Correction and Reproof of Liberal False Teachers

Today, I feel led to share a link to my friend Neil's blog - Eternity Matters.  He has written an excellent post that biblically "outs" the  false teachers from the realm of liberal Christianity!  You will learn a lot and be truly blessed by the truth he shares!

As usual, when Christians share the truth of the Bible with theologically liberal Christians, it often leads to a battle.  There is one commenter over there who was a bit up-in-arms because he thought that Neil was "judging" liberal Christians.

4Simpsons Blog - Eternity Matters

A simple way to out theologically Liberal Christians for the tares and wolves that they are - One of the easiest ways I’ve found to “out” false teachers is to ask if they believe that Jesus is the only way to salvation. They very rarely do. They’ll...

 

Excerpt:

One of the easiest ways I’ve found to “out” false teachers is to ask if they believe that Jesus is the only way to salvation.  They very rarely do.  They’ll defend their false view with some tidbit they’ve heard then try to change the subject.  Some, like false teacher Chuck “Jesus is not the only way” Currie, come up with entire sermons designed to rationalize away plain texts like John 14:6 (Jesus answered, ”I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.).

Theologically Progressive/Liberals who claim the name of Christ mock the cross and the blood of the martyrs.  They refer to a few Bible verses, though almost always out of context, but if you keep them talking long enough they deny nearly all the essentials of the faith.

What they don’t know is that there are more than 100 passages supporting the truth that Jesus is indeed the only way to salvation.  When you point that out they work overtime to ignore you or change the subject.  Don’t let them do that.  And keep in mind that many of them have Masters or Doctorates in theology yet they have read the Bible so little that they don’t even know that truth!
  
Just ask them this: Do you believe that Jesus is the only way to salvation, or do you rationalize away the 100+ passages affirming that truth? Follow-up question: If you deny those passages, then you are denying that the Holy Spirit inspired the original writings, so what is your evidence that the original writings were wrong but that the Holy Spirit is now accurately revealing truths to you?

 

 

 

Read it all HERE!



Neil asks the 2 pertinent questions at the end of that excerpt:

Just ask them this: Do you believe that Jesus is the only way to salvation, or do you rationalize away the 100+ passages affirming that truth?

Follow-up question: If you deny those passages, then you are denying that the Holy Spirit inspired the original writings, so what is your evidence that the original writings were wrong but that the Holy Spirit is now accurately revealing truths to you?

Read the entire post and comments.  Neil answers each query and objection by utilizing biblical hermeneutics masterfully!


My comment there:


Unfortunately, liberal Christians often make the same mistakes as non-believers. They equate the necessary correction and reproof by fellow Christians as “judging” others. But the fact is that man can be guilty of “judging” God’s Word and rejecting the truth therein; precisely because it goes against their own personal beliefs regarding what constitutes sin. Instead of agreeing with what God has revealed in Scripture, they want to hold onto their own ideologies or secular beliefs. When they do that (by not utilizing exegesis, Scripture interprets Scripture – meaning proper hermeneutics), then they incorrectly interpret Scripture and thus the true meaning can be lost. Such methods easily lead one astray into heresy and apostasy.
 
We are only human – and when I get something biblically wrong, I want my fellow Christian brothers and sisters to correct me! The best way to do so is with Scripture itself! [I must add that Neil's post uses Scripture masterfully - and thus all that he wrote can be upheld biblically - which is the most important test in sharing the truth!]

There are many Scriptures that tell us to avoid such misinterpretations. 2 Timothy 2:16-17 is just one example:

2Ti 3:16
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
2Ti 3:17
that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work

.
The importance of the Holy Spirit guiding the born-again believer can’t be emphasized enough! Jesus told us that he would send the Helper (at Pentecost) who will testify of him (Jesus), bring all we have learned back to mind and help us to properly learn, study, and apply Scripture!


Jhn 15:26
“But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.

Notice that Jesus needed to depart in order for the Holy Spirit to be sent.

Jhn 16:7
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.

Jesus also tells us the purpose of sending the Holy Spirit to us:

Jhn 14:26
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

And we also find out that the Holy Spirit will abide in us forever:

Jhn 14:16
“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—

This is why Jesus claims that he will be with us always, even unto the end of the age:

Mat 28:18
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth
.
Mat 28:19
“Go therefore[fn] and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Mat 28:20
“teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.[fn]


What’s more, the closer we get to the end times we know that there will be a falling away from the truth. This is why the 2 Timothy 3:16-17 instruction is so crucial when sharing the Gospel of Christ!

See the book of Jude for one example.



Hat tip:

4Simpsons Blog - Eternity Matters

A simple way to out theologically Liberal Christians for the tares and wolves that they are

Where Can We Find Peace in Situations Like This?

My day actually started out so beautifully! Early this morning, I received an email notification from WND about a video that had gone viral after three young men dazzled the audience during an "America's Got Talent" audition. They sang a worship song about Jesus; and the audience and judges all ended up giving them a standing ovation!

It was certainly a joyful moment!

