Have Miracles Ceased?

This is a controversial question for many people. However, it is not confusing to those that study the Bible on a regular basis. God’s holy word answers this question and many others like it (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

What is a miracle? A miracle is defined by Webster's dictionary as: An event that appears inexplicable by the laws of nature and so is held to be supernatural in origin or an act of God.” A miracle is a phenomenon or supernatural event that breaks the “Laws of Nature.” For example: take the law of gravity. If you could walk off the Empire State building and not fall, then you would have broken the law of gravity. If you could put your hand in the fire and not be burned. If you were hit by a car going 60 mph. and walked away uninjured. Then you would have broken several laws of Physics and nature. These events would truly be a miracle.

Oh! But someone says, “What about the miracle of birth.” Well, that is not a miracle, it is the natural law of propagation (reproduction). It is a natural law of nature that God has given to mankind, animals, fish, insects, an flowers and other forms of life (Gen. chapter 1). Reproduction is a natural process. Is it a miracle that a person grows from infancy to adult hood? No! There are many changes that take place in the human body during this period of time. However, it all a natural process.

One may ask, “What about the miracles in the Bible are they real?” The answer is “Yes” they were very real and profound. The miracles in the Bible were done for a specific reason. God used miracles to prove and bear witness of his divinity in the Old Testament and in the New Testament.

Some people would not believe without seeing these miracles. “ Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.” (John 4:48). Look at the case of Nicodemus “The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” (John 3:2).

Miracle would prove that Christ and the Apostles were preaching the words of the Father. “God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers (different) miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?” (Heb. 2:4). “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.” (Acts 2:22).

In the New Testament we see that the purpose of miracles was to prove to the people that God is Jehovah and that Jesus was the Christ. He was not an imitator or false Christ. In the first century there were many imposter's representing themselves as the Messiah. These fraudulent people were powerless to do miracles. Miracles were the sign of an all powerful God.

The Jews had read of the many miracles of the Old Testament and knew only God could do those things. And in the beginning of the New Testament age; God would bring back miracles to show his power, might and divinity.

Can miracles be done today? No! There are many Denominational churches that teach and preach that miracles are performed today. The truth is; miracles vanished in the first century. “ But whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect (Bible) is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” (I Cor. 13:8-10). In this text we see the ending of miracles and spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:5-12). They knew the Bible in parts, so they needed these various gifts and miracles to teach others and to show the authenticity of God's revelation. Miracles would slowly cease as the Bible neared its completion. The Bible alone is all sufficient to teach man everything he needs to know (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The Bible has replaced miracles.

Don't Trust in things that Vanish

Our life is a quest, a hunt or pursuit, but many times we find ourselves pursuing the wrong things. Some of the things that we seek after will not last. They will one day vanish forever. When I was a young man I was always fascinated by watching the steam from a tea kettle or pot of boiling water disappear into the air. It was also interesting to me to see the fog in the morning and the vapor on the lakes rising up into the air. It ascended up all around me and then it was gone. “Where did it go?” I wondered. I would learn latter that steam and vapor ascend upward until its higher humidity reaches the air and it is absorbed. Thus it really does disappear. The Bible says, “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” (Jas.4:14).

I think that most prudent people will set goals in their life. These goals can be outlined in a way that gives them security, assurance, durability and stability. I think we want things that give us pleasure and profit, but we want them to last. As James pointed out that life is “a vapor, that vanishes away.” The wise man Solomon sought after happiness, riches, entertainment, education and work. The summation of all his works and adventures was this; “all is vainity under the sun.” (Eccle.1:14). Vanity means worthless, useless, of no great importance. Is this the true summation of all of man’s work and endeavors in this world? Should we look at our jobs and professions as being insignificant? No! but there is more to life then our earthly jobs.

I think of men and women like Doctors, scientist, lawyers, engineers, problem solvers. People that spend their entire lives trying to unlock the mysteries of physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, economics, and those that write literature and try to promote world peace and the like. I have watched some people work their whole life 24/7 doing just this. They barely have time to eat, much less spend any time with their family and children. And though they may have made great accomplishments and one day may possibly win the “Nobel Prize,” it will have cost them their precious soul for all eternity. Because they had no time for God in their lives. They were consumed by their jobs and passions. They thought their work was more “important” then God. The wise man Solomon understood all of that. He said, “ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

The idea is this: “it doesn’ matter what you do in life as long as it is honorable.” You can be a ditch digger and be richer spiritually, then the most monetary wealthy man in this physical world. Solomon tells us, that God has given us 2 great rules of life, that we must follow. We must “fear” (reverence, respect) God and keep his “commandment” (rules and laws). This is what last for an “eternity”, not the physical works of man or other ventures outside the spiritual realm. The physical jobs of this world are important, but they do not come close to the importance of serving God consistently. Your retirement on earth is not going to last very long. But your retirement in heaven will last an eternity.

One day all the great sky scrapers, bridges, monuments, air crafts, rockets, medicines, libraries and the like will all be “burned up.” And there will be no memory of them forever more. The moon and the stars and the earth and the oceans and the world and all its wonderments shall be dissolved, like the vapor that appeareth for a little while. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.”
(2 Peter 3:10). Remember; earthly things will not last, but spiritual things and deeds will last for all eternity!

The Greatest Proclamation

The greatest proclamation and advertisement ever designed for this world was not done by man. But by a wonderful and all powerful God. If one were to look at advertisements today. You would see that television, radio, magazines, news papers, billboards etc., advertise something of value. It is a multi-billion dollar enterprise. But all of man’s advertisement will pale in comparison; to the advertisement of the God of heaven and earth.

