Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Learning His Longsuffering
I recently came down with a coughing cold. Yesterday I left for work around 2:30pm. It is always a blessing to work with Rod and Charles, but I must confess I was glad to see the clock reach the stopping time. Didn't get home till after 4am this morning. Showered and laid my head on the pillow just before 5am.
A few hours later, I rose and went to the local abortion mill. This is something the Lord has put on my heart to do twice a week Wednesdays and Saturdays, speaking for life and witnessing for Christ. This morning I felt miserable, and could very well have stayed home, being sick and exhausted. But I chose to go, because those women need to hear a witness and know that their child's life should be defended, not destroyed (Proverbs 31:8).
I stood alone on the sidewalk, pleading with mothers on behalf of their unborn children. How hard it is to see them refuse to listen, and hear their hard speeches! I spoke the truth in love and offered help and information, but was rejected and despised. But, Lord, even when I am despised, I will not forget Thy precepts (Psalm 119:141). I remember that Jesus my Redeemer has been there before me (Isaiah 53:3).
It must be a horrible thing for a mother to steel herself to do, so that, once decided, they were adamant to cling to their decision. Some of them were brought by boyfriends, friends, and at least one girl of about 16 was there with her mom. When hands join in hands, there is often false confidence. These desperate ladies and their companions were repeatedly making excuses for their actions, cursed at me, and even threatened that I would be beaten up or even killed just for being there.
I think that I have been given a very finite glimpse of a slice of what my Lord describes:
"I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts;" (Isaiah 65:2).
"But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people." (Romans 10:21).
"For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not." (Isaiah 30:15).
"Because they have not hearkened to my words, saith the LORD, which I sent unto them by my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them; but ye would not hear, saith the LORD." (Jeremiah 29:19).
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (Matthew 23:37).
How great my awe to know that the almighty God of the Bible so loved the world that He would come to give his own lifeblood (Ephesians 1:7) and seek to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10), while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8).
Makes me think of the hymn, which says:
"Wounded and bleeding,
for sinners pleading,
blind and unheeding,
dying for me."
The Saviour of the world was rejected, but gave His life a ransom for all. Think of it--He died to redeem Adam's rebellious race! And all who turn to Him in faith can be saved from all their sin. How can I give up serving in a hard ministry, when He did so much more for me when I was still His enemy? Only but for His grace, I would still be a hell-bound sinner myself. Praise the Lord for His mercy and His long suffering.
Therefore, I shall not only continue to stand for truth, and speak for life, and preach the Gospel, but I will also invite and encourage other believers to be faithful and obedient to the word of our God and Saviour. No matter the heartbreak and rejection, the truth is worth being shared, and you never know when someone will hear and turn to do right. God will not let his words fall to the ground (II Kings 10:10) or return void (Isaiah 55:11).
I pray that the Lord will use my words today to continue to work in the hearts of these needy souls, and draw them to Himself. Fruit from this type of ministry is not always seen by the worker, but God gives the increase. And occasionally we see it. For instance, last Saturday, a couple at the same place decide to leave and save their child's life, thanks to the pleading of a sidewalk counselor.
"He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." (Psalm 126:6).
There is still time to win a battle before the sun goes down.
Abortion must be abolished.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Husbands and Fathers - Stand Fast! Save the Women and Children!
Hearken Oh, Brothers! Have you heard of Maritime Manhood Memorial Day? It is not actually an official holiday, but perhaps its should be.
Yesterday was the 160th anniversary of the Birkenhead shipwreck.
The date was February 26, 1852. The British H.M.S. “Birkenhead” was en route to South Africa. This troopship held over seven hundred, which included the crew of sailors and also the passengers -- men, women and children. They were soldiers and their families sent to reinforce the troops engaged in the Kaffir Wars.
The ship itself was typical of the glorious power and industry of her generation. She was one of the first iron-hulled vessels of war. The crew and passengers had no fear in regard to her seaworthiness. But at 2:00 a.m. on that fateful day, the ship struck aground off Cape Danger. Within 20 minutes, she had sunk.
In those moments before she submerged, the soldiers and sailors made a valiant decision: “Stand fast! Save the women and children!” They would give their lives for the women and children. So their wives and babes were loaded into the limited number of lifeboats and so escaped. The more than 400 soldiers willingly stood at attention on deck and allowed them to get to safety. Then when the ship went down, those who foundered in the water refused to swim for the boats, lest they should capsize the little vessels.
The remaining men struck out for shore, but there was another danger. Sharks! Many were ravaged by these frenzied man-eaters. Slightly more than 80 men reached the shore alive. Hundreds lost their lives, yet not one woman or child suffered injury.
The story of the “Birkenhead” drill was told for many years. It was that event which established the principle of “Women and children first.”