Since the song was in a different language, I wondered whether or not the judges would have liked it as much if it was sung in English and the name "Jesus" was uttered? I know...it's just the skepticism in me that would say such a thing. But can you blame me?  The political correctness that abounds these days forbids any display of outward worship of Jesus Christ. Well, as for me and my house - we will WORSHIP THE LORD - no matter what society says about it!

I think that when worship songs are sung so beautifully; we get a glimpse of what it will be like in heaven!

After listening to that beautiful rendition several times, I was ready to go and tackle my job of clearing away everything off the carpets throughout the house over the next four hours before the carpet cleaners arrived!

But then, it happened...again. Another day....another shooting tragedy.

Because I was having my carpets in the house cleaned, I had nothing else to do but hang out with my two dogs in the sun room (which has a brick floor) while the men who arrived at 11:30 a.m. dry cleaned the carpets throughout the house. I watched the news all day (for the most part).  And as the day dragged on, I found myself  receiving more and more information about the killer, Aaron Alexis, who used someone else's ID to get into the Naval yard facility in Washington D.C., and then proceeded to gun down 12 civilians.

As usual, we all go through the WHYS of such a terrible event. What drove this man to do such a terrible thing? What were his motives? We could ask questions ad infinitum. However, we do know that such an act of evil cannot be easily explained until all the facts are known.

Yesterday, I heard one of the most sobering sermons ever on Turning Point Television.

Dr. David Jeremiah started a new series entitled, "What Are You Afraid Of?" The book by the same
name comes out sometime in October.

 .

Yesterday's sermon was the very first in a series of sermons on the topic. Although it didn't deal directly with such an evil act of shooting civilians, it did prepare me for what transpired today.

The topic of Sunday's sermon was Disaster: The Fear of Natural Calamity.  (*See outline below). The website informs us:

As we begin this new series on fear, unforeseen disasters recently ravaged cities across the United States—where can we find peace in situations like this? Find rest in God.

Go to the link and click on the green colored box that says, Watch Now: "This Week's Broadcast." What Dr. Jeremiah shared was stunningly real; and VERY SOBERING...to say the least! But if you take the time to watch and listen all the way through, you will come out the other side with trust in God, and conviction through faith in Jesus Christ!

Jhn 16:33

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will fn have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Hat tips to all links.

*******

*Outline:

WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?



Dr. David Jeremiah

"Disaster: The Fear of Natural Calamity"
 Selected Scripture

September 15, 2013

Job 1:1

Job 1:3

Job 1:8-12

Job 1:16

Job 1:18-19

I. Natural Disasters and the Reality of God

A. God Cannot Be Divorced From Disasters

1. God employs the elements of nature in the operation of the world

Job 37:6, 10-12

2. God employs the elements of nature in His opposition to evil

Numbers 16:32

B. God Cannot Be Discredited by Disasters

C. God Cannot Be Defined by Disasters

D. God Cannot Be Defeated by Disasters

Isaiah 46:9-11

Romans 8:28

II. Natural Disasters and the Responsibilities of Man

A. Disasters Teach Us to Repent of Our Sin

B. Disasters Teach Us to Reflect on God’s Goodness

C. Disasters Teach Us to Respond to the Hurting

D. Disasters Teach Us to Remember God’s Promise

Revelation 21:3-4

E. Disasters Teach Us to Rely on God’s Presence and His Power

Job 13:15

Job 19:25-27

Job 42:5-6

Psalm 46:1-3   

Comparisons Between Isaac and Jesus Christ

In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed because thou hast obeyed my voice.  Genesis 22:18

Jhn 14:6

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

So much of the Old Testament points towards Jesus Christ that upon discovery of this fact, believers and non-believers alike should find it astounding!  In this post, I am going to share just one story.  However, it is a very important factual story that begins with Abraham's obedience to God.  Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son; "his only son" as it is recorded in Scripture.  It is a huge test of Abraham's faith, but also a foreshadowing of God's Son, "His only Son," -  Jesus Christ -  and His willingness to be sacrificed for our sins on the cross!

This fantastic message is based on the book of Hebrews.  You can view the entire sermon online at the following link:

http://www.davidjeremiah.org/site/television_player.aspx?id=

[Note:  There is also an outline of the Scriptures used in the video message at
this link:  http://www.davidjeremiah.org/site/uploadedfiles/080413_Abraham.pdf]

If readers are pressed for time, I recommend watching the introduction (about 2 minutes into the video) and then push the cursor at the bottom of the video over to about 15:30 to start the beginning of the message.

What hit me most was the comparisons shared near the end of the video message.   Pastor Jeremiah shares a list of the comparisons between Isaac and Jesus Christ.  He states that we can look back at this through our "New Testament eyes" and find the ultimate purpose of this story as it is recorded in Genesis.

1.    Both Isaac and Jesus Christ were miraculously born.  [Recall that Abraham was over 100 years old and Sarah his wife in her 90's!]

2.    Both Isaac and Christ brought joy to their Father.

3.    Both Isaac and Christ were born at a set time.

4.    Both Isaac and Christ were persecuted by their brothers.  [Ishmael who was born of the maidservant Hagar, and Christ's half brothers...like James (who later became a believer after Christ's resurrection from the dead)  who later wrote the book of James in the NT.]

