7 years of Penny Pulpit Essays

“Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.” The messages that Jesus Christ gave to seven Churches teach much about Him and about us. The Church at Ephesus was not a Catholic or Universal Church, it was a local Church. Christ established only local autonomous Churches and never established a Catholic one or an invisible one like the Protestant invented after they left their mother Church. Each local Church had an angel in it. Now don't get all charismatic and crazy, this angel was a messenger or preacher and we call him the Pastor. Christ's message was sent to the Pastor / messenger and he delivered it to the local Church. The seven messengers, which are the Pastors, are represented by the stars from the previous chapter and notice that Christ has them in his right hand. Notice also that He is walking in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, which are the seven churches. Jesus, holding the pastor in his hand, is walking in the midst of the local church where two or three are gathered together in his name. That is the definition of the ecclesia and why Jesus clarified with the same words, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” If you have not put your light into a local candlestick you are not being obedient. When one gets saved they become part of the family of God, but you are not part of the church until you unite with a local body of believers, two or three or more gathered with an angel. Get to Church this year.

Msg# 1202 Jesus, The First and The Last

“And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive.” Jesus' seven salutations contain an emphasis needed for each particular local Church. Smyrna means 'myrrh' and resonates with the gathering gloom of death. In persecutions unto death we are addressed by the First and the Last. Isaiah says “Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.” again, “Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.” Jehovah and his Redeemer are one and are the first and the last. Again “Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last” The God of Israel is this same first and last. When a Christian names the “Diety of his choice” as a liberal president put it, he names the Lord Jesus Christ. We worship the Lord Jesus Christ as our Jehovah God and Supreme Creator. Mormons don't; JWs don't; Christians do. Politicians and other infidels refuse us to even publicly pray in his name. “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.” ... “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” ... “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” You will be persecuted for it, but keep the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in your conversation this week.

Msg# 1203 Overcomers

In the seven messages Christ left for the messengers of the seven local Churches there are seven promises to those who overcometh as follows: “To him that overcometh: (of Ephesus) will I give to eat of the tree of life (2:7), (of Smyrna) shall not be hurt of the second death (2:11), (of Pergamos) will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written (2:17), (and keepeth my works unto the end) (of Thyatira) to him will I give power over the nations (2:26), (of Sardis) the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life (3:5), (of Philadelphia) will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, … and I will write upon him my new name (3:12), (of Laodicea) will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne (3:21) .” One may ask who are these who overcome? Are they the ones who 'Endure to the end?' who 'Keep the faith?' who 'Don't loose their Salvation?' No, the Apostle John who penned these words of Christ for the overcomers clarifies who they are in 1John 5:4-5 “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” Overcomers are born-again ones! You born-again?

Msg# 1204 Two Edged Swords

To the angel, or messenger, to the Church in Pergamos the Lord Jesus Christ addresses himself as “he which hath the sharp sword with two edges.” This is without doubt a reference to his previous letter to the Hebrews wherein he states “For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thought and intents of the heart.” With the saints at Ephesus He instructs us to put on the whole armour of God “and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” By their own admission Protestants, reformed, evangelicals and modernists have dropped their sword. They mistakenly teach that only the autographs that dripped from the prophets pen is accurate so they serve up a host of Bible Critics who pretend older and better manuscripts from the philosophers of Alexandria Egypt can solve all those Bible defects and tell us what God meant to say in the autographs. Those philosophers do not even know you have a soul and spirit! Their ecumenical Bible societies will never print a sharp sword with two edges. Baptist, who are not reformers or reformed need to keep their hands on their swords in these days. Jesus says to the angel of the Church in Pergamus, that he already has a sword with two edges, don't get yours from some society of Bible critics. When you are dwelling where Satan's seat is, striving to hold fast His name, and not denying His faith, it is most important to have a solid hold on the two edged sword, which is the Word of God.

Msg# 1205 The Woman Jezebel

The Judge with fire in his eye addresses a message to the Church of Thyatira. These seven messages migrate through seven problems and admonitions in the same manner that the Churches migrate through seven periods of time and history. The Judge shows up in this 4^th message to deal with “that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess.” Recall that the coiled serpent, Jezebel, Ahab's vile wife, manipulated the government officials to have Naboth executed so she could take possession of his whole inheritance and give his vineyard to her husband, that evil toad, King Ahab. By the 4^th century A.D. Roman Catholic Church Fathers, Saint Clement and Saint Origen of Alexandria Egypt, and later Saint Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, had decided that the Nation of Israel, who had rejected the Messiah, and the Children of Jacob, who crucified Him, should be robbed of their whole inheritance. Church leaders in Rome decided they would become 'Catholic' and take possession of Israel's whole inheritance. They manipulated Constantine, the Roman emperor, to have the Donatists and all other dissenters executed. They then promised that they, as a Catholic Church, would have the lion lay down with the lamb, have the swords beat into plowshares, and usher in a kingdom of peace on earth. Such promises were made to Israel for a dispensational Kingdom Age not to a Catholic Church with a Replacement Theology! Roman Catholicism is certainly the Jezebel in Revelation 2, and her children are the 200+ Protestant denominations which broke off but still accepted her Replacement Theology. A child of Jezebel, John Calvin, called it Covenant Theology. He claimed his catholic church to be the new elect ones! The message in this Revelation is that God will judge Jezebel and her children who pretend to be Jews and are not.

Msg# 1206 A Bema Seat Judgment

The saints of Thyatira are addressed by Jesus the Righteous Judge with eyes like unto a flame of fire, and feet like fine brass, with this challenge “Unto you I say, ... as many as have not this doctrine (of Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess), and which have not known the depths of Satan, ... I will put upon you none other burden. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.” A clear judgment is coming for those Jezebels who reject the proper place of Israel as God's Elect, whether done by the Catholic denial of the Millennial Reign of Christ in Jerusalem, or John Calvin's claim that the reformers are the new Elect of God. But Christ is the judge of the quick and the dead, the believer and the unbeliever. He has complete vision: “In the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God...” His seven Spirits are listed in Isaiah 11 establishing that “with righteousness...shall he judge.” Therefore the believer needs to make his prayer “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm139) We need a renewed awareness that “Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” (1Cor3) There is a 'Bema Seat Judgment' and a tiny Baptist remnant who need to hold fast till Jesus comes.

Msg# 1207 Remember Your Valentine

Around Valentines day couples always need to visit some pertinent reminders. Peter wrote his second epistle to stir up pure minds by way of remembrance, and even when your married mind is pure, remembrance will do it some good. Remember why you married her. The first 'not good' thing recorded in the Bible is 'It is not good for man to be alone.' We marry for three base reasons, love, significance, and security. In our perverse and twisted society today, I might mention we marry a female because in His formation of the stable home, that is the only suitable environment for rearing children, God created the female as the only appropriate helper to the male. Humans need love on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. To love and be loved. Humans need significance on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. To be significant to someone, and to hold one in significance. Humans need security in those three dimensions. Marriage security comes with vows that say 'till death do us part', 'in sickness and in health', and 'for richer or poorer.' And so, 'I plight thee my troth,' is crucial to security but so often broken in life. Remember and renew your vow to your valentine. Women talk, talk, talk. Just look at the escalation of women news anchors of late. Men logic and work. Political correctness forbids this difference to be spoken, that's how the Harvard president got fired. Ergo, another remembrance this Valentines, is that husbands need to practice the fine art of listening. Look at her, when she talks. Shut off the TV, Ipod, Droid, etc. Take her by the hand and listen. Don't finish a single sentence for her. You can get your listening effectiveness above the 25% average, to make home a taste of paradise.

Msg# 1208 Sardis' Name is Protestant

Addressed by “He that hath the seven Spirits of God,” the Church of Sardis had a name of life but was in fact dead. Protestant reformers came out of the indulgence selling Roman Catholic Jezebel mentioned previously with the battle cry “Only Faith; Only Grace; Only Scripture;” but they brought most of the rest of Jezebel's doctrines with them! They used Bible criticisms and allegorical interpretations to frame up their covenant and replacement theology which denies Israel her place and keeps the catholic church intact. Protestant Churches ended up like the Sardis Church, with the name of life, 'i.e. sola fide' but a doctrine of death, 'i.e. replacement theology.' Jesus' command to them “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, … remember how thou hast received and heard (i.e. sola fide, sola gratia, sola scriptura) and hold fast and repent.” Nothing good is said about the Church of Sardis. The post-post-reformation church, called evangelical and neo-evangelical, still cannot understand the independent local church, nor its rapture, nor the 1000 year Millennial reign of Christ. And so the returning King of kings, who will sit on the Throne of David in the Hills of Zion in the City of Jerusalem warns this group; “if therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” Reformers have changed their battle cry to “only election, only catholic, only amillenial covenant theology!” It is distressing that GARB and Southern Baptist Churches are readily being swallowed into the Sardis Church, with faulty reformed catholic doctrine. Historically, Baptists have not needed reform nor been reformed. Ever since Christ taught it to them they have held to the three sola's without any Latin or Catholic flavorings.

Msg# 1209a Three Generations For Christ - Rices

In 1958 a Baptist Preacher named Cecil Palm worked his way door to door through the streets of Gang Mills, NY until he stopped at 40 Plat Street. Doris Romiano Rice was there sitting on the front step with 4 little ones and answered the Baptist Preacher's question with a memorized line “No thank you I am Catholic.” But Levi called out from under the car in the driveway, “I would like to help start a Baptist Church in town.” That year the Rices sat on folding chairs in a garage on Bear Town Road and listened to Pastor Cecil Palm preach the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus said “Except ye be converted ... ye shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” Levi was converted from agnosticism, Doris from Roman Catholicism, and everything in our little home on Plat Street changed overnight when Jesus paid in full the sin debt of my mom and dad. “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” I remember my dad and his Christian friend, Monty Bills, dumping all the booze in the house down the kitchen sink, the carton of cigarettes thrown out the car window and I remember forgetting our babysitter because dad and mom were home and not bar-hopping all week. Every time the Church doors were open Levi and Doris had all the Rices present to sing and hear Scripture from that new black book now clutched by each of their children. Merriam Clark taught the junior boys Sunday School class about the Lord Jesus, Abraham, Moses and Elijah as if he knew them personally. Within 2 years, at the age of 8, I became a born again Bible believing Christian.

Msg # 1209b Three Generations For Christ - Ed

In 1960 while Dale Linebough preached a revival service up stairs, in Gang Mills Baptist Chapel, Opel Linebaugh presented a flannel graph of Little-Pilgrim-Progress, coming to the cross of Calvary. As was the new custom in the Rice's house we were present for every preaching service of the Sunday through Friday revival. I knew I needed what had brought all the changes to my parents life. I knew my older brother, Charles, had been born-again-saved shortly after they were. When Opel reached out with a pair of scissors and clipped Pilgrim's sin burden off his back, a little 8 year old boy named Eddy Rice said to God, “That is what I want.” Before that paper packet of Pilgrim's sin hit the concrete floor of the Baptist Church basement, I was born again by the forgiving power of John 3:16 which my Sunday School teacher asked me to memorize word perfect. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” My sister, Barbara, and I were born-again-saved in that same autumn week and I remember waiting all winter to be baptized when the ice was out of Fords Pond. The change that I saw in my parents life and in the Rice's home was now changing things in my own 8 year old heart. Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh to the father, but by me.” I now knew the way. I now had the truth dwelling in me. I now had the eternal life of Jesus Christ quickened into my soul. I now had a days-man, a mediator, between me and my Creator. The Lord Jesus Christ was my Saviour and Lord.

Msg # 1209c Three Generations For Christ - Bev

In 1962 in a Church in Addison NY, a lady sat behind a fidgeting 12 year old and finally said to her “Isn't it about time that you got saved?” Beverly Cook took the question to heart and moved to that altar of that old Church. “What have you come forward for?” the preacher asked. “I want to be saved,” she responded. “Okay,” the preacher told her, “If you will come to our confirmation classes you will be saved.” After answering all the questions correctly in the American Baptist Confirmation Classes, Beverly was baptized and told that she was now saved. She was not born-again-saved. American Baptist Confirmation Classes cannot do the work that only the Lord Jesus Christ can do. Three years later the Cooks moved to a farm in Tuscarora and that teenager was setting in Tuscarora Baptist Church where Pastor Carl Schoonover preached “Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish. The Bible says That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. … For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” At the age of 17 Beverly, with a full head knowledge of Jesus, was marvelously converted to full a heart knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ when she called upon Him and asked that He be her Saviour. She was courting a young Eddy Rice, they married in 1971, and with a 1972 Vietnam-draft joined the USAF. While serving the Lord in Harts Hill Baptist Church, at 22, Beverly was baptized following Christ's command to true believers.

Msg # 1209d Three Generations For Christ - Boys

In 1991 our oldest son, Michael, went with his youth pastor, Jeff Carpenter, Friendship Baptist Church, Rome NY, to a youth rally in Chili outside of Rochester. Pastor Hal Roscoe had invited some Baptist Preachers to reach teenagers for Christ at this Thursday-Friday-Saturday conference for teens. Our son came back from this first annual rally with such a dynamic change in his life and such a zeal for the Lord Jesus Christ, that Bev and I determined that we, at all cost, would take leave of work to attend the next one. We drove the bus for the teens that Brother Carpenter took to that 1992 Youth Ablaze Rally. Shane, our middlest son, dedicated his life to be a missionary at that February three day rally. Danny Castle, a Baptist Preacher from the south, preaching from the old King James Bible, held the undivided attention of 140 teens for two hours of preaching. I had never seen anything quite like what the Lord was doing in these 3 day Youth Ablaze meetings under Pastor Hal Roscoe in Chili NY, and Bev and I determined to get every teen we could influence to attend. One year we talked a Mrs. Hordge into going to help on the bus trip and she was marvelously saved at Chili. While a Youth Pastor at Jewel Baptist Chapel we took 18 teens and twelve of them were saved; one was my son, Matthew, Praise the Lord; one was the preacher's daughter Tracy Burdict, Glory to His name. We have led teens to the Chili Baptist Church's Youth Ablaze meeting from 4 different Churches where I have labored. God always does marvelous things in Chili. We were there for their 20^th year Anniversary in 2011. Youth Ablaze is etched into our heart.

Msg# 1210 Rapture from Philadelphia

The message to the Church of Philadelphia has very special appeal to those who believe in the inerrancy of the Word of God, the pre-millennialm, pre-tribulational rapture of the Church and the Millennial reign of Christ on the Throne of David in the City of David. Protestants, reformed and other covenant theologians no so much. It is addressed from “He that is holy, He that is true, and He that hath the Key of David.” There are other keys mentioned in Scripture but the key of David here emphasizes the Throne of David, and City of David cast aside by allegorizing, Bible critic protestants. The Christ will sit on David's throne in the Hills of Zion in Israels promised land, just as God said. There will be a 7 year time of Jacob's Trouble followed by a dispensation for the 1000 year reign of Christ no matter to John Calvin's Institutes and errant reformed theology. The Church of Philadelphia, representative of those who believe the Bible without allegorical hermeneutics, will be “kept from the hour of temptation” by the pre-tribulation rapture that they preach. It is no coincidence that the Declaration and subsequent Bill of Rights drawn up and signed in Philadelphia opened prison doors and set loose Baptist Preachers imprisoned for Preaching the whosoever will Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. This message to the Church of Philadelphia references that open door for those who keep His Word and it calls the covenant theologian, with his replacement theology, saying he is a Jew when he is not, “the Synagogue of Satan.” That is powerful warning not to tangle in Calvinism or his reformed theology. They will one day “worship before thy feet,” so keep your feet on the pillar and ground of truth.

Msg# 1211 Laodicean Last of the Last Days

For the 20^th century preacher of the Gospel the most notable message of the seven recorded in the Revelation of Jesus Christ is the one which depicts the apostate Church as neither cold nor hot and spued out of the mouth of the Lord Jesus Christ. The turn of the century found the Bible revising Protestant Church invaded by liberalism and modernism and belching out cultic leaders like Joseph Smith, Charles Taze Russle, Mary Baker Glocer Eddy, and Ellen White. The message to the Laodicean Church is altogether applicable to this era in the last of the last days. Denominational Churches say, “I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” The Neo-Evangelical Mega Churches of the 21^st century do not know that they are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. Jesus, the addressee of this seventy message is addressing as “The Amen” because He is indeed the final authority, the Verily Verily, and the End; “The faithful and true witness” because unrevised, uninternationalized Scripture is still the inerrant, infallible, verbally inspired Word of God, completely preserved in the English Language in only the King James Bible; and “The beginning of the creation of God” because it was Jesus the Christ who created all things that where created, and they were created by Him in 6 days like he said, else he is a deceiver and fake. The Laodicean Church failed to hold Him as the final Amen, the replaced the True Witness with revised standards, and international versions, and teach their children Darwinian Evolution instead of the Six Day Creation, echoed in a seven day week. America stands ready for judgment because its Churches are primed to be spued out of Christ's mouth. Come out and be ye separate!

Msg# 1212 Three Vails of Christianity

Three vails illustrated in the old covenant are removed by the redeeming act of the Lord Jesus Christ in our new covenant through His blood. God said to Moses “And thou shall make a vail of blue and purple and scarlet ... and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy.” (Ex26) Only one was allowed to annually enter the most holy place and that not without blood in a basin. Secondly a vail was put over Moses' face when he spent 40 days receiving the Word of God in Mount Sinai, for “the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.” (Ex34) The third vail is the one that a woman put over her face when she presented herself to submitt and obey a man as her lord. This vail was only worn in this context (Gen24:65, 38:14,15,19) and when he accepted her as his own, he would lift the vail in the same way it is done in Christian weddings today. In our new covenant with Jesus as our crucified Saviour, the first veil is rent from the top to the bottom by the hand of God. Hebrews 6,9, and 10 says that we can now boldly enter into the holiest place and commune with God face to face. 2Cor3 explains how the vail over the law is removed. Christians can now use great plainness of speech and see with our minds no longer blinded by that vail. The last vail is seen when we approach the Christ and call him our Lord. Then just like Ruth's kinsman-redeemer lowered her vail, filled it with blessings and promised to come for her, even so our kinsman redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ, makes us such promise. Awesome.

Msg# 1213 Passover and Golgotha

“Observe the month of Abib, and keep the passover unto the LORD thy God: for in the month of Abib the LORD thy God brought thee forth out of Egypt by night. Thou shalt therefore sacrifice the passover unto the LORD thy God, of the flock and the herd, in the place which the LORD shall choose to place his name there.” (Deut 16) The place the LORD chose was in the Hills of Zion, a Beulah Land, the City of Peace, Jerusalem, where stands a skull shaped hill called Golgotha. “This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.... In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, ... a lamb for an house: ... And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. ...” (Exod 12) “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” The Only Begotten Son of God was separated from the flock on 'Palm Sunday' the 10^th of Abib with cries of 'Hosanna to the Son of David', 'Hosanna in the highest', 'Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.' He was 'kept up' until the 14^th day of the month when the whole assembly of the congregation hung him on an old rugged cross where in the evening He cried, “It is finished.” God's timing is perfect, man's not so much. The Lord Jesus Christ is our passover lamb. Don't let the traditions of man detract from the worship of what he did on Golgotha's hill, and the empty tomb found near by.

Msg# 1214 There's No Good Friday

The last days of our Saviour's life, often called his passion from Acts1:3, are extremely well documented in 30 chapters, or 1/3 of the four Gospels. On this Palm Sunday the Christ is escorted into the city of Jerusalem, and for the next three days a blow by blow description of each event, parable and teaching in the Christ's ministry is therein presented. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are equally described in great detail. But when Protestant and Evangelical scholars try and account for an additional day and make the crucifixion occur on a Good Friday, like their Roman Mother Church taught them, they come up a whole day short. Rather than following their Bible they follow the errant tradition of Catholicism and pretend that Jesus spent one day in complete seclusion. They are not careful about adding things or removing things from their modernist bibles. There was no day in seclusion or retirement in Christ's life in this week. Jesus Christ, the Passover Lamb was slain on Thursday the 14^th of Abib just as it was prophesied 1,520 years earlier in the passover lamb's selection and sacrifice. Protestors only reformed the grossest errors of Roman Catholicism. Their errant traditions and doctrines are peppered throughout Protestant commentaries, footnotes, and teachings. The Catholic Good Friday tradition is a good example. Baptists have always known that the wide gate and broad path of reading Roman Catholic pagan traditions into the Bible constitutes misleading error. Throw out your commentaries and foot notes, study the week of passion from a King James Bible, and you can easily discover for yourself the 3 week days which led to his betrayal and crucifixion and the 3 days which he spent in the tomb. On Sunday, the first day of the week, they will find that tomb empty.

Msg# 1215 He Arose Because

The AP wire blurted through every TV-network showing 'Good-Friday' and Easter to be the Holiest Week of 'Christians'; accompanying footage showed pagan, penitent, Catholic, hooded, marchers whipping themselves with chains or black shrouded women in chains dragging crosses through the streets. One local report said “Some Christians even believe that Jesus arose from the dead after he had been crucified!” Easter, is carefully calendared each year to be the Sunday after the Jewish Passover so that it aligns with the day the Christ arose from the dead and his tomb was found empty. If one does not believe in the resurrected Christ they are NOT Christian! The resurrection is integral to the gospel. “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, … how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:” (1Cor 15) It is integral to the Christ being restored to his position of preeminence wherein he “is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature; For by him were all things created, … And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” (Col 1) Lastly the resurrection of 'God in the flesh' from the dead is essential because He and He alone could perform the work of the High Priest. On Yom Kippur only the high priest could take the atoning blood into the holy of holies and sprinkle it seven times before God on the mercy seat. These practices were images of what was actually before God the Father in Heaven. And the resurrected Christ had to ascend to Heaven and in full measure be our High Priest, and atone for our sin.

Msg# 1216 Building in God's Time

It is curious how Nehemiah's burden to go from Babylon back to Jerusalem comes 70 years after the dedication of the temple, which comes exactly 70 years after its complete destruction by Nebuchadnezzar. Neb took the priests and smiths, scholars and lawyers out of Jerusalem 20 years prior to that destruction. You recall the account of four children of Judah, named Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, the college boys who were then taken into the Babylonian captivity. Well Cyrus, king of Persia, decreed the decree that sent the priests back to the Lord's Promised Land, and they did their first sacrifice and passover exactly 70 years after their deportation. For so it was prophesied by Jeremiah the prophet “And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.” (Jer25:11) and again “And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.” (Jer25:12) and again “For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.” (Jer29:10) Why seventy years? “Carried away to Babylon; ... until the reign of the kingdom of Persia: To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.” (2Chron 36:20-21) It is a wise steward who waits through trials and frustrations with the understanding that things happen in God's time frame, no in ours.

Msg# 1217 Nehemiah, Servant and Leader

When Nehemiah heard that the remnant which left the captivity and returned to the Promised Land were in great affliction and reproach, and that the wall of Jerusalem was broken down, the Bible portrays for us certain ingredients which rose this valiant leader to so daunting a task. When the burden on our heart is the burden on God's, when 'the desire of our heart' comes from God, when His priorities override all of our own, we are poised to do great things. God does not raise up great ministries, he raises up great men. Great men take His burden for people and fall on their face before God with the burden. “I heard, … I sat, … I wept, … I mourned for days, … I fasted, … I prayed before the God of heaven, … and I said 'I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, … Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant,...” A leader needs no permission to lead, only the opportunity, and when Nehemiah's opportunity came he boldly steps through the open door. Even so Nehemiah was 'very sore afraid' but he knew how to pray on his feet. “Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said unto the king, ... ” (Neh 2:4) Nehemiah also knew how to think on his feet. He had not mission statement nor mission plan, no recommendations from committee, board or Sanhedrin, he had only a burden, a prayer life and an opportunity. Lastly Nehemiah had a remarkable ability to employ others. He sets out on a solitary quest to do something great for his God. He does, will you?

Msg# 1218 The Good Samaritan's Compassion

A certain lawyer ask two questions of Jesus “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” and “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus answers both questions in one awesome parable of the Good Samaritan. Missionary Harris to Colca Canyon, Peru, reminds us that South America is our neighbor. My son is a missionary to Cajamarca, Peru, so his message rings close to home. Unlike the priest of organized religion, unlike the Levite of 'works' religion, the Samaritan had compassion. The true born again Christians in America need a revival of Christlike compassion. The Good Samaritan was so filled with it that he made the sacrifice it took to help. He gave up the time, the transportation, and the talent it took to make the difference. He became a giving man who wrote, as it were, a blank check for the salvation of his neighbor. The bigger picture in this parable, aimed at answering the bigger question, is a portrayal of what Christ did for fallen man who could not do for himself. But the clear application for those who would be Christlike is that His compassion in us will cause selfless sacrifice and the issuance of more blank checks to accomplish the commission we have been given. America has had the Gospel of Jesus Christ saturated throughout. It has been rejected on the larger part, only agnosticism, hedonism, and humanism being taught to our children. There is a remnant who received that Gospel and that remnant needs a new fire of compassion to help us answer the question “Who is my neighbor?” and answer it on a national level. People need the Lord, and some nations are still hungry to hear the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Rally behind a missionary, they need your support.

RE: Msg# 1218 Correction, USA Also Needs Gospel

I stand corrected about Msg#1218 The Good Samaritan's Compassion, it is not only needed abroad.

As you know, I enjoy your emails. I run a street ministry in Nashua NH. It would perhaps astound you to know how many people have never heard of Jesus Christ, have never even seen a Bible. In the US, we live in a post-Christian society. The message that the Gospel has been saturated or rejected in the US is old news now, so old it is no longer true. We have a whole new generation (I would argue two generations) that have never even been invited in to know Jesus. I am 54 and I never had an invitation to know Jesus from the age of 20 to 50. Did I reject the gospel? NO. I didn’t even have the chance to reject it. As a collective Body of Christ, we tend to act like we can’t evangelize in the US anymore because we have already been rejected, so let’s go to the jungles where they have never heard the Good News. Today, the jungles, where you find natives who have no idea who Christ is, is in my neighborhood and yours. We complain about our country having turned our backs on God, and then spend thousands of dollars to evangelize in a foreign country for a week. Let us redouble our efforts to reach out to our citizens, not in a stadium where we talk to ourselves, but on the streets, face to face, talking to the natives who are hurting and lost. Invite your flock to spend a week with me in NH instead of in Africa—I won’t charge them a nickel and they will learn how to spread the Good News like Apostle Paul, direct to the people, with compassion.

Msg# 1219 Come and See

Preacher Mike and Heather Gross, Missionaries to Sierra Leone, reminded us of a plea used often in the Bible, “Come and see.” When you are headed out to preach the Gospel in a country which is 78% Muslim you want to be well acquainted with the verse “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” (Ps39:8) Jesus came to John the Baptist who said “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” After Jesus' Baptism (by immersion) John identified him as the Christ; “Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.” Surely this great truth is one that must be seen for oneself. John the Baptist said it “And I saw and bear record that this is the Son of God.” Then when John the Baptist appointed two of his disciples to follow the Christ he again said, “Behold the Lamb of God,” and when they approached the Christ he said to them “Come and see.” To those who are searching, the longing, those hungering and thirsting after righteousness repeat the refrain; “Behold the Lamb of God, … come and see!” When Nathanael said “Can there any good come out of Nazareth?” it was Philip who said, “Come and see!” When the Samaritan woman knew that Jesus was the Messiah she said to all, “Come and see!” Nowhere in the Bible is a soul won by lifestyle evangelism, it is done when a genuine believer and witness says with their mouth, “Behold the Lamb of God … Come and see.” Got a mouth? Be a witness. They need the invitation.

Msg# 1220 Mother's Day and Mother's Way

King David tried to move the Ark of Covenant into the City of David with the most efficient, most logical method, even the way the Philistines moved it, on a new oxcart. It was a good and effective method. It really worked very well. It did, however, make God very angry. David told the Levites who were charged to carry the Ark on their shoulders, “For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after due order.” We have our own most logical way of ordering our homes and rearing our children. The LORD our God makes a breach upon us and we see shipwrecked homes and lives. God's way says “Wives submit yourselves unto your own husbands as unto the Lord, ...Likewise ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands … even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: … thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee, … Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection, … I suffer not a woman to teach nor usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” God makes a breach upon our marriages and that breach cannot be repaired but by doing it God's way. God's way says complete, consistent, persistent discipline of our children with actual corporal punishment. In your Bible chain together and read Proverbs 13:24, 19:18, 22:15, 23:13-14, 29:15! “A child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” David corrected his methods; God removed the breach. Praise the Lord for mothers now gone who did it God's way. We need some today who will correct their methods and do it God's way. It brings His blessing instead of His breach.

Msg# 1221 The Gates of Jerusalem

If a normal picture is worth a thousand words, this one should cover the 300 normally in my Penny Pulpits. Take two laps around the City of Jerusalem, visit each gate with your Bible open.

Msg# 1222 Soul Winners Face Opposition, So ...

A born-again believer is to be the witness for the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, the salt of the earth a light on a candelstick, and opposition is certain. Nehemiah 4-6 gives an insightful outline on how opposition comes. Sanballet the Horonite (a city of Moab) and Tobiah the Ammonite were a committee of two that opposed Nehemiah from day one. Mobites and Ammonites are shamed distant kin of Israel. Their committee grows and start off chapter 4 with indignation and mocking. In verse 11 their mocking migrates to physical threats repeated ten times! In his work, progress is slowed do to rubish in the way; rubbish is in the way of our witness too. Facing opposition Nehemiah #1 made prayer unto God; #2 let his opposition know that he knew their tactics; #3 labored with sword in one hand; #4 regularly rallied all the laborers (believers do this twice on Sunday and once midweek, it still takes all three to thrive); #5 listened for the trumpet; i.e. the second coming; #6 laborers were encouraged to stay within the walls; (Believers need to stay in Church to let their light so shine. The candlestick is the local Church.) and #7 kept at the work. In chapter 5 internal opposition joins in. 'A man's gotta eat' (vr 2) 'A man's gotta buy a house' (vr 3) and ' A man's gotta pay taxes' (vr 4) are excuses for improper life priorities that halt many a witness, just like they threatened to halt Nehemiah's effort. We need to do what he did, have a consult with yourself, make sure your life priorities are right. 'Only one life, will soon be passed, only what's done for Christ will last.” Preach the Gospel to every creature. It is the job of every believer.

Msg# 1223 Revival's Work and Word

Surely we battle against spiritual wickedness in high places but the revival recorded in Nehemiah chapter 8 occurred after the people struggled together with hands in the dirt and backs in the labor. In like manner an autonomous body of believers in a local Church, i.e. the only Church that Jesus built, united in spiritual warfare are benefited by dirty hands and aching backs. Facing the physical demands as well as the opposition of inane building codes with even more inane inspectors; yes taking on the opposition, ridicule, and scoffing of the world, as did Nehemiah and his construction team, builds a unity, a determination, and a fervor that showed up in the spiritual revival that walks on to our Bible in these chapters. It is significant that revival came at 'Rosh Hashanah', the feast of trumpets, at 'Yom Kippur', the day of atonement, and on the 15^th of the 7^th month, in the feast of booths. Every believer should explore the importance of this trinity of holy convocations found in the 'seventh month'. (which makes for a unique search phrase in the King James Bible, you could really learn some things about the three here.) But more significant in the revival is the reading and emphasis on God's Holy Word. So to for our revivals today, there must first be a revival of God's Holy Words. Not the allegorized, modernized, stripped down Alexandrian Manuscripts that war against our Authorized Bible, but a reading, a using, and a obeying of the Bible that contains all the undoctored Holy Word's of God. Old fashioned is still God's chosen method. Gim-me-dat old time revival, out of the old time Authorized Bible. Reading it and heeding it, produced the revival found in Nehemiah's day, and it still can today.

Msg# 1224 Baptist Letter to a Catholic Priest

Sir, calling yourself a 'father' in the Roman Catholic System, please consider carefully what I say here “lest haply ye be found to fight against God”. If your Roman Catholic System is right and there is only one “Holy Mother Church” with her one sanctified “High Priest” called 'Pope', and she alone can dispense the sacraments which mystically produce eternal life in a soul, and I defy her absolutely, calling her “The Great Whore” and “Mother of Harlots”, rejecting all her sacraments, all her Popery, all her Roman traditions, refusing to bow to her authority and refusing to call you or any other of her clergy 'father' and refusing any 'priesthood' that you or they claim to have, then you and she know my fate as sealed and solidly taught in her tradition! Contrariwise, if you, clinging to her holy sacraments as a means of eternal salvation, teaching and holding to her pernicious ways, asking others to call you 'father' and 'priest', bowing to her statues and statutes, and praying to Mother Mary instead of “Our Father, which art in heaven”, you hiding back in that confessional doling out “Hail Mary” penance assignments with no Biblical repentance, you know the certainty of God's Holy Word and your certain fate. One here is right, one here is dead wrong. There is no middle ground. There is no compromise. There is no 'conciliatory' position. There is no brotherhood between you and me. I would say to you “While you have breath in this life you may still reject the Roman Traditions of the Mother of Harlots, REPENT, and cling in FAITH to the Lord Jesus Christ, and Him alone. … Choose you this day whom ye will serve. Your eternity hangs on your choosing.”

Msg# 1225 Knowledge-Wisdom-And-Understanding

“The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.” Happy Father's Day. Proverbs10:1 starts a deluge of genius observations which follow the most spectacular crescendo of wisdom ever recorded in human literature. Believers know it to be supernatural literature and the best literature ever kicked out of a public school system. The spectacular climax of wisdom is attained in chapter eight where she is personified as the everlasting creator and Lord of all. My Lord. I trust, your Lord, but many on the broad path called 'Christendom' are yet “denying the Lord that bought them.” The seven chapters up to this crescendo of wisdom literature have seven paragraphs which lead with the opening “My Son.” The first leads off with seven requirements in an 'if-then' clause. The 'then' is our focus for this Father's Day but to attain it requires wading through the seven 'ifs.' Proverbs balances the triune entity of knowledge-wisdom-and-understanding superbly. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, … The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Somewhere it must be clarified that the 'My Son' messages are not gender specific. Indeed John1:12 declares “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, ...” In the Bible being a 'son' put you in standing for an inheritance. When you are a believer that's what you are. One using a modernist's bible looses that standing as verse 12 has what they think God 'meant to say', instead of what He said. This worthwhile 'then' is “Understanding the fear of the LORD, and finding the knowledge of God.” Don't miss it.

Msg# 1226 Good Samaritan Attitude

Jesus' story of the Good Samaritan ingeniously expounded answers to two questions of the attacking Jewish lawyer. Nick Bickish, missionary to Alaska, summarized His answer with three glimpses of attitude. You'll display one of them daily. The thief that accosted the sojourner along the road from Jerusalem down to Jericho had the attitude “Whats yours is mine. ” He left the man half dead. It is amazing how many people have that attitude. Our Socially Secure socialism propagates that very attitude through generations of welfare recipients. A born again believer cannot carry that attitude long, not when Christ indwells them; and don't forget it was He who said, “If a man won't work, neither should he eat.” Along came the Priest and Levite. These characters were introduced to show the argumentative lawyer that neither the human Priest hood, nor the Levitical Law could attain the eternal life he desired. Their attitude was “What's mine is mine.” Busy about their own business, all concerned about their own resources and their own reputation, these two passed by on the other side. They would not stop and intercede nor minister because they had to go be priestly and minister-ey. A lot of us live with that attitude. Of course in Jesus' story the Samaritan was the only one that was Christlike. He had the attitude “Whats mine is yours.” You would think 'Christians' would spend more time exemplifying this selfless attitude, but it only shows up when we “abide in Him, and He abides in us.” When a child we would sing a song “Jesus, and Others and You, that is the way to spell J-O-Y!” Quite foreign to our hustle-bustle, me-first, I-got-my-rights society. “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”

Msg# 1227 Casting All Your Care

“Be careful for nothing;” It sounds strange but, “Christians today are entirely to careful.” It is profound that Pastor Daniels, a native Pastor of St. Vincent a Caribbean Island, brought that message to New York. When Christians in 3^rd world countries pray for their daily bread it is often very literal. Americans have so much, and such extreme independence from God, that this Pastor visiting us through H.E.L.P. Ministries could well teach us that we are too “full of care.” The Bible says “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” When circumstances rise up and make us worry we insert halfhearted prayer in this verse. When people cause us to fret and worry we insert incomplete supplication and become full of care. When 'things' or 'lack of things', cause our worry we drop all thanksgiving and forget what Jesus instructed; “Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? … Shall (God) not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” In a land filled with blessings and more resources than any other country, it concerned Pastor Daniels that we have not learned to cast all our cares on Him. We worry about our things, and fuss over what people say, and burden ourselves over circumstances that are completely out of our control. They are in His control and we need to learn anew to cast all our cares on Him, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, letting your requests be made known unto God, for He careth for you.

Msg# 1228 Rest After Revival?

The God of the mountains is still God in the valley. Mountain top experiences don't last long nor carry us far. Doldrums, a word derived from the Middle English 'dull', is a period of stagnation or slump; a period of unhappy listnessness. Listlessness, a word derived from the Middle English 'lacking listen', is to lack energy or to be disinclined to exert effort. Christians hover around these words in our journey through the valleys of life. While there God asked “What doest thou here, Elijah?” (1Kings19) and he wants your response to that question. While camped in doldrums of life take time to Rest (vr5), to Respite (vr6), and Restore, (vr7). Remember “He restoreth my soul? … He leadeth me in paths of righteousness, for His names sake?” God keeps us in these valleys and wants us to Rehearse what He has done, (vr10) Refocus on our purpose and Reenlist for service (vr 15). God does not use earthquake, storm, nor fire to ask, but with a still small voice he Reiterates, “What doest thou here, Elijah?” He wants us to Rejoice, Remember, and then to go and Recruit others. All these 'Rs' were present in Elijah's Retreat which came right after the mountain top Revival. You know the one where he prayed down fire from heaven, fire that consumed the sacrifice and altar, and caused King Ahab and all of Israel say “The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God.” (1Kings 18) After his prayer that brought rain to drought old Jezebel drove Elijah to his wilderness retreat. In the same spiritual doldrums which engulf America we need to take full advantage of Elijah's lessons so we can give God answer to “What doest thou here?” Keep busy in retreat.

Rebuttal to Vulgar Vulgate in Dr. Keen's Article

I loved your “Understanding the Shadows” article in the Spring 2012 “Unpublished Word,” but I hated and herein reprove the section titled “Scriptures in Translation.” Therein you used two very bad, even ungodly, translations, the Greek Septuagint, and the Latin Vulgate, to establish and build a translation principle that needs to be 'rediscovered.' In reality the only thing that needs 'rediscovered' about these two translations is that they are Alexandrian tools of Satan to detract and twist away the authority of God's Word. The Septuagint was Satan's Alexandrian sham, never accepted by the Masoretes you mention, nor the Christ we serve. Jerome's Latin Vulgate was a fruit of Origin of Alexandria's biblical criticism which took out 'repentance' and installed Roman Catholic's 'penance', took out 'presbyter' and installed Roman Catholic 'priests', making a clear path for the Mother of Harlots who called their Vulgar Vulgate 'the only bible.' Your use of these two to develop an otherwise good principle must receive a 'D-minus' at best.

I have no authority to issue this grading, only a reverence for you and your work. A reverence that was initiated in 1985 while a bus worker under Pastor Chuck Zimmerman of Huber Heights Baptist Temple. I love you both. Please accept the 'D-minus', fix the article, and re-publish. Surely there are adequate Scriptures that support your principle and you need not dip your hand in the Devil's tool box for any justification.

Msg# 1229 Go or Send With Your Gospel Gun

“The fruit of the righteous is the tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” (Prov 11:30) Baptists have a method of sending out “foreign ambassadors” to be 'that wise'; we call them missionaries. While on 'deputation' Alan Granger, Missionary to Mexico, reports that of 10 missionaries called, one makes it to the field by making 4,000 calls, getting 1,000 contacts, hosting 300 meetings, gaining 125 supporting Churches where only 70 turn out to be sincere. It sounds scary but this Independent Baptist method lands more preachers of the Gospel on foreign soil than any other method, and we are so commanded to go and to send. Matthew28 says “Go ye”; Mark16, “Preach the Gospel”; Luke24, “Preach repentance”; John20, “So send I you”; Acts1, “Ye shall be witnesses”. So not only would you be wise to win souls you would be obedient to Christ's commands. That's wise. Understand also that the need is so great. “Untold millions are still untold, untold millions are outside the fold.” These are not only in Zacatecas, Mexico, there is a “whosoever-will-may-come” living right next door to you! “People need the Lord!” Your neighbor has been effectively taught since childhood that he evolved from apes with no Creator. But you know for fact that “As it appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” There is only one answer to this “judgment” and you are called to be “His witness” to a dying world. They have been taught to disbelieve the Bible, but someone who 'does not believe in guns', can still be shot with my 357 magnum! You gotta shoot them with a “Gospel Gun.” Use your Bible on them.

Msg# 1230 Intimacy With Christ

“Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.” This first verse of John 13 marks another turning point in the teaching ministry of the Christ. The next five chapters develop an intense intimacy between Christ and the believer. It is, unfortunately, more intimate than most believers ever experience in their relationship with their Lord. Joun 13 begins describing this intimacy with two powerful points. The disciple indeed is a servant indeed, and the disciple indeed is a possessor not just a professor. Every, all to frequent, Baptist Church fight, I've seen far far to many, mimics the disciples quarrel “Who is going to be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven,... I want the position on Christ's right hand.” There is no greater reproof or grander lesson than the Master girding himself in a servant's towel and washing the disciple's feet. He crowns this lesson with: “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” It is scary; so many unhappy Baptists. Jesus then tactlessly asks each disciple to examine their reality. One would betray him and one would deny him. “Is it I?” is the question he means for each to ask. It is easy to 'be' Christian. It is difficult to 'act' Christian. Further, wearing Peter's overzealous mouth does not capture the humble heart of a servant. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” How is your love? Intimacy with Christ starts here. Are you a servant indeed? Are you a disciple indeed? Happy are ye.

Msg# 1231 Intimacy Indeed

Intimacy, a descript of a powerful bonding relationship between two humans, is what God wants in his relationship with you. Surely you have a close friend who can share anything with you and you with them. It is not carnal at all. “And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.” (Gen2) Five chapters of John which portray such intimacy with God start with the assurance that you are a disciple indeed and then, in chapter 14 we are assured this intimacy indeed. Its precious beginning, resounded at so many precious funerals, assures “And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” With an intimate friend one can share all ones hopes and dreams, desires and plans with no fear of laughter or scoffing. Herein Jesus shares his most intimate plans for the future and we are included in them. With an intimate friend one gets to know every aspect of who they are and what makes them 'tick'. Jesus says “If ye had known me, ye should know my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.” The OT portrayal of conception in marriage is carefully worded as “And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived.” Indeed our purpose is to know Christ. With an intimate friend one can ask them anything; and herein Jesus confirms to us “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do.” An intimate friend is forever a personal comforter. On his physical departure Jesus promises “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.” From an intimate friend... “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.”

Msg# 1232 Intimacy Abides

Jesus taught his disciples “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. … Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine.” This is a continuation of the perfect intimacy that is available to those who are disciples indeed. John chapter 15 is not teaching how to become a disciple, if you are not a born again, Bible believer coming into chapter 15 go back to chapter 3 and start over. If you are a disciple indeed (chapter13) and you desire his intimacy indeed (chapter14) you are ready for this lesson on abiding indeed. Abiding in Christ involves obedience and love and it produces the fruit of the vine. The fruit of the vine is not more vines, it is the sweet, plump, juice filled, healing package of blessed nectar called the grape. The grape also carries forth the seed, and the seed can produce more vines when they get into good soil, but that's another lesson. There is a cultic-ego-driven, ugly sect of fundamentalism that insist that the branches must produce more branches. True fruit from the true vine is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance and these are indeed the sweet, people blessing, God glorifying nectar that flow's out of a true believers life. Chapter15 goes on to teach what friendship with God is, to worn that being God's friend make's us the world's enemy, and to assure us that the Comforter that indwells us is indeed the Spirit of Truth which proceeds from the Father and testifies of Christ. When you are abiding and that Spirit of Truth is indwelling, you will indeed bear fruit, and you will indeed testify of Christ. How's the fruit? How's the testimony?

Msg# 1233 Revive Us Again?

Lord wilt thou not revive us again? When the Lord returns will He find faith on the earth? Without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. America does not. If the 1,500 race-fans personally surveyed in Watkins-Glen with Evangelist Garraway are representative, not one in 500 have your faith, even less a diligent seeking. We are blessed in grace. We want others to be that blessed, but America is incensed with scoff and ridicule for God's Word. What overwhelms in this plight is that someone risked scoffing and ridicule to get you the Gospel truth. In the midst of all the convincing deceit and lies that swallow up the majority, God drew you with his truth and caused you to believe; securing in you the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. God is good. When you share that glorious salvation with a neighbor think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you. Jesus assured you “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” There are Christians suffering real persecutions in this world. In America there are laws protecting your speech about the love of Christ. Chick-Fillet found them barely tenable but the laws are still in place. You are revealing the glory of God like a light in a dark place, when darkness comprehends it not, remember we are still joint heirs with Christ. When we suffer with him, we shall also be glorified together. Wilt thou not revive us again. Really? Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as Christ is pure.

Msg# 1234 Our Comforter is Their Reprover.

The 16^th chapter of John continues the discourse Jesus undertook to prepare his disciples for his departure. “These things have I spoken unto you that ye should not be offended.” Believers will be killed in the name of the Lord, yeah they will suffer all kinds of wrong for his names sake. They have. It's surprising today how both Islam and sodomy are accepted in our society and government schools where both the Holy Bible and the name of Jesus Christ are cursed, mocked, and banned; but we were warned that it would be so. This world hates Christ and his believers. Present in the believer is the comforter, and although he is that to us, to the world he is the reprover. He leads us into all truth, but he reproves the world of sin because they believe not on Jesus the Christ. He seals us forever in the righteousness of Christ, but he reproves the world of theirs because all their righteousnesses are as filthy rags. The Comforter compels us to know the judge of the quick and the dead but he reproves the world that “as it is appointed unto man once to die, and after this the judgment,” they fear, curse and reject the righteous judge and his righteousness judgments. This society, about to replace a sodomy approving, baby killing, liberal leader with a pagan Mormon -Roman Catholic economy team, is no friend of my Lord and God, Jesus Christ. They might put a band aid on our hemorrhaging, socialist economy but it will take your witness filled with the Holy Spirit of God to fix the soul of this nation. Your presence will reprove the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment today, give them the Gospel of Christ while you are at it.

Msg# 1235 Intimacy in The Lord's Prayer

The chapter that best encapsulates the intimacy that a believer has with his Christ is the one properly called “The Lord's Prayer” and found in John 17. The four previous chapters detail his teachings on the new intimacy in this relationship, but this chapter is a powerful summary of what we now have in this relationship. Prayer is the most bonding and unifying practice for two or three people. Not the dinner prayer, or the public prayer, but the sharing of ones heart and desire with their Father and Creator in the presence of a friend. It can heal marriages if you dare to practice it. Here Jesus shares his most intimate conversation with the Father. Your study of John 17 can teach you three important things about the trinity and God becoming flesh; three important things bout the disciples and their longevity with the Lord; and three important things about the believer and theirs as well. Lay thine hand upon a pen, outline the nine points, remember the battle, but then do more. Prayerfully examine the intimacy with your Chirst that is portrayed herein. It likely was prayed by him after his work was finished. It was likely heard in first person by the apostle John. It was most certainly recorded verbatim by the inspiration of God almighty. It is given here, in the midst of Jesus' powerful lessons on the new intimacy we have with our Christ with careful organization within John's recorded gospel of Jesus Christ. Don't waste it on just a nine point outline.

Msg# 1236 Our Read KJV

The Roman Catholic Religion used its power over the Roman Emperor to cause to perish any person who would own or read any portion of the Holy Bible in the English language. When Wycliffe had translated the New Testament to English 150 years earlier they found open preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ completely overthrew their exclusive power over the government and the masses. When Erasmus published the unaltered Greek New Testament there was found no penance, no priest, no veneration of Mary, no canonizing nor prayer to saints, and ONLY ONE offering that would forgive sin. That one offering, which would not benefit Roman Catholic coffers one little bit, was derogatorily called by Roman Pope Leo X “the fable of Christ!” William Tyndale, fluent in 8 languages, who saw the power of the preaching of Jesus Christ and Him crucified, sent to the printing press hundreds of copies of the New Testament in English, even as the vile and wicked Roman Catholic entity sent thousands of men, women, and children to their death for owning or reading one. The Catholics, Anglicans and Reformers, lost the battle against the printed Word when King James authorized and funded its wholesale translation into the English language. Hold your King James Bible close to your chest. These entities still want to destroy it and revise it away. Out from the pits of these Romanized 'churches' and the tainted manuscripts of Clement-Origin's Alexandria Egypt, regurgitate the RSV, NIV, ASV, NASV, ESV et. al. Happy Anniversary Good Samaritan; 21 years of holding dear ONLY ONE precious book, the one and only complete English translation of the inspired, infallible, inerrant Holy Word of God , the King James Bible. Hold it close and preach it on the streets while we still have that freedom.

Msg# 1237 Our Hebrew Tabernacle

The Hebrew Tabernacle was the place wherein Jehovah God dwelt with the Hebrews after their redemption from Egypt. It did not just symbolize his presence, it was the housing of his presence. Certain conditions needed to be met before our holy, all powerful Creator could make his tabernacle with mere man. The study of these certain conditions makes for a powerful manifestation of the God – man relationship. Chapter upon chapter of the Pentateuch are consumed with the detailed description of this tabernacling of God with man. The Hebrew will comprehend no other portion of the Torah without ready access to these 'certain conditions'.

The Christian will not completely comprehend the completed work of their Christ and Saviour without studious entry into this Sanctuary where God dwelt with mankind. Indeed the second book of the Holy Bible, yeah, the second book of the Hebrew Pentateuch, provides overwhelming detail about the layout and then construction of this tabernacle. The 3^rd book, Leviticus, describes the necessary procedures for man's approach to God's dwelling, and the 4^th God's careful description of its mobility. These wordy and detailed descriptions are a significant portion of God's revelation to man. They have carefully been copied and preserved word for word, yeah letter for letter, yeah more, dot for dot and tittle for tittle, for 3,500 years! The Hebrew Tabernacle carries such weight in the revelation of God that we are delinquent if we do not study and explore every revealed detail. And this we will do in the pages of my upcoming book.

Msg# 1238 Our Passover

Each of the three great Hebrew feasts required in Scripture reveals some tremendous insights for a Christian. On the tenth day of Abib a lamb without spot or blemish was selected from the flock and kept out until the 14^th day. In the afternoon it was slain and roasted whole such that not a bone was broken. It was eaten with bitter herbs till there was none left over on the 15^th day of the month, which was a high sabbath, a holy convocation, and the first day of the feast of unleavened bread. This was not a feast of plenty nor festivity, it was a feast of unleavened bread which lasted seven days. Each day there was a burnt offering of 2 bullocks, one ram, and seven lambs, three tenth deals of flour mingled with oil for each bullock, two tenth deals for a ram, and several tenth deal for each lamb. There was daily “one goat for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you,” and again “on the seventh day ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work.” A Church is an Ecclesia, a “called out and gathered together body of believers.” The Hebrew mirrored term is the 'holy convocation' called for in these feasts. It includes the concept of 'gathering together.' When you get saved your added to the family of God, not the Church of God. There is no catholic, universal, invisible church that you are a part of. You must show up at a 'gathering' of believers and unite with that local Church. Christ our passover lamb ushered us into a period of 'unleavened bread', where a burnt offering is a reasonable service, where sin is atoned, and where a holy convocation happens every Lord's day.

Msg# 1239 Our Pentecost

The feast of weeks, 50 days after Passover and called Pentecost, should certainly be of utmost interest to the believer. One Sabbath day after the feast of unleavened bread ended with a holy convocation and day of rest, a counting of seven Sabbaths measured out 49 days with the next day, a Sunday, being the feast of weeks. This Jewish Holy Day perpetually fell on a Sunday, the first day of the week, the day of the week that the Lord Jesus the Christ arose from the tomb, a day to be revered by Christians and called 'the Lord's Day' wherein believers have a 'holy convocation' and have for 1,982 years now, Sunday. In Pentecost the Jew remembered his redemption from bondage. It was the feast of weeks, had its placement in the first week of the grain harvest, i.e. feast of first fruits. Where the feast of unleavened bread placed an emphasis on being pilgrims and sojourners in this world, not being here long enough for bread to rise, this feast, Pentecost, was a true feast of plenty, a feast of festivity, a feast of harvest and a feast where leaven was required to make their bread full and their celebration completely satisfying. The Bible teachers who have made the presence of leaven represent only sin and evil come up disturbingly short on this vivid Pentecost illustration. Every believer knows that at this feast of weeks called Pentecost, this feast of celebration and plenty in the Jewish Calendar, the Lord Jesus Christ sent the 'other comforter', the Holy Spirit of God, to indwell, instill and empower the believer and make his life a feast of plenty, a feast of festivity, a feast of remembrance, a feast of harvest where leaven makes the bread full and our celebration completely satisfying.

Msg# 1240 Our Trumpet Sound

As the trumpet was used for gathering the hosts of Hebrews to their Holy Convocations so does it symbolize the greatest gathering of all the tribes of Israel to their Promised Land in the last day called the Day of the LORD. The Christian significance of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur still lie hidden from all Protestant Christendom. Concealed in the dark veil spread by their mother catholic conception whereby a Mother Church owns all the promises previously given to God's Chosen People, Israel. Calvin's Institutes further scatter and muddy Biblical truth by laying claim to such 'chosen status' and formulating the ill conceived Covenant Theology which reeks of catholic replacement theology. Be wise herein Bible believer. No imagined catholic system can erase the Feast of Trumpets which will call the 12 tribes of Israel to their salvation. No Calvin Covenant Theology will prevent the Promised Messiah from setting on the Throne of David in the Holy Hills of Zion for a 1,000 year millennial reign. No wild allegorical method of the Revelation of Jesus Christ can stop the gathering of all nations to the great Battle of Armageddon that it calls out. Catholics and Protestants try to obscure it in their dark veil but Bible believing Christians are looking for a very similar Trumpet Call that says “Come up hither!” and marks the rapture of the true Church in preparation for God's delivering of Israel from the Abomination of Desolation. Protestant theologians scoff, but the Bible says. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds!”

Msg# 1240 Augment on Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur the Day of Atonement, is the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar. The Bible prescribes Yom Kippur as a day of affliction (Lev. 16; 23:26-32). In the ancient world, the High Priest woke up early, donned his priestly garments, and sacrificed a bull for both himself and his family. He then cast lots over two goats, choosing one for the Lord and designating the other as the goat to remove sin. Only on this day did the High Priest enter into the Holy of Holies in the Temple to offer incense and sprinkle blood on the Ark of the Covenant. Before concluding the sacrifices by burning both the bull and the goat, the High Priest placed blood from the Lord's goat onto the second goat. He then cast the second goat into the wilderness, thus symbolically removing Israel's sin.

In modern observance, Yom Kippur involves a fast from both food and drink. Many spend the entire day praying in the synagogue. During the Ten Days of Awe preceding Yom Kippur, many Jewish people give tzedakah (charity) which some consider a replacement for the animal sacrifice. A small segment of the Orthodox Jewish community practices kapparot, a ceremony in which a person waves a chicken over his head, before killing the chicken as a symbolic transfer of sin. According to tradition, the Book of Life and the Book of the Dead are closed on Yom Kippur, and the fates of those within the books are sealed for the coming year.

Followers of Jesus the Messiah confidently look forward to eternal life, because our names are written in the Book of Life. When Jesus died, the veil of the Holy of Holies ripped in two, symbolically breaking a barrier between humans and the presence of God. Previously, only the High Priest had access to this room, and he only entered it once a year on Yom Kippur (Matt. 27:51).

However, Jesus' death gives believers access to God, because He entered into the Heavenly Holy of Holies to offer His blood for our redemption (Heb. 9:11-12). Unlike the Israelites' annual sacrifices on Yom Kippur, Jesus' one sacrifice continues to provide atonement to this day. Yom Kippur, for followers of Jesus, reminds us of the certainty of our redemption through the blood of our Messiah and High Priest, Jesus.

Yom Kippur also reminds us of the ultimate salvation of the Jewish people. The prophet Zechariah speaks of a day when the nation of Israel will recognize her Messiah and "they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son" (Zech. 12:10). When the Jewish people recognize Messiah, as Paul writes, "All Israel will be saved" (Rom. 11:26). The Day of Atonement thus reminds us of our own salvation and also looks forward to the salvation of Israel. (From Chosen People Ministries 9/24/2012 Newsletter email@newsletter.chosenpeople.com)

Msg# Augment Essay on God, Albert Einstein and I

What is a firmament? “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.” (Psalm 19:1-3) The dictionary clarifies some: fir·ma·ment n. The vault or expanse of the heavens; the sky. [Middle English, from Old French, from Late Latin firm³mentum, from Latin, support, from firm³re, to strengthen.] When considering this word one thinks of Gen 1:6-7 “And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.” This often makes us think that the firmament is dry ground, but this is not so. The 'firmament' is indeed all of outer space for the Scriptures continue “And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day. And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.” (Gen 1:7-8,14-15) Of these lights and this firmament God says “And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,” (Gen 1:17) but Scripture also says that on the fifth day he created all creatures “and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.” (Gen 1:20) Note again verse 6 where waters are divided from waters by this firmament that we call heaven; implying that far above the stars which he put in the firmament there is still a shell of water. Awesome. God, Albert Einstein and I consider the universe bounded, God and I consider it bounded by a shell of water. Secular humanists consider it unbounded. In mathematics the difference between bounded and unbounded makes a supreme difference in ones understanding of phenomena; especially considering the speed of light as bounded or unbounded. Unbounded light approaching the edge of a bounded universe might change time; even to where a day is as a thousand years or a thousand years a day. Thank you Albert Einstein for a little unbounded thinking about our bounded universe.