The famous writer Rudyard Kipling wrote a poem of the account:
“So they stood an’ was still to the Birkenhead Drill, soldier an’ sailor too!”
Sadly, it is now one of those great accounts that people have forgotten out of mind in recent years.
These men thought more of their families than their own lives. So they braved the sinking ship and terrible sharks, in order for the next generation to be protected.
In these uncertain days of rocky seas, stormy gales, and shipwrecks men NEED to shew themselves to be MEN.
While multitudes are: running about "seeking the ports" of their own desires, pushing and shoving to not "miss the boat", "casting off" all restraint, "weighing anchor" on their responsibilities, and putting their own interests and agendas before their families WE must follow a DIFFERENT course.
We need to see that the Captain of our salvation has given us orders! We need to read His ship's articles! While others are "bailing out" of their roles, let us stand fast.
When the wind of the gale rips across the deck, let us HOLD FAST! We need to see and do our duty. When you read the Captain's orders, do not choose your own way by demanding, "I! I!" Answer, "Aye, aye!"
We must take the responsibility to nurture and teach our wives and children, or else we will witness their shipwrecked lives and souls. Let us cry, "Oh, Lord my Captain! Let me not lead my family into shipwreck, let not my wife and children castaways (I Corinthians 9:27)! Teach me to truly be the husband and father my family needs!"
If we are not faithful in little things, how can we be expected to be faithful in the great things? Give your life daily for your wife and little ones! What should our response be when we must choose between our own agendas and the spiritual well-being of our households? The same as the men of the Birkenhead:
"Stand Fast! Save the Women and Children!"
Fellow husband, and fellow father, how are you living each day to bless, protect, and give your life for your wife and your children? To the man who is yet unmarried, how will you live today in order to be properly prepared for the time, Lord willing, when you are a husband and father? Your actions today are either hindering future rewards or laying down a proper foundation. "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it" (Ephesians 5:25). Seek ye out of the Book of the Lord and read, then live thereby.
There is still time to win a battle before the sun goes down. Abortion must be abolished.
Yesterday was the 160th anniversary of the Birkenhead shipwreck.
The date was February 26, 1852. The British H.M.S. “Birkenhead” was en route to South Africa. This troopship held over seven hundred, which included the crew of sailors and also the passengers -- men, women and children. They were soldiers and their families sent to reinforce the troops engaged in the Kaffir Wars.
The ship itself was typical of the glorious power and industry of her generation. She was one of the first iron-hulled vessels of war. The crew and passengers had no fear in regard to her seaworthiness. But at 2:00 a.m. on that fateful day, the ship struck aground off Cape Danger. Within 20 minutes, she had sunk.
In those moments before she submerged, the soldiers and sailors made a valiant decision: “Stand fast! Save the women and children!” They would give their lives for the women and children. So their wives and babes were loaded into the limited number of lifeboats and so escaped. The more than 400 soldiers willingly stood at attention on deck and allowed them to get to safety. Then when the ship went down, those who foundered in the water refused to swim for the boats, lest they should capsize the little vessels.
The remaining men struck out for shore, but there was another danger. Sharks! Many were ravaged by these frenzied man-eaters. Slightly more than 80 men reached the shore alive. Hundreds lost their lives, yet not one woman or child suffered injury.
The story of the “Birkenhead” drill was told for many years. It was that event which established the principle of “Women and children first.”
The famous writer Rudyard Kipling wrote a poem of the account:
“So they stood an’ was still to the Birkenhead Drill, soldier an’ sailor too!”
Sadly, it is now one of those great accounts that people have forgotten out of mind in recent years.
These men thought more of their families than their own lives. So they braved the sinking ship and terrible sharks, in order for the next generation to be protected.
In these uncertain days of rocky seas, stormy gales, and shipwrecks men NEED to shew themselves to be MEN.
While multitudes are: running about "seeking the ports" of their own desires, pushing and shoving to not "miss the boat", "casting off" all restraint, "weighing anchor" on their responsibilities, and putting their own interests and agendas before their families WE must follow a DIFFERENT course.
We need to see that the Captain of our salvation has given us orders! We need to read His ship's articles! While others are "bailing out" of their roles, let us stand fast.
When the wind of the gale rips across the deck, let us HOLD FAST! We need to see and do our duty. When you read the Captain's orders, do not choose your own way by demanding, "I! I!" Answer, "Aye, aye!"
We must take the responsibility to nurture and teach our wives and children, or else we will witness their shipwrecked lives and souls. Let us cry, "Oh, Lord my Captain! Let me not lead my family into shipwreck, let not my wife and children castaways (I Corinthians 9:27)! Teach me to truly be the husband and father my family needs!"