5.    Both Isaac and Christ were obedient unto death.

6.    Two young men went with Isaac; Christ was crucified between two thieves.

7.    Isaac carried the wood, Christ carried the cross.

8.    Isaac questioned his father [by asking where is the sacrificial ram?] and Christ said, "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"

9.    Christ was obedient unto death; Isaac was raised from death in a figure.  [This means that a sacrificial ram was caught in the thicket to take Isaac's place for the sacrifice.]

10.   Abraham returns but Isaac is not heard from (in the Bible) until he is introduced to his bride; and that is exactly the way it is with the Lord Jesus Christ himself!  The Bible tells us that Christ will return for His Bride (all believers) and the dead shall rise first, then all who are alive in Christ shall
meet the Lord in the air.

We can ask, are these all just a bunch of coincidences? 

Answer:  No! 

Every story of the Old Testament is somehow related to THE story of the New Testament - that being the gospel of Jesus Christ!

This is the greatest picture of the love of the Father that you will ever find in the Bible! 

One last point.  Romans 8:32 tells us of one difference between father Abraham and Father God.


Rom 8:32

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?


Almighty God allowed Abraham to spare his son from death.  But God the Father loved us SO MUCH that he would not spare His own Son, Jesus, from taking the penalty for all of humanity's sins.  Father God delivered Him up to save us from our sins, and raised him up via the Resurrection to life in order for us to be reconciled back unto God.  If Jesus didn't do this, he would have re-entered heaven alone.

The wages of sin is death and the wages have to be paid.  If we tried to pay those wages, we could never be with God.  And so God sent His Son, Jesus Christ into this world.  And the story of Isaac is very much like it until you get to the very end. 

That's how much God loves you.  That's how much God loves me.  For even His own Son was not too high a price to pay that you and I might be saved from our sins, be forgiven, and go to heaven.

[Previous paragraphs paraphrased from end of sermon.]

Isn't this realization absolutely fascinating?

I hope that readers here have found it to be as encouraging and enlightening as it was for me!

~  Christine

Earthen Vessels

[Hat tip for photo:  Dwelling in the Word.com]

I have always appreciated the fact that Scripture often metaphorically describes believers as "earthen vessels" or "jars of clay," and God as our Divine Potter.

The potter-clay image shows up so frequently in Scripture --beginning in Genesis 2:7 where "God formed man of the dust of the ground."

This theme is a simple one:  God is the potter and humanity is the clay.  It is another way to express God's sovereignty over all humanity; a way to express our need to yield to His divine plan; a way to encourage us to find the purpose for which we have been made; a way to accept the divine purpose for all of God's handiwork.

We can learn four lessons from the biblical imagery of the Divine Potter and His clay:

1.  He has a plan.

2.  There is variety in what He makes.

3.  There is an ultimate purpose for God's pottery.

4.  There are no imperfect pots. (In other words, God wants to fill us all with Himself!)

Think of Jesus' collection of a dozen common, chipped, cracked, leaky earthen vessels (the disciples) with which He would change the world.  He poured Himself into those vessels regardless of the shape they were in.  As we know, one in particular substituted the treasure of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver that was ultimately used to buy "the potter's field" - a burial place for strangers (Matthew 27:1-10).

Even though you and I are imperfect, even damaged earthen vessels; our Divine Potter ultimately has shaped each of us for a purpose and we can rejoice that God wants to fill us with the treasure of knowing Jesus!

The metaphors and imagery of Scriptural descriptions like these are not lost on those who believe.  They serve as proof of what kind of "vessels" God has meant for us to be!  We need not despair over our earthly size, condition, shape or lot in life.  We can ALL rejoice for the same purpose and with the same exact reason!

As earthen vessels - imperfect as we all are and often damaged in this life - we instinctively know that the Divine Potter, Jesus Christ, has shaped each of us for a purpose.  We may have differing "purposes" in this earthly life, but our Beloved Potter has one, ultimate purpose for each and every one of us.

This ultimate purpose has to do with Jesus' question (that each of us need to answer before we die) when He said, "Who do you say that I am?"

We know that Peter got it right in Matthew 16:16.

Mat 16:16

Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

We are all shaped for a purpose.

 And the Divine Potter's purpose is this:

He has filled us with the treasure of knowing Jesus.

  2Cr 4:1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.

  2Cr 4:2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

  2Cr 4:3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,

  2Cr 4:4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

  2Cr 4:5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake.

2Cr 4:6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

  2Cr 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

Hat tip:

"Earthen Vessels" by David Jeremiah in August 2013 Turning Points magazine and devotional.

God's Route 66

Many years ago, I was a teacher at an elementary school back east.  For about 2 1/2 years, I taught physical education, health and safety for grades K-5.  Part of the safety curriculum included a Disney created cartoon series starring the little character of Jiminy Cricket who would begin each safety message singing:

"Oh...I'm no fool, no sirree, I want to live to be 93!  I play safe for you and me 'cause I'm no fool."

Of course, those films dealt with physical and mental safety; and how not being foolish with our every day activities can help us avoid injury or even death.  But there is also a need within our souls to realize that avoidance of moral, emotional and spiritual foolishness is equally, if not even more important!