Long before modern day advertisement schemes had been invented. God was the originator of advertisements and publicity in a good, honest sense. God would use the whole of creation; the universe, planets, earth and nature to show his majesty and glory. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.” (Ps. 19:1-2).

What a magnificent thought this is. God used the azure blue sky as a scroll to write and unveil his royal grandeur. The stars in the heavens to show his endless imagination and wisdom. The earth shows his eyes of beauty and wonderment. And all of creation shows his handiwork. By his hands (spoken words) were all these things made. God is the designer and maker of all things that exist in perfection.

When you look at the stars, clouds, sky, ocean, mountains, animals and a million other things. Listen carefully, for they whisper and sometimes shout aloud the very existence of God. They advertise and proclaim God’s glory, majesty, honor, omniscience (all knowing) , omnipresence (everywhere) and omnipotence (unlimited and universal power). “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Rom. 1:20).

Thus God has given us eyes to see, ears to hear, a nose to smell, skin to touch, and a tongue to taste. Our 5 senses help us to see, hear, smell, touch and taste. These senses help us to perceive and absorb and digest some of the awesomeness and compassion and mercy and blessing of God. We are saturated and immersed in the glory of God’s compassion and love.

We can not escape God in the mountains, or in the bottom of the ocean, or hide behind the furthest star. Where ever we go even in death he is there. “If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in Sheol, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” (Ps. 139:8-10).

Man has no excuse in denying the existence of God. “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God” (Ps.14:1). Look at the rose’s pedals, or the snow flakes intricate designs. Think of the huge elephants or the tiny ants. Each serve a unique purpose in the scheme of life.

The sun in the sky and moon at night, makes us aware that God does not sleep. “He that keepeth thee will not slumber” (Ps. 121:3). God’s watchful eye is always upon us because he cares for man. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7).

How much does God care for you? “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). I tell you now my friend, that the universe and all the creations that God has made, were not worth the death of his only begotten Son. So what makes man so special in the eyes of God? Only God knows the answer to that. I would feel like Peter when he said, “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” (Lk. 5:8).

God has revealed himself to man through nature and his will through his divine word. Nature and the universe is powerless to teach us the way of salvation. Only God’s divine words of the Bible can declare the plan of salvation (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Rom. 1:16). God wants you and I to be saved, “not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). I hope you will decide to follow and serve God.

Freemasonry and the Bible.

This question sometimes arises; can a Christian be a Freemason? About a year ago, I became infatuated with the idea of trying to understand Freemasonry. It is a very controversial fraternity (all men) organization. It is the largest in the world. Yet, they have always managed to keep their inner workings a secret from non-Masons. They have been called, “a secrete, mysterious fraternity.” Masons take a vow to never divulge what goes on behind the closed doors of their Lodges or Temples.

I wish to be as fair as possible in discussing the fraternal brotherhood of Freemason. There are volumes of books that have been written about the Freemason. It is because of their secrecy that many critics that have sought to destroy them with preposterous lies and innuendos. The Freemasons have refused to defend themselves from those accusations for years. In the last 10 years the Freemason have begun slowly to explain some of the inner workings of their organization. They have finally realized that they have been hurt by their failure to defend their values.

In you wish to become a Mason, you must first be asked by a Mason to become one. If you ask a Mason what the inner organization is all about, he can not tell you. You must join blindly (not really knowing all of what you are getting into). He will tell you that, “you will be doing many good things for your community and your fellow brethren in the organization. And if any thing happens to you, your family and children will be taken care of.” This part reminds me of an insurance policy. It is true; the Masons are very humanistic and moral in many ways. They like helping people.

What do some of the critics say about the Freemasons? They will point to their symbolism. If you look at some of their attire, accoutrements, sabers (swords), books, pictures, etcetera. you will see many various symbols. Symbols like the moon, stars, horses, knights, spears, columns, crowns, flags, crosses, crucifixes, skulls, the Mason’s square (measurement tool), the compass, the letter “G an A” and many other symbols. What do all of these symbols mean?

1. Some critics say, “these symbols represent a conspiracy plan for a New World Order." That Masons are waiting for democracy to fall and then they will take over the government.”
2. Some critics say, “these symbols represent a very promiscuous fraternity of perverted men. That these symbols have sexual connotations.”
3. Some critics say, “Masons are of the devil." They are Satanic worshipers. That they use their symbolism to disguise themselves and their secret lives.

When you have an organization that will not give you a manual or tell you what they are all about. Then people will think the worst about them. The Masons say, they can trace their beginning back to Mizriam, the grandson of Noah. That they built the pyramids of Egypt and King Solomon’s Temple. You can see their symbol on the back of a dollar bill or on the George Washington monument. And that many of the great leaders of our country were Masons, including George Washington.

After having studied Freemason for months, my conclusion would be this: I think many of the critics are wrong about what the Masons represent. You can’t talk about something you know nothing about. However the Masons have 33 levels (degrees) of advancement. In recent years a handful of men that had made it to the top (33 degree Mason). Became disenchanted with the Freemasons and have written books about what Masons really believe. My problem with Freemason is this; they are a fraternity that excepts anyone who believes in one god. They all call god the “Great Architecture” so as not to offend the Muslim or other monotheistic believers. When they pray in a mixed public audience they can not say, “God Jehovah or in the name of Jesus Christ.” And many of the Freemasons claim to be Christians. I think that alone is irreverent to the Almighty God Jehovah. I will not call my God by another name to please men (Mk. 12:32). If I do good things in this world, I want God to get the glory for that (Col. 3:17) and not the Freemasons. The Freemasons want you to do all the good moral things a Christian does, but give them the credit for it.