If we are not faithful in little things, how can we be expected to be faithful in the great things? Give your life daily for your wife and little ones! What should our response be when we must choose between our own agendas and the spiritual well-being of our households? The same as the men of the Birkenhead:
"Stand Fast! Save the Women and Children!"
Fellow husband, and fellow father, how are you living each day to bless, protect, and give your life for your wife and your children? To the man who is yet unmarried, how will you live today in order to be properly prepared for the time, Lord willing, when you are a husband and father? Your actions today are either hindering future rewards or laying down a proper foundation. "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it" (Ephesians 5:25). Seek ye out of the Book of the Lord and read, then live thereby.
There is still time to win a battle before the sun goes down. Abortion must be abolished.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
The Nile Turning to Blood
Question asked: "Is there any evidence that remains from the Nile turning to blood during Moses time? Someone was asking me this just the other day and I really have no answer. It does seem odd though, if it were blood that there would still be evidence somewhere in the Mediterranean…"
Good question! I do not know of any discoveries of blood found today in the Mediterranean Sea that remains from when the Nile turned to blood. There may be evidences of this that have not yet come to the surface.
Good question! I do not know of any discoveries of blood found today in the Mediterranean Sea that remains from when the Nile turned to blood. There may be evidences of this that have not yet come to the surface.
However it must be realized that the waters of the Mediterranean (and oceans too) are fantastic recyclers, which is an amazing evidence of the earth's design. Without that feature, the planet would soon be corrupted with blood and multitudes of rotting bodies, and life as we know it would cease to exist. Of course we know that, whether or not evidence is found, the Bible is true, for God cannot lie.
I think that the answer to this query can be found in the Bible in both Exodus 4 and Exodus 7.
In Exodus chapter 4, God has told Moses to go to Egypt, and Moses says the people would not believe him. God gives three signs that would establish that Moses was from God:
"And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee."
First sign:
And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod. And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it. And the LORD said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand: That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee."
We find that God turns Moses' rod to a serpent, and then changes it back with no evidence of what it had just been.
Second sign:
And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow. And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh. And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign."
We find that God turns Moses' hand to leprosy, and then changes it back with no evidence of the former disease.
Third sign:
"And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry land" (Exodus 4:1-9).
God does not do this with Moses in the wilderness, because the Nile wasn't present to draw from. However, it is entirely possible that after it was used to give witness of God's appointment of Moses to bring the people out, that the blood would turn back to water, with no evidence of ever being blood. In Exodus 4:29-31, Moses and Aaron delivered God's message to the enslaved Hebrews and "...did the signs in the sight of the people. And the people believed..."
Now let's go to the plague of blood, the first of ten plagues that God did unto Egypt. Each plague showed God's power and exposing the various Egyptian gods as fake and powerless (Numbers 33:4; Psalm 78:12,43-44, etc.). The plague of blood was against the fraudulent god of the Nile. Let's read the passage: "And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt. And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said. And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also. And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river. And seven days were fulfilled, after that the LORD had smitten the river." (Exodus 7: 20-25).
I think that the answer to this query can be found in the Bible in both Exodus 4 and Exodus 7.
In Exodus chapter 4, God has told Moses to go to Egypt, and Moses says the people would not believe him. God gives three signs that would establish that Moses was from God:
"And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee."
First sign:
And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod. And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it. And the LORD said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand: That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee."
We find that God turns Moses' rod to a serpent, and then changes it back with no evidence of what it had just been.
Second sign:
And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow. And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh. And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign."
We find that God turns Moses' hand to leprosy, and then changes it back with no evidence of the former disease.
Third sign:
"And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry land" (Exodus 4:1-9).
God does not do this with Moses in the wilderness, because the Nile wasn't present to draw from. However, it is entirely possible that after it was used to give witness of God's appointment of Moses to bring the people out, that the blood would turn back to water, with no evidence of ever being blood. In Exodus 4:29-31, Moses and Aaron delivered God's message to the enslaved Hebrews and "...did the signs in the sight of the people. And the people believed..."
Now let's go to the plague of blood, the first of ten plagues that God did unto Egypt. Each plague showed God's power and exposing the various Egyptian gods as fake and powerless (Numbers 33:4; Psalm 78:12,43-44, etc.). The plague of blood was against the fraudulent god of the Nile. Let's read the passage: "And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt. And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said. And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also. And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river. And seven days were fulfilled, after that the LORD had smitten the river." (Exodus 7: 20-25).
During this plague, the Nile waters turned to blood. The fish died. The river stank. The Egyptians could not drink of the river. And it lasted for 7 days. By the time of the next plague (chapter 8), the river had returned to water. Looking at it from the Bible, I see no need of evidence of blood from the river being found in the Mediterranean, for it had done its purpose, and was changed back to water.
There is still time to win a battle before the sun goes down.