I thought of these films today while reading a little book called "Moments With God On Route 66" by Dr. David Jeremiah.

On the page discussing the virtues of  "counsel," Dr. Jeremiah writes:

"We hear the words "fool" and "foolish" often enough that it is easy to lose sight of their true meaning."

But before I continue with the message, I wanted to explain what this particular book is all about.

On the back cover, we find out:

There are not many people left who can say, "I got my kicks on Route 66!"  But between 1926 and 1984, U. S. Highway (Route) 66 was America's "Mother Road" --2,448 miles of asphalt stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles.  The sections of Route 66 that are left today are unmarked, known only to the locals.  But for decades many Americans dreamed about motoring west on Route 66.  And if they couldn't make the drive, they did it vicariously through the Route 66 hit TV show that aired from 1960-1964.

God has given us His own Route 66 that stretches from your front door to the doorway of heaven--the 66 books of the Bible.  And since 2007, Pastor David Jeremiah has been airing one-minute insights into God's Route 66 on radio stations across the nation.  In Moments With God on Route 66 you will find 230 of the best of the nearly 1,400 Route 66 spots aired through 2012.  Just like the Bible there is something in these short devotionals for everyone, seekers and saints alike.

So take a short drive on God's Route 66 every day.  You'll find His divine highway will keep you focused and moving faithfully toward your heavenly home!

I was young when that show aired, so I don't remember much about it.   But I do recall hearing that it was a very popular series at the time for young adults.  If you are interested in learning more, read a recent article at AV Club: Why the mostly forgotten Route 66 was one of TV’s most ambitious shows. The article includes a few film clips too.

One sentence from the article intrigued me and I'd like to view the episode:

The series even featured future stars in smaller parts, as when Ed Asner played a young Jewish boy’s father, who later died and kicked off a crisis of faith in the boy.

Getting back to the subject of counsel.

There are many Bible verses discussing and warning about "the way of the fool."   We would be wise to heed such warnings.

Dr. Jeremiah continues:

A verse in the Book of Proverbs makes it clear: "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes." In other words, a fool is a person who refuses to heed the moral advice of those who are wiser. A fool does what he wants in spite of the pain it causes him and others.

From the Bible's perspective, the fool is a person who refuses to listen to God's counsel or warnings. But the wise person is the one who submits his reasoning to God.

Accept direction on the road to new life.

Discover God's thoughts...on Route 66.

Hat tips to all links.

Giving Us Life

Okay all of you Bible students and scholars out there; I've got an important question for you!  I might be setting myself up for trouble by asking this question...but here goes.  Since Adam and Eve "walked with God" in the Garden of Eden, wouldn't that mean that they already knew about what is good?  If correct, then wouldn't it follow that the action of "eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil" meant that they chose to disobey God in order to learn evil and how it is the opposite of good? 

I once read a book where the author mentioned that "evil" is "live" written backwards.

Jesus often talked about giving us life - a new life in Him.


Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Jhn 6:27 “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”

Jhn 17:1 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You,

Jhn 17:2 “as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should[fn] give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.

Jhn 17:3 “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
 
I urge all to read the entirety of John 17!


Satan offers the opposite of life - especially when we consider where and how a person will spend his or her life in eternity.

Jesus told us about Satan's schemes as they were recorded in the Bible throughout his 3 year ministry on earth.  The following verse contains the warning of three active words that represent Satan's intentions against God and His creation, "to steal, to kill, and destroy."

John 10:10

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

First, the enemy of our souls comes to steal. Then, he takes it further with the intention to kill.  What's more, he comes to destroy. What does he attempt to destroy? All that is good that comes from God!  Therefore, those who think that the freedom to sin is profitable to them have their priorities seriously wrong and twisted!

Wonderfully, Jesus doesn't end the verse with what the "thief" intends to do.  He informs us that his purpose is to "come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

John 17 (NKJV)

Jesus Prays for Himself   1 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should [fn] give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.   Jesus Prays for His Disciples   6 “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7 Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. 8 For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.   9 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. 10 And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, [fn] that they may be one as We are. 12 While I was with them in the world, [fn] I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; [fn] and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.   Jesus Prays for All Believers   20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will [fn] believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. 24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. 26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”

NKJV Footnotes

(17:2) M-Text reads shall. 
(17:11) NU-Text and M-Text read keep them through Your name which You have given Me. 
(17:12) NU-Text omits in the world. 
(17:12) NU-Text reads in Your name which You gave Me. And I guarded them; (or it;). 
(17:20) NU-Text and M-Text omit will.  

 

Hat tip:  Blue Letter Bible

Brain Study and Bible Study

The following is a brain exercise that I found over at the TEA Party Community website.  Apparently, if you can read it then you have a strong mind.  I was able to read it!  See if you can!



Hat Tip:  Patricia D.

P.S. My brain needed a rest today from all the scandals! How many are we up to now...7? 8??

Speaking of the brain,  Solomon was granted wisdom from God, thus:

"And men of all nations, from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom, came to hear the wisdom of Solomon." - 1Ki 4:34

  

How can wisdom be measured?  I think that it is particularly evident in those who read, study, meditate on, share, memorize, preach, exhort, and learn Scripture.  Man's wisdom could never compare to the wisdom and knowledge of God!

