed his Name to dwell. Overnight Ambassador Hotel, Jerusalem.

March 18 (Sun) Jerusalem / David's City / Southern Wall Excavations/Wailing Wall/Herodian Quarter
Our day begins with the ramparts and building remains of Old Testament Israel's capital city built by David, Solomon, Hezekiah and Herod the Great. This morning's activities include visits to the terraces of David's palace, Hezekiah's water system, and the sacred temple platform developed by Solomon and Herod. We’ll visit the southern approach to Herod’s temple where Jesus preached to the multitudes during his last week on earth. This afternoon we lunch in the Jewish Quarter, home to the Sadducees during Jesus' day. Here we’ll sit with an orthodox Jewish scholar who will engage us with the claims of mainline Judaism and his understandings of contemporary Christianity. With much to ponder we return to our hotel for the night. Overnight Ambassador Hotel, Jerusalem.

March 19 (Mon) Israel Museum / Wohl Archaeological Museum / Herodium / Bethlehem
The day begins at the Israel Museum for a look at the Jerusalem from Jesus’ day in a 1:50 scale model of the city. This viewing will set up importantly what we will do on our final day as we walk in the footsteps of Jesus during his final week. Our day continues beneath the streets of the upper city looking at the homes of the priestly caste. Here we’ll lay out the arrangement of Caiaphas’ house, which will assist us in tomorrow’s activities. Then it’s on to the humble site of Bethlehem where the Prince of Peace was born. There we'll visit the town square and give some time for lunch and experiencing this town on the edge of the Judean wilderness. After lunch we move to the site of Herod’s burial place at a fortress called Herodium (“Herod’s Place”). The underground escape tunnels and accoutrements of the citadel are spectacular. Overnight Ambassador Hotel, Jerusalem.

March 20 (Tues) Mount of Olives/Gethsemane/St. Peter in Gallicantu / The Citadel / Church of the Holy Sepulchre
We begin this final climactic day of our program on the historic Mount of Olives with a panoramic tracing of the events of Passion Week. We then stroll along to the Dominus Flevit church, built originally by the Byzantines to commemorate the event of Christ's weeping over Jerusalem. The agony of Christ takes on new meaning at the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, built over the ruins of Caiaphas' house and courtyard. Then after lunch we visit the site of Jesus’ trial before Pontius Pilate and walk together to the site of his crucifixion and burial. As we reflect on these events we give particular attention to the resurrection on which our faith rests. Overnight Ambassador Hotel, Jerusalem.

March 21 (Wed) FREE DAY
A breather to reflect, shop and/or continue our adventures on our own around the holy city. We’ll provide many options at the start of the day.

March 22 (Thurs) Depart Tel Aviv

It's definitely a busy schedule, but one that I am quite sure will be an amazing experience for both Kristi and I, as well as for everyone else that will be going too. We'll take lots of pictures too.

Have a blessed weekend.

Faithfully in Christ,

Pastor Kurt

200 Chapters in 20 Days: Reading Through the Bible in 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Michaelson) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 04:52:00 PST

So, yesterday marked a great milestone I'd say, with regard to keeping up with a reading plan for the new year and it has been great. Yesterday was the 20th of the month and I had completed reading the scheduled 10 chapters for that day, which I have done everyday since the 1st of January and this results in my completion of reading 200 chapters in the Bible over the past 20 days!

Each day I know that I need to spend about an hour quietly sitting somewhere so I can read each chapter and I normally like to read all 10 chapters at one sitting. There was one day however, that I read 8 chapters in the morning and completed the remaining 2 when I returned home from work.

For me, there is something about reading a physical copy of the Bible vs. an electronic version like the one that is available on YouVersion. I'm not dismissing the online version as ineffective or inefficient because they are. I guess for myself, I just like seeing where the accounts of people, places and things are taking place in the hardcopy, which I think helps with memory recall. As I discussed this with my wife, I think may utilize the online version and make notes on certain highlighted verses or passages and then transcribe them to my physical Bible.

As I read yesterday, catching up on my reading of days 19 & 20, when I read the parable of the rich young man in Matthew 19, I noticed something that I had not seen in the past.
This parable (Matthew 19:16-30) is about a rich young man that had asked Jesus about what he needed to do to have, or as some translations use the word inherit, eternal life. The translation that I am using is the English Standard Version.

The dialogue Jesus has with this rich young man reveals that the commandments are to be kept, to which the rich young man says he has done so and then asks what is it that he still lacked. Jesus replied and said that if he would be perfect, to go and sell all of his possessions and give it to the poor, then he would have treasure in heaven and then he could follow Christ. But upon hearing this the rich young man went away very saddened and disappointed because he had a lot of stuff.

Verse 23 is what stood out - And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven."

Those people that have accumulated a lot of great toys in their life become greatly attached to them. For this rich man it was not only his possessions that he could not part with to follow Christ, but it was the status recognition that came along with it too. He was a rich, young man. The difficulty that a rich person is going to face concerning their entrance into the kingdom of heaven will be whether they have loved the atonement of Jesus Christ for their sins more than any material possession they own.

Ecclesiastes 5:15 says, "As he came from his mother's womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand."

No one brought anything into the world and they won't be able to take anything with them when they die either.

Forbes has a list of the richest 400 people in America, think about these people and pray for them that their massive wealth would not keep them from gaining eternal riches. Pray that they may all come to repentance of their sin of the idolatry of their wealth and that they would place their faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ alone.

For the rich, this is the ultimate statistic.

But the verse says that only with difficulty with the rich enter the kingdom of heaven. It doesn't say they will not be able to enter, but they will struggle as they separate themselves from loving their possessions less, while growing in God's grace and loving Him more.

Adam Clarke's commentary concerning this verse says, "Earthly riches are a great obstacle to salvation; because it is almost impossible to possess them, and not to set the heart upon them; and they who love the world have not the love of the Father in them. 1John 2:15. To be rich, therefore, is in general a great misfortune: but what rich man can be convinced of this? It is only God himself who, by a miracle of mercy, can do this. Christ himself affirms the difficulty of the salvation of a rich man, with an oath, verily; but who of the rich either hears or believes him!"

The good news for a rich person is found in verse 26, which Jesus says, "With man this is impossible, but wiht God all things are possible." As the Gospel is proclaimed in their hearing, the ability to love Christ more than their possessions can be accomplished with the help of God.

In Paul's first letter to Timothy, he says that those who are rich in this present age shoud not trust in uncertain riches, but to trust the living God who gives richly all things to enjoy. (1 Timohty 6:17, NKJV) That's true security and peace of mind that money cannot buy, to trust in the living God.

It is possible and if you may be someone who is wealthy, maybe not to the degree of Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Jeff Bezos, or New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, but you have considered that whatever amount of material wealth you do have that has become an idol in your life and realize that it will be a greater ease into hell than a great difficulty to enter God's kingdom, then please, humbly repent of your sin that has caused you to be separated from God and place your complete faith and trust in the atonement Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sins.