Msg# 1241 God, not man, spells out the End Times

C.I. Scofield detailed 176 Bible verses that speak specifically of the 2^nd Coming of Christ and another 212 Old Testament verses that address the Kingdom age, and no serious believing Bible student could read through the list without shifting radically towards Bible truth about the end times. The more steeped one is in Calvinism, and John's 'Covenant Theology', or in Romanism and the Pope's 'Replacement Theology.' the more radical and necessary the shift will be. Bible truth will take you all the way to a pre-millennial, pre-tribulational rapture of the Church. Believing God's promises to Israel will cause you to know that God is going to regather and restore all twelve tribes of Israel to land that he promised to them and rule and reign all nations of the world from their capital city of Jerusalem, nestled in the 'Holy Hills of Zion' (not in the 7 hills of Rome!) Discarding the Pope's allegorical methods will cause a believer to understand from the Revelation of Jesus Christ that Christ himself returns as King of kings and Lord of lords to sit on the Throne of David and rule from that city for a literal 1,000 years of the dispensation called “The Millennial Reign of Christ.” Discarding John Calvin's Institutes and clutching a King James Bible will cause you to realize that there is a literal 7 year 'Tribulation Period' wherein God's literal wrath is poured out on this world, that there is a literal 'Abomination of Desolation' that raises his ugly head 3 ½ literal years into that period, and the literal Salvation of Israel the nation is accomplished in a literal 'Battle of Armageddon' that ushers in this literal reign of Christ for the last dispensation of time. God's Word trumps Reformed Theology every time.

Msg# 1242 The Close of This Dispensation

When one understands the seven epic spans of human testing which God orchestrates for humankind, one can understand the word 'dispensation' in Ephesians 3, and the close of our current dispensation as well as the 2^nd Coming of Christ. Without a dispensational understanding one will never grasp the transition from the 'Dispensation of Grace' that Paul writes about to the 'Dispensation of Millennium' that Christ speaks about. Without it one cannot comprehend God's transition of dealing with his Church to dealing with his Chosen Nation. Without it one confuses God's dealings with the Church with God's dealings with Israel and their 144 thousand. With it we can visualize the seven stages of Church history and the importance of each Church message in the Revelation of Jesus Christ. With it one can understand the two trumpet calls, one to gather the saints to meet the Lord in the clouds of the air, and one that calls Israel to the promised land when his foot touches down on the Mount of Olives. Understanding that God will end the presence of His Ecclessia in this world, when he calls to them “Come up hither,” clarifies the removal of the restrainer, his Holy Spirit, that indwells them. The way is made clear for the White Horse, the Red, the Black and the Pale, which usher in a 7 year tribulation like this world has never seen. Indeed Mattthew24, Mark13, and Luke21, yeah the whole of the 'Olivet Discourse' now comes into a clear crisp focus, when, and only when, one comprehends the dispensations of God spoken of as the mystery in Ephesians. Most Christendom think they replaced Israel and Christ will never occupy Jerusalem. There is only a remnant of Bible believers who comprehend dispensationalism. They were called re-baptizers, today just Baptists.

Msg# 1243 The Transition to the Next Dispensation

The seven year transition from the Church to the Millennial Kingdom is easily outlined by the Bible believer who rightly divides the Word of Truth. It is transitional and described by Christ as a “Great tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time...” In the Revelation a close of this world as we know it is written in a seven sealed book that can be opened only by “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, … the Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes.” Before the book is open the seals must needs be removed and seven trumpet blasts, each saying “I told you so,”must be sounded. When the Lamb, that the believer knows, removes the first seal on the book, out comes a conqueror on a white horse. The three horses which proceed from the next three seals make it evident that this conqueror is not a good nor permanent thing. Indeed, just as the seal removal is preparatory to the opening of book, the events related to each seal are preparatory to the wrath the will unfold in this seven year tribulation. The seventh seal unveils seven trumpets, also preparatory to the opening of the book. At the halfway point through the seven years, 3 ½ years in, when the abomination of desolation breaks the contract set up with Israel, the seals are gone, the trumpets promising woe have all sounded, the wrath of God begins to pour out of the opening book. The world scoffs and laughs at the number 666 and a battle called Armageddon. The Bible believer has been given these truths to ennoble and embolden their witness. Let it have its perfect work.

Msg# 1244 The Last of the Dispensations

The Millennial Reign of Christ is both undeniable and incomprehensible. “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that they shall no more say, The LORD liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; But, The LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.” (Jer 23) Christ's literal 1,000 year reign was so incomprehensible that Clement, a 3^rd century philosopher of Alexandria Egypt denied it completely. Origin, his student and the father of Bible criticism, passed on Clement's faithless unbelieving hearsay to Saint Augustine who secured it for the Roman church who fastened it into Calvin's Covenant Theology and election philosophy! Let God be true and every man a liar, there is coming a 1,000 year reign of Christ, wherein Satan is bound, the curse is lifted, and the wolf and the lamb nap together. Swords are beat into plows, and every nation marches to Jerusalem to worship the Christ sitting on the throne of David. There is a temple built there which is far larger than that whole city is today. And departing from it men “look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against (God): for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched;...” Incomprehensible, but believable. Very believable.

Msg# 1245 Lahai-roi - He Sees Me

Psalm 33:12 says “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.” Arguably the United States of America could have laid claim to that clause, but that was years ago. If the religion of a nation is what it teaches her children, the USA changed drastically about the time of the Stokes trial. Now teaching them to worship the creature more than the Creator. The Psalm goes on to clarify that God is watching all from heaven. He points out the feckless efforts of kings (and presidents) of human strength or of horses (war machines). Nor is our salvation found in a voting booth! In America the majority is in favor of woman conveniently killing their children in the womb and they approve sodomy as an alternate parenting technique. The majority call evil good, and good evil. The Psalmist makes it clear that “The eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him” and “upon them that hope in his mercy.” Is his eye upon you? Isn’t it great being in the eye of our Creator? American children, after Stokes, were brought up and trained that a dog eventually mutates into a horse; don’t expect normal thinking from them. After the election dust settles, there will only be a minority that will say “Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.” Join this minority in America, you will only get gross intolerance from the world, but you get the Creator's eye. God says, “Blessed are all they that put their trust in the LORD.” This Psalm starts with a command to rejoice, praise, and sing. You have got his eye; be about His business.

Msg# 1246 A Golden Rule for Sheep

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” is the golden rule recited and rehearsed by religion, and once-upon-a-time by all school children, but it falls way short of what Jesus actually taught. Jesus taught his rule no less than three times to no less than three audiences. Each account records two commandments: “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Jesus' 'golden rule' has two parts but even so the second part is much larger than what we 'do' or don't 'do' to each other. In fact it is larger than a rule, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another.” When a professed believer is missing His love you can glimpse through a sheep's clothing. If you are a 'believer' who can harbor hate for your 'neighbor' check you own 'sheep's clothing', it might be you are not clothed in His righteousness. If you are entangled in a Baptist Church fight look around because somebody there is not loving their neighbor as they love themselves, and you can get a glimpse through their sheep's clothing, perhaps find a wolf. When you glimpse, check to see if you love that person like Jesus does and you can check out your own duds. “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments … For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” No Christ, no Love. Know Christ, know Love.

Msg# 1246b A Rebuttal to Gov. Huckabee

Yesterday, Tue, Nov 13, from a college day room, I overheard a portion of your interview on some talk show and was sorely disappointed in the host but equally in your argument. He said that you said people would go to hell for voting wrong. He then gave you ample opportunity to explain why a person goes to hell and despite my whispered prayer that you get this one right, you missed the opportunity with royal disgrace. You chose rather to try and teach the mocking jeering lost world about a 'bema seat' judgment where saints will one day stand. Please re-evaluate your profession, if you ever 'had it' you have certainly lost your ability to be a Preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Certainly saints will answer for their actions, but you were not preaching to saints yesterday. You had an ideal opportunity to explain to a mocking host that people go to hell for rejecting the perfect redeeming work of the only begotten son of God, that it is not of works lest any man should boast, that God so loved that world that ….” You absolutely missed it Mike Huckabee. You left your host and all his jeering fans thinking their righteous works would determine where they go for eternity. It is high time to ask yourself what is your profession? You used to be a Preacher of the Gospel, now you are no more than a governor with no gospel witness even visible. I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Very sad.

Msg# 1247 A Thanksgiving Stairway

It is applicable for all humanity, certainly all Gentiles. It is applicable for all nations, certainly for ours that just took an irreversible step into progressive social liberalism via a 51% vote. It is applicable to all individuals, even professed Christians. “Because that when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful.” (Rom1:21a) The seven steps listed in this staircase lead humanity, nations, and individuals down and away from God. The top step is to know God. To actually know him in every sense of the word. The first step down and away is to 'glorify Him not.' The first and greatest commandment involves giving Him all glory. The second step down and away is in not being thankful. In Adam all humanity knew God; in his offspring humanity took the six steps down and away and ended up underwater. In Shem, Ham and Japheth all nations knew God; each steps down and away to reach the lowest ebb of depravity and call sodomy acceptable! God tries the reigns of every man; He sent the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world,” but individuals descend down this staircase away from God, and no matter their upbringing or education, they land on that bottom step. Two crucial questions need to be addressed. Which step you crossing? and Which direction you going? I am thankful that I was born and raised in a country that has a national day of Thanksgiving. Although all nature and all nations decline down those stairs, by God's grace I will not cross the step where I am not thankful, I'll face up, give God his glory and come to know him more each day. No matter which step, move up a step or two this Thanksgiving week.

Msg# 1248 The Gospel As First Presented

A student of the first preaching of the gospel will know Peter’s outline in Acts 2. Your gospel preach should start, as did this message, with an explanation that you are not just drunk or weird or abnormal. You have been touched by the hand of God and now have the presence of the Holy Spirit of God, just like the Bible says. Most of the world thinks Bible Believing Christians are just weird; Peter clarified their misconceptions right up front. Clarify that what happened to you is exactly what the Bible says should happen. Next clarify that there is a judgment day coming and they need to be saved from that great and notable day of the Lord. Then, as in verse 21 introduce the gospel: “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. “ Four points make a solid introduction. Now Peter introduces Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God. They must know the man before they know the Christ, so be meticulous. This Jesus was crucified, by God’s design, and God hath raised him up victorious over death. God’s Word says that this was to happen to the Christ, and Jesus was the Christ! And this Christ is seated at the right hand of God exalted. Jesus is the Lord! Whosoever believeth on him, cannot do so until they believe in Jesus, that he was Christ, and He is Lord, vrs36, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. “ Now they were pricked in the heart. Not by Peter’s words, but by God. You cannot do God’s job here, just do yours, preach the gospel to every creature.

Msg# 1249 How To Have A Merry Christmas

The literary structure of the Bible book of Isaiah is striking when one takes a step back to look at the larger scope. After a pentateuch of introduction, chapter six. After the king dies and a Godly man sees his own woe, his own undone condition, and his own unclean lips, God touches his lips, takes away his iniquity and purges his sin. Then the voice of the Lord cries, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” The cleansed one says, “Here am I send me.” Chapter seven, the LORD spoke again and said, ”Hear ye now, O house of David: ... Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (which is God with us.)” Chapter eight, Moreover the LORD said unto the prophet, “Take a great roll, and write the message down with a man's pen.” In chapter nine that pen wrote that the dimness shall not be, … “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Chapter ten, “Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness,...” Chapter eleven, there shall come forth a rod with the seven spirits of God upon him and he shall judge the earth. Now, finally, chapter twelve outlines how to have a very Merry Christmas and blessed Holy-Day. Keep the bigger perspective this year and do all six of these verses. Merry Christmas.

Msg# 1250 One Word, One Lord

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise.” For a believer the double meanings captured in this little clause opening the New Testament of the Holy Bible is unparalleled. Although copyright mongering Bible Societies have drummed the truth out of the majority, there is only on Bible, and even the boy behind the plow can own the real thing. Unparalleled. The wisdom of the birth of God's perfect wisdom born in flesh is presented in such a way that whosoever believeth on the Only Begotten Son of God, shall never perish. In this wise there is a lot bundled into a name. There are six Marys in the Bible. The mother of Jesus and her sister, likely an in law sister, Mary of Bethany, sister to Lazarus and Martha, and Mary Magdalene takes a quick count to four. Jame the less's mom and John Paul's mom make six. Believers discipled enough to deny papal infallibility know that Mary that bore Jesus also bore his half brothers James and Joses, Judah and Simon and their sisters. (Matt6:3) But there is only one Jesus, the Saviour of mankind; only one Christ, the anointed one from God; only one Virgin Birth; only one Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, “God with us”; only one Lord, you will not be saved until you call him your Creator, Owner, Master, Lord; (Rom 10:13) Paul exalts that name “An apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; ... Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.” Indeed only one Word that became flesh, and yeah, only one Word that this former plowboy holds in his lap. God is Good. Merry Christmas, and be wise.

Msg# 1251 Joy and Sorrow

The joy of Christmas contrasts the anguish of loss this week. The merriment of celebration is subdued by the pain of sorrow. The promise of Messiah now contrasts with the dire depravity of man. That God so loved the world is the more striking when the deplorable inhumanity of one of our own is so vividly displayed. We have grown to expect the butchering of children in history books about dark ages or dark continents, perhaps even in some backward culture with suicide bombers targeting school children, but not in Newtown Connecticut, not in our civilized society. In the anguish and sorrow, in the shock and dismay, do not let the contrast be lost; mankind did indeed need a Saviour, a Messiah, an Emmanuel, a Lord; and God did indeed 'so love' that he gave his only begotten son. There was no room for him in this depraved world, and he was born in a barn. It is meet that the Lamb that taketh away the sin of the world was there worshiped by a few shepherds. Fitting that the King of kings was worshiped then by only a few kings from the East. While we press toward the celebration of the birth of God's Only Begotten Son there is a cruel shadow of man's inhumanity and depravity emanating from Connecticut, but from there is also a somber chord of compassion struck, which rings out to every feeling soul. The world's dire need for a redeemer is the more manifest. Celebrate the Messiah's arrival and incorporate any grief and dismay, mixed well with Christian compassion, to touch the hurting world we live in. Use even this tragedy to make a more manifest presentation of His gospel to those effected by it. And consider that all humans are effected by it.

Msg# 1252 Keep The Main Thing The Main Thing

In the Bible wisdom clarified that every man born was given the travail of understanding with wisdom everything that happened under heaven. That task looms large through this Christmas season where our God and Creator is allowing catastrophes to exaggerate and punctuate the extreme callus of man's depravity. It should not frustrate the Bible believer when calamity draws these clear lines of distinction between our Biblical world view and the Darwinian world view; indeed it should embolden. They conclude that guns are the problem. The frustration rises as we realize how asinine such a conclusion is, and the error arises when we head off on a campaign to advance the 2^nd amendment when we need to step back, see the bigger picture and realize anew that “People Need The Lord!” Majority democratic vote has brought us to killing babies in the womb, sodomites adopting children, legal pot smoking on America's corners, advancing socialism, repressing capitalism and the destroyed fiber of our constitution. Our 2^nd amendment will soon go away by the popular vote of a Darwinian world. A Christian's articulation need not expose this insanity; it needs to give witness to the only solution “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; … And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.” Wisdom says “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.” Be kingly this Christmas; search it out, and then preach it out. Merry Christmas.

Msg# 1253 Auld Lang Syne

Scottish poet Robert Burns asks, “Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?” then answers “For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.” That's 'Old long ago', for those with no Scottish flare. There are some things of long ago that are better forgotten but old acquaintance should be remembered. The 'pint cup' that is lifted in Robert Burn's old drinking song should never touch a Christians lips, but the idea's invoked by the poet are applicable and surely better captured by Paul in his letter to Christians at Philippi. Therein God captures Christ, the believer’s life, rejoicing in suffering, (1:1-30); Christ, the believer’s pattern, rejoicing in lowly service, (2:1-30); Christ, the believer’s object, rejoicing despite imperfections, (3:1-21); and Christ, the believer’s strength, rejoicing over anxiety, (4:1-23). In this epistle notice there are 3 things that can, if you let them, embitter our memories of 2012 or rob our joy from 2013. People can be joy robbers, but Paul encourages us instead to rejoice in sufferings and in service. Christ said even our enemies should invoke our compassion and ministry. Remember, old things are passed away and all things are become new so that we may be 'ministers of reconciliation'. Circumstances can be joy robbers, but we are reminded that imperfections and trials should produce trust. The trial of your faith should produce praise, honor and glory. Lastly worry can rob your joy, but we see that Christ, the believer’s strength, is to produce rejoicing over anxiety. “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. … I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Happy New Year.

Msg #1301 The Liberal Soul

For our Church to be faithful to the commission Christ gave we must take part in sending foreign evangelists preaching the gospel around the world. We have the Picketts in Manitoba, and support, in a small part, a dozen other missionaries around the globe. We want to do more in 2013. We are blessed with folks who give sacrificially and specifically to these missions. Paul's letter to the Philippians closes with six encouragements about their outreach. 1) Stay Faithful - “Now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful.” (4:10) 2) Stay Content - “For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (4:11) Paul told Timothy “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” Christ instructed us “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?” 3) Stay in Communication - “Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.“ (4:15) 4) Stay Fruit Bearing - “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” (4:17) 5) Stay God Pleasing - “But I have all, and abound: I am full, ... an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.” (4:18) and finally 6) Stay God Believing - “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (4:19) Philippi had here a great encouragement to stay liberal in their missions obligation. So do we. “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.“

Msg #1302 The Outline of All Outlines

A marvelous thing about the outline of God's revelation to Isaiah is that it is an outline of God's revelation to mankind, the Holy Bible. First described is the descent of man as he wanders from the place that God intended for him. “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for Jehovah hath spoken: I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.” Next it is made clear that there is a judgment pending. “The lofty looks of man shall be brought low, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and Jehovah alone shall be exalted in that day.” Third, God desires to pardon mankind. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith Jehovah: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Fourth, God does have a point of no return. “If ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of Jehovah hath spoken it.” Fifth, God will send a Daysman Redeemer. “Zion shall be redeemed with justice, and her converts with righteousness.” Indeed, He has sent his Only Begotten Son, … “For unto us a child is born...” Sixth God will always save a remnant. “Except Jehovah of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, we should have been like unto Gomorrah.” And lastly, one day God will restore all Israel, and then all the redeemed of mankind. “And it shall come to pass in the latter days, that the mountain of Jehovah’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.”

A Question On the name of GOD

Pastor, I've never had an issue believing God's Word (1 Cor 13:7) since I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour , perhaps living it but definitely not believing it. If that's what the Word of God says then I take it as truth (Jn 17:17). Here's my question. Jehovah??? It appears 7x in the Bible either as just Jehovah (Ex 6:3) or as Jehovah-something (Gen 22:14, Ex 17:15, etc.) and I've also been told that "LORD" is English for the Hebrew word Jehovah transliterated. I honestly don't know how to ask this question, but I'll do my best, Why is it like this at all? I certainly don't want to remove 'Jehovah' from the Bible as the NKJV and New Age bibles but I have no explanation for those "Christians" that use these new age bibles when dealing with this issue and building their faith in the Word of God rather than to create quakes of doubt. Pastor, I've been following you for some time now and find you to be a faithful, loving man of God and so trust your teaching when dealing with the Bible (AV 1611). Please help me.

Thanks for asking. I love this name and every disciple needs to be its student. As you stated the name Jehovah is normally shown in English Scripture as “LORD” with all capitals. Sometimes in compound names it may be shown as “GOD” with all capitals. In the seven times that you mention, (Ex 6:3, Ps 83:18, Isa 12:2, and Isa 26:4, compound in Ge 22:14, Ex 17:15, Jud 6:24) the English translation “JEHOVAH” is used for clarification purposes; i.e. Isa 26:4 states it as “Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.” instead of “Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD the LORD is everlasting strength. ” The latter is indeed how modernist bibles render these more complex references where the actual name of JEHOVAH is more clear and better used. A good ground rule for ALL modernist English translations is that their driving concern was not truth, accuracy or clarity, but to establish and record 60,000 deviations from all previous translations. That is the only way they could get their work to have a lucrative copyright. In these 7 instances they could not use the simple clarity found in the King James Translation and still secure their copy right.

The name JEHOVAH, shown in English as LORD, comes from the Hebrew word YHWH and is in the Old Testament Scriptures 6,519 times. (6,510 times in English as LORD, 4 times as GOD, 4 times as JEHOVAH, and once as a variant.) The English pronunciation for this unpronounced Hebrew word was derived by inserting the vowel sounds from the other names for God. Most modernist scholars think they have done better by pronouncing it Yahweh. I do not trust modernist ecumenical profit motivated scholars and I use the old English derivation JEHOVAH. C.I. Scofield places a table entitled “God is revealed through His names” after the close of Malachi on page 983. It has been very helpful to me and is repeated here (without his permission, although Scofield and I go way back, ... 1960)

I trust this helps. It was a blessing for me just to review it here. Keep up the faith and contend for the faith, and God bless.

Msg #1303 Judgment of our Progressive Direction

“Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at they presence, ... to make thy name known to they adversaries, that the nations may tremble at they presence! … For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.” Isaiah chapter 64 is only two chapters before the end of the book. We are approaching the final chapter of God's book as well. God desires to pardon; God sent His Redeemer; mankind is in rebellion; mankind is without excuse. Even so come Lord Jesus. There will soon be a one world religion. It will be pitted against Judaism. There will soon be an one world government. It will be pitted against Israel. Replacement Theology, wherein the Universal Church claims all the promises made to God's elect, is equally pursued by Catholic and Reformed theologians. John Calvin teaches Christians are the new-improved elect, and replacements for Israel. Christians dare not be ignorant of Satan's tact in the Church. The liberal progressive agenda, deceptively outlined in the inauguration speech this week, declares “In the Voting Machine We Trust.” It will cast out the constitution and install progressive Darwinian government; cast out capitalism and install socialism; cast out decreed morality and install popular morality subject to majority vote. The one world government will be voted in by an American people ignorant of this agenda which currently owns 52% of voters. Our president considers 52% as a mandate to press on with progressivism. Christians dare not be ignorant of the liberal Darwinian progressive agenda documented by Woodrow Wilson and today aggressively pursued by the Democratic party and the press.

Msg #1304 Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?

What is a Christian to do when all the world is against him, when world religion pits themselves against the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, when even our freedom founded government calls wrong right and right illegal? Isaiah 12 puts it like this, “In that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.” The born again believer has a brand new position in Christ. We might be a minority, but we alone have Him as our comforter. God is my SALVATION. Only four times in the Bible is the personal name of God even translated into English. Verse 2 is one of those. The name was used 6,519 times and never pronounced in Hebrew. In reading the Hebrew, even today, the name 'Adonai' (English “LORD”) is always pronounced when “JHVH” is encountered in Scripture. So too the King James translators carefully did the same as they put this word in English. It is not to be used lightly or in vain. We can trust and not be afraid because “the LORD JEHOVAH” is my strength and my song; HE also is become my SALVATION! Praise His holy and revered name. Well water is refreshing and life giving. We use it for cleansing as well as drinking. When verse 3 says “Therefore” we should remember what it is there for, and when it says “With joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation,” we should visit those wells daily. Five things to do in that day 1) Praise the LORD, 2) call upon his name, 3) declare his doings among the people, 4) make mention that his name is exalted and 5) Sing unto the LORD. Let's get going.

Msg #1305 Love & Marriage Illustrated

God punctuates the book of Jeremiah with illustrations that fit well into an application for our pre-Valentine's Day look at love and marriage. The opening is markedly simple. “Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree.” This rod of an almond tree portrays the rod that budded when God made his selection of Aaron as his high priest. Our application is found in a counselor's question to the fighting couple in his office “Sir, why in the world did you ever marry this woman?” It is a good place to start. Remember your engagement and marriage. Remember what it was to be infatuated and in love and take her by the hand and go back there with your wife for an afternoon or two. The followup illustration is the seething pot! What a description of judgment awaiting the unfaithfulness of Israel and Judah. It is scathing! You made a vow to be faithful to that sweet thing till death do you part. The consequential judgment for your infidelity is likewise scathing. Most need to get a dictionary out for Valentines Day and see what it means to say “And so I plight thee my troth!” Jeremiah 13 is God's curious illustration about linen underwear. Suffice it here to say that marriage is the most intimate thing that will ever touch the bosom of man, and it is holy, yeah, holier than the linen underwear in God's illustration here. Again, flee fornication. Lastly, Jeremiah was taken to the potters house “and behold he wrought a work on the wheels.” You two are one-flesh and a godly work in progress. Don't muck up the vessel with your selfishness. Let love have her perfect work.

A Response: God's Hebrew is Like Technicolor

When we stood on the Southern Steps of the Temple in Jerusalem we stood where Jesus stood, we walked where Jesus walked, we sat and listened where his disciples sat and listened; Yeah, on the very same stones. It took my Bible from black and white to living technicolor. It seems acceptable to make such analogy and use that illustration. But when I said studying Greek and Hebrew did the same thing for me, I was amazed at the backlash from King James Onlyites who expected I had abandoned and threatened their reverence for the King James English. One might be a little sensitive for infidels who say “A better translation is ...” I get that. But being called a hypocrite and turncoat for loving the experience of learning Greek or Hebrew is a little cultic. Holy Scripture is not purified the 7^th time in the English as some have errantly supposed. The King James does not supersede nor exceed the Original Languages. Reading the original languages does indeed bring a vibrant new life and aspect to the Scripture just as much as standing on the Sea of Galilee and boarding a replica of the fishing boat Peter stepped out of enlivens a new awareness of Scripture. It is still like going from black and white and stepping into living color. I can declare so while still testifying that the King James is a perfect English translation of God's original languages. That is not hypocritical! Satan teamed with Brook Foss Westcott (1825-1903) and Fenton John Anthony Hort (1828-1892) to malign and destroy the Greek manuscript line and produce every bastardized modernist English bible in existence. That does not make the study and use of Greek the culprit! Those in the King James Only camps need to set aside their Greek & Hebrew phobias. Just because a Pastor uses a Strong's Concordance or loves the study of Hebrew that does not make them compromised; indeed it makes him competent. Does everyone need to stand on Mount Moriah or Mount Calvary to grow? Give me a break! I stand by my colloquial quote. Learning Greek or Hebrew is still like adding living color! Let's all mature a little bit.

Msg #1306 Valentines Day God's Way

God's instructions for our marriage relationships are succinctly outlined by Apostle Peter and Paul writing identical instructions to two audiences. Peter states that wives are to submit to their husbands and husbands are to dwell with and honor their wives. At the same time Paul writes the identical outline to the Church at Ephesus stating wives submit, husbands love. The perfect example in both outlines, for both parities is our Lord Jesus Christ who submitted even unto death, and loves with an everlasting, unconditional, selfless love. Indeed Paul holds up the supreme intimacy of the marriage relationship for a human visualization of how very much Christ loves his Church. The two relationships serve to build foundations of understanding for each other. In Jeremiah 42 Johanan and a remnant of Jews come to the man of God and solemnly promise to do whatever God reveals to Jeremiah as the proper behavior in their situation. God reveals what he desires for them, Jeremiah preaches it to them plainly and in chapter 43 Johanan and his proud men refuse to do it God's way; calling God's preacher a liar and a false prophet. That is a pretty astonishing account except for those who have seen it over and over. The femin-nazi of our day boldly declare God's Word the liar and the preacher of the Gospel a false prophet. God is very clear about the husband wife relationship in marriage. So who are you going to trust? Each of us has that rebellion against God's truths dwelling in our nature. “Well I tried that submission stuff and it just will not work for us.” Really? Do you suppose then that God was mistaken when he made his command so very clear? Do it God's way and you can find marital bliss. Happy Valentines.

Msg #1307 Home is a Rigid Body

Before spring arrives, before regenerational hormones start to bloom, before the birds and bees start their annual visit it is altogether fitting to establish some of God's rules about love and marriage, home building and child rearing. An awesome key is in Lev19. There it states “Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy. Ye shall fear every man his mother and his father, …” Fear of mom and dad is essential in child rearing, but that needs some good understanding. In geometry only the three sided polygon forms a rigid body. Love, security, and significance, the rigid body frame for a Godly home must have these three sides. These must first be present in ones marriage relationship. A dysfunctional marriage relationship has dysfunctional parenting. Love is not a gushy way of feeling, it is a command of God, a command to be selfless and unconditional. If you refuse that for your spouse your child will know. They are very perceptive. Security comes into the marriage relationship with the clause “until death do us part.” If you will not make or pursue that vow with your spouse your child will taste insecurity in their nurturing. Imagine life where you are significant to nobody. A child who sees a parent insignificant to their spouse knows the flavor of insignificance in their own life. God intends that a child be in the protective custody of a mom and a dad who are locked in a rigid body of selfless unconditional love, with until death security, and “I sincerely care about you” significance. Being a good parent will first involve building that rigid body. Let's get building. Grayer heads can teach some rigid body geometry to their grown children and grand children. It is essential for our Godly homes.

Msg #1308 Child Rearing's Two Laws

Parenting; when a child misses God's two 'must-learn' commands they never get to the 'should-learn' list. God targets children with only two commands, fear your mother and father, and obey your mother and father. (Lev 19:3, Eph 6:1) These capture the heart of the parent child relationship and are the most persistent challenge of child rearing; but still the most needed objective. God commands it of your child and a parent's highest priority needs to be training these two commands into their character. Hanging commands on a wall-plaque in their room will not get it done. It will take consistent, persistent discipline in daily life to get it done. That is the ingredient most lacking in this generation and installing it into the next will require a major change in how most do their parenting. The strong-willed child which doctors may excuse is nothing more than a child who has more will, more time, and more patience than their parent, ergo they win every struggle and are in control. God's duel commands will not excuse a so-called strong-willed child. A child who does not fear and obey his parents has lazy, inept, or dysfunctional parents. Put that child in the hands of a military drill sergeant or a state shock-camp officer and they'll dig ditches and fold their underwear into a perfect four inch square with no less than a sir-yes-sir. The fault and problem is not with the child, it is with the parent. Do it God's way, instill these two commands into your child. You can do so only with God's 5 step program of Proverbs 19:18, 22:15, 23:13, 23:14, and 29:15 to get to 29:17 and avoid 17:25. That will often require a parent's major change, but changing is better than involving that shock-camp officer later on.

Msg #1309 He's Coming Soon, There's No Doubt

Events in our progressively liberal nation make Christians yearn for the second coming of Christ and the Kingdom's victory over secular atheism which unites with Rome and Mecca to war against right and Israel. Jesus said it would be like it was for Sodom and Gomorrah. That was unimaginable 50 years ago. When Jesus saw his disciples thinking that the Kingdom should immediately appear, he gave the parable of the noblemen gone into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. Therein he teaches us to “Occupy until he comes.” He teaches us that the citizens of this world will not have him to reign over them, despising his return. Lastly he teaches us that we have resource from him and are to use it all for our Lord, our Master and our coming King. The pound given to each servant in this parable is different from the talent in a previous parable. Here each of ten servants get one pound and are expected to show a gain in a day of reckoning. The amount of reward they receive in that day depends on how resourcefully they used the pound. For the servant there is coming a day of reckoning “For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given, and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.” “Occupy until I come” Jesus said. For those who would not have Jesus Christ to reign over them, citizens of this world who are not citizens of His Kingdom, He must say “Bring them hither and slay them before me.” Be ye ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of God is returning as King of kings and Lord of lords.

Msg #1310 Stewardship, of Every Breath

Three principled lessons from Jesus' stewardship parables are that servants have resources and responsibilities, that there is a day of reckoning coming and that no man knows the day nor hour of that day. His parable recorded in Matthew 25 is of keen interest for two reasons. It is emphasized that different servants are assigned different amount of resources. To one of “his own servants” he gives five talents, to another two and to another one. It indicates that the talents are given according to every mans “several ability.” As a lad I was taught in my Regular Baptist Church that this parable was about me using my trumpet playing 'talent' for the Lord. Use it or loose it, being emphasized as its theme. When I read the parable on my own I was absolutely appalled to find that the servant that did not use his talent for the Lord was cast into outer darkness where there was weeping and gnashing of teeth! Wow! My Sunday School teachers were teaching me that if I didn't play my trumpet in our worship service, “there would be hell to pay!” This is obviously NOT what Jesus was teaching in this parable. The “hell to pay” teaching of Jesus must here coincide with his gospel message that “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Rom10:13) Ergo the single talent given to this unprofitable servant can be nothing more than the breath of life and the light of Christ which “lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” (John1:9) “For God trieth the hearts and reins of every man.” (Psalm7:9, Jer11:20, 17:10) and he that believeth on Christ is not condemned but he that believeth not is condemned already. (John3:18) Got breath? You better use it for your Lord.

Msg #1311a Saint Patrick Was A Baptist

There was a 4^th century Baptist Missionary to Ireland named Succat Patricus and over one hundred years ago church historian W.A. Jarrell put into print that Patrick was not a Catholic priest, but rather a Baptist missionary. Other zealous historians of the 1800’s wrote, “Rome’s most audacious theft was when she seized bodily the Apostle Peter and made him the putative head and founder of her system; but next to that brazen act stands her effrontery when she ‘annexed’ the great missionary preacher of Ireland and enrolled him among her saints.”¹ From the History of the Welch Baptist we know there were Baptist Churches on the British Isle since 63 AD and from Succat Patricus' own writings we know his father, after his conversion to Christ, was a deacon in a Baptist Church. Baptists are distinct from Roman based Religions particularly by a soul's individual and INSTANTANIOUS new birth wherein a soul is Converted (with repentance toward God and faith in Christ), Justified, Quickened, Indwelt and wholly Immersed in Christ. Our derogatory name comes because all infant baptism is soundly rejected; holding to only believers baptism AFTER that personal conversion experience. At age 16 Patrick (that being his given Irish title rather than his given name) was forcibly taken from their Scotland farm to pagan Ireland as a slave. When he escaped and returned his father had died and the farm was lost. “Saint” Patrick was not a Roman Saint, able to answer Catholic prayers, but a saint of Christ who went back to Ireland to preach the saving gospel of his Lord and Saviour. There he established churches which only baptized born again believers, i.e. Baptist Churches. Saint Patrick was not even Catholic, he was indeed a Baptist Missionary and a Roman Catholic misnomer.

An Essay condensed from 9 pages of history by Dr. L. K. Landis and aptly contained in a tract from WILDERNESS VOICE PUBLICATIONS Fellowship Baptist Church P.O. Box 393 Liberal, KS 67901 (316) 624-7601

Msg #1311 Scruples in Your Stewardship

There is much to be learned in failure. A little grey matter allows us to learn from someone else's failure without our own stumble. Isaiah 5:1-7 puts Israel's failed stewardship into song. Not much rhyme or meter but like all Hebrew poetry it is profoundly loaded with pertinent depth. “What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it?” Profound! Jesus takes up the refrain in parable in Mark 12:1-12. Self centered, greedy, unscrupulous, pathologically violent men took over God's vineyard. Likewise, a new pope cannot erase the Crusades, John Wycliffe and William Tyndale's blood, nor bloody Mary's smoldering faggots at Smith's Field, John Rogers burning with his Bibles, Thomas Cranmer's execution for standing on the Great Bible, or unmitigated Jesuit Tyranny! Roman 'Christianity' is replete with the unscrupulous! Is yours? Five times Christ repeats the commission he left his saints. “Go ye and teach all nations.” (Matt 28:18-20) “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15-16) “It behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: that repentance (NOT 'penance') and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations.” (Luke 24:46-48) “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” (John 20:21) “And ye shall be witnesses unto me” (Acts1:8) The wide road of corporate 'Christianity' via Catholicism, Protestantism, Calvinism, and/or Denominationalism gives His vineyard a very black-eye. There is a narrow gate and a straight path. (Matt17:13-14) “Strive to enter in at the strait gate.” (Luke13:24). Robe yourself in scruples. Be a good steward. Take up His resources. Take up the cross. Do what your Lord commands, and occupy until He comes back to say “Well done thou good and faithful steward.” Preach the Gospel.

Msg #1312 A Passover Lamb Without Blemish

The days leading up to Easter Sunday mark a very precious time for the Bible believing Christian. It has nothing to do with pagan ashes on ones forehead and the Roman practice of lent. It has everything to do with rightly dividing Scripture and God's unfolding calendar. In accord with Exodus 12 where the first passover lamb was selected on the 10^th of the Hebrew month Abib, and slain on the 14^th day of their first month, even so on the 10^th of Abib they selected the last Passover Lamb when they cried, “Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.” Then on the 14^th day of that month they cried, “Crucify him, Crucify him.” Between the 10^th day and the 14^th day they were to separate the lamb from the flock, watching to be sure it was without spot or blemish before it was slain as their passover lamb. We have ample Scripture to examine the Lamb of God. Scripture reports how he was daily in the temple teaching and healing. On that Palm Sunday after his Triumphal entry he went to the Temple and overthrew the money changers. After cursing a fig tree he arrived at the Temple early on Monday to do the same. On Tuesday morning early the disciples noted the withered tree and a lawyer asked about the first commandment. On Wednesday he took his disciples to an upper room and washed their feet. Don't let some clergy tell you what he thinks, search the Scriptures and find the perfect Passover Lamb and receive him as your Lord and Saviour. If you already have, examine the Lamb again this year and marvel again how he is without spot and blemish.

Msg #1313 Easter and April Fools

The excitement and energy of the resurrection morning is best captured in the foot race toward the empty tomb. The casual unbelief and indifference toward the resurrection is best captured in the walk down the Emmaus road. The brazen doubt and skepticism award is won, hands down, by the disciple forever tagged as 'Doubting Thomas.' So I gauge my own response and Jesus responds to each in kind. Three disciples which were close at hand whenever Jesus turned around became Christ's inner circle. It is not revealed how James missed the foot race, but Peter and John only heard that the body of their Lord was missing before the race ensued. Only a glimpse into the empty tomb and a noting of the napkin that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes caused their assured belief. Inner circle disciples are that way, and the Lord is pleased with quick belief and ready faith. The indifference of the disciples on the Emmaus road is rebuked by Christ, “O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?” It is the Scriptures that dispel their foolishness and his breaking of bread that reveals the truth. Doubt and skepticism is given brazen rebuke. “Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless but believing.” Quick belief and ready faith please our Lord. And without faith it is impossible to please him. These three recorded reactions to the Christ and His resurrection make a good barometer to measure faith. Can others see your faith? The day after Easter being April fools it should be asked, Whose fool are you?

Always Critical of a Critical Text

It cannot be overemphasized in these last of the last days that ANY critical text is edited by critics and is not to be trusted to be the Word's of God. Critic is polite for infidel. Ecumenical counsels bonded together into Bible societies to copyright and profit from what the critics thought God meant to say and some of you are trusting their opinions and using modernist bibles. I thought this travesty was predominately cornered in the Westcott and Hort pollution of the Greek text but was mistaken. New King James fans should pay attention to this note I was compelled to sent to our Biblical Hebrew Study Group:

I added this note to my Learning Biblical Hebrew journal. I love it when a plan comes together.

Without more research the Hebraica Stuttgartensia is recommended for content of Hebrew with vowel points, not for content of Scripture. According to Jerry Rockwell of firstBible International, via "Unpublished Word", Vol 10, Num 1, Spring 2013, and Bleddyn J. Roberts' “The Old Testament: Manuscripts, Text and Versions” (pgs 10-11) and the “Cambridge History of the Bible”, NY, Cambridge University Press, 1969, the Biblia Hebraica is from the ben Asher Hebrew text, a critical text, and not from the ben Chayyim text that is the basis of the Authorized Version (KJV). In 1524-1525 Jacob ben Chayyim, a Hebrew Christian, put together the Second Rabbinic Bible. The First Rabbinic Bible had disappeared from history and ben Chayyim, like Erasmus for the Greek Text, went seeking evidence of the Hebrew Text, compiling a four volume edition. This Second Rabbinic Bible became the Textus Receptus of the Hebrew, is often called the Masoretic text, and was used by the King James translators. (It was NOT used by the New King James translators else they would not get their copy rights) (You know by now that the prefix 'ben' is Hebrew for 'son of', it is good to study Hebrew) This Hebraica Stuttgartensia, is recommended because of its easy access to Hebrew students and NOT for its certain origins. Be ye careful.

PS Subsequent I discovered that the Hebraica Stuttgartensia is a version of the corrupt Biblia Hebraica family of error and may be used effectively to study the Hebrew language but not the Hebrew Scripture. Thank you Pastor Bruce Varner.

PS That Biblical Hebrew Study Group may be joined by sending me an email and that "Learning to Read Biblical Hebrew Journal" can be accessed in draft at: (this link will need pasted into your browser)

Msg #1314 America's Inordinate Affections

How bad could it get when the people forgo the moral compass of right and wrong, a compass driven by God and dictated in His Word? America has rejected our Lord Jesus as their Christ as in his Luke 19 parable, “His citizens hated him, and sent a message after him saying. We will not have this man to reign over us.” The book of Judges closes with answer to our question. It concludes in verse “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” But it concludes in His-story with shock and awe that appalls even the most vile. And it came to pass that a Levite lost his concubine who played the harlot and he went to her fathers house to retrieve her. A Levite, a supposed minister of Jehovah God, a teacher of the Law of God and example of his Holy God, had lost definition of marriage, spurned God's written law and lost natural affection while nurturing inordinate affection just like the world around him. Man pursues fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence and covetousness. The closing account in Judges, where this Levite gives his harlot concubine to marauding homosexual sodomites who rape her and leave her dead on his door step contains all these depravities of man. Society's calloused sensitivities are only appalled when 12 pieces of the dead concubine are dispersed throughout. An ugly war ensues when a whole tribe of Benjamin inordinately insists on defending the homosexual's 'civil rights' to sodomize. God has already documented how far man will go when every man is doing what is right in their own eyes. What is a Christian to do? Our commission, Preach the gospel to every creature and occupy until He comes again.

Msg #1315 Jephthah's Awful Vow .. NOT Awful

In Judges chapter 11, Jephthah, the Gileadite, walks across the pages of God's Holy Word to reveal to us truths that God would have us know for certain. It is shallow to dismiss truths because some scholar has improperly analyzed them, and given them a label. Jephthah's awful vow is not awful, nor is it just Jephthah's vow that is in view here. Consider that Jephthah, because of his lowly birth, was rejected of his brethren: rejected and driven out into the land of Tob. There he remained, forgotten, until his people had a great need because the children of Ammon rose up against them. Now they called for Jephthah to come and deliver them. I contend that Jephthah's walk across a page of His-Story, is intended to reveal to us His Heart. One chapter previous, in context, we read: “Moreover the children of Ammon passed over Jordan to fight also against Judah, ... And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, ... And the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Did not I deliver you from the ... the Amorites..., and from the Philistines?... Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more. It is no small coincidence that God chose the rejected and exiled Gileadite to deliver his people. So what of Jephthah's 'awful vow'? Consider that in Numbers there is command “offer the Levites before the LORD for an offering unto the LORD.” Consider that there is only one human sacrifice that is themed in this whole book. Now consider that Jephthah's vow was not awful, but a revelation of God's vow. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Msg #1316 The Devolution of Democracy

Of thirteen judges in the Scripture's book of Judges only Abimelech was chosen by the people in a democratic process. In a society where people do what is right in their own eyes this sheds a curious light on a democratic failure; not pretty. Judges 9 records an Abimelech who is overpaid, overtly ruthless, and power mongering. He killed 70 of his own brothers to further secure his position. Rather than judge or deliver the people, like all the other judges, Abimelech reigns over them making himself a king instead of a judge. He considers his election a mandate to do whatever he wants no matter what the law of the land says. In Washington and in Albany our leadership think they are the omniscient elected public servants who can legislate the all-knowing rightful path. They are furious when our representatives and actual legislatures prevent them getting their own way. In every venue of a society, power corrupts. Our constitutional balance of powers is essential to our existence. The Holy Bible is awesome literature; it has a perfect author. It is interesting that there are only two fables written in the whole of God's Word. A fable is a moral story where animals or inanimate objects do the talking. In Judges 9:8-15 one of the two is used to prophecy the ironic destruction of the demented, elected leader, Abimelech. The moral of the longest chapter of Judges is this, while God chooses and empowers nobodies to be superb judges and deliverers, man, especially those who have thrown off their Creator's rulebook, cannot choose leadership well. Here we are 3,419 years after Abimelech, and instead of learning and applying God's recorded lessons, we have scoffed them to our children and banned them from our schools. That is the devolution of man.

Msg #1317 Judges, the Main Thing

Simon says, Take four steps back. That game is meant to teach careful obedience to only one master. Taking four steps backward through the book of Judges is meant to teach the same. We started at the end where a depraved society would have no God to reign over them, and every depraved man did what was right in their own eyes. We back stepped through the God selected judge, Jephthah, and found him and his vow a portrayal of what God was feeling and yet promising. A step back found us analyzing Abimelech, the leader chosen by majority vote and mimicking our own dilemma wherein it is said, In the voting machine we trust. One more step back puts us at the beginning of this book called Judges, and the ugly plight of mankind is portrayed in God's words. The people of God, fresh settled into the promised land, flowing with milk and honey, forsook the LORD God of their fathers and served other gods and bowed to them (2:12). They moved the LORD to anger, he delivered them into the hands of spoilers (vr 14), and yet he saved and delivered time and again with his judges. “And it came to pass when the judge was dead, that they returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them and to bow down to them.” Sounds like the Big Bang worshiping, humans came from monkeys reasoning, secular-humanist people I have been called to preach the gospel to! Indeed the book of Judges is a mirror, a mirror that shadows the face of the USA we are called to reach for Christ. Wow, … discouraged but not in despair, keep the main thing the main thing in these last of the last days.

Msg #1318 The Profound in Parable

Matthew 13 accounts seven parables given in rapid succession by Jesus of Nazareth. A parable is a paralleled simple, objective truth that prompts a deeper understanding of a more complex subject. In the hands of a master a parable can effectively do two opposites. For the seeing eye, the hearing ear, and the believing heart the parable is a profound revelation of the subject matter. For the blinded eye, the ear gone dull of hearing, and the heart waxed gross, the parable is a profound concealment of the subject matter. Jesus the Christ was the master teacher, making Matthew 13 and his seven parables profoundly interesting, … at least to some of us. Jesus the Son of God states it thus “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” The complex subject matter in view is the kingdom of heaven, and it is necessary to keep a wide vista in examining such a wide subject matter. The kingdom of heaven can be entered in this life, and once entered it is within you. Except ye be born again ye cannot enter (John 3), except ye be converted ye cannot enter (Matt 18) and, Neither say Lo here!, or lo there! For, behold, the kingdom of God is within you (Luke 17:21) The kingdom of God is also soon to come to Zion and be set up through his chosen, Israel. Disciples asked their resurrected Lord, Wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? The Only Begotten Son of God responded, Not quite yet. (Acts 1) The kingdom of God is also an everlasting thing, “For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2Pet 1:11) All this makes Matthew 13 all the more profound.

Msg #1319 Happy Mothers Day

In Proverbs 31 King Lemuel's mother knew some things that Scripture communicates well. What every mother needs is a daysman. The 'thus saith the LORD authority' declares in Job 9 that her sin, her guilt, her shortfalls and her pending judgment frames a need for an advocate and mediator. Every mother's need can be met in Job's recorded prophecy “I know that my Redeemer liveth.” (Job 19) Mom's #1 need is a daysman that saves from judgment. In verse 2 Lemuel's mother curiously describes three things that every mom is to be. She is to be a 'mothering trainer.' Every woman is created by God with moods, parts and hormones equipping her for mothering, not fathering. Second, notice the emphasis in this verse, a mother has a life giving womb. In our sick, depraved, and perverted society every mother needs to know and teach the three parts of conception; an egg, a sperm and a womb. Despite the ignorant law of ND there is no conception, child or pregnancy without a womb, and despite U.S. Court rulings, purposely separating a life from a woman's womb constitutes premeditated murder; lessons that need taught to all. Thirdly, in this curious verse, a mother is a wife with hallowed vows. The song, 'First comes love, then come marriage, then comes daddy pushing a baby carriage,” needs to be revived and rehearsed in our day. Lemuel's mom knew and taught that you cannot be a completed and Godly mother without vows to a father. Vows stating, 'till death do us part,” instill stability into God's child rearing entity, the home. No court, politician, or democratic vote can revise God's definition or design for the home, and King Lemuel's mother knew and taught these Godly truths. You should too. Happy Mothers Day.

Msg #1320 Stubborn Stiffnecked and Rebellious

The book of Psalms is divided into five volumes and when literary genius is divided in chapters, sections or volumes the third usually captures the heart of the matter. Psalm 78 is in the third volume of the Psalm collection and begins “Give ear, O my people, to my law.” This marvelous work of 72 verses goes on to expound the purpose of that law, the blessing of heading the law, and then the stubborn, rebellious, and stiffnecked reaction of man to God's law, and what God was finally going to do about that reaction. It is a tremendous study, worthy of considerable analysis. The leading illustration of stiffnecked rebellion and unbelief is captured in the tribe of Ephraim. The impressive list of things that should have secured complete belief fills 32 verses. There are then 10 verses to cover the 10 plagues of Egypt and then 12 more verses to document Ephraim's unprecedented pigheaded stubbornness and rebellion. Finally in verse 65 there is an amazing and disturbing analogy: “Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, and like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine.” Now look what God had to do to conquer the stubborn rebellion of man. He “smote his enemies in the hinder parts,” he “refused the tabernacle of Joseph,” and he chose the tribe of Judah, .. the mount of Zion, … and the Throne of David. If you will see your stubborn rebellion conquered you will have to approach a Jew that died on Golgotha of Mount Zion and now sits on the throne of David for ever and ever. The gospel is his death, burial and resurrection. Believing is seeing. Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me.”

Msg #1321 Beware of Darkness

On memorial day we commemorate, remember, and honor those who gave their life to secure and maintain our freedom. In this observation it becomes obvious that the battle for true freedom is ongoing. Oppressive darkness swallows freedom all around us. Just this week it swallowed the boyscout organization. They no longer have the freedom to call homosexuality and sodomy an immoral abomination to God, the God that they used to exalt and serve. It is a sad day when immorality triumphs by distorting 'civil rights' and even uses our federal government to provide leverage. We, as a nation are headed back into darkness. Ephesians5 says you were sometimes darkness. Before one is quickened by Christ, the unregenerate soul, the unsaved individual, is not only 'in' darkness, they 'are' darkness. The quickened are no longer darkness, they were converted to be light, but they have an adversary, and that adversary is darkness. In the Scripture the 'roaring lion' was at Golgotha, Psalm 22; it is the wicked and Godless leader, Proverbs 28; it is the false prophet/teacher, Ezekiel 22; and it is this ever present darkness in man. Ergo, you were darkness, your unsaved loved one still is, your lost neighbor is darkness, and your unregenerate coworker is darkness. Each is that roaring lion seeking whom they may devour. There is a battle going on and you must not only fight for right, you must fight for light. Be sober, be vigilant. They do need salvation; they are 'in' darkness; but be aware, they 'are' darkness. Don't be devoured. The lion takes the weak and stragglers, being those who skip out on Church attendance, Bible study, and prayer time. Ephesians warns us to be careful who we fellowship with, we were darkness, now we are light. Let your light so shine.

Msg #1322 All The Words of God

All modernists ecumenical Bibles completely leave out 20 verses that have always been in the Holy Bible. They say that Matt17:21 is not supposed to be in the Bible. They take their pen knife and cut it out! Then they take their knife and cut out Matt18:11, 23:14, Mark7:16, 9:44 & 46, 11:26, 15:28, Luke17:36, 23:17, John5:4, Acts8:37, 15:34, 24:7, 28:29, Rom16:24, and 1John5:7, then they take Col 1:14 and cut out the clause "Through His Blood" because they think God did not mean to say that. For over nineteen hundred years believers have considered these 20 verses to be inspired, inerrant, infallible Scripture. But now, modernist ecumenical scholars contend that no Bible in existence today is inspired. They contend that only the original manuscripts were inspired, i.e. only what came from the apostle's pen! All these original manuscripts are lost and, consequently, they say, there is no inspired Word of God in existence. They think, however, that their excellent 'textual-criticism' will be able to restore the originals from the two oldest existing manuscripts from Alexandria Egypt. Both manuscripts came from the pen of Roman Catholic Church Fathers, Clement of Alexandria and Origin of Alexandria. Catholic Saint Origin is considered the Father of Textual Criticism and the Father of the Allegorical Method, whereby Scripture “conceals a secret hidden meaning that only the supremely spiritually astute can see and comprehend.” Baptists never have trusted Catholics, especially their textual criticism. Look what they did to the Word's of God in Psalm 12:6 “The words of the LORD are pure words.” They pervert this verse to say “The promises of the LORD are promises that are pure”(RSV). Baptists will never agree with such folly. We use the ONLY complete English Bible with all these verses still intact, the Authorized King James Bible.

Msg #1323 Good Theology is not Reformed

When I, a retired systems engineer, pick up another eight volumes of systematic theology expect some profound critiques. Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer steps back from all previous theologians and profoundly presents a view he labels “The Church, the Body of Christ.” When one accepts the dispensational truth of Scripture, and then rightly divides the Word of Truth, the Church, being the body of Christ, occupies a central role of this dispensation, but not all dispensations. When the Covenant Theology of John Calvin and Roman Catholicism exalts the Catholic Church to occupy the central theme of all ages and all time, insisting that it swallow and replace Israel, as God's chosen and elect, insisting that it swallow and replace all the promises made to Israel, to Jerusalem, to Zion, to their regathering, to the literal throne of David, and to their 12 tribes and 144 thousand witnesses, it places an unpardonable strain on not only Biblical prophecy, but on the whole Bible, from Genesis to maps, and especially on the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Now, they say, only a few spiritually enlightened 'clergy' can see and interpret this allegorical, hidden and secret meaning of Scripture. That such nonsense, springing from Roman Catholic Church Fathers, Saint Clement of Alexandria, and Saint Origin of Alexandria, made it intact through the Protestant Reformation, and got grounded into John Calvin's Institutes, is downright diabolical. Chafer steps away from this bias to write a dispensational systematic theology that presents what the Bible actually intimates about the Church, the Body of Christ. It is unfortunate that Baptists, and even Baptist Preachers do not spend significant time studying theology, the greatest of the sciences. Only a little such study would keep Baptists well distanced from the Calvinistic TULIPS and their Reformed Theology that never really got reformed.

Response Msg #1323 Good Theology is not Reformed

I thought is was unique that you just sent out this penny pulpit. I've been dealing with this very thing. Is it not true that this "TULIP" doctrine came from Jerome a Roman Catholic and did not originate from John Calvin? And there was no Calvinist doctrine amongst true Bible believers in early history was it? And what about Charles Spurgeon, Calvinists or no? Well anyway I'd appreciate anything else you have on Calvinism and any advise you'd be willing to give. God bless you Bro. Rice and your family!

Thanks for writing with your concerns, it is good hearing from you. We have been in revival and faith promise meetings this week and have prayed for the Kesslers in Bulgaria.

Is it not true that this "TULIP" doctrine came from Jerome a Roman Catholic and did not originate from John Calvin?

The T.U.L.I.P. model came from the Presbyterians via some counsel which was convened because the Armenians had contended Presbyterian error in 5 points. True, John Calvin never did hear of the model, much less make it. The model does, however, carefully outline John Calvin's doctrine.

And there was no Calvinist doctrine amongst true Bible believers in early history was it?

Although it would not be called Calvinism, the notion that God predetermines everything that ever happens to an individual, especially the circumstances of his death, originated in Roman Catholic Church Fathers of Alexandria Egypt. It got firmed up via Jerome's Latin Vulgate with three very bad 'P's -penance, priests, and predestination, which then got grounded in Roman Catholic Saint Augustine of Hippo's very bad doctrine. Since Catholic Doctrine contains a Covenant type Theology and its Replacement Theology, and since that theology claims that the Catholic Church is the new Elect of God replacing Israel as such, it is natural that John Calvin's Reformed Theology would be quite messed up concerning the elect, dispensationalism and God's promises to Israel. Short answer, yes it was around since Roman Catholic Church Father Saint Clement, 3rd century, but it was found in Roman Catholic history not in 'true believers' history.

Charles wrote a defense of Calvinism which basically states that he could never be an Armenian who periodically looses his salvation. He was, like so many unstudied Baptists, holding onto Calvinism so he would not be called Armenian. A studied Baptist will shed the name of Calvinist as soon as he understands the larger picture. Spurgeon, although a tremendous orator, was enamored with the genius of Saint Augustine and John Calvin, and would not cross his intellectual heroes, even in their most damnable heresies. Sounds like to many Baptist I know.

More detail is given in my attached book, and I will send you my other book under another letter. www.GSBaptistChurch.com/elect/election_predest_man.pdf

I do not mean to belabor you, but you can tell you have asked some questions with which I struggled for many a year before getting it all resolved in my head, and I appreciate that others have to resolve this issue for themselves. It naturally concerns me when so many Baptists are falling into lockstep with both John Piper and John Calvin.

My greatest enlightening came when I reasoned that God created man with his own individual sovereignty, which we sometimes call free-will, although it is not really completely free. That means that, although God knows all that is knowable, he does not know, in fatalistic certainty, the decisions you have yet to make. In your delegated 'sovereignty', you are 'free' to go any of a number of ways. I know my wife. I know what she is doing tomorrow, next week and next year, but not with fatalistic certainty. God knows us better than we know a spouse, be he does not know us with fatalistic certainty, i.e. our fate is not predestined, ergo, whosoever will may come. You will have to get to a similar understanding to grapple with the exactness of Scripture, the election of saints for service, (not of the lost for salvation) and the 'whosoever will' declarations of God. Let me know how you make out.