The Bible is THE greatest book ever written.  It is the God-breathed message to all men,  via all of the writers of the books in the Bible who were each carried along by the Holy Spirit of God as they wrote down Scripture.  There are many benefits to reading the Bible.  And, it serves as a great respite from all the chaos going on in this deceptive, sinful, and destructive world of immorality and relativistic havoc!

Phl 4:8   Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Love you Jesus!

~  Christine

Seeing Yourself Biblically vs. as an I AM Imposter [Video link added!]

One of the reviews in the back of  Pastor Miles McPherson's new book, "God in the Mirror - Discovering Who You Were Created To Be." is written by Mark Driscoll, founding and preaching pastor, Mars Hill Church; NY Times bestselling author:

"In this helpful book, Pastor Miles shows us that unless we see ourselves biblically we will have a false identity that leads to a life of misery."

Since I am only on chapter 8, the following discussion does not cover the entirety of what you will learn from the book.  However, it is a brief discussion, including some analysis from Scripture, about the overall importance of what is discussed in chapter 2.


Pastor Miles writes:

Once you have adopted Satan's identity for yourself apart from God, you have to validate that identity by proving your value and importance. You become chained to earning acceptance and approval, always working to be something, to make something of yourself. The devil will be right in your face challenging your identity, like he challenged Jesus by demanding He prove Himself in Matthew 4: "If you're the Son of God, prove it! Do this, if you are the Son of God, do that." The devil will confront you in the same way.

Pastor Miles goes on to describe some of the bad or sinful ways that Satan will go about tempting you to "prove" yourself.

This section got me to thinking about all of the craziness, corruption, and chaos that people create in their own lives, which then affects other people and their lives.

Why?

 It all starts because they have "exchanged the truth for a lie."

I suggest reading the entirety of Romans 1.

The Romans 1:25 verse informs us:

Rom 1:25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

However, reading some of the prior verses as well as the verses following Romans 1:25, puts what Paul is talking about into more clarity:

Rom 1:22	Professing to be wise, they became fools,

Rom 1:23

and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

Rom 1:24

Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,

The verses following Romans 1:25 tell us what RESULTS from uncleanness, lusts of the heart, and dishonoring their own bodies:

Rom 1:26	For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.
	Rom 1:27	Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

Homosexuality is being presented these days as "the new normal." But God's Word tells us differently. It isn't "the new normal" - it has always been an abomination and sin before God's eyes.

Note that Paul mentions "vile passions." This passage includes heterosexual sexual sins as well (like pornography, adultery, abortion, prostitution, bigamy, polygamy, bestiality etc.).

Paul goes on to write many other sins that people get involved in and how they are negatively affected by them. The I AM imposter is fervently fed by such things:


Rom 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

Rom 1:29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, [fn] wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,

Rom 1:30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Rom 1:31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, [fn] unmerciful;


We could all probably spend days, weeks, months and even years giving examples of those who have been caught up in such vile acts and actions. It is truly awful to see how debased minds in government, in the media, in Hollywood, in aberrant businesses, in liberal/progressive colleges, in public education, in heretical churches etc. have changed America - and not for the better!

So, what do we do about it?

I think that Pastor Miles book helps give us direction regarding such matters.

He writes:

"You could spend a lot of years manipulating people or fooling yourself into being a little god, an I Am imposter, whatever he (Satan) has convinced you to be. What a waste of time. Would you agree that Satan has been successful in wearing you out trying to prove yourself, to be someone that God never intended you to be? I know people who spend their entire lives trying to fulfill someone else's vision or expectations for their lives, when in fact they would have been so much more fulfilled sticking to God's plan for them."

Pastor Miles provides a chart that gives a comparison between your I AM factor and the characteristics God intended for your identity, and those associated with an I AM imposter identity. God intended for you to rest in who He made you to be. Satan's identity will result in nothing but restlessness and unnecessary striving.

God's truth to His image bearers:                               The devil's lies to
                                                                                         everyone:
You're My success. (Josh. 1:8)                                     You're a failure.

You're My winner. (Phil. 3:13-14)                               You're a loser.

You're unique in My family. (Ps. 139:12-14)             You're better than
                                                                                        others.
You're filled with My promises. (Heb. 6:12)              You're hopeless.

You can do all things through Me. (Phil. 4:13)          You can't do anything
                                                                                        right.
I am the Lord who heals you. (Ps. 103:3)                   You'll always be weak
                                                                                        and sick.
You are born for "such a time as this."                      You don't get the
(Esther 4:14)                                                                  breaks others do.
And will long enjoy the work of your hands.
(Isa. 65:22)

Everything under heaven is Mine. (Job 41:11)           I can give you the
                                                                                        world!
You're loved with an everlasting love.                        Nobody loves you.
(Jer. 31:3)

This is only the beginning, people. Much, much more in the book that will help you in regards to finding your true identity in Jesus Christ!