Friday, February 3, 2012
God's Fourfold Witness
I have been asked, "Why hasn't God left a witness of Himself so that people around the world will know of Him and will be drawn to Him for salvation? What about those who have never heard of Him? Is it fair that they go to Hell?"
The Bible tells us that all those who die without knowing Jesus Christ as their Saviour will be lost for ever in Hell. Sadly many will go that way that leadeth to destruction (Matthew 7:13). Some ask if that is fair. God is completely just. I would not call Him "fair." I do not want Him to be fair. If He was fair, He would give everyone what they deserve, and we all deserve eternity in HELL! Let me reiterate--I don't want Him to be fair, and neither should anyone one else who understands their sinful condition. "There is NONE that doeth good, no not one" (Romans 3:10-20,23). But God has made a way so that anyone who believes on Him can be saved (John 3:16), for He is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34).
"The Lord is not slack in His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (II Peter 3:9). He desires for all people to come to salvation through faith in Jesus. Jesus told his disciples to "Go ye therefore, and teach ALL NATIONS..." (Matthew 28:19), "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to EVERY CREATURE" (Mark 15:16), "...Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the UTTERMOST PART OF THE EARTH" (Acts 1:8). They were to preach the gospel to every nation, every tribe, every person. In Heaven, there will be people from every people group, every tribe, every language. This is a part of the song of praise those people will sing to the Lord Jesus Christ, God the Son: "...for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation" (Revelation 5:9).
God has made Himself known in many ways "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets..." (Hebrews 1:1). So each generation has had a testimony from the Lord.
Did you know that God has NOT left Himself without witness? He has given a fourfold testimony to people.
The Creation: "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. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world..." (Psalm 19:1-4). The creation, the heaven and the earth, declare God's existence and character, so that all are without excuse (Romans 1:20).
The Care: "...Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness" (Acts 14:15-17). He gives rains and sunshine to the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45). God has provided so much for our care, things that we need. He did this that we might seek him, as Paul preached on Mars Hill (Acts 17:27).
The Conscience: "For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel" (Romans 2:14-16). The conscience bears witness of right and wrong.
The Canon: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17) This is most very evident (Psalm 19:7-11), (II Timothy 3:14-17). He has given unto us the holy, infallible, perfect word of the living God, the canon of Scripture, the Bible. From creation to Christ, from beginning to end, it is the greatest testimony and and specific witness of the Lord, and we are to go and use it to "preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15, II Peter 1:19-21).
There are some books that tell of some of the redemptive analogies that God has put in cultures to give them opening to the Gospel. A couple of them are Eternity in Their Hearts and Peace Child by missionary Don Richardson.
I hope this is helpful in sharing how God has extended love and longsuffering (similar to patience) to all humanity, and has provided the "...Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11) to save us from all our sins. If we reject the witnesses He has given, and the way of salvation He has provided, then it is OUR fault, not God's.
The Bible tells us that all those who die without knowing Jesus Christ as their Saviour will be lost for ever in Hell. Sadly many will go that way that leadeth to destruction (Matthew 7:13). Some ask if that is fair. God is completely just. I would not call Him "fair." I do not want Him to be fair. If He was fair, He would give everyone what they deserve, and we all deserve eternity in HELL! Let me reiterate--I don't want Him to be fair, and neither should anyone one else who understands their sinful condition. "There is NONE that doeth good, no not one" (Romans 3:10-20,23). But God has made a way so that anyone who believes on Him can be saved (John 3:16), for He is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34).
"The Lord is not slack in His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (II Peter 3:9). He desires for all people to come to salvation through faith in Jesus. Jesus told his disciples to "Go ye therefore, and teach ALL NATIONS..." (Matthew 28:19), "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to EVERY CREATURE" (Mark 15:16), "...Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the UTTERMOST PART OF THE EARTH" (Acts 1:8). They were to preach the gospel to every nation, every tribe, every person. In Heaven, there will be people from every people group, every tribe, every language. This is a part of the song of praise those people will sing to the Lord Jesus Christ, God the Son: "...for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation" (Revelation 5:9).
God has made Himself known in many ways "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets..." (Hebrews 1:1). So each generation has had a testimony from the Lord.
Did you know that God has NOT left Himself without witness? He has given a fourfold testimony to people.
The Creation: "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. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world..." (Psalm 19:1-4). The creation, the heaven and the earth, declare God's existence and character, so that all are without excuse (Romans 1:20).
The Care: "...Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness" (Acts 14:15-17). He gives rains and sunshine to the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45). God has provided so much for our care, things that we need. He did this that we might seek him, as Paul preached on Mars Hill (Acts 17:27).
The Conscience: "For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel" (Romans 2:14-16). The conscience bears witness of right and wrong.