A bigger picture analysis of Reformed Theology and its error is attached. I think it should be owned by every Baptist, but I am somewhat bias toward the author.

The subject of your email caught my attention as it seems many are talking about the same. I am just looking into all the debate but it seems to me that if one considers that God is the Creator of time itself and therefore above it that the debate is silenced regarding predestination since the essence of the concept integrates time. I would be interested to know your thoughts on this consideration!

In other words, God is able to see and orchestrate our world both as a snapshot and video and that view is beyond human understanding. So in time we have been given a choice but all in a snapshot is known and controlled by God - we have no words to describe or comprehend the latter because we are not capable of such a perspective.

In other words, God is able to see and orchestrate our world both as a snapshot and video and the snapshot view of an entire video is beyond human understanding. He is also able to intervene for us, thank you Jesus!

What a joy to hear from you, and especially to hear you weigh into this doctrine with such a profound understanding. The excellent explanation you gave is well regarded and accurate, but it cannot silence the debate. It is indeed perfectly logical that since God made the space-continuum, and is free to move in it without restriction; and God made the matter-continuum, and is free to move in it without restrictions; that God also made the time-continuum in such fashion that he is free to move in it without restriction. This profound analysis is likely the best that the finite will ever do in comprehending the infinite, and it is good that you worded it so well.

The real debate in this doctrine, however, is this: Does the prevailing error of three Johns, override the prevailing truth of John three? The three Johns are the protestant genius of John Calvin, the insightful theologian, Johnathan Edwards, and the contemporary Baptist, author, and 5 point Calvinist, John Piper. Of course, John 3 is the mainstay of a myriad of WHOSOEVER WILL Biblical teachings. The three Johns contend in their doctrine that God, before the foundation of the world, choose the individual souls which would be saved from hell, and the individual souls which would be condemned to hell. They are so predestined with an unchangeable fate, and nothing that they may think, say or do will ever change that predestination. There have been several persuasive arguments about the foreknowledge of God, the omniscience of God, and/or what you have addressed, that God is not restricted in time like we and our understanding is.

None of these arguments deal with the real issue; does man have any control of his own thoughts, his own decisions, his own actions, his own destiny? I have little doubt that you would answer the same way that your Bible does, yes, yes, yes, and yes. The error of the three Johns is that their answer is no, no, no and no. All that you said about time, and snapshots in it, is profoundly true. It still remains that a believer be able to word an understanding of 1) the whosoever will economy of salvation, 2) the sovereignty that is surrendered to man, and 3) that God changes his mind, (just ask Moses or Nineveh) especially relating to the truth that prayer changes things. (just ask Hezekiah, Joash, or Jesus.) We only have a finite mind. It is challenged to comprehend an infinite God. We cannot disallow the prevailing truth of John 3, no matter what the intellectuals who preceded us have done with a misguided doctrine of election.

The length of this answer reveals that you have touched a passion of mine. Bev and I are so glad to hear from you. We are doing well. Wishing we could see more of our 11 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. We also want to encourage you continue your growth in the knowledge of God and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Please write again.

Msg #1324 Are You Just IN the Light?

”No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24 aptly expresses the conflict of all ages. The two kinds of fruit in 7:20 and the two types of foundations of 7:26 equally come to bear on all ages but are much more applicable to this age of grace that we now operate in. In this dispensation we experience a completely different economy of righteousness. The New Covenant, that the Lord initiated, is different from anything ever seen in this world. The two masters, two fruits, and two foundations have always been in contrast and conflict, the one contrary to the other. They have been illustrated as oil and water, iron and clay, and light and darkness. But in this new economy of righteousness “Ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: … Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.” (Eph5:8,10) Christians are proving what light is. It is not that you were in darkness, but now you are in the light. No, no, it says you WERE darkness, but now you ARE light. Under the Old Covenant when you stood in that light and did right, you received blessing for it. Under this New Covenant, in Christ, you ARE that light, and when you let that light shine on your neighbor, you need to expect hatred and persecution for it. Those who refuse dispensational truth, and think we are all under one grand covenant, cannot rightly divide the word of truth. They stumble on this concept. In the last of the last-days expect this to get worse before it gets better.

Msg #1325 A.S.K. Really?

“Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have despised the law of the LORD, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after the which their fathers have walked: ...” It could be that the three-strikes-and-you're-out rule for baseball came from Amos, who rehearsed this theme from God eight times in his first two written chapters. In the seventh chapter, however, when all their strikes were tallied and the promised punishment was begun, Amos said, “O Lord GOD forgive, I beseech thee:...” Both times this happened God records this dumbfounding response, “The LORD repented for this: It shall not be, saith the LORD.” Prayer changes things. Not only does it change 'things', it changes God. This concept and these verses don't set well with theologians grasping at Reformed Theology, but they are a tremendous asset to the Bible believer that needs a God who responds to their prayer and supplications. We have one. Amos never had the promise “whatsoever ye ask in my name, I will do it.” That promise came under a new covenant. We have that promise from our Lord, and Savior. Scripture says “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.” If the prayer of Amos, God's prophet, can turn away the fierceness of God's wrath when it was well overdue, how much more can the prayer of a saint, who is under a new covenant, with better promises, refine the heart of God concerning a lost loved one, a neighbor, a state or a country. A. S. K. and it shall be given you.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR,

In his 06/26/2013 letter in your paper Gary A. McCaslin worded well the necessity of stomping out all the conservative Bible believing fundamental Churches that remain opposed to the LGBT agenda. The LGBT community will not be at liberty to practice and promote their complete agenda while these Bible believing Christians have the freedom to practice their faith and preach it on our streets. What they call the “Word of God” is even older than McCaslin intimates. That Roman Emperor had nothing to do with it, nor did the Roman Religion that he formed in the 4^th century. The conservative Bible believing Christians, which McCaslin wants to silence, actually believe that those sixty six archaic books written down by forty different men over a period of 1,592 years, are the infallible words of Jehovah God! They believe that twenty seven of those books, written over 1,900 years ago, which they call the New Testament, were penned and authenticated by twelve ordained apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ himself. They further allege that those twenty seven antiquated books authenticate the thirty nine older books that they call the Old Testament. As to how one would silence this vocal few so that the LGBT community can have universal acceptance, with nobody calling them 'sinners', nor calling 'sodomy' an abomination to God, I suggest you first go to the history books. They have already been crucified, boiled in oil, thrown to the lions, tortured, beaten, burned alive with their Bibles, imprisoned, and banished. They don't even believe in evolution for crying out loud. I contend, therefore, that it is Gary McCaslin who needs to hear the truth, not the Bile believing conservative Christians. They are indeed founded on the Lord Jesus Christ, the Truth, and the Word, according to God's Holy infallible Word.

Exodus International, one of the nation’s most prominent coalitions of groups promoting harmful “gay conversion” therapy, recently offered a heartfelt apology to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community and announced that it was disbanding. In the same week, the queen of England signed a new charter designed to stamp out discrimination against homosexuals.
This is clearly more evidence that the human species is becoming more understanding and inclusive rather than fearful and condemning toward our LGBT brothers and sisters.
Also in the same week, the membership of The Roswell Street Baptist Church of Marietta, Ga., joined the ranks of several fundamental churches who have asked the Boy Scouts to leave their church.
Roswell Street Baptist has sponsored Boy Scout Troop 204 since 1945, but Rev. Earnest Easley said on CNN the church had no choice but to ask the Scouts to leave.
“We cannot and will not put our arms around any organization that stands morally opposed to what God’s word teaches,” said Rev. Easley.
By “God’s word” Rev. Easley is referring, of course, to the Christian Bible, which is literally a small library of books compiled almost 1,700 years ago when the Roman emperor Constantine charged Christian leaders to get their act together and provide him with information on the Christian faith.
Seventeen hundred years ago, people were living in pre-scientific times, which means they literally believed the Earth was flat and the center of the universe. They also believed illnesses were caused by demons and God opened the doors of heaven to make it rain.
Thankfully, science has helped us move beyond these limited understandings of a book that also affirms slavery, disparages the role of women in church and society and was the primary tool used to keep the right to vote from African Americans and women. While the Bible has many wonderful stories of love and compassion, all Bible lessons cannot be simply translated into our 21st century lives.
Churches that continue to discriminate against the LGBT community are using six obscure passages from these ancient texts to shackle their minds to fourth century ideas that have no modern understanding of human nature. Medical, psychiatric, business, educational and legal communities have all set aside their past prejudices of the LGBT population; only conservative churches continue to lag in this natural evolution of thought.
There are few other places where humans are so attached to the past. We all want the latest cell phones when we go to the store, we want the latest medicines when we go to the pharmacist and we want our doctors to treat us using the latest research. We want 21st century trained dentists to fill our teeth but fundamental churches want to continue allowing fourth century understandings of God, the world and humanity to fill our minds.
Mel White is a former speechwriter for Jerry Falwell. White came out as a gay man and founded Soulforce – an organization committed to freedom for LGBT people from religious and political oppression.
He once stated that, because of high suicide rates for gay adolescents who have been rejected by their church and families, a gay teenager would more likely be safer in the home of an atheist than a church family. This is a truth conservative churches of today need to hear if they ever intend to have any credibility in the future. Gary A. McCaslin is a Corning resident.

Pastor, my name is Jimmy and I am a believer in our Lord Jesus Christ and have been since 1964. I am writing regarding your recent letter about the need for the LGBT community to silence Bible believing churches so they may be free to promote their wicked agenda. I agree with the premise of your letter but wanted to point out a misprint that I noticed. Your letter says that ".......which they call the New Testament, were penned and authenticated by twelve ordained apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself." You see the obvious error of course......there is no book of Andrew or Philip or Thomas etc.

Also Luke, the physician wrote the books of Luke and Acts and was himself not an Apostle. And let me not forget Paul who was the 13th Apostle who wrote most of the New Testament. So you see the error and I'm sure it was unintentional. As I said, I otherwise agree with your letter and can see a time in the not too distant future when true Christians will be handcuffed and taken to jail for preaching the truth from the Word of God. Perhaps our Master will not delay and put all things right soon! If I am wrong in this, please let me know and forgive this brother.

Thanks for pointing out the mis-communique'. Sometimes brevity makes for a necessary awkwardness. The mention of the 12 Apostles writing and/or authenticating the NT Scriptures was meant to capture the fact that 1) Paul was indeed the 12th Apostle, as the NT justifies blatantly, 2) Luke, who authored two books, had his works authenticated by the Apostle Paul, 3) Mark, who authored one book, had his work authenticated by the Apostle Peter, and 4) those Apostles who did not directly author a book or epistle, were still participant in authorizing the 27 books called the New Testament. You were very astute to capture and point out these oversights. If I had more editorial space I would have further developed the truths you pointed out, crucial truths about how we got our New Testament Scriptures. Pastor Ed Rice

Msg #1326 Believing IN the Christ.

In John10 Jesus spoke of thieves, shepherds, sheepfolds and doors, “but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.” It is accurately recorded but one thousand and eighty years latter we can barely get our mind around all that Jesus taught in this chapter. It is, however, paramount that one comprehend his declaration “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep, ... Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it up again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” (vr.11, 17, 18) The “whosoever believeth in him” of John3:16, cannot be separated from the substitutionary death of the Lord Jesus Christ, nor his being the “Lamb that taketh away the sin of the world”, nor his resurrection to be one's only living Redeemer, only Mediator, and only High Priest. “While we were yet sinners Christ died FOR us.” The “whosoever” must believe and ask and receive that substitutionary death of Christ for themselves. The gospel message is that Christ died, was buried, and that he rose again on the third day. (1Cor15) Conversion is this truth believed, and accepted, i.e. repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:20) If he is not one's Prophet, Priest and King, i.e. Saviour, Mediator, and Lord, they have not yet believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, and are on a broad road that leadeth to destruction. In this day of compromise one needs to clearly hear and clearly preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. John3:16 has great depth; and so does John10.

Msg #1327 Keeping the Wine Press Pressing

Israel and I come up with solid rationale, and highfalutin excuses, why we cannot be obedient and fruitful in our present circumstance; but God says, “What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it?” (Isaiah 5:4) Apathetic agnosticism (AA) reigns supreme in upstate New York, but if I were only in North Carolina, where there is a Baptist Church every twelve feet, I could, … and I would, … If I were back in Ohio, where people welcome door-to-door visitors sharing the gospel, then I would, … and I could, … If I were in Florida, where people respond in kindness to street preaching, then I would, … “My well beloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill.” I and/or you are parked right in the middle of God's fruitful vineyard, and are expected to yield much fruit for our Lord's joy and glory. What fruit are we supposed to be yielding? Well there is a wine press right over there, and in the Bible wine is generally symbolic of the joy of the Lord. That's a sweet fruit for our labor. What has he done for his fruitful vineyard? Well he fenced it (vr2), i.e. placed clear boarders in our lives. He gathered out the stones thereof, i.e. cleared sin and every weight which easily besets us. He planted it with the choicest vine, i.e. people still need the Lord even if they wont' readily admit it. And he built a tower in the midst, i.e. he is our strong tower, our refuge, our vantage point, our warehouse and operation center. In the fifties great ministries were built by door-to-door visitation, today, could be, it only builds great frustration. Labor in the well beloved's vineyard anyway, His wine-press makes real joy.

Msg #1328 You Need to Have a Pastor

The prophecy that God gave to Jeremiah before Judah fell into punishment and captivity does not portray the office of pastor in very good light. One wonders why he revived and reinitialized the office under his new covenant. Its very first mention in chapter 2:8 show a failure in priest, lawyer, pastor, and prophet. Pastor is a lesser word for shepherd and the job description is given in 3:15: “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” But the pastors became brutes (10:21). They destroyed God's vineyard (12:10). Precious few remained true to the word of god (17:15-16) and they were hated for this stand. So God said the wind, that was supposed to be the breath of God in them, would 'eat up all thy pastors.' “Woe unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the seep of my pasture! Saith the LORD.” (23:1) The chapter continues “Behold the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch...” That Branch arrived and said “I am the good Shepherd... “ (John 10) The office of Pastor was revived and initiated for His churches. We have a perfect example to follow and Psalm 23 describes how our perf3ect example operates. If you do not have a pastor that can come to your home and counsel, (that excludes all those TV preachers.), a pastor that puts his pants on one leg at a time (that's 'pants' not 'pantaloons'), then you are operating outside the clear boundary of God's Word. Getting into his boundaries always provokes his blessing. God's intent is that his pastors feed his flock with knowledge and understanding, keep them from fear and dismay, and cause that they shall not want. (23:4) It's a tall order.

Msg #1329 See The Depth and Believe

A pool in Mammoth Cave illustrates the crystal, clear, cave water. As our group stared through this crystal pool and saw the colorful formations on the bottom, our guide dropped in a penny. It flipped and swirled as it sank and sank, getting smaller and smaller until it disappeared altogether. The pool we stared through was fifty feet deep! The Gospel of John is like that pool. It is crystal clear and you can see all the way to the bottom, but when you research, you find there is great depth in this book. Nothing manifests that truth like chapter ten. It contains a parable, and Jesus said, “They understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.” Then he drops in a penny, as it were. He claimed to be the Only Door, fulfilling Psalm 22. He claimed to be the Good Shepherd, fulfilling Psalm 23. But when he claimed to be the fulfillment of Psalm 24 he was meet with disbelief. He is still ridiculed in disbelief today. When he said he was the Good Shepherd of Psalm 23 he claimed to be Jehovah God. When he said he had power to lay down his life for his sheep, and then he had power to take it up again, he claimed the same more emphatically. Those not of his fold, who would not hear his voice, called him a liar and a lunatic. Those who say of Jesus the Christ, “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want,” they hear his voice, see clear to the bottom of the pool, and inherit His eternal life. Liar, Lunatic, or LORD, each must choose, “For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

Msg #1330 England and Athens

Pastor Watts, of Bury England, reports that an illustration of England is found in Athens; his text was Acts17. England now, and Athens then, are very religious people; they know there are gods, and they know they should be worshiped. They provided the world with the KJV, Whitefield and Spurgeon; yet in all things they are yet, to superstitious. England now, and Athens then, are very intellectual; always eager either to tell, or hear some new thing. Darwin's picture is on the ten pound note. England now, and Athens then, are very accommodating people; “May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?” They brought Muslim prayer rugs to school to teach children to pray towards Mecca. Wanting never to offend they make an altar “TO THE UNKNOW GOD.” Paul corrects and reproves by presenting four points in his preaching. Preaching unto them the God that made the world and all things therein; it is intuitively known, but it needs said out loud repeatedly in a world filled with evolution-fiction. Second, He is a personal God, and can be known personally; despite agnostic beliefs, He is not far from every one of us. God loves us; we are His offspring and His image and likeness. Lastly, Paul preaches that God has appointed a day of judgment, and that He “Now commandeth all men everywhere to repent.” The four point message still draws three reactions. “And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. … Howbeit certain men clave unto (Paul), and believed.” The world where we minister is not different than the one the Apostle Paul found. The message we preach should not differ, and the response we report will be the same.

Msg #1331 Scholar-wanna-bees and Balderdash

When Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, nailed the identity of the fourth guy walking around in his fiery furnace, it was unbelievable: (Dan3:25) so unbelievable that all the modernist translators of our day have disagreed with 1,400 years of Hebrew scribes and scholars, disagreed with fifty-seven skilled multilingual scholars from Cambridge, Westminster and Oxford, disagreed with these superior linguists that worked in six companies for a period of seven years completely funded by one King James of England, and then disagreed with the very Word's of God. This is all very common for the modernist scholar and translator who want to tell you what they logically reason God meant to say in His Word. Here, they reason, Neb could not have know that Jehovah God had an Only Begotten Son. What God's Word meant, they say, was “and the fourth looks like a son of the gods." (RSV, NIV, ASV, NASV, NEV, ESV et al.) Bible believers, however, know that 450 years before Neb came on the scene, one David, king of Israel knew and clearly recorded the presence of the Only Begotten Son of God. (Psalm 2) Bible believers know that Neb knew Daniel, and every one who knew Daniel knew all about Jehovah God, Hebrew – Elohim (Hbrw plural, not dual but plural, i.e. three or more) and his being a triune, Father, Son, and Spirit, Godhead. Modernist “scholars” are without excuse, also knowing His eternal power and Godhead. They pretend that Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon could not know, even after he knew for certain; “But there is a God (Hbrw Elohim) in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days.” (Dan2:28) Scholar-wanna-bees think Daniel wrote Aramaic and Hebrew scribes didn't get that translated as good as they. Balderdash.

Msg #1332 Great Plainness of Speech

Hebrews is a book to Hebrews, to convince the Hebrews that in Christ, they are no longer Hebrews. Its theme is the full sufficiency of Christ. Its introduction is the best of Hebrew poetry. Its first point, which ought to be given the more earnest heed, is Christ's sufficiency in the gospel message. “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” is a redundant question. (Heb. 2:3) This “so great salvation” at the first began to be spoken by the Lord Jesus Christ, who said, “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted.... ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 18:3). That is pretty serious if you have not been converted, and conversion is testified to be no less than “Repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20: 21) Only you can initiate your conversion by believing the gospel; “how that Christ died for your sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” (1Cor. 15:3b-4) Some trite church goers say there is nothing you can 'do' to be saved, but my Bible says unless you are converted by doing what Romans 10:9-10 says, you will not be saved from your sin, nor will you enter his Kingdom. Are you Saved? Have you been converted? If you are, you should get your feet shod with this short gospel message and go out and ask someone else the question. If they get upset, it's because they ain't. The church is apostate concerning the gospel and Christ's “so great salvation.” A gospel witness needs to be clear in a dark misguided world. Except ye be converted you can not enter the Kingdom of heaven: use great plainness of speech.

Msg #1333 A-Ask, S-seek, K-knock, ASK Him

In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ's opening message to humanity, he gives an English acronym “A” for ask, “S” for seek, and “K” for knock. In a closing message, days before his crucifixion, he declares, “Whatsoever ye ask in my name, I shall do it.” Prayer is a vital ingredient of a believers life, and Christ's sufficiency in prayer is in his perfecting of it, his promise for it, and his purpose in it. When God set aside infiniteness and took on the form of finite man, every thing that Jesus did, every miracle, every compassion, every teaching, was thoroughly baptized in prayer. Jesus often spent all night in prayer, and if the Only Begotten Son of God needed that, how much more do we? When a unit is surrounded and pinned down in enemy territory, now-a-days, they pick up the radio and call in a barrage of bombs and fire-power that saves their lives and frees them for more maneuvers. When you read Jesus Christ's promise, “Whatsoever you ask in my name,” it would be better that that comes to your mind, rather than anything said by “name it and claim it”, “blab it and grab it”, TV evangelists. Jesus never prayed for a softer pillow or larger house. Thrice he prayed that a cup pass form him, but even there he prayed, “Not my will but thine.” The disciples, James and John used his very words to petition him with the desire of their hearts, and he told them, “No, you cannot sit on my right hand.” Recall that Paul too was told not to his request. To pray in Jesus' name is to make his purpose our purpose, his cause our cause, hid compassion our compassion. True disciples still pray, “Lord, teach us to pray.”

Msg #1334 Moved With Compassion

“It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” Get your Bible and look up Lamentations 3:22, if your Bible doesn't have God's mercy keeping you from being consumed, you have a corrupted, ecumenical, modernist Bible. Put it in the trash and get an uncorrupted King James Bible. Compassion is the theme of this essay, corrupted Bibles is just a sidebar. Christ is all sufficient in salvation 4-me, 2-me and through-me. Christ is all sufficient in prayer 4-me, 2-me and through-me. Christ is all sufficient in compassion 4-me, 2-me and through-me. If Lam3:22 is in your Bible correctly it says we are not consumed because of his compassions; that is sufficient! His salvation is his grace, is his mercy, is because of his compassions. His compassions are displayed in Psalm 73:38, 86:15, 111:4, 112:4, and 145:8 where God is “full of compassion.” They are manifest in Christ in Matt14:14, 15:32, 20:34, Mark1:41, 5:19, 6:34, 8:2, and 9:22 where he was “moved with compassion.” Could one call themselves Christian without his compassion indwelling them? “And be ye kind one to another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” (Eph4:32) Again, “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion on of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.” (1Pet3:8) Certainly we are compelled to have compassion on other believers and to love the brethren, but the love of Christ constrains us to have compassion on the lost, compassion on your enemies, and compassion on the most despicable of all humanity; but for His grace, and compassion, “there go I”. No matter what they pierced, no matter what they tattooed, no matter how reprobate your self righteousness paints them, his righteousness indwelling in you will move you with compassion.

Msg #1335 Coming for His Church

The sufficiency found in Christ is present in the promise of His 2^nd coming, the purpose of His 2^nd coming, and the plan for His 2^nd coming. “ I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go... I will come again... that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John14) The affirmation he left in this promise is powerful, “ if it were not so, I would have told you!” The analogy throughout is as a groom coming back to take his bride, and his Church, Greek Ecclesia, i.e. a called out, gathered together body of believers, behaves as the chaste kept virgin looking for that day. “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” (2Cor 11:2) Those who have “thee/thou” in their Bible, note the use of “you” here, and know the relevance He will not jilt his Church at the alter. In the mean time that “chaste virgin,” His called out, gathered together body, is likened to stewards with certain talents to be used for their soon returning lord. One cannot miss this analogy in the Holy Scriptures, particularly in the teachings of Christ. Observe that no man knowing the time or his return is in his purpose for his Ecclesia. Keep striving for the increase of His Kingdom and keep looking up. Observe also that his Ecclesia is not a “universal-catholic” body, it is a local assembled body, independent and autonomous. The former errant idea is purely Roman in conception. Stepping away from Rome will also cause one to understand the plan in his coming; first coming FOR his saints (1Thes4:14-18) then, after a wedding, coming WITH his saints. (Rev19) Keep looking up.

A Baptist Brider Question About Msg#1335

Msg #1336 Dual Trumpets

This year Yom Kippur, on the 10^th day of the month Tishri (called Ethanim in the Bible) will be on Friday, 13.September. That made last Wednesday the first day of the Hebrew seventh month and the Holy Bible says “Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein...” (Lev. 23:24-25) Christian's should know better, but one said, “This week was filled with stupid Jewish Holidays.” I was ashamed and prayed that God would forgive our ignorance of His holy days. The Feast of Trumpets is revelation. “Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly...” (Num 10:2) The Sabbath day, the blowing of trumpets and the holy convocation observed on the first day of the old Hebrew's seventh month is prophetic of their regathering, (Isa18:3, 27:13, 58) ergo it is prophetic of Christ's gathering of His Church as well. (1Thes 4:16-18) Be careful not to go all Romish-allegorical here, there are indeed two literal gatherings portrayed in this feast of trumpets. Christians are ever looking up and listening for one trumpet; a trumpet that will call together His Church into one called out and gathered together body of believers. Consider anew Revelations 4, “After this I looked and behold a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither...” There will be a trumpet that calls to regather all Israel, but about seven years prior there will be one that raptures the Church. These Hebrew holy days are important to Christians.

Msg #1337 Key Hebrew Holy Days

Yom-Kippur was observed Friday last week. Hebrew Holy-Days that commemorated the past, more-so prophesied the future. God given feasts and holy days were to be observed “throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance forever.” The Christian need not exactly observe these Hebrew holy days because they daily live them. The Passover lamb, slain on the fourteenth of Abib, was our Passover Lamb, the Only Begotten Son of God, who died on Golgotha in that selfsame hour. The Feast of Unleavened Bread represents the sinless life our Saviour lived. The Day of Firstfruits, Pentecost, wherein Sinai Law initiated the Old Covenant, the Holy Spirit initiated the New Covenant for Christians. Three Hebrew Holy-Days indicated three crucial events of God's redemptive calendar. The next three are no less important. The Day of Blowing the Trumpets finds Christians looking to the clouds and listening for the trumpet that will report “Come up hither,” and Hebrews for the Trumpet that will completely regather their whole nation in the Holy Land; each will sound soon. Yom-Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the day to afflict the soul, when Israel's citizens “stand before God in silence and contemplation, removed from the frenzy of the world,” marks the redeemed life of the atoned for saint, but in an equal foreshadowing, it marks the Day of the Lord when Israel “shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.” Christians living out these Holy Days will not prevent their complete fulfillment for God's Chosen and Elect Nation, Israel. Christ will come for his saints, then with his saints, and will literally reign from God's Holy Hill of Zion.

Msg #1338 Tabernacling Through Sukkut

Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot walk us into our autumn each year, yet we remain aloof to their prophetic nature and importance. The Feast of Trumpets portrays the regathering of Israel; the Day of Atonement portrays the sorrow of heart that will subdue his nation when they look on Him whom they have pierced; and the Feast of Booths is a joyous festival portraying the day when the tabernacle of God is with men. Third century Clement of Alexandria Egypt hypothesized that God could never fulfill all of this for the annihilated Jew. He built a philosophy that a mother church should lay claim to all of Israel's promises. That philosophy became Roman church doctrine and reached its tentacles into every Protestant Denomination. There is an elitist attraction to pretending that Christians are the new chosen ones, that we are the elect ones, and the Jews are a discarded people that God is done with. Theology books call such a philosophy Covenant Theology. It is an errant , dangerous philosophy straight from Alexandria Egypt. In reality these three feasts have a literal fulfillment yet to come and a spiritual fulfillment presently. For the born-again believer, there was a trumpet calling out the gospel; there was a Yom Kippur where sins are atoned for by The Passover Lamb; and the Bible is clear about His present tabernacling: “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1Cor. 6:19-20) We heard, He atoned, and now tabernacles in our booth. He will yet do all this for His chosen and elect Israel.

Msg #1339 Alexandrian Doctrine, Alexandrian Bibles

Even while some of Evangelical Christendom refuses the covenant theology which came out of Alexandria Egypt, a theology which denies the Millennial Reign of Christ as a dispensation, they still cling to an ecumenical bible that comes from Alexandria. Roman Catholic Saint Clement's disciple, Saint Origen of Alexandria (185-232 A.D.), is called both the Father of Textual Criticism, and the Father of the Allegorical Method. He used both 'toolboxes' to disembowel God's promise of a Millennial Reign of Christ from Jerusalem's Mount Zion; predicating his reign in a catholic church instead. Today both 'toolboxes' are used by Bible critics, and the scholars-so-called who trust them, to predicate that there is no verbally inspired, infallible, inerrant Holy Bible in existence. Ergo they think nothing of throwing twenty whole verses into their trash can. What's worse, the allegorical method insists that Scriptures are so obscure that only a Catholic Church Clergy can uncover their true meaning. A hundred years after Origen, when Rome took over the Catholic Church, they killed commoners that would dare read a Bible without them. They still use the allegorical method to poo-poo the Millennial Reign of Christ, the Pre-Tribulation rapture of the Church, and to abscond with all the promises made to God's chosen people Israel; as do Protestants. I say Evangelicals use Alexandrian ecumenical bibles because every modernist English bible is based on two manuscripts from Alexandria Egypt, the Sinaiticus and the Vaticanus Manuscripts. Critics and translators incorporated these into their copyright works with no regard for verbal-inspiration, inerrancy or infallibility, doctrines that they have rejected. Evangelicals think these compromised bibles read much easier than the 15^th century English and they discard the inspired, infallible, inerrant Holy Bible and pick up an RSV, NIV, ASV, NASV, NEV, et.al. Its a dangerous world for a Bible believer.

Msg #1340 Is This Our Last October Here?

And God said, Let us make man in our image, and after our likeness...” God's purpose for man was, is, and forever shall be, perfected fellowship, perfected worship, and perfected union. Since the fall of man, however, the purposes of man have been selfishness, pride, and ingratitude. Man has always needed the thorough washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost before he could accomplish God's purpose. Titus 3:5 declares that this cannot be accomplished by our own efforts, only by salvation. God has carefully walked man through test cases, called dispensations in the Bible. Periods where our conscious was tested to see if it could bring us back to innocence before God; if formal self governance could purge us of that old nature; if his unconditional promise might renew our mind; or even if His laying down the law at Mount Sinai would cause our reform. These dispensations are gracious demonstrations in our past which ended in a world flood, a Tower of Babel, a bondage in Egypt, and the cruel crucifixion of God's Only Begotten Son. Presently we live in a dispensation. where whosoever will may call on the risen Only Begotten Son, choose Him as Lord and Saviour, and receive His quickening, His justification, His redeeming, His washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. That is the gospel. The Revelation of Jesus Christ reveals that this gracious dispensation will soon close. As all previous dispensations, it closes in failure on mans part. As it was in the days of Noah, as it was in the days of Sodom, “even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” (Luke17:26-30) The transition to the seventh, and final dispensation will begin with the rapture of His own. Be ready, be saved.

Msg #1341 The WORD in Six Triplets

The Revelation of Jesus Christ is from him which is, and which was, and which is to come, it is likewise from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; labeled as from Jesus (Saviour) Christ (Anointed One, Messiah). These 66 six books are the Revelation of God, the Words of God. Jesus is the Revelation of God. He is the Word of God, who is the faithful witness, who is the first begotten of the dead, and who is the prince of the kings of the earth. The Prophecy that tells of his coming says “Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.” (Psalm2) In The Revelation of Jesus Christ His salutation continues, Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. He had told Nicodemus “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John3) His salutation announces Behold, he cometh with clouds; behold every eye shall see him, behold they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. It closes with this triplet I am Alpha and Omega, I am the beginning and the ending, He is the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come. We worship Christ, the Almighty.

Msg #1342 Prophetic Truth and Accuracy

For us it is a minor thing to comprehend how two witnesses slain in the streets of Jerusalem are seen all over the world for three days. For Martin Luther and other Protestant Reformers it was so incomprehensible that they thought the Revelation of Jesus Christ and its companion book, Daniel, were not inspired or belonging in the Bible, at best calling them allegorical, apocalyptic fiction. Protestants believed so little of these books they carried Roman Covenant Theology right into their reformation where it presently leavens as Reformed Theology. For the Bible believer, however, these books are true and accurate. Daniel has six chapters of history and six chapters of Biblical Prophecy. The first six teach us how to accurately read the last six. The interpretation of Neb's dream, and its exact unfolding in history reveals that the Stone Cut Out without hands, which smashes all previous kingdoms into chaff, is indeed the Christ who will come as King of kings and Lord of lords to a battle called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon. He is the Ancient of Days, with hair like pure wool, and he is the Son of man come with the clouds of heaven to the Ancient of Days. All power is given to him. Likewise, in the literal, grammatical, historical understanding there is a little horn which, in separate visions, replaces three of ten, and comes out of one of four. It waxes great, has eyes of a man, speaks great things, and desecrates the daily sacrifice in the Temple at Jerusalem. He casts down hosts of heaven and is called the King of Fierce Countenance. He persecutes the Woman, Israel for 3 ½ years of a seven year tribulation. Jesus calls him the Abomination of Desolation. I'd sooner believe Jesus than a Reformed Theologian.

Msg #1343 Discerning The Biblical Rapture

It is not coincidence that those who deny the pretribulational rapture of the Church use a bible that conceals who the Fourth-Man in the fire was, a bible that conceals that it was Lucifer fallen from heaven, it was not our Morning Star; it was not the Day Star which shall rise in our hearts that falls in Isaiah 14:12, and a bible that conceals where hell is located in God's Word. If their scholars, translators and Bible critics want to conceal these crucial truths, truths about The Son, the Devil and Satan's final destination, don't expect them to be upfront about the pretribulation rapture of the Church. Three five nines in 1Thessolonians, Hebrews and Romans tell us that we, who are to be raised incorruptible, are not appointed to wrath. The seven years of Great Tribulation is indeed the pouring out of the wrath of God. The Bible says Christ is coming FOR his saints. The Bible says he is coming WITH his saints. One must precede the other. The Bible says Christ is coming to take his Bride to the wedding, and the Bible says he is coming from the wedding. The Bible says he is coming to catch us up in the clouds (rapture) and he is coming when his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives (Armageddon). In Revelation 4 there is a trumpet sounding from the open door of heaven and it says “Come up hither...” and in 1Thessolonians 4 the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; it will say “Come up hither...” and we will meet him in the clouds. One cannot see these simple truths after trashing 1John5:7 and confusing the Fourth-Man in the fire with Lucifer!

Msg #1344 Forgiven Much and Thanksgiving

It is curious that Mary recites word for word the observation of her sister: “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” (John 11:21,32) Attitude shows in our approach to Christ, even in troublous times, even when He is our Lord and Saviour. Martha's attitude was previously addressed by Christ: “Martha, Martha thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen the good part.” (Luke 10:41-42) Mary had the right attitude from the start. Let's suppose she was from Magdala, was called Mary Magdalene, and out of her came seven devils. John 11:2 clarifies that her overwhelming gratitude was the object lesson to the Pharisee in Luke 7, where she brought her alabaster box of ointment to Jesus. Martha came to Jesus to correct him, to point out her disappointment in him, and to ask for his help. She, again, needed a reminder of who he was. “I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me thought he were dead, yet shall he live.” Mary came to Jesus, fell down at his feet, and with her sister's very words, she worshiped him. She loved much, because she had been forgiven much. Her sins which were many, were forgiven her. Her attitude caused the shortest verse in the Bible, and Jesus wept. Her great love showed up in a second alabaster box in John 12, and after his resurrection Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene. You and I have been forgiven much. The next time Martha shows up in life, when cumbered about many things, when people don't do things just the way you know they should be done, and frustration wells up inside, you have not fallen at Jesus' feet and remembered who He is.

Msg #1345 Thanksgiving for Relationships

The wise have made November a month of daily thanksgiving. The list starts with salvation, he who is forgiven much loves much, and seconds with a relationship: spouse or parent, child or friend. Down the list comes circumstance; way down things. All need thankfulness for our relationships, but all need lessons and reminders about them; noble thoughts, as it were, that prioritize their maintenance. Two profound Scriptures dealing with relationships; Song of Solomon, and Numbers 6. The former treaties requires a book, the first line should say, “You're so vain, you probably think this song is about you,” the second, “This Song portrays God's love for Jerusalem.” Any student can take it from there. Numbers 6 deals with the God-Israelite relationship and is ideal for a concise study on all intimate relationships, foremost our relationship with our Creator, the LORD thy God. In ten point outline: 1) Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all they soul, and with all they might. (strength and mind Luke10:27) 2) Know Him and hide His words in your heart. 3) Diligently teach His words to your children. 4) Write His words down everywhere you look. 5) Don't let life cause you to forget about Him. 6) “Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.” (vr13) 7) Be monogamous. 8) Don't tempt. 9) Diligently keep His commandments. 10) Do right by Him. (vr18) It is left as an exercise of the student to apply these ten steps to every other relationship that they have. They fit like a glove for a spouse. They fit well for friendships. Parent-Child relationships are temporal, intended that they leave and cleave to a spouse after 20 years, but all our relationships could herein benefit.

Msg #1346 Premeditated Thanksgiving

“I am doing fine under the circumstances,” said he. “Well, what are you doing under there?” asked I. In these last of the last days if Christians get under the circumstances the Devil has gone in league with human resources to shovel more circumstances right on top, making it seven times hotter than it's want to be. The useful key that gets you out from under, is rehearsed in several Bible Epistles: it is “In everything give thanks.” An examination of this key reveals that it is always accompanied by a song, a praise and a rejoicing. While raising three boys our home had one question that my sweet wife made forbidden: “Well what could possibly go wrong next?” Wisely, I have not broached that question even after that 20 year task was completed. The twilight of life causes realization that the broke cars, broke finances, and broke opportunities pale when you are waiting for a spouse's cancer test to come back. The OT accounts of a cruse of oil that did not fail give adequate strength to deal with physical circumstances that get us down. Simply trusting and casting all your care are practices that mature us. They cause us to grow when facing the trials that are common to man. There are greater cares down the road and God's care pales Obama care. Rehearsing the use of God's key, “In everything give thanks”, and accompanying that with praise, song, and rejoicing, gives maturity that allows multiple circumstances and yea, heavier circumstances, to result in His glory. Indeed that is what the trial of our faith is all about. When tempted to ask that forbidden question, be sure to meet its answer with a premeditated thanks giving. In everything give thanks. To steal a pistachio slogan, “Get cracken.”

Msg #1347 National Thanksgiving Prayer

On our national Thanksgiving day, thank the LORD for being born in the greatest nation on the earth. There is a progressive movement afoot which denies her Christian heritage, foils her trust in Christ, and strives for her “evolution” to socialism. There is need of a new movement in America, not of those who would march on an inept Washington, but of those who would kneel. Isaiah said of his falling nation, “Judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no ... intercessor: ” E.M. Bounds, stated it, “God's greatest movements in this world have been conditioned on, continued and fashioned by prayer,... Persistent, prevailing, conspicuous and mastering prayer has always brought God to be present.” Abraham Lincoln, said, “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for that day.” America is falling in the street. “It is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free constitution is pure virtue,” said our 2^nd president, John Adams. On our national Thanksgiving Day, pray for the greatest nation on earth. Robert E. Lee put it, “Knowing that intercessory prayer is our mightiest weapon and the supreme call for all Christians today, I pleadingly urge our people everywhere to pray. Believing that prayer is the greatest contribution that our people can make in this critical hour, I humbly urge that we take time to pray – to really pray.”

Msg #1348 Be Outspoken And Not Dumb

For better or worse December is the month wherein the birth of Christ is given great emphasis. There is a message in every accounting of every detail of Christ's birth. Sometimes the certain priest of the course of Abia gets overlooked. Zacharias and Elizabeth walk onto the opening page of the Gospel of Luke, coming with twenty or more years of unfulfilled prayer; Elizabeth was old and barren. There is an emphasis that they were both righteous, both walking right, and both blameless, but years had passed without their prayer answered. There is an emphasis on Zacharias' faithfulness in the priest's office and that this day's “lot” put him before the altar of incense. An altar involves both surrender and sacrifice; incense signifies the prayers of saints. The candlestick stood on the left of the Holy Place, providing all available light in the room; the table of shew bread on the right, and the altar of incense was centered against the veil that shrouded the Most Holy Place. The angel of the Lord stood on the right side of the altar of incense, in the shadow of the altar. He told Zacharias, “Thy prayer is heard,” and he was dumb for not believing. When there is a longstanding unfulfilled prayer in your life, remain faithful in your priestly service. This story caps off the truth that God has the greater good in view. Yours will not be as great as a John the Baptist, but a greater good just the same. Also, when the promise of answer appears in the shadow of the altar, believe it, else you will be dumb, and not tell others of the great promise. You gotta love the lead account approaching the story of the birth of Christ. Learn from it and lean on it.

Msg #1349 Believing It All

Gabriel's announcement to Mary is so miraculous that one may miss the seven things it communicates about God's Messiah, things which are flat out believed by anyone who would attain the eternal life offered in John3:16. There is a lot in a name and his was JESUS, “for he shall save his people from their sins”. This must be added to other names, for unto us a child is born... and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace, … Emmanuel, which is God with us. That quite captures the next revelation from Gabriel, “And he shall be great.” Another title connecting him to the “decree” in Psalm 2, “the Son of the Highest,” if one missed that it is reiterated in his next sentence, “Son of God.” Forth, “The Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.” In Luke20:42 Jesus messed with the Pharisee's minds with this revelation because David called him Lord. Fifth, this JESUS “shall reign over the house of Jacob.” Calvin's reformed theology twists and doubts this revelation, but a Bible believer dare not. Sixth, he will be on the throne forever, and if one miss that, it continues, His kingdom shall “never end.” He is presently enthroned in the heart of the believer where he is indeed Counselor, Comforter and Prince of Peace. What a Wonderful revelation from Gabriel. Oh, that seventh revelation reiterated here by Gabriel, a revelation staunchly affirmed by the Fundamentals of the last century, a revelation soft peddled by the American Baptist sect who refused the Fundamentals, a revelation maligned by modernists with corrupted texts of the Bible, it is in Isaiah 7:14, “Behold a virgin shall conceive.” I trust this Christmas finds you believing it all.

Msg #1350 Mary's Worship, My Worship

As Luke recorded, Elizabeth and Mary could flat out preach about the Lord Jesus Christ, Saviour and Redeemer of mankind. Preaching is the act of backing one into a corner and forcing a decision upon ones audience; anyone who says woman cannot preach is likely unmarried and in need of more clarity. What they meant to say is that Biblically, woman can not hold the office of Bishop/Pastor or be in any position where they usurp the authority of a man. Backing one into a corner with the tongue and imposing a decision, woman can do that just fine. Notice such finesse of Elizabeth and Mary in Luke1:42-55. “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.” It needs clarified that Mary is NOT the mother of God, she is the Mother of Jesus, and that “Blessed” implies God has done something that mere man or nature can not do. Especially noted by these two pregnant preachers is that every human pregnancy is a soul in the making, a miracle of God, but this one is blest prima facie, i.e. true and authentic without need of further evidence. My soul doth magnify the Lord, my spirit rejoiced in God my Saviour, for he hath regarded my low estate. Any born-again believer can echo Mary's body – soul – and spirit message. Attaining the height and crescendo of Mary's worship is a worthy goal for this Holy – Day celebration. As she states it, the proud are scattered in the imagination of their hearts, the low exalted; the materialistic are empty, the hungry are filled; He hath holpen his Servant Israel. You gotta love that past participle in this Holy – Day celebration; and you have got to make the decision, “What think ye of Christ?”

Msg #1351 We Worship The Christ

Concerning the birth of Christ Matthew gives us Joseph's perspective and wise men who traveled from the east, Mark is virtually silent, Luke tells of the taxing decree, crowded inns, angels and shepherds, but John presents tremendous insights that are often overlooked. Before addressing His birth John reveals five of His character traits. In the beginning Christ was with God; in itself, an interesting morsel, that before birth he existed. The Christ was God, and Creator of everything, and He was Life, and He was True Light. When the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, his name was the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father. Today the world has this pretense of celebrating his birth. Roman paganism attempts to enshrine a day of longest dark in an aviance of their holy mass and penance. American commercialism enshrines the purchase of trinkets and gift giving to all. Martin Luther's protestantism honors the evergreen tree more than that purveyor of everlasting life. The humanist manifesto holds out for distraction, a fat red man with tiny reindeer. It is John who clarifies that the Light shined and the darkness comprehended it not. It is John who pens that Christ was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew him not. Alas, John writes the sad truth that He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. There are ills and ilks in the world that comprehends not, many traditions and isms in those who received not, but as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. God in the flesh. His name shall be called Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins. Christians worship Him everyday.

Msg #1352 The Rip-Tide of Sin

“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, … “ (Heb 2:3a) Along the east coast of America there are places where powerful rip-tides flow rapidly out into the ocean. A rip-tide is formed when high tide draws water into lowland areas, and low tide funnels them back through subtle valleys in the sand. An unaware swimmer captured in a rip-tide is helpless to get back to shore. No matter how gallant his effort he is carried further and further out into the ocean depths. Without a savior that will pluck them out of their plight and set their feet back on solid ground, all hope is gone. The swimmer does not initially realize his dilemma. Cries from shore go unheeded. When they suspect their situation may be worsening they swim harder until their whole focus is getting back to the shore. They are certain they can swim the distance because they do not know the power of a rip-tide. The theme of the whole Bible is Salvation. Salvation defines a lost estate, a helpless condition, and a savior who can restore that estate. With Christmas behind us, and a new year before us, it is important to know that no religion, no mass, no penance, and no new leaf can save us from the rip-tide of sin; you need a Saviour. Those already saved from that rip-tide, rejoice in, and openly worship our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ. Those still dabbling in sin, and not understanding the power of a rip-tide put their strength in religion, mass, penance, peace on earth, and turning over new leaves. Cries from the shore go unheeded. What your loved one needs are cries from our knees. Salvation is of the Lord.

Penny Pulpit Essay Prelude What's Significant?

Starting off a new year requires my opening a new 2014 book of Penny Pulpit Essays. Although not a Penny Pulpit per se, I wanted this essay to be my first entry.

After mom died dad was alone. We regularly drove the three hours to visit him, and he would drone on and on about minutia. Today it was how he had bolted down a replacement motor on his homemade rock polisher and the old quarter- inch bolts were to large, so he used some three-eighths ones he found on that old generator he had kept. This motor had a three-pulley adjustable drive, but he couldn't find the right v-belt until he remembered that junk motor in the back of the chicken coop, and, sure enough, that old belt fit perfectly, so he took a short piece of coat hanger and…

There were significant things going on at my work. The advanced A/D converter contract bids were all in, and we were to visit the leading contractors at MIT, the Mayo Clinic, and Lockheed Martin next week. There were significant things going on at home, Mike was visiting Army recruiters, Shane was talking about Bible college, and Matthew was struggling in school. There were significant things going on at church, the teens were taking that trip Friday, the church bus was broken, and I needed two new Junior Church workers by Sunday.

The least significant thing in my life right now was what size v-belt might drive a three-pulley electric motor. Dad droned on. I didn't pretend to care. We would spend the night and head back home tomorrow; I had a very busy week coming up.

Last month, in my garage, I plugged in dad's rock polisher. The belt is a little loose but has held up well for twenty years. Sometimes the most significant thing in one's life is totally insignificant to me. It is because they are not, in actuality, my “loved one.” Going through a day insignificant to everyone around you is the embodiment of loneliness. True, we are significant to God, but I'll guarantee there is someone you know who is longing to capture some of your significance today, no matter how busy you might be with your own importance.

Anyway, I am writing to say that the tree branch that smashed the lawn tractor hood made a crease that funneled all the rain right into the carburetor. So I took a rag and strapped an incandescent light bulb to the carburetor bowl, (You know those bulbs are illegal this year, idiot tree hugging government bureaucrats!) so, after setting all day the whole block of ice was melted out of the carb and I could get a short tube down in there to get all the... Take a note: I have now turned into my father, we do that, you know.

Msg #1401 So Great Salvation

When studying everything the Bible says about salvation one discovers very few references to the salvation of ones soul. Most references deal with the salvation of Israel, which is not surprising “For the LORD'S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.” (Deut32:9) Indeed Israel utilized so many salvation references because they lived more like Jacob than like their new name, Israel. “They lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation, they provoked him to jealousy with their strange gods.” (Deut32:15b-16a) Salvation in battle and/or salvation from an enemy is also a major theme of our Bible, and that is the quintessential theme of David and his Psalms when addressing salvation, being saved, and having a Saviour. Indeed Hannah rejoiced in child birth as God's salvation, (1Sam2:1) Job in upcoming deliverance from his three friends (Job13:16), and Jeremiah cried for his salvation and removal from pit and prison. (Jer18:20) There is, just the same, no salvation as stupendous and central as the salvation of the soul. Indeed, “How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.” (Heb2:3) It is overwhelmingly miraculous that the individual soul could be Justified before God, and more so that a Gentile soul could be converted to God, born again, and added to his kingdom. It is, however, wrong that your Pastor's Soteriology book has not one paragraph on the salvation of Israel or salvation from our enemies. Consequentially the majority of Christendom only comprehends an iota of the pending salvation of Israel, and has little depth when God daily delivers us from enemy and circumstance. So Great Salvation is so much greater than many ever consider. Selah.; in English “go figure.”

Msg #1402 Repentance Toward God

The Epistle to the Hebrews which so keenly addresses “So-Great-Salvation” and the Priest who secures it for us, stalls momentarily in chapter five. The concern is that readers might not be grounded in the seven first principles of the oracles of God. Three of them listed in chapter six have to do with securing So-Great-Salvation, two are doctrines about “whats-next” after So-Great-Salvation, and two are doctrines of what happens when one misses So-Great-Salvation. They make an awesome outline. Consider here the three necessary ingredients for So-Great-Salvation. “The principles of the doctrine of Christ” is first up. Christ, (Hebrew - Messiah, English – Anointed-One) is God. Jesus is Christ. The child born “unto us” shall be called “the mighty God, the everlasting Father.” If one does not understand the trinity they are not alone, but if one does not believe in the trinity they cannot believe the principles of the doctrine of Christ and “Whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, … he that believeth not is condemned already... He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John3) The second principle is “the foundation of repentance from dead works” and close behind is the third “the foundation of faith toward God.” Jesus said “Except ye be converted... ye shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 18) Conversion is both repentance and faith detailed in Acts20:21 as “repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Dead works is spelled penance, and the Latin Vulgate Bible replaced every occurrence of repentance with penance. Consequently the religion of Christendom is primarily trusting in dead works. The message preached here is, trust Christ, repent or perish.

Msg #1403 Contending For The Faith

Christianity as a whole has very poorly heeded the stern warnings of Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and the brother of James. Despite his warnings Roman paganism crept in unawares. Their penance, priests, and purgatories warred against the faith which was once delivered. America thinks salvation is in beads and baptisms and the world considers the pope not Roman Catholic, but Christian! Protestants fared no better in contending for the faith. Most contend that souls are pre-elect for salvation, or eternally chosen for hell; the rest think salvation is only for those who endure to the end. Both Tom Fooleries are yet creeping in unawares. Evangelicalism flounders around in the wake of this error, and further turns the grace of our God into book selling lasciviousness. An eight volume communique from Dallas Theological Seminary has 400 pages on the doctrine of salvation, but not a chapter on conversion, not a section on justification, not a paragraph on indwelling, and not a word on quickening! Inconceivable. They never mention being wholly immersed (baptized) into Christ, that's conceivable, they are catering to 70+ evangelical denominations! These five ingredients, however, dictate exactly what happens in So-Great-Salvation. All are immediate when one is Born-Again, and none are in the Evangelical's theology books. It is obvious that Christianity has been infiltrated, and So-Great-Salvation compromised. Jude contends that you should contend. Independent fundamental Baptists need to reevaluate just what they are contending for. Certain men have crept in unawares. But salvation is indeed ones Conversion-Justification-Quickening-Indwelling-Baptism into Christ. They all happen in a moment and once they happen (to whosoever believeth) they cannot be undone. “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” (1John5:12)

Msg #1404 Got Life? Eternal Life?

No less than five instantaneous things happen when you get saved. First Conversion, being repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:21) Romans 10 indicates what initiates conversion, but conversion is accomplished by God, not by flesh. Second you're Justified, being a declared justification. Perfect Job, from the land of Uz, wanted his words and actions justified, or proven right. James, servant of God, wants ones profession of faith to be justified, or proven real. But the Justification at salvation is not a proving of right, it is a declaring to be righteous. We are already proven deplorable. Now we are declared just-as-if-I'd-never-sinned. It is declared Justification, which is not of works. One is also Quickened in salvation. An old English word not used by Protestants or Evangelicals who think it synonymous with regeneration. It is not. One goes from eternal-death to eternal-life, you're quickened when you're saved. It is a good Bible word. Jesus loved using it and the Psalmist put it in verse thirteen times. Once quickened, the only way one could lose salvation is if God reached into the soul and killed what he just quickened. He won't. We are saved eternally. In an instant at the moment of salvation one is 1) Converted, 2) Justified, 3) Quickened, 4) Indwelt, and 5) Wholly Immersed into Christ. If you always believed but were never converted, you're lost. If you never had a head on collision with God, you cannot get saved a little at a time. If you don't know that you are saved, “He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God, hath not life.... These things have I written unto you … that ye may know that ye have eternal life.” Got Life?

Msg #1405 A Secure and Significant Valentine

A youth pastor gets to ask many young couples, “Exactly why do you two want to get married?” The answer rarely changes, “We are in love.” Love has more depth than mere teenagers can understand, but marriage has more depth than most adults ever grasp. Love is three dimensional and two directional . It has a physical dimension, an emotional dimension, and a spiritual dimension. A person is designed to both give love in these three dimensions, and to receive love in these three dimensions. Anything less results in frustration of ones deeper purpose. God sets up marriage for leaving father and mother, and cleaving only to a spouse for love in all three dimensions. For a fulfilled purpose this must include two additional aspects, each having the three dimensions. Leaving and cleaving to only one for giving and receiving love, for giving and receiving significance, plus for giving and receiving security. That's nine dimensions. Missing any one of these dimensions in marriage produces a frustrated, unfulfilled individual. People are complex, relationships are complexer. Deal with it. Imagine going through life, a year, or even a week, being significant to NO ONE. The married need to show physical, emotional, and spiritual significance to their spouse. How significant have you made your spouse feel? Marriage itself is designed to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual security to the husband and wife. How secure have you made your spouse feel? It behooves us all to focus a little more on God's design for our marriages. It is a mirror for his security, significance, and love for us. It is February. A good time to explore and inspect all nine dimensions and both working directions of our marriages. And so to for our relationship with our Creator and Lord Jesus Christ.

Msg #1406 Homes In Need Of Manliness

Even in a society in blind rebellion against what their Creator dictated for mankind, marriages can find great peace in following his roles in marriage. The curse in Genesis 3 put enmity between serpent and women, pangs of childbirth, and the husband ruling over the wife. For the man, because he listened to the voice of his wife, God put a curse on the ground, thorn, thistle and sorrow in his harvest, sweat on his brow as he produced food, and a return to the dust from whence he came. Mankind rebels against, and strives to alleviate each of these naturally occurring phenomena, but when a couple accepts God's conditions and they live in the roles he has established, there is great fulfillment with God's blessing. God is very clear here; “I will therefore that males pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands … and females adorn themselves in modest apparel... with good works, learning in silence with all subjection. I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.” For the woman-libber, progressive-liberal, and other nonbelievers, God's bluntness is offensive and not 'PC'. For the modernist, casual christian, and mere evangelical, his clarity is embarrassing. But for the Bible believer who is coming to know God better and trust him more, his words bring perfect peace and a new way of life. Half our homes are raising children without fathers, and fathers present are often girlie men. There is great benefit from a husband's authoritarian leadership, manly testosterone, and strong discipline. Coupled that with a wife who will surrender to God's role for her and a home becomes a paradise.

Msg #1407 Relationships: Salvage Before Severing

”Thou hast well said, I have no husband: for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.” (John 4) The subject of severed relationships is painful. Jesus uses it on the woman at the well to cut through a veneer and expose a broken life. On this Sunday, after Valentine's Day, after focusing on maintaining good relationships, attention is turned to the critically impaired relationships. There is nothing as hurtful in life as a severed relationship. The marriage relationship, sealed in a sacred vow, the parent-child or grandchild relationship sealed in blood, so too siblings and even intimate friendships, each of these relationships hold a portion of our soul and spirit in a delicate but certain grip. Each of us have one of these relationships in serious fracture, that is the nature of life. Each of us have or have seen one of these relationships severed; and wished more steps were taken to salvage it. Valentines, perched in the dead of winter, points toward a coming spring which marks an emphasis on love. Use it to put some focus on a fragile, fracturing relationship. It is worth setting aside grudges, pride, and hurt feelings to shower our relationships with selfless love. Anything we can do to keep a relationship from severing is worth a supreme effort. Relationships fail because of unforgiven wrongs, followed by pride, and culminating in a grudge. Jesus, the fixer of all relationships, was innocent, but God in the flesh was wronged, he was rejected, he was reviled, but yet he said, “Father forgive them.” A Christian can do what he did. “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.” (1Peter.2:21)

Msg #1408 Listening Skills

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.(Phil. 2:5) The mind God speaks of here is a mind of comforting love, fellowshipping spirit, and bowels of mercies.(Phil. 2:1) Doing what he asks, fulfills our joy,(2:2) and ignoring what he asks, produces selfish strife and vainglory.(2:3) This concept is of paramount importance when addressing our daily conversations. Crippled communication, the downfall of any relationship, is most exasperated in the marriage relationship. An unconscious judgmental fault-finding attitude invades each of us. We become insensitive, critical, impatient fault-finders and nothing hurts a spouse more than such critically impaired communication. Conscious repair and maintenance of our communication skills comes about by letting the mind of Christ be in you, and fixing your listening skills. Normal listening is only 20% efficient. Thirty if you shut off the tv, radio, video, computer or any other distraction. Forty if you maintain eye contact throughout the conversation. Fifty if you listen with your heart as well as your ears. Sixty if you do not interrupt or jump to conclusions. Seventy if you repeat what you heard her say. Eighty if you break silences to keep them from becoming negative feedback, using approving eye contact, smiles and a squeezed hand with your nonverbal communication. Ninety if you learn to show appreciation and thankfulness for what she just shared with you and avow never to break that confidence to another. And your listening skills will surge to 100% when all your nonverbal responses say, “What you have to say is important to me because you are important to me.” All of us could move our listening skills up a percentage or two. Husbands should not surge to the 100% level overnight, you will give her a heart attack.