As one Grandmaster of Freemason said, “You should live a perfect life, so that the person sitting next to you in church will want to be just like you.” He got it backwards, didn't he (Matt. 5:16)?You can not serve God and man.

The Power of Faith

Faith to the Christian soldier is his source of motivation. Without “Faith” his Christian armor would tarnish and rust away. Faith causes a man to look beyond his mortality. To ascribe to a cause and purpose beyond his tangible senses. To look beyond the stars. To feel an over whelming sense of love, purpose and appreciation from his creator. To walk blindly into the chasms of absolute darkness, seeking for that pure light of righteousness that will out shine the sun. True faith cannot be stopped or thwarted. The faithful will not yield to temptation, misery or death. This will only cause them to become the quintessence of perfection.

In the great chapter of faith (Hebrew 11). The Bible says, “ Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1). The word “substance” means a foundation. Faith is the foundation on which the Christian builds all of his noble and spiritual attributes. Those characteristics of belief, love, purity, justice, virtue, obedience, self denial and reverence to the almighty God.

Note the word “hope” in verse one. This word in the Greek means; “wait for salvation with joy and full confidence.” We must believe and have all confidence that every blessing and promise the Bible declares will come to be. If we do not believe in heaven or hell and every word the Bible teaches us, then we do not have faith. We must believe that God is going to take care of us in the life to come and in the shadow of death. Faith accepts the creation as God described it. It affirms the laws of the gospel. It welcomes the day of Judgment. And looks toward heaven.

The phrase “evidence of things not seen” actually refers to all of creation. What makes a cloud or holds it on the rafters of the wind? Who constructed the mountains with their glorious summits? Who hung the stars in the heavens like ornaments on a Christmas tree? Who dug out the depths of the oceans and filled it in with water? Who feeds the animals of the forest or hears their cries for help? I submit to you, God is the creator and hearer of all of creation! Creation could not have created itself as our evolutionist friends would teach.

A man without faith is not a Christian. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Heb. 11:6). Paul said, “For by grace are ye saved through faith” (Eph. 2:8). If we want to go to heaven, we will have to become a sincere Christian.

In order to be lost you have to do absolutely nothing. God doesn't want you to be lost, “...not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (1 Peter 3:9). The importance of faith cannot be over emphasized. “ For if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. (John 8:24).

Where do we find this faith? Scroll through the golden pages of the Bible and you will find these words; “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Rom. 10:17). The word of God is found only in the Bible. To coin an old phrase; “The Bible only makes Christians.” You can’t become a Christian without having learned the steps of salvation according to the bible. The Bible is all sufficient to teach you everything from A-Z on God’s plan of salvation
(2 Tim. 3:16-17).

God realized that the world would need to hear the gospel in order to be saved. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation” (Rom. 1:16). So he gave the great commission. “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mk 16:15). Everyone who becomes a Christian, is bound by this commandment to teach others as they have been taught. What a wonderful world this would be if we all practiced this! Have a good and Godly Day!

Instrumental Music in worship is it Scriptural?

Many people ask the question, “Why doesn’t the Church of Christ have instrumental music in their Worship?” This has been very confusing to our denominational friends. The answer is very simple, but difficult for some people to accept.

The Church of Christ follows the apostolic teachings of the Bible (2 Tim. 3:16-17). We do not use any Creed books, Catechisms, Prayer books or man made confessions of faith dogmas. We give book, chapter, and verse for all of our beliefs. We do not adapt God’s holy word to accept man’s wants, desires or special interest. We accept God’s word as the absolute truth. His word can not be altered in any way, shape, or form (Rev. 22:18-19). Therefore we must follow his word to the very last letter of the law.Worship is designed to please God, not man.

What does the Bible teach in the Old and New Testament about instrumental music in worship? It is a fact that instrumental music was used in the Old Testament. “And he set the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, with psalteries, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, and of Gad the king's seer, and Nathan the prophet: for so was the commandment of the LORD by his prophets. (2 Chron. 29:25). Who introduced instrumental music in the Old Testament times? King David took that authority upon himself. This was not the Law of Moses.

So if David brought instrumental music to worship, why should we not continue that tradition? In that time David offered animal sacrifices for worship, should we not do the same today? In that time they burnt incense in worship, should we also do the same today? David was a polygamist (had many wives), should we be polygamist today? Did God accept those things back then, “Yes.” Then why can’t we do all those things today?

They did many things in the Old Testament, but we live in the New Testament age. We do not live under the 613 laws of the Old Testament. We live under the gospel of Jesus Christ (New Testament). What did Paul say about those that tried to live under the Old Testament today? “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. (Gal. 5:4). To live by the Old Testament would be to fall from grace today.

God did not approve of David’ instrumental music. “Woe unto them that invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David” (Amos 6:1-5). “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent (Acts 17:30). God tolerated certain things under the Old Test. law, but now command-eth all men to repent.

The truth of the matter is; from Matthew vs. 1 to the end of the book of Revelations. There is not one hint of the use of instrumental music. Jesus never mentioned it; the apostles never sanctioned it; no New Testament church ever practiced it; no New Testament writer ever commanded it. There is no authorization for it in the word of God. “ Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (Eph 5:19). God tells us that we are to sing and make melody in our heart (mind). No instrument is mentioned here.