My prayer is the same as Pastor Miles:

My prayer is that God opens your eyes and reveals to you who you are and where your life is going so you will not allow it to be destroyed by Satan's lies.

Amen!



Video link update! View the 6-week series on God In The Mirror:

Pastor Miles McPherson: God In The Mirror

New Mini-Series: The Bible

Episode 1: Beginnings

The Bible: Cast Gallery

Episode 2: Homeland

Photo credit: The Bible: History.com 

*******

I heard about the new, upcoming mini-series entitled, "The Bible" on a segment of The O'Reilly Factor.  It will begin this Sunday, March 3, 2013 on The History Channel!

Finally there is something very worthwhile to see on television!  I will be watching and recording the entire series!

~  Christine





Political Christian writes:

Mark Burnett, executive producer of The Apprentice and Roma Downey of Touched By An Angel and other wholesome small screen programs have created a ten hour miniseries to be shown on the History Channel, named, appropriately enough, The Bible.

I have not had the opportunity to view the production yet, however the word from some people who I trust and respect, is that it is an honest portrayal of the stories found in God’s Word. Why, one would ask, if the program is so great, would the epic begin its life on the History Channel instead of one of the major networks. It seems that these networks were not interested in this Judeo-Christian portrayal of the lives of Biblical heroes and villains. To their secular mindset, which some have labeled “anti-Christian bigotry”, there is no market for such fare… and if there is, they certainly are not going to cater to it.

They don’t believe you and I exist, or at least that we are not worthy of recognition and acceptance. It also appears that they do not think we would rather watch something uplifting like this instead of the usual perverted, socialist propaganda that passes for entertainment. In other words, they think we are just Bible thumping hypocrites. While we are far from the people we would like to be, or we were created to be, it would be good for such people to see that there is a desire and willingness to support programs such as The Bible. It would be good for the world to see that we are trying to live by the values we say we stand for.

But more than the external benefits of Christians coming together to view this spectacle, viewing a retelling of the stories contained in God’s Word, can help build our faith, commitment and righteousness. Understanding that the heroes of the faith were real flesh and blood people who walked the earth as we do, and had struggles like we do, can only help build within us a greater concept of what each of us can do if we turn ourselves over to our Creator – relying on His wisdom and His power, instead of our own.
 

Hat tip:

Political Christian.org

Genuine Hope

It is interesting to note that The Handbook of Bible Application [abbreviated below as "HBA"] uses the terms "anticipation," "confidence," and "faith" as synonyms for the term "hope."

BHO ran his 2008 political campaign utilizing the terms "hope" and "change." For many voters (the ones who rejected BHO's first term and subsequently, his second term),  the promises of that campaign ended up turning out to be more like hopelessness and chains of restrictions designed to destroy our beloved Constitutional Republic.

How should we respond to feelings of hopelessness?

There is no one in Scripture better than Job to study when it comes to depression, desperation, and discouragement. [Note:  If unfamiliar with the book of Job, read Job 1:1-22].

Job 1:20 Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped.

Job 1:21 And he said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD."

Job 1:22 In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.

Excerpt from HBA:

Remember that we live in a fallen world.   As we see calamity and suffering in the book of Job, we must remember that we live in a fallen world where good behavior is not always rewarded and bad behavior is not always punished.  When we see a notorious criminal prospering or an innocent child in pain, we say, "That's wrong,."  And it is.  Sin has twisted justice and made our world unpredictable and ugly.

Remember that God is sovereign.  The book of Job shows a good man suffering for no apparent fault of his own.  Sadly, our world is like that.  But Job's story does not end in despair.  Through Job's life we can see that faith in God is justified even when our situations look hopeless.  Faith based on rewards or prosperity is hollow.  To be unshakable, faith must be built on the confidence that God's ultimate purpose will come to pass. (1)
 

Also read Psalm 69:1-36  and realize that hopelessness is an opportunity to trust God.

Read Isaiah 22:1-25 which will help you to keep God's promises in mind.

 

For more about genuine hope and finding true happiness, please view:

 David Jeremiah.org: Beautiful in His Time

[Note:  If pressed for time, you can drag the cursor at bottom of video ahead to 18:20 to get to Dr. Jeremiah's message.]

Events in our lives may seem confusing or even mysterious to us at times, but in God’s time, His plans and purposes are good.

 

 HBA:
 

What are the sources of a believer's hope?

BIBLE READING:  Leviticus 26:1-46

KEY BIBLE VERSE:  Despite all this, I will not utterly reject or despise them while they are in exile in the land of their enemies.  I will not cancel my covenant with them by wiping them out, I, the LORD, am their God. (Leviticus 26:44)

A Christian's hope is based on God's faithfulness.  These verse show what God meant when he said he is slow to anger (Exodus 34:6).  Even if the Israelites chose to disobey and were scattered among their enemies, God would still give them the opportunity to repent and return to him.  His purpose was not to destroy them, but to help them grow.  Our day-to-day experiences and hardships are sometimes overwhelming; unless we can see that God's purpose is to bring about continual growth in us, we may despair.  The hope we need is well expressed in Jeremiah 29:11-12:  " 'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord.  "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen,'"  Retaining a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen.' "  Retaining hope while we suffer shows we understand God's merciful ways of relating to his people. (2)


If you take the time to listen to Dr. Jeremiah's message today, you will have a huge amount of further insight into how a Christian's hope is based on God's faithfulness!