Msg #1409 Reflections on Isaiah

There is a book in the Bible that contains 66 chapters just like the Holy Bible contains 66 books. It has a theme change after 39 chapters just as the Holy Bible changes from the Old Testament to the New. The redemption of man is the theme of both books. The writings of the Prophet Isaiah are worthy of a detailed study. In it is manifest the very heart and mind of God. In it is manifest the deplorable nature of man. In the shadow of a stiff-necked, rebellious people, called the Children of Israel, you see mankind lurking. Focus, and you also see the Americas lurking there. Meditate on this book, and you can see the dark shadow of your own individual rebellion manifest. God's plight, God's compassion, and God's pending judgment open this book, even as it opens the Holy Bible. The plea to “Come now, and let us reason together...” is prelude to great promises for the redeemed at the end of time. But, alas, between the two, stands God's song “Judge between me and my vineyard. What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard...” America is clearly guilty of all six woes listed in Isaiah chapter 5. And now our root shall be as rottenness, and our blossom shall go up as dust. Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them. Recession, Obama-Care, Sodomy, Wars, and rumors of them, “For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. (Isaiah5:25b)

Answering Mail – Kingdom of Heaven or of God

Thanks for asking. It is good to hear from you. I have given the subject much thought but little documentation. The scholarly genius of C.I. Scofield has caused many to differentiate between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven. I have long considered the distinction artificial at best and arrogant in the long run. When attending USAF design reviews a pilot was required to set amongst the engineers. After long debate about tedious details one pilot would often interrupt by saying, “Pull up, pull up, you're in the weeds!” The same should have been said when C.I. Scofield dove into this distinction. The debate has arisen time and again among students of the scholarly, but the Word of God does not make any clear distinction, and neither should we. Only Matthew used both designations referring to the Kingdom of Heaven, thirty two times (all the times it is used in the Holy Bible) and the Kingdom of God, only five of the seventy times it is used in the Holy Bible. These dual uses fit Matthew's perspective well. He presents Jesus as the King of heaven, while Mark, Luke, and John present him as Servant, Human, and Deity, respectively. These give four unique perspectives of the Only Begotten Son of God. Clearly, Matthew is the only one to use the title Kingdom of Heaven, because of this perspective, not because of any hidden allegorical² difference between the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God. When the Kingdom of God is used in Matthew, all five times, Jesus is talking in the first person about his father and his father's kingdom. It is only proper and fitting speech to use this third person designation in these five instances. C.I. Scofield sees these five uses with five allegorical respects, 1) the Kingdom of God is more universal, 2) the Kingdom of Heaven has only an earthly sphere, 3) the Kingdom of God must be entered only by a new birth, 4) only the Kingdom of God is inward and spiritual, and 5) the Kingdom of Heaven will eventually merge into the Kingdom of God. To these five subliminal interpretations I would repeat my friends advice, “Pull up, pull up, you're in the weeds!” To those who would repeat C.I. Scofield's subliminal insights in their attempt to appear as scholarly, I would advise a little more study of the Gospel According to Matthew and its more profound perspective of Jesus Christ as King, ergo King of the kingdom of heaven, which is quite synonymous with the kingdom of God.

Msg #1410 Isaiah the Prophet

Isaiah the prophet walks onto the page of our Bible and records sixty-six chapters which reflect its sixty-six books. Who is this man and are there more of them around? Nestled between the lines of 2Chron26:22 we find Isaiah as a young scribe in the courts of the king. Ussiah was king when Isaiah was born, schooled and so employed. Custom puts him in his late thirties in this verse and the chapter puts him in position to see the moral decay of the king he had known all his life. Isaiah's hero was exiled as a leper till his death, and Isaiah says, “In the year that king Ussiah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.” A prophet is one who takes a message straight from Jehovah God, draws breath and says, “Thus saith the Lord...” Prophets never stray from the words of His Book. Don't use the modernist's bible that has what scholars think God meant to say as taken from the texts of Alexandria Egypt. Isaiah 6 gives seven things that caused Isaiah to be an extraordinary prophet. 1) He saw the Lord on the throne and not a human; 2) he saw greater creations giving God worship and awe, 3) he saw the LORD of Hosts as Holy, holy holy; 4) he saw the earth full of God's glory; 5) he uttered the seventh woe of his book, “Woe is me for I am undone... of unclean lips”; 6) from the altar God anointed his mouth and purged his sin; and 7) Isaiah had the greatest ability of all, avail-ability, saying, “Here am I; send me.” Get a checklist number it one to seven, and be a prophet of the Most High God.

Msg #1411 Christ is the Answer, 4 Good, Bad & Ugly

When I was a lad the mayor of Corning was ushering a visiting dignitary into town. Who seeing a sign which read “Christ is the Answer”, above the city, asked “So what is the question?” The agnostic mayor stammered, then stuttered, then started a campaign to get that sign down. Fifty years later, the sign is there. God's written record through his prophet Isaiah brings that answer to four leading questions. Chapter seven starts with an account involving the good, the bad, and the ugly. In the days of Ahaz the good king of Judah, Rezin the bad king of Syria, is confederate with Pekah the ugly king of Israel. The latter is so ugly that God and Isaiah never refer to this son of Remaliah by name again. This confederacy against good unites the enemy of God with a nation called Israel. Now Israel the ugly was the union of ten sons of Jacob, who 1,000 year previous had a name change. Judah the good, slanderously called “Jew”, was the outcast favored of God dwelling in the favored city of God, Jerusalem. Now these are all sure enough real characters in a real scenario, as it were, chosen brother against brothers who leagued with the world and enemy of God. The answer to this ugly mess is Christ, and he shows up in verse 14, “Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” God does not just tell what happened in history; in His-Story he tells us what happens. Sure enough, the ugly neo-evangelical is confederate with the progressive-liberal world, in an effort to stamp out and replace the Bible believing remnant who dwell in their 1611 King James Holy Bible. Christ is still the answer, and he is coming soon.

Msg #1412 Compromise NOT, Confederate NEVER

Christianity has made ugly compromises with worldliness. It is confederate with progressive-liberals. The believing remnant should now pay careful attention to Isaiah 8. The theme is Maher-shalal-hash-baz, wherein the enemy goes quickly to the spoil and makes haste to the prey. When the compromise and confederacy is made, a generation will not pass before the destruction is wrought, vr4. Here, the grass roots refused the Living water, and rejoiced in Rezin, the bad King of Syria, and Remaliah's Son, the ugly, compromised, confederated, King of Israel, vr6. This chapter places emphasis on “a great roll and the writing on it with a mans pen,” vr1. When judgment arrives like an overwhelming flood the remnant of uncompromised believers are given five pieces of advice, when the LORD spake with a strong hand. (1) Make no association, compromise, or confederacy with the compromising majority, vr11-12. (2) Sanctify the Lord of hosts and let him be your fear, vr13-15. (3) Hold tight to your King James Bible, “Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples … to the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them,” vr16, 20. (4) Wait on the Lord, vr17. (5) Be a peculiar people, be a sign and a wonder unto them, vr18. I would rather be mocked and persecuted as a King James Onlyite, than use a Vatican bible that rips out 1John 5:7 and more. The doom of the compromiser is sealed and rushing in hastily; i.e. Maher-shalal-hash-baz. God illustrates through Israel the horrid consequence of the neo-evangelical compromise. Dr. Kean once said, Three words should be removed from a Baptist's vocabulary “can't”, “quit”, and “compromise.” They all start with “K” so you can just strike them from your dictionary.

Msg #1413 The Hobby Lobby Battle is The Lords.

Conception involves three entities coming together. As immorality devours the thought and intents of American society and “every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually,” a Bible believer needs to be very specific in this understanding. An egg and a sperm in a “test-tube” or a fallopian-tube, without a receptive womb, does not constitute conception. Only the fertile egg cleaving to the womb constitutes conception, wherein another human is formed. In a moral society that little individual has certain inalienable rights and protections. Any purposeful separation of the human life from its sustenance of life is thus immoral. The Hobby Lobby and the Amish Furniture Factory is not contesting religious rights as much as they are contesting a humanist government that would force them to partake in an immoral act. Christians are to always be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you. (1Pet 3:15) We have no exception for this particular issue. We need to be even the more clear after Roman ideas have muddied the water around the truth. It is not a “religious” issue. It is a moral truth. A truth, not just because of God's Text, but because of the obvious Biology Text as well. With Obama in power and the ACLU lawyers emboldened, Christians face waves of attacks against their freedom. Jehoshaphat, a king no stranger to compromised righteousness, prayed, “O our God, wilt thou not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.” (2Chron 20:12) You gotta love God's response. “Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. (vr.15b)

Msg #1414 Great Deception and The Hand of God

Isaiah records national actions and reactions with God's eye. National judgments are recorded for a spectra of nations, two with Godly heritage. These are full scale models of nationalistic behaviors, and the USofA is presently following the second best model, Israel. Mind you, the best of the best, Judah, has its flaws and ends in captivity. With all the Godly heritage and founding, a miraculous redemption from the world, and established as a God fearing nation with laws and constitution, one would expect that she follow justice, truth, and Jehovah God. Yet before 300 years, the whole head was sick. (cf Isa.1:5) “Therefore the LORD shall set up the adversaries... and they shall devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the LORD of hosts.” (Isa 9:11-13) In this chapter, and in this model, things turn out bad for Israel's rebellion. It is a mirror for America. They say we have no Creator, just two rocks in a primeval sea doing spontaneous generation! The masses believe them! They say we have no Judge bringing calamity to smite our land, it is caused by “Global Warming” from our burning fossil fuels and breathing out CO₂! The masses believe them! They outlaw light bulbs, shut down coal plants, and pursue “Green Energy” as their lord and savior. “Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts is the land darkened... For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.” (vr. 19,21) This message is not to the deceived masses, they are quite deceived. God says instead, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves.”

Msg #1415 Your Alabaster Box

Jesus' last walk to Jerusalem is wrought with drama, Pharisees and lepers, Lawyers and blind men, Scribes and short publicans climbing trees. Not to mention disciples fighting over their greatness as they chased little children away from their Lord! The trip culminates with the two high drama events of John 12. The only one who really understood why Jesus was come to Jerusalem was Mary who once again anointed him with an ointment from an alabaster box. She was forgiven much, and she loved much. She also had a relationship with her Lord and Saviour. A relationship found lacking in the 12 disciples. Even today it is only a few who comprehend the importance of the Christ's selection on that Palm Sunday. The Passover Lamb anointed by Mary six days before Passover was, on the 10^th of Abib, four days before Passover, exactly as recorded in Exodus 12, separated from the other sheep with the cries of the crowd. Their cries of “Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest,” (Matt 21:9) were soon followed with the question, “Who is this?” (Matt 21:10) Then after four of the most recorded days in human history, the same crowd cried “Crucify him!” It behooves a believer to study this trip, this week, and that relationship with great vigor. Set aside all Roman and Reformed theology and study him in the events of this week. Therein one can find a relationship akin to what Mary had. It is a rare thing in “Christianity” today, it was then. It is worth falling in love anew with the Passover Lamb. Let this Easter be one where your alabaster box is broken, and your expensive ointment is poured out.

> Hey Ed, appreciate your stedfastness. I hope all is well at your church and especially with your son on the field.

> Just curious, what day of the week do you believe Jesus was crucified on? I accept Edersheim's explanation myself, but I know good men differ.

I am certain that the 8th of Abib (old name of the first Hebrew month, cf Exod 12) was 6 days before Passover as John recorded in chapter 12, when Mary anointed Christ at dinner on a Friday, (i.e. not on a Sabbath day for my few Roman colleagues) The 10th of Abib was the day the Passover Lamb was separated from the others, (Exod 12) and was perfectly portrayed in his Palm Sunday entry into Jerusalem, ( i.e. not on a Sabbath day for my many Baptist colleagues). That inevitably makes the 14th day of the month, when the Passover Lamb was slain, fall on the Thursday, not on the Baptist's traditional Wednesday, and not on the Roman's traditional Friday. That unites with the testimony of the disciples on the Emaus Road, who said on a Sunday, "This is the third day since he was crucified." (Thur. Crucified, Fri. 1st day since, Sat 2nd day since, and Sun 3rd day since.) It is really iron clad for those not hampered by the other traditions of men.

Msg #1416 You Gotta Love Easter

“This month shall be unto you the beginning of months, it shall be the first month of the year for you... Your lamb shall be without blemish... and ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.” (Exod 12) When Jesus of Nazareth was crucified on the fourteenth day of the Hebrew month Abib, later called Nissan, the only begotten Lamb of God became our Passover Lamb. Three days after that crucifixion when he rose victorious over death, he became our High Priest. There is only one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. (ITim2:5) The world tries to drown out this truth with Cadbury eggs from clucking bunnies. Religionists with robes and backward collars assist with annual Easter egg hunts. But the truth remains “There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) Despite the grand cover up, regardless of the compromised clergy, Jesus, the way the truth and the life, is the True Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. (John 1:9) He judges and tries the reins and the heart. (Jer 11:20) All know his eternal power and Godhead so that they are without excuse. (Rom 1:20) Easter is a time when the resurrection of Christ is rubbed into an unbelievers knowledge of God. It can make them uncomfortable. His witnesses can use Easter to touch loved ones and neighbors with the Words of God which are sharper than any two edged sword. Christ the Lord is risen today, Allelulea. Sons of men and angels say, Allelulea. Believers love Easter. We need to learn to use it better.

Msg #1417 The Seven Spirits of God

"Christ is the Answer" is the theme of the 66 books of the Holy Bible, and the 66 chapters of the book of Isaiah. That is not a coincidence. After seven woes in six chapters Christ comes on the scene as a son born to a virgin in 7:14, then as a child given five unbelievable titles in 9:6. A dire woe is extended to all of mankind in chapter 10, and then, in chapter 11, after God's anger against Israel "is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still," after he assures the Gentile nations that "he shall cut down the thickets of the forest with iron, and they shall fall by a mighty one," his Christ is introduced in chapter 11. That introduction presents him as the Rod, a righteous judge, and a Branch, a giver of everlasting life. The Rod comes from an obscure stem, and the Branch from an all but destroyed root. The Rod and Branch of God which springs from the line of David, son of Jessie, refers to Christ's humanity. Theologians might disagree, but the Bible is clear, when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, he set aside the omni and the infinite and became finite. Without the omni and infinite attributes, Jesus used the Seven Spirits of God to accomplish all that he did while in the flesh. The Spirit of the LORD, wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the LORD. These, in the Revelation of Jesus Christ, are called the Seven Spirits of God. Isaiah 11 gives an awesome description of the Messiah. But the Seven Spirits listed are available to all believers. That is why Jesus said that we could do even greater things than he did in the flesh. (John 1412)

Why do Jewish males cover their heads?

Religious Jewish men cover their heads with platter-shaped cap (yarmalkah), usually made of cloth to distinguish between them and their Creator.

The costume of wearing such “yarmalka” (also known as “kippah”) is itself not rooted in the Hebrew Bible as is the case with tzitzit – tassels, hanging from the corners of male clothes (Num. 15:38).

The covering of the head in Biblical times was something mandatory only for the highpriest. The idea of all males covering their heads was an invention of emerging rabbinical Judaism (around 3rd century CE) that sought to reconstitute Israel under their leadership after the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE, symbolically projecting priestly duties on every male Jew.

The answer is nothing. The word is in Judeo-German language called Yiddish. It is compound word made up of two Aramaic words – Yar (fear) – Malkah (the King). It is incredible what connections we are able to make if we take the time to study ancient languages.

Whether you are interested in learning Yiddish, Aramaic or Hebrew I invite you to do it with eTeacherGroup! To consider enrolling today begin by clicking HERE.

Msg #1418 Awesome Name in an Awesome Chapter

God's revelation lets man know what God has done, what God is doing, and what is going to happen next. It is marvelous for the believer to read Isaiah 12 and see a description of the New Covenant relationship that we have in Christ. Penned by God through Isaiah 746 years before the Only Begotten Son of God became our propitiation it begins, "And in that day..." It defends the use of that word, "propitiation," with this insight, "though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away." (vr.1) We know now that Isaiah's wording "and thou comfortedst me" is prophetic of the Comforter that Jesus sent after his ascension. "Behold God is my salvation: I will trust and not be afraid," is descriptive of the New Covenant in the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. The personal name of God is only spelled out in English four times in the Holy Bible. All other times this most revered name is handled in English, as it was in spoken Hebrew, by substituting LORD in its stead. Appropriately two exceptions are when Moses and David spell out what his name actually was in Exodus 6:3 and Psalm 83:18. The remaining two exceptions drip from the pen of Isaiah when he writes about God being our salvation in a New Covenant (Isa. 12:2) and Israel's salvation in the 1,000 year kingdom reign of Christ. (Isa. 26:4) The meaning of that carefully, reverently used name is given in Exodus 3:14, "I Am, that I Am." In Jesus Christ, called the Mighty God, called the Everlasting Father, we have our salvation, and our Saviour is called by that most revered name. Here, for the "first-fruit" inhabitants of Zion's kingdom (vr.6), that Holy One of Israel is our salvation. What an awesome chapter.

Msg #1419 Mothers Day and Healing

On this Mothers Day we want to give special tribute to moms who have lost loved ones to, or are right now wrestling with America's health crisis called cancer. There is a known cure, it is preached here each Sunday, "Christ is the Answer." This old world cannot even fathom the problem. America loads our food with growth hormones and antibiotics, artificial flavor, artificial color, artificial preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and then ladens us with artificial air fresheners, color enhancers and cleaning products, and then asks us to walk a million miles and spend a million dollars to figure out why our bodies are having artificial tissue growth. The Bible still instructs us best about all this, "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." (1Cor 6) Our God who now lives in his temple, is still the Great Physician, and can heal all our infirmities. In Proverbs 31 King Lemuel's mom teaches 7 things that all mothers need to teach us, the first is Prophecy, or "Thus saith the LORD." She follows with 12 characteristics of a virtuous woman given in 22 verses of unparalleled Scripture. The crowning virtue of all 12 is the fear of the LORD. The LORD we fear still commands, "Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray... Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the Church; and let them pray over him, and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up."

Msg #1420 Babylon is Fallen, is Fallen

Just as God's chosen people, Israel, portray the great hope of mankind and the profound assurance that God will keep his promise, Babylon portrays the great damnation of mankind and the profound assurance that God will display his wrath. Isaiah 13 begins, "The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see." One thousand five hundred and thirty years earlier man gathered, right after the world flood, to build a kingdom that would reach up to heaven. There, in Mesopotamia, the land of two rivers, God confounded their languages and called their kingdom building, Babylon. On hundred and six years after Isaiah, the seer, saw this burden, Nebuchadnezzar, the brand new King of Babylon would lay siege to Jerusalem. It was his very first conquest. That is not a coincidence. God, for a 70 year season, to chastise his own, surrendered his chosen people to a Babylonian captivity. When released from this bondage his chosen people were a wholly different people. They never embraced idolatry again. God had gotten hold of their stiff neck and stoney heart. The born-again believer has been released from a Babylonian bondage and entered into the Kingdom of Heaven. No longer under the prince and power of the air, we are in the world, but not of the world. The Lord Jesus Christ will soon return to receive his Kingdom. Before he comes there will be a new world order, and a center of world commerce. That center will be called and located in Babylon, and its fall is depicted in The Revelation of Jesus Christ chapter 14. We expect the rapture of the church any day now. The Lord is coming for his saints and then with his saints. Israel will receive her King. What a day that will be.

Msg #1421 Healing and Anointing Oil

"Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up." (James 5:14-15a) Oil is not mystical or magical for healing. It is not filled with power, but obedience is. It does not get a hold of God, but prayer does. It can not heal any disease, but God can. In James 5 anointing oil is only a symbol. Baptismal water is also a symbol. It does not wash a single sin away. A communion wafer is also only a symbol. It is not a sacrament filled with magical power. It is not physically the body of Christ, nor does it magically turn into the body of Christ, it is a symbol. Jesus spent half of John chapter 4 trying to get the Samaritan woman to let go of the physical and get a grasp on the spiritual. Healing is promised to the believer and in James chapter 5 it is connected to a symbolic anointing oil. Oil is first mentioned in the Holy Bible when Jacob poured some on stones that were his pillow at Bethel. It symbolized the presence of God. Oil olive gave light where God dwelt with man, in the Tabernacle of God. Anointing oil was on the alter of incense, typifying the prayers of saints. The meal offering included a log of oil in sacrifice. Oil anointed the priest. Oil anointed the King. The parable of the 10 virgins teaches that we cannot borrow oil from another. Many who say they believe, leave the powerful promise of James 5:14 out of their vocabulary. You can trust His Holy Word.

Msg #1422 The Kingdom is Within You

Although it is an often repeated phrase in the New Testament of the Holy Bible, "The kingdom of heaven is like..." is an undervalued commodity in post modern Christendom. Even Fundamental Christians are so busy trying to persuade men to go to heaven that we forget we are to compel them into the kingdom of God, and that is what secures them a home in heaven. Except ye be "born-again" ye cannot "see" the kingdom of God, ye cannot "enter" the kingdom of God.(John 3) Except ye be converted... ye shall not "enter: the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18) I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer, so I still remember the day I realized that I was not "saved" into heaven, I was not "saved" into the Church, I was not "saved" into the family of God, I was "saved" and placed into the "Kingdom of God." I now had a membership in the kingdom of heaven! I frantically looked up all the verses dealing with my salvation, the couple just mentioned in particular, and found, sure enough, I was presently a member of his kingdom, and no longer a member of the kingdom of this world. I am simple, but suddenly, with this realization, a flood of things made better sense to me. This world is not my home, I am only passing through. I'm asked to walk "circumspectly" in this world, because the prince and power of the air here is like a roaring lion, seeking whom, of God's kingdom, he may devour. Wow that was thirty years ago for me, but when I revisit that discovery, it still sets my soul on fire. Right now the kingdom is within you. (Lu 17:21) I am now a child in his kingdom. That's a life changing truth.

Msg #1423 Unjust Stewards, Mammon, Law and Grace.

Luke chapter 16 is unique out of all the chapter outlines of Scripture. It curiously leads with a strange parable addressed to his disciples. An unjust steward, was caught wasting his masters goods was to be fired. For his own gain, he entreated his lord's debtors mercifully, to where even his master commended the unjust steward for his genius. Generally parables have only one major truth that is being emphasized, this one has four called out. 1) The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. God does not expect Christians to use the methods of the world, but to at least have the savvy of the world. 2) Use the mammon of unrighteousness to make to yourselves friends. If you have a Ranger Bass boat, use it for eternal purposes, use it to be a gospel witness. 3) Be faithful in that which is least. Some of us do not have a Ranger Bass boat, nonetheless... 4) No servant can serve two masters. Daily, be certain who your master is, ... with all your heart, soul and mind. Aimed at disciples, this parable did not set well with the covetous Pharisees, and they derided him. In this chapter Jesus rebukes them and their "letter-of-the-law" mentality. The law and the prophets are being replaced, more exactly "fulfilled", by the incoming kingdom of God that Jesus preached. Two notes; Luke 16:18 is not Jesus' teaching on divorce, it is his illustration of the harsh exactness of the law, in contrast to the supreme grace found in the kingdom of God. Also, the accounting of the certain rich man and of Lazarus given in the close of this chapter, is the capstone of the truths presented in this chapter. Rereading Luke 16 is beneficial.

Alexandria Egypt, Septuagint, and Horse Carts

To: eTeacher Biblical, Jewish Studies for Christians, http://eteacherbiblical.com

I enjoy your insight bulletins immensely, although they have not yet enticed me to sign up for your courses (due only to my own $ and schedule restrictions.) I am curious if you might respond to a sincere inquiry from a Baptist Preacher of the Gospel.

In your bulletin titled "The Dead Sea Scrolls and the New Testament", received here 13 June, you said that Mark, (in writing the Gospel According to Mark Chapter 1 verse 3) accepted the translation decision of the Jewish sages of Alexandria. I contend that you have the cart before the horse, so to speak.

Baptist staunchly contend that Mark, writing the inerrant, infallible, verbally inspired word of God under the hand of inspiration, did not lean on translation decisions of Jewish sages, least of all sages from Alexandria Egypt. This may seem trite, but indeed the whole error of modernist bible version and perversion springs from 'stuff' pouring out of Alexandria Egypt. Some of us, holding the old paths and the Old Book, still contend that nothing good comes from Alexandria Egypt, and that includes the RSV, NIV, NASV, NEV et al. as well as the Judeo-Greek Septuagint translation that you referenced. I expect that you understand the related "source-criticism" arguments leveled against the Holy Bible by modernist, liberals and infidels. Alexandria Egypt is symbolic and representative of the world, and a believer is wise to avoid what spews from there. It unceasingly muddies the Words of God, just like Satan does.

Knowing your busy schedule, I would only ask that you revisit this aged contention, and if you have a notable insight or opinion, that you share it with this humble student and Baptist Preacher. Or, perhaps, publish it in your resourceful bulletin.

Msg #1424 Fathers and Sons

Paul writes, ”To… my dearly beloved son,” and captures the whole spirit of fatherhood in his second letter to Timothy. As a father figure to Timothy, Paul is steadfast and unmovable. He encourages his son to be the same. Fathers need to be certain about some things. In his salutation, Paul was certain about his calling, certain about his promise of eternal life, and certain about his relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ (2Tim 1:1) Fathers also need to have an occupation, and that needs to include their sons. In the same salutation, Paul says, “I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee…” Paul not only had an occupation, he had a pre-occupation! His pre-occupation included his son, to where he understood what his son was doing, what his son was feeling, and what his son was going through. Every father could learn something from Paul’s relationship with Timothy. A son is always on a quest to fill the expectations of a father or a father figure. Paul uses great wisdom in this letter. He subtly lets Timothy know that as a son he has met every expectation and fulfilled every charge that Paul had for him. Now Timothy only needed to “hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” (1:13) And so Paul, again, gives his son this charge. Would to God that we could communicate so wisely, and secure such a powerful relationship with our sons.

Msg #1425 Israel Will Rise Triumphant

None can understand Biblical Prophecy until they come to grips with the revelation of Isaiah 14; "For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob." When Constantine highjacked Christianity, the founders of the Roman Catholicism used allegorical methods to claim all the promises of Israel for the Roman Catholic Church. The allegorical methods and the lies of Covenant Theology were adopted into Reformed Theology, and no Protestant denomination understands the Biblical Prophecy about Christ's Second Advent to this day. Isaiah 14 addresses the true destiny of Israel, in the actual promised land of God, when they are the rulers of all nations. It is not the Catholic Church which rises triumphant, as the song puts it, it is Israel who rises triumphant. Curiously, in the same chapter, the king of Babylon is the mirror image of Lucifer, son of the morning, and the doom of both is clearly announced, "Hell from beneath is moved for thee, to meet thee at thy coming." (vr.9) The context of this chapter makes Babylon representative of all nations which exude that self-made, greater than God attitude. Our own nation, wielding a pen and a phone and having no creator but Charles Darwin, is now Babylonic. All dooms and destinies are clearly portrayed in Isaiah 14, unless you are a denomination blinded by Calvin's Covenant Theology. The Lord will indeed rapture his church, and meet them in the air. His foot will touch down on the Mount-of-Olives when he rescues his chosen Israel, and the 1,000 year reign of Christ from David's Throne in Jerusalem is not allegorical, it is literal. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Message = Getting out of a Vice Grip

I write today because a co-laborer in Christ, an ordained Baptist Preacher of the Gospel and a Baptist Pastor of a local independent fundamental Baptist church has resigned his position after very publicly pleading guilty to a charge involving the possession of child pornography. I know that there is often some measure of entrapment involved in attaining such convictions, but a guilty plea does not lie. A Baptist pastor is to be Biblically held to the highest moral standard, but any male who is responsible for rearing children or grand children or is involved in any ministry to children or in regular contact with children, is justly and legally barred from that responsibility after such a conviction and plea. I write today to plead that every man examine himself. And in that private, between them and God, examination they plead either guilty or innocent of any charge of possession of child pornography. If the plea is guilty, they should justly and purposefully bar themselves from all such child contact or ministry, and seek competent spiritual counsel which can make them answerable to that justified barring.

I have been in the military, and involved in youth ministry for well over 20 years. I understand the draw and the power of the five vices condoned in the military environment. (i.e. wine, women/sex, smoke, drugs and gambling.) These vices hold on like the vice grip that bears the same name. But a vice also draws one deeper and deeper into its own immorality. Most never comprehend the vileness of a vice, even when they see a peer sucked into its overwhelming depth. When you are in a vice, you are in over your head, and your immorality does effect those around you. But as you get sucked deeper into its immoral vile there are clears signs that you are irreparably effecting those around you. Viewing child pornography is a crystal clear sign. You are doing irreparable harm. Bar yourself from all children and get out. There is a God, who sent his Only Begotten Son, to "open prison doors and set those captives free." Seek him out, he alone can save you.

Msg #1426 Seven Messages to the Seven Nations

Seven burdens to seven nations follow close after Isaiah's prophetic revelation about Israel, Babylon, and Lucifer in chapter 14. These burdens have a near term fulfillment in the actual nations addressed, and a long term, more global fulfillment detailed in the Revelation of Jesus Christ. But they also have a natural fulfillment in the nature of all nations, and mankind. These four perspectives of these seven burdens might consume hours of ones study. The believing study of Biblical prophecy tells us what the Lord our God had done, is doing, and will do. It allows us to see the heart beat of God, and it gives us the big picture, at the same time clarifying where we fit into it. The burden of Moab, in chapter 15-16, concerns the the incestual offspring of Abraham's nephew, Lot, who escaped the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, but carried their vice right back into society. Moab's annihilation is certain. The burden of Damascus, chapter 17. concerns the war mongers and world dominating forces. They are subdued. The woe to the land shadowing with wings, in chapter 18, concerns the USof A, who is blessed because it has given Israel, God's chosen people, refuge and rest. Last count there were more Jews in NYS than in Israel. The burden of Egypt is curios in that it speaks of their spiritual, material, and political influence, destruction, and restoration. Egypt typifies the world. The burden of Assyria, in chapter 20, concerns infighting. The burden of the desert and sea surely concerns the farce called global warming. The burden of Dumah, a son of Ishmael, is a riddle and a prelude to the burden upon Arabia, which concerns the hireling religion of Islam. Verse 21:17, assures these prophecies, "for the LORD God of Israel hat spoken it."

Msg #1427 Jesus Wept

John 11:35 is likely the most memorized verse in the Bible because of its brevity. It is the centerpiece in the account of the resurrection of Lazarus. John eleven is not about Lazarus, nor is it about death, nor is it about resurrection. It is about the Christ who said,"I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?" I have made a pact with myself, I will never quote John 11:35 but that I run through verse 25 as well. Lazarus fell sick unto death. At first glance Jesus does not come nor care, and lets him die. When a saint falls sick unto death today, at first glance, Jesus may seem not to come or care. The Friend, that is closer than a brother, does care. He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you. But when your friend is also your Lord, it behooves one to remember that it is not about him, it is all about Christ, and thus it should be. That is much easier to pen than it is to live. But the Friend also promised "My grace is sufficient for you" (2Cor12:9) When "Jesus wept", it was not for Lazarus, nor was it for his weeping sisters, Jesus "groaned in the spirit, and was troubled," (vr.33) because death is separation, death is sorrow, death is sadness. He came that we might have life more abundantly. (Joh10:10) But, alas, the majority rejected Him then, and they do today. Jesus wept for mankind and his plight. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Msg #1428 Work for the Night is Coming

Work for the night is coming, now it is high time to awake, if any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not. It is curious that this medley of thought comes up when Jesus would head to Lazarus' side. The disciples warned, "Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?" John eleven being about Christ, not Lazarus, puts focus on his death, not Lazarus' sleep. The oncoming night was coming in the ninth hour of crucifixion day. His raising Lazarus from the dead empowered his assertion that, "I am the resurrection and the life." The night represents the power of darkness. "Seeing the light of this world",is the daytime manifestation that he was indeed the Christ, the Hebrew Messiah, the Saviour of the world. "And this is the condemnation , that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light." (John 3) John eleven is the surge of light before the coming night. Then Romans 13:12 says, "night is far spent, the day is at hand, let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light." This is the same night, but now we are on the other side of it and walking in the Day of the Lord. Don't let John Calvin's covenant theology cause confusion, there is a Day of the Lord in a premillennial second advent when he will be the Judge, but we have been living in the day of the Lord, in a new covenant relationship, for almost 2,000 years now. It is high time to work, to witness, and to watch, for the night is coming. Make no provision for the flesh, see the light of the world, and put on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Msg #1429 The Resurrection and The Life

While approaching the tomb of Lazarus the Lord Jesus announced, "I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." Jesus describes himself with seven I-AM likenesses in the Gospel According to John. I am the bread, I am the light, I am the door, I am the good shepherd, and here, I am the resurrection and the life. Coming up in chapter 14 and 15, I am the way, the truth, and the life, and, I am the true vine. Consider how the scribes, pharisees and lawyers winced every time Jesus said it, "I-AM." "I-AM" and "Jehovah" are inseparably connected in the poetry of the Hebrew language. God told Moses, "I AM THAT I AM: Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." In Hebrew it is AHYH, while Jehovah is YHOH. When Jesus said "I am..." he knew what he was doing, and when, in the Revelation of Jesus Christ, he said, "I am the Alpha and Omega," there can be no doubt about what he was saying in all these instances. We worship and pray to the Lord Jesus Christ, because he is our God. In John 11 he announces that he is the resurrection and the life, because of his pending resurrection, not because of Lazarus'. Because He lives in a resurrected body, so shall we. Notice, once more, that this only applies to the believer. "Well, I like a lot of the teachings of Jesus" does not cut it, even for Mr. President. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Got life? Don't delay!

Msg #1430 Take Away the Stone

When Jesus came to the tomb of Lazarus, where his claim of being the resurrection and the life would first be substantiated, and the glory of the Christ would once more be revealed, Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Believers know he could have levitated the stone away or spoken the word and dissolved it into sand or less. It is oft found in life that before the glory of the Christ can be revealed there is something man must do. Abraham cleaved his own covenant signifying sacrifices (Gen 15); Isaac dug his wells; Jacob stacked his pillars of stones; Sampson searched out a jaw bone; Samuel stacked his own 12 stones, as did Elijah; David used his own wit at Engedi; the stone needed remove from the tomb, before the glory of God would be revealed. Martha was told what was to happen but could not believe it, the crowd had no idea but each had to incorporate obedience to Jesus before they could see the Christ. Perhaps the stone on your your tomb is confusion or complacency. We may sing the lyrics "Trust and obey, for there is no other way," and little comprehend that truth. Perhaps a stone of covetousness or conceit is keeping that decaying carcass in a tomb. Perhaps a stone of contention, or contrariness blocks the glory of Christ from being revealed. Some tombs still hold the dead because of compromise or coldness. There was a stone on Lazarus' tomb and Jesus asked those present to remove it before he prayed to his Father and called out Lazarus. We needn't get a candle to search out leaven, nor a kerchief to get a mote out of an eye, when stones over tombs are in plain view. The Resurrection-and-Life said, "Take away the stone."

Msg #1431 Only The Son Descended and Ascended

At Lazarus's tomb, before the miracle of his resurrection, the prayer that Jesus made was for our benefit not his. "That they", said he, and we, "might believe that (God, the Father) hast sent me." (John 11:41, 42) Believing in Jesus, descending from heaven, as the Messiah, the Christ, is the substance of salvation. You will not be quickened without it. John closes his written gospel witness, "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and the believing ye might have life through his name." Three "verily, verily" statements, (in Greek they are "Amen, Amen" statements) made in chapter 5 emphasize this truth about everlasting life and the resurrection of the dead. Verily, verily, I say unto you, 1) the Son can do nothing of himself,.... 2) He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life,... and 3) The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. (vr 19, 24 and 25) This lecture is on the Son's ability to "quicken whom he will", (vr21) and has its crowning illustration in the resurrection of Lazarus. Jesus mentions to Nicodemus that the "Son of man" must come down from heaven and ascend back heaven. (John 3:13) Paul includes, in his dissertation on salvation, the necessary belief that the Son must descend and ascend. (Rom 10:6,7) One cannot be saved without the doctrine of the trinity and the belief that Jesus is the Christ."For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12)

Msg #1432 Onward Christian Soldier

Jesus said "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law." (Matt 10:34-36) It is amazing that when the Resurrection and the Life rose Lazarus from the tomb, there was a decisive division amongst the Jews. "Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees..." (John 11:45-46a) When going in two opposite directions, as is true for these believers and the unbelievers, there is no compromise or middle ground, there is only a greater and widening divide. The unbelieving faction went so far as to desire the death of Lazarus. The depths of an unbelievers depravity has no foreseeable limit, nor should the depths of a believers compassion. With eyes to see each could say, "But for the grace of God, there go I." The progressive-liberal and the conservative Christian are going in opposite directions. The big-bang evolutionist and the born-again Creationist, believing in a 6 day creation, are going in opposite directions. The fundamental Muslim and the fundamental Christian, are going in opposite directions. There is no middle ground, and their can be no compromise. The believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, must arm themselves for a pending conflict. The primary weapon needs to be the compassion of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the primary tactic, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, ... humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Onward, Christian soldiers.

Msg #1433 LORD, Shepherd, Lord and Christ

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” The psalmist and shepherd, King David, writes some things about Jehovah God which are so eternal that twenty elder lips whispered them in unison in a nursing home in upstate New York. That is three thousand and thirty years after the psalmist wrote. The six sentences penned in the Twenty Third Psalm have been memorized by more humans than any declaration in the history of humanity. The present tense and indicative mood of “be” is “is.” It is not that the LORD, with all caps, “was” my shepherd, nor that the LORD, the most personal and revered name of Jehovah God, “will soon be” my shepherd. It is the present tense, absolutely assured form of “be.” The LORD is, presently, right now, an assured possession in a positive relationship, my shepherd. Jesus, who was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth, took the acclaimed name of Jehovah God, “I Am”, and declared, “I am the good Shepherd” (John10:11). Three hundred years after the psalmist's pen, the Prophet Isaiah wrote, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD (all caps) hath laid on him (his wounded, bruised despised servant (vr3n5)) the iniquity of us all” (Isa53:6).Seven hundred and eighty odd years later an old fisherman, who had set aside nets and become a fisher of men, wrote it this way, “For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls” (1Pet2:25) Today the blood bought and born-again can say with the assurance of the psalmist, “The LORD is my Shepherd.” Others, not-so-much.

Msg #1434 Being a Friend of God

Three Bible characters were called the friend of God. In Genesis 12 Abram walks onto the page of our Bible to be the first. "But thou Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend" (Isa 41:8, cf 2Chron 20:7, James 2:23). Jesus told his disciples "Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known to you" (John 15:15). Thirty seven hundred years ago God carefully recorded details of Abram's walk into friendship. It is for our benefit. Abram, who never even got to know God by his "first-name" (Exod 6:3) had a tough row to hoe. He started his journey with great promise, partial obedience, crippled faith, and no trust. God "had said" (past tense) to get out from kindred (11:31), but Abram took them with him. God said "I will give this land," but a famine scared Abram into Egypt. God said "I will make of thee a great nation" (12:2), and Abram said, "The Egyptians will kill me" (12:12). The inspired, inerrant word of God is profitable for correction, to keep us on track, and for reproof to get us off a wrong track. Abram had to come all the way back to an altar he had built to get back on the right track. That altar, the Bible is specific, was east of Bethel and west of Hai. Neither city had been founded yet, but the meaning is east of the "house of God" and west of the "heap of ruin." God was so tender with Abram, and he is with us. A friend's reproofs are necessary, learn from them, Abram did.

Msg #1435 Sanctification and Friendship

"Henceforth I call you not servants, for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth; but I have called you friends" (John 15:15), a friend of God. A son of Eber obeyed God and set out looking "for a city which hath foundation, whose builder and maker is God" (Heb 11) When he crossed over one Jordan River, his path took him to friendship with God. It is a path worthy of our consideration. "Hebrew" defined, are son's of Eber, ones from beyond, who multiplied in God's blessing. They were given the oracles of God which give Abram's account. Genesis 13 details Abram's second step towards this friendship, he had to separate from things before he could have an association with God. The Hebrew tongue has a word for association, it is Hebron, which is where Abram was camped in the last verse of this chapter. The chapter opens with Abram camped between the house of God (Hbrw- Bethel) and a heap of ruin (Hbrw- Hai) and it details his separation from his kindred (Lot), his kindred's wealth, aspirations, and evil eye. The Bible says Lot had a righteous soul, (2Pet 2:7-8) but God was pleased when Abram separated himself from Lot's pernicious way. When walking toward God one needs separation from the world, but sometimes we need to separate from believers in their error. Even a believer can operate like a wolf in sheep's clothing, doing great harm to the cause of Christ. Even though Lot was a believer, family, and companion, when Abram separated from him, God expanded Abram's promise, and led him to the plain of strength and fatness (Hbrw- Mamre). There God reestablished his association. (Hbrw- Hebron). Sanctified means separated unto God, and sanctification is an essential to friendship with God.

Msg #1436 Who is Your Friend?

Chapter 14 of Genesis gives a war story which is loaded with complex names and places, but it is a crucial saga in Abram's development. He is becoming a friend of God, and his steps of obedience and sanctification are herein followed by a great contest. Five confederate kings, with Lot in their midst, are overpowered by four confederate kings. Abram, confederate with three Amorite brothers, pursues and conquers the four worldly kings, and restores all to the five compromising kings. Looking up the meaning of each name in a Strong's Concordance is time consuming but it reveals who is confederate with whom, and the ills of confederations. The three important lessons for the friend of God are: 1) God is the most high God (Hbrw: El-Elyon) the possessor of heaven and earth. 2) There is a king of righteousness (Hbrw: Melchizedek), and he is the king of peace (Hbrw: Salem) And 3) this righteous king of peace pronounces one blessed of the most high God. Note that it was Melchizedek, king of Salem, who revealed El-Elyon to Abram. Confederacies of this world pale into insignificance when you are a friend of the most high God. Confederacies of the world which rally against us, confederacies of the compromised which think to rally with us, and confederacies with brothers who do stand with us will always have their place in our walk, but keep in mind, our real friend is the possessor of heaven and earth. "After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am they shield, and thy exceeding great reward" (Gen 15:1). What a great friend to have, and we hold the nail pierced hand of the righteous king of peace to boot.

Msg #1437 The Faith of a Friend

Abram, the friend of God, believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness, but he never even came to know God by his first name. It is not that the LORD did not reveal his proper name to Abram, "I am the LORD" (Gen15:7, Exod 6:2). God said it to Abram and to Moses. But he also told Moses, "And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH (LORD) was I not known to them" (Exod 6:3). Bible believers are conservatives who despise progressive ideas. Progressive Liberals trust Karl Marx's doctrine that capitalism must progress to socialism, then evolve to communism. Just the same, God uses progressive revelation to reveal himself and all his plans to man. Today we have all 66 books, and know God's first name, but don't have all the faith that Abram displayed. Genesis 15 is interesting because God says to Abram "I am the LORD," and Abram does not get it. Even though Abram missed a lot, what he did get he thoroughly believed. That pleased God. God tells Abram all his plans for all Abram's seed. He passes through an exotic multifaceted sacrifice with him. He appeared to him as a smoking furnace and a burning lamp (15:17). Much later Ezekiel gave a more progressive picture of God's mobile presence, it was a glowing wheel in the middle of a wheel. There was more revealed to Abram than he could take in, but he believed everything he could comprehend. Thus, he is called the father of faith, and the friend of God. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen... without faith it is impossible to please him" (Heb11:1,6) Be His friend.

Msg #1438 Men Teaching, Praying, and Prophesying

Abram believed God, and is called the father of faith, but in Genesis 16 he makes significant mistake. Sarai, his wife, the weaker vessel, lost faith and tries to help God out with his impossible promise. God had said "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help meet (appropriate) for him." God says it is not appropriate that women take a lead role in teaching, praying, or prophesying (1Tim 2:12, 8, 1Cor 15:34). He gives three reasons, 1) man was made first (1Cor 11:9, 1Tim 2:13), 2) women are more deceivable (1Cor 11:3, 1Tim 2:14) and 3) a woman's physical, physiological, and psychological makeup are designed for mothering not for leading men, homes, or nations. (1Cor 11:12, 1Tim 2:15). In this feminized culture, Bible believers spend too much time apologizing for what God said and too little time practicing what God said. Sarai is not in error proposing a solution involving her Egyptian maid. She is doing what women do, pursuing a compromise, seeking conflict avoidance, and manipulating things behind the scene. The error is worded in verse 2, "And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai." The role and responsibility of the husband is to provide the leadership and make the righteous decisions when given other options. Abram's failure is clear, don't put the blame on the weaker vessel and appropriate helper. Men have the responsibility to take the lead where women should not go. Men should lead in teaching; praying; and prophesying. The man is to be the head and lead in paths of righteousness. Our society is likely irrecoverable, but our homes and fundamental churches should have testosterone laden, unfeminized, feminine male leadership wearing the pants. That theme unfolds in Genesis 16, and is found lacking in America.

Msg #1439 Developing Intimate Friends

Intimate friendship only happens when two come to know and to trust each other. The more one knows and trusts, the more intimate the bond. Everyone needs them but you can count your intimate friends on one hand. Relationships mature and improve as this truth is learned and leaned on. Consciousness helps. If what you know about God comes from the theologians who wrote the Westminster Confession, you don't know squat. In God's revelation of himself to man, he comes to know, and then to trust a man named Abram. When God is cramped into a Calvinist's little box, he already knows everything, and many Bible verses must be trashed. “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings” (Prov 5:21). In Hebrew, “ponder” means ponder. In the Bible God comes to know a person and eventually comes to trust some of them. When they reciprocate, there is an intimate bond of friendship. All this takes trials. Spending more time with a Bible, and less with the theologian, helps one see the splendor of this reality. In Genesis 17, God gingerly takes a step of trust in Abram. It is awesome to watch the development of God's friendship with Abram. God reveals to Abram that he is El-Shaddai, the nourisher and sustenance of life itself. Understand that friendship takes a development form both sides, and here, “God talked with (Abram) saying, As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee” (vr. 4) When God was ready he gave Abram a new name. He made his covenant clear, then gave Sarai, Abraham's wife a new name. Trust and Obey, pass a couple tests, and become a friend of God. He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

Msg #1440 Don't Be Left Behind

There is coming a Last October. “In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation... Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: ...and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD... The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles...” (Lev23:23-24,27,34). Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and the Feast of Tabernacles mark the important fall memorial of blowing of trumpets. Bible believing Christians are listening for the trumpet symbolized in this feast. It will be a voice “as it were of a trumpet, talking with me; which said, Come up hither” (Rev 4:1). “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible” (1Cor 15:52). “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and (we) shall be caught up... to meet the Lord in the air” (1Thes 4:16-17). This is the rapture of the Church, and one must here distinguish between Bible believers and the Bible allegorizers. The Roman Religionists taught their reformers to allegorize away Jews and the premillennial return of Christ. Consequently Protestants do not perceive the rapture in these verses, and the Reformed cannot conceptualize our Christ on the Throne of David, in Jerusalem, for a 1,000 year dispensation. The truths in the 2^nd advent of Christ are reserved for those with ears to hear, and eyes that don't allegorize. Bible believers often “stand gazing up into heaven” (Acts 1:8-11). A “Hunt for the Last October” begins, don't be left behind.

Msg #1441 The 7 Year Tribulation is not Allegorical!

The seventieth week of Daniel marks a seven year period where Jesus tells us, “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor even shall be” (Matt 24:21). Roman and Reformed Theologians try to allegorize the reality of a premillennial advent and a literal seven year tribulation period into disbelief, but when Christ divides the seven years in half, seven distinct times, their false teachings come unraveled. A Hebrew calendar has twelve, thirty-day months, and they add an extra month in seven years. Daniel 12 divides the seven year tribulation into 1260 days and then 1290 days, calling them “time, times, and half a time.” The times of the Gentiles in Revelation 11 is forty-two months, or half the tribulation period. The two indestructible witnesses in described in that chapter prophecy for 1,260 days before Satan destroys them and God tells them, “Come up hither.” (Rev 11:3-12) After the seven seals and the seven trumpets, halfway through the tribulation, and exactly halfway through the 404 verses of Revelation, Satan is booted from heaven and torments the earth, knowing his time is short. The persecuted Israel is fed in the wilderness for 1,260 days of Satan's vile persecution. The commercial Babylon “is fallen is fallen”, halfway through the 7 year period. And Mystery Babylon, the false church and Jezebel is devoured and destroyed by the Dragon, Beast, and False Prophet of the new world order. Mid-trib is a very busy time indeed, and the week of tribulation, the literal 7 years such as was not since the beginning of the world, is not an allegorical pretense, it is a Bible reality. You can only be saved from the wrath to come, by first calling on Christ, the soon-coming judge.

Msg #1442 The Millennial Reign of Christ

After Revelation chapter 19, where heaven opens and the Righteous Judge, called Faithful and True, rides a white horse into the battle called Armageddon, comes chapter 20. Believing the premillennial return of Christ is that simple. Had the Roman reformers stopped allegorizing they would believe Revelation 20 which describes the thousand year reign of Christ. He reigns from the hills of Zion in Jerusalem (Psalms 2). He sits on the throne of David (Isaiah 9). And the twelve tribes of Israel are regathered into The Promised Land, because it is The Promised Land. One is not a “Zionist” because they believe in the inerrant, infallible, inspired Word of God. Dr. Chafer, founder of Dallas Theological Seminary, wrote seven volumes of theology trying to get Presbyterians and 70+ denominations to change their pernicious ways, and believe premillennialism. He was largely unsuccessful because reformed theologians would rather hold to Roman dogma than believe these two chapters in the Revelation of Jesus Christ. For the Bible believer the millennial reign of Christ is the last of seven dispensations. Each previous dispensation ended in man's failure. The Church age we live in will end as it was in the days of Noah and in Sodom and Gomorrah, just as Jesus said. And when Christ lifts the curse on this earth, so that wolf lies down with the lamb, when he binds Satan for a thousand years, and when he physically sits and reigns on this earth, man again fails catastrophically. All seven dispensations manifest the depravity of man. Such Bible truths are for those with ears to hear. Such truths don't fit with reformed Roman covenant theology, no matter how many modern bible translations they copyright. Study to shew yourself approved unto God, rightly dividing the Word of Truth into its seven distinct dispensations.

Msg #1443 The Golden Streets Soon Coming

You can know for certain that you have permanent residence in the kingdom of heaven. The residence is secured when one is “born-again” (John 3), and has your name on it when you are converted to Christ (Matt 18). But only a student of the end times knows that it will not have streets of gold until a thousand years has ended. The Bible speaks of three heavens, one where birds fly, one where stars fly, and the third heaven where the full glory of God is forever manifest. When a saint dies, they are absent from the body and present with the Lord in this third heaven. But the streets of gold in the city with twelve gates (for the twelve tribes of Israel) and twelve foundations (for the twelve apostles of Christ), does not show up until there is a new heaven and a new earth described in Revelation 21. Between now and then there will be a trumpet call, the rapture of the church, and the 1^st resurrection, which puts us in an incorruptible body. There will be a “Bema Seat” judgment for the saints while the world sees seven years of great tribulation. The second advent of Christ, where he returns with his saints, riding into the battle of Armageddon, is described in Revelation 19. Chapter 20 describes the one thousand year reign of Christ and the Great White Throne judgment. The 2^nd resurrection and the 2^nd death meted out in that judgment mark the end of this world; it is all destroyed with a fervent heat (2Pet3:10). Only then are the saints from the 1^st resurrection ushered into the city with streets of gold. “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection; on such the second death hath no power” (Rev20:6).

Msg #1444 Three Vails Removed in Christ

Three vails that are removed through the gospel of Christ, remain in man's religions. The Gospel opens a new covenant relationship with God, and 2Cor 3 details how the Lord is the life giving Spirit of that covenant. “Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: And not as Moses which put a vail over his face that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the Old Testament; which vail is done away in Christ” (2Cor3:12-13). Moses hung another veil in the tabernacle. It separated the holy place (containing a lamp, a table of shew-bread, and an altar of incense), from the most holy place (containing the ark of the covenant). It separated the ministering priests from the presence of Jehovah God. Man's religions have robed priests, clergy or imams standing between common man and God, but in Christ that veil and those robed clergy are done away, “And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom” (Mark15:38). A third vail done away in Christ is the woman's vail. In Gen 24 Rebekah “took a vail and covered herself” to show Isaac that she accepted him as her lord. In weddings the bride is still vailed, until the marriage. The beauty revealed when Boaz says, “Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it” (Ruth3:15), reveals Christ as our kinsman redeemer who fills our vail with six measures of barley, and promises to soon make us his bride. These three vails are removed via the Gospel of Christ. Make him Lord, strip away the vails.

Msg #1445 Thank the Healer

Thankfulness for healing is best expressed face to face to the Healer. Some are thankful for the healing, but silent towards the Healer. This truth is punctuated with exclamation marks in the ten lepers which were healed, as recorded in Luke 17. The ten were told to “Go shew yourself unto the priests.” They obeyed, and were healed as they went. One cannot imagine that the nine were not thankful. Surely many of them showed up at the temple as they were told, they showed themselves to the priests, as they were told, and doubtless some went through the prescribed cleansing that allowed them back into the religious system of the day. There was, however, one, a stranger who was not allowed into the temple. If he was going to give thanks to God, he would have to go back to the one who healed him and thank him. The emphasis of this account is that he gave God thanks by falling at the feet of Jesus the Christ. All of our thanksgiving should be done at the feet of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the Almighty God, the Everlasting Father. Take care to be more enamored with the Healer than with the healing; with the Redeemer over the religion, with the Lord over the labor, with the Saviour over the saving, with the Messiah over the message. On Veteran's Day, and heading into a national day of Thanksgiving, I am thankful to the Lord Jesus Christ that, when I was drafted in 1972, He was with me through my entire military career. Jesus Christ is worthy of all our thanksgiving. This year put the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in all your thanksgiving.

Msg #1446 In Everything Give Thanks

The wisest philosopher cannot account for the ongoing attitude of the born again believer who practices the three perpetuals of Christianity. Solomon ponders this dilemma in Ecc 9:1-3a, “For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them. All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath. This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all...” Bad things do happen to good people. But when a believer practices God's command to “pray without ceasing,” those things cannot cause him to faint. “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” (Luke 18:1) When a believer can “rejoice evermore”, these things cannot overpower his joy. And when the believer learns the value of God's command, “In everything give thanks,” the rational philosopher stumbles before the supernatural God who holds us in his hand. It is amazing what praising will do. God changes brain chemistry when you “Count your many blessings.” Romans accounts man's decline from God, and the first step is “they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful.” (1:21) Don't approach that first step; many have fallen down the whole flight of stairs. Be thankful you were born in a country that still has a National Day of Thanks Giving. Then take full advantage of that fourth Thursday of November.

Msg #1447 Thanksgiving with Integrity

Thanksgiving is a verb. Before one can do it certain ingredients need to be correct in his life. When thanksgiving is a noun it is to bubble out of our life like root-beer poured on vanilla ice-cream. Again it requires the right ingredients. When ingredients are right it bubbles out and is well pleasing to our Lord. David lists the necessary ingredients in Psalm 26. Ingredient#1, “I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD.” Ingredient#2 “Thy loving kindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.” Ingredient#3 “I have not sat with vain persons... dissemblers, (or) the wicked.” Ingredient#4 “I wash mine hands in innocency: so I will compass thine altar, O LORD.” Why these ingredients? “That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.” (vr. 7) But the Bible also delineates a thanksgiving that makes the Lord sick. In Amos 4 it states, “The Lord GOD hath sworn by his holiness... that he will take you away with hooks, and your posterity with fish hooks.” The ingredients for this scorned thanksgiving are present in our nations “Which crush the needy, which say to their masters, Bring, and let us drink.” This religious nation says “Come to Bethel, and transgress... and bring your sacrifice.” Bethel means “The house of God,” but God no longer dwelt at Bethel. Jeroboam, who caused Israel to sin, had set up a golden calf and made Bethel a place of false worship. He did this to keep people from true worship in Jerusalem, where God dwelt. In their false worship they “offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven.” Be careful about integrity and about this world's apostate churches which are a house of God in name only. Happy Thanksgiving.