Here are some historical facts. It was 670 A.D. when instrumental music was added to the church in Rome. The Catholics were disturbed by it so they removed it. And 130 years latter it was added again. Denominational men like John Calvin, Martin Luther, John Wesley, Charles Spurgeon, Adam Clark all renounced instrumental music. The very foundation of denominationalism did not use instrumental music in the beginning. It was not in the Church that Jesus built. It was never authorized by God. Man added this to the church as a tradition of men not God.

The church of Christ (part 2)

Last week we talked about Jesus, the Church, and the Kingdom. We want to continue our lesson on this glorious subject of the church.

The church was no mere afterthought of God. It was not a contingency plan for a idea that had been thwarted by man and Satan. Before the foundations of the world Jesus was chosen to live, die and be resurrected and to build the church (those called out). This showed the omniscience of God (1 Peter 1:20); (Rev. 13:8).

If one would take the time to read the Old Testament. You would see that there are over 300 prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah and the Church. The New Testament age would show the fulfillment of these prophecies.

God is called by some as the “Great Architect” yet this word does not even begin to describe the attributes of God. Never the less God is an architect. Now what architect does not first draw out his plans and calculate the cost before he builds his project? God designed the universe, the earth, animals and man. And he calculated in the equation of life a need for a Saviour. Nothing is left to chance with God.

Each stone of prophecy builds the foundation on which we would eventually see the inaugural unrevealing of the Messiah. Moses wrote in Gen. 3:15, the first prophecy concerning Christ in the late 14th century B.C., although it was told to Adam and Eve some 2500 years earlier. Moses was inspired by God to write down the annals of time concerning the great Patriarchs and of his own “Mosaical” events.

When we read the prophecies concerning the church in (Is. 2:2-3; Daniel 2:44) and see their fulfillment in “Acts chapter two, we should have an overwhelming joy and praise for God. For without the church the world would be lost to a devils hell. Isaiah painted a vivid and gross picture of the horrible death that Jesus would have to suffer for the souls of man kind (Is. 53). All the prophecies of the Old Testament paint the same picture revealed in the four Gospels of the New Testament. Yet! The New Testament has a much clearer image of the life and death of Jesus Christ.

Christ mission was to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10). What element would he use to save the lost? The word of God (Rom. 1:16;John 17:17). The word of God would build living stones. “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5). These living stones are the members of the church. Christ is the chief corner stone (Eph. 2:20). He is straight, and solid, flawless and level. All the other stones must come after him and line up identical to him. Otherwise the house “church” will be uneven and fall.

The foundation of the church is built on the prophecies of the Old Testament. The building (church) that rest on the foundation is built by the members(living stones). They must emulate the chief corner stone (Christ).

Would you like to be a living stone in the church that Jesus built (Matt. 16:18)? You can not add yourself or be voted in to God’s house. You must first meet God’s requirements. Then God, not man will add you to his house (Acts 2:47).

What does God require of man in order to become an eternal part of his kingdom?

1. Hear the  Word: (Rom. 10:17).
2. Believe the Word: (John 8:24; John 3:16).
3. Repent “Stop sinning”: (Luke 13:3,5; Acts 17:30).
4. Confess: (Rom. 10:9-10; Matt. 10:32).
5. Baptized: (Acts 2:38, 22:16; Rom. 6:4)
6. Continue to live faithfully: (Rev. 2:10).

The choice is yours, what will you do with Jesus? Have a good and Godly Day!

The church of Christ

About six millenniums (1000 yrs.) ago, before the stars twinkled in the heavens. Before the sun glowed in the sky or the moon walked to her midnight throne. Before animals crept upon the earth, and before man was composed from the dust of the ground. Before eternity opened its door to the annals of time and history. And even before God wound the clock of time with his almighty hand. There was a particular thought in the mind of God. This thought was conceived in the magnificent and wonderful mind of a righteous and holy God. A thought that would become a reality. This thought was of a “Saviour” who would come to a world not yet created. This shows the omniscience of God! “Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you” (1 Peter 1:20).

Some four thousand years after the earth began to turn on its axis. The “Saviour” came to this world incarnated in flesh and blood, in the form of a man. He came for a purpose: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10). The Saviour was Jesus, the prince of Peace. He would change the world forever


Jesus choose 12 men to be his constant companions. They would be known as Apostles (messengers). Their purpose was to assist Christ in his mission to save the lost. You can read their names in “Matthew 10:1-4.” Jesus and the Apostles would work miracles, wonders and signs in order to prove the divinity of Christ (John 6:2; Acts 2:22). They would preach to the house of Israel first, warning them that the “Kingdom” was at hand (Matt. 10:6-7).


What is this “Kingdom” they preached of? Well, It is unlike any kingdom the world has ever seen. All the kingdoms of antiquity have fallen, and even today they will all fall. Christ’s kingdom however, shall never, ever fall “...for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.” (Rev. 15:4). The kingdom is the church. Jesus said, “...That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church” (Matt. 16:18). “ And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 16:19). The keys represent the preaching of the “gospel” that created the church (the called out). The apostles were inspired preachers of an Eternal Kingdom. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26). This kingdom would be born out of the gospel (good news). The apostles would preach the word of God, not their own thoughts.


The Bible speaks of the church and the kingdom as being the same. “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Heb. 12:28). Those in the church (Kingdom) are servants of God, are you? “To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect” (Heb. 12:23).