Need God?

Each day I look forward to that hour I spend in God's Word, reading, learning and seeing things that I had not seen before that brings a revival to my soul. I hope you do too.

Lastly, I love how Psalm 20:7 speaks so well with regard to the rich young man's wealth that he could not part from compared to those that have.

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." Psalm 20:7, ESV

God bless you as you remain in His Word each day.

Faithfully in Christ,

Pastor Kurt

A Visit to Brooklyn Tabernacle

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Michaelson) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 PST

Last night, my wife and I traveled to Brooklyn Tabernacle with some members of our church for their mid-week prayer meeting. Our church, along with other Assemblies of God churches around the country, began the New Year with a week of prayer, to seek God for many things - personally and corporately. Brooklyn Tabernacle also had a week of prayer during the first week of January, so this was a great experience knowing there was another church that had engaged in a committed week of intimate and fervent prayer to God.

I have been to Brooklyn Tabernacle twice before and my wife had never been to the church, but she loved being in the presence of 5,000 people that were committed to seek God in prayer and what a night it was.

As the service began, a few singers were on the platform leading the first song, Amazing Love, which I had never heard before, but it was such a joy to sing this song about the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing love. I could have sung this song all night long too.

I have embedded a video of the song, but it is just a still shot from the CD cover, A Brooklyn Tabernacle Christmas. It's an absolutely beautiful song and I hope you will be blessed by it too. Share it with others too and spread the news of God's amazing love in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Faithfully in Christ,

Pastor Kurt

Jesus, Jesus
You're the One who came to save us
Jesus, Jesus
You're the One we love
Jesus, Jesus
Holy One You live to free us
Jesus, Jesus
You're the One we love
You're the One we love

(CHORUS)
Your love is Amazing
Your love is unchanging
Amazing Love, Unchanging Love
To You all our praises
The One who has saved us
Amazing Love, Unchanging
Amazing love

Jesus, Jesus
You're the One who came to save us
Jesus, Jesus
You're the One we love
Jesus, Jesus
Holy One You live to free us
Jesus, Jesus
You're the One we love
You're the One we love

(CHORUS)

You came from heaven
God's only Son
To be the Lamb the Holy One
Amazing love, unchanging love
You gave Your life a sacrifice
For all of us You paid the price
Amazing love, unchanging love

You came from heaven
God's only Son
To be the Lamb the Holy One
Amazing love, unchanging love
You gave Your life a sacrifice
For all of us You paid the price
Amazingo love, unchanging love

Your love is Amazing
Your love is unchanging
Amazing Love, Unchanging Love
To You all our praises
The One who has saved us
Amazing Love, Unchanging
Amazing love

Observations: Day 2 - Living 10 Chapters a Day in 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Michaelson) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 08:52:00 PST

I know it has only been just 2 days of reading the Bible as part of my commitment to reading the whole Bible this year, but just like yesterday, I found a few verses of Scripture to be very interesting to read.

First, let me just share real quick something from yesterday's reading.

While reading the first 10 chapters of Professor Grant Horner's Bible Reading System, I found Isaiah 1:4 to resemble the state of society today - morally and spiritually.

Isaiah 1:4 (ESV) - Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, children who deal corruptly! They have forsaken the Lord, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are utterly estranged.

When you stop to look at our society today and I think the same observation could be made anywhere in the world and not just in the United States, but this is what is visibly apparent right before our eyes.

The moral and spiritual corruption that exists is observed as a whole nation and it has been passed on to succeeding generations. If anyone should wonder how such a transference of sin, from one generation to another began all we have to do is look back to the Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3) and then to see Can kill his brother Abel (Genesis 4).

There is a terrible moral and spiritual corruption that exists and we need a great awakening, but it is not going to happen just because we ask God for it to happen. No, we must want a great awakening to take place in our own lives first and then to plead in prayer that it takes place in the lives of every brother and sister in Christ, creating an awakening of God that is so powerful and visible that the most busiest place on Sundays is the church and not Costco or the malls. I pray that this would happen soon too.

So for Day 2 of the reading plan there were a few verses that stood out today as well. They are:

Matthew 2:1-2 (ESV) - "Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise ment from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it roset and have come to worship him."

Herod the Great, who was king at the time had inherited his throne from his father and this type of inheritance to the throne can be seen from the most recent Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Prince William will inherit the throne of the kingdom one day, from his father Prince Charles, but neither will lose it to someone that feels they can rule as a better king through an electoral process.

Herod was already king, but these wise men came asking, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? This should make Herod's reaction to hearing that someone else was born king of the Jews, essentially competing with his rule king could not be tolerated.

This is what I think many people miss when reading this portion of Scripture because I know I have in the past until now. Jesus did not have to wait for His Father to die before He could inherit the throne. His rule and reign as king began from the moment of His birth, but it had already existed in eternity past as well. Jesus was born as a king and king of the Jews.

Romans 2:4-8 (ESV) - 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.

Many people only want to believe that God is more merciful, forgiving and kind than He is to be judgmental, filled with wrath and fury. They want to ignore these aspects of God's character that pertains to His disdain for sin that has cause such a separation from Himself. But verse 4 reveals to us something that exemplifies the character and attitude of people today when it comes to God's rich kindness, forbearance and patience toward those who have yet to repent of their sins before He executes his just judgment upon them. They have forgotten that God acts this way, not because he hasn't seen those sins, but because His kindness, forbearance and patience toward them is a sign of His mercy that should lead people to repent and seek His forgiveness.

And God will render to each as Paul writes in verses 7 & 8, those who have recognized God's kindness toward them that has led them to repent, they shall be given eternal life and to those that have not because they are selfish, ignoring the truth of Scripture and are more obedient to living unrighteously than in the righteousness of Christ, I shudder to imagine the wrath and fury that awaits them. I pray that many people who are like this would repent and put their faith in Christ soon, before it is too late because we are all one heartbeat away from eternity.

Romans 2:14-15 (ESV) - 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law.15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them.

Someone always inevitably asks, "What about those people who have never known what the Ten Commandments are? Should they be punished in hell for all of eternity because they never heard the commandment, "You shall not murder"?" (Exodus 20:13)

My answer to this is that every society knows that it is wrong to take the life of another. Murder is never right and I also cannot think of a society of people that would actually condone murder as something good too. There are people that believe that it is right to murder, but it is not. It never has been and never will be.

Without even knowing that this is a commandment from God, every person is born with an innate knowledge that it is wrong to kill another person. Their heart tells them that it is wrong and their conscience speaks as well, if such a horrible act has been committed. Many have been executed by captial punishment and have died with the guilt of their sin upon them and will have to face God for that and He will neither be merciful, nor forgiving. Hell will be their reward.

Proverbs 2:1-5 (ESV) - 1 My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, 2 making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; 3 yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, 4 if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, 5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

These five verses describe the attitude of our own heart that is in active pursuit pertaining to understanding the fear of the Lord and finding the knowledge of God.