Ferguson Misnomer In The News

An unarmed, doped up, 6'2" 260 pound, thieving, 18 year old adult, departing from his crime scene, attacked a police officer, attempted to steal his gun, and was shot dead. Why doesn't someone in the media say that out loud twice a day? This is NOT racial it is criminal. The problem is NOT on the police, it is on the streets they are forced to patrol. The burning and looting in Ferguson is indeed aligned with “protestors” cause, because “their” cause is that blacks don't have to obey American law or submit to the American judicial system! It is distressing that our media and White House are playing along with “their” anarchy and terrorism. They ask the police to use restraint and continually imply that this is a police problem! Forcing that there be a proportionate number of blacks in police pullovers or black policemen on the streets, is as stupid as forcing that there be a proportionate number of white faces in our prisons. These disproportions are indicative of the systemic problem, but no media has the guts to say that problem out loud. The minorities are the majorities in jails and prisons! Find the cause of that. It is not police or judges. More blacks commit crimes than whites; that is the problem that needs to be addressed. There are symptoms, and there are causes. Stop protesting and only reporting the symptoms! Expect blacks to be the disproportionate on police rolls and blotters if they are the majorities in our prisons. Police are doing their jobs excellently and need better protection from these protestors and the civil suits of malcontents. Deal with the real racial problems for once, and give each police officer an overwhelming thank you.

Msg #1448 Calvary

Dr. Luke writes the third gospel with incredible insight about the crucifixion. Luke was not an apostle, but had listened to them preach for thirty years. He traveled extensively with the Apostle Paul and now, during Paul's imprisonment, Luke publishes “The Gospel According To Luke.” Luke had the blessing of the apostles on his writings, but it is more important that he wrote as he was moved by the Holy Ghost. Each word he penned is God's word. His narrative takes Jesus through the triumphal entry, three days of teaching, the last supper, the trial, and to a hill called Calvary. There is no narrative more solemn or more moving for the blood bought, born-again, believer, for “God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” The substitutionary death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the gospel message which Dr. Luke portrays in the word's of God. Would to God I might hold it with a little more daily esteem. It is precious enough to die for, many have. It is precious enough to live for, many are. Luke also records the boldness Peter's witness, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ... Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts2:36, 4:12) And again, “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” (Acts5:30-31) It is still foolishness to scholars, but the power of God to believers.

Msg #1449 The Odd Announcement

Three odd chapters in Isaiah capture the scene for the promised coming of the anointed One of God, the Messiah (Hebrew), the Christ (Greek). Chapter 7 announces the sign, that the second Adam, the seed of woman that is to bruise Satan's head, will be born of a virgin. His name is Immanuel, which being interpreted is “God with us” (Isa 7:14, Matt 1:23). Chapter 9 announces that the people that walked in darkness see a great light, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The might God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isa 9:6). These names mock the cultic Morman Tabernacle Choir which denies both the trinity and the deity of this child born in Bethlehem. Jesus was indeed God in the flesh, who left the portals of heaven to be born the Son of Man and the Son of God. Chapter 9 also proclaims His endless kingdom on the throne of David, to order it and establish it. Begone Roman Religionists and Protestant Presbyters who deny the kingdom reign of Christ. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. Is it strange that Chapter 11 of US bankruptcy code permits reorganization under law, and Isaiah Chapter 11 announces just such a reorganization? “There shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots” (Isa 11:1). The rod speaks of chastising judgment, like “spare the rod, spoil the child,” while the branch speaks of the life giving sustainer. If you do not receive eternal life from Jesus Christ as the Banch, you will soon receive eternal death from Jesus Christ as the Rod.

Msg #1450 Preliminary Preparation Preaching

There is plenty of prophecy of the coming Messiah, there is preliminary preparation for his arrival and there is a pertinent presentation at his first advent. Luke chapter one schedules four preachers, i.e. four spokesmen with a “thus saith the Lord” message. The four expound the preparations for our Lord's arrival in flesh. First up is Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. He has a two part message; in 13-17 he details the arrival and full role of John Baptist, and in 28-33 he details the arrival and full role of JESUS the Son of the Highest. Next up on the schedule of speakers in this chapter is Elisabeth, the mother of John Baptist. She was filled with the Holy Ghost and in 42-45 she starts outlining the messages of the 6-month old who is leaping in her womb. In verses 46-55 Mary, the virgin mother of JESUS, the Son of God and Son of man, takes the podium. She is filled with the Christ-child and acknowledges her need of the Saviour in her womb. She then expounds his mercy on all of mankind from generation to generation. Mercy is descriptive of the condemned not getting the punishment that is deserved. Mary saw that mercy, and preaches its availability for me. The final speaker of the chapter is Zacharias the father of John Baptist. After being dumb for nine months he is filled with the Holy Ghost and in 68-79 he expounds the Son of David to be both redeemer of Israel and merciful Saviour to all of mankind. Awesome messages, well worth my read in preparation for Christmas worship. A believer's whole month of December should be full of Scriptures concerning the prophecy, preparation, and presentation of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus the Christ.

Msg #1451 The Christ Child's Presentation

The Christmas counsel of the ungodly is to mock at Luke chapter 2, but the believer, by definition, believes every precious word. The way of sinners is to reject the great price paid for their sin, the Christ child born to die, but the born-again know well the substitution that was made. The scornful call it fable but the Christian studies every detail of these miraculous provisions for the birth of the Only Begotten Son of God. One can research “that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed,” the record is clear. Each province went on a schedule for this census and tax, and all had to stay in their birth city for as much as 3 months until bureaucrats got their paperwork straight. God's provision happened to bring Mary and Joesph to Bethlehem, the Bible says, “And so it was, that while they were there...” God is good. God's provision was that his Only Begotten be born in a barn and laid in a manger, the plan unfolds with one little clause, “because there was not room for them in the inn.” God is very good. Just before Passover, during lambing season, shepherds would be “abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” (Rome speculated Noel was on their miscalculated Sun god's longest night.) Right after the shepherds adoration the Bible records, “when the eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS.” And when the days of HER purification were accomplished they brought him to Jerusalem (the NIV “scholars” said it included HIS purification... infidels). Baby Jesus just missed the wise men in Jerusalem, heads back to Bethlehem, then to Egypt, then Nazareth. All in God's providence. Praise His Name.

Msg #1452 The Grandest Opposition Ever Conceived

In the annals of human history no birth has been more opposed than the Noel just celebrated. Ever since God said that he would put enmity between Satan's seed and woman's seed, Satan has hated male births; ONE would bruise his head. Cain, “who was of that wicked one” (1John 3:12) slew his brother Able, so that the first male born became the first first degree murderer. Satan one, God zero. Satan heard God promise Abram, “And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives... if it be a son, then ye shall kill him” (Exod 1:15). Satan two, God zero. Satan heard God promise David, “And when Athaliah... saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal” (2Kings 11:1). Of Athaliah, as vile as mother Jezebel, one could say “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth” (John 8:44). Satan three, God zero. Remember in this contest, God only needs ONE! Satan contaminates the Davidic line, “Therefore thus saith the LORD of Jehoiakim king of Judah; He shall have none to sit upon the throne of David” (Jer 36:30) God sent his chosen into bondage where Hamon said “If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed” (Est 3:9). God said, “behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son” (Luk 1:31). “Then Herod... was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem!” Satan six, God zero. “And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS.” God ONE, Satan zero! Suppose Satan is a poor looser? Ask Adolf Hitler.

Msg #1501 A Man A Plan

Read backwards the line “A man a plan a canal panama” and you get what you started with. It is called a palindrome. I cannot think about a plan without that line coming to mind. It is called senility. The year 2015 is upon us and we need a plan, a goal, a resolution, a five year schema with several annual achievable objectives. The Kingdom of God does not operate like any kingdom of this world. The twelve disciples and I try to force fit it into achievable resolutions, but Jesus puts it succinctly, “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal” (John 12:25). In his Kingdom, to save your life you loose it, abundant life comes when we die daily, to gain bread, cast thy bread upon the water, to gain riches, give away all that you have. My plans are more attractive. But he still insists, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit” (vr. 24) His plan does not have a “Purpose Driven” Church, Life or Anything! It is like, “He must increase and I must decrease!” I dare not belittle resolutions, but this year I want to hear Paul beseeching me by the mercies of God, that I present my body a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God. (Rom 12) May I “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil 2:5), and let that corn of wheat die, as I quote “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me” (Gal 2:20). Happy New Year.

Msg #1502 The Word and Faith

There is a substance of things hoped for. There is an evidence of things not seen. It is both “The Word” that became flesh and dwelt among us, and it is “The Word” which is as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Think of the substance of both. Think of the evidence of both. “The Word”, in each form, is the manifestation of God. The subject of Hebrews eleven is faith. We understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, and how do we understand that? By the Word of God which communicates it and by “The Word” in the flesh who confirmed it. Note that if we have any measure of faith, we receive it because “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Note also, that if we believe in Jesus Christ, Galatians 2:16 says we believe “by the faith OF Jesus Christ”, it is not my faith. If you use a modernist's bible, they suppose what God meant to say, and their Gal 2:16 takes out the faith OF Jesus Christ, and substitutes our puny faith. It is important to study the Words of God, not modernist copyright words. Hebrews eleven goes on contending that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Last year Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis debated Bill Nye the Science Guy. Although it was an excellent exercise in apologetics, the Science Guy could not believe! No inerrant Bible, no Christ, no faith. Know an inerrant Bible, know Christ, know faith. For Bill Nye seeing is believing, but for a Christian, believing is seeing, “and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. (Eph 2:8-9) In 2015 let us grow in faith.

Msg #1503 Faith and Hope

Some people have a propensity for the curious; they are students. It is curious that our Lord announces that only three things will abide into His Church's maturity; faith, hope, and charity. Prophesying and speaking in tongues falls amongst the immature. In these “Last Days” the attempted resurrection of the immature things is more disheartening and heretical than curious. But that faith and hope abide together is curious. Faith is the substance of things hoped for. What then is hope? Peter instructs saints to always be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you, but Job, in the pits of despair said “All hope is lost”, yeah indeed, he said that God himself took it away from him (Job 7:6, 17:15, 19:10). In Matthew 8:28-34 the only hope of hogs, and some men, is comfort, food and health.But in his dialogue Job words the supreme hope of a believer, “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me” (Job 19:25-27). Faith and hope unite to bring us salvation (Rom 8:24). Faith carries us through the needs of this life while the believer's hope abides unassuaged by cares of this world. “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity” (1Cor 13:13). Pursue charity, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1Pet 3:15).

Msg #1504 Charity Suffereth Long and Wrong

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity” (1Cor 13:13). These three instruments of Christianity remain hallmarks of maturity, maturity of his Church, and maturity of his disciples. Consider three things about the greatest of these, charity. First that 1Cor 13 supremely depicts charity. It shows its supreme value (vr.1-3), character (vr.4-7), and endurance (vr8-13). In good English the word “charity” is larger than the word “love,” as much as the Greek word “agapos” is larger than “phileo.” (see John 21:15a&b) One is selfless, the other still holds some measure of selfish. This chapter delineates the purest and most selfless of Godly love, and it is rightly translated “charity.” Second, consider that charity motivates our action. The believer is to be the ambassador for Christ, with a ministry of reconciliation (2Cor5:20, 17-19). In 2Cor 5 Paul describes why we labor for Christ while still in the flesh. These motivations seem to follow a progression of maturity: #1 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (vr.10), #2 “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord” (vr. 11), and #3 “For the love of Christ constraineth us” (vr.14). What does this love constrain us to do? To preach the gospel to every creature. Lastly, consider that charity tells who we are. “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another.... By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.... If ye love me keep my commandments.... This is my commandment, that ye love one another as I have loved you.... Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 13:34-35, 14:15, 2015:12-14). The pure love of Christ indwells us, involves us, and identifies us. Awesome!

Msg #1505 A Crucible Called Marriage

The epistle which answers the most questions about marriage and divorce also provides a list of fifteen characteristics of true love. There is no greater laboratory for testing every one of these fifteen qualities than the institution of marriage. There is no institution better equipped to reveal the depths and purity of God's love than the Christian home. Some crucial things found when entering this laboratory is that love suffereth long, is not easily provoked, and endureth all things. An entry into marriage is intended to be a full time and a lifetime testing of our ability to demonstrate true love. In marriage love is not a gushy feeling, it is a command of God. And in this laboratory of God's design, a true love grows and develops... or not. Never let it be said in your home, “We drifted apart.” Jesus says of his commands, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” Purpose to maintain a Christlike, Christian marriage. The marriage vows only have provision for a love which will endure all things. Marriage vows are sacred vows taken before God and man. Christian marriage vows contain the line, “Until death do us part.” They have no prenuptial agreement about another way of ending this arrangement. They require one man and one woman for one lifetime, faithfulness and fidelity. There is a life time commitment in the vow. It also contains the clause, “In sickness and health, for richer or poorer.” That is only an introduction to “enduring all things.” The full depth of “suffering long” is tested in the crucible of life. It is played out in the bedroom, in the finances and in old family ties of a Christian home. The laboratory where, “enduring all things,” is tested, is indeed called marriage.

Msg #1506 Purpose and Union for Valentines

What the LORD God reveals about our wives is remarkable. What men don't understand about women is remarkable. The value added to the husbands who study what God said is even more remarkable. Allow some remarks on these “remarkables.” God gives three reasons why the woman can't do some things which the man is commanded to do. 1Tim. 2:13-15 lists all three reasons. First, “For Adam was first formed, then Eve.” 1Cor. 11:9 states this first reason, “Neither was man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.” Genesis 1:18 states it, “And the LORD God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help (appropriate) for him.” Two more reasons given, the woman is designed for mothering (vr. 15) and the helping-mothering design makes women the weaker vessel, more prone to deception. (vr.14,1Pet 3:7) The LORD God said that a man alone is not complete. Husband, the best design for your completion is the little woman you married. It is a pretty sorry man who sets on his hands until his appropriate helper is forced to get out in front and do the leading. The woman is a weaker vessel physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Husbands, the stronger, are to stand up and be the guardian and protector physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Women are different then men. That used to go without saying. The epitome of married life is that God, the three-in-one, designed marriage between man and woman, that these two-in-one could reflect his perfect unity. God's design for your marriage is that the intimate physical union, the secure emotional union, and the God-honoring spiritual union can make your marriage and your home a taste of paradise here on earth. Repair the breaches and have a Happy Valentines Day.

Msg #1507 Leadership School

Every husband is thrust into the role of leadership. When you stand at an altar, and a young lady promises to love, honor, and obey... well, you are now in a leadership position. Moses was enrolled in God's leadership school and husbands are too. How is school going? Husbands are to be God's spokesman in the home, and the family's spokesman before the LORD God. Before Moses could be God's spokesman, 1) he had to stand in the presence of God, 2) he had to hear the words of the LORD God, and 3) he had to personally talk to the LORD God. How many times did Moses go up into the mountain to meet with God? How many times did he stay for forty days? Remember when he came down from talking with God and glowed so bright they put a vail over his head? So, how much time should a leader spend with the LORD God? How much glow do you bring into your home? When Israel chided him about water, bread, or meat, Moses took it to God. God allowed circumstances in Israel's journey, things which drove Moses into God's presence as their intercessor. When calamities of life come, sometimes, God is just waiting for the responsible leader to come into his presence. Military leadership school teaches that a leader must do three things well: 1) He must see the larger picture and always keep the goal in view; 2) He must motivate people to do things they do not ordinarily do; and 3) He must meet the needs of people. In the Christian home, God will take care of those when we confess our need and take care to meet with him daily. It worked well for Moses. So, how IS school going? Keep looking up.

Msg #1508 Two Shall Be One

God, the three-in-one with perfect unity, designed for man, created in his image, a home where man could have two-in-one. The husband and wife are designed and compatible to become one flesh. The part where they become a perfect unity is an ongoing development yielding an ongoing joy. That was always God's intent and it can be fulfilled in Christian marriage. There is nobody on earth who knows you with as much intimacy as your spouse. He knows if you read your Bible this morning. She knows if you prayed.. That is spiritual intimacy. He can hold her hand when it's below zero outside. She can touch his arm when the car doesn't start. That is physical intimacy. He can see her heart at the funeral home. She can know his pain when that application is turned down. That is emotional intimacy. No other human on this globe can know you as your spouse does. Your marriage can be selfish, or it can be selfless. God always intended the latter. Don't let “selfish” rule your home, else you will never get that taste of paradise which God intended. Two made one flesh, with perfect unity, is not only key to a precious marriage, it is key to our union with Christ. In fact marriage is meant to whet our appetite for our perfect union with God. When one is born again they are 1) Converted, 2) Indwelt, 3) Quickened, 4) Justified, and 5) Wholly immersed into Christ (baptized into). Christ describes this as “abide in me and I in you.” He prayed the Father that he and I would be one, even as he and the Father are one. Perfect unity in marriage is a marvelous foreshadow. Ain’t love grand! Perhaps the gas line is frozen, try some dry-gas.

Msg #1509 Jesus Our Perfect Example

God was made flesh and dwelt among us for only one reason, but while he was in the flesh he gave a perfect example of how we can live. Jesus was our example in five particulars. 1) Growth, “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man”(Luke 2:52). His four-fold growth is our example. Some of us have grown to large in stature, and need to focus on less artificial sweetener, preservatives, and color-enhancers in our growth of stature! When you stop growing you start dying, and Christians are appointed to more abundant life. 2) Witness, John 4 records that “Jesus must needs go through Samaria,” and details Jesus' longest soul-winning conversation. It is an example for being a good witnesses. 3) Prayer, Luke 11 finds disciples asking, “Teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” How often did Jesus pray? He had a place of prayer, a practice of prayer, a position of prayer and a propensity for prayer. If the Son of God in the flesh needed prayer, what of me? Men ought always to pray and not to faint (Luke 18:1). 4) Ministry, “He poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples feet...For I have given you an example”(John 13:5,15). Abraham and Mary Magdalene washed the feet of God, Mary with tears. The Holy Bible does not establish foot washing as an ordinance, but Jesus established it as an example of ministering to others. Walk in his steps. And 5) Love, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John15:13). Jesus is our example to grow, witness, pray, minister, and love. There is no greater example, but despite what Barack Hussein and the Muslims say, that is still not why he came.

Msg #1510 Christ Our Perfect Passover Lamb

Christians rarely give sufficient weight to God's portrait of the Passover Lamb. “...For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us” (1Cor 5:7). Details of the Passover Lamb are given in Exodus 12; the commemoration feast in its honor in Leviticus 23 and Numbers 9. The Passover Lamb's blood, when applied in obedience, removed the condemnation of death from a house . “... when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you...” (Exod 12:13). The lamb was separated from the flocks on the 10^th of the month Abib; ours was on a Palm Sunday. It was kept out for five days to insure it was without blemish; ours was examined from Sunday to Thursday. On the 14^th of the month “the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening” (12:6); ours was slain on the 14^th, on an old rugged cross. The next day was a high holy day, a sabbath, with a holy “convocation,” i.e. assembling and reading, beginning a seven day feast of unleavened bread. When we apply his blood to the door post of our heart, we pass from death unto life, we enter into his sabbath rest, and we unite with his holy “convocation,” called a “Church,”i.e. a called out and assembled together body of believers. We purge out leaven as instructed in 1Cor 5:6-8. We forsake not the assembling of ourselves together on the first day of the week when God rose our Passover Lamb from the dead and made him our only mediator and High Priest. That is only a quick glance of God's portrait of a Passover Lamb. Dust off those 39 books of the Old Testament, they have a depth and resolution which can make your heart rejoice.

Msg #1511 Christ Our Perfect High Priest

Without the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ we would have no High Priest to atone for our sin, and no mediator to stand between us and God. I have heard a hundred sermons on the importance of the resurrection. For me all reasons pale before our need of a High Priest. When Christ, God incarnate, died as my Passover Lamb, he cried, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up the ghost. Even though, at this point, he fulfilled the role of a Passover Lamb, i.e. he died “for” us, he had not yet purged our sins. The epistle to the Hebrews states, “When he had by himself purged our sins, (he) sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high” (Heb 1:3b). “It is finished,” applied to his role as our Passover Lamb; in his role as our high priest he had to take the Lamb's blood into the most holy place and sprinkle it on the ark of the covenant. There was a physical ark containing the covenant with Israel, but that ark was only made after the pattern of the one residing in heaven (Exod 25:9). The resurrected Christ took His blood to the actual throne of God and sprinkled it on the ark of the covenant. Recall how the resurrected Lord told Mary Magdalene, “Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father” (John 20:17). In like manner, the high priest was not to be touched as he brought the sacrificial atoning blood into the most holy place on the Day of Atonement. God did not put more into his Old Testament imagery than he could fulfill in his Only Begotten Son. When he purged our sin with his blood, he did it as our High Priest.

Msg #1512 Spiritual Warfare

In his first epistle, the Apostle Paul writes, “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel.” There is still cause to marvel about that peril. When one gets born-again, under-the-blood, I-am-redeemed-saved the Holy Spirit of God indwells them and leads them into all truth. The believers at Galatia, however, had a more powerful leading which they readily followed; causing Paul to marvel. All religion misleads; it detracts from the grace of Christ. In Galatia the detractor was Judaism and works of the law. Today, predominately Romanism and works of penance, priests, and predestination. That leaven, the three “P”s of the corrupt Latin Vulgate, leavened into every Protestant denomination, and they ardently preach another gospel, which is not another. Infant baptism, confirmation classes, robed clergy with backward collars, yoga classes to improve Karma, Five pillars of Islam... all religion is in opposition to the grace of Christ. True Christianity is not progressive. A reformed denomination of the “Christian Religion” may adopt homosexual marriage while the world applauds their inclusiveness, but true Christianity is what Paul preached throughout all of the wicked city of Corinth in A.D. 60. “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scripture; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures... Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.” (1Cor15:3-4,11) Again, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died FOR us” (Rom5:8) It is not religion, it is a relationship; only received by the substitutionary death of the Lord Jesus Christ. Flee apostasy, preach repentance.

Msg #1513 This Week Know Your Friend

Palm Sunday marks a Christian's calendar with an importance that disciples explore enthusiastically. For Israel, on the tenth day of Abib, the passover lamb was separated from the flock and watched until the fourteenth day of the month. It was to be without spot or blemish. Our Lord Jesus Christ was separated from the rest on Palm Sunday. He taught daily in the temple and prayed daily with his disciples. He purged the temple of money changers on Sunday and again on Monday. He wept over Jerusalem, and cursed a fig tree. He taught parables and his authority angered the Scribes and Pharisees. There was a widows mite, an Olivet discourse, and a friends betrayal. On the fourteenth day of the month they crucified him. He died as our Passover Lamb. In those days of examination Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Our friend walked through these four days in full public view. Each day and each event is carefully recorded for a disciple's study. Such detail is hidden from Rome. It cannot be seen by Protestants with Good Friday leftovers. But for the believers who reject her traditions and open his pages, there is wealth and wisdom about a friend which sticketh closer than a brother. Religionists go to a Roman Good Friday celebration, Bible students go to a midweek prayer meeting and remember the last supper in his presence. “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Pr 17:17). “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (18:24). “Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not” (27:10a).Let Jesus be your closest friend on this most precious week.

Msg #1514 Resurrection After Three Days

“But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain” (1Cor15:3-4). TV-2 News announced last week that “some” Christians believe that Jesus rose from the dead on Easter. To be accurate “ALL” Christians believe that 19 centuries ago, on the Sunday after Passover, the Christ arose from the dead. Believe less and you are not Christian at all. Most believe more. Some believe it all. The Lord Jesus Christ said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die” (John11:25-26). The gospel message of Christianity is, “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures (not the second day as Rome contends): And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve” (1Cor15:3-5). Students of the Holy Bible know that the day after Passover was a sabbath day, and that sabbath days are not just on Saturdays. Again Jesus said, “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matt12:39, cf 16:4, Lu11:29). Luke 24:21 says, “and beside all this, today is the third day since these things were done.” Again, Jesus said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19) Three days in the tomb is important to a Bible believer: not so much to Roman dogma or TV-2 news. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, makes three days.

Msg #1515 The Un-Copyright Book of Books

It would take only 70 hours to read all sixty-six books of the Book of books. Reading aloud all 1,189 chapters would have an impact on your faith; faith cometh by hearing. Forty-four authors wrote all 31,101 verses over a period of 1,600 years. These 8,674 distinct Hebrew words combining with the 5,624 distinct Greek words, which translate into 12,143 distinct English words bear witness in perfect harmony of one God in one continuous story. That miraculous story is about one person and his perfect work: Christ redeems mankind from the clutches of sin. Forty four authors writing one story over a period of 1,600 years is an unanswerable proof of the divine inspiration of the Holy Bible, the Book of books. But that truth is under diabolical attack and always has been. The devil's lie, accepted and believed by the vast majority of “Christendom,” is that God was unable to preserve his inspired words. The lie contended that ill begotten “Church Fathers” inserted all kinds of errors into the Holy Bible, and that copiests messed it up so bad that there is presently no inerrant, infallible, inspired Bible. All “Christendom” is now thrust into a quagmire of copyright bibles each claiming to fix God's blunder. Satan laughs as clergy and pews recite his lie, “No one really knows what the Bible says but my favorite (copyright) version says... “ Satan is the author of confusion. It is a shame that so few believers see this travesty. The attached article clarifies his tactic and the copyright boondoggle rather succinctly. Ask yourself, “What is Truth?” Then ask, “Who owns its copyright?”

Msg #1515 Addendum on Copyright Considerations

It is meaningful to step back and look at the larger deception that is in place in the modern church. There are hundreds of bible version out there. Each version is copyright and must, by law say something “significantly different” from any other copyright version. They cannot just say the same thing in a different way, they must have a “significantly different” presentation of material. Hundreds of bible version presenting hundreds of version of what God meant to say produces such a fractured authority that nobody really knows the answer to Pilate's question, “What is truth?” (John 18:38). Every one is thereby allowed to make up their own “interpretation” whereby their distinct personal version of a verse is as valid as anyone else's version.

Case in point, after Pilate's question, “What is truth?”, his next declaration, exactly translated from the Greek, was “I find in him no fault at all.” But copyright requires that quote to change.

Perhaps he said, “I cannot find anything wrong about him.”, as copyright by James A.R. Moffatt D.D., D.LITT., in his 1950 The Bible – A New Translation. But Dr. Moffatt was also thinking that Pilate asked “What does truth mean?”, instead of “What is truth?”

Or was it “I find no guilt in him”, as copyright by The Lockman Foundation, California in their 1960 NASB (NASB is a registered trademark of the same, standing for the New American Standard Version).

Or was it, “For my part, I find no case against him”, as copyright by the Syndics of the Cambridge University Press in their 1961 NEB (NEB is a registered trademark of the same, standing for the New English Bible).

Or was it “I find no crime in him”, as copyright by the World Publishing Company in their 1962 RSV (RSV is a registered trademark of the same, standing for Revised Standard Version).

Or was it “I cannot find any reason to condemn him”, as copyright by the American Bible Society in their 1966 Good News Bible- Todays English Version.

Or was it “Speaking for myself, I find no case against this man”, as copyright by the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine in Washington D.C. in their 1970 NAB (NAB is a registered trademark of the same, standing for New American Bible).

Or was it “I find no basis for a charge against him”, as copyright by the New York Bible Society International in their 1973 NIV (NIV is a registered trademark of the same, standing for New International Version).

Or was it “I don't find this man guilty of anything!”, as copyright by the American Bible Society in their 1995 CEV (CEV is a registered trademark of the same, standing for Contemporary English Version).

Or was it “I find no guilt in him”, as copyright by Crossway in their 2001 ESV (ESV is a registered trademark of the same, standing for English Standard Version).

Many will read all these copyright renditions and repeat Hillary Rodham Clinton's line “What possible difference could it make anyhow!” They might continue, “Pilate found nothing wrong with the dude!” Two important observations on these multiple renditions. First, words are important. Many of the words added by theses translators are not represented at all in the Greek New Testament³. Further, the word used in the Greek, and consequently in the Authorized King James Bible, is exactly the word used to describe the Old Testament passover lamb and/or sin sacrifice which was to be without fault or blemish. But that exact word is carefully avoided by all modern versions. The wide variations in Pilate's modernized declaration certainly come from copyright considerations, but they also show a “fault” in them which is even more diabolical.

Msg #1516 The Book of Books

The Book of Books is the greatest English literature ever written and banished from our government schools. Great literature contains a prologue and an epilogue. God's prologue is called the Pentateuch, and God's epilogue is called the Revelation of Jesus Christ. The theme of the whole Bible is Jesus Christ the righteous. The Old Testament is his 'Preparation', the four Gospels are his 'Manifestation', the Acts of the Apostles his 'Propagation', the twenty-one Epistles his 'Explanation', and the Revelation is his 'Culmination'. God's prologue is a most enlightening study. Genesis is man's creation in the image of God, and his fall from that position. It emphasizes man's depravity and oncoming perpetual punishment. But Noah found grace, Abram a calling, and Israel made his way into Egypt for 400 years. Exodus is redemption, tabernacling with God, and the law of God (given in 1492). Leviticus depicts the absolute righteousness of God and Numbers the deplorable failures of man to follow God. In Deuteronomy Moses, the great prophet, steps back and looks at the big picture to conclude that mankind needs the Great Prophet, Everlasting Priest, and Eternal King. In good literature everything in the body is introduced in the prologue and summarized in the epilogue. What a genuine theme! The preparation for the Messiah is made up of history, poetry and prophecy which declares “Thus saith the LORD.” But God's word to Moses is pretty emphatic, “The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken... And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him” (Deut18:15,19). It is a limited offer: Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Msg #1517 The Eastern Religions

When God makes a move, Satan makes a counter move. In 2350 BC “it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth” (Gen 6:6). A hundred years later, in 2250BC, after Noah's descendents said, “Go to, let us build a city,” God said, “Go to, let us go down, and there confound their languages” (Gen 11:4,7). Four hundred years later, in 1850 BC, the LORD secured his promised land to Isaac. At the same time, Satan appeared to a Persian named Zoroaster and revealed himself as an equal twin of the LORD. Zoroastrianism is the basis for the eastern religions. In 1492 BC, less than 400 years later, while God was giving his Law to Moses on Mount Sinai, Satan was developing his precepts in the religious culture of India. Hinduism has a triune godhead; 'Brahma' as Creator, 'Vishnu' as Preserver, and 'Shiva' as Destroyer. The father of lies always twists the truth of the LORD God. His true trinity was revealed to the Hebrews, from the line of Seth. Hinduism and Indian culture also supposed that the 'most holy people' sprang from the head of 'Manu', the first created man. 'Rulers and warriors' came from his hands, 'craftsman' came from his legs, and 'base servants' came from his feet. To move up this caste system you must do yoga exercises and maintain good karma in your present level. Then, after death, perhaps you will be reincarnated into an upper level; eventually reaching the ultimate Nirvana, where your soul is emancipated from ignorance. Satan always counterfeits God, but the caste system was such a cultural blunder, that in 500 BC, Satan sent an 'enlightened one', or 'Buddah' to reform the whole complex cynical thing. Thus Buddhism spread on further to the East. I'm glad I'm in Christ.

Msg #1517b The Eastern Religions Cont.

While Satan was occupied trying to destroy the seed line of the promised Messiah, the Christ, things seemed to proceed in the East driven only by the depravity of man. For almost a thousand years, from Mount Sinai's giving of the Word of God in 1492 BC, to the Assyrian dispersion of Israel in 721 BC⁴, and then the remnant of Judah being carried into the Babylonian captivity in 597 BC⁵, Satan was preoccupied in God's promised land. The nations of the world were spreading from the 2250 BC Tower of Babble debacle, and some crossed the Himalaya Mountains. Across that isolating barrier the Chinese became a most barbaric people. There are accounts of barbarous slaughterings of 60,000 and even 400,000 men women and children; it was an immoral society, in need of reformation. The rise of an enlightened one named Confucius, brought in a humanist moral code. For centuries Confucianism had no hallmarks of a religion: it taught of no creator, worship, or afterlife. It did not deal with the questions “Where did I come from?”, “Why am I here?”, and “Where am I going?”: these are the subjects of God's revelation, and thus the subjects of a true religion. Steering away from these subjects reveals who gave the light and insight to Confucius, “and no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light” (2Cor11:14). One more Eastern Religion which sprang from this traverse through the Himalayas is Shintoism. The nation which escaped through the barbarity of China settled on an Island called Japan. It is thus conceivable why they worship their homeland. Thus the core of Eastern Religions, Hinduism and its protestant reformation of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Shintoism, did not come from the revelation of the LORD God.

Msg #1518 Three New AD Religions

Religions are man made systems for dealing with four questions, 1) Where did I come from? 2) Why am I here? 3) Where am I going after death? and 4) How do I get there? God deals with these questions in a 66 book revelation of truth, but Satan orchestrated six man made answers, three in BC religions, and three in AD religions. Hinduism and its Protestant reformation Buddhism, Confucianism, and Shintoism are the primary Eastern Religions from BC. And after Christ bruised Satan's head via the Cross on Calvary three primary AD religions were used to try and stomp out Christianity. When Judaism rejected their Messiah their laws and sacrificial system which pointed to the first Advent of Christ, became hollow and baseless. Their diabolical nature was made obvious when they wanted to kill the resurrected Lazarus as well as the Christ who resurrected him. They plotted the destruction of Christianity until their barbaric annihilation by Titus in 70 AD. Then, 300 years later Emperor Constantine the Great forced everyone in the Roman Empire to convert to what he called “Christianity.” The mongrel Roman pagan “Christianity” called Catholicism has deceived millions with its diabolical subtleties. When the Roman Emperor empowered the Roman Church to take over Christianity they 1) Thought they were the New Jerusalem and called Millennialists heretics, 2) Thought the Bible was allegorical and only pious “Clergy” should read and interpret God's secret hidden sayings, and 3) Thought men in black robes could be priests and intercessors for the ignorant masses they called “laity.” When Protestants finally protested about Rome selling indulgences they kept these primary errors completely intact. Don't believe it? Just ask your baby baptizing, robed clergy, SHE won't either. The “Church,” whether Roman or Protestant, is apostate and opposing Christ, just like their founder.

Msg #1518b Three New AD Religions Cont.

The third man made religion orchestrated by Satan, and intent on annihilating Christianity, was started 300 years after his Roman Catholic religion failed at the task. Islam, which means 'submission' would most surely eliminate Christianity. For all Arabs, Muhammad, Islam's human founder born around 570 AD, rejected Catholicism because they worshiped Mary as a god.(Qur'an surah 5:119) Muslim's confession of faith states, "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the prophet of Allah." A Muslim is by definition, “one who submits to the majesty and will of Allah.” By Muhammad's own admission demons gave him the words for his Koran, and he established a socio-economic-political-militant-religious system designed to take over the world. He pictured Judaism as a restful oasis in mankind's journey, Christianity as a larger, lovely oasis, and Islam as the Supreme oasis. Muslims were forbidden to leave the supreme oasis, and those who settled in an inferior one must be compelled to move on to Islam. Satan's Islamic invasion has not gone as planned. At Muhammad's death in 632 AD there was no assigned successor. The questions of who will be the spiritual and socio-political leader, or 'Caliph', would cause more division and blood shed in Islam than any other issue. The Sufis thought any qualified companion of the prophet eligible, the Sunnis required the new Caliph be Aristocracy of Mecca, and the Shi'a insisted that Allah himself would divinely appoint the next leader, and they knew it was, 'Ale, the cousin and son-in-law of Muhammed. In Islam Jihad was thus expanded; it started as “struggle against and slaughter of the infidels”, now it included slaughter of the contenders for leadership as well. It is not radicalized Muslims who insist on Jihad, it is fundamental to the core of Islam!

Msg #1519 Practice Pure Religion Religiously

To reiterate, there is NO religion which can put one in a right relationship with the LORD God their Creator. The ONLY way to make that relationship right is through accepting, out loud, the substitutionary death of Christ in your stead (Rom10:9-10,13). Once you have that relationship right, once you are born again, there are some things that should be done 'religiouly.' “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (James1:27). The new commandment given to the believer is to have a renewed selflessness, to have a renewed love for others, to envelope the compassion of Christ into our very being. That will heighten a new awareness of the fatherless and widows in their affliction; they are all around us. Bev and I sought out 'buskids' for fifteen years while I was a youth pastor here and there in our military career. Today there are an innumerable host of fatherless in our society. Sometimes there's a “father” in the house, and sometimes he is the “husband” of the mom. Just the same our society is overrun with the practically fatherless. They need to see the compassion of Christ in you. Buskids are not as common as they used to be in our Baptist Churches. Shame on us. Single moms rearing children are everywhere. Pure religion is ministering to the afflicted, and keeping yourself unspotted from the world. “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God” (Le20:7 ), and again ”But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1Pe1:15-16). Practice pure religion religiously.

Msg #1520 When I See the Blood.

This week our evangelist taught that Christ is the focal point of Scripture, redemption is its theme, but the blood is the basis, or foundation upon which it all rests. “For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spor to God, purge your conscience from dead works serve the living God? … and without the shedding of blood is no remission” (Heb9:13,14,22). “By his own blood … having obtained eternal redemption for us.” (verse 12). Exodus 12 details the passover lamb and declares, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you” (verse 13). The blood is your purchase price; “Ye are not your own… for ye are bought with a price” (1Cor6:19-20). Luke writes Paul's charge to “feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts20:28). You are purchased like a slave, bought from the slavery of sin; “Verily, verily, I say unto your, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.... If the Son therefore shall make you free ye shall be free indeed” (John8:34,36). The blood purchases forgiveness: “In (Jesus Christ) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Eph1:7). The blood washes us clean, like a shower after hard labor in the hay field. “(Jesus Christ) that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood” (Rev1:5). It is the blood that cleanseth us from all sin (1John1:7). “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood” (Rom3:25). His blood is indeed the basis for all that a Christian has. Praise His Holy name.

Msg #1521 Seven No-Mores or Forevermores

Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you”, and we say that heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. There is another prepared place, for in Matthew 25 he said to those gathered on his left hand in the judgment of nations, “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” It is not a popular truth, but their everlasting fire is just as everlasting as our everlasting life. The saved are going to be snatched from this world in a resurrected body; “Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1Thes 4:18), but there is no comfort or Comforter for the last soul; “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them... and they shall not escape” (1Thes 5:3). To the saved Jesus says, “Enter thou into the joy of the lord” (Matt 25:21b) but for the unsaved he declares, “cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth”(Matt 25:30). For us, “In thy presence is fullness of joy... pleasure for evermore” (Psalm 16:11), for those in hell there is absence of joy, and pain forevermore. We will be in a place of beauty, a city foursquare with twelve gates, twelve foundations and streets of purest gold (Rev 21), they will be in a place of darkness with eternal fire and brimstone (Rev 21). We will be in an incorruptible body that has put on immortality (1Cor 15:54); they, “Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched (Mark 9:44, 46, 48) (Not in an NIV). In heaven there will be seven 'no-mores' (Rev 21:4, 25, 22:3). In hell seven 'forevermores' (Rev 21:8b). Whether saved or unsaved, you should carefully consider John 3:16-18 and 36.

Msg #1522 The Unrighteous Are Without Excuse

One of the most thorough dissertations in the Holy Bible declares its theme in two sentences, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:16-17). We have outlined what the soul-winner calls the “Romans Road” from this revelation, and sometimes forget that the theme of Romans is not the gospel and its salvation, from this first sentence, but the Righteousness of God from the second. Three things about the gospel that one should never shame or shun are listed; 1) the gospel is the power of God unto salvation, it is not the power of logic, philosophy, or reason; 2) The gospel reveals the righteousness of God and that the unrighteous can only attain his righteousness by faith in His faithfulness, i.e. from faith to faith; and 3) That the unrighteous are without excuse. Some have tried to shame the gospel because a soul from the darkest jungles of the Amazon, or the darkest jungles of Chicago, might never hear the the gospel message and “unfairly” be cast into the eternal flames of hell forever. God is, however, righteous in such a case, because of the next sentence, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them” (Romans 1:18,19). The unrighteous, no matter which jungle they live in, are thus, as God puts it, “without excuse” (cf. verse 20).

Msg #1523 The Stairway to God

Romans 1:21-25 portrays a spiraling stairway leading away from the LORD God. America has taken all seven steps down, and is now languishing in the moral deprivation at the bottom. All nations, and all humans, begin at the top. All know of God's eternal power and Godhead, because that which may be known of God is manifest in them. Jesus Christ the righteous “was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world,” he tries the reins of every man's heart, and they are without excuse (John 1:9, Jer17:10, Rom 1). God does not believe in atheists. So every individual and every nation begins on the top step, then they make their descent. The seven steps are these, “Because that, when (1) they knew God, (2) they glorified him not as God, (3) neither were thankful; but (4) became vain in their imaginations, and (5) their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, (6) they became fools, And (7) changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds and four footed beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness . . .” This stairway leads away from God, down into base immorality, but if you get turned around facing up, it also contains the steps back into the presence of God. You can find your location on that stairway. Put a “You Are Here” pin on it, and make particular note which way you are facing, up or down. That works for your kids too. Going up the steps would require that we 7) Worship the Creator, 6) Seek Truth, 5) Receive Christ - the Light, 4) Set aside vanities, 3) Be thankful, 2) Glorify God, and 1) KNOW God. Awesome.

Msg #1524 Got A Spiritual Birth Day?

Being born again involves a second birth. It is a spiritual birth, but Jesus parallels it to our physical birth because we can understand that. In a SBC I met a deacon who “never had a head-on collision with God, he just believed a little, and over the 20 years of involvement in Church, he eventually came to believe it all.” Jesus was clear, “Except ye be converted... ye cannot enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt18:3). Conversion is, “Repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21). And Jesus was emphatic, “I tell you, nay: but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3,5). I have known women who spent 20 hours in labor before a birth, but a birth, spiritual or physical, cannot take 20 years! A physical birth is relatively instantaneous and you have a birth DAY. Your spiritual birth day is even more instantaneous. Our “Conversion” initiates three instantaneous things, 1) Quickening, 2) Indwelling, and 3) Immersion into Christ (transliterated from Greek as baptized but here requiring NO water.) These three, accomplished in a soul bring about “Justification” (Gal 2:16, 3:24). The day before you get saved, you are headed for a well deserved eternal hell. Jesus calls it your second death. (Rev 2:11, 20:6,14, 21:8) The day after your spiritual birth you are headed for an undeserved eternal life, and there will never be a second death. In Haiti we worshiped with many who had no idea when they were born, just the same they knew they were. I don't know the date for my spiritual birth, but I know the day. If you don't have a spiritual birthday, if you never had a head-on collision with God, if repentance toward God is foreign to you, be afraid (Phil 2:12).

Msg #1525 Meekness on Fathers Day

“Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” (Num12:3). When it comes to honoring and remembering our fathers, meekness is a commodity that rarely gets bragged up. It is one that is not found in our original nature. If you have it, it was grown (or beaten) into you by your environment, or it came as a “fruit of the Spirit of God” (Gal 5:23). The apple tree only gets fruit when filled with sap. The born-again believer in our Lord Jesus Christ gets it when they are filled with the Holy Ghost. Consider, for a moment, this fruit called meekness. It means showing patience and humility, easily imposed on, submissive. Consider the context where Moses' meekness is hallmarked. Miriam and Aaron had just slandered his wife and rejected his authority to be God's prophet. It was their selfish power grab, they wanted to be in charge. The LORD God issued a just punishment, head to toe leprosy! But Moses interceded: “And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.” (vr. 13) Another striking example of meekness is found in King David. Abishai wanted to lop off Shimei's head, and he could have. I would be on his side here, but David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Let him alone and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him” (2Sam 16). That is meekness. The Apostle Peter, of all people, says we should walk in Jesus' steps and display his meekness. “Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not” (1Peter 2:21,23) When facing the calamities of life, fathers need meekness... I guess we all do.

Msg #1526 Sodomy is now the law of the land

Last week the Supreme Court of the United States decided, five-to-four, that sodomy (the word is in the dictionary with graphic detail) is an acceptable alternate lifestyle. Sodomy has been immoral and outlawed in societies for over six-thousand years of human history. It was outlawed here just twenty years ago. So why did five justices disagree with four and declare that sodomy is the new approved law of the land? Why did our president, Barack Hussein Obama, rejoice that this approval of sodomy “makes us a more perfect union?” The answer is in the contemporary world-view of the progressive liberal. Since we humans evolved here from animals, they say, and the governments we create are evolving to a new world order, they say, we must keep “progressing” on to new levels, they say. We are moving away from the dark ages, they say, and it is an evolving progress, they say. If you oppose their evolving progress, you are surnamed “Hate-Speech.” The right wing, they say, want to take us back to the dark ages. In America, due to incessant brainwashing of each generation, the “they say” in this world view, outnumber the Creationists. Bible believing Creationists have no sympathy for an evolutionary hypothesis. It is clear, however, that the “they” who think themselves progressively evolving to these higher levels, will soon be a full majority. Karl Marx (1818-1883), Vladimir Lenin, (1870-1924) and Joseph Stalin (1878-1953) portrayed this evolution in government as a progression from a monarch, to a republic with capitalism, to a democracy with socialism, to pure socialism, and finally to communism. It is getting like Sodom and Gomorrah around here, but our Lord Jesus Christ did not say to march on Washington, he said “preach the gospel to every creature.” Even to those in homosexual sin.

Msg #1527 Life Changing Trials

When a man looks straight down the gun barrel of his mortality, it forever changes his perspective on life. One of the greatest joys, and greatest frustrations, of a youth pastor is dealing with people who think themselves invincible. When Peter spent the night on death row, he walked out a changed Apostle. Herod, in Acts 12, had killed James the brother of John with the sword, and saw that this pleased the Jews. His intent was to give them an even grander pleasure the next day: the public execution of the outspoken Apostle Peter. When God opened prison doors and set the captive free, the miracle is sometimes dwarfed because preachers want to emphasize the prayer meeting in this chapter. Look what happened to Peter. He was sleeping comfortably, content to die for Christ, when the angel of the Lord kicked him in the side and said, “Arise up quickly!” Luke eloquently records the many miracles and the dreamy stupor of Peter. Then he writes, “And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me...” Sometimes we do not know things for sure until he takes us through the near death trials. Twenty years later, Peter wrote what I call the Know-Grow-Shew-and-Go series in his first epistle. It starts, “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.... Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation … But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1Peter 1:16,18) God will save you till you know it, and change you till you shew it. Don't wait for your mortality to come in view.

Msg #1528 Militant Fundamentalists

At the turn of the 19^th century, as apostasy seeped into the Church, a fundamental line was drawn. One hundred years later that fundamental line needs to be dusted off, sort of like an umpire brushes the edges of home plate. Back then those within the lines were deemed Christian, and those who ventured outside the fundamentals were deemed apostate. The conference in Buffalo NY defined five primary points of doctrine which must be adhered to by true Christians. A compromise of any of these doctrines would label a group as apostate to true Christianity. Clear lines are good, especially in a diverse, gray world, filled with mixed multitudes. Today these lines should be dusted off in every congregation. Paul said in 2Cor 6, “What part hath he that believeth with an infidel” (verse 15b)? An infidel might reject, 1) the trinity; or 2) the inerrant, infallible, plenary verbal inspiration of Scripture; or 3) the doctrine of Christ, to include (a) the incarnation = Christ was God in the flesh, (b) the virgin birth = God is Christ's physical father, (c) Christ's sinless life = he was the spotless Lamb of God, (d) Christ's death, burial, and resurrection = the gospel of 1Cor 15, and (e) Christ's substitutionary atonement and propitiation for our sins = “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” An infidel might reject 4) personal salvation by conversion alone, that is repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts20:21); or 5) the reality of a literal (not allegorical) second coming of Christ, a literal heaven and a literal hell. Rejecting any of these five fundamentals still makes one an infidel to Christianity. Separating from infidels makes one a fundamentalist. Calling them out makes one militant. Today we need more unashamed militant fundamentalists.

Msg #1529 What's a BAPTIST?

The perpetuity of the Church that Jesus built, his ecclesia, the local called-out and assembled body of believers, is an encouragement to true Baptists. For 1,985 years an unbroken line of Churches held common doctrines that made eight long term distinctives. They always believed in the authority of the inerrant, infallible, inspired Scriptures. The Bible was their sole authority for all faith and practice. They practiced autonomy of each local body, never acknowledging any denominational authority. Certainly knowing no pope, archbishop, or presbyters to edict their rules; always autonomous and independent. This continuous line of Churches had no priests; good Bible doctrine establishes the priesthood of all believers. They had only two ordinances, which were never called mysteries or sacraments. They practiced individual soul liberty and had only saved baptized members in their local assemblies. They recognized only two offices in their Church and had no boards to steer them. And, they knew the importance of keeping separate from rules of empires, magistrates, and governments. This long line of local autonomous Churches still exists today, and they will until Jesus comes. Then he meets them in the clouds before the great tribulation period when his wrath is poured out on this world. The Church that Jesus built, the true Church, has a branch near you. Flee the apostasy, flee the denominationalism and get into His true autonomous, independent, Bible believing Church. If you are in one, review these distinctives and its foundation. B is for Bible, A is for autonomous, P is for priesthood, T is for two ordinances, I is for individuals, S is for saved members, T is for two offices, and S is for separation. What does it spell? BAPTISTS. Oh, if you don't have these distinctives, kindly take that acronym off your Church sign.

Msg #1530 What Can a Remnant Do?

The LORD God explains seven things that he wants his remnant to do as they are held in a heathen nation. He tells them to settle down and dwell there (Jer29:5). Jesus tells us to be in the world, but not of the world (John17:10-17). “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1John2:15). The song writer puts it, “This world is not my home I'm justa passen thru.” God tells them to reproduce (Jer29:6). A wise believer is a soul-winner. Ergo they would be wise to chain reference Psalm126:6 with Proverbs11:30, Daniel 12:3 and James 5:20, even to memorize them. The remnant dwelling in a heathen land were told to intercede for it and pray for their peace (Jer29:7). So too are believers in their plight, “I exhort...that supplications, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority” (1Tim2:1-2a). Further, believers are told, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Rom12:17-21). Fourth, the remnant are to refuse false teachers. Galatians1:6-9, 1John 2, and 4 tell believers, “let them be accursed.” The remnant are told to have hope, their captivity will soon end, and they will be restored to their Promised Land in Jerusalem (Jer29:10-11). Well, 1Corinthians 15, 1Thessalonians 4, and Revelation 4, all reveal that Bible believers will soon hear a trumpet say “Come up hither.” Then, in a moment, Christians will be gone. Two more things for his remnant, then and now, seek him with all your heart (Jer29:12-14) and expose the liars on every side (Jer29:21-22, 31-32). Believers need to be about their Father's business. The USA is not behaving like a Christian nation.

Msg #1531 What the Remnant Aint

After Jeremiah wrote to God's remnant, who were taken into Babylon as captives, he was approached by a group in Jerusalem who thought that they were the true remnant. They were quite mistaken. An unprecedented drama unfolds in Jeremiah chapter 42 through 44. This pseudo-remnant promises Jeremiah that they will do whatever “the LORD thy God may shew us.” Note first that it was not, “The LORD our God,” and second, they had no intention of obeying the LORD. Their heart was set on flight into Egypt, and the LORD God said, if you go, ye shall be an execration. Wow, that is an overpowering word, only used on this rebellious pseudo-remnant. It is worth dusting off your dictionary, and while it is open look up imprecation as well. Psalms 109, 40:14-15, 69:22-28, and 70:2-3 are called “Imprecatory Psalms” with reason, and that is not as powerful as an execration. This pseudo-remnant, following their women worship leaders, (44:15,20,24) refused the Word of God, rejected the prophet of God, despised the servant of God, and charged down into Egypt in defiance of God's command. His execration is so consuming that he says, “Behold, I have sworn by my great name, saith the LORD, that my name shall be no more named in the mouth of any man of Judah in all the land of Egypt, saying the Lord GOD liveth” (Jer 44:26). That verse alone is justification to throw Codex Sinaiticus and Vaticanus, from Alexandria Egypt, right back into the trash can they were found in. While the trash lid is open toss in the Septuagint that Alexandria produced as well. Pray that the “scholars” who use these Egyptian products to “repair” God's Holy Bible are not an execration. The LORD is a jealous God, use the right Bible.

Msg #1532 The New Testament's Crescendo

John preached with the other eleven apostles for thirty years before our Lord Jesus Christ commanded him to “write the things which thou hast seen” (Rev1:19a). He had collected and read the writings form the other apostles, now he would write the capstone of the Gospels, the summary of the Epistles, and the crescendo of the whole New Testament. In the Revelation of Jesus Christ he calls the Word, the faithful witness; he calls the Creator of life, the first begotten of the dead; he calls the Light of men, the prince of the kings of the earth (John1:1-4, Rev1:5). He references him that loved us, for God so loved the world, the one that washed us in his own blood, and the one who made us kings and priests. There is no greater literature than the Revelation of Jesus Christ. It's prologue gives that triplet of names, a triplet of things he did for us, and then a triplet about his coming, 1) in the clouds, 2) every eye shall see, and 3) those that pierced him shall wail because of him. The prologue concludes with three titles of the LORD God applied directly, without apology, to our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Alpha and Omega. He is the one which is, and which was, and which is to come. In the Hebrew tongue that would be the great I AM of Exod 3:14. He is the Almighty, just as he is the mighty God of Isa9:6. There is no prologue like it, and a prologue is just a formal introduction showing what is found int the body of the book. The gospel of John, the three epistles of John and the Revelation of Jesus Christ are God's conclusion for his whole Bible, superb literature, and awesome revelation.

Msg #1533 Biblical Dispensationalism

A Christian should read a lot of Scripture, as a cow chews down great quantities of grass. A cow, however, sits under a shady oak tree and chews it over a second time, and swallows it into a second stomach. Before the cow gets full use of the grass, he chews the cud again and passes it to a third stomach. “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night” (Josh1:8a), and again, “his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (Ps1:2). If one rereads the book of Ephesians like a cow chews and re-chews, they could draw things out of that meditation. It has some depth that has not been often visited. The Apostle Paul had languished in jail for two silent years. God sent him into the two years of silence to think about the animals he was going to have the temple priest sacrifice for his offerings. God stepped in and prevented the travesty, and now Paul writes to Ephesus. He explains the dispensation that we have entered and the new covenant that has the perfect sacrifice. Protestant theology, reformed or not, is all Roman Replacement Theology mixed with Calvin's Covenant Theology. Bible believers need to be dispensationalists, and Ephesians, well digested, will ground you in those truths. We are in “the dispensation of the fullness of times,” called “the dispensation of the grace of God” (Eph1:10, 3:2). And Paul, in this epistle, explains the mystery of dispensationalism (Eph3:1-5). Don't be afraid of that seven syllable word. It is a good Bible word that makes Clergy tremble. Believer's need to study this out, they will not hear it taught in a Protestant Church.

Msg #1534 They That Wait

A fellow beagle lover on a hunt told me, “Lock your beagle and your wife in your car trunk; come back in two hours and see which one is glad to see you!” That made some kinda weird sense to me until later my wife said, “That's because that beagle thinks you're a genius!” Now it makes more sense. Sophie, my beagle, sets on my feet as I write this so let me acknowledge that I am no genius, but it seems that when the Holy Spirit of God told the Apostle Paul not to go to Jerusalem, Paul was not supposed to go to Jerusalem. A few verses later, in Acts 21, a prophet of God told Paul not to go to Jerusalem. A few verses more and, with his stubborn jaw set and his teeth grit, the greatest preacher alive struts into Jerusalem. Once there, he follows the advice of the “well-intended”, and takes a set of Old Testament vows. He promises to offer an Old Testament animal offering for his sins! I am not a great preacher, or genius, but I am kinda glad God includes the details of Paul's blunder in his record keeping. Goodness knows I've needed lessons in submission. I've met some who think Paul could do no wrong, and was perfectly justified in his defiance of the Holy Ghost. Well, okay. God previously wrote by Paul's hand, “All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Just the same that is not an excuse to lock your jaw and continue down some stupid stubborn course of action. God had a plan for those next eight epistles to get written. Paul's stubborn rebellion caused that they are called prison epistles.

Msg #1535 Ephesians' Introduction

Diagramming sentences is often the best and sometimes the only way of capturing what Scripture contains. The sentences of Ephesians' introduction are burdensome and run-on. That is not a criticism, it is an observation: when God writes a run-on sentence, “run-on” may be the wrong cliché to assign to it. In any regard, diagramming Paul's introduction yields a five-seven-and five list of what the Father-Son-and Holy Ghost does in this new dispensation called grace. When the body of this book is analyzed each of these introduction pieces will preach as an explanatory list. There are five things that God the father has done in this new dispensation, “to the praise of the glory of his grace” (Be sure the list is expounded “to the praise of the glory of his grace”); seven things the Christ has done in this new dispensation of grace, “that we should be to the praise of his glory” (Again, take particular note of the purpose); and lastly, five things which the Holy Spirit of God does, these being “to the praise of his glory.” Such a powerful introduction commands that our attention be focused on the body of this letter. What God did, what Christ has accomplished, and what the Holy Spirit is doing, all to usher in a new dispensation of grace, is the meat of this letter. Sorry John Calvin and “Institutes of the Christian Religion,” this is not the old covenant refurbished or reformed, it is the new covenant in his blood. The first step in the study of such a dissertation should be in understanding Paul's use of the word “dispensation.” It unlocks the “mystery” of what Paul is writing to these Gentiles. Now watch this. (Careful, the infamous red-neck's words before you call the ambulance are always: “Watch this!”)

Msg #1536 A Dispensation's Word Study

We are gathered in the dispensation of the fulness of times, which is called the dispensation of the grace of God (Eph 1:10:3:2). There is no reason why that interesting word does not show up more often in a true believers conversation. The Greek language and particularly Strong's alphabetical numbering of every Greek word contained in your Holy Bible, makes for an excellent tool in doing word studies. I have found only two other values in my study of Greek: learning how very complex and yet exacting is the Biblical Greek language, and learning how very conglomerated and inexact is the English language. Those two lessons blend together to give the very greatest admiration of the Old English found in my King James Bible, and the greater disdain for what the ecumenicals tried to pull off in their modern versions. A good Greek word study of Strong#3622 shows that the word “dispensation” might get properly translated “stewardship,” as it does three times in Luke 16. The word involves three things: 1) responsibilities levied onto a steward, 2) a period of time where the steward has more or less unsupervised responsibilities, and 3) a reckoning at the end of the period whereby the steward gives account for his handling of his responsibilities. That makes a marvelous summary of what a dispensation is. In this dispensation of grace, mankind is given some clear responsibilities. “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved,... and ye shall know the truth (our Lord Jesus Christ), and the truth shall make you free (Rom 10:13, John 8:32). This grace is only available for a short time, and at the close of this dispensation there will be a reckoning. Be sure your name gets into the Lamb's book of life.