The Canon: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17) This is most very evident (Psalm 19:7-11), (II Timothy 3:14-17). He has given unto us the holy, infallible, perfect word of the living God, the canon of Scripture, the Bible. From creation to Christ, from beginning to end, it is the greatest testimony and and specific witness of the Lord, and we are to go and use it to "preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15, II Peter 1:19-21).
There are some books that tell of some of the redemptive analogies that God has put in cultures to give them opening to the Gospel. A couple of them are Eternity in Their Hearts and Peace Child by missionary Don Richardson.
I hope this is helpful in sharing how God has extended love and longsuffering (similar to patience) to all humanity, and has provided the "...Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11) to save us from all our sins. If we reject the witnesses He has given, and the way of salvation He has provided, then it is OUR fault, not God's.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Three Reasons Why Evolutionists Believe in Evolution...
Why do so many people, including scientists, believe in the religion of Evolutionism? I believe there are at least three reasons why this is so:
1. They are taught it from childhood and then indoctrinated to look at all evidence from the perspective of evolution. They trusted their teachers (many of whom trusted their teachers) and were brought up to see the evidence through those lens. They are only given one interpretation and the opposing view is not provided—by and large it is kept from them.
Here is an honest admission by a physicist who indicates the passionate commitment of established scientists to naturalism. Speaking of the trust students naturally place in their highly educated college professors, he says:
1. They are taught it from childhood and then indoctrinated to look at all evidence from the perspective of evolution. They trusted their teachers (many of whom trusted their teachers) and were brought up to see the evidence through those lens. They are only given one interpretation and the opposing view is not provided—by and large it is kept from them.
Here is an honest admission by a physicist who indicates the passionate commitment of established scientists to naturalism. Speaking of the trust students naturally place in their highly educated college professors, he says:
"And I use that trust to effectively brainwash them...Our teaching methods are primarily those of propaganda. We appeal--without demonstration--to evidence that supports our position. We only introduce arguments and evidence that supports the currently accepted theories and omit or gloss over any evidence to the contrary."
2. They want to keep their job and so there is a lot of pressure to "keep the faith." If a scientist comes to even doubt evolutionism,and makes it known, he is in danger of losing his jobs, tenure, grant funding, etc., and being laughed to scorn by colleagues and the media. Not an enviable position.
"http://creation.com/bird-breathing-anatomy-breaks-dino-to-bird-dogma:"
"But goo-to-you evolution in general, not just the dino-to-bird theory, has become a dogma. Most scientists believe in evolution not because of the evidence, but because most scientists believe it. I.e. the oft-touted consensus on evolution was reached by counting heads that themselves came to this consensus by counting heads. And when asked to provide evidence, many cannot make a good case—e.g. Feduccia’s best “proof” of evolution was not in his field of ornithology, but corn turning into corn!"
http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2007/05/17/scare-tactics
http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/2007/05/20/name-calling-against-creation-museum/
http://creation.com/countering-the-critics-questions-and-answers
3. They believe the theory because they choose to do so. If evolution is true then there is no God to answer to—and you can live how you want. Alduous Huxley, said that the reason why so many lept at the thought of evolution was because it made them feel free to engage in sexual immorality and perversion of his design, without the fear of God. (God told us there would be such people—Psalm 14:1-3; John 3:19-29; Romans 1:19-32; II Peter 3:37; Jude 14-19).
These people cannot find God for the same reason that a criminal cannot find a policeman! They do not want to find Him. But God is true, even if the whole world chooses to not believe in Him. And He will judge sin. All will stand before their Creator.
If someone desires to live without accountability and not have to worry about the coming judgment they can always adopt a "rescue device" in order to keep their worldview. If I wanted to believe you came from Mars, then it doesn't matter what evidence you provide, I can always interpret it and make excuses to keep my belief, no matter how silly it is.
But there are actually a lot of practicing scientists dissenting from Darwinism and Evolutionism, and there are many who believe in Creation and the Bible.
http://www.answersingenesis.org/home/area/bios/default.asp
I highly recommend the book "The Ultimate Proof of Creation." It logically and reasonably shows the worldviews of both sides and then demonstrates how the biblical worldview is the only correct and consistent worldview.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
I Have a Testimony Because of His Testimonies
"Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them" (Psalm 119:129).
This is a testimony about His testimonies.
Why don't we delight in the Book of books?
Why don't we delight in the Book of books?
It is the key to all wisdom, its precepts are true. Why should we not build a love for it in children?
My parents started reading the Scriptures to me from the time I was still in the womb. It was what was used to show me the way of salvation, and I received Jesus as my Saviour at age 3 1/2. All through my childhood and teen years, it was my joy and stay. Now it is a treasure and map for my life, and the sword with which I can do battle, and contend for souls!