Paul says, “ Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Col. 1:13). The word “translated” means to move people from one place to another. Here we are moved out of the darkness of sin into the marvelous light of
redemption. This verse also shows us that the “kingdom” has already come. Yet! Some are still waiting on a kingdom to come. Christ said, “ my kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). “There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.” (Matt. 16:28). If the kingdom has not come, then there are some 2000 year old people walking around today, according to this verse. The kingdom would come in their life time. Are you in the kingdom (church) that Jesus built? If not, why not? Have a good Day!

The Da Vinci Code

The book “The Da Vinci Code” written by Dan Brown has become the nation’s number one best seller of fiction books. Over seventy-five million copies have been sold world wide. And a movie was made to further push this writer’s thrilling story of one of the greatest conspiracy theory of this century. The author, Dan Brown originally wrote the book to be fiction, but he claims in the beginning of his book: “All descriptions of art work, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate.” This opens the door for the reader to conclude that this may be a cover up story or a “conspiracy”.

People seem to love conspiracy theories, especially when they are anti-Christian. If they can disprove God, then they don’t have to worry about the wrath of God. And they can live there life any way they want too. This often shows the dark side of man, he will often read anti-Christian literature over the pure un-adulterated word of God. “The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so : and what will ye do in the end thereof?” (Jeremiah 5:3).

Although the Da Vinci Code attacks the Catholic church primarily, it also reaches out to all churches in Christendom (the Christian world). Personally I am not so concerned about the Catholic church or Christendom. But I am truly appalled at how it defames and blasphemes the God of the true Church of the Bible (Matt. 16:18).

What are some of the blatant false theories of the
“Da Vinci Code?”

1. It denies the divinity of Christ.
2. That the Gnostic Gospels are the true gospel. That
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are not inspired.
3. That in 325 AD, Constantine had a meeting in Nicaea to vote on the divinity of Christ. This vote was affirmed.
4. It teaches that Jesus married Mary Magdalene.
5. Jesus had a daughter named Sarah.
6. The Merovingian (one of the first Royal blood lines of France 450-751) were the descendents of the royal blood of Jesus and Mary Magdalene.
7. That Mary Magdalene was suppose to be the leader of the Church and not Peter. The so called feminist gospels (Gnostic Gospels) were suppressed by the Catholic church.
8. That Leonardo da Vinci was part of a secret society called, Priory of Sion. This society was dedicated to preserving and protecting the true identity of Christ (that he was not deity). And that he was married to Mary Magdalene.
9. That Leonardo’s paintings had hidden messages in them. These messages held the truth about Jesus and Mary.

For example; the painting “The Last Supper” one can see John sitting on the right side of Jesus. Dan Brown would have you believe that this is actually Mary Magdalene. He points out the feminine hands, face and long hair. Dan Brown’s conspiracy theory goes on and on. He has become a believer in his own Frankenstein. Mr. Brown is not the originator of these theories. He is simply the reviver (resurrector) of these preposterous theories, that were invented centuries ago. Theories to which the great scholars of old and today have weighed and found wanting. No
established and credible scholar has ever given any credence to these theories as presented in the Da Vinci Code.

Dan Brown has used conspiracy books like Holy Blood, Holy Grail, published in 1983, the Templar Revelation: Secret Guardians of the True Identity of Christ, published in 1997. Dan Brown has used these books and other to brew his own concoction called, The Da Vinci Code.
The Da Vinci Code is called a historical/technological thriller. Imagination is good, but when it crosses the line by degrading Christianity. We have blasphemed against God in one of the worst ways and there is nothing entertaining about that!

The word “blasphemy” is defined as; A contemptuous or profane act, utterance, or writing concerning God. An irreverent or impious act, attitude, or utterance in regard
to something considered sacred. “For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy” (John 10:33).

The Footsteps of Jesus

In life we see people choosing various individuals to be their role model. Some of those people make a very good role models and some are just terrible role models. If you choose to live like one of your role models; then your life will perhaps end up something like that individuals. Some role models can lead people to success. And some can lead people to spiral out of control and to self destruct.

The life of the man from Galilee (Jesus Christ) is not the typical role model that today's people are looking for. However no man or woman that has ever lived can touch the hem of the garments of this perfect role model. To follow in the steps of Jesus; can lead a man to the greatest success that he could possibly obtained as a human being. The Bible says, “...because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps (1 Peter 2:21). Jesus lived a perfect life and pleased God in all things. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). What does it mean for us to follow in the footsteps of Jesus today?

If we look at the life and times of Jesus, we will see that there were many trials and temptations that he had to endure and he had to keep all the commandments of God without faltering. How well do you do when you fall into to trials and temptations? Do you put God’s commandments as your number one priority? Jesus said, “If you love me keep my commandments”
(John 14:15).

Christ has left us many examples that will benefit us today. For one, we should follow him into baptism. Before Jesus began his public ministry he went to John the baptizer and was baptized. John was a little hesitant about baptizing the Son of God. But Jesus said, “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness” (Matt. 3:15). Jesus began his work by going to be immersed by John. We must began our work by being faithful followers and being immersed (baptized).

We remember the story of the Ethiopian Eunuch. The Bible says, “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?... And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.” (Acts 8:36, 38). When Philip taught the Ethiopian Eunuch about God, he wanted to be immersed. We know that we have to Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess, and be Baptized to wash away our sins (Acts 2:38). Before we can start living the Christian life, we must first become right in the site of God.