Msg #1537 Enlightened Eyes of Understanding

After his stupendous introduction, the Apostle Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians with what is the topic sentence of all topic sentences. It is two hundred words long, rated with a post-post-graduate complexity, and is only comprehensible via a thorough sentence diagram. It is well worth the effort. Modernists teach that people cannot understand the old English of the King James Bible. They purport that their copyright ecumenical bibles tell us what God meant to say. I'll trust my poor diagramming over their best copyrighting any day of the week. The heart of the first chapter's last sentence has to do with the eyes of the believer's understanding being enlightened. The reason people cannot understand the Holy Bible has nothing to do with modernized English, and everything to do with blinded eyes. In the world, seeing is believing; in the Bible, believing is seeing. In this topic sentence, and in the body of the letter which follows, Paul describes the wherewithal of those eyes being enlightened. It is the theme of his letter, and the hallmark of this new dispensation of grace that he is revealing. This enlightening is “wrought in Christ.” Don't miss it. Six aspects of it are given: 1) it is by God's power, 2) when God raised Christ from the dead (quickened him), 3) when he set him at his own right hand, 4) set him far above all, 5) put all under his feet, and 6) made him head over all things. Every ounce of the enlightening and quickening that is found in this new dispensation is wrought in Christ. This complex sentence is worth even more study. The whole letter to the Ephesians hangs here. It springs open the new revelation which Paul's two years of silence produced, the dispensation of grace.

Msg #1538 You Hath He Quickened

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” Thus begins the second chapter of Ephesians. Quickening is the central commodity of the dispensation of grace which engulfs us. It is missing from the dispensations that went before. The Apostle Paul emphasizes it here as the ingredient which is revealed in exposing the mystery of Christ. In this verse, however, the phrase “hath he quickened” is in italics. Some have said, “it is in italics, and all italicized words have been supplied by the translators and can therefore be left out!” Actually the italicized text of the King James Authorized version CANNOT be left out if a clear understanding of the Greek/Hebrew text is of value. The italics, as used by the King James translators (and only the King James translators, no modernist ecumenical translators dared to afford such a careful consideration), represents necessary clarifying English words used to capture the complete Greek/Hebrew meaning. The actual words might not be present in the Greek/Hebrew syntax, but in the expertise of the fifty-seven linguistic experts which took seven years to translate God's words, the italics words are VERY necessary for competent consideration. Translation is never a word-for-word operation. Only the KJV translators had the professional courtesy to indicate the necessary English additions with italics lettering. Discarding their noble work is ill advised at best. The point here is that quickening is central in NT salvation and is well worth our study. Jesus gives a short dissertation on it in John 5 and 6 (cf5:21, 6:63). If you have eternal life, it is installed by Christ's quickening. If you do not have Christ's quickening, you are still dead in trespasses and sins. Quickening is permanent and it only comes at conversion. He that hath the Son hath life.

Msg #1539 Dispensational Changes Delineated

One would expect that the Apostle Paul would capture the heart of this new dispensation in a single complex sentence and he does not disappoint. After a two-hundred word topic sentence, and a graphic discourse on the believers quickening, Paul captures the marvelous revelation about our present dispensation in Ephesians 2:14-18. Ephesians is the first of his prison epistles. He spent two silent years in Cæserea's jail. He reflected on his backsliding into the covenant of law, and now he lists seven aspects whereby Christ abolished the law of commandments and makes Gentiles “ONE” with Jews. That list begins, “Christ is our peace,” and ends, “so making peace.” It is a new covenant in Christ; it is a new dispensation in time. Baptists need to be careful and Evangelicals need to be warned; the resurgence of Reformed Theology, whereby the universal church replaces Judaism and even God's promises about Jerusalem, is Satanic entrapment. John Piper, a leading Baptist author and Calvinist, is paving that entrapment with enticing words, but there is no teaching of Calvinism that steers clear of the Roman Replacement Theology! It engulfs every Protestant Denomination! Paul's first prison epistle is not glorifying a new election, as Calvinism advances, it is glorifying a new dispensation, which all reformers deny. In this new dispensation Jew and Gentile are made one, and Christ has “broken down the middle wall of partition between us... For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” By the way, when the 144 thousand Jews are chosen and sealed the partition is back, and we have obviously gone into another dispensation. Be careful to rightly divide the word of dispensational truth. The Roman Empire did a hostile takeover of Christianity. The pope is not Christian, Protestants not dispensational.

Msg #1540 The Revelation of Jesus Christ

The last book of the Bible is not a revelation of prophecy, but a Revelation of Jesus Christ. Therein He commanded the Apostle John to write the things which thou hast seen. John was an eyewitness of Jesus in the flesh, and had preached about that for thirty years. Now he was commanded to write it down. John's first epistle begins, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life” (1John1:1). He was also commanded to write the things which are, and he wrote the seven messages to the seven churches. Just the titles of our Lord Jesus Christ assigned in these seven messages makes a formidable Revelation of Jesus Christ, he that holdeth the seven stars, the first and the last, he which hath the sharp sword, the Son of God, he that hath the seven Spirits of God, he that is holy and true, the Amen! But a worthy portion of the Revelation of Jesus Christ comes when John writes the things which shall be hereafter. The book of judgment, sealed with seven seals is about to be opened by the only Righteous Judge. In Revelation 4, John hears the trumpeted voice of Christ say, “Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.” The next fourteen chapters describe the seven year tribulation period wherein the wrath of God is poured out on this world. Believers are not here for wrath, but are caught up beforehand with Christ's call, “Come up hither” (1Thes4, 1Cor15). The great tribulation is called “Jerusalem's cup of trembling” (Zech12:2, Isa51:17) because Christ will ascend to the Throne of David on God's holy hill of Zion.

Msg #1541 Preach the Gospel

Thou art worthy, O Lord, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns, and seven eyes, the Son of God who quickens and the Son of Man who judgeth. The Revelation of Jesus Christ is more that, than anything else. Awash in a rebellious society that has rejected the LORD God as their Creator, is a tiny remnant of believers who hold to the infallible inerrant Word. Awash in an apostate Laodicean church that preaches a gospel of evolution, socialism, global warming and sodomy, this tiny remnant preaches the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Awash in an agnostic, pluralistic, hell-bent world under condemnation, this tiny remnant knows the Saviour and are witnesses that Jesus Saves. What possible difference could it make? They are just a remnant. It could make an eternal difference to your neighbor, your coworker, and your kin. For we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness, but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Bev and I have grandchildren awash in this vile drug ridden society and our daily prayer is that God would touch some believer near them, a believer who would open their mouth and preach Christ crucified. The Righteous Judge of all the earth is soon returning, and you live right next door to someone's prayed over loved one. In these last of the last days the remnant needs to keep the main thing the main thing because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. He closed his revelation saying “I come quickly, Amen.” May we daily speak up for Christ.

Msg #1542 Consider Biblical Prophecy

“Daniel,”a book in the Holy Bible, is about Daniel. There is no fear in overstating the obvious here, because many think it a book about dreams, visions and prophecy. Instead it reveals how a man, Daniel, became so beloved of God that God revealed to him all that he had planned out in the future. The revelation, which God gave to his beloved, covered his plans for Daniel's present distress, all the way to “the time of the end” (12:4). As one becomes the beloved of God, as they become “the friend of God,” God reveals to them all his hopes and desires, all his aspirations and plans for the future. That is what friends do. If you study Biblical prophecy out of idle curiosity, or intense curiosity, you don't much get it. If you study so you can exalt yourself among your peers and say, “I know something you don't know,” you really don't get it. And never forget, oh preacher, that your peers are not the clergy who stand on wooden platforms. Our peers are drunks on the street. Clergy and laity are not Bible words. We are but preachers of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Be very leery of any preacher with a hobby horse, and flee if his horse is labeled prophecy. False prophets Harold Egbert Camping and Charles Taze Russell might come to mind here. All the more consider this Daniel, the beloved of God. When God revealed the last days to Daniel his cogitations much troubled him, his countenance changed, and he kept the matter in his heart (7:28). When God revealed his timing, Daniel set his face unto the Lord God to seek by prayer and supplication, with fasting, and sackcloth and ashes (9:3). We should do no less.

Msg #1543 Only 144 Thousand Witnesses?

“And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand” (Rev14:1a). I heard a Messianic Jewish preacher say, “What the Gentile Christians could not get done in 2,000 years, 144 thousand Jewish preachers will get done in seven.” According to this chapter they will indeed preach the gospel to every nation during the Seven-Year Tribulation period. We have the same commission but these preachers have no cares nor connections in this world. “These are they which were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb withersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb” (14:4). There's a lot going on in the world during this tribulation period. But, hey, in our day, we have much. Speak of the Lamb because of climate change, because of Israel, because of politics, the economy, because of wars and rumors of wars, or because of pagan Roman Popes... there's lots of reasons to talk about the Lamb. We could learn what to preach from the 144K, “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters” (14:7). They preach in a world where Babylon is fallen, is fallen, (vr8) while we preach as Babylon is confounded. They preach to those who are about to drink of the wine of the wrath of God (vr10). John 3:36 says we do too. Contrasting the commission of these 144K with ours is quite convicting. When is the last time you personally shared with a neighbor the gospel message that saved your soul? Be a witness of the Lamb.

Msg #1544 The Truth about Chiliasm

The last four chapters of the Revelation of Jesus Christ are the most misdiagnosed chapters in history. When the Roman Empire did a hostile takeover of Christianity they refused Christ's 1,000 year reign. The Roman Church and its Protestant Reformers never did come back to what these chapters reveal about Christ's 2^nd coming. First, Christ comes for his saints (1Thes 4:16) and later he comes with his saints (3:13). In Revelation 19 he is coming with his saints to rescue his chosen nation; Israel is in Jerusalem, in siege by all the nations of the world. In rides “Faithful and True” followed by the armies which were with him in heaven (19:14), that's us, resurrected saints, wearing fine linen, white and clean. We are riding with the King of kings and Lord of lords to the Battle of Armageddon (cf Rev 16:16). Revelation 20 then describes the 1,000 year reign of Christ, known and hated by the Orthodox Church, the Roman Church, and the Protestant Churches as “Chiliasm” (Greek). Their despise is what has made these four chapters historically misdiagnosed. For 1,700 years Bible believers holding to the literal rendering of these chapters have been called heretics, crucified, burned, and exiled. The real separation of Church and state stopped that. Studying Baptist history with Chiliasm in a search engine is surprisingly enlightening. Still many Evangelicals remain ignorant of this unprecedented persecution of Bible truth. They choose rather to follow Mike Blume, while Baptists read John Piper. No matter how popular, or how charismatic, the preacher who rejects these chapters in their literal sense is a false teacher. “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time” (1John 2:18).

Msg #1545 Between the Lines

Reading between the lines of the Holy Bible is a skill. Some gaptists and cultists make it a misleading art, but there is insight to be gained if one is careful to ascertain just the facts. Genesis 12 begins, “Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee.” The sentence continues to detail promises that hinge on his obedience, but notice that God “had said,” and ponder between the lines how long ago “had” he said all this? I love the opening paragraph of my historical fiction, “Abram Learns the Names of God.” It reads:

“Abram sat at the table and watched as his aged host cut bread into thick slices. She placed them on a ceramic plate beside a stack of roasted meat and lettuce leaves. He tried to guess her age, and was thinking she was probably over 900 years old! Her husband, Noah was expected shortly, returning from a neighbor's farm. Abram was very eager to talk with Noah. He was struggling with a decision, and the struggle had caused him to travel three days north of his home, just to talk with Noah, the oldest man in the world.”

Abram left Ur of the Chaldees with his father and then hung around Haran, a city named after his dead brother, for 17 years after Noah's funeral. One can't read between the lines and imagine he never met Noah. Noah died in 1998 when Abram was 58. Also between the lines one can see the difficulty of leaving his father, who died in 1921, sixty years after Abram's departure to the Promised Land. So, how is your obedience coming along? “Go ye therefore” (Matt 28:19).

Msg# Augment- Nephilim - Conspirator Phobia

Misinterpretation of Genesis 6:4 puts giants (Hebrew Nephilim) in the land by “irruption?” i.e. Nephilimites term for angels breeding with human women. After the flood, the Nephilim believers say, their must have been another “irruption” because Canaan had giants too! These conspiratorists are looking for the anti-christ not the Christ, they hate the Bible teachings of the pretribulation rapture and brazenly call Baptists, who preach the premillennial return of Christ and the pretribulation rapture of the Church, false teachers, deceived, and deceivers.

UNFORTUNATLY Kent Hovind, released from wrongful imprisonment, has now rejected the pretribulation rapture, preaches a mid-tribulation rapture, and calls Bible believing Baptists false teachers, deceived and deceivers. Kent now believes that Christians and the Church, will go through “The Tribulation,” but perhaps not the wrath phase. Although Kent is now looking for the anti-christ instead of the meet-you-in-the-clouds Christ, he has not (yet?) gone in for all the Nephilim hype of the conspiracy conspirators. Hagmann pushed him towards the Nephilim doctrine in their 3 Nov 2015 interview, but Kent Hovind baulked slightly at the angels breeding with women ideology.

Hagmann and Hagmann (.com) tote this line about a Nephilim takeover, as well as all the rest of (author and hero) Steve Quayle's fighting tactics against the “Fabian Society” and the “Collectivist and Elitists” who are conspiring to take over the world and help the Nephilim fight against God. These are a VERY DANGEROUS LOT, preaching a VERY DIFFERENT GOSPEL. There is a repeated use of the Book of Jasher and the Book of Enoch in their diatribe of error. For the Hagmanns, “The idea that the spirits of dead giants (off spring of demons mating with earth women) inhabit the underworld (place beyond the veil) is supported.”

Welcome to the Last Days! Look for Christ, not Anti-Christ. Listen for His trumpet, not a Nephilim. Preach the everlasting gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, not Giant - Conspirator phobias. The Earth is not flat. The Sun does not orbit the Earth. The Apollo 11 did land on the moon. Nine-Eleven was real. Nephilims are not conspiring with Earth's elitists. Fabians are not in rule. The pillar and ground of truth needs to keep the main thing the main thing. Thank God for His Church with the TRUTH.

Msg #1546 Abram, the Father of Faith

“Get thee out of thy country and from thy kindred and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee.” This call to Abram is a hallmark of God's plan for all of mankind. Through it the eternal LORD God would send his Only Begotten Son as the Messiah, the Christ. One dare not detract from that calling or its glorious result. But this call to Abram looks a lot like the call to salvation. Repentance is a turning away from, a letting loose of, a parting of the ways with,... Like God commanded Abram, “Get thee out of.” Acts 20:21 defines conversion very well. It is a two headed coin with repentance on one side and faith on the other. “I (Paul) kept back nothing that was profitable unto you.. Testifying both to Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts20:20-21) Recall that Jesus said, “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” So, Abram had to believe God, trust God and leave country, kindred, house, and land. The hall of fame of faith, Hebrews 11, says “(Abram) looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” But wait there is more. Just like Abram's obedience brought the blessings of God, so to a believers obedience brings God's blessing. A blessing is when God does something for us that we cannot do for our self. And when it comes to salvation or spiritual matters, there is nothing one can do for themselves. Lastly, just like Abram could bring Messiah to the world, the believer's commission is to bring the Messiah to the world; like, to every creature.

A Msg#1546 Response to the Calling of Calvinism

On 11/22/2015 2:38 PM, Ron wrote: “Notice the effectual nature of God's call to Abram. Love ya, brother!”

I think that's a cop out. Notice more so that Abram could have said no, and God would have called another.

Baptists who want to justify their twisted compromises as Calvinists say, “We don't believe in John's assertion of the Total depravity of man, just in the 'effectual' total depravity of man; we don't believe in Calvin's Unconditional Election, just the 'effectual' unconditional election." Baptist Mid-Missions doesn't believe in the Presbyterian Church's doctrine of Limited Atonement, just in the "effectual" limited atonement. Mislead Baptist Calvinists don't believe in Irresistible Grace, only the "effectual" irrestibleness of God's grace. The Roman Empire, which attempted the hostile takeover of Christianity, taught John Calvin and his Presbyterian Church to say "Preservation of the Saints;" it was not anything they got from Bible study, where they could have worded "Eternal Security." God preserving his seed line for Christ, is entirely different than his preserving the blood bought, born again, converted to Christ, quickend saints of the New Covenant. John Calvin, with his covenant theology and adopted Roman replacement theology, never "effectively" got the difference.

You want to be careful of the word "effectual," this old Baptist preacher is wise to its secret code in Calvinistic circles.

Msg #1547 Thanks for Fundamentalists

Paul wrote to Timothy, “ that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1Tim3:15). Thank you Lord, that I live where there's a national day of Thanksgiving, and thank you Jesus, that I have a pillar and ground of the truth where I can worship and attend. There are a multitude of wayside roads where a church might stop being the pillar and ground of the truth. Paul's next verse lists the six mysteries of godliness that make up the truth: God was, 1) Manifest in the flesh, the five fundamentals of the fundamentalist describe that manifestation; 2) Justified in the Spirit: in Psalm David said, “I acknowledge my sin... that thou mayest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.” God was justified in casting Adam out into death, in judging man's evil heart with a world flood (it was NOT demonic giants he was judging), in stoning one under the Law for disobedience in picking up sticks, in the Assyrian's scattering of 10 tribes, in the Babylonian captivity of the remnant, in Jerusalem's complete destruction, and in the nailing of his only begotten son to an old rugged cross, where he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; 3) Seen of angels, who desire to look into what he did for humans (1Pet1:12), 4) Preached unto the Gentiles, in a new covenant, in a new dispensation; 5) Believed on in the world, by a remnant on a straight narrow path, and 6) Received up into glory, where he awaits a literal, not allegorical, 2^nd Advent. I Praise the Lord for a fundamental church that believes all that. You?

Msg #1548 Thanks for Relationships

Thanksgiving thanks for relationships might seem overly vague, but consider that, for a born-again believer, every relationship impacts and enlightens a relationship with God. Give thanks for parents, and whether they excelled or failed you're commanded to honour them” (Eph 6:2). Jesus wanted to be about his Father's business, but Luke 2:51 says he was subject to his parents just the same. The new birth's adoption gives one a heavenly Father who always excels, and Romans 8:14-16 allows that they call him dad. Give thanks for brothers and sisters; they taught you to share and fight fair, to love till you die and not tell a lie. Brothers are born for adversity (Prov 17:17). Mark 6:3 tells us Jesus had brothers and sisters, and Prov 18:24 tells us, as Saviour, “he sticketh closer than a brother.” Give thanks for BFFs. Someone had to tell me what that meant. Most people can count true friends on one hand; anything shared with such friends would not cause them to turn from you, or turn on you. “Abraham believed God,... and he was called the Friend of God” (James 2:23). “The LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend” (Exod 33:11). Give thanks that a blood bought, redeemed, born-again believer can be a friend of God. “Henceforth I call you not servants... but I have called you friends” (John 15:15). Be a friend of God. Give thanks for neighbors. Who is my neighbor? Jesus answered that by defining and personifying compassion. (Luke 10:29, Matt 9:35-38). The culmination of all these relationships, the culmination of all intimacy is found in the husband-wife relationship. It is our taste of paradise on earth. Learn this, even that intimate relationship pales in pure intimacy with the LORD God. Thank you Lord.

On Lordship Salvation vs Easy Believism

Thanks for writing. My heart goes out to the situation that you describe. Although you seem to have couched your frustration with a label of "Lordship Salvation," that teaching has little to do with the audacity found in the pastor that you describe. The monstrous bullies that you describe are not damaging Free Grace, they are damaging people. Ever since the Roman Empire attempted a hostile takeover of Christianity, religion's have been striving to make people "good-enough" to get into heaven. Roman Catholics attempt it through penance, Protestants through regeneration and reformation of people. Somehow the pastor you describe thinks people get saved, stay saved, or show that they are saved, by these reformations. The conditional love that this prescribes from God is the heart of this false teaching. It sets up this competition for God's love and attention, i.e. God only loves you when you do right, and I, they say, will tell you how to do right. My recommendation for you is that you get into a Bible believing church.

So you'll know, Lordship salvation vs Easy Believism is another mongrel altogether. The one declares that you must accept Jesus as your Lord, in that it is part of ones conversion, i.e. repentance and faith (Acts 20:21), the other declares that to be converted one don't really need repentance, all they need is a "1-2-3 pray after me." You can probably tell by my simple explanation which one has the most Bible merit. The unfortunate derogatory titles "Lordship Salvation", and "Easy Believism" have confused many into thinking that pastors who "lord" over the flock are Lordship Salvation preachers. There are other titles deserving of such deviants.

Thanks again for writing. Hope this all makes sense. Write again, let me know how you make out in finding a Bible believing pastor. I'll be praying for you.

> This is a true story, two years ago, … Something was very wrong... I did not know what Lordship Salvation was,...These Lordship people are monstrous bullies, and are damaging the assurance of Free Grace,...

Thanks for writing. I know your frustration. I know I have written on the subject before, but cannot find it presently. Jesus' parable of the soils is very clarifying for some of this dilemma. A stony place "hath not root in himself" and does not bear fruit. There is not to many places you can go with that. I would rather treat a saved person as unsaved (not with a rebuke but with a compassion) than to treat an unsaved person as a saved one. To error on the side of caution is wise. If you can talk someone out of their salvation they didn't get what I got. Evangelist Harold Boyd used to say, "If you didn't get enough salvation to get you into Church, you probably didn't get enough to get you into heaven." It is best to talk to them, pray for them, witness to them as if they are unsaved, and be glad that where they will spend eternity does not depend on your perceptions.

Also be aware that a born again believer can go deeper into sin faster than any unsaved person would. I never preach someones loved one into heaven or into hell. We just do not know. Never take away hope, or build up hope for someones loved one. A hardened atheist or a hardened Catholic could whisper his repentance with his dying breath. All we can do is make the gospel truth as clear as possible, and expect that a few get in the straight gate. The more I preach, however, the more nervous I am about souls. Many have deceived themselves. I know a preacher who put on his church sign, "Accepted Jesus? Has He accepted you?" Don't give people the benefit of the doubt, there should be no doubt when it comes to salvation. In Jr. Church, in 1986, Terrell Gooden got saved 12 times. Only one of those times was real. Years later neither he nor I was sure which one. Just keep preaching the gospel.

I enjoy your newsletter. We have corresponded in the past. Your writing is sometimes obtuse, perhaps to keep it short.

I would greatly appreciate it if you have a longer more specific explanation of your views below. Perhaps on your website? I struggle with the topics surrounding salvation. I talk with many people each week out on the streets. Many who "believe" but who have no Lord other then themselves. Addicts of one form or another. I have concluded I have no idea who is saved and who isn't. Just leave it to Him. But sometimes I get asked the direct question, "do you think my I or my loved one is saved?" I have learned to say I don't know. That is for Him. But most of the time I am thinking "you will know them by their fruit." Sometimes they describe an amazing salvation experience followed by the only 9 months of their adult life that they didn't drink, where they were Bible reading every day and consumed with thinking about Jesus. Then 9 months later they went back to their old life. They are convinced they are still going to Heaven. Are they? How about the guy who had amazing conversion experience, walked with the Lord for 10 years, led worship, deacon, and then walked away for 27 years of alcoholism, adultery, etc. Where is he going eternally? Randy Loubier via iPhone

Msg #1549 Preach The Christmas Message

The first gospel message Peter preached is recorded in Acts 2; it has seven parts and one could replicate it in his Christmas conversations this year. Peter gets folks' attention, then explains the miracle they are observing. Getting attention is not that hard at Christmas gatherings; often, someone there will have ears to hear. And the miracle of Christmas needs rehearsed across our land. Consider that the miracle of your new birth needs rehearsed as well. Use Scripture, and use what is coming up soon, Peter does. Peter also makes a clear gospel plea right up front; “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 1:21). Next Peter rehearses what they already know. Perceiving where a person is at, what they already know about Christ, and where to start needs careful attention in this day and age. Peter uses Jesus' miracles done in their midst, his trial, crucifixion, and resurrection (vr. 22-24). These are the essentials of the gospel (1Cor 15:3-4) but starting with what people know today will take us all the way back to creation. Three generations have been taught that they have no Creator. Start toward this gospel message using the miracle, “All things were made by him (Jesus), and without him was not anything made that was made” (John 1:3). Peter uses Scripture to talk about Jesus being Christ (Acts 1:25-32); and then about his resurrection (vr. 32-36). Lastly, Peter declares what people must do (vr. 37-39), “Repent and be baptized (immersed into Christ) every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (vr. 38). This is God's final draft for the first gospel message; we should pay close attention; all of God's drafts are inerrant.

Msg #1550 Yes, Virginia, There is a Christmas

Could I say, without danger of any infringements, yes, Virginia, there is a meaning to Christmas. The LORD God, fulfilled his promise to send his only begotten son because he promised a Messiah who would be the redeemer of mankind. This all important entry into the world, has meaning. Believing these three identities of that child in swaddling clothes is the most important belief in the world. John wrote, “That ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John20:31) Yes, Virginia, there is a Christmas morning. Few Bible students believe that Jesus was born on the Roman Empire's celebration of the longest night. There was, however, a first morning when God was in the flesh and dwelling among us. No greater gift was ever given. Christ's birth was likely in the springtime when shepherds watched their flocks and other passover lambs were born. Yes, Virginia, there is a Christmas message. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,” who said, “I am the way... no man cometh to the Father but by me” (John3:16, 14:6). The climate has indeed changed in America. She would be wise to hear the plea of her Creator, “Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness,... Who knows if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him” (Joel2:12-14). This Christmas, particularly, there are “multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision” (Joel3:14).

Msg #1551 What All Did Mary Know?

Mark Lowry wrote a series of great questions in a song. “Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water... would save our sons and daughters...has come to make you new?” Hebrews in 1 BC knew more than they're credited with. Their Messiah was promised to bruise the head of Satan, and be the seed of woman (Gen3:15). He would be the only begotten Son of God (Psalm 2), and a prophet greater than Moses (Deut 18:18-19). He would set on the throne of David his father, and rule all the nations from God's holy hill of Zion (Psalm2). He would be wounded for our transgressions, he would be bruised for our iniquities, and our chastisement would be put upon him (Isa53). Mary knew the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah5:2), brought up from Egypt (Hosea11:1, Matt2:15) and come from Nazareth (Matt2:23). Mary was brought up knowing the Scriptures. She most assuredly knew that the child she bore would be God in the flesh, called “the mighty God” and titled “the everlasting Father” (Isa. 9:6). To our shame, Mary knew more than many Christians do today. It was good of Mr. Lowry to ask this whole litany of questions about what Mary knew. It forces us to consider some truths about just who Jesus was. Even now we do not know all that he did, but believing all that he was purchases one's eternal life. The Apostle John said that this way, “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name”(John 20:30-31).

Msg #1552 The Ending

I read my Bible through twice in a year. I read Genesis to Revelation chronologically in the order of their writing. And I read Isaiah to Hosea on the same schedule with a six month offset. This will be my fifth year of reading both Revelation and Hosea on Christmas day. Hosea is a minor prophet who wrote God's message to Israel just before Isaiah wrote his major prophecy. Both wrote just before God brought Israel to her knees, banished ten tribes, and sent the Jews into the Babylonian captivity. The Revelation of Jesus Christ is the capstone of all Biblical prophecy and tells how God will bring all nations to their knees, before sending his only begotten Son to rule and reign as King of kings, and Lord of lords from God's holy hill of Zion (Psalm 2). The two prophecies have striking parallels. This year, as I read, I watched both the Roman Catholic midnight Christmas mass, and the Protestant interfaith ecumenical Christmas service. I cannot say which grieved the heart of my God the more. I suspect the latter. The pagan Romanism has been around for 1,700 years, but the balderdash about Muslims, Hindus, “Christians,” and Secularists all worshiping the same god, who will unite us all in world peace, has only been a grass-roots religion in the past ten years. The Revelation of Jesus Christ is that he, and he alone, is the mighty God and everlasting Father (Isa9:6). One solar flare could stop every satellite and cell tower, completely wipe out the power grid, and bring America to her knees. Only horses and swords would fend off the Islamic invasion! I am not a prophet, or the son of a prophet, I am just saying, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Rev 22:20). Happy New Year.

Msg #1601 Sunday Day One

The opening line of the Holy Bible has seven Hebrew words that mark the first day of the universe and it says, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Here time begins, three-dimensional space begins, and matter begins. They are necessarily created by a force outside of time, outside of 3-D space, and outside of matter; the self-existent one is called God. Modernist scholars know that eventually heaven becomes the heavens, so they set out to correct his first seven words by making heaven, the three dimensional space, be heavens, the three layers of the heavens yet to be created. For the sake of a copyright they ignore God's warnings about changing his words. Shame on every copyright one of them. When atheistic evolutionists proved rocks were a million years old, accommodating Bible students inserted a million years of time after God's first seven words. These gaptist then invented a whole civilization created and destroyed in the imagined gap after God's seven word opening. Fiction writers! Roman allegorists decided a day wasn't a day and developed a profound allegorical teaching where “evening and morning” really meant millions of years. Only a remnant, holding to the inerrancy of verbally inspired Scriptures, believe what God said in his opening ten sentences. Written on a 5^th grade reading level, God said matter was at first without form and void, and that 3D space had darkness on the face of the deep. He ordered matter into atoms and then molecules of H₂O, and he pierced the darkness with light. God says what he means and means what he says. Here he describes what he considers a days work and ends it with nothing but water and light. Trust God's word, don't trust modern scholars.

Msg#1602 Monday Day Two

God's second day of creation starts with a gargantuan sphere of water hung on nothing in God's newly created light beam. It ends with two spheres of water divided by a firmament. Like egg white separates the shell from the yoke, this firmament separates a shell of water, which bounds the whole universe, from a sphere of water the size of our planet. We expect these are spheres because liquids with mass naturally form into spheres. We expect that there is nothing but water because God writes to us on a fifth grade reading level and says what he means. We know that this firmament is impressive because it captures a whole days work for the LORD God. We know that it is immense because when God gets to his fourth day of creation he inserts all the bodies of our present solar system into the firmament. It turns to gargantuan when God inserts all the galaxies with billions of stars into the firmament. God's description leaves a shell of water around the outside of this universe. Thus God, Albert Einstein, and I believe in a finite bounded universe. Atheistic evolutionists believe in an infinite unbounded one. The differences in these two assumptions are astronomical. One is right, one is wrong, there is no compromise position. Joshua, who lead Israel into the promised land said, “Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth... And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Josh 24:14-15). The only type of evolution there is, is atheistic evolution. We did not get here by natural processes, we have a Creator. He tells us what he did, why he did it, and what he is about to do. We can trust him on it.

Msg#1603 Tuesday Day Three

Tuesday, the third day of creation, dawns on a ball of water, hung on nothing inside of an immense shell of water bounding the universe. Water molecules are two hydrogen atoms clinging to one oxygen atom, and God now touches the ball of water to create more diverse atoms. His account says, “Let the dry land appear” (Gen1:9). This day's work created a hundred elements, gold, platinum, silver, precious metals, jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, precious stones, granite, basalt, silica, lots of rock. God called the dry land Earth. Now there is a solid planet, Earth, and God saw that it was good (verse 10): i.e. rich in precious metals and precious stones, but void of plant life. Tuesday afternoon God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind.” Taxonomic ranking of plants into twelve phyla, more classes, orders and families is a popular pastime for botanists. God ranks three: grasses, herbs, and fruit trees. God likes things in threes. The emphasis is also threefold: 1) Plants produce seeds, that's procreation; 2) Each reproduces after his kind, that throws a wrench in evolution; and 3) God saw that it was good. The Bible student understands that the phyla for fungi, mold, and dandelion may not have been included in God's original plant group. Such phyla feed on death and constitute weeds; they seem to have been produced at the two cursings of man: his casting out of Eden,and his drowning in a flood. Just the same, they were miraculously created; don't give the atheistic evolutionist an inch. What God created in these six days was all good; in fact on this Tuesday it was called good on two separate occasions; because of that Jews get married on Tuesdays.

Msg#1604 Wednesday Day Four

Wednesday, the fourth day of creation finds the first of God's lights placed in the firmament. They were created to divide the day from the night, for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years. The two great lights which God set in the firmament mark out our twelve months and the 365 day year. Most people know the quarters of the moon; they mark out our weeks. Few discern the five visible planets (Greek for “wandering stars”) that stand out from the thousands of stationary stars. Five planets visually trace out a highway in the sky. Two, Mercury and Venus, are closer to the sun and three are outside of Earth's orbit, thus often visible in the midnight sky. The thousands of stationary stars are grouped into eighty-eight constellations which mark out four seasons in our hemispheres. Thirty-five-hundred years ago Job speaks of Arcturus (Job 9:9), the third brightest star in our sky. It is found in the Boötes Constellation seen in the northern sky next to the big dipper. More people may be familiar with the Orion Constellation that Job mentions. It is on the celestial equator and only visible in Job's sky in the month of January. The most visible hot blue cluster of stars called Pleiades is also mentioned by Job. It would be visible at tree top level only in Job's month of October. Today more people watch TV's tonight show than understand the wandering stars on their highway through the constellations. More people read the occult's horoscope than know the constellations visible in their seasons. The heavens declare the glory of God, but mankind sets in baneful ignorance. The firmament sheweth his handiwork, not one's vain personality in a Zodiac. Tonight I'll shut off the TV and get out a telescope.

Msg#1605 Thursday Day Five

Thursday the fifth day of creation sees the first addition of life to God's universe. This is huge, but not more-so than previous days in God's creation. Abundant life in the waters is barely comprehensible; the variety and divergence of life forms have not been categorized to this day. “And fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven” (Gen 1:20b), is equally overwhelming in variety. In this creation of life consider two things very carefully: diet and reproduction. Before Adam sinned there was no death in God's creation. “As by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin” (Rom 5:12a). With no death, robins ate no worms, sharks ate no fish. Man brought about two curses on the world and it is likely that living creatures were not eaten until God spoke Genesis 9:3 after the second one. Fish and fowl were created quite different from what we see now. Secondly these creatures were fruitful and multiplied “after their kind.” As if to slap the atheistic evolutionist's theory with folly he emphasizes that procreation is only “after his kind.” And this emphasis is captured in a fifth grade reading level repeatedly in God's accounting. When one says “God bless you,” they are asking God to do for you what you cannot do for yourself. When David says, “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name” (Psalm 103:1), he is asking his soul to do something for God that God cannot do for himself (that is profound). When God blesses creatures with procreation, it is something that they cannot naturally do by themselves. Procreation is, and forever will be, a miracle of God: after their kind.

Msg#1606 Friday Day Six

It was Friday, the sixth day of the first week when God formed the crowning achievement of all his creation. “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion... over all the earth”(Gen 1:26a). It is ennobling to consider that God created every molecule, every creature, every planet and every star as an enhanced environment for this crowning achievement. Any Bible student quickly understands that such ennobling is not vanity. God's overwhelming purpose from Genesis to maps is this, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God” (Rev 21:3). It is true that most of mankind still rebels against God's desire; and would sooner believe that they evolved here. A majority think it okay to kill an unborn child made in God's image and that vile affections, “men with men working that which is unseemly”(Rom1:27), is just an alternate lifestyle. Do not let the depravity of man dishearten you, “the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend” (Exod33:11), and that is why he created you. “The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him... saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Rev 4:11). For the blood-bought, born-again, it is ennobling to know we are made in his image, he tabernacles in our soul, and speaks to us as a friend. In a ministry of reconciliation our neighbor can have the same friendship. Be ennobled, tell your neighbor about our Lord Jesus Christ.

Msg#1607 Valentines Day At Last

God intended that love and marriage be a taste of paradise here on earth. There is no more intimate relationship than marriage. It is holy because it portrays the intimacy that God wants with us, but if a marriage does not follow God's blueprint it will taste like something, alright, but it won't be paradise. The roles of the husband and wife in marriage are clearly outlined in God's Word. They are overtly contradicted in today's Godless society. For wives God uses words like submit, chaste, and keepers at home, for husbands, love, sanctify and leadership. It takes more than a King James Bible and a good dictionary (or Lexicon) to find these words in one's marriage; it takes the Lord Jesus Christ living in the redeemed soul of each participant. We marry to fulfill love, significance, and security in our lives. Humans made in the image of God are designed to love, and to be loved. Imagine the life of one who is significant to no one, and considers none significant. Imagine the life of one who has no security in a significant loved one: unsure if they will even care about or be cared about tomorrow. Each of these essential needs has three dimensions, with physical, emotional, and spiritual sides. Although these 3D needs overlap they are the essential needs that can find complete fulfillment in only two places in this world: they can be fulfilled in marriage, and they can be fulfilled in Christ. When you are properly in BOTH of these relationships you can have that taste of paradise. Valentines Day is strategically placed just before the raging hormones of spring arrive, just so one will pause, and take stock in their love, their significance, and their security. Happy Valentines Day; take inventory of your stocks.

Msg#1608 Not to Faint

A soldier standing at attention in parade must flex his knees and toes to keep blood circulating else he faint. When blood gets occupied elsewhere and does not keep the brain supplied one faints. Women are constructed for child bearing and may faint from shock or sudden stress because their blood circulation is purposely occupied elsewhere. When the brain does not get adequate blood, lowering it below the heart can relieve the ailment. Fainting gets the head down in a hurry, but not really safely. A poor heart, poor lungs, or being anemic will also cause fainting, as will clogged arteries. When a person faints they do not function, they injure themselves in the fall, and they incapacitate the people who are caring for them. Fainting is contagious; on parade once that first soldier faints they start keeling over left and right. Jesus taught us that men ought always to pray and not to faint (Luke 18:1). On a spiritual plane prayer keeps our circulation good and circumvents the causes of fainting. Prayer then prevents all these disabling results of fainting. It cures spiritual anemia, resolves breathing ailments, and heals heart problems. Pray that you don't faint, but also know that praying prevents fainting just like exercise and flexing the muscles prevents fainting. We can get so busy doing other things, even good things, that like the soldier on parade, focused on other tasks, we keel over, we injure ourselves, we occupy others and we induce others to fall. Flex your knees. How long does it take for you to have a “Sweet Hour of Prayer?” Some take twenty days at three minutes per day. Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.

Msg#1609 The World is Judged

Israel, the man was redeemed from all evil (Gen 48:16); Israel, the nation was redeemed out of Egypt (Exod 6:6, 15:13); born-again-saved believers are redeemed out of the world (Rev 5:9); Egypt, in Scripture, is representative of the world and all of its evil. In their youth some of Israel, the nation wanted to go back into Egypt for “the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick” (Num 11:5). Sometimes young believers want to go back into the world. The picture of Egypt representing the world is certain. God sent his only begotten Son into this world, but called him out of this world. “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt” (Hosea 11:1). God fled Joseph and Mary into Egypt just so he could reinforce this symbolism and say, “that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son” (Matt 2:15). In Ezekiel chapter thirty, thirty-one and thirty-two God gives a very clear judgment against Egypt, a condemnation of Pharaoh, and a lamentation for the king of Egypt. “Even the day of the LORD is near, a cloudy day, it shall be the time of the heathen” (Ezek30:3). In verse five all the bordering nations, ideas and attitudes of Egypt are included in this end time judgment. What is a believer to do in these last days? “Son of man, prophecy and say, thus saith the Lord GOD; Howl ye, Woe worth the day!” (Ezek30:2). And be a watchman. “When I bring the sword upon a land,... take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman” (Ezek33:2). And always side with Israel (1King 8:16). God will when America won't.

Msg#1610 Be A Well Studied Soldier

These essays flow out of what I preach on Sundays; this week my favorite Missionary preached and then his son preached in our pm service. Therein my grandson preached our need to study, sacrifice, serve and soldier. As a school teacher I loved the Apostle Paul's demeanor when he said, “Study to be quiet and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands” (1Thes 4:11). The classroom aside, Paul calls our business the commandments, our walk, and our “lack of nothing” (vr.12). Studying to be quiet and to do our own business implies a diligence in keeping the main thing the main thing. If ever that was important it is in this ugly election year. God trumps politics, people need the Lord. Paul describes our sacrifice as only a reasonable service (Rom 12:1-2). Keeping it so ensures one “not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think” (vr. 3). Writing to the churches of Galatia Paul asserts, “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ” (Gal 1:10). There is little uglier than fighting and gloating in the servant's quarters; yet Christians do it. Even the disciples fought about who would be greatest. Selflessness, not greatness, is to be a servants aspiration. Study, sacrifice, and servant-hood, culminate in the character of a soldier. “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier” (2Tim 2:3-4). Not every fifteen year old can ascribe this outline, but every Christian is to ascribe to it as a way of life.

Msg#1611 The Bible Brings the Day Star

Peter the fisherman was seasoned by the Christ to where his last words have an everlasting impact on the eternal Word of God. In the apostles dying breath he asserts, “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty... and (we now) have a more sure word of prophecy... knowing this... (that) holy men of God spake (the Holy Scriptures) as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2Peter 1:16-21). This powerful assertion for the verbal plenary inspiration of the Word of God, the Holy Bible, is the crescendo of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb. It needs no Roman Catholic Synods or endorsement of “Church Fathers.” The apostles themselves and the apostles alone sanctify every inerrant, infallible word; Praise His Holy Name. Of the Holy Bible Peter says, “Ye do well that ye take heed:” it is a light shining in a dark place, as a day dawning and the day star rising in hearts (1:19). It is curious that this alludes to both Christ's coming into the world, and his coming into hearts. He is, of course, “the light of the world” (John 8:12, 9:5), and he is the “day star.” Astronomy buffs know that Venus, the second planet from the sun, often appears just before sunrise, earning it the name “morning star” (cf. Rev 2:28, 22:16). It is also often the first star you see at night. The sun itself is the “day star” referenced in 2Peter 1:19. Be careful here, the Mason's Eastern Star and the “son of the morning” called “Lucifer” (Isaiah 14:12) is a different critter altogether. Peter says it is God's Word that causes the day star to arise in a heart. Awesome.

Msg#1612 Palm Sunday and the Tenth of Abib

The relationship between Palm Sunday and the Tenth of Abib was shrouded in Baptist ignorance during my childhood. Indeed it was not uncovered in my enrollment in three Bible Colleges and two Bible Institutes. Baptists are ofttimes paranoid about “religious holidays” because they drip with the vile heresy that spews from the apostate Roman Church. Mardi Gras, Lent, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Bunnies are all swollen with the leaven of that apostasy. It is only on God's calendar that one finds the importance and connection between the Tenth of Abib, the Fourteenth of Abib, and the First Day of the Week. Exodus twelve requires that the Hebrew's passover lamb be separated from the flock on the tenth day of the month Abib. It was kept separate and examined for four days; there was to be no spot or blemish in the passover lamb. On the fourteenth day of the month the holy passover lamb was to be slain; the next day, the fifteenth was a Sabbath Day, a High Sabbath Day, as it came to be called. Even if the fifteenth was on a Friday, it was called a Sabbath Day. The Roman religionists and the concurring Protestant clergy, are balefully ignorant of the Old Testament. On Palm Sunday on the streets of Jerusalem the crowds cried out “Hosanna, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” They didn't know, but on the tenth day of Abib they separated The Passover Lamb from the rest of the flock, and on the fourteenth day they crucified the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. God's calendar was fulfilled very meticulously: Christ, chosen and slain as our Passover Lamb. The Bible student dare not remain ignorant of these things.

Msg#1613 After Three Days and Three Nights

Easter was converted to Christianity. It used to be connected to the Roman worship of solar equinox (December 25 to the Roman worship of the solar solstice). Easter is now connected with the Hebrew calendar, always being the first Sunday after the Jewish Passover. It was on the Passover, 1,987 years ago, that Romans crucified our Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible student knows that Christ's crucifixion was on the preparation day and that the day following was a High Sabbath Day, beginning the Feast of Unleavened Bread (John 19:31). It is unfortunate that unstudied Romans called that Friday “good”, and unwitting Protestants called that Thursday “Maundy.” The Romans still mislead millions about the events of the week and the three days and three nights Christ spent in the heart of the earth (Matt 12:40). Two Sabbath Days, back to back, is not uncommon in a Hebrew calendar. On this fateful occasion they kept the women from attending to the body of Jesus for the three day and three night promise of God. In God's providence they came to the tomb after the third day, on the first day of the week, and there they found that Christ was resurrected, just as he said. We celebrate the miraculous fulfillment of the Messiah's promise, that after three days and three nights in the tomb Christ would raise victorious over death. The Jews started the rumor that disciples stole the body away; Romans rumored that Jesus only spent a day and a half in the tomb. The truth can set you free; free from religion, free from false teachings, and free to believe every word of God's Holy Bible. If ever the Bible student should defy the traditions of man and rely completely on God's Word, it should be for His resurrection.

Question on Msg#1613's Three Days and Three Nights

Thank you Pastor Rice for today's Penny Pulpit on 3 days and 3 nights. I agree with you, but I am unsure how best to respond to the assertion that "any part of a day is considered a day according to Jewish tradition" argument. I am not sure where they get that teaching from or started that thought -- just like the folded napkin story. Could you give me a suggestion?

Thanks for writing. Remember what I said about traditions; they will often twist your Bible understandings.

I had not heard of any partial day considerations in Jewish traditions. I do know that they take their Genesis account very literally and when God said the evening and the morning were the first day, they have been counting their days that way ever since; whereas we traditionally use a mid-night starting of our day. Both traditions are insignificant when considering Christ's crucifixion and resurrection.

1) Passover, he was the passover lamb that taketh away the sin of the world (1Cor 5:7),

2) the preparation for the feast of unleavened bread, (Mark 15:42, Luke 23:54, John 19:14)

3) the 14th day of the month of Abib (Exod 12:6, 13:4, 23:15, 34:18, Deu 16:1) (the name was revised to "Nisan" after Babylonians messed with it),

5) six days after the feast at Bethany (John 12:1), which feast was not on a Sabbath Day, ergo it was on a Friday,

6) three days before the Sunday which found the disciples on the Emaus road (Luke 24:13, 18), and

7) a Thursday because it falls six days after Friday (#5 above) and three days before a Sunday (#6 above).

Also noted previous, Palm Sunday falling on Sunday and on the 10th of Abib (Exod 12:3) causes the 14th to be on a Thursday, AND the Bible dictation of all that happened after his triumphal entry and before his crucifixion accounts for a Monday, a Tuesday and a Wednesday, three full days, resulting in a Thursday crucifixion.

All this Bible evidence necessitates a day count which includes Thursday day (he died in the 9th hour of the day, i.e. 3 pm, no matter when Joseph and Nick got his body into the tomb his soul was in the heart of the earth on that Thursday), Thursday night, Friday day, Friday night, Saturday day, Saturday night. That is three days and three nights as specifically called out in Matthew 12:40.

All this settles it for me; that Wednesday night was his last supper with the disciples, and Thursday was the day of his crucifixion. I enjoy debate with Baptists who hold to a Wednesday crucifixion, they insist on three twenty-four hour days spent in the tomb. I'll not debate with someone who holds to a Roman Good Friday, they do not have a leg to stand on.

Msg#1614 In Remnants Not Mega-Majorities

Gideon was likely concerned about facing off against the Midianites with only 32,000 soldiers; they would be outnumbered by more than three-to-one. Sometimes one wonders if the LORD God really knows what we are up against down here. The hosts of the Midianites filled the whole valley by the hill Moreh, “and the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many” (Jud 7:2a). Like Israel, Christians might tend to “vaunt themselves against (God), saying, Mine own hand hath saved me” (7:2b). The LORD God does his best work when we are at our whit's end. God whittled Gideon's army down to only 300 nobodies before delivering his miraculous victory over the Midianites. He uses the same tactic today. God is in the remnant, not the mega or the majority. Be leery of church growth that comes from a charismatic leader, or entertainment program. God does not work through a majority vote. That vote might “trump” a queen Athalia who wants in power but either way we get an egotistical incompetent, and this rebellious nation, sinking into moral depravity, deserves no less. Then there is the Islamic invasion launched from Obama's endorsed Arab Spring. America is overwhelmed in evil and one can learn a lot from God's dealings with Gideon and his three-hundred. God does his most miraculous work when it is certain that we won't be taking any of his glory. A nobody telling everybody about somebody who can save anybody, is not for glory seekers. True believers are outnumbered and outgunned in this world. Whether it be church politics, world politics or a doctor's waiting room, God shines the brightest when the odds are against us. “O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee” (Psalm 84:12).

Msg#1615 Don't Attack Jeroboam

Almost five hundred years after Gideons outnumbered three-hundred won a great victory over the Midianites, Abijah was outnumbered two-to-one against his own brethren. Curious. After Gideon there were seven more judges, Samuel, Saul and King David. Solomon built the Temple of God on the rock at Ornan's old threshingfloor, and his son, Rehoboam acted foolishly to divide the Hebrews into two kingdoms. Now Rehoboam's son, Abijah, king of Judah, was about to be whooped in battle against Jeroboam king of Israel. “And Abijah stood up upon mount Zemaraim, which is in mount Ephraim, and said, Hear me thou Jeroboam and all Israel” (2Chron 13:4). For the next seven verses Abijah expounds all the Bible errors and worship errors that were initiated by Jeroboam and followed by Israel. It is eloquent, accurate, and succinct, but seems perfectly feckless. While Abijah reasons with them Jeroboam out flanks and surrounds them. The apostate church is replete with Bible errors and worship errors. They lead untold millions into a Christless eternity. They will out number us, out flank us, surround us and attack us. Victory over the apostate church is certain, but to be accomplished without our attack. “Then the men of Judah gave a shout, and as the men of Judah shouted, it came to pass, that God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah … and the children of Judah prevailed because they relied upon the LORD God of their fathers” (2Chron 13:15, 18b). Every denomination stands in brazen error, denying the pre millennial return of Christ and Israel as his chosen people. and they will attack God's remnant. Give a shout against the apostasy but focus on preaching the gospel to every creature, not on attacking the church across the street.

Msg#1616 Jumping Jehoshaphat

“Jumping Jehoshaphat” was an expression often heard and it originated because a king of Judah jumped into bed with Ahab, the vilest of the kings of Israel. “Can't”, “Quit”, and “Compromise” should be eliminated from a Christian's vocabulary. A Baptist pastor memorably said, “they all start with 'K' so just rip that page from your dictionary.” Jehoshaphat's jump illustrates the ugly cost of a Christian's compromise. Jehoshaphat was a righteous and blessed king.“Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab” (2Chron 18:1). The believer having “affinity”, i.e. a feeling of kinship, with the apostate church is a dangerous compromise, never to be jumped into. Jehoshaphat and vile Ahab named their children alike, and Jehoshaphat's son Jehoram “walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD” (2Chron 21:6). Then Jehoshaphat's grandson Ahaziah was slain with his wicked grandma Jezebel when God sent Jehu (Hebrew meaning Jehovah is He) for her “Payday Someday” (as R.G. Lee put it). Could it get worse? Yes. Jehoshaphat's daughter in law Athaliah, Ahab's daughter, “arose and destroyed all the seed royal,” and set herself up as the first and only Queen of Judah (2Kng 11, 2Chron 22-23). Jumping Jehoshaphat brought in generations of abominable idolatry and a depraved woman leader into Jerusalem. The prophet of God said to Jehoshaphat, “Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD” (19:2). Don't compromise with the seeker sensitive, modernist bible, rock-n-roll apostate church. It will cost more than you want to pay, and keep you longer than you want to stay.

Msg#1617 I Will See You Later Mom

What love might outrank ones love for his mother? What reverence might overwhelm obedience to her call? When called by his mother Jesus answered, “Who is my mother? And who are my brethren?” (Matt 12:48). He then stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, “Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother” (49-50). A Roman religion taught my mother to venerate, deify, and even pray to Jesus' mother, but Jesus taught no such foolishness. He taught that no relationship is of more importance than the Lord-to-disciple and disciple-to-Lord relationship. Jesus went further to say, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother,… and a man's foes shall be they of his own household” (Matt 10:34-36). This Mother's Day we should reverence our mothers as best we can. If living in her home we must obey, submit to, and reverence mom, but otherwise Jesus teaches that our relationship with our Lord trumps all other relationships. In fact, he goes on to say, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me” (10:37). Love your mom. Honor her on Mother's Day. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul and mind. In 1958 my mom was in a garage on Bear Town Road in Gang-Mills, New York, it was called Faith Baptist Church, and when Pastor Cisal Palm gave an invitation she accepted our Lord Jesus Christ as her Saviour. Praise His Holy Name, I'll see her when I go home.

Msg#1618 A Psalmists Four Instructions

The LORD God's thirty-seventh Psalm contains four instructions critical to his creature's well being. They are connected to great promise and then twice interwoven through twenty-eight of the forty verses. The first six verses spell out the instructions, the last six word them in a profound abstraction. Learning to appreciate the structure and depth of Hebrew poetry is easily done in this Psalm. First up, “Fret not thyself because of evildoers.” The failure-to-fret is expounded in verses 1-2, 7-11, and 27-28. Each section contains greater abstraction and more depth. When searching for this instruction in the last six verses one finds it thoroughly homogenized with the other three. Next up, “Trust in the LORD.” Again this instruction is contained in verses 3, 12-15, and 29 with increasing abstraction, and finally blended into the last six verses. Hebrew poetry emphasizes rhyme and meter in thought not in diction. It is marvelous to unravel and analyze it. It outperforms any poem of English literature. “Delight thyself also in the LORD,” and “Commit they way unto the LORD,” are simple instructions given a sagacious depth by the Hebrew poet and psalmist. When I was young I delighted myself in hunting and fishing in the Adirondack mountains near Griffiss AFB where I was stationed. I had towed my little Datsun out of many a swampland. The sincere desire of my heart was a four-wheel-drive Jeep-Cherokee. I did not then follow God's third instruction, thinking I could just make up my own heart's desires. The promise of following God's four instructions is expounded in verse six of this Psalm. It to is rehearsed, abstracted, and brilliantly blended into the six verse conclusion. Mark up this Psalm and it could forever change you. A student of the Bible needs to be a student of Hebrew poetry.

Msg#1619 Foreshadowing Christ

God's Hebrew poetry has depth not penetrated by the casual listener. “Give ear, O my people, to my laws incline your ears to my mouth” (Ps 78:1). A most common error in writing is changing of person or perspective. If one begins a story as a first person account from Joe the plumber, they dare not flip-flop to what Mary is thinking or to a third person narrator's input. When writing, who is speaking and the perspective presented is important. It should be consistent. The second sentence of this Psalm continues, “I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old” (78:2). This is obviously first person narrative from the LORD God. It is his people, his law, and words of his mouth and your, second person plural, ears are the target. That second sentence continues, “Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children” (78:3, 4a). Note that the narrator's perspective changed from God to man. This is either a narration blunder or perhaps God is showing us his human side, as if he might put on flesh and dwell among us. This Psalm gives this remarkable insight to believers who know something about God's Messiah. So subtle and so precious. So overlooked by the unbeliever and modernist critical scholar. Such insight gives this Psalm a remarkable new flavor. It is a long Psalm with a curiously negative approach: that the generations to come, “might not be as their fathers, a stubborn rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and who's spirit was not steadfast with God” (Ps 78:8). Such a promise is only possible if God is made flesh and dwells among us (John 1).

Msg#1620 Baptized for the Dead?

A friend refuting the LDS cult told an elder “Get real! There is nothing in the Bible about being baptized for the dead!” His mouth was stopped when the cultic elder showed him 1Cor 15:29. Indeed the verse captures the focus of many false teachers, and stumps far to many honest believers. There are three exceptional rules for dealing with difficult verses: #1 watch the context in the chapter, #2 watch the context in the book, and #3 watch the context in the Bible. False teachers excel at taking things out of context. The verse says, “Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?” The false teaching supposes that there is some merit in the living somehow being baptized for the dead. The whole Bible captured in a single sentence is its most memorized verse, John 3:16. It shows man's stubborn, rebellious, lost need of a Saviour, the Only Begotten Son as that Saviour, the destiny of those without the Saviour, belief to be the only means of appropriating eternal salvation, and the whosoever that is eligible for that eternal salvation. There is no baptism of any sort in this principle, least of all a baptism for someone else, and certainly no baptism for the dead. Corinth was the most carnal of all New Testament churches; in these fifteen chapters are refuted fifteen apostate conditions, and in chapter fifteen the undeniable truth of the resurrection of the dead is the topic. In context this verse, 15:29, is the nonsensical question, “If Christ be not risen, then he is dead, and Why are they then baptized for the dead?” A believer is baptized (wholly immersed) into our Lord Jesus Christ; water baptism is not the act, it is only the picture; and if Christ is dead, What shall they do which are baptized for the dead? Christ is indeed resurrected; he is alive forevermore; and when one is baptized into the living Christ, he is alive for evermore. One is not baptized for the dead, but for the living; that is the core of 1Cor 15:29. Don't let false teachers rob from this simplicity, and make the Holy Bible say something that it does not, For God so loved the world...

Msg#1621 Why KJB Only?