My parents started reading the Scriptures to me from the time I was still in the womb. It was what was used to show me the way of salvation, and I received Jesus as my Saviour at age 3 1/2. All through my childhood and teen years, it was my joy and stay. Now it is a treasure and map for my life, and the sword with which I can do battle, and contend for souls!
God promises to bless those who meditate on it day and night.
Why do we neglect such a gift?
I have read the Bible through many times now in the past years, and continue to do so. Each time, I learn something new. Look up Psalm 119:97-104 to see a few of the great things that come from spending time with God in His word:
Those who meditate on God testimonies will
Those who meditate on God testimonies will
*love God's word
*be wiser than their enemies.
*understand more than their teachers.
*understand more than the ancients.
*refrain their feet from the evil way.
*not depart from God's way.
*will find God's words to be sweet and nourishing.
*understand more than their teachers.
*understand more than the ancients.
*refrain their feet from the evil way.
*not depart from God's way.
*will find God's words to be sweet and nourishing.
*will be able to recognize and reject false ways.
I memorized Psalm 119 back in 2007. It has been such
an overwhelming blessing to me. It is one of my favorite psalms. (I only have 150 favorite psalms!) :)
I give God the glory for saving and keeping a wretch like me, and I earnestly plead with you, brethren, by the mercies of
God, that you use your time for the Kingdom of God.
God, that you use your time for the Kingdom of God.
I would ask, What are your days but as an handbreadth? That is what Psalm 34:4-5 tells us. That is not much time. Another word for that is a "span." Ever hear of a lifespan? We don't have that long to be here!
If you know Jesus as your Saviour, "What on earth are you doing for Heaven's sake?" Are you studying and meditating
on Scripture as God has commanded and promised to bless?
(Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1)
on Scripture as God has commanded and promised to bless?
(Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1)
Are you actively witnessing, handing out tracts, sharing the gospel as our Saviour commissioned us to do? (Mark 16:15) What are you doing with the days you have left?
Should we not heed Paul's exhortation to be "redeeming the
time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16)? Does it not say, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom" (Psalm 90:12)? "...And he that winneth souls is wise" (Proverbs 11:30)?
Consider the following averages of how people use their time:
"How much time does the AVERAGE MAN who lives to be 70 spend on various activities? He will spend, according to Pace Productivity (who are experts in time use):"
23 years sleeping (8 hours a night)
19 years in leisure
7 years in travel
6 years in eating
3 years in illness
2 years in personal grooming
1 year in religious pursuits (such as church, prayer, bible reading, witnessing, etc.)
I SURE DON'T WANT TO BE THE AVERAGE MAN!
I sure don't want to have to stand before my Lord, and have to
tell Him that I wasted the breathe and time He gave me to spend hours and hours, days and days, weeks and weeks, months and months, years and years, doing questionable, or even OK activities, and neglected the real reason I was left on earth: To glorify my Creator and Saviour, by letting my light so shine, preaching the word, loving and spending time in the Bible, winning souls, being ready to give an answer about what I believe, standing against evil, encouraging my brethren in the Lord, and seeing God do MARVELOUS things!
May we wake up, sin not, and get to work, for some have not the knowledge of God, and it is to our shame. (Read I Corinthians 15:34)
I have seen people obsessed with video games, fanatic about sports, and passionate about cars, etc. This is usually seen as a fine, expected thing to get into. Why is it then considered some strange thing, when a Christian gets excited about being
passionate and open about the Bible and following what it says?
As David asked, "IS THERE NOT A CAUSE?" I wish to be a man of valor for Christ, driven by Gods will, directed by God's word, digging into God's work! That is a cause that I will cast myself into with all my heart! For the rewards are eternal. Read Psalm 119:139 to see the heart throb that we need for the Book. So many people have forgotten the words of God. They need to hear. Who will tell if you don't?
"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of
whom I am chief" (I Timothy 1:15).
"But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast know the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" (II Timothy 3:14-17).
There is still time to win a battle before the sun goes down.
19 years in leisure
7 years in travel
6 years in eating
3 years in illness
2 years in personal grooming
1 year in religious pursuits (such as church, prayer, bible reading, witnessing, etc.)
I SURE DON'T WANT TO BE THE AVERAGE MAN!
I sure don't want to have to stand before my Lord, and have to
tell Him that I wasted the breathe and time He gave me to spend hours and hours, days and days, weeks and weeks, months and months, years and years, doing questionable, or even OK activities, and neglected the real reason I was left on earth: To glorify my Creator and Saviour, by letting my light so shine, preaching the word, loving and spending time in the Bible, winning souls, being ready to give an answer about what I believe, standing against evil, encouraging my brethren in the Lord, and seeing God do MARVELOUS things!