HBA:

BIBLE READING:  Mark 5:21-43

KEY BIBLE VERSE:  Jesus ignored their comments and said to Jairus, "Don't be afreaid.  Just trust me."  (Mark 5:36)

Hope comes from trusting Christ.   Jairus's crisis made him feel confused, afraid, and without hope.  Jesus' words to Jairus in the midst of crisis speak to us as well:  "Don't be afraid.  Just trust me."  In Jesus' mind, there was both hope and promise.  The next time you feel hopeless and afraid, look at your problem from Jesus' point of view.  He is the source of all hope and promise.
 

When a mere mortal person (especially politicians!) claim to be "the source of all hope and promise," we know that they are lying! 

It was very refreshing to recently hear Senator Marco Rubio state that despite the fact that Time magazine put him on their cover and labeled him as "the savior of the Republican Party," he rejected that title and stressed that there is only ONE SAVIOR - JESUS CHRIST.

HBA:

BIBLE READING:  Romans 5:1-11

KEY BIBLE VERSE:  Since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.  Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory.  (Romans 5:1-2) (3)

Is that one of the greatest verses you have ever read??  It is for me!!  I often write about how grateful we should be because of Christ's promises in Scripture.  The Romans verse expresses THE greatest of them all.

HBA:

Hope comes from remembering all that God has done for us.   As Paul states clearly in 1 Corinthians 13:13, faith , hope, and love are at the heart of the Christian life.   Our relationship with God begins with faith, which helps us realize that we are delivered from our past by Christ's death.  Hope grows as we learn all that God has in mind for us; it gives us the promise of the future.  And God's love fills our life and gives us the ability to reach out to others. (4)

Witnessing to unbelievers is more challenging today than in the past.  Why?  Because there are more people who have never read or studied the Bible and they have no idea about the truth it contains!  Plus, many can be swept away by false religions, cults, and even the occult.  People celebrating Satan these days don't even think it's wrong!    The next paragraph will help you through:

HBA:

Hope grows as we depend on God in the difficult times.  For first century Christians, suffering was the rule rather than the exception.  Paul tells us that in the future we will become, but until then we must overcome.  This means we will experience difficulties that help us grow.  We rejoice in suffering not because we like pain or deny its tragedy, but because we know God is using life's difficulties and Satan's attacks to build our character.  The problems that we run into will develop our perseverance--which in turn will strengthen our character, deepen our trust in God, and give us greater confidence about the future.  You probably find your patience tested in some way every day.  Thank God for those opportunities to grow, and deal with them in his strength (see also James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7). (5)

The joy of celebrating God's mercy, grace, and love through the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ, never, ever gets old!  The eternal promises that have been given to His children are just that...eternal!
Once a believer has given his old life over to Christ, his new life begins immediately and as Scripture tells us, "no one can snatch him out of His hands."

There is NOTHING on this earth that can satisfy that deep desire to know and fellowship with Jesus Christ.  There is a reason for this.  God has placed eternity into our hearts.  There will always be a hole there, in the spot where Jesus Christ needs to indwell each and every one of us in the form of the Holy Spirit.   Until that moment of surrender we cannot turn the "hole in the heart"  into being made whole again spiritually through Christ!

HBA:

BIBLE READING:  1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
KEY BIBLE VERSE:  Brothers and sisters, I want you to know what will happen to the Christians who have died so you will not be full of sorrow like people who have no hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13)

Hope grows as we remember the promise of the Resurrection.  Because Jesus Christ came back to life, so will all believers.  All Christians, including those living when Christ returns, will live with Christ forever.  Therefore, we need not despair when loved ones die or world events take a tragic turn.  God will turn our tragedies to triumphs, our poverty to riches, our pain to glory, and our defeat to victory.  All believers throughout history will stand reunited in God's very presence, safe and secure.  As Paul comforted the Thessalonians with the promise of the Resurrection, so we should comfort and reassure each other with this great hope. (6)

As believers in Christ, we have confidence, faith, and trust in the God of the universe!  What could possibly compare to that?

Reference source:

(1)  The Handbook of Bible Application.  Second Edition, A Guide for Applying the Bible to Everyday Life, Neil S. Wilson, Editor, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois.  pp. 300-301.
(2)  Ibid.  pp. 299.
(3)  Ibid.  pp. 299.
(4)  Ibid.  pp. 300.
(5)  Ibid.  pp. 300.
(6)  Ibid.  pp. 300.

The Essence of All Essential Wisdom

"In the Bible we have the mind of God revealed, the state of man disclosed, the problems of life described, and the mysteries of eternity explained.  Within its stories, sermons, poems, proverbs, prophecies, and promises we find everything we need to know for life and godliness, for time and eternity.