Notice the words that are used by Solomon: receive my words, treasure up my commandments, making your ear attentive to wisdom, inclining your heart, call out for insight, raise your voice for understanding, seek it like silver, search as for hidden treasures. These words describe a humble and submissive attitude of one that seeks after God too.

When our heart has an attitude like this, in a genuine search of knowing God, the key word follows in verse 5, then. Then we will begin to gain a better and an increasingly deeper understanding of the awe and majesty of God, knowing who He is more and more on a daily basis. Without having an attitude of the heart that is described in verses 1-4, one will never come to truly understand and know God, which is a big obstacle for many to overcome because pride gets in the way thinking that a person knows all there is to know about God.

I don't know how often I may write an observation summary of my reading for the day, but I may do so every other day. And if you haven't chosen a Bible reading plan for the New Year, there are many to choose from at YouVersion. So stop by and browse the list of plans and pick one. It doesn't have to be one that takes you through the entire bible in a year. It could be one that reads through the Gospels, or the New Testament. Find one that you want to accomplish and get started. You'll be blessed that you did.

Have a blessed day.

Pastor Kurt

Living 10 Chapters a Day in 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Michaelson) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 06:24:00 PST

Just a few days ago, I mentioned to my wife that I've noticed a lot of people talking about reading through the entire bible in the new year. More than usual too.

What is most encouraging about this is that there is a hunger for people to know the Word of God, more than just to say they have read the entire bible from Genesis to Revelation, which is a great accomplishment for anyone, even if it is just once! I, on the other hand will be one of those people this year that will hopefully be able to say at some point that I have completed reading the entire Bible for the very first time. After all, as a Christian, this is the book we live by and it would behoove us immensely to know what God has said, from within its pages.

Here are just a few verse from Psalm 119 (ESV) concerning what the Word of God will do for a person:

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11
I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. Psalm 119:16
Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Psalm 119:17
My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word! Psalm 119:25
My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! Psalm 119:28
My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word. Psalm 119:81
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105
I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil. Psalm 119:162

And so much, more more too!

But once the Bible has been read once entirely, I doubt anyone could ever be satisfied with just that one complete reading of Scripture.

Another exciting perspective that will be accomplished through the reading of Scripture this year for myself, will be as the Reformers principle, principle of 'scriptura interpretans scripturam' -- 'scripture interpreting scripture' and this will be happening right before my very eyes as I read too, greatly aiding my ability to understand the Bible even more and to help others understand a passage that may have been used out of context to them.

After quite a bit of deliberations regarding which reading plan I would follow this year, I settled on following Professor Grant Horner's reading system. If you're unfamiliar with this reading system, just Google - Professor Grant Horner's bible reading system and the very first search result should be a link to a PDF file to read.

This reading system calls for reading 10 chapters per day, with each chapter being drawn from a different part of the Bible. This means that over the course of 2012 anyone who uses the plan will go through all the Gospels four times, the Pentateuch twice, Paul’s letters 4-5 times each, the Old Testament wisdom literature six times, all the Psalms at least twice, all the Proverbs as well as Acts a dozen times, and all the way through the Old Testament History and Prophetic books about one and a half times.

Tim Challies wrote a post about this earlier in December and inquired to know who else might be interested in reading the Bible along with him, using this system format.

I tried to follow this system once before with my wife, before we were married and we both failed to keep up with the reading schedule, which is challenging - 10 chapters a day, everyday until the entire Bible has been read. This time however, I feel a greater hunger within me spiritually that needs to be satisfied. Dr. Horner says that after 30 days you'll see how much you've been starved of the Word, probably because so little was read before and now so much is being fed into your soul! Who wouldn't want that!

One of Jonathan Edwards' resolutions (April 17, 1723), which I don't believe he wrote at the end of the year, is number 28 pertaining to the Scriptures, which says he was, "Resolved to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same."

So, this is my plan for reading the Bible in 2012. There are numerous other plans to choose from, whether it is a canonical, chronological, historical reading plan or some other format. Many are listed on the popular website, YouVersion and you can view those reading plans here. Hopefully, you've decided on a plan to read the Bible this coming new year and that you will finish it too, if not, pick one and get started tomorrow, or even today! Maybe you will consider joining the 3650 Challenge group on Facebook to help you along.

Happy New Year to all of you and thank you for allowing me to share part of my life and ministry with you this year.

May the new year be filled with even more of God's richness and goodness in your life, especially through the daily reading of His Word in 2012.

Faithfully in Christ,

Pastor Kurt

Where my last seminary class could be...

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Michaelson) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:14:00 PST

Now that I have successfully passed my recent class in the Gospel of Mark, I am now looking forward to taking my last elective class, I hope, in Israel with Dr. Widbin, my Old Testament and Hebrew professor at Alliance Theological Seminary.

The dates for the elective class trip will be March 11-22, 2012.

My good friend David Stall had suggested that I go on this trip as an elective credit class, to fulfill my credit requirement to graduate in May. I have 3 credits to complete and this trip will count for 3 credits too. And I thought, he's right! What an awesome way to finish up the past four years of my life in seminary, by going to Israel, experiencing what I have been reading about in seminary!

One of the concentrations I have chosen while in seminary was learning Hebrew and it has been quite a challenge to learn to read and write biblical Hebrew. Because I have been learning Hebrew and continue to improve my reading of the Hebrew text, my heart is just overwhelmed with hope that I actually may be able to go to Israel for school.

When I first started learning Hebrew in Dr. Bryan Widbin's classes, I wondered how much and how well I would really be able to learn this biblical language. But through small steps, this has been accomplished, yet I still have a long way to go to where I can read, comprehend and speak the text in a fluid manner. With daily practice, I will, but it has been such an amazing journey just to be able to read, write and speak as much as I do now! For that, I will be incredibly grateful to Dr. Widbin's love for teaching Hebrew and the Old Testament to students that attend ATS.

Alliance Theological Seminary Christmas Dinner, December 2010
My wife Kristi, Dr. Widbin and I

There is one obstacle that stands between me and getting on the plane to go on this trip in March 2012. Even though I am tentatively registered to take an online class in Pastoral Methods as my last class, my heart is hopeful that I may be able to go to Israel instead, with your help.

The cost for this trip is $3,300 and I have no more money in my student account to cover the cost for this trip. So far however, I have received a gift of $1,000 to help offset the cost, which leaves a balance of $2,300 that is needed to go on this trip.

If you would like to make a donation, to help offset the cost for this last class in Israel, I would be grateful beyond words. 92 people donating $27 each will reach the goal of the $2,300 balance. I am asking if you would be willing to make a $27 donation to my PayPal account and help me raise the remaining balance by January 12, 2012. ($1.75 of this donation will help offset fees to PayPal for processing your donation)

Now, some of you may be wondering if my wife is able to go on this trip with me and she has expressed both excitement and disappointment about it. She's excited because it would be an amazing experience for me as I finish seminary and graduate in May 2012. On the other hand, she's disappointed because as much as she would love to go, our finances prevent that from happening and the cost for her to attend would be $3,300 as well.