May we wake up, sin not, and get to work, for some have not the knowledge of God, and it is to our shame. (Read I Corinthians 15:34)
I have seen people obsessed with video games, fanatic about sports, and passionate about cars, etc. This is usually seen as a fine, expected thing to get into. Why is it then considered some strange thing, when a Christian gets excited about being
passionate and open about the Bible and following what it says?
As David asked, "IS THERE NOT A CAUSE?" I wish to be a man of valor for Christ, driven by Gods will, directed by God's word, digging into God's work! That is a cause that I will cast myself into with all my heart! For the rewards are eternal. Read Psalm 119:139 to see the heart throb that we need for the Book. So many people have forgotten the words of God. They need to hear. Who will tell if you don't?
"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of
whom I am chief" (I Timothy 1:15).
"But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast know the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" (II Timothy 3:14-17).
There is still time to win a battle before the sun goes down.
Friday, July 15, 2011
A Bible Answer to 10 Questions
Someone recently brought a video to my notice, challenging Christians with 10 supposedly earth-(and faith)-shattering questions. The man who brought it up, said he had posted it on many Christian pages, but none of them had addressed it. I decided to make a note concerning these 10 Questions.
These are allegations made by people who do not want to believe in God. Most of them are questions that anyone who is grounded in the word of God can answer readily. The problem is that these atheists are not really looking for an answer. They are looking for a reason to NOT believe. If someone tried to explain the truth to them, they would probably turn on him (Matthew 7:6). They are without excuse, and are seeking followers (Romans 1:18-20,32). They are following the devil's scheme of sowing doubt among believers ("Hath God said...?" Genesis 3:1). Don't fight them according to their plan. Pray for them, and when ready and armed with the word of God, preach the word. There is a great book that shows that the only logical worldview is that of biblical creation. If you are interested, I would recommend that you get "The Ultimate Proof of Creation." It shows that the biblical creation worldview is the only logical and consistent worldview. You can find out more here - http://shopping.drdino.com/product-exec/product_id/931/nm/The_Ultimate_Proof_of_Creation/category_id/160.
As I looked at their points of question, I was sickened at their blasphemous attacks on the holy God who gave them breath, and then when mankind rebelled, shed His own blood to make the way for them to be saved from Hell. I was also struck by the utter ridiculousness of some of their arguments, which they seemed to think were unanswerable. Like the Sadducees, they "do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God" (Matthew 22:29). I will not spend much time in answering these. I am not surprised that they think themselves wise, for the Scripture saith of them that they are deceived and professing to be wise are fools (Romans 1:22; Psalm 14:1) As you continue to let the "word of Christ dwell in you richly" each day (Colossians 3:16), and meditate upon and apply the Book to your life, the Lord will teach you more and more to see life from His perspective.
10 Questions:
1. Why won't God heal amputees?
God does what He wants. He does things for His glory. Who is to say that He hasn't healed amputees at times? Multitudes of people came to Jesus and He healed them all (Matthew 4:24; 12:15; Luke 4:40; 6:19). He healed the amputated ear of Malchus in the Garden (John 18:10-11). John tells us that Jesus did many things that were not recorded in Scripture (John 21:25). Some of these could easily have been amputees. Let's look at one man healed in the Scriptures. Naaman was a leper. It was a disease that would often cause people to lose body parts, fingers, toes, hands, etc. The Bible tells us that when Naaman was healed, "his flesh came again" unto him (I Kings 5:14).
Conversely, there are many blind people, lame people, etc., throughout history who have not been healed but brought great glory to God. You have heard of Fanny Crosby? She was blinded as baby and never saw again in her life. Yet she accepted it from God and wrote over 10,000 hymns to praise Him and encourage other Christians. She was grateful for her blindness, and repeatedly said that she was glad she was sightless, because that meant the first face she'd see was the face of her Saviour. There are many testimonies like this of how God works marvelously and graciously through suffering!
2. Why are there so many starving children around the world?
We live in a cursed world because of sin (Romans 8:22). There is suffering indeed, and it is mankind's fault, not God's. In His love and mercy God has provided what mankind needs, but not everyone uses those resources properly. In India, for example, many people are starving, but the cattle are kept fat and healthy and no one eats them because they have been deceived by the devil into believing in reincarnation. The following link deals with this issue and shows that evolutionary thinking has caused much of it. http://www.answersingenesis.org/search/?q=Starving+children&search=Go#q=Starving+children&site=default_collection
3. Why does God demand the death of so many innocent people in the Bible?
There are NO innocent people (Ecclesiastes 7:20). Sin is NOT a trivial matter. http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2010/10/08/feedback-is-god-selfish-and-vindictive