The essence of all essential wisdom is between its covers.  Without the Bible we're lost; it's our map,  Without it we're confused; it's our guide.,  Without it we're doomed; it's our lifeline.  It makes us wise unto salvation (2 Timothy 3:15), and its exceedingly great and precious promises enable us to be "partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Peter 1:4).  It's milk to the thirsty and meat to the hungry (Hebrews 5:12-14).  It's a sword for the defense of the mind (Hebrews 4:12) and a mirror for improving our attitudes and behavior (James 1:23-25).  It's seed for our thoughts (1 Peter 1:23), a lamp for the darkness (Psalm 119:105), gold for the poor in spirit (Psalm 19:10), an anchor for the soul (Hebrews 6:18-19), and our daily bread for strength and nourishment (Matthew 4:4)."

From:

Turning Points Magazine and Devotional, January, 2013 pp. 18-19.

The Angel of the Lord in Old Testament

A few weeks ago, I had a long conversation with some Jehovah's Witnesses (JW's) who were canvassing my block.  We had an interesting conversation.  I knew that as a group, they are told not to vote so I asked them if they were happy that BHO was re-elected.  Many of them said "no," but....and then went on to share why they don't vote and why we must honor those who are elected to office.

Honor? I said in disbelief! 

When I asked them if the German people should have "honored" a murdering tyrant like Hitler who killed 6 million Jews, as well as millions more (including Christians); they really didn't have a good answer.  When I pressed them about why their organization forbids them to vote, one young lady answered, "because Jesus wasn't political."

Well...THAT'S because He is the Son of God!  He had to be about the business of His Father in heaven.  Does that mean that as believers and followers of Christ we should not be involved in politics?  Simple answer:  NO!

Prior to that brief discussion about politics, I asked them two pertinent questions that negate their organization's beliefs and might challenge their adherence to their religion.

First, I pointed out that when Jesus taught the disciples to pray and baptize new converts, he told them to:



Mat 28:19   "Go therefore [fn] and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,


Mat 28:20   "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, [even] to the end of the age." Amen. [fn]


I asked them why the term "name" is in the singular?  No one answered so I went on to explain that JW's are in error when they claim that Christians who believe in the Trinity are "worshipping three gods."  I explained that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are "three persons in one God."  The term "trinity" isn't in the Bible, but it is man's way of describing the concept of  "three persons in one God." 

It is important to recognize what Jesus said the Matthew verses.  They were all stated after he was resurrected!

 Note the preceding verses:



Mat 28:16   Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them.

Mat 28:17   When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.

Mat 28:18   And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.


During his three year ministry on earth, Jesus claimed that he and the Father are one.  This fact answers why "all authority has been given to Him in heaven and on earth."  Jesus is God!!  He humbled himself and became man for our sakes - and for our redemption and salvation.

Notice that even though the resurrected Jesus stood before the disciples - some doubted.  This is an indication that even though people actually witnessed Jesus' resurrection from the dead - some still doubted.

Fast forward to today. There are millions of people who refuse to recognize Jesus as Lord - even some who would consider themselves to be in a "Christian" religion. Many are known as being liberal while adhering to the cross less gospel. Others are cults (various forms of heresy) that skew what is written in the Bible for their own purposes. This is why it is IMPERATIVE that you read and study the Bible for yourself - so that you can recognize the errors of cults, heresies, and the cross less gospel liberals who would steer you away from the One True God, His Word - the Bible, and His Living Word - Jesus Christ.

Back to the JW's.

I asked them who they thought was the "Angel of the Lord" in the Old Testament.  I gave an example saying, "who was it that Jacob wrestled with."  One answered, "that's Michael."  So I quizzed them further and shared that whenever the term "angel" was used in the Old Testament, most Bible scholars agree that it was a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. 

Here is  one example:

Gen 48:16 The Angel who has redeemed me from all evil, Bless the lads; Let my name be named upon them, And the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; And let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth."

Only God can redeem people from evil!

Two excellent websites that share more information about this:

Lamb and Lion Ministries: The Angel of the Lord His Identity, Manifestations, and Roles

Reformation Online: Christ in the Old Testament

The JW's claimed that it was Michael who appeared as the "angel of the Lord" in the Old Testament. 

I encouraged the JW's who chatted with me outside on my street (I was walking my dogs at the time) to do some research into these differences and not to rely on what any religious leader might say.  We all need to seek the truth from God's Word before accepting what any man might tell us.  In fact, any pastor who is genuine and biblically oriented will tell his congregation to research the Bible for the truth regarding any topic that he preaches on.   Pastors can make mistakes because they are human.  However, when a "mistake" is monumental (like the example below), then it is very important to discover whether or not such a pastor is trustworthy in the future.

I told them the story about a pastor who wrote a hugely popular book a few years back (Rick Warren:  Purpose Driven Life) and how during a Bible study leader meeting, a video was shown where Rick Warren discussed the upcoming "Purpose Driven Life" Bible study series.  At one crucial point in the video, Warren completely left out the need to repent of our sins before accepting Jesus Christ into our hearts as Lord and Savior!  I told them how alarming that was for me and two other women at the leader's Bible study meeting!

I don't know if my concerns about the  JW religion fell upon deaf ears or not, but I hope that they will consider what I said and do some necessary research on sound doctrine to find out the truth.

Hat Tips to all links.
Blue Letter Bible