I am hoping that in the next three weeks, if a minimum of 224 people donate a minimum of $27 each, this would help cover the cost of the trip for both of us. You can help by clicking on the PayPal button to make your donation.

Please note, the cost of the trip is fully refundable if the trip is cancelled due to an insufficient number of paid participants to go to Israel. I will contact you regarding your donation, to make sure that it is properly returned.

As of Friday, 27 January 2012, this trip is now confirmed and Kristi and I will be going to Israel in March!

A complete itinerary of the trip can be viewed at this link here from Dr. Widbin's website.

I also want to share with you, just a few pictures from Dr. Widbin's trip in April 2011, so you could get an idea of what the experience will be for me/us.
As I looked through several hundred photos from friends that I have taken classes with, who went on this trip, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of regret that I didn't go with them last April. But hopefully with your help, I'll be able to go and my wife might be able to go too.

Caesarea

In Jerusalem

Dr. Widbin teaching at Arad

Mount of Olives, Gethsamane

Qumran - Dead Sea Scrolls

Masada

Camel ride in the desert

The Western Wall of the Temple Mount, below the Dome of the Rock

John Matarazzo, Jee Yau, Daniel Park and Andrew Chun
praying at the Western Wall

Photo credits go to Eugenia Ko, Nestor Soto and Joy Haidle
who went to Israel with Dr. Widbin in April 2011.

Lastly, I want to share with you an excerpt of Katie George's testimony regarding her experience going to Israel with Dr. Widbin -

Since going to Israel with Dr. Widbin, I no longer read the Scriptures in the same way. The experience of Israel, and the knowledge I gained through our time together there, colors everything I read. The Easter narrative makes me recall walking up the stairs that Jesus traversed during His passion, and His suffering for me seems more profound somehow, having walked the very streets He walked. When I feel a need for refuge and turn to the Psalms, I often think of taking a few moments to rest in a cleft in the rocky wall of a wadi. I can not think of Elijah on Mount Carmel without going there in my mind and remembering our group's time alone with God; after Dr. Widbin's presentation I sat on a rocky outcropping and asked for the type of faith that truly lives each day believing in a God who invades our existence and demonstrates His involvement in our world. The God of Elijah was so real to me in those moments! And that experience continues to enrich my life. I could say the same of visiting the Sea of Galilee, standing amid the dusty hills of the wilderness, driving up the wadi between Jericho and Jerusalem, and on, and on. These experiences, and the vibrant context they provided to me for the Scriptures I cherish, have somehow come home to America with me in a way I could never have anticipated. My life, my faith and my understanding of the Word have all been impacted by the two weeks I chose to dedicate to studying with Dr. Widbin in Israel. My profoundest gratitude is due him for leading our group on such an amazing journey. Katie George, 30 June 2010

It is my hope, for Kristi and I, to be able to go to Israel together and be able to share a testimony of our experience in Israel, like this one from Katie.

Your donation of support to help me and hopefully my wife, attend this trip to Israel is greatly appreciated.

שְׁמַע, יִשְׂרָאֵל: יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ, יְהוָה אֶחָד

Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is one. Deuteronomy 6:4

Faithfully in Christ,

Pastor Kurt

An Offense to God's Pure & Holy Eyes

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Michaelson) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 05:05:00 PST

What are those gatherings where God is not honored, are they not an offense to his pure and holy eyes, and are they not a sad stumbling-block to the people of God? It brings the scalding-tear upon our cheek to hear sermons in which the honor of God is so far from being the preacher's object, that one might almost imagine that the preacher worshiped the dignity of manhood, and thought more of it than of the Infinite Majesty of God.

Charles Spurgeon - The Treasury of David, Psalm 26:8

On November 10th 1775...

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Michaelson) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 03:00:00 PST

On November 1st, 1921, John A. Lejeune, 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, directed that a reminder of the honorable service of the Corps be published by every command, to all Marines throughout the globe, on the Birthday of the Corps. Since that day, Marines have continued to distinguish themselves on many battlefields and foreign shores, in war and peace. On this Birthday of the Corps, therefore, in compliance with the will of the 13th Commandant, Article 38, United States Marine Corps Manual, Edition of 1921, is published as follows:

On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of the Continental Congress. Since that date, many thousand men have borne the name Marine. In memory of them, it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the Birthday of our Corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history.

The record of our Corps is one which will bear comparison with that of the most famous military organizations in the world's history. During 90 of the 146 years of its existence, the Marine Corps has been in action against the Nation's foes. From the Battle of Trenton to the Argonne, Marines have won foremost honors in war and in the long era of tranquility at home. Generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every corner of the seven seas [so] that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security.

In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our Corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term "Marine" has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.

This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the Corps. With it we also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our Corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish, Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our Nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of the Sea" since the founding of the Corps.

General John A. Lejeune
13th Commandant of the Marine Corps

To all of my Marines around the world, Semper fi and Happy Birthday!

Finding the Blessing of Life in Solitary Confinement

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Michaelson) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 07:46:00 PDT

We live in a world, of course, that is skewed, a world that is deviated, a world that knows little of true value. We live in a world where people pursue all the wrong stuff. And that massive overpowering pursuit that is all around us encroaches on our lives and gets us caught up in the very pursuit of things which mean nothing or should mean nothing to us.

The attitude of most worldly people in terms of their pursuit is exposed ably by Anton Chekhov's(??) classic short story called "The Bet." Chekhov was a Russian writer who wrote in the 1800's.

This story gives us insight into the value system of most people.

The plot involves a wager, a bet between two educated men. And it was a bet over the issue of solitary confinement. A wealthy middle-aged banker believed that the death penalty was a more humane punishment than solitary confinement because an executioner kills at once, solitary confinement kills gradually.

One of his guests at a party, a young lawyer of 25, disagreed saying, "To live under any conditions is better than not to live at all." Angered the banker impulsively responded with a bet of two million rubles, a fortune. He bet that the younger man could not last five years in solitary confinement. The lawyer was so convinced of his endurance and so eager for the two million that he announced that he would stay fifteen years instead of five to make his point.

The arrangements were made and the young man moved into a separate building on the grounds of the banker's large estate. He was allowed no visitors and no newspapers. He could write letters but receive none.

There were guards watching to make sure he never violated the agreement but they were placed so that he could never see another human being. He received his food in silence through a small opening where he couldn't see those who served him. Everything else he wanted, books, certain foods, musical instruments, was granted by his own special written request.

The story develops with a description of the things the lawyer asked for through the years and the occasional glances of the observant guardians who delivered some of them while he slept. During the first year the piano could be heard at almost any hour and he asked for many books, mostly novels and light reading. The next year the music ceased the works of various classical authors were requested. In the sixth year of his isolation he began to study languages and soon wrote that he had mastered six languages. After the tenth year of his confinement the prisoner sat motionless at the table and read the New Testament. After more than a year's saturation of the Bible he began to study theology.