All modernists ecumenical Bibles completely leave out twenty verses that have always been in the Holy Bible. They say that Matt 17:21 is not supposed to be in the Bible. They take their pen knife and cut it out! Then they take their knife and cut out Matt 18:11, 23:14, Mark 7:16, 9:44 & 46, 11:26, 15:28, Luke 17:36, 23:17, John 5:4, Acts 8:37, 15:34, 24:7, 28:29, Rom 16:24, and 1 John 5:7. Then they take Col 1:14 and cut out the clause "Through His Blood," because they think God did not mean to say that. These 20 verses are inspired, inerrant, infallible Scripture. Modernist ecumenical scholars contend that no Bible in existence today is inspired. Baptists will never agree with such folly. We use the ONLY complete English Bible with these verses still intact, the Authorized King James Bible.

There are 64,000 other reasons, but many are misinformed about this crucial issue, and partake in the modernist's diabolical attack against the KJB. The copyright New International Version New Testament has 64,000 fewer words than the King James Bible's New Testament! Words that are certainly in the Greek New Testament are completely eliminated. Baptists will not use the NIV, holding instead to the complete and accurate KJB.

Baptists, above all others, base all their faith and practice on only the words of the Holy Scriptures. When critical modernists mess with the words they are messing with our faith and practice. It is better to learn that 'thee' is the 2nd person singular of 'you' and 'thou' is its subjective case than to have a sinister textual critic mess with your faith and practice. Baptists believe that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” This was written about the copies of copies of copies. Modernist translators reject this truth.

Msg#1622 Job's Redeemer and Resurrection

Of the sixty-six books assembled into God's Holy Bible Job, the oldest, contains the most graphic description of the resurrection of the believers at the second coming of Christ. “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another” (Job 19:24-27). The clarity and assurance of Job is seconded two-thousand years later when the Apostle John wrote what Christ revealed about the resurrections. Job also declared, “Oh that my words were written! Oh that they were printed in a book!” (Job 19:23). God liked Job's suggestion so much that the sixty-six book collection began immediately. The book of Job was written in an older Hebrew tongue than the Pentateuch. After God's confusion of the languages at Babel (Gen 11, 2247 BC) the son's of Eber spoke and wrote Job's Hebrew, as did Abram (1920 BC). In all the philosophical debate of Job's epic Hebrew poem there is no mention of Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob; no mention of the law nor of the tabernacle; thus Job was written before the 1492 BC giving of the law. But there is the rub, such a pre-law, pre-tabernacle extensive dissertation on the LORD God's judging of man records mans need of a “daysman” who can ascend up to God, descend down to man, and be a mediator between the two (Job9:32-33, cf Prov30:4-5, John3:13, Rom10:6-8, Eph4:8-10). Job knew that his Daysman was his Saviour, his Saviour was his God, his God was his Redeemer, and his Redeemer “liveth and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth” (Job 19:25).

Msg#1623 Agape Phileo and and Oikeia Kind of Love

The Greeks have five words used to describe what they love; three of them are knit together to describe the rare relationship labeled BFF, or best friends forever. The twit on facebook might have hundreds of “friends” but in real life one can count their best friends on one hand and they are not “Face Book” friends. Two of the Greek words have no place in the upright or in ones friendship. “Epithymeo Love” describes a longing for what is forbidden. In the NT it is translated “lust” thirty times and “concupiscence” thrice. The second, “Eros or Erotic Love” describes a selfish desire for sexual intimacy; infatuation is a synonym. Epithymeo and eros are character flaws. Pure love is described in 1Cor 13, it is an absolutely selfless love captured in the Greek tongue as “Agape Love.” It is commanded that a Christian have this type of love for their spouse, the brethren, the hypocrites, the lost sinner, and their enemy. Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples...” If agape love is all that one has for their spouse/friend, they have a miserable marriage/friendship. “Phileo Love” is a close kinship kind of love. Phileo is not commanded but grown and developed. When practicing “love” of the brethren some individuals find a commonality in character, personality, and thinking and a phileo love develops over time. Peter denied Christ thrice and then thrice Jesus asked Peter, “Lovest thou me...?” Some slight Peter for declaring a phileo love for Christ. Best friend and marital love bonds with phileo character. That last Greek word is “Oikeia Love” describing the familiar, cozy, comfortable, secure love. Bev and I, hand in hand, sat and watched the sun set on our day. Not a word was spoken; it was an okeia moment.

Msg#1624 Great Plainness of Speech

Death is certain, only the timing is uncertain. For Mohamed Ali it was expected and prepared for; for Christina Grimmie, of The Voice, age 22, it was a sudden, senseless shooting. So too, the car that ran the stop and met a semi saw six teenage lives snuffed out in a moment. We cannot know any tomorrow with certainty. “As it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment, so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many” (Heb 9:27-28a). If he died for yours sins and you accepted him as the Saviour of your soul, the Bible says, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints” (Ps 116:15). If you have not, the Bible says, “As I live, saith the Lord GOD I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked” (Ezek 33:11). The Evangelist uses a double acronym on D-E-A-T-H: The believer is Delivered, but the lost Done; the one has Eternal-life, the other Eternal-death; the saint sees Allelujah, the sinner Agony; the saved find Treasures the unsaved Tears; one goes to Heaven, the other to Hell. The Apostle Paul said, “Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech” (2Cor 3:12). Apostate churches, yeah Protestant churches, do not display such plainness, but clearly there are two deaths and two resurrections. You need to know which one you're headed for, “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years” (Rev 20:6). If you are born once, you die twice; if you are born twice, you die once. Ye must be born again.

Msg#1625 A Fathers Righteousness

I pray that no father who reads this has to go through the trials that Job went through, but that every father secures the righteousness that Job confidently held to. “Till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me. My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go” (Job 27:5-6). In Job's extensive argument he requested a God-man Daysman (9:33), he knew that his Saviour must be God himself (13:15-16), he knew that that Redeemer “liveth and shall stand at the latter day upon the earth,” and that his resurrected body would see him for himself (19:25-27). The theme of Romans 4 is how any father can secure Job's confidences by attaining God's righteousness for himself. “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness” (4:3), and again, “Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin” (4:6-8). Paul develops that this righteousness is not attained by works, nor circumcision, nor law. “(Abraham) staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith... and therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness” (4:20,22). He goes on, “Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification” (4:23-25). At conversion God's righteousness is quickened into the believer, it is as permanent as everlasting life. Happy Father's Day.

Msg#1626 Where To Get Truth

What is truth and where does one get it? In the epic Hebrew poem of Job, the first of the sixty-six books penned in God's Holy Word, Job has truth and his three friends have error. Where did they get their ideas, what were their sources? They had no Bible to reference. Eliphaz says a spirit talked to him in the night and gave him his insight (4:12-16). Be very careful around those types. Bildad says he just believes what his forefathers believed (8:8). He was only a couple generations from Noah himself, but his rhetoric was still errant. Job responds with talk about his Daysman (9:33). Zophar expounds secretes of man's inner wisdom, kind of like the world's first philosopher (11:6). All three sources prove faulty and gave false information (42:7-8). In their second round Eliphaz the spiritualist checks his horoscope (15:11,15); that is abomination (Deut 4:19). Job responds with a prophecy fulfilled in the crucified Christ (16:10-11). Spirits flee before the resurrected Christ. Bildad the historian talks of terrors of death and punishments of brimstone (18:11-16), and Job assures, “I know that my redeemer liveth... (19:25). Zophar the philosopher hangs on to his own thoughts and understandings (20:1-3), but Job reveals that the human light will be put out (21:17), and the fear of the Lord that is wisdom (28:28). Eliphaz the spiritualist is up for a third round and makes the “name it and claim it”, “blab it and grab it” argument of the modern TV preacher (22:23-24). Job's answer is perfect, he says, “I will just wait to hear from God himself” (23:2-5). Man still uses these errant sources for their “designer truth.” God still insists his Word is truth, in fact he sent his Word, and he said “I am the... truth” (John 14).

Msg#1627 USA Birthdays and Judgment Overdue

On America's 240^th birthday she stands in line for a judgment of Biblical proportions. A judgment like the prophet Joel preached to the inhabitants of Israel 2,800 years ago. “Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand; A day of darkness and of gloominess...” (Joel 2:1b-2a).

Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Michael Savage, Mark Levin, and other conservative talk show hosts boast that they have the ear of America's “moral majority,” but the truth is that Barack Hussein Obama won by a majority of the electoral votes and over 51% of the popular vote twice. The Obama legacy is a racial divide, wherein he empowered the blacks to rebel against authority; a moral divide, wherein he empowered sodomites to publicly flaunt and promote their immorality; and a spiritual divide, wherein he empowered Muslims to advance jihad and sharia law on the streets of America. To avoid God's wrath America must turn back to Biblical righteousness. Instead hopey-changey turns her back on the Lord Jesus Christ the righteous, and shakes her fist in the face of Jehovah God of the Bible.

I pray the LORD God's mercy on America, not his blessing. America needs preachers with the heart of Daniel who said, “And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments...” (Daniel 9:3-5)

Msg#1628 A Christian's Belief

John 3:16 opens a thesis portraying what it means to “believe in the only begotten Son.” In chapter four the woman at the well said, “I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things” (4:25). Jesus responds, “I that speak unto thee am he.” The men she brought from Samaria said, “Now we believe... and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world” (4:42). Closing the chapter the nobleman “believed, and his whole house” (4:53). Chapter five reports, “Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the Sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God” (5:18). There had not been a son of God throughout 4,000 years of God's HisStory. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Daniel, these were called servants of God, friends of God, prophets of God, but not sons of God. Men are only sons of God when washed in the blood of the Only Begotten Son of God. We error when we take it lightly that Jesus announces himself the Son of God. He thereby makes himself equal with God. This tremendous chapter goes on to show only the Son of God able to “quicken” man (5:21,24,25), and only the Son of man able to judge man (5:27-29). Believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, is to believe it all. And when one believes it all, Christ quickens them with everlasting life. John wrote so that “ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31). Born in Hawaii does not make you Christian, confessing Jesus as Lord and Christ is the only way.

Msg#1629 Don't Even Ask

Job and his three friends spend thirty chapters debating why Job's calamity came upon him. What Job said was right, upright, and justified; what his three friends said was wrong (42:7); but what God said to Job is sobering: “Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding” (38:2-4). After rehearsing what he did in six days of creation, God expounds a list of no less than twenty things that confound the small minds of men. The creation account is stupendous; the twenty wonders, overwhelming. God's answer to the query, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” is this, “How dare you even ask!” “Then Job answered the LORD, and said, Behold I am vile; What shall I answer thee?” (40:3-4). God says to Job, but wait, there's more. God then shows himself infatuated with dinosaurs. He describes “behemoth,” which we call a brontosaurus, and then “leviathan” which we call... well, God gives such an epic description of this sea-creature that man has never found the like. God says, “Upon earth there is not his like, who is made without fear. He beholdeth all high things: he is a king over all the children of pride” (41:33-34). Behmoth was the chief of the ways of God (40:19), and leviathan was king over all the children of pride (41:34), and God spends two chapters rubbing them in Job's face because Job dared to ask, “Why do these things happen to me?” Learn two things from Job: don't ask that question, and your Father is way bigger than has come to your mind when you do.

Msg#1630 Lift Up, Defy, and Stand

“Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God” (Rom 11:33). King David's last words describing his might men capture depth and richness. In 2Sam 23 David's top three men have a historical depiction, a portrayal of a Christians present challenge, and a Hebrew linguistic richness that only God could orchestrate. It is like reading in three dimensions! “The Tachmonite that sat in the seat (Hbrw - thou hast made me wise)... The same was Adino (Hbrw - his ornament) the Eznite (Hbrw - sharp, strong spear), he lift up his spear against eight-hundred” (23:8). Eight-hundred to one are the odds for the believer today, and just as Adino lift up his spear, we are to lift up Christ (John 12:32), his preserved, inerrant, infallible, inspired Word (2Tim 3:16, Heb 4:12), and our sword (Eph 6:17).

Eleazar (Hbrw – God has helped) the son of Dodo (Hbrw – his beloved) the Alhohite (Hbrw – brother of rest) defied the Philistines, got weary, but cleave to his sword (23:9-10). The believer today needs to defy the “tripple-A.” The 'A'theistic evolutionist, the 'A'gnostic apathy, and the 'A'postacy of the Protestant church; they modernize Bibles and deny Israel with their Replacement Reformed Theology. Jeremiah 33:14 is not allegorical, “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah.” The more “AAA” makes one weary, the more one should cleave to their sword.

Shammah (Hbrw – astonishment) the son of Agee (Hbrw- I shall increase) the Hararite (Hbrw – mountain dweller) stood the ground and defended it (23:11-12). “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth... and having done all, to stand” (Eph 6).

Msg#1631 Pour Out Living Water

“David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate” (2Sam 23:15). People still long for water from that well: living water, spiritual water, everlasting water. Jesus described it, “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14). Born and raised in Bethlehem, David longed for the cold refreshing water he remembered from the well by the gate. His three most noble men broke through the garrison of the Philistines to get it to him. In America, in an election year, it is obvious that the Philistines still exist, but the believer does not need to pearl his life to make the living water available to the thirsty. The fulfilled “Well of Bethlehem,” our Lord Jesus Christ, said, “He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38). David knew how precious the water was, and the blood and jeopardy involved in securing it. “He would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.” Roman Catholics and their Protestant denominations think they have holy water; Baptists know better. “Behold God is my salvation.... Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation” (Isa 12:2-3). Christ said “I am Alpha and Omega... I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.... And the Spirit and bride say, Come.... And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev 21:6, 22:17). In the next hundred days pour out some water in America.

Msg#1632 No Worries With Four Commands

At the NE Summit Dr. Gibbs outlined the four commands related to a worry free life. Philippians 4:7 defines it, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Worry festers where uncertainty exists. In our life, more so in our spouse and children, health issues, financial quandaries, life changing decisions,... if one does not know for certain who is holding their future, they tend to worry. Peace with God comes with our justification, but the peace of God is an added bonus acquired by obedience. The promise of perfect peace is connected to ones rejoicing, “Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say rejoice” (4:4). Always rejoicing is a mental challenge. When the moron cuts me off and leaves me setting at a red light I could have avoided,... well, sometimes and alway are quite different commodities. Don't ask a person, “How are you doing?” Ask Dr. Lee Roberson's question, “How is your rejoicing?” “Let your moderation be know unto all men. The Lord is at hand” (4:5). Moderation is what a moderator does, keeping everything under control and flowing smoothly. A believer's life should be like that, because the Lord is at hand, never leaving, always helping, and soon returning. Before one can have that perfect peace seeping into their heart and mind they also need to be careful for nothing, and pray about everything (4:6). Everything means every little thing. When one prays without ceasing the big things that come into their lives come with the peace of God already present. Lastly, verse eight commands us to be incredibly careful about where we put our mind. Do those four commands and then, if you ever worry again, it is because you choose to.

Msg#1633 Big Mistake? Press On Anyway.

At the NE Summit Dr. Fisher pointed out that Joshua made the biggest mistake of his life and God recorded it for all to see. Granted he was deceived, lied to, and likely eager to be allied with somebody. The Bible says, “And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD” (Josh 9:14). Men of Gibeon took advantage and Joshua made peace with “ites” he was commanded to destroy. The league was only three days old when the lie was discovered. Doubtless there were many remedies at hand, but Joshua honored his word, and so did the LORD God. All the congregation murmured against the princes because of Joshua's blunder, and Joshua made the Gibeonites hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD. When five armies combined forces to wipe out the Gibeonites, Joshua could have set back and said, “Problem solved,” but instead he put his blunder behind him and pressed on with his integrity; he defended Gideon. Would to God, I could put my foolish blunders behind me, and press on in the battle like Joshua. God vindicated Joshua with a promise, hailstones and the longest day (10:8,11,12); it was in Gibeon where the Sun stood still. The men of Gibeon became such an asset to the altar of God that the whole tabernacle was moved from Shilo to Gibeon, and there God appeared to Solomon (1Chron 21:29, 2Chron 1:3). Saul had tried to annihilate Gibeon and David allowed them to hang seven sons of Saul for it (2Sam 21). If you are ministering, you will be lied to, you will blunder, and people will murmurer about you too. Press on; God can vindicate you; he did Joshua.

Msg#1634 Presidents Change, Jesus Doe's Not

Evangelist Patterson preached Friday night that “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Heb 13:8), will be unchanged after America's pitiful election. 1) The Holy Bible will still have all the answers and give perfect hope (Rom 15:4). 2) God anointed preaching will still find some pulpits and do our Lord Jesus Christ's work (Isa 61:1). 3) The Holy Spirit will still move on hearts, seal believers and fill believers. “Grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Eph 4:30). Persecution will still come. “He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit” (1Thes 4:8). 4) Prayer will still work. No matter who is elected president, no matter how Godless the supreme court justices, no matter if the economy collapses, keep praying. God answers prayer. “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass” (Luke 21:36). 5) God will still pour out blessings. “Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.... That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ” (Gal 3:7,14). 6) There will still be room at the cross. “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.... Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross” (Col 1:20, 2:14). And 7) the lost will still be saved by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Okay vote, but keep living for him.

Msg#1635 Surviving As a Non-Attainer

David's last words talked of his three most mighty men, but this preacher, not the sharpest pencil in the box, loves how David lists that others “attained not unto the first three” (2Sam 23:19,23). Some of us may never attain to what others do for Christ. I know the world has yet to see what God could do with a man completely surrendered to him. I know the only ability that God needs is avail-ability, but I also know that in this agnostic, apostate, atheistic society, pastoring for twenty years to keep twenty people pointed in the right direction does not “feel” like great accomplishment. Oswald's “My Utmost for His Highest” tells that “God plants his saints in the most useless places. We say God intends me to be here because I am so useful. Jesus never estimated his life along the lines of greatest use. God puts his saints where they will glorify him, and we are no judge at all of where that is” (Aug 10^th). David's non-attainer Abishai lifted up his spear just like Adino did. Lift up Christ, lift up his Word. David's non-attainer Benaiah fought the devils lionlike men, and slew the devil himself (23:20). He even used the world's (Egypt) own weapon to destroy the world in his life. Okay, lets let the conspirators go their way. Don't spend days studying condensation trails, airplanes over Antarctica, or angel's breeding habits, it is naught. Keep the main thing the main thing. Get a Sword, and rightly divide the Word of truth! I am not promoting that you strive to be a non-attainer, I am just saying, although not given great esteem by man, we too can have a noted place as the apple of God's eye. David had non-atttainers. God does too.

Msg#1636 I Shall Not Be Moved

When David writes the sixty second Psalm it is evident that he is in the throws of learning the lesson that he writes. It is easy to preach “Wait upon the Lord,” but practice is the great challenge in this regard. “Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation” (vr. 1). English is a slovenly language. The fifty-seven linguistic experts who took seven years to translate the Bible did an unparalleled job. The added word “cometh” is fruit of their superior work. Salvation is not just something that happened in an English past tense: it happened in the past, Christ saved me; it happens in the present, Christs saves me; and it will happen in the future, he will save me. It is laborious to capture that in English, but in the Bible languages of Greek and Hebrew such a tense is built right into the exacting language. The advantage of learning Greek and Hebrew is not a deeper insight into what God says, but in a deeper assurance that God said what he meant and meant what he said. In that regard do not trust a modernist scholar who promises to tell you what God meant to say. If it is copyright it is not copied right. “He only is my rock and salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved” (vr.2). The act of writing this Psalm moves David. Notice when he rehearses this reasoning in verse six, he leaves out one word. In this day and age it is chore enough to get Christians to shut off the TV and read God's Word, but I would advance that getting out a pen and writing God's stuff down will cause one to be “greatly moved.” Then they shall not be moved.

Msg#1637 Day 9-11 and Peace of Jerusalem

“And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD” (1Sam 7:5). In June 2014 the 221^st General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA considered banning the word “Israel” from its prayers. Instead they settled on promoting an antisemitic divide between the ancient land and the modern state. Their despise of God's chosen people, Israel, stems from their deep seated Covenant Theology. Covenant Theology, which originated in the Roman Church and resonates in every Protestant denomination, contends that God replaced the Jewish people with the church. They contend that NOW Christians, not Jews, not Hebrews, not the twelve tribes of Israel, are the chosen and elect people. They suppose that Jews rejected Messiah, and thus God rejected Jews. Bible believers need to take particular note that John Calvin's misrepresentation of election is more diabolical than ripping the “whosoevers” out of the Bible, it is intent on ripping God's chosen and elect people, Israel, out of the world. The propensity of our leaders to turn their backs on Israel, to call them occupiers, to side with antisemitic movements, and to support a Palestinian state, comes from 240 years of church pulpits sounding out their diabolical Replacement Theology. The Protestant churches still use the Roman's allegorical methods to deny the millennial reign of Christ, deny a seven year tribulation, deny Jerusalem as God's holy city and Zion as the place we are marching to, deny the pre-tribulational rapture, and to call the Revelation of Jesus Christ “Allegorical Literature.” Bible believers need to know God's dispensational teachings and sway their friends and relatives from the apostate Protestant Denominations, and then “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.... Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem” (Psalm 122).

Msg#1638 An Ark in the House

Striving to do the right thing in the wrong way kindles the anger of the LORD. Praise the Lord we are under grace. Christians have a mediator who is our propitiation and we are not appointed to wrath. Just the same, doing things God's way ought to occupy more of our attention. In the throws of David moving the Ark of God to the City of God he obtained a proper fear of God, and “So David brought not the ark home to himself in the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite” (1Chron13:12-13). At the Northeast Summit Pastor Shirley showed why we should be diligent students of Obededom. When the ark came to Obededom's house that day everything changed. It took David three months to put in order the whole house of Levi. In Scripture they were the ones charged with ministering before the ark. David set in order the Levitical priesthood and it was was followed until the coming of Christ. It is laborious to read all the Hebrew names that Ezra records in the Chronicles, but worth the effort when we follow the family name Obededom. When David took the Ark of the Covenant from Obededom's house, Obededom went with it. In those three months Obed signed up for harp lessons. God put a new song in this heart and he became both an ark porter, and a harp player (1Chron 15:18-21). Obededom also became a door keeper for the ark (vr. 25). It seems he, his eight sons, and sixty-eight of his kin volunteered for every position available (16:38, 26:4). They became door keepers, recorders, thanks givers and the ark praise team (16:5, 26:13-15). I should be doing more because in 1958 the Ark came to my dad's house.

Msg#1639 Angels All Around Me

Christians tend to fuss and fret when politicians, circumstances, and/or friends turn against them. A stand for righteousness does that. In similar circumstances Elisha's servant cried out, “Alas, my master! How shall we do?” (2Kings 6:15). At IBPF Pastor Calibretta pointed out that the servant needed to know, and we need reminded, that, “They that be with us are more than they that be with them” (Vr. 16). There is an army of Satan around us. We wrestle not with flesh and blood, and Satan's “got the whole world in his hand.” He hates what God loves: Israel, marriage, children (they call them embryos), law and order, Christians, and whatsoever things are honest. He is the enemy of God, and born-again believers are the servants of God. Roll-play the servant. A servant is one who works to make another a success. Just as Gehazi, Elisha's previous servant was sent to tell commander Naaman how to be healed of leprosy, Christ's servants are sent to be ministers of reconciliation (2Cor 5:17-19). The normal progression is believer, to disciple, to servant, to friend of God, but the foremost roll is that of a servant. So that his servant would recognize their advantage, Elisha asked God to open his eyes. So that the enemy would do his beck and call, Elisha asked God to close theirs. If you, as his servant are going to see the angels all around you, you must turn to 2Kings 6; he wrote it down for our learning. It would behoove all of us to fret and stew about our circumstances a little less and recall that we have his enemies out numbered and out gunned. They are indeed in blindness and confusion of face. There has never been a better time to be a minster of reconciliation.

Msg#1640 The Rapture

The second coming of Christ is in two phases: when he comes FOR his saints in accord with 1Thes 4:16-17 and when he comes WITH his saints in accord with 1Thes 3:18 and of course Revelation 19. The ability to discern the seven year separation between the two is not present in any Roman or Reformed theologian. Both use the ancient allegorical method of Roman Catholic Saint Origen (AD 185-254) to suppose that the Catholic Church has replaced Israel and it is presently living through the tribulation period. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of those scornful protestants. Keep your delight in the law of the LORD, and it says “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1Cor 15:51b-52). The resurrection and life said, “Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” This last trump and catching away of believers is portrayed in the NONALLEGORICAL Revelation of Jesus Christ when John “looked, and, behold, a door was open in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter” (Rev 4:1). John was caught away, transported, raptured and did indeed see the things which must be hereafter. Literal things, not allegorical, catholic things. Trust God's Word; he means what he says and he says what he means. The rapture of the church is not some come-lately doctrine of Baptists, it is pure Bible.

Msg#1641 The Tribulation

The disciples were eager for Christ to set up his kingdom but before that comes he said, “Then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matt24:21). Understanding Biblical prophecy of the last days hangs on the acceptance of the fact that the dispensation of grace that we live in must end before the dispensation of the Millennial Kingdom can begin. And before the Kingdom, God will judge the nations of the Earth and pour out his wrath in a seven year tribulation period. That seven year period involves the twelve tribes of Israel, it doesn't involve the Church. “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel” is then given to the 144 thousand, the church has been raptured. This is a time when God fulfills promises to Israel, and theologians can't force fit it into the church. Charles Hodge, a noted Presbyterian theologian who wrote 2,400 pages of Systematic Theology, said of the Second Advent of Christ, “This is a very comprehensive and very difficult subject.” He goes on to say that he has no qualifications to write about such a difficult subject. Presbyterian doctrine is that they are the new elect of God and that he is forever done with the twelve tribes of Israel. Discerning God's dispensations makes the “very difficult” very straight forward. The seven year tribulation period does not involve the Church. Fleeing from Jerusalem when the abomination of desolation is seen, enduring to the end, and refusing the mark of the beast are things written to tribulation period saints, and they are different from Church-age saints. Pursuing Biblical prophecy properly can open up a lot of Bible truths, but only when one rightly divides the Word of truth.

Msg#1642 Armageddon

The one word from Biblical Eschatology most know in all the world is “Armageddon.” Christians dare not be ignorant of its significance. It is a Hebrew word from our Greek New Testament. Justly so, because it brings an end to the “times of the Gentiles” (Luke 21:24), and installs the Throne of David in the city of Jerusalem (Psalm 2). Transliterated from Hebrew, Armageddon is the mountain (Hebrew rh – har) at Megiddo, the place of crowds. It is a place where the seventh and final vial full of the wrath of God is poured out on the Gentile nations (Rev 16:12-17). A place where all the kings and armies of the world gather themselves together to annihilate Israel (Isa 34:1-2, Jer 25:31-33, Ezek 39:24-24, Joel 3:9-16, Obd 1:15-16, Zeph 3:8), Zech 12:9). A place where the KING of kings and LORD of lords comes riding in to save his chosen and elect nation, Israel (Rev 19:11-19, Isa 24:21-23, 26:20-21, 63:1-3, 66:15, Joel 2:1-2, Zech 14:3-4). The Roman Church and their Protestant Reformers do not believe in the restoration of Israel, so they cannot begin to understand this Battle of Armageddon. In fact they end up riding with the great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns (Rev 12:3, 17:3). That Roman/Protestant Church is called the evil woman (Prov 6:24), Jezebel (Rev 2:20), and the Mother of Harlots (Rev 17:5). Her robed “Clergy” are not just woefully ignorant of this Battle of Armageddon, they are diabolically involved. Armageddon is not the end of the world, it is the end of Gentile kings ruling in God's Holy City, Jerusalem. If a Christian is going to rightly divide the word of truth, they need to know some things about the Second Advent of Christ. Even so come Lord Jesus.

Msg#1643 The Kingdom Age

“And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever” (Rev.11:15). That our Lord Jesus Christ would one day be King of kings cannot be disputed by anyone who has read their Bible. Roman theologians, their mean-well-reformers, and Satan himself, have insisted that he not rule from the Throne of David situated on God's holy hill of Zion in the city Jerusalem, and that he not rule for a millennium. Revelation 20 insists six times that it is a millennium, but they call that “allegorical.” For the Bible believer, Christ being King of kings, occupying the Throne of David in Zion, and regathering all twelve tribes of Israel to their promised land is perfect fulfillment of what he promised. “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it (Isa.9:7)... Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment (32:1).... And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation (32:18)... Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty (33:17)... Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation,... For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us (33:20-22)... No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, ... but the redeemed shall walk there: And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads” (35:9-10). The Kingdom Age is the seventh and last dispensation.

Msg#1644 The New Heaven, The New Earth

It is not yet given that man could understand God's eternity past, but in an intimate gesture of his great love for man he has revealed his eternity future. For those who would pursue it, for those who would believe it, it begins, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth,” and it ends, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Getting to that end requires only that one be saved from the eternal death that God, our Creator and righteous judge, has assigned to all that sin. “Once in the end of the world hath Christ (the Only Begotten Son of God) appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many (Heb 9:26, 28). “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31). Religionists have mucked up the simplicity of that message but for the saved there is a place where we will spend eternity with God. There “the street of the city is pure gold, as it were transparent glass” (Rev 21:21), and since “the former things are passed away,” there will be no more 1) tears, 2) death, 3) sorrow, 4) crying, 5) pain, 6) night and 7) no more sin or curse (Rev 21:4, 8,25). In eternity future there is a special place for those who believe every word between “In the beginning God...” and “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Many are deceived by clergy, or the world, so one should “study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2Tim 2:15).

Msg#1645 Your Family Altar

A leader always keeps the big picture in view, includes all and excludes no one, and meets the needs of his followers. Dennis Corle's “Spiritual Leadership Series,” explores Jesus' ability to meet needs because 1) he knew things people wanted to know, 2) he did things people wanted to do, 3) he knew Someone people wanted to know, 4) he had power that people wanted to have, and 5) he was going somewhere people wanted to go. Jesus was a leader of leaders. Fathers, husbands, and men need to be leaders, and belly up to the responsibility of leading their homes in a consistent, daily, family altar where the Holy Bible is systematically read aloud together. Deuteronomy chapter six commands no less; Daniel, the beloved of God, did it three times a day; and David, a man after God's own heart, did it seven times a day. Christians are failing in America's famine, “not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD” (Amos 8:11). Men fail to lead in family Bible reading because 1) they never saw it done, i.e. their fathers failed them, 2) they are insecure about the Bible, 3) the hassle that it involves, 4) the negative nagging, i.e. human nature always opposes that which is good, 5) the positive nagging; i.e. nagging produces the rebellion, “You can't tell me what to do!”, 6) the time that it takes in the morning, and 7) the habit has not been established, i.e. it takes a minimum of ten days of accountable consistency to form a habit. Men, be the leader, be accountable, take the time every morning, overcome the nagging and lead in a consistent daily family devotion. God has promised “then thou shalt have good success” (Josh1:8).

Msg#1646 Your Family Prayer Time

This morning while sitting in the woods, waiting for the sun and whitetail, I spent half an hour in Thompson Manitoba, and then Kenya Africa. Christians can do that sort of thing when they talk with the Creator of the universe, their Father, their Friend. The American can affect who gets on the supreme court with a vote, but a praying Christian can affect the thoughts of Chief Justice Roberts while he is having his morning coffee. Liberal Justice Kegan has a life outside the courtroom and our Father has open access to every situation that affects her thinking. The power to pray categorically trumps the power to vote. “Men ought always to pray and not to faint” (Luke 18:1). “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men” (1Tim 2:1). The Bible goes on here to teach that men, i.e. males, are to be the leaders in that exhortation to pray. Husbands, and especially fathers, who do not daily lead their homes in supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, are delinquent in Christian responsibility. The husband who will not out-loud lead their wife and family in daily prayers is not competent to lead. The husband hearing the wife and family members talk to their Lord and Saviour has lead to the wall plaque which says, “The family that prays together stays together.” A generation has squandered the great power of the promise, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name....” Let's not let it go on, pull your family aside, lead in family altar and family prayer. There is a whole world of need that could be touched with the bended knee. The whitetail are here so I will close with the prayer, “Lord, teach us to pray.”

Msg#1647 Your Family Thanksgiving

These are troublous times in our nation because of troublous times in our homes. Most have set aside God's tools for building homes and a fundamental tool is Thanksgiving. In the seven steps away from godliness the first steps are, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful” (Rom 1:21). Dads set the precedence in a home's thankfulness.

Abraham Lincoln addressed a very divided nation in 1863 when he gave this Thanks Giving Proclamation, “We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown.

"But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.

"It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens."

Set your precedence, this is not turkey-day or football-day, or black Fri-day, it is Thanks Giving Day.

Msg#1648 Your Family Singing

When one has a new birth they get a new name and a new song. Except ye be born-again, ye cannot enter the kingdom of God (John 3:1-18). “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it” (Rev 2:17). “And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD” (Ps 40:3). “Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints” (Ps 149:1) “Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth” (Isa 42:10). “Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation” (1Chr 16:23). “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood” (Rev 5:9). Some Christians have their new song squelched out by their old one. Mind altering rock music fits well with the mind altering drug culture of this world, but not with the new song of the redeemed. Those who are “a little bit country” lose their love, their dog, and their pickup-truck in their music and need to drown their loss in some booze, but “It is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink” (Prov 31:4). As a Christian you need to always be “speaking to yourself in psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph 5:19, cf Col 3:16).

Msg#1649 Unto Us a Child is Born

The believer knows the Old Testament prophecies align exactly with the New Testament's presentation of the Christ, but the scoffer, the skeptic and the modernist scholar cannot deal with such miraculous revelation. In what is likely the first book ever written for God's Bible Job said, “I need a daysman... I know that my redeemer liveth... and in my flesh I shall see God” (Job 9:33, 19:25, 26). David's Psalm records God's decree, “Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion... Thou art my son; this day have I begotten thee... I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance” (Psalm 2:6, 7, 8). When God had Isaiah the prophet pronounce woe on Israel he gave them hope with, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this” (Isa 9:6-7). Every manger scene should cause one to recall Gabriel's declaration to Mary, “Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:31-33). God was made flesh and dwelt among us.

Msg#1650 The Son of the Highest

“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined” (Isa 9:2). Our Heavenly Father shines best in desperate darkness. Israel, in the throws of their mighty God's severe judgment, needed hope. There were seven woes pronounced against her before this promise was rehearsed but they needed to know that their God would keep the promise about Messiah. They needed a hope to hang onto. The light that their God gave them pierces through three-thousand years and shines into lives today. His promise is led with this premise, “If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established” (7:9). Belief in the virgin birth of Christ is a fundamental of the Christian faith. “The Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (7:14). Belief that Jesus was God in the flesh is also fundamental. Belief that he will soon have the government upon his shoulder and be King of kings and Lord of lords is fundamental. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (9:6). Those seven woes hang over America. Israel rejected her Redeemer and embraced dumb idols. America has rejected her Creator and embraced Charles Darwin. As the woes come to fruition we find troublous times in the kingdom. Christ is the Light of the world. In all the celebration of his birth light beams abound, reflect the true Light into the lives around you. There is hope in Christ alone.

Msg#1651 Wise Men Still Seek Him

Armed with thirty-six books of the Old Testament Scripture the wise men who came to Christ's birth, as recorded by Matthew, knew more than many give them credit for. They knew the birth of the King of the Jews was imminent (Daniel 7). They knew he was to be the Son of God (Psalm 2), and worthy of their worship (Matthew 2:2). They knew to worship no other God and not to bow to any graven image (Exodus 20:3-4), and they bowed to the Christ child and worshiped him (Matt 2:11). They knew the child was to be called “the Mighty God”, “the Everlasting Father” (Isaiah 9:6). They knew of a supernatural star that eventually pointed out the house where the Christ child was found (Matt 2:9). Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars crisscrossing like a beacon is a natural occurrence, and never points out a specific house. The wise men knew Christ's star was a supernatural sign just for them and they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. They knew that true worship involves sacrifice, time, bowing, reverence, and an offering. They knew the voice of God in a dream (2:12). I'd say the only thing they missed was that reference in Micah 5:2 about Bethlehem. The Bible says that God revealed a supernatural promise, that Abraham believed God, that God saw his faith, and “it was imputed to him for righteousness” (Rom 4). These wise men did no less, and you and I are required to do the same. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17) Merry Christmas!

Msg#1652Wrapped in Swaddling Clothes

In the lambing season, while shepherds watched their flock by night, there came to some in Judea the announcement that the Lamb of God was born. Shepherds were the news network of the day, their travels from town to town and market to market caused this Noel to be broadcast. “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass.” The angel of the Lord had given them two signs to look for, but the announcement of the birth of their Saviour, which is Christ the Lord is what caused them to leave their flocks in the middle of the night and trek to the city of David. The Bible does not say the shepherds came to worship; they came to see and announce. They became the news network, “and all they that heard it wondered.” When I was saved as a young lad I had an angel of the Lord come to me, and their were a host of heavenly hosts praising God. The angel was a Baptist Preacher named Cecil Palm; the praising hosts were my mom and dad and the Gang Mills Baptist Chapel. Under-shepherds are still God's good news network. “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:14-15). We need uncompromised preachers of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ in every corner of God's green earth. It is white unto harvest, and very soon the harvest will be passed.

Msg #1701 Day One Relationship #1

The very best relationship cannot continue when the lines of communication are cut off. It is headed for trouble when those lines are strained or broken. Any married couple knows the importance of keeping communications in good working order, and have, at one time, tasted the joy of having a right relationship. A relationship with the Lord is the most important one in life. Others will not do well if this one is not right. Lines of communication to our Lord are prayer and Scripture. In this new year spending more time in both can enhance an intimate, personal, gratifying relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. I need that. The Apostle John, the beloved disciple, had it, and said, “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full” (1John 1:3-4). Jesus had told John, “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you” (John 15:15). The fellowship that can make your joy full is friendship with God. That is a relationship worth pursuing. Prayer, talking with your friend, and Scripture, hearing from a friend, are more important than anything else in this new year. All of our relationships could be improved, this one first and foremost. When this one is right, all the others fall into proper place. Read your Bible, Genesis to Revelation of Jesus Christ, this year. It will improve your life more than the greatest diet known to man.

Msg #1702 Abide IN Him

There are things one can do to improve relationships this year. Lines of communication need to be improved. Showing affections and feelings needs some practice. Making effort to spend more time together is always commendable. The latter, the time together thing, would be called abiding together, and Jesus commanded it of us. “I am the true vine and my Father is the husbandman.... Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine” (John 15:1,4). In the military, with frequent TDYs that took me from family weeks at a time, abiding together took on a new urgency. Ninety-five percent of marriages broke during remote tours. But abiding is bigger than living together, or even being together. Jesus stressed “Abide IN me, and I IN you.” When born-again, one is baptized into Christ (wholly immersed into), and indwelt by the Only Begotten Son of God. It is a permanent arrangement. He said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” It is, however, possible that a born-again one might step out on Christ, to not abide with him, to, as it were, excuse themselves from his presence while they go out on their Ranger Bass boat, or their white-tail deer hunting trip. We need to make it a practice to consciously ask His permission before we step out. “Excuse me Lord, I am going on this drunken binge and I will be back in a few days.” See how that works out for you. No... abiding in him means we keep our mind stayed on him. That is why God directed, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee:because he trusteth in thee.” Don't step out on the Lord Jesus Christ, abide in him.

Msg #1703 Nine Fruits of the Spirit

“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (John 15:8). Much fruit is God's goal for every believer. “The branch in me that beareth not fruit,” Jesus said, “The Father taketh away” (vrs.2). The wayside, stony, and thorny soil bear no fruit (Matt13). When a professed believer bears no fruit, recall what Jesus said, “By their fruits ye shall know them” (Matt 7). Eternity does not depend on our knowing, so at the funeral give them the benefit of the doubt. In the mean time plead and pray for loved ones as lost souls. The fruitless are taken away and the fruitful are purged to bring more fruit. God's goal is much fruit. In Galatians the Apostle Paul gives eighteen WORKS of the flesh, and nine FRUITS of the Spirit. Consider these nine fruits, consider if they are for your consumption or for others to consume. The fruit “love” that comes from you is for others, but joy and peace are fruits that you enjoy for yourself. Your longsuffering, gentleness, and goodness, others enjoy, while your faith, meekness, and temperance are fruit feasts for everyone to enjoy. The first fruit mentioned, love, is first on purpose. The Apostle John, who mentions us to abiding in Christ to bear fruit, writes his first epistle as a dissertation on love. Love is the first fruit that needs to be tender and plentiful in our lives. John's dissertation contends that love's absence is God's absence. The well purged vineyards around our church bear much fruit when branches are overflowing with sap. It is the presence of the sap that pushes out much fruit. No sap, no fruit! Abide in Christ, keep your mind stayed on him, and bear fruit.

Msg #1704 Saturday's Woman's Rights March

I attended the “woman's rights” march on the Saturday after Donald Trump's inauguration; he is our new president. In Seneca Falls they considered it their right to flood the crosswalks on every green light, so I stayed longer than I wanted. Nobody knew exactly why they were marching, so I took a survey of their signs to see what all the hubbub was about. I saw five planks. The first was the right to be amoral in every way. Every sexual perversion never asked about paraded on the crosswalks. Being incensed about the Y chromosome and insisting it does not matter is not very scientific, but it was the main battle cry of “woman's rights.” The right to abort a human life and throw it in the trash was also claimed as their amoral right but it took a back seat to sodomy and the Y chromosome denial. They devised the term “transgender” and cram it down our throats, as if Y chromosomes present or lacking, don't really matter in their artificial world. The reality is that Jehovah God, man's Creator, made Y-chromosomed and not-Y-chromosomed, and He has the say for our moral right and wrong. There is no transgender and He has declared who should have sex with whom. He also clarified when a new soul is conceived and takes his image and likeness. Amoral rights are wrong, God's rights are supreme.

The second plank they marched across during green lights is that black-lives matter more than blue-lives matter, and way more than white-lives matter. It is kind of their affirmative action of who should matter more. Reality is that blue-lives, being commissioned to stand between the good and evil of society, matter more. Green-lives, commissioned to stand between the good and evil of nations, are right up there as well, but black-lives are not more deserving of rights because of race or color. Saying otherwise is actually racism.

The third plank I saw on the crosswalk was that carbon dioxide, simple CO₂, was going to end the world as we know it. The brain-washing ability of the liberal progressive is displayed in earnest by their calling CO₂ the most dangerous pollutant in our world. The reality is that it is a perfectly natural ingredient in God's green earth. We exhale it daily. Real science knows that ocean temperatures rise, algae populations quadruple, and all the CO₂, that we could every feed them is devoured, turned into the O₂, that we inhale. Algae's photosynthesis produces over half of our oxygen and consumes CO₂ to do it. They grossly exaggerate what rain forests do for us. Liberals look at one tiny piece of God's impressive, self-regulating, cyclic system, i.e. CO₂ levels, and suppose the world is coming to an end unless they step in and save it. The progressive demagogues call that “science,” and have pulled blinders across the eyes of three generations. They have fossil-fuel-phobia because of the hoax. Carbon dioxide labeled as a dangerous pollutant, give me a break, where is the “logic and reason” Barrack boasted about.

The illegal cross walkers also supposed that the Muslim religion has more religious rights than those who pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God. It was affirmative action for Islam and Shari'a law. Ignore the Islamic invasions of the past, the 17^th century of Spain, the Islamic State called for in Muhammad's 'Qur'an', the sociology-economic-political-militant-religious-system and pretend it to be a peace loving religion. There is nothing peaceful about suicide-bombers and terrorist truck drivers. It is mass delusion that they be given more rights in our public schools than the teacher who would read a Holy Bible, and pray in Jesus' name. The Islamic invasion, not CO₂ levels, is what will change the world as we know it. “Woman's rights” march indeed; these are planks of the progressive liberal's agenda!

Lastly, the plank that “woman's rights” marchers paraded in my windshield was to take Jerusalem away from God's chosen people, Israel, and force them to make a two state solution. They would label Israel as “occupiers of Palestinian land,” and force them to share God's ancient “city of peace” with the terrorists that have vowed to “wipe Israel and Judaism off the face of the earth.” That is nothing but diabolical. Satan and the powers of hell were jubilant at Saturdays march and his minions are eager that all five planks get nailed down. Pray that our new president will have the wherewithal to rip up every one of these progressive planks. It is a formidable task for a minority group. Obama had a pen and a phone, but we have a Book and an Almighty God.

Msg #1705 The Abider's Promise

“Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it” (Jer6:19). In Jeremiah the prophet's day, God had a grievance with his chosen people, Israel. In our day God has the same grievance with America. A preacher of righteousness will not be popular. Jesus tells us that the world will hate those who abide in him, and gives love and hate in stark contrast (John 15). There is no room for straddling the fence. He pleads that you continue in his love, assuring that we have the ability to step out of it. “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love” (15:10). Christ's plea to abide in his love is followed by three sobering realities. First we will be his friend, not his servant. He has intimately shared everything with us in the Holy Bible; all of his plans and wishes are written down for us We can be a friend of God, like Abraham, Moses or Daniel. Second is that the world is going to hate God's friends. It is not about you, it is about Christ. He has uncovered the sins of the world, and they are not going to like your candle. Thirdly, his friends have a Comforter and Spirit of truth dwelling in them and are commissioned to bear witness, as they bring forth fruit. There is a tremendous promise associated with these three sobering realities. “That whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you” (15:16). Two things, the promise is only for those abiding, as witnesses, with fruit, and the word “may” is different than the legal term “shall.” Abide in him.

Msg #1706 Spring Time and Love

Happy Valentines Day comes in February like a carrot on a string. It is meant to entice us to press through the cold, dark, frigid throws of winter, remembering the love of life, and push towards the rejuvenating breath of spring time and love. This essay focuses on ten building blocks of blissful matrimony, while you focus on this question, “Why in the world did I marry this woman?” (or gender specific?) List item 1) get your life priorities right, love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. That includes a weekly tithe of all that He has blessed you with. The physical and emotional will take care of themselves when we get this one right, God said so. 2) Love and be faithful to your local independent, Bible believing, Baptist Church, it is His most important resource in the maintenance of your life and home. 3) Regularly share your salvation testimony, with a when, where, and HOW. The latter should include so much Roman's Road that anyone could do what you did. It should be your most told story, in that your wife, children, and grandchildren could recite it from memory. These three are building blocks for life as well as blissful marriage. 4) Marriage is a spiritual union, put your main emphasis there; remember Christ's illustrations of the lily and the song-bird. 5) An intimate, personal, passionate relationship with your spouse only comes from one you have with Christ. 6) Learn to communicate well, it is a learned behavior. 7) Children are motivated only by feelings, don't be childish. 8) Use the two golden phrases often (but not together), “I am sorry,” and “I love you.” 9) Control your thought life, casting down imaginations (2Cor10:5). 10) Come back for this one next week.

Msg #1707 Holding Her Heart

“My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.” The most challenging construct in a blissful marriage is a husband who knows how to hold on to his wife's heart. It cannot be done with force or manipulation, in fact holding her heart must be an ongoing, thoughtful, tender, deliberate art. God held Abraham's but lost Israel's, held King David's but lost King Solomon's, held Daniel's but lost Belshazzer's. If you will do it successfully it will require selfless love. Immature love is selfish and most do not go much past that. Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Giving your time, priority, attention, even your wallet are less than your life, but many falter there. Your wife also knows when you make her the most significant person in your life... or not. Selfless love will lead to one's genuine significance. She will feel significant physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Don't leave out the latter, God says that if a wife is to learn spiritual truths, let her ask her husband at home. Husbands better open their Bible and teach spiritual truths in the home. Take the lead here or loose her heart. The third aspect of holding on to her heart is giving her security. A wife needs to know that this arrangement is “till death do us part.” Our Saviour and Lord said, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” A husband must learn to pass on God's selfless love, his genuine showing of significance, and heart felt security. All three must be physical, emotional, and spiritual. Use these to cradle her heart in strong gentleness. Hold it gently, and marriage is a taste of Paradise. Happy Valentines.

Msg #1708 What Every Christian Should Be

Ephesians is the first of the Apostle Paul's prison Epistles, written after two years of his silent reckoning. The Holy Spirit of God aptly inserts a depth in his communication. “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.... To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God” (2:19-20, 3:10). In this boldness every christian should be under a pastor, a shepherd and teacher, for the perfecting of the saints, that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine (4:8-16). Hebrews 13:7 and 17 (mark them in your Bible) stating that your pastor should have “the rule over you.” Every christian should also be active in the body of Christ (Eph 4:4-7). Not a denomination, with their catholic church, but an independent, autonomous, Bible believing, solid, local, Baptist one. Every christian should be effectually working their vocation, i.e. calling (4:1,4, Php3:14, 1Cor 1:26, 7:20). Don't be deceived by Presbyterians and Calvinists, your calling and election are not to salvation but to service. Effectiveness comes from dedication to the work, dedication to prayer, humility of heart but authority in purpose. And every christian needs to be exercised in the Word. “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night... Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly... but his delight is in the law of the LORD” (Josh1:8, Ps1). This I say, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk.

Msg #1709 Your Praise And Worship Team

In a Laodicean church a good praise and worship team can raise the dead, make the spirit of man feel ever-so alive, cause the slumbering one to clap their hands and the lame to dance. But when your praise and worship team is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit dwelling in your soul, your team will slay that resurrected spirit and teach you to die daily. God teaches, “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom6:11). The Laodicean team uses their powerful, sensuous, repetitive pounding music to awaken and energize the spirit. The Trinity Team uses the quick and powerful two edged sword to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart... for if ye live after the flesh ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify (put to death) the deeds of the body ye shall live (Heb4:12, Rom8:13). The worship team you follow is a matter of life and death. The Laodicean team readily admits that their copyright bible is a Not Inspired Version (NIV). They suppose that only the autographs were inspired and nobody has an inspired, infallible, inerrant Bible from God. But God, in his inspired Word calls them wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. He counsels them to buy his gold tried in the fire, white raiment, and eyesalve (Rev3:17-18). Don't be settled into the Laodicean church with their rock bands. They have a different Word, a different Way, a different Truth, and a different Life. Be honest, they have a different Christ. The Word said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John14:6). Worship in Spirit and Truth.

Msg #1710 The Good, Great, and Chief Shepherd

When David wrote “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want,” God was using a shepherd boy as a pen to write a preamble for his only begotten Son. Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd... I am the Great Shepherd... I am the Chief Shepherd” (John 10:11, Heb 13:20, 1Pet 5:4). How disparaging it would be to go through life with David's twenty-third Psalm memorized, yet not knowing its three-fold fulfillment. “The Good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep,” and can say, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved” (John 10:9). The Good Shepherd is God's fulfillment of David's twenty-second Psalm, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?... All they that see me laugh me to scorn... saying He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him... they pierced my hands and my feet... They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture” (Psalm 22). On the cruel cross of Calvary the Good Shepherd gave his life FOR the sheep, in place of, instead of, in substitution for, in propitiation of, the sinner... For while we were yet sinners, Christ died FOR us. Have you used the Door? Only the SAVED have a Great Shepherd, that fulfills David's twenty-third Psalm. That Great Shepherd of the sheep, brought from the dead, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, can make you perfect in every good work, as he “maketh me to lie down in green pastures... restoreth my soul, leadeth me in paths of righteousness for his names sake.” At Christ's 2nd coming that Chief Shepherd shall appear with my crown of Glory and fulfill David's twenty-fourth Psalm, “The earth is the LORD's and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”

Msg #1711 Despise Not Prophesyings.

The book of Daniel can be gloomful if one does not align it with the Revelation of Jesus Christ. There are ten toes of iron mingled with clay (2), world image worship (3), resurrected tree stumps (4), hand writing on the wall (5), dens of lions (6), a dreadful, terrible, ten horned beast over-run by a “little-horn” (7), a “little-horn” that practiced, prospered, and became a King of fierce countenance for 2,300 days (8), and seventy weeks of years with the last week divided into three-and-one-half year periods (9). In chapter ten Daniel is in mourning, in eleven there are wars and rumors of wars, and in twelve there is a time of trouble such as never was. Believers are not to spend their time looking for the anti-christ, giants in the land, or half-breed angels, but for a rallying trumpet, and then for the coming King of kings, and Lord of lords. Those who allegorize the Revelation of Jesus Christ do not recognize God's dispensational divisions and cannot rightly divide the Word of Truth. Pay them little heed. These chapters in Daniel detail the Stone cut out without hands (2), the fourth Man in the fire (3), the King of heaven and earth (4), the Hand of God writing (5), the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (6), the Ancient of Days (7), the Prince of princes (8) and the Messiah the Prince (9). In chapter ten Daniel saw His “eyes as lamps of fire,” in eleven he stood to confirm and strengthen him, and in twelve Daniel understood God's timing in all these things. Be a student of Biblical prophecy, “comfort one another with these words,” and “despise not prophesyings” (1Thes 5:20). “According to the prophecies which went before on thee,... war a good warfare” (1Tim 1:18).

Msg #1712 Stepping Out of the Box For God

“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed” (Hebrews 11:8a). This verse, from Hebrews 11, called the Hall of Fame of Faith, seems straight forward enough, but make no mistake Abram's obedience was marked by great personal conflict and sacrifice. Even his first step of obedience took a great faith that only comes from God's great grace. The record of Abram's call is in Genesis 12, “Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house” (Genesis 12:1a). When the LORD “had” said, “get thee from thy fathers house,” that house consisted of Noah, the oldest man on earth, Shem, Noah's son who helped build the ark, Grandpa Eber, that gave him the family name “Hebrew,” and Eber's son, Peleg, who was named because of the great division of nations occurring at the rebellious tower now called Babble. We have errorantly been taught, and then taught, that Abram was only stepping away from the Godless Ur of the Chaldees, but Abram was actually told to leave Noah, and the whole Godly line of Shem, the only Godly line left on earth. Separating from the Chaldees is a no-brainer. We are not sure how compromised the Godly line of Shem had become, but Abram was now called to step out and become his own-man, a friend of God who believed him, trusted him, and obeyed him. It is a good thing to live under the shadow of a godly father, but God only has children, no grandchildren. You don't get in on coat-tails. Some may need to strike out on their own in their relationship with God. Abram did.

Msg #1713 Faith Without Works

A Bible believer has a great reverence for all sixty-six books of God's revealed Word, but the very first epistle ever written to the Church should hold a special place in our awe. James is that epistle. God wrote us twenty-one epistles, this one was his first. James, the half brother of Jesus himself, wrote it before Gentiles were included in the gospel's outreach. If you do not get the eight things in his outline, get these three, God wrote you an epistle by inspiration, it is the first epistle he ever wrote, and you will not get out of it what he put in it unless you, “Study to show thyself approved unto God.” The eight things are completely interwoven in this epistle. “Faith without works is dead” (2:17). Curiously, his epistle written to Gentiles several years later teaches that “works without faith is dead” (Rom 4:1-5). Faith without discrimination is good. (2:1-9). Society currently teaches that all discrimination is bad, but my parents taught me when it came to my friends discriminating carefully is wise. It is only blind or stereo-typed discrimination that is bad; be sure that all have sinned, and God can save anybody. Faith without trial is fake, and faith with an unbridled tongue is a fire. Faith without receiving is empty lust (4:1-3). Faith without wisdom is vain (1:5-8). Remember the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. James discriminates between Godly wisdom and man's wisdom. A brain forging ahead without God is called philosophy, and it ends up unstable in all his ways. Faith without patience is spoiled-figs, and finally, faith without grudging is real (5:9). Faith that holds a grudge is not pleasing to God, or anybody else. These eight qualities of faith are neatly interwoven throughout five chapters James.

Msg #1714 Before This Coming Palm Sunday

On Friday, six days before Passover, Mary took a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair. (John 12). This was a reenactment of her salvation experience. John 11:2 says she had done this before and Luke 7 records that previous there was an alabaster box, tears and weeping, and three Christ-honoring customs fulfilled by the most unworthy woman. The Pharisee who thought himself worthy of Jesus, ignored the custom of foot washing done to every guest of a dinner, the custom of the greeting kiss, given to both cheeks of the most familiar guests, and the custom of anointing the head with oil, done for only the most honored guest. In John 12, three years latter, Mary still did not consider herself worthy of the presence of the Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Lamb of God, the Prince of Peace, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the one called Jesus. Nor am I. Recall Jesus' words to the hypocritical Pharisee, “Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little” (Luke 7:44-47). Before Palm Sunday reenact your salvation experience, it will make the next two weeks most holy.

Msg #1715 A Picture of A Passover Lamb

“Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, ... And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening” (Exodus 12:3,6). God knows how to operate a calendar. God knows how to paint a picture. God knows how to depict His Passover Lamb. Fifteen-hundred years after God's paint dried his King, his Only Begotten Son, offered himself as the King of Israel on the tenth day of the ancient Bible month of Abib. God in heaven knew, and his Anointed Son on earth knew, that he was instead going to be The Passover Lamb. They knew that in four short days, on the fourteenth day of this holy month, the Lamb that taketh away the sin of the world, would be nailed to an old rugged cross. For fifteen-hundred years Hebrews had separated a Passover lamb on the tenth day and slit that little lambs throat on the fourteenth day of the month. God knows how to paint the picture; the Pope in Rome would smudge up God's picture with a “Good Friday;” the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury would smear it with “Maundy Money Thursdays.” It is apostasy. If Moses was kept from the promised land because he put one little fingerprint smear on God's holy picture, what will these apostate churches answer? Disregard the “clergy;” focus on the week before us. Focus on God's Passover Lamb. The lens you use to examine God's Lamb cannot be an ecumenical copyright bible accepted by the apostate churches. In English, it will only be an Authorized King James Bible. Make no apologies. Watch the Lamb.