Jesus gave us many examples as he dealt with temptations. Jesus was hardly dry from his baptism by John, before Satan came to tempt him in the wilderness. In the story of this temptation (Matt. 4:1-11). We see with each temptation; Jesus quotes a Bible verse to counter Satan’s advancements. This gives us an insight to the power of God’s written word. We note also that Satan quoted scripture. Satan knows the Bible no doubt from cover to cover, but he tried to twist the words of God. This did not work with Jesus, but most of the churches in the world today are formed by not rightly interpreting (understanding) the word of God. This no doubt is a ploy of Satan.

When one becomes a Christian then he is truly an enemy of Satan. Satan does not have to worry about those that are already lost. The Christian will have to endure more persecution than the non-Christian (John 15:20). We must follow Christ’s example to worship. “And, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read” (Luke 4:16). Even in Jesus' time there were hypocrites, but that did not stop him from going to worship. If one refuses to worship because of hypocrites in the church, then they must be smaller than a hypocrite to hide behind one. It is essential that we go to church to worship God. Christ died for the Church (Acts 20:28). We are commanded to go to church: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is” (Heb. 10:25).

Jesus is Coming Again!

There is no doubt in the Christian’s mind that Christ is coming again. There are over 300 passages that speak of the coming of Jesus in the New Testament. And every writer of the New Testament speaks of Jesus Second coming. Jesus is coming to Judge the world. To call the righteous home and condemn the wicked to a devil’s hell (Matt. 25: 31-46). Jesus is coming one last time, no more, no less. One call that all!

It is unfortunate that there are many charlatans (deceivers) that would teach that there will be a third appearing of the Lord. This belief would be deemed as Premillenialism. This is only one of the many facets of the Premillenial doctrine, which refers to the things that will happen before the 1000 year reign of Christ on Earth. This however is a false doctrine of man.

If one would study Matthew 25:31-46 carefully, you would see that the Lord will come and divide the nations and gives them their reward “heaven or hell.” One Judgment, no appeals, no second chance, no 1000 year reign.

The righteous are caught up toward heaven and the condemned sentenced to eternal damnation. “ When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. And note verses 46: And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal” (Matt. 25:31-33).

You see? Christ comes and he Judges the whole world. There are a number of people that have made money off of implanting the idea of Premillenialism. Many books, movies and novelties have been made to promote this doctrine. This doctrine has a lot of drama to it and fascinates many readers. It however lacks the truth and sound doctrine of God’s divine word and
approval. Peter said, “ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you:” (2 Peter 2:3). Peter presents a wonderful revelation for us today. He is talking about the greedy people who will take ideas and mould and form them into something that will make them money.

The Bible has its own drama, but some would like to make that drama more interactive with people today. These fabrications of Premillenialism push the imagination of man to look for a temporary appearing of the Lord. And a physical Kingdom with a thousand year reign by Christ and a second chance for the lost sinner.


I would guess that 90 percent of the people you know, follow the Premillenial doctrine. I have heard and read some great arguments that have tried to substantiate this doctrine. Most of these argument are made using the Bible’s apocalyptic language. This language is found in the book of Revelation, Ezekiel, Daniel, Zechariah. This type of language uses a lot of symbolism. And much is not to be taken in a literal sense. The symbolism has a true meaning, but one must know what it is talking about and not fabricate their own ideas into those sacred scriptures.

This is why we are told to “rightly divide (interpret) the word of God” (2 Tim. 2:15). Jesus said, “ for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, ” (John 5:28).
Those that die will not escape the Judgment. We must be aware, “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” (2 Peter 3:10). This passage is very plain that when the Lord comes to Judge the world. After that the “earth and all the elements” will be destroyed. There will not be an earth for a physical kingdom of the Lord or a 1000 year reign. After the Judgment this world will cease to exist. The righteous will be caught up to meet the Lord (I Thes. 4:16-17). One call, that’s all! Let us search the scriptures and prove all things, lest we fall for the doctrine’s of men (1Thes. 5:21).

Gambling is a Sin

When grandma sits down to the old spinning wheel these days. It is most likely to be at a roulette wheel in Las Vegas. Gambling is becoming more and more popular in this country. It is suppose to increase revenue without raising taxes. But in actuality it cost the government more money then it brings in. Gambling promises something for nothing.

Gambling is defined according to Webster’s dictionary as, “To bet on an uncertain outcome, as of a contest.”People have lost their money, homes, family and life over Their gambling habits. To some it is an addiction. Never in the history of this nation have so many lost so much to so few people. The Casino house’s makes about 70-75% of the take. Give me 100 million dollars and I will give you 25 million back. It’s a great deal for the Casinos and the gambling organizations. Look at the Lotteries. You have a better chance of walking on the moon then winning the lottery. Some people try to justify their gambling habits, but it is still
wrong!

Some people are content with a false belief and ignorant faith in what they want to believe and justify. “The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?” (Jer. 5:31). The gambling habit is becoming so ingrained into the lives of people that it is being carried over into areas far more dangerous then that of money. There are those people that would not lay down their money on at a roulette wheel or stake their payroll on the roll of the dice or a turn of cards, but they will still gamble with something far more precious.

Those that would not bet on a horse race, will bet their soul on the race of life. Taking chances in spiritual matters is far more dangerous. “There is a way that seemeth right unto man but the ends thereof are the ways of death.” (Prov. 14:12). Millions are gambling away their hopes of heaven by taking chances on the “ways that seem right to man.” Your spiritual life is something you do not have to gamble on. We can be know we have a home with Christ for all eternity. “That ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:13).