The second half of the story focuses on the night before the noon deadline when the lawyer will win the bet. The banker is now at the end of his career. His risky speculations and impetuosity had gradually undermined his business. The once self-confident millionaire was now a second-rate banker and to pay off the wager would destroy him. Angry at his foolishness and jealous of the soon to be wealthy man who was now only forty, the old banker determined to kill his opponent and frame the guard with the murder.

Slipping into the man's room, he found him asleep at the table. Before he could kill him he noticed a letter the lawyer had written to him. He picked it up, this is what he read. "Tomorrow at twelve o'clock I shall be free. But before leaving this room I find it necessary to say a few words to you. With a clear conscience and before God who sees me I declare to you that I despise freedom and life and health and all that your books call the joys of this world. I know I am wiser than you all and I despise all your books. I despise all earthly blessings and wisdom, all is worthless and false, hallow and deceiving like the mirage. You may be proud, wise and beautiful, but death will wipe you away from the face of the earth as it does the mice that live beneath your floor. And your heirs, your history, your immortal geniuses will burn with the destruction of the earth. You have gone mad and are not following the right path. You take falsehood for truth, and deformity for beauty. To prove to you how I despise all that you value, I renounce the two million on which I looked at one time as the opening of paradise for me and which I now scorn. And to deprive myself of the right to receive the two million, I will leave my prison five hours before the appointed time and by so doing break the terms of our compact." And he signed his name.

The banker read the lines, replaced the paper on the table, kissed the strange sleeping man. And with tears in his eyes, quietly left the house. Chekhov writes, "Never before, not even after sustaining serious losses had he despised himself as he did at that moment." His tears kept him awake the rest of the night and at seven the next morning he was informed by the watchmen that they had seen the man crawl through a window and go to the gate and disappear.

Some people have to learn the hard way what is the right stuff. And some people never learn.

An excerpt from the sermon Praying the Right Things, Part 1 by Pastor John MacArthur

An incredibly powerful film - "180"

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Michaelson) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:59:00 PDT

I just watched this movie titled "180", which was produced by the ministry of Living Waters and Ray Comfort and it is an incredibly powerful movie that I highly recommend every person to watch and share with others too.

This movie "180" has just deepened my conviction concerning it and I hope that it may hopefully change a lot of minds, to those who watch it.

David Platt, senior pastor of The Church at Brook Hills said this about the movie, “Watch this video now…and then pass it on to everyone you can. ‘180’ is a poignant, eye-opening, heart-wrenching film that exposes the moral darkness of our hearts and the hidden horror of our culture—all through the lens of the indescribable love of our God.”

Before you watch "180", I would like to advise you that there are some pictures in this video that are graphic and may be disturbing. PLEASE BE ADVISED. There is an additional warning before the film begins, so I'm just giving you a heads up about it.

Please watch "180" and share it with others. You just might help save a child's life and even more, lead someone to repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

After watching "180", has your view of abortion changed, if so, why or why not?

Help make "180" go viral on the internet by sharing it through your social media networks, like Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and your blog.

Faithfully in Christ,

Pastor Kurt

Preaching Like the Apostle Paul - A Model for Pastors

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Michaelson) — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 11:49:00 PDT

A popular focus among many pastors in churches these days is the relevance of their "sermons" so that non-believers will understand the Scripture. The sermons are often exclusively positive, shallow in theology and doctrine and regularly omit the usage of biblical terms, again, for the sake of the non-believer to make them feel more comfortable to hear what is being said and not feel intimidated for not knowing the terms that are used.

Should that be the focus of preaching by a pastor? Should the model they follow, regarding their preaching be modeled after those that are popular on television, or known to have large attendance at their churches?

Too often though, what is being said is greatly watered-down and I might add, missing the power of the Holy Spirit behind it and within it, to really make an impact upon those that are hearing the pastor's sermon. Certain verses are isolated and used to make a point by the pastor, which often is not related to the context of the passage the verse is taken from.

I firmly believe that as preaching is firmly grounded in a regular exposition of Scripture and lead by the Holy Spirit, people will be drawn to a church that preaches the Bible and delivers the whole counsel of God to the people (Acts 20:27), which will enable them to learn Bible more, discover God's will for their lives and also, to enable them fulfill the Great Commission too (Matthew 28:19-20).

So, what should a pastor's preaching look like to both the believing Christian and the non-believer? Well, from Acts 20:20-21, we can learn about seven characteristics of the Apostle Paul's preaching, as a missionary and evangelist throughout Asia.

This list is not my own, but it was taken from Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 20:17-35.

(1.) He was a plain preacher, and one that delivered his message so as to be understood. This is intimated in two words, I have shown you, and have taught you. He did not amuse them with nice speculations, nor lead them into, and then lose them in, the clouds of lofty notions and expressions; but he showed them the plain truths of the gospel, which were of the greatest consequence and importance, and taught them as children are taught. “I have shown you the right way to happiness, and taught you to go in it.”

(2.) He was a powerful preacher, which is intimated in his testifying to them; he preached as one upon oath, that was himself fully assured of the truth of what he preached and was desirous to convince them of it and to influence and govern them by it. He preached the gospel, not as a hawker proclaims news in the street (it is all one to him whether it be true or false), but as a conscientious witness gives in his evidence at the bar, with the utmost seriousness and concern. Paul preached the gospel as a testimony to them if they received it, but as a testimony against them if they rejected it.

(3.) He was a profitable preacher, one that in all his preaching aimed at doing good to those he preached to; he studied that which was profitable unto them, which had a tendency to make them wise and good, wiser and better, to inform their judgments and reform their hearts and lives. He preached ta sumpheronta, such things as brought with them divine light, and heat, and power to their souls. It is not enough not to preach that which is hurtful, which leads into error or hardens in sin, but we must preach that which is profitable. We do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. Paul aimed to preach not that which was pleasing, but that which was profitable, and to please only in order to profit. God is said to teach his people to profit, Isaiah 48:17. Those teach for God that teach people to profit.

(4.) He was a painstaking preacher, very industrious and indefatigable in his work; he preached publicly, and from house to house. He did not confine himself to a corner when he had opportunity of preaching in the great congregation; nor did he confine himself to the congregation when there was occasion for private and personal instruction. He was neither afraid nor ashamed to preach the gospel publicly, nor did he grudge to bestow his pains privately, among a few, when there was occasion for it. He preached publicly to the flock that came together into the green pastures, and went from house to house to seek those that were weak and had wandered, and did not think that the one would excuse him from the other. Ministers should in their private visits, and as they go from house to house, discourse of those things which they have taught publicly, repeat them, inculcate them, and explain them, if it be needful, asking, Have you understood all these things? And, especially, they should help persons to apply the truth to themselves and their own case.

(5.) He was a faithful preacher. He not only preached that which was profitable, but he preached every thing that he thought might be profitable, and kept back nothing, though the preaching of it might either cost him more pains or be disobliging to some and expose him to their ill-will. He declined not preaching whatever he thought might be profitable, though it was not fashionable, nor to some acceptable. He did not keep back reproofs, when they were necessary and would be profitable, for fear of offending; nor did he keep back the preaching of the cross, though he knew it was to the Jews a stumbling-block and to the Greeks foolishness, as the Roman missionaries in China lately did.