Msg #1716 Resurrection Morning

In 1840, in Paris France, Louis Gaussen, a French theologian published his book “Theopmeustia” (Inspiration). It thoroughly defended against the onslaught of attacks that skeptics, scoffers, scorners and scholars were leveling against the infallible, inerrant, verbally inspired Word of God. In his first revision he added eleven pages that rebuke and refute the scoffers who supposed eleven contradictions in the Bible's four resurrection accounts. (p218-228). Dr. Gaussen says that the eleven wild speculations appeared to be ill-founded and too often solved already to be in his first edition. Nevertheless, the scoffers perpetuated the list and, “We have thought proper to make a replay” (p220). The skeptics, scoffers, scorners, and scholars did not change their course or tactic in one-hundred-and sixty years, and the believer need not change the defense. The details of the resurrection accounts are all exactly true because the details of God's Holy Bible are all exactly inspired. Inspiration, inerrancy, and infallibility must be received by faith, and is only viable for those who first have the faith and indwelling of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Truth. Now all the scoffers have their own copyright version of what they think God meant to say. (There are still a few gender-neutral and sodomite-friendly versions vying for copyrights but the vile pollution has already been accomplished.) The resurrection of the Only Begotten Son of God, the Anointed One, the Messiah, the Christ, is a fundamental doctrine of true Christianity. It is appalling today how many “churches” align themselves with the scorners. Blessed is the man that sitteth not in the pews of the scornful. I don't trust their copyright bibles either. Every Lord's day, every Sunday, every first day of the week, as it dawns in the morning, believers worship and acknowledge Christ's resurrection. We have for nineteen-hundred years.

Msg #1717 A Precious Type of Christ

The Holy Bible, from Genesis to maps, is about our Lord Jesus Christ, but there is a name recorded more than his in its pages. That name comes second to his in the New Testament's beginning and second to his in its ending. God chose a shepherd boy, “a man after God's own heart”, and anointed him to be King of Israel. Jesus, the Only Begotten Son of God, is God's Anointed One (Hebrew - Messiah, Greek – Christ). In believing that, the Apostle John affirms, “you may have life through his name” (John20:31). So David is the Bible's most recorded “type” of Christ. King Saul's great beginning, ongoing struggle to destroy David, and keeping him from the kingdom typifies Satan's struggle against Christ. God giving David the heathen for his inheritance, and the uttermost for his possession is exactly what David records as upcoming for Christ in his second Psalm. Even David being deposed and driven from Jerusalem, and later reinstated as king is a depiction of our present distress. Bible believers know that Christ will soon come back to Jerusalem as King of kings, and Lord of lords. As much as David typifies Christ, he typifies man. His adultery and first degree murder cap the truth that “There is none righteous, no not one... For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:10.23). With deep insight David wrote “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.... The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalm 34:18, 51:17). The life of David is worth another look. One can learn of Christ; one can learn of his own vile nature.

Msg #1718 A Disturbing Type of Man

While David as a type of Christ is invigorating, David as a type for man is disheartening. When Nathan, the prophet of God, portrayed a man's thoughtless, selfish, injustice “David's anger was greatly kindled against the man” (2Samuel 12:5). Someone else's sin comes into instant focus. “As the LORD liveth the man shall surely die. And he shall restore the lamb four-fold... because he had no pity.” God's anger against David's sin was no less. The death penalty was passed to David's child of adultery, and the four-fold price was paid as God said, “Behold I will rise up evil against thee out of thine own house.” Evil in our own house is an awful price for ones selfish sin. In the next chapter David's daughter, Tamar was raped by her half brother, her rapist, Amnon was murdered by David's son Absalom, and Absalom was exiled and banished from his father. “And David mourned for his son every day.” After this three-fold payment in one chapter David is tricked into bringing his exiled son home. David's enemies could never topple his kingdom, but Absalom did. “Aba” - Hebrew for “father” and “shalome” - Hebrew for “peace” combine in the name of “Absalom” who brought his father not peace but war, because of sin. “Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight?... by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme.” God hates man's sin, because sin will take you farther than you want to go, sin will keep you longer than you want to stay, and sin will cost you more than you want to pay. Sin has dire consequence. Learn some valuable lessons from David, teach them to our children.

Msg #1719 Not by Law, Works, or Penance

Galatians is the first epistle written to the Gentiles. The Gospel of Christ is to the Jew first, and also to the Greek, and so is the New Testament. The first of the Gospel records, Matthew is aimed to the Jews, the first of the epistles, James, is aimed to the Jews. The second epistle written was Galatians, and it deals with the line between Judaism and Christianity, i.e. law vs. grace. “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, ... for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified” (Gal 2:16). Ecumenical bibles make this faith “in” Christ, but God's word says it is the faith “of” Christ that saves. Salvation is through faith, that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2). It is not our faith, nor our will. “Not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:13) Judaism, like all religions, had risen to the ultimate “we can do it our self” attitude. Their righteousness, attained by keeping the law, was man made righteousness, rebuked as hypocritical by Jesus Christ our Lord. “For by the works of the law there shall no flesh be justified.” Defiled religions weigh the works of man, or the penance of man. True repentance requires that one see his helpless estate and call on, trust in, and believe in Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God. “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you?” False teachers, false priests, and mislead clergy, are still bewitching. Miraculously, “God sent forth his Son to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons” (Gal 4:4-5).

Msg #1720 Independent Baptist Needed

This week I accepted a degree from a theological seminary whose university worships pragmatism. I am grateful that they have acknowledged my seven years of ceaseless studies. I am grateful that in years gone by they held a position on the fundamentals of the faith, the inerrancy of the Scriptures, and the purity of King James Bible. Their keynote speaker Dr. Elmer Towns and his wife Jackie, spent over three hours mocking Baptist distinctives and deriding these three positions as my heart broke. Dr. Towns will be a great financial help to them, just like Syria was a great military help to Judah's King Asa in 2Chronicles 16:7-9. The world of the Independent Baptist shrinks as the Hybel-Warren-Syrian kingdoms grow, install rock bands, lower standards, mock my King James Bible, and advance their interpretive-dance-drama. Lord help us.

This week, 1600 miles from home, my granddaughter's friends admitted an uncensored worship of fantasy's Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms, but no knowledge whatsoever of Christ, the Coming King of kings. If grandchildren are to put more stock in Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Universe than in David Benioff's “Game of Thrones,” or Peter Jackson's “Lord of the Rings,” it will take Independent Baptist's going door to door and talking about the True King, interpretive dance won't cut it. Will you walk by someones grandchild this week and NOT tell them about the King of Glory? Lord help us. Lord help the Independent Baptists who go door-to-door with your Gospel, and herald your holy plea on the street corner. People need the Lord. If you would this week, when you knock on a door or hand out a Gospel track, pray for our 1600 mile heart-string to Texas. God can do anything, God can reach anywhere.

Msg #1720a Independent Baptists Unedited

Also this week, we had been 1600 miles from our oldest granddaughters for four years. It was such a blessing to take them out to dinner, and also see our great granddaughter, and great grandson. We were just enthralled to spend a little time with them, and only wish we could get to know them, and they us, but alas we are headed back to New York tomorrow. My granddaughter's friends admitted an uncensored worship of fantasy's Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms, but no knowledge whatsoever of Christ, the Coming King of kings. If grandchildren are to put more stock in Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Universe than in David Benioff's “Game of Thrones,” or Peter Jackson's “Lord of the Rings,” it will take Independent Baptist's going door to door and talking about the True King, interpretive dance won't cut it. Next week when I knock on the door of a complete stranger with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I will be praying for Pastor Erick Knight and my friend Gary Dyess of Victory Baptist in Copperas Cove Texas. When I give a Gospel Track to a stranger on the street, I will whisper a prayer for Pastor Bragdon of Gateway Baptist, Gatesville Texas. Will you walk by someones grandchild this week and NOT tell them about the King of Glory? Lord help us. Lord help the Independent Baptists who go door-to-door with your Gospel, and herald your holy plea on the street corner. People need the Lord. If you would this week, when you knock on a door or hand out a Gospel track, pray for our 1600 mile heart-string to Texas. God can do anything, God can reach anywhere.

Msg #1721 What Independent Baptists Preach

Consider that Jesus likened the kingdom of heaven to ten virgins that took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom, but consider first that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. The very first Gospel record is to the Jews and presents Jesus as the Christ, the king that will sit on the throne of David and rule the world from Zion, the City of David. The parallels for the kingdom of heaven that are depicted in the Gospel According to Matthew are not about Christ's Church, nor it's soon coming rapture. Matthew is to the Jews and all about the King being put in place in his kingdom on earth. The parallel about the ten virgins is no exception to this rule. No Protestant clergy or theologian can give a proper commentary on these ten virgins because they hold that a catholic, universal church has taken over all promises made to the Jews; they see no dispensational divides whatsoever, and are covenant theologians at best. To see the depth of the parallel of the five foolish virgins with insufficient oil, and five wise virgins prepared to meet the coming bridegroom, one needs to rightly divide the Word of Truth with a dispensational discernment. Independent Baptists are not Protestant, not Calvinists, and not Denominational and do that very well. Certainly the application is clear, the soon coming Kingdom of Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people, but in a day when lukewarm Christianity abounds you should connect to the truth taught in an Independent Fundamental Baptist Church following the Old Paths. The Laodicean rock bands draw crowds and entertain the flesh, but they have no “Gold tried in the fire.”

Msg #1722 The Bewitching of America

In God's very first epistle to Gentiles he asks, “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you?” Trying to keep the law instead of relying on faith of Christ was a bewitching accomplished by Judaizers who feigned praise on the young Gentile believers. Today this same bewitching is obviously attempted by Elen G. White's Seven Day Adventists, but more subtly by Rome and her Protestants. The average accepted model is that, “At the 'Gate' Saint Peter weighs ones good deeds against their bad and hopefully they get in.” When one is bewitched they are charmed under a spell and that describes most of “Christendom” which sets under “Clergy,” and do not read their Bible. Now, even if they do, their “Clergy” give them an ecumenical, uninspired version that is not “quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword.” What is a believer to do against such a spell bound world? Might I recommend that you sharpen your sword. Don't try and defend your KJB, try and use it. The sword is not a defensive weapon it is an offensive weapon. The gates of hell are not offensive weapons, they are defensive. “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night,” is not a suggestion for Joshua as he invaded God's occupied promised land. If you want to be a tree planted by the rivers of water, a young man with a cleansed way, one with great peace who lets nothing offend them, you need to memorize and use the Word that is forever settled in heaven. Discard all of man's copyright versions; use an inspired inerrant Holy Bible on your spell bound neighbors and kin. The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God, memorize it.

Msg #1723 Use Your Talents, or Die?

God wrote his first gospel to report to the Jews the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand, but the King was rejected, and now it would be a long time before he would install his kingdom. It is assured that he will come. Jesus illustrates his coming in the Olivet Discourse. In Matthew 25 the parable of the ten virgins, and the servants given talents drives home that one must watch, and has serious stewardship responsibilities. Notice that the five talents, the two talents and the single talent were given out based on a servants ability (25:15). Notice the one who got one, and did not use the talent, was cast into outer darkness. The talents that the Lord gave the servants are no less than a knowledge of God. Romans teaches that “the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men,” and John reveals that the Christ, the true light, “lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” Everyone has at least the one “talent.” “For the invisible things of (God) from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead: so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). When a man buries that “talent” under an evolutionist's “science” text book, and does not put that resource to the exchangers, nor pay heed to its importance, that unprofitable servant is “cast into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30). The Lord is soon returning. He is first coming for his own; make sure you are one of those, and then watch for him, with your lamp shining bright, and your “talents” well invested. Matthew writes an awesome gospel, it should be revisited often.

Msg #1724 Trust God's Words

An infinite God writes a book to his finite creation. It says that six-thousand years ago he created everything in six days and rested on the seventh. It says he sent his Only Begotten Son to save his people from their sin and he died as a “propitiation.” It says that a day is as a thousand years and his earth would have a day of rest when his Only Begotten Son, his Anointed One (in Hebrew, “Messiah,” in Greek, “Christ”) would come back and rule and reign for a thousand years. He says the words of his book are His words, the truths of his book are inerrant truths (without error), the “thus saith the Lord”'s of his book are infallible (they will never fail), and that every jot (the smallest Hebrew letter) and every tittle (their tiny letter demarcations) will be fulfilled. The rebellious, finite, rational, man scoffs at his book and changes its words. He theorizes that it took billions of years for natural science to produce planets and life. He swears that reducing our carbon-footprint is the only salvation for mankind. He is certain that our utopia will come when love conquers hate and we hush, ban, and exile those believers who know that God's book says sodomy is an abomination. Christendom is embarrassed by their infinite God's Holy Book. They change its words, delete its verses, insert gaps in his creation account and copyright what they think God meant to say. The people all agree, “This is so much easier to understand,” they say. Now and again, you might find a believer; their finite minds won't understand all the words of their infinite God, but they cling to, and believe, every one of them. “Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.”

Msg #1725 The Good Samaritan

Jesus' story of the Good Samaritan more eloquently answers the unscrupulous lawyer's first question than his second. The eloquent answering of, “Who is my neighbor?” is so renowned that it made “Good Samaritan” a cliché, but look more carefully at that lawyer's first question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25). This lawyer was tempting Christ, with his question, and likely emphasized the “I” as if he were a special case, and the “do” as if there were some kind of work in the answer. Jesus, knowing “there is none righteous, no not one” (Rom 3), knowing that “all we like sheep have gone astray” (Isa 53), knowing that “by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified” (Gal 2:16), and knowing “the law was a schoolmaster, to bring us to Christ” (3:24), told the haughty lawyer, “Go ahead, keep the law.” A mature believer can look into the depth of Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan and see that no human priest can give out eternal life. They might just have a Roman dress and backward collar, or be a legitimate Aaronic Priest, but there is no salvation from a priest, he passed by on the other side. So to the Levite, with the keeping of all the Levitical law, and ministering daily in the temple, had no power to save. But when there came a despised and rejected one, who reached out with compassion and touched the half-dead pilgrim, salvation came from his hand. To inherit eternal life, you need to be touched by the Good Samaritan, the Lord Jesus Christ, who said “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14). Priests and works won't cut it. Praise His Holy Name.

Msg #1725.5 Humor In Church

Baby boomers are turning seventy and hearing-aids are only aids. Our adult Sunday School class teacher was closing his lesson early in order to entertain some provocative questions. His lesson was on God putting a new song in the believers heart and his question was, “What is it that makes you want to start singing?”

A faithful member in the second row didn't hardly ponder the question before he gave a resounding observation, “When I am standing next to a beautiful woman, that is what does it for me.”

As the pastor, I had no idea where Bill was going with this, so I winked at my wife seated beside me and gave Bill a hearty, “Amen, that makes me want to sing too.”

An older lady sitting behind him put her hand on her mouth and said, “Oh my.... Ooh my!”

A younger man behind me, not sure what was going on, woke up, “Yeah, brother, Amen, that's what I'm talking about.”

Bill knew he had an audience. “And the way they walk down the street right in front of you, like there is nothing wrong!”

A fellow on my left was audible, but more soft spoken, “Singing, not sinning! SINGING!” Two others began to wake up.

Bill's wife was grabbing his arm and leaning over to whisper something, but he would not be stopped. “And then they put them on billboards, with black-velvet dresses so you will buy their whiskey! It's a big production to get us all sinning!”

“Bill,... Bill! Stop a minute!” his wife now had him leaning his good ear in her direction.

The teacher could not contain his huge smile. “Well that brought more input than I was expecting.” People were eager to move on to the next question and pretend everything was good.

This preacher was there, April 9^th, 2017. A good sense of humor is essential in the ministry. If I could get this down to three-hundred words, I might publish it as a Penny Pulpit, but Call-To-Glory would not likely publish it as a devotional.

Msg #1726 The Fate of the Rich Man

Robert Ingersoll, credited as the founder of atheism is America, listened to his father, a Presbyterian Pastor, preach, “The rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torment... in the flame...” (Luke 16). A faithful witness for John Calvin, his father taught him that God, before the foundation of the earth, choose this rich man to go to hell, and there was nothing the rich man could do about it. To these false teachings of Calvinism Robert Ingersoll wrote in 1878, “If that is the God of the Bible, I want nothing to do with him.” Calvinism brought a similar response from Charles Taze Russell, Joseph Smith, Mary Baker Glover Eddy, and Ellen White, all of whom founded cults opposing Calvinism, but also violating the simple truths of God's Word. That is pretty sobering, but Jesus' account of Lazarus and the rich man is very sobering. The rich man did not have another life. He did not have another chance. He did not have another witness to his family. Our life is like a vapor that appears for a little while, than vanishes away. Eternity is looming in your not to distant future and hell is real. The Bible says more about hell than it does about heaven. In life the rich man had options. “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Rom 10). “Whosoever believeth in (the only begotten Son of God) shall not perish” (John 3). There are 164 “whosoevers” in the Bible, ninety-three are in the New Testament. All of us have the power and responsibility of choosing who we are going to believe, and there is a judgment day coming. Choose you this day whom you will serve. Trust Christ.

Msg #1727 Wanted: Full Time Reconcilers

In Luke 16 the unjust steward goes haplessly about using his lord's resources to secure his own well being just before he gets fired from his job. He has authority to barter the forgiveness of peoples great debt to his lord, and he uses that authority to gender their gratitude. No wonder he is called unjust, but look what our Lord says about him, “And the lord commended that unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light” (Luke 16:8). This is not hidden allegorical stuff, it would be wise for you to do what this unjust steward did. You have authority to barter the forgiveness of peoples great debt to our Lord. II Corinthians 5:18 calls that “the ministry of reconciliation,” and, sure enough, you and I, as born-again believers, are supposed to be in that ministry. Too many stop memorizing at verse 17 and never connect to verse 18! All that “new creature” stuff and the “old things passing away” is so that we can be full time reconcilers. All around us are souls indebted by their sin, and we have our Lord's authority to adjudicate their sentence. Luke 16 charges that we would be wise to do so, that people would be grateful to us for it, and that we should be about our Father's business, full time – recall the theme here, we cannot serve two masters (Luke 16:13). Be a minister of reconciliation today, give some indebted soul the gospel. If they take the deal, they will be forever free from sin's debt, and forever grateful to you for preaching to them, just like in Jesus' Luke 16 parable. Awesome.

Msg #1728 Only Those Who Believe, See.

The Prophet Isaiah records God's words with such fervor that one needs to carefully heed every first, second, and third person pronoun. “My servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high” (Isaiah 52:13). Dr. Luke records in his Acts of the Apostles that a newly ordained deacon, Philip, found an Ethiopian eunuch who was confused by these pronouns (Acts 8:34). When he got it straight he got born-again! So it behooves us to read carefully. God's inerrant word has no misplaced, dangling or squinting modifiers. None. Zip. Notta. “Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?” That man, it says in Isaiah 53, will see this soon-to-be exalted servant, the Christ (Hebrew - Messiah), grow up as a tender plant (vr2). That man will see him despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief (vr3). That man, the believer, to whom the arm of the LORD is revealed, will see him carry our sorrow, see him wounded for our transgressions, see him bruised for our iniquity (vr4-5). Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson won't see it. Bill Nye the Science Guy won't see it. Bill Maher the atheist comedian won't see it. That trio of frogs (Rev 16:13) say Bible believers are child abusers when they teach God's Holy Word as truth! Isaiah, however, carefully uses the first-person plural pronoun when he records, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all” (vr6). Evangelist Loren Dawson used to say, “If you go in under the first all and come out under the second all you will be born-again.” It is just that simple, Neil.

Msg #1729 The Foolishness of Preaching

When God moved on Dr. Luke to write down accounts about His Only Begotten Son he did not just arrange them in chronological order, there is always a theme unfolding. When the corrupt lawyer tempted Christ, “Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered with the parable of the Good Samaritan. That chapter starts with seventy disciples sent out into the villages. Jesus warned them, as lambs among wolves, that they might not be well received. Jesus promptly pronounced woes on Chorazin and Bethsaida, they should have repented. The city where God's Son did innumerable miracles, Capernaum, is given a special condemnation because of their rejection of the Christ. The nineteen-fifties were marked by a tremendous reception of the gospel, and a growth of Independent Baptist Churches. The agnosticism and apostasy of the 21^st century has ground most of that to a halt. The gospel is not being well received. Christ's woe could be pronounced on our cities and like Capernium, America has seen a special side of Christ and is all the more accountable. The disciple is not to glory that the message is well received. It is not. They are not even to glory in the devils being subject unto them. “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, ... but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). In the military and in business we are goal oriented and success driven. As a feckless preacher of the gospel our satisfaction and our joy must come from three things: 1) our names are written down, 2) our “boss” is pleased with our service, even if our audience is not, and 3) we get to call our “boss” Aba-Father. The lawyer was taunting Jesus with his sarcasm, and that is not unusual today. Preach the gospel.

Msg #1730 Be Ye Also Ready

The Bible says, “What is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14). But Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2-3). Jesus' prepared place for prepared people has been in the works for one-thousand and eighty years and we have every reason to expect him to return in 2017. If he don't, live the year anticipating that you might go to him. Consider that a prepared people can't go to a heavenly mansion with this old body. “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (1Cor 15:53). If our mortality catches up with us this year, Jesus gives us example. Death is separation. Jesus said, “Father, into they hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost” (Luke 23:46). And the Bible says “For thou shalt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption” (Psalm 16:10, Acts 2:27). That is the separation. His spirit went to God, his soul to hell (for us), and his body went to the tomb. If the saved die before Christ's return the body goes to the grave, but the soul and spirit go straight to our LORD God. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” (2Cor 5:8). Believers with such confidence are a tremendous testimony. Some may have more cause to anticipate going this year, but any one could. Carry yourself with confidence in Christ.

Msg #1731 Deep Water People

Trials of life can soften the soul, but for some God sends enough trial to completely melt the soul. When a soul is melted it can be poured out like water. Jesus Christ was (Ps 22:14). One is therein equiped to pour out their soul to God. Hannah did (1Sam 1:15). At the NE Vision Summit Pastor Doug Fisher aptly described soul melt using Psalm 107:21-30. There, those “that do business in great waters... see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.” It is God who brings the stormy wind on these deep water people, and “their soul is melted because of trouble” (107:26). Perhaps you've been there. Perhaps you are there now. You surely know someone doing such a melt down. Know that cancer can put one there. “They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end” (107:27). At wits' end one looses all understanding of a situation, none of it makes sense. “Why Lord?... What am I supposed to do?” We reel to and fro. The leader Moses was there; the prophet Elijah was there; the rich man Job was there. They all said, “God, just kill me!” but he didn't. (Num 11, 1Kngs 19, Job 3). Naomi was there, and could have turned bitter, but she didn't (Ruth 1:20-22). Go back and visit why God melts souls, “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving and declare his works with rejoicing (107:21-22). Keep that foremost and you will soon get to verse twenty-eight, twenty-nine, and thirty, the desired haven. God is good, all the time.

Msg #1732 Going to a City

Curiously, the New Jerusalem, that God lowers from the new heaven to the new earth, has walls, gates and foundations. Roman Catholic Saint Origin taught the Catholic Church how to allegorize away all the literalness of God's Holy Word, but a true Bible believer dare not follow their pernicious ways. Logically this new city, where God literally dwells with man, needs no gated walls standing on stone foundations, but it sure enough has them. When a born-again Christians departs this world they immediately stand in the presence of God. That is heaven, but there is coming a city that is described in Revelation 21. Abraham looked for a city whose builder and maker is God, and when the Revelation of Jesus Christ reveals it to our eye it has description and dimension that this world cannot contain. Only a precious few would believe it to be literal, and one might call them Bible believers. The walls signify that some things will not be allowed in; the Pearled Gates, the twelve tribes of Israel whereby the Only Begotten Son entered into this world; the twelve foundation stones reflect the Apostles who laid the doctrinal foundation of the the New Covenant. These symbols present in the New City of Peace will be reminders through all eternity. As incorruptible but finite humans walk on streets of pure gold, they will remember Apostles of the New Covenant that got them there, the tribes of Israel that opened the way for Messiah, and the walls that ban all sin from the presence of a Holy God. Bob and Darlene Puffer sing, “Jesus Knows Me, This I Love.” If he don't know you, you too will be banned from this city. Receive Christ before it is eternally to late. I am going to a City.

Msg #1733 With a River of Life

The Apostle John saw “A pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” Revelations twenty-two continues the description of the New Jerusalem, a prepared place for a prepared people. Everything in this description of heaven will be a reminder of the seven dispensations of God that perfected his tabernacling with man. The walls, gates, foundations and streets are now accompanied by a river, a tree, and the throne of God and of the Lamb. The river of water is reminisce of Jesus' declaration at the well, “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14). That springing well is to “flow rivers of living water” out of our belly (John 7:38). In the Kingdom Dispensation the pure water flowed out of the temple to heal the land (Ezek 47:1-9), and the fruit of the tree of life were for the healing of the nations (Ezek 47:7,12, Rev 22:2). Reminders abound but perfection is attained... “And there shall be no more curse.” The 144-thousand servants are called out as present in verse three. Those with his name in their foreheads (Rev 7:3-4) have a special place of service in heaven. Alas, however, the bulk of this chapter contains the assurance that “These sayings are faithful and true” (22:6, 10, 16, 18), and “Behold, I come quickly” (22:7, 12, 17, 20). The sixty-six books of the revelation of God, written by forty men over 1,500 years ends with the Revelation of Jesus Christ, and “if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy,...” God's warning is very clear.

Msg #1734 The Romans Road

At that Church you went to (are going to) did anyone ever take the time to show you from the Bible how you could know for sure you are saved and going to heaven when you die? Could I show you right now, with just a few verses, out of this 400 year old English Bible how you could know that? John 3:16-18, 36 says God loved, and God gave, and if you believe what he did for you, you can be saved and have (present tense) everlasting life. God wrote out what you need to believe about his Only Begotten Son in what we call the Roman's Road. First, Romans 3:10, 23 says ALL have sinned, ALL come short. Romans 5:8 says while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us; He died in our place. Verse 12 tells how we got like this, we are not sinners because we sin, we sin because we are sinners. Now verse 18 shows that Adam brought us into condemnation, and only one man, Christ Jesus, can bring us out. Look here at Romans 6:23. Eternal death looms over us because of sin, but God, because he loves us, offers a gift. A gift has a giver and a receiver. The receiver does not pay for the gift, does not purchase the gift, and does not work for the gift; that's why its a gift. The giver has purchased the gift at a great price, all the receiver has to do is accept the gift, no strings attached. But the gift may be turned down. One could say to the giver, “I'll not accept this gift from you.” The thing about salvation is, there is a formal method for accepting and receiving God's gift. Religions tell us we must work, be good, do penance, attend church, build karma, or change our life to deserve salvation, but look in Romans 10:9-13 what God says you must do to receive his gift, and look too, who all can receive it. Would you pray right now and accept God's gift? That is all it takes to receive eternal life.

Msg #1735 Know Christ, Know Peace

In an essay one cannot describe the peace of God that passes all understanding (Phillipians 4:7), but surely the four commandments that precede it could be expounded (vr. 4, 5 & 6). “Rejoice in the Lord alway,” is easy until one gets to the “alway” part. In all things, in all circumstances, and in all ways can be a challenge for some of us. “Let your moderation be known unto all men.” Baptists are often extremists, and rarely, if ever, “moderationists.” Moderation around the dinner table dare not be addressed here, nor the exotic chemicals called “sugar-free” or “diet” that create and plague obese bodies, but we could point out a needed moderation in our point of view. Extremes plague our pulpits and pews. “Be careful for nothing,” is an interesting command. Our children often make us full-of-care instead. After enough exotic pills and aforementioned chemicals health issues often concern us. It is hard to be “careful for nothing” when our country is governed by infidels who pursue reprobate agendas; just the same this is not a mere suggestion. The last command before the superb promise is instrumental to accomplishing the previous three, “But in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” To often we have a “word” of prayer, when we should have a “season” of prayer; we are “nestled” in prayer, not “wrestled” in prayer; we .have “trivia” in prayer, but not “travail” in prayer. That perfect peace of God settles in only after the rejoicing, moderation, lack of worry, and seasons of prayer. Recall the line “NO Christ, NO peace. KNOW Christ, KNOW peace.” Let's get cracking, if there is ever a day in need of peace, it's today.

Msg #1736 Redemption Remembered

I had three occasions at the NYS Fair to watch parents force their child to say “Thank you.” God knows our nature to be unthankful and forgetful ingrates. When God redeemed his Hebrew people from their bondage in Egypt he commanded them to establish two memorials, the annual feast of unleavened bread and the perpetual dedication of all their firstborn to the LORD God. (Exodus 13). The unleavened bread was a reminder of the great haste with which they left out of Egypt: not even time for bread to rise. The dedication of all the first born was a reminder of the great cost that was paid for their redemption and the great hand of God that was shown in their behalf. Israel's redemption from bondage of Egypt was real and an undeniable historic event, but it is also a portrayal of the believers redemption from the bondage of this world. We too are to remember the haste with which we were snatched from sin; it is likened to a new-birth; with instantaneous change. Likewise, remember the great price and the great hand of God that caused our conversion, justification, indwelling, quickening, and baptism into Christ. We are to never forget that “So great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him” (Heb 2:3). Incidentally God gave the local Church two ordinances as memorials of the redemption purchased through our Lord Jesus Christ; believers baptism, whereby we show Christ's death, burial and resurrection, and the Lord's Table, whereby we display our communion and recall his broken body and shed blood till he comes. Are you saved? Then don't be an ingrate, rejoice that your name is written in heaven (Luke 10:20). Praise His Holy Name.

Msg #1737 The Baptist Canon

The two things that Baptist rely upon to authenticate that the sixty-six books called the Holy Bible are the Holy Scriptures are the “Word” and the “Word.” These are the straight edge and measuring rods used to make sure the books of the Bible measure up to a canon. The Greek word kanon derives from “a straight reed” and means “rule.” The “Word” that was made flesh said, I am the way, I am the truth, and I am the life. Our Lord Jesus Christ accepted the Hebrew Scriptures with this qualification, “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (Matthew 5:18) We should accept no less,... and no other. The second “Word” is the inerrant, infallible, inspired Word of God. The Holy Bible itself has distinct qualifiers of what is, and what is not, Holy Scripture. The Holy Bible is inspired because it says it is inspired and profitable that way. Likewise the Holy Scripture is Holy because it self-authenticates. The thirty-nine books of the Old Testament are genuine because our Lord Jesus Christ said so. The twenty-seven books of the New Testament are genuine because our Lord Jesus Christ ordained twelve apostles to write them, and the books can be traced to one of those apostle's hands or their authority. The Holy Bible itself gives witness to its genuineness. Baptists accepted the Holy Bible as their sole source of all faith and practice. No Roman Church, Papal decree, Romish Church Father, Church Council, or Church tradition is an acceptable source for that faith and practice... or canon. There is only one “Church Father,” and he determined what books should be, and should not be, considered Holy Scripture.

Msg #1738 Yom Kippur Portrays Christ

“In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. ... Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement” (Leviticus 23:24). Leviticus 16 details this atonement; it is a portrayal of what our Lord Jesus Christ did for us. There is an emphasis on Aaron's role, what he must do “that he die not” (vr.2,13), the linen he must wear (vr.4), the sin offering he must provide, being a mere human, (vr.3,6,11), and the incense he must burn within the vail (vr.12-13). Our priest, the Lord Jesus Christ, is the perfect High Priest, needing none of these. There are two rams consecrated for a burnt offering (vr.3,5,24), but this day of atonement is all about two goats, the LORD's goat, killed as a sin offering (vr.8,9,15), and the scapegoat let go bearing “all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat” (vr.10,21-22). The Only Begotten Son of God bore the sins of the world; there is no other sacrifice accepted by the Father. The sin-offering-goat portrays his death, the scapegoat portrays what he, even as our Living Lord is left carrying. The tabernacle, the brazen altar, even the most holy place needed the atoning of the sin offering (vr.16,17,18), i.e. the very symbols that portray what God did cannot attain to his holiness. Romans 5:8 reveals what is contained in Leviticus 16, but Leviticus 16 reveals what all is contained in Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” This Yom Kippur pay attention to the portrayals of Christ.

Msg #1739 Worthy is the Lamb

The Revelation of Jesus Christ asks “Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?” There is no mere human, no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth worthy to open or look upon God's bookkeeping. But behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David. In the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. The Lamb was worthy. The Lamb was prophesied as The Prophet, The Priest, and The King. Prophesied by Pentateuch, Poet, and Prophet. The Lamb was Personified in our New Testament, manifested as God in flesh. The Lamb of God was Spotless. The Lamb of God was Sacrificial. In Revelation 5 he was Wept for, Worshiped, and Worked for, but more than anything else the Lamb was Worthy. The four beasts, representative of all heavenly hosts, and four and twenty elders, twelve representative of the all Israel, twelve representative of all Christendom, fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. The number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand saying Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Every syllable of your Holy Bible is about this Lamb. God said, The seed of woman, it will bruise Satan's head; Abraham said, God would provide himself a lamb, Moses said, When I see the blood, I will pass over you, and Jesus said, I, if I be lifted up... Worship the Lamb.

Msg #1740 The Two Trumpets Will Sound

Israel's autumn Feast of Trumpets marks a remembrance of the two trumpets that gathered the whole assembly for their journey, their holy convocation, or their battle. Christians are also instructed to listen for the trumpet that will call us to our journey, to the clouds, our holy convocation, as a bride gathered to the Bridegroom, and our battle, to return with the King of kings and Lord of lords to a battle called, in the Hebrew tongue, Armageddon. True Bible believers have always understood that Christ's 2^nd advent will be in two phases; when he comes FOR his saints (John11:26, 14:3, Acts1:11, 1Cor15:51-58, 1Thes4:13-18 , Rev4:1) and when he comes WITH his saints (1Thes3:13, Jude1:14, Zech14:5 Luke12:32, 36). This has always been the teaching of Baptists and never been the teaching of the Roman mother of harlots nor her offspring denominations. Preterism holds that Ancient Israel finds its continuation or fulfillment in the Christian catholic church. From the Latin “praeter” denoting that something is past, Preterists suppose that God is all done with Israel, Hebrews, and Jews and had them annihilated at the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. They developed and practice their allegorical interpretations to transfer all the promises made to Israel to the catholic church. The Roman Catholic Church embraced this teaching, denying the literal return of Christ to the literal throng of David. All Protestant denominations carried this teaching of Rome and scoff at the Biblical teaching of rapture, holding instead to replacement theology. Since 1948, when their errant theology became embarrassingly obvious, they quit teaching it. But they still hold to it, and ignore or oppose the teachings of dispensationalism. Keep your ear tuned to the trumpet, your eye on the cloud, and your heart on the harvest, we will soon be going home.

Msg #1741 Tribulation – Judgment – Repentance

There is coming a judgment of the nations, a “great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time.” Jeremiah 30:7 speaks of it, “Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.” Daniel was given special insight to it, “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains.” (Matt 24). The Revelation of Jesus Christ gives specific narrative to this great tribulation. The book of judgment is not open until the Lion of the tribe of Judah opens the seven seals of the book, in preparation, sounds seven trumpets, in warning, and then pours out seven vials of the Wrath of God upon the whole earth. For all this, men “ blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory” (Rev 16:9,11) America could repent to solve her bedlam in our streets, her bedlam in our capitals, and her bedlam in our climate. Repentance: 1) Turn wholeheartedly from evolution and acknowledge and worship the holy omnipotent LORD God and his Only Begotten Son as our Creator and Lord. 2) Turn wholeheartedly from socialism of every form, most pointedly our socialized health insurance, and embrace once more the aged US Government motto “In God We Trust.” And 3) Turn wholeheartedly from our immorality, most pointedly from the embrace of sodomy and other sexual perversions, and acknowledge the LORD God's Holy Bible as the supreme rule of all moral right and wrong. Nineveh did it; they repented and God repented.

America is headed for More Tribulation

America could repent to solve her bedlam in our streets, her bedlam in our capitals, and her bedlam in our climate (Global Warnings).

1) Turn wholeheartedly from evolution and acknowledge and worship the holy omnipotent LORD God and his Only Begotten Son as our Creator and our Lord.

2) Turn wholeheartedly from socialism of every form, most pointedly our socialized health insurance, and embrace our constitution, capitalism, and the aged US Government motto “In God We Trust.” And...

3) Turn wholeheartedly from our immorality, most pointedly from the embrace of sodomy and other sexual perversions, and acknowledge the LORD God's Holy Bible as the supreme rule of all moral right and wrong.

Nineveh did it; they wholeheartedly repented and God repented of the judgment he had purposed for them.

“The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker” (Psalm 95:5-6 Holy Bible).

Msg #1742 Armageddon

Armageddon, the whole world knows the name. The number six-six-six, they know of its implication. In the Revelation of Jesus Christ, God closes out his whole written revelation to man. Therein is the one mention of Armageddon, in Rev 16:16, and therein is the one mention of that number, in 13:18. Both speak to the climactic end of the world as we know it. Both speak to the rebellious hatred of depraved humanity. And both speak to the coming judgment of this world, which comes when the Only Begotten Son of God, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Root of David, the Lamb-as it had been slain, the Lamb having seven horns and seven eyes, the Lord Jesus Christ, comes with his saints as described in Revelation 19 & 20 et. al.. Jesus said, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). Unrighteous men hold the truth, that which may be known of God is manifest in them. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Rom 1:20). President Obama called Islam “a great religion,” and it is muscling-in, but today America's god is Evolution. “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, ... Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” (vr 22, 23, 25). Armageddon, don't go there, be saved instead. (Rom 10:13).

Msg #1743 The Millennial Reign of Christ

The kings (presidents and prime ministers) of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD (Jehovah God), and against his anointed (Messiah, Christ)... the Lord (Hbr-Anonay, Grk-Kurios- owner, possessor, creator, master) shall have them in derision... Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion, I will declare the decree: the LORD (Jehovah God) hath said unto me (Messiah, Christ) Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee” (Psalm 2:2,4,6,7). The seventh and final dispensation (Grk-oikonomia – period of human management or stewardship) is the Millennial Reign of Christ. While previous dispensations were supervised by 1) man's innocence, 2) man's conscious, 3) man's governance, 4) the promises of God, 5) the laws of God, and 6) the Holy Spirit of God, the upcoming dispensation will be supervised by our Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, from his seat on David's throne in God's holy city of Jerusalem, in God's holy hill of Zion. The Roman amillennialism of the Protestants and Reformed has done three things for American Churches: 1) it has kept them embedded in replacement theology wherein they learned a hatred for God's real chosen and elect people Israel, 2) it kept them from a literal-grammatical-historical interpretation of the Holy Bible, wherein the amoral feminist movement has invaded, and taken over, and 3) it has kept them apostate to the point of no return. The end of the 19^th century found Fundamentalists with this realization. The resurgence of Christian Fundamentalism in America is over. Apostasy rules in American religion and reprobates rule in our government. What is a Bible believer to do? That is easy, get into a Bible believing church and “Preach the Gospel to every creature.” It is our commission.

Msg #1744 A New Heaven and New Earth

When the redeemed step into the presence of our eternal God we will gain a proper and holy perspective of all things. In the mean time we are to study to shew ourselves approved unto God, and to rightly divide the Word of truth. That Word of truth unfolds the most intimate plans of God. Biblical prophecy is ennobling; it is written for our comfort, not our curiosity. The rapture, the Bema Seat Judgment of the bride, the marriage supper and our eternal union with Christ are a consolation. Even the described seven year tribulation, the battle of Armageddon and the salvation of Israel culminating in the thousand year reign of Christ from the throne of David are to bring us solace. There is coming a second resurrection wherein all unregenerate souls stand before our Holy God on his Great White Throne (Rev20:11) before they partake of their second death. And then, finally, there is a new heaven and a new earth. This present heaven and earth “shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat” (2Pet3:10). Peter gives pause to ponder these prophecies, “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in holy conversation and godliness?” (vr.11). It is ennobling that God has shared his hopes and plans for the future; it is a great act of intimacy when friends do that. Only the believing eye can see these portrayals in Scripture. The old adage is reversed for Revelation, here, “Believing is seeing.” Bible revelation is thus meant to change our attitude as our world plunges toward his prophesied end. As our country leans reprobate, what manner of persons ought we to be? Ministers of reconciliation (2Cor 5:17-21). Another adage, “Let's get cracking.”

Msg #1745 So-Great-Salvation and its Villains

The account of Naaman being healed of his leprosy is a superb portrait of what Hebrews 2:3 calls “so great salvation,” but 2Kings 5 also reveals salvation's villain. In 5:3-12 one first has to admire the persistent 3^rd person testimony of a child, the blundering kings who know nothing about how God works, and the man-of-God who only sends a messenger, and confounds all of Naaman's preconceived notions. After Naaman's cleansing don't miss the seven results of authentic salvation recorded in 5:15-19: 1) He returned with his whole company to the man-of-God, 2) A “Now I know” salvation, 3) Overwhelming gratitude, 4) Silver and gold are nothing more than “burden of earth,” 5) A “No other God” mentality, 6) A consciousness of sin, and a need of pardon, and 7) A “Go in peace” joy of salvation. But notice, oh man of God, the seven traits of the villain of this account. In 5:20-25 for Gehazi 1) Gold is not as dirt, 2) long time service is obscured by greed, 3) he pursues after new-converts, 4) he lies about the man-of-God, what he did, what he said, and what he wants, 5) Gehazi is trusted by the new convert, 6) he sneaks around and hides things, and 7) he lies to the man-of-God. Wow, what a portrait. It reminds us that the faithful man of God will indeed be challenged in this old world. Don't miss Elisha's compassion on the villain as he confronts him, rebukes him, and leaves all punishment to the hand of God. Seven years later chapter 8 reveals that the villain struck pay-dirt for a new job, is still talking about the man-of-God, still bumping into people changed by the man-of-God, and is, coincidentally, providentially used to bring God's blessing on them. God is good.

Msg #1746 Called to be Faithful Till Death

It is striking how the signs assuring Saul's anointing are so very specific; so much so that they tell a story in themselves. Two men meeting Saul near Rachel's sepulcher highlights the importance of those who went before us, at the border of Benjamin, the importance of stepping out of a comfort zone. The father caring for Saul has evident significance, and one cannot miss the irony that Saul chasing after stubborn asses was now called to lead stiffnecked Israel. The next sign took place at the plain of Tabor, where Deborah had to take Barak by the hand and lead him into battle. Much could be said about God's demand for male leadership here, but let it suffice that three men going up to God to Bethel was Saul's sign. There are the kids, the bread, and the wine showing that God won't buy you the farm, but will provide your daily bread. The third sign involved the hill of God and the garrison of Philistines. We are in a battle, and the enemy has us outnumbered, and outgunned. The company of prophets with psaltery, tabret, pipe and harp tells something about our music and the new song he puts in our heart. It is not just the old song with new lyrics crammed in, note the difference. God gave Saul another heart and all these signs came to pass that day. Is Saul among the prophets? Turns out not. We know Saul's obedience was short lived. The signs were so sure, God's call and anointing so certain, yet Saul's terrible fall was such a tragic failure. He became an opposer of God. This accounting is meant to be sobering. So many great starts for God end like Saul. Lord, may I be faithful till death.

Msg #1747 Thanksgiving

The Bible reveals a couple interesting things about our thanksgiving. For the Bible believer thanksgiving is not a mere suggestion. Philippians four connects it to a peace that passes all understandings. The Psalmist reveals its spontaneity in a quickened soul, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name” (Psalm 100:4). But the Bible makes mentions of the sacrifice of thanksgiving, “And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing. ... I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. ... By him (Christ) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Psalm 107:22, 116:7, Hebrews 13:15). Recall that King David said he would not offer a sacrifice “which doth cost me nothing” (2Samuel 24:24). Thanksgiving is commanded, has great promise attached, and is often spontaneous, but sometimes it might be a sacrifice that costs you something. Note also that its lack is one of the steps that spirals us down and away from our God. Romans chapter one describes that spiraling stairway, but note that first God shows man as being without excuse. God does not believe in atheists. Every man knows internally about the Godhead and the wrath he is deserving of (Rom 1:18-20). So the staircase has a top step, “When they knew God,” a first step down, “they glorified him not as God,” and the next step down, which holds our attention here, “neither were thankful.” This stairway spirals down to a pretty disturbing depth of depravity, but this week just focus on this one step, and don't even go there. Happy Thanksgiving.

Msg #1748 Saul's Type-A Personality

There were three signs in King Saul's calling and three sins in King Saul's falling. In 1Samuel 13 God staged Israel's great victory over the Philistines. The new king and his Type-A personality was nervous, but he was in his place,... until he stepped out of his place. Saul's first sin was well thought out and very practical. He rationalized it superbly, it was pragmatic. At first glance it seems that God completely overreacted.... Barred from the kingdom for one burnt offering? “Thou hast done foolishly; thou has not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee” (1Sam 13:13). God wanted “a man after his own heart;” Saul was not that man; he could get things done, alright, but didn't do them God's way. God places utmost importance on HOW things get done, Type-As on THAT things get done. Israel won the victory over the Philistines, but not via Saul, it was Johnathan who slew the Garrison of Philistines (Chap. 14).

In 1Samuel 15 God staged the annihilation of the Amalekites. Saul's Type-A personality stepped in to do the job and his second sin was well thought out, very practical, rationalized superbly, pragmatic,... and disobedience. The next victory over the Philistines was secured, not by Saul, but by a shepherd boy, a man after God's own heart, who slew a giant. Saul's third sin was opposing God's man. The Type-A personality is competitive, aggressive, organized, fast talking, ambitious, impatient, and a good time manager. Type-B is more relaxed, non-competitive, non-aggressive. I re-wrote the song “Learning to Lean” with lyrics “Learning to “B”, Learning to “B”, I'm learning to “B” like Jesus. Finding more power than I ever knew, I'm learning to “B” like Jesus. God makes us new creatures, conformed to Christ, some are slow learners.

Msg #1749 There is Much in a Name

Christology must be the Bible believer's favorite “ology,” and my favorite part is learning how God uses various titles for his Only Begotten Son. It is important to pay close attention. First note that all modernist bibles have stripped the name “Jesus” from 47 verses, “Christ” from 37 verses, and 'Lord” from 40 verses. Twice they had the audacity to strip “Lord Jesus Christ” out of their copyright bibles (Col 1:2, 1Thes 1:1). For this study you must use an Authorized KJB. Jesus is his name before his death and resurrection, before salvation was made complete; it is his earthly name; it speaks of his humiliation, his humanness, his finiteness; it means saviour. Consequently the Gospels use Jesus 612 times, Epistles 71 times, while Christ is used only 56 times in the Gospels, 256 times in the Epistles. Before his crucifixion he was never called Jesus to his face, they called him Master or Rabbi, believers called him Lord, thus a Christian is not one who believes in Jesus- the world believes there was a Jesus – but a Christian is one who believes in “The Lord Jesus Christ.” The word Christ (Hebrew Messiah) means the Anointed One, and is the official title of the Son of God. He is the anointed Prophet, Priest, and King. When the compound name Jesus Christ is used, the emphasis is on what he was over what he is, when Christ Jesus is used it emphasizes him exalted who was once humiliated. He is Lord when he owns you. His fullest title is the Lord Jesus Christ. Differentiate between the Son of God and the Son of Man, the Son of Abraham and the Son of David. Discover the seven “I AM” titles in John... be a student of his names, in a KJB.

Msg #1750 The Incarnation of Christ

The incarnation of Christ is a study directly linked to a believer's Christmas celebration. When the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (and we behold his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth, we must stand in bewildered wonder at an infant wrapped in swaddling cloths. The Prophet, The Priest, and The King so aptly promised in prophecy is first announced in New Testament Scripture, “The book of the generation (singular) of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1). He was a Hebrew, a Jew, the promised seed, and descendant of King David. As Matthew shows the face of this Lion he presents the royal lineage from Abraham, through King David, and up to his stand-in father Joseph. As Mark shows the face of this Servant he presents no lineage whatsoever. As Luke shows the face of this Man, of whom God says, “Thou art my beloved son; in thee I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22b), he lists the lineage of the Seed of Woman from Mary's father Heli, all the way back to the first Adam, the son of God (Luke 3:23-38). We worship the last Adam, the Son of God, as so aptly described in 1Cor 15:45-47. Therein Romans 5:12&18 depicts Christ as the only remedy for man's sin. This birth of the Lamb of God, wherein The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, robed himself in flesh, likely occurred during lambing season, while shepherds watched their flocks by night, but as we celebrate it in North's longest, ergo darkest, night comprehend the incarnation of Christ that the Apostle John so aptly portrays, “In the beginning was the WORD,... and the WORD was made flesh and dwelt among us...” (John 1). Merry Christmas.

Msg #1751 Have a Very Merry Marriage

The Happy Holy-Days are marked by many couples as less than happy, and far less than holy. We have a dysfunctional nation springing from dysfunctional homes, rooted in dysfunctional marriages. A Bible believing Christian has ample opportunity to be a testimony and witness in these days, ergo it is wise to first take a healthy inventory of our own marriages. It is sobering to discover that many “Christian-Homes” having the wall plaque “A Family that Prays Together, Stays Together,” does not have a husband led family altar where they pray together! Dr. Coomer, of Hope Biblical Counseling Center (.com), supposes that Christian homes are plagued with four major failings; 1) A lacking intimate, personal, passionate relationship with our Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ; 2) Immature emotion led, feeling dominated individuals; 3) “Christians” living their lives for lusts and not for Christ, selfishness vs selflessness; and 4) Broken vows and broken trusts. He spring-boards from Ephesians 5:17-25 to develop a Biblical marriage manual that addresses all four of these, but I especially like (and need) his capstone about our communications in the home. All of us need a reminder, an emphasis, and more learning on keeping our communications Godly (Christlike), edifying, and altogether loving. That takes effort, maturity, and practice. No corrupt or corrupting communication, as required by Eph. 4:29-32, now requires a television off switch, and so much more. Corruption has multiple inroads to our brain and home. Consequently anger opens to many conversations, edification to few. Spiteful vengeance leads much talk and Christ's compassion far less. Idle jesting gets to much focus, the glorious gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, far to little. Fix your marital communications and be that testimony of light in these days of darkness, you will be amazed how far a little candle light reaches.

Msg #1752 Jesus Comes to Our House

In my childhood on vinyl in high-fi, Red Harper sang a song, “If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two, If he came unexpected, I wonder what you'd do.... would you hide some magazines, put the Bible where they'd been?...” When the Only Begotten Son of God came into our world to visit for awhile, consider the plight that was placed in each life that was involved. The New Testament opens with the plight of Joseph and his espoused wife. Its 22^nd verse calls out the plight of the prophets who each could say, “Who hath believed our report, and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?” The Gospel of Luke opens with the plight of Zacharias (Hbrw- Jehovah remembers) who at first couldn't believe, and then the plight of Mary who immediately did. The plight of the shepherds, whether to go and see; the wise men, of course, and how to find him. The plight of Herod needs consideration, it tells how depraved humanity can get. The plight of just and devout Simeon (Hbrw- a rock or stone) and Anna widowed son of Phanuel (Hbrw- grace & facing God), each would not see death till they had seen the Lord's Christ. A favorite of mine, often overlooked, is the plight of the doctors who were both hearing the twelve year old, and asking him questions; none should get a doctorate until they have at least done that. Any, or all ten, of these plights are good studies for those celebrating the birth of the Only Begotten Son of God, born in the barn, in that manger, in those swaddling cloths, under that star. And therein you have only touched the hem of his garment. Merry Christmas.

Msg #1753 Down But Not Out

As one steps into a new year it is not unusual, even for the Believer, to leave the celebration and step into depression. Clinical depression, called manic, or bi-polar, by psychiatrists, is all to common in our world, but the Apostle Paul writes that it should never be present in the Believer. The darkness of depression leaves one so dismayed that they cease to function. The Born-Again always have a light that can pierce that darkness, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2Cor 3:6). This treasure is in “earthen vessels” (we are only human), so God clarifies, “that the excellency of the power (i.e. the light of the knowledge of His glory) may be of God, and not of us” (vr. 7). Be very careful here, the counsel of the ungodly is to use the power of pharmaceuticals to treat depression (and everything else). The Light shining in the face of Jesus Christ is the genuine cure. Ergo, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body” (vr.8-10). For a Believer there is a line drawn that we dare not cross. To stay on this side of the line, read your KJ Bible, and pray everyday, memorize to meditate, journal your thoughts to cogitate, and rub shoulders with Believers thrice weekly for edification and accountability. Those incidentally, are the five RU Recovery (.com) principles which have rescued innumerable lives from addictions.

Msg #1801 Counting The Cost

I have sketched five little cross-eyed bears in the margin of my Bible, two in Matthew, two in Mark, and the ugliest near Luke 14:27, that says, “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” Get it? “Cross-eyed bear.” That little clause, “Cannot be my disciple,” is repeated thrice in this chapter and is a stark contrast to, “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” We seem to be talking about two different commodities here; the rich man who went away grieved in Mark 10 mightn't teach that, but if you will be a disciple with Christ as Lord, you should count the cost. You will have Conflict with his enemy, and his arch enemy is presently the prince of the power of the air. You will have Contention and the Contempt of this world; even from family, as Christ explained. There will be Constraints on your life, a lot of “thou shalt not” conditions come with him as Lord. There will be Convictions that handle the “gray-areas” of life; i.e. things you cannot do, watch, eat, drink, or play with, places you cannot go, thoughts you cannot harbor, even though other Christians have and do them. Convictions keep filth out of your life; one cannot have faith and filth together, nor fellowship, nor fervor for our Lord. As his disciple you will have Correction and Chastisement; you will never sin and enjoy it again. And Contributions will only start with a tithe, law or not; offerings are not to raise money, they are to raise Christians. Count the cost, but hear a couple crusty testimonies too, and learn the song, “It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus.” Be a disciple, and finish the course.

Msg #1802 God Save America

When one hears “God bless America” the thought must rise “He has blessed America,” and hearing “God save America” should elicit “save her from her pride, her arrogance, and her pernicious, progressive ways.” Isaiah 25 succinctly promises that salvation, “Thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth... therefore shall the strong people glorify thee, the city of the terrible nations shall fear thee” (Isa 25:1,3). Democrats think they are the strength to the poor and down-trodden, Republicans suppose they are the strength of economic conservatives, but God says there is a vail over their understanding, a reprobate heart in their chest, “And he will destroy in this mountain (i.e. Zion, i.e. Jerusalem, where we properly place our Israeli embassy) the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations” (25:7). The salvation of a nation that preaches Evolution as their creator and god, sodomy as their alternate lifestyle, and murder in the womb as their privilege will first be a day of darkness, a terror-able day, the Day of the Lord. “He shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them... and he shall bring down their pride together with the spoils of their hands” (Isa 25:11). Days are short in this January of 2018. The believer longs for his salvation because “He will swallow up death in victory, and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces, and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth; for the LORD hath spoken it” (25:8). That upcoming “Earth Day” is in reality the upcoming “Day of the Lord.” “God bless America, God save America, but first save my children, save my family, save my neighbor.” Preach the gospel, the Lord is soon returning.

Msg #1802b Worship Canceled

The frozen water pipes from our two broke furnaces kept me from preaching what God had laid on my heart for the second Sunday of 2018. The attached Penny Pulpit must suffice for that, but God has other lessons for GSBC to take away from the cancellations. For those that gathered at 10 am and shared a song and a prayer, God blessed your short and stunned worship and gave safe travels in bitter cold. Thanks for not flushing.

For those alerted of the dilemma and averted from cold travels, God blessed you with a longing for Christian fellowship on a Lord's day, and an answer to your prayer. It was simply a reset on the oil burner, a new fuse on the gas furnace, and not a single pipe was broken.

For those to ill, or old, or hospitalized to tackle twelve degrees of cold we missed you, and prayed for you, knowing you missed us and prayed for us.

To those with no intention of attending this 2^nd worship service of 2018, the cancellation can still be a blessing because you hold this letter, and perhaps a new appreciation of the importance we place on our gathering with other believers on the first day of the week, the Lord's Day, the day God rose his Christ, our Lord, from death to life.

On the twentieth anniversary of my pastoring Good Samaritan Baptist Church I must say that this Sunday, with frozen pipes, the breath of saints visible in the cold air, and the singing of three verses of “Jesus Loves Me” was a memorable blessing. Be blessed, and I'll see you when the heat is back up.

Personal Testimony of Pastor Edward Rice. I was saved in 1960 at the age of eight. My father and mother were saved and founding members of Fellowship Baptist Church in Gang Mills New York. In 1958 my dad, Levi O. Rice, an agnostic, was invited by Cecil Palm to be a founding member of that church; both of my parents were born-again-saved two weeks later. My mother, Doris was converted form Roman Catholicism, and became a Christian. She stopped her Roman penance and practiced Bible repentance, stopped praying to Mary and called upon the Lord Jesus Christ to save her. She was thus converted from Roman Catholicism to the Lord Jesus Christ. Everyone needs converted from something. Mom and Dad were now born again, and two years later I was saved in revival services with Evangelist Dale and Opel Linbaugh. Opel cut the flannel graph burden of sin off little Christian's back in her Pilgrim's Progress presentation, and I was born-again-saved before it hit the basement floor. In 1995 I retired from the USAF as a systems engineer and became an ordained Baptist Preacher of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matt 18:3).

Pastor Rice is a USAF retired systems engineer turned Baptist Preacher who brings a fresh practical and Biblical look at what the Bible says. Weekly messages preached at Good Samaritan Baptist Church are condensed into devotional essays and sent out as weekly Penny Pulpit Columns for local publications. This collection of messages was preached over 7 years, from 2012 to 2018. They contain the wisdom of God in 364 essays over multiple topics. Pastor Rice has been at Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY, since September of 1997. Previous, while serving in the USAF, he has been a youth pastor, Jr. Church director, Sunday School teacher, music director, bus captain and father of 3 boys. His practical teaching of God's Word is captured each year in 52 weekly Penny Pulpit publications.