Some want to take a chance on worshipping in their own way. many think that there are many ways to heaven, many ways to serve God and many ways to please him. So that one way is just as good as another. In America there are over ferent religious beliefs, but only one true bible.
There are over 1200 different religious beliefs, but only one true bible. There is only one path to heaven and it is not by the “luck of the draw.” It is by following God’s commandments. “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21). “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22).

What is so wrong with gambling? Some of that money goes to education and other needful organizations. Well, if you want to give a donation to those organizations, that's fine. But you know the only reason to play the lottery or gamble, is because you hope to win a lot of money. Some people throw away their Welfare checks on the lottery. Some bet their paychecks on gambling and end up with no money to pay their house, groceries, and utility bills, Their family suffers because of greed. “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10).

One of the sins of gambling is putting our trust in man’s inventions. We need to trust in God. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matt. 6:23). When we gamble, we are saying, God can not take care of us. We have no faith in God’s providence. We must live by faith and not put our false hopes in gambling

Satan

Satan is an entity that has been around before the dawn of man. Webster’s Dictionary describes him as, “The Profoundly evil adversary of God and humanity, often identified with the leader of the fallen angels; the Devil.” He is indeed the adversary of God and man. There are many myths and fictional stories written about Satan.

Some people actually worship him in a church called, “The Church of Satan” and they have a Satanic bible. In 1966 a man by the name of Anton Lavey, was the first high priest of the “Church of Satan” in San Fracisco. It was also at this time that the News papers proclaimed, “God was dead.” According to Lavey this began the Sexual Freedom League and the hippies developed as a free sex culture. No doubt many people wanted God to be dead, so that they could do every sin imaginable and not be held accountable for them. From that time on Satanic
Worship would proliferate through out the United States and the world.

Why worship Satan? Well, many thought that Satan was equal to God in power, strength and attributes. The thought, “its better to reign in Hell, then to serve in heaven.” Satanist are rebellious people. They do not want to be told what to do. They enjoy the pleasures of sin in this
world.

The origin of Satan is not altogether clear, but it is obvious that he is not an all powerful being as the Godhead “Father, Son, Holy Spirit” (Rom. 5:20). He was not an eternal being like the Godhead: in the sense He Had no beginning or ending. The Bible says, “There is only only
One God.” (Deut. 6:4) and Satan is not it. God was the Creator of all things (Gen. 1:1-31; John 1:1-2; Col. 1:16), not Satan. God’s power is unlimited. God is omnipotent (all poweful). “He Ruleth by His power for ever; his eyes behold the nations.” (Psalm 66:7).

Satan’s power is limited, this shows us he was a created being. God limited Satan as to what he could do to Job, “...the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.” (Job 2:6). The devils (demons) said, “What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?” (Matt. 8:29). The demons were called Legion ( meaning many) they acknowledge the fact that they had no power over Christ and that they were going to be punished for all eternity in the Judgment. Jesus dispersed these devils into about 2000 swine and they ran down a steep drop off and drowned in the water (Mk. 5:6-16). If Satan is so powerful then why are his followers: the demons afraid of God? James said, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. (Js. 2:19). The bible says in, “2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell (Hades), and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; The devil was defeated in the fraction of the second when he rebelled against God. Hell was created for him and his angels (Matt. 25:41).

Some may ask, “if God created everything, then he created the Devil too.” God is infinitely good and creates only that which is good (Js. 1:17; Gen. 1:31). Satan was created as a creature that was good, pure and holy. But like man; God has given the devil and the angels of heaven the ability to choose good or evil. Man was to abstain from the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 2:17). His failure to do that; cost him his physical and spiritual life. Fortunate for him he could have redemption. But Satan and his Angels were lost for eternity. Satan made himself evil, by being full of pride (1 Tim. 3:6).

Some call Satan, “Lucifer.” This name was actually given to the Babylonian King and does not refer to Satan (Is. 14:12-15). Some say, “Satan was a cherub (angel.)” However there is not one passage in the bible that substantiates that. Some confuse Satan as being the cherub in Ezekiel 28:11-19. But this context refers to the king of Tyre. Satan and his angels have never been in hell (Gehenna). But come Judgment day they will (Rev. 20:10-14).

The Path of True Repentance

The Path of True Repentance

By Gary Palmer

One of the five steps to salvation is repentance. Many people would like to leave this duty out of Christianity. So, what is “repentance?” The word “repent” means: “Resolve to change one’s life; change ofmind” (Webster). A simple definition would be to “stop sinning.” It is a change of mind. As a individual accepts the teachings of the Bible. He or she will have to be determined to be a faithful disciple to that teaching. This requires honesty and discipline and hard work. We must put down our “old life style” of sin and start living the “new life style” of righteousness.
When we first become a Christian, we can not expect to know every thing the Bible teaches about holiness and righteousness. We have to learn as we go. The more you read the Bible, the more you will know, and the faster you will grow (2 Tim. 2:15). It takes time to absorb, comprehend and digest the bible’s teaching on daily life. Repentance is not a one time thing, but it is a life time responsibility for man. So, let us accept the word of God (...received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, (Acts 17:11). “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). In order to repent we need to know what we are repenting of?
We are all sinners, “ For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). The Bible says, “ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Cor. 6:9-11). At one time in our lives we were just as lost as those people just mentioned. But, we decided to follow Jesus and keep his holy word. Then our sins were washed away by the blood of Christ. We do not need to point our fingers at those that are lost, because we all were once as lost as they are. We need to have compassion and humility on the lost. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). If we can be free, so can they, if only they will believe and obey? “ If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15)
We are foolish to think we can believe in God and not be productive servants. “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4 ), “….and his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3). God expects us to “... be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22). We also know the famous passages of (James 2:14, 17, 19-21, 24); “...faith with out works is dead, being alone”. James said, “...We can show our faith by our works” (James 2:18)
As we go through life we are going to stumble and fall in our spiritual life. It is a fact of life. Noah became drunk from wine, Abraham lied, Moses struck the rock with out giving God the praise, David killed a woman’s husband, and the list go on. Some of the greatest men and women of the Bible have fallen, only to rise up with an unyielding determination to do what was right. And to make amends to God for their short comings. God tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness “ (1 John 1:9). We must always confess our sins to God, when we realize we have sinned and ask his forgiveness. This is daily repentance at its best. One un-repented sin will keep us out of heaven. It is a life long duty and requirement. Let us always have a penitent heart?