(6.) He was a catholic preacher. He testified both to the Jews and also to the Greeks. Though he was born and bred a Jew, and had an entire affection for that nation, and was trained up in their prejudices against the Gentiles, yet he did not therefore confine himself to the Jews and avoid the Gentiles; but preached as readily to them as to the Jews, and conversed as freely with them. And, on the other hand, though he was called to be the apostle of the Gentiles, and the Jews had an implacable enmity against him upon that score, had done him many an ill turn, and here at Ephesus were continually plotting against him, yet he did not therefore abandon them as reprobates, but continued to deal with them for their good. Ministers must preach the gospel with impartiality; for they are ministers of Christ for the universal* church.

*The use of the word catholic here does not represent the Catholic church, but means universal, Paul's preaching was universal and was not exclusive toward anyone.

(7.) He was a truly Christian evangelical preacher. He did not preach philosophical notions, or matters of doubtful disputation, nor did he preach politics, or intermeddle at all with affairs of state or the civil government; but he preached faith and repentance, the two great gospel graces, the nature and necessity of them; these he urged upon all occasions.

Bold italics added are mine.

I wonder how many more people in the church, will begin to listen a little more closely to the pastor's sermon this Sunday, to see if what they are hearing reflects most if not all of the seven characteristics noted above.

It is my sincere hope and prayer that people who are searching for a church to call home, that they may hear these things from the pastor this Sunday and any time the pastor steps up to preach, to glorify God and edify and equip the saints for ministry.

These preaching characteristics need to be more notable by those that aspire to preach in today's post-modern world and as some would say, in this post-Christian society too.

Without a powerful demonstration of these characteristics, whatever is spoken by one claiming to be preaching, will not glorify God at all. Would you agree or disagree and why?

References

Meyers, R. (2006). e-Sword. The sword of the Lord with an electronic edge (Version 9.8.3) [Computer software].
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

There are some who cultivate faith and forget holiness

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Michaelson) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 03:58:00 PDT

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

Galatians 5:25, ESV

The two most important things in our holy religion are the life of faith and the walk of faith. He who shall rightly understand these is not far from being a master in experimental theology, for they are vital points to a Christian. You will never find true faith unattended by true godliness; on the other hand, you will never discover a truly holy life which has not for its root a living faith upon the righteousness of Christ. Woe unto those who seek after the one without the other! There are some who cultivate faith and forget holiness; these may be very high in orthodoxy, but they shall be very deep in condemnation, for they hold the truth in unrighteousness; and there are others who have strained after holiness of life, but have denied the faith, like the Pharisees of old, of whom the Master said, they were “whitewashed sepulchres.” We must have faith, for this is the foundation; we must have holiness of life, for this is the superstructure. Of what service is the mere foundation of a building to a man in the day of tempest? Can he hide himself therein? He wants a house to cover him, as well as a foundation for that house. Even so we need the superstructure of spiritual life if we would have comfort in the day of doubt. But seek not a holy life without faith, for that would be to erect a house which can afford no permanent shelter, because it has no foundation on a rock. Let faith and life be put together, and, like the two abutments of an arch, they will make our piety enduring. Like light and heat streaming from the same sun, they are alike full of blessing. Like the two pillars of the temple, they are for glory and for beauty. They are two streams from the fountain of grace; two lamps lit with holy fire; two olive trees watered by heavenly care. O Lord, give us this day life within, and it will reveal itself without to thy glory.

Morning & Evening, Devotional reading for Sunday, September 18 by Charles H. Spurgeon

Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-92) was England's best-known preacher for most of the second half of the nineteenth century. In 1854, just four years after his conversion, Spurgeon, then only 20, became pastor of London's famed New Park Street Church (formerly pastored by the famous Baptist theologian John Gill). The congregation quickly outgrew their building, moved to Exeter Hall, then to Surrey Music Hall. In these venues Spurgeon frequently preached to audiences numbering more than 10,000—all in the days before electronic amplification. In 1861 the congregation moved permanently to the newly constructed Metropolitan Tabernacle.

Reference

e-Sword. Meyers, R. (2006). The sword of the Lord with an electronic edge (Version 9.8.3) [Computer software]. http://www.e-sword.net/index.html

Does submission mean respect?

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Michaelson) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 05:24:00 PDT

First, let me say that I like Congresswoman Bachmann and I believe she is a viable contender for the republican nomination, for the office of the President of the United States.

This post in no way attacks her and what she said during the presidential debate this past Thursday night, but this topic and more importantly the word submit itself has been greatly misunderstood by many, especially by those outside of the church.

Will those in the church, especially pastors help provide a sound biblical answer to what has not been communicated with a clear understanding from Scripture?

Did Michelle Bachmann get it right during the debate when she answered the question if she would submit to her husband, if she were elected President of the United States, saying, "submission means to us, it means respect. I respect my husband."

The commentary that follows by CNN anchor Don Lemon and his guest was good too.

Ephesians 5:22-27 must be looked at closely to understand what the word 'submit' means in Greek, in order to apply it to our lives, from the context of the text.

Is submission, respect, or is there a greater meaning that we must learn to apply? This has been greatly misunderstood by many as obeying dictatorial behavior, but this is not what the text says submission means.

Please comment with your thoughts regarding the text (Ephesians 5:22-27) in regard to Congresswoman Bachmann's answer. Does submission mean respect?

Reference

Blueletterbible.com - http://www.blueletterbible.com/

Meyers, R. (2006). e-Sword. The sword of the Lord with an electronic edge (Version 9.8.3) [Computer software].

When Demons Cause a Revival

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Michaelson) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 17:18:00 PDT

Each week on Sunday, I have the privilege to teach an adult Sunday School class at our church and have been doing so since January 9, 2011.

I began teaching the class right after they had concluded Acts chapter 12, so, my time of instruction with them has been since Acts chapter 13 and after 7 1/2 months we are now at Acts 19:13-20, for another expository look at a passage of text. Each expository study is intended to help the class learn and understand more in depth whatever important aspects there are that should be learned during each weekly study.

I know I've said this before, but there is no other way in which a person may learn and understand what the Bible says, than by hearing an exposition of Scripture, by listening to it explained to them, which has the affect of raising their worship to God because they have been taken deeper into the text, on a regular basis.

To learn what expository preaching is, please click here to listen to John MacArthur explain it.

This week, our class looked at a passage where certain individuals attempted to imitate what they had seen the Apostle Paul say and do, as they witnessed many unusual miracles that God did through him. The demons however, had something very surprising to say to these imitators and unfortunately, they were met with a very unexpected result that humiliated and hurt them.

Those that had witnessed this were brought under a great conviction and decided to reject their aspirations to obtain power through mystical practices and instead magnified the Lord. Such repentance and reverance that fell upon the whole city proved the power of the Word of God, to prevail in the lives of people that witness true spiritual power and authority.