4. Why does the Bible tell us so many things that we know are not scientifically accurate?
After this question, the narrator of the video lists the 6 day creation about 6,000 years ago, the worldwide flood, Jonah in the fish's belly, Adam from dust... He claims the stories are all nonsense. He does not provide any evidence that shows they are not true. He merely states that they are not true. The fact is nothing in the Bible has been disproved. Additionally, many atheists and evolutionists tout the VERY unscientific religious worldview of Evolutionism as fact! The man claims that real scientists know the Bible is nonsense, but here are just a few Web sites by real scientists who believe the Bible is true and that science affirms the Bible:
http://www.answersingenesis.org/
http://www.icr.org/
http://creation.com/
5. Why is God such a proponent of slavery in the Bible?
The man who made this video completely ignores that all societies at that time in history practiced slavery. God was not condoning it, merely recognizing its existence, and He forbade his people to mistreat their servants. By the way, slavery in Israel was completely different than that of other nations, including the slave trade in the Americas in the past centuries. Jesus came and preached freedom from the penalty and power of sin, which is a much greater bondage than slavery (John 8:36). The truth is that slavery was eradicated from the free world due to the actions of strong Bible-believing Christians like David Livingstone and William Wilberforce. http://www.answersingenesis.org/search/?q=Slavery+and+the+Bible&search=Go#q=Slavery+and+the+Bible&site=default_collection
6. Why do bad things happen to good people?
First of all, remember that there is none good, no not one (Psalm 14). Bad things happen because of the curse that was introduced because of the sin of mankind. That is not God's fault. It is OUR fault. But God can work things together good (Romans 8:38-39). Then look in the Bible and learn all the good that suffering for righteousness produces. For information see: http://www.answersingenesis.org/search/?q=Starving+children&search=Go#q=Bad+things+happen&site=default_collection
7. Why didn't any of Jesus' miracles in the Bible leave behind any evidence?
This is a ludicrous claim. Jesus was working great wonders, miraculously providing for people's needs, physical, mental, and spiritual. The man claims that there is no evidence left of Jesus' miracles. He is ignoring the mountain of historical evidence. We have the Bible's testimony, preserved for centuries for us to read, which is the most reliable and trustworthy document of antiquity, affirmed again and again by Archealogy and many other branches of science. Historical evidence is not to be cast aside lightly. How do we know that there really was an Alexander the Great? A Julius Caesar? A Henry the Eighth? An Abraham Lincoln? Because of history's record. And what's more, we do see evidence of the truth of His life and works. Especially his greatest miracle, which is still happening today. We see sinners saved by faith in the dead, buried, and risen Lord of all (Who was seen by recorded eye witnesses I Corinthians 15:3-7)! I am a sinner saved by grace, a new creature (II Corinthians 5:17). I was Hell-bound, now I'm Heaven-bound! There are millions and millions of testimonies from souls around the world and throughout history that have been changed. These are His miracles. Praise the name of Jesus!
8. How can we explain the fact of why Jesus has never appeared to you?
Jesus is not under our power. Why should the God of Heaven come at the behest of any demanding creature? Let's say that an ant challenged the owner of the railroad to come and step on him to show he was real. Why should the owner do so? That is a ridiculous claim of the man who made the video. Jesus has given us all the proof we need. He has given His blood for our sins. He has made His existence self-evident through His creation, and given us the Scriptures that we might know the truth. He says that those who will believe on Him without seeing are blessed (John 20:29-31).
9. Why would Jesus want you to eat His body and drink His blood?
Jesus never commanded us to eat His physical body or drink His physical blood. The elements of the Lord's Supper are not the actual body and blood of Christ. They are symbols. Bread and juice are eaten "in remembrance" of Him (I Corinthians 11:24-25). Our redemption is based on His shed blood for us, and so we have this ordinance to remember the work of Christ. To think they are literally the body and blood of the Lord is heresy and may be Catholic dogma, but is NOT Christian, nor is it biblical. Throughout the Bible and history, God forbade and forbids the eating of any blood. Jesus did NOT say to disobey the volume of the Book.
10. Why do Christians have the same divorce rate as nonchristians?
This is not because God's ways do not work. This actually shows that God's ways DO work. God's people are free to follow God's command or go their own way, but not without warning or consequence (Mark 10:9 and the volume of Scripture). The rise in divorce in the church has happened because the Church as whole are becoming more like the world, following ungodly counsel and thoughts and rejecting or neglecting God's principles in the Scriptures for a godly marriage.
These are the answers I have found, and I hope it is a help to those who need it. I realize that there are those who will scoff and reject the answer. But I need not fear nor be ashamed, for God is true, even if even man were a liar and refused to believe (Romans 3:3-4). The Lord Himself will bring them into account: "...Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousand of his saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him" (Jude 14). God has the last word.
Psalm 119:128
There is still time to win a battle before the sun goes down.
Abortion must be abolished.
Abortion must be abolished.
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