The audio file is located on the Podcast tab of this blog, so please click on the tab and click on the media player, to listen to this class study session, an exposition of Acts 19:13-20 - When Demons Cause a Revival.

Faithfully in Christ,

Pastor Kurt

Recommended Audio links

An option to watch both of these sermons can be selected at the links provided above.

Why there should be an uninterrupted and constant spirit of prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Michaelson) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 14:48:00 PDT

(1) That we are to be regular and constant in the observance of the stated seasons of prayer. We are to observe the duty of prayer in the closet, in the family, and in the assembly convened to call on the name of the Lord. We are not to allow this duty to be interrupted or intermitted by any trifling cause. We are so to act that it may be said we pray regularly in the closet, in the family, and at the usual seasons when the church prays to which we belong.

(2) We are to maintain an uninterrupted and constant spirit of prayer. We are to be in such a frame of mind as to be ready to pray publicly if requested; and when alone, to improve any moment of leisure which we may have when we feel ourselves strongly inclined to pray. That Christian is in a bad state of mind who has suffered himself, by attention to worldly cares, or by light conversation, or by gaiety and vanity, or by reading an improper book, or by eating or drinking too much, or by late hours at night among the thoughtless and the vain, to be brought into such a condition that he cannot engage in prayer with proper feelings. There has been evil done to the soul if it is not prepared for communion with God at all times, and if it would not find pleasure in approaching his holy throne.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible regarding 1 Thessalonians 5:17 - pray without ceasing

Reference

Meyers, R. (2006). e-Sword. The sword of the Lord with an electronic edge (Version 9.8.3) [Computer software]

Do Mormons and Evangelical Christians Share the Same Biblical Theology?

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Michaelson) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 08:22:00 PDT

A few months ago, I was asked by the women who lead the Women's Growth Group class at our church, to give a brief overview of a few of the world religions and how they compare to Christianity.

Last week, I taught about Islam, which was very interesting to read about and to listen to various sermons throughout the week regarding Islam.

A particularly great sermon that I listened to was by John MacArthur titled, "The Grim Reality of the Last Days," which MacArthur references the Koran and the Sunnah, another Islamic book that Muslims ascribe to and he says concerning the Mahdi,

The Mahdi will be a messianic figure. He will be a descendant of Mohammed. He will be an unparalleled, unequaled leader. He will come out of a crisis of turmoil. He will take control of the world. He will establish a new world order. He will destroy all who resist him. He will invade many nations. He will make a seven-year peace treaty with the Jews. He will conquer Israel and massacre the Jews. He will establish Islamic world headquarters at Jerusalem. He will rule for seven years, establish Islam as the only religion. He will come on a white horse with supernatural power. He will be loved by all people on earth.

If that sounds familiar, that is a precise description of the biblical Antichrist...absolutely step-by-step-by-step-by-step. The Bible’s Antichrist is their Mahdi. We know that the rider on the white horse in Revelation 6 is the Antichrist. They use that verse to describe their Mahdi.

Why am I giving you all this? Because the description of the Mahdi is exactly the description of the biblical Antichrist, the beast of Revelation 13, and you go into any kind of a study of that and you will find that all the details match up perfectly. The Bible’s Antichrist is Islam’s Savior and world conqueror who establishes a universal Islamic kingdom.

I would highly recommend listening to this sermon too. This past Sunday, our topic was about Mormonism.

I think this outline of my notes will provide some benefit to those that read this post concerning Mormonism whenever they see a pair of guys wearing the traditional white shirt, black tie, black slacks and name badge on the left breast of their shirt, coming to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ, they may be able to more informed regarding what Mormons actually believe.

Hopefully, after reading through this and maybe even picking up a book from your local library about Mormonism, you'll realize that Mormons do not believe in the same Jesus Christ that is found in the Bible.

After reading the article at Christianpost.com, Romney 'Obviously Not a Christian,' Fox News Host Says, I hope this brief bit of information about Mormonism could be helpful.

Please go to www.carm.org/mormonism where you will learn a lot more about Mormonism, so here we go.

Who is Joseph Smith?
Founder: Joseph Smith
Born: December 23, 1805, fourth of 10 children, upstate New York

Joseph Smith’s FIRST Vision:

Occurred between the ages of 14-16
In the woods near the family home where he went to pray

September 21, 1823 – An angel named Moroni appeard to him one night while praying and Moroni told Smith of a collection of golden plates containing an abridged religious history engraved many centuries earlier by Moroni and his father Mormon.

The next day, he was instructed by Moroni where to go and find these golden plates that were buried under a round stone, on a hill in Manchester.

2 transparent stones were in the stone box that were like eyeglasses, to help translate the golden plates
Wasn’t able to take possession of them until 5 years later (Smith was 21 by then). Moroni didn’t feel he was ready yet for them
When the golden plates were translated, they were translated as a result of a “feeling-state” rather than a literal translation from its foreign language into English. ==>>Basically, he guessed.

Sadly, Joseph Smith was assassinated in 1844 by an angry mob in Nauvoo, Illinois.

Why is Mormonism So Appealing?
Because, “God has spoken again and Joseph Smith is his prophet…” Sound a little bit like Islam?

Joseph Smith called the Book of Mormon, “the most correct book, of any book, on earth” Teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 194

10th LDS president, Joseph Fielding Smith said Mormonism stands or falls on the story of Joseph Smith. Doctrines of Salvation, vol 1, p. 188

About the Book of Mormon

The KJV Bible - Mormons accept the KJV, "as far as it has been correctly translated"
The Book of Mormon – Another Testament of Jesus Christ

But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8)

The Doctrine and Covenants
The Pearl of Great Price

“We believe the bible as far as it has been correctly translated.” Joseph Smith, 1842

The First Presidency letter of the LDS stated that the most reliable way to measure the accuracy of any biblical passage is not to compare it with another passage from the Bible, but to compare it with the Book of Mormon.

The LDS Doctrine and Covenant 73:4 states that God commanded Joseph Smith to finish a new translationof the Bible, known as the Inspired Version or the Joseph Smith Translation (JST).

Joseph Smith had no ancient manuscripts to work from
Joseph Smith was not fluent in any biblical language
Joseph Smith merely edited or revised whatever he felt was necessary according to his view at the time.

He added the prophecy of his own birth in the Mormon KJV in Genesis 50:33 - The very last verse of Genesis 50 is verse 26. The insertion of Joseph Smith's prophecy of his birth is exactly that, his insertion and verses 27 -33 are nowhere to be found in any ancient Hebrew manuscripts.

In 1830, Joseph Smith began preparing a new translation of the Bible
He corrected or expanded certain passages of the KJV
He did not consult original language texts either, nor did he possess the linguistic competence to do so

If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book, Revelation 22:18

The LDS church cannot locate even one unique Book of Mormon city and has failed to provide proof of the existence of any group of people mentioned in their book

Dr. Walter Martin said in the book Handbook of Today’s Religion regarding the claims of Joseph Smith,

With one "Special Revelation" the Mormon Chruch expects its intended converts to accept the totally unsupported testimony of a fifteen-year-old boy that nobody ever preached Jesus Christ's gospel from the close of the Apostolic age until the "Restoration" through Joseph Smith Jr., beginning in 1820! We are asked to believe that the Church Fathers for the first five centuries did not proclaim the true gospel - that Origen, Justin, Iraneaus, Jerome, Eusebius, Athanasius, Chrysostom, and then later Thomas Aquinas, Huss, Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, Tyndayle, Wycliffe, Knox, Wesley, Whitefield, and a vast army of faithful servants of Jesus Christ all failed where Joseph Smith Jr., was to succeed!

With one dogmatic assertion, Joseph pronounced everybody wrong, all Christian theology an abomination, and all profession Christians corrupt - all in the name of God! How strange for this to be presented as resorted Christiantity, when Jesus Christ specifically promised that "the gates of Hell" would not prevail against the Church (Matthew 16:18)! In Mormonism we find God contradicting this statement in a vision to Joseph Smith Jr., some 18 centuries later! (The Maze of Mormonism, 1978, p. 31).

What Mormons Believe About the Church

Shortly after the time of the disciples, the Christian church apostatized and was not “restored” until Joseph Smith’s first vision in 1820
The only true and living church upon the face of the earth is the Mormon religion
Orson Pratt said, “All other churches are entirely destitute of all authority of God.”
Bruce McConkie said, “Mormons…have the only pure and perfect Christianity now on earth.” “All other systems of religion are false.”
The Mormon Sunday school text, “We cannot accept that any other church can lead its members to salvation.”

What Mormons Believe About God

Joseph Smith believed in the plurality of Gods, yet –

Isaiah 43:10 says, Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me
Isaiah 44:6, 8 says, I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God. Is there a God besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one

Mormonism teaches that each god is evolving, yet –

Malachi 3:6 says, For I am the LORD, I do not change

Mormonism teaches that God was once a man, having been created by another god, but by self-perfection, this man finally evolved into absolute godhood.
God is a being of body, parts and passions

3 separate beings: God, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit
In addition to a heavenly father, all humans and spirits have a heavenly mother
Marion G. Romney, a member of the First Presidency said, “God is a perfected saved soul enjoying eternal life.”

What Mormons Believe About Jesus Christ

Created being, not eternal as the Bible clearly states in John 1:1-3 and Titus 2:13
Created through the sexual union of God (Elohim) and Mary
Jesus was married to more than one woman and that he was a polygamist too
There are billions upon billions of spiritual children that have been born in a similar fashion the way Jesus was conceived
He is the brother of Satan because he too was created through sexual intercourse with the male and female earth gods
Jesus had to earn his salvation, “He came to earth to work out his own salvation.”
Because of the sexual intercourse that took place to create Jesus Christ the following are not unique to Mormons concerning Jesus Christ:

His divinity and,
His incarnation

What Mormons Believe About Salvation

Salvation by grace, but – a life of obedience to God’s commandments is necessary to have one’s sins forgiven and receive ‘eternal life’ – exaltation (and godhood) in the celestial kingdom
M/LDS president Spencer Kimball said, “Living all the commandments guarantees total forgiveness of sins and assures one of exaltation.” The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 208-209
Baptism of the dead – by proxy, you can be baptized for someone else so they can go to heaven

the Christian church was not practicing baptism for the dead, but the pagans (non-believers) were

Mormons have taken 1 Corinthians 15:29 way out of context

Visit www.carm.org/mormonism for more info about this
2 types of Salvation

General salvation – involves only resurrection from the dead and immortality (Grace)
Individual salvation – determines which level of heaven you go to and whether or not one earns true ‘eternal life’ (godhood) (Works)

3 levels of heaven

Telestial – wicked and most humanity will reside
Terrestrial – lukewarm and good non-Mormons go here

Those that accept Mormonism after death can go here too

Celestial – the highest level granted to those that have demonstrated complete obedience

Absolute godhood and eternal sexual increase are here (Sound a little bit like Islam?)

Mormon teaching completely opposes the biblical doctrine of Justification by Faith ALONE

Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Philippians 3:9 - and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

Joseph Fielding Smith said that those who believed in the “faith alone” doctrine were damned.

The Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants teaches “works salvation.”

LDS leader Herber C. Kimball taught, “I have the power to save myself, and if I don not save myself, who will save me? All have that privilege, and naught can save us but obedience to the commandments of God.”

Throughout the Bible there is only one way of salvation that is taught and that is through faith alone in Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul never taught salvation was earned by good works and personal righteousness, as Mormons claim. (They refer to Romans 4:3, For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”) When Abraham went to the mountain to sacrifice his son Isaac.

A question to ask any Mormon that confronts you is, if salvation is by good orks and individual merit, what then does the atonement of Christ accomplish?

What Mormons Believe About the Atonement

Mormons do not believe in the biblical atonement, but an atonement of its own creation

The atonement according to Mormon thinking, gives people the opportunity to earn their salvation through personal merit
Just as a college degree does not secure a salary but only makes earning one possible, so Christ’s death does not secure salvation but only makes it possible to earn it by good works.
In Mormonism, the actual saving value of the atonement is virtually nothing

Mormon leaders have taught that the idea that Christ’s death is sufficient for salvation is “the great error” and most destructive delusion of Christianity

Mormonism is not Christianity

Mormon faith and Christian faith are not the same.
Mormonism rejects and opposes the Bible’s clear teaching about: God, Jesus Christ, salvation, the death of Christ and more.
Mormonism denies the teaching of the Bible itself and on man, faith, the Fall, death and the afterlife, the Holy Spirit and several other important and critical doctrines.
Anyone that claims that Mormons and Christians are brothers and sisters in Christ are flat out wrong.

Joel Osteen said he believes Mitt Romney to be a Christian in an interview with Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday

Clearly, Joel is wrong, according to the Scriptures.

So, would people like presidential candidates Mitt Romney (former Gov., R-MA) and Jon Huntsman (Gov., R-UT), Glenn Beck, Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Harry Reid (D-NV) be considered Christians, if these are the things they doctrinally believe? I don't believe they are, if they do not believe in the sufficiency, inerrancy and the authority of Scripture.

How to Witness to a Mormon

Use the Way of the Master evangelism training - www.areyouagoodperson.org/ ; http://www.livingwaters.com/ ; www.wayofthemaster.com/
Ephesians 2:8-9 is a key verse - For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Salvation is by GRACE ALONE through FAITH ALONE

Resources

Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry - http://www.carm.org/
The Facts on The Mormon Church - John Ankerberg, John Weldon & Dillon Burroughs
Handbook of Today's Relioins - Josh McDowell, Don Stewart
Christianity, Cults & Religions - Rose Publishing
The Mormon Experience, A History of the Latter-day Saints - Leonard J. Arrington & Davis Bitton

Please feel free to share this with others too.