Why don’t you Ordain Women

The questions arises by some denominations saying, “why don’t you ordain women?” Why! Do you have this prejudice against women taking a leadership role in the church? Women have the right to be preachers, elders, deaconess and so on. They should not be made second class members of the church! A women may be just as good a Christian as any man, if not better.

I suppose we have all seen on television or heard on radio, women preaching and teaching. And if its on television or radio it has to be right! Wrong! This question deserves an honest, unbiased, non-prejudicial answer.

Where do we begin in answering this question? We must go to the ultimate source of truth and authority. The “Bible” has the answers to all our questions on this subject (2 Timothy 3:16-17). First, the Bible teaches us there are three guidelines we must use to follow the teachings of the Lord. The Bible teaches us by “commandment,” “example” or by “inference.” We must answer the question in this manner. One, did God give us a “commandment” for women to preach and teach men? Two, did God give us an “example” of women preaching and teaching men? Three, did God give us an “inference” of women preaching and teaching men?

The word “inference” is defined by Webster's dictionary as: “1.a. The act or process of deriving logical conclusions from premises known or assumed to be true. b. The act of reasoning from factual knowledge or evidence.” The conclusion here would have to be: of the 31,173 verses of the Bible, there are no “commandment,” “examples,” or “inferences” for women to preach and teach men or take leadership roles in the church. However the contrary is true, there are various passages that teach against the very idea.

It should be noted; that women are equal with men in every respect concerning religion, except in the case where the “women takes authority over the man in the worship services.” “But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence” (1 Tim.2:12). The word “usurp” means according to Webster; “To seize and hold (the power or rights of another, for example) by force and without legal authority.” Women can not seize, hold or take the rights of men in this spiritual matter. There is no authority for such, and no Bible for this conclusion. “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection” (1 Timothy 2:11). The women in the church were to be very submissive, while the men took the leadership role in the church. This is not a slight against women. “For Adam was first formed, then Eve” ( 1 Tim. 2:13). Man is not given authority over the women because she is inferior. No! she is his equal. Man was created first. In the Old Testament the first born son had a double portion (birth rights and inheritance were (doubled) but not so for the other children.

My personal feeling is; that the majority of women are more religious then men. You will often see more women at church then men. And they often have an extraordinary aptitude. It is not the case that women are incapable of doing the leadership role in the church, they could do an excellent job. However, that is not God’s plan or design for the church. The Lord built his church (Matt. 16:18). He will run the church his way and not ours. The church is not a “democracy” it is a “monarchy” (Rev. 22:18-19; Deut.4:2).

I think of it in this way; In the garden of Eden they could eat of every tree except one. Today in the spiritual realm, a women can do everything a man can do. And she will be held responsible for doing just that. With only one exception; she can not, must not “usurp” authority over the man.

One other thing, it is not possible for a women to be an elder or deacon. Why? Because she can not be the “husband of one wife” (1 Tim. 3:2, 12; 1 Tim. 2:12). There are thousands of things that women can do to show Godly perfection. There is only a few things she is not permitted to do. And that would be usurping authority over the man in worship. The man is also suppose to take the leadership role in his home. Some men do and some do not, they will be judged for their negligence. Have a Good Day!

The High Cost of Sin

It amazes me that the word “sin” is seldom used today. When we look at all the crisis and problems that go on in the world, people call it by another name. Our society will talk about crime, but not sin. Society will speak about the breakdown of the family, but not sin. The world often talks about values, but not faith, and usually not what is right or wrong. Our definition of what is wrong in the world today is abstract. We don’t want to call it ‘sin” and take the blame for it. We must blame anyone and everyone other then ourselves for the problems of life. It should not be a news flash, but all the pain, sorrow, grief, death and misery in the world, is because of Sin.

What is “sin”? It is “missing the mark.” Like the archer that shoots his arrow toward the bulls eye, but misses the center target. He has fallen short of his goal. God has set standards for us and when we fail to meet those standards, then we sin (John 12:48). Our sins have a great repercussion to our souls. Our sins can turn the face of God away from us. “Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: 2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isa. 59:1-2). The word “iniquitity” is defined as “lawlessness.” God will not hear those that disrespect him. Unless, you are righteous in his sight. The Lord’s blessing are always conditional on our obedience and respect for him (Ex. 19:5).

Sin hurts society and our country as a whole. Even the worldly people are beginning to see the need for family values. We need integrity, love, honesty and kindness, like never before. Yet, these same voice may call for tolerance of “alternate sexual life styles”, or the “right of choice” in giving birth or aborting a child. With these dissonant values at work, sin goes on wreaking havoc on our society.

“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14.34). Our great country is the greatest nation in the world. While its cup runs over with wealth. It’s morality degenerates into an all time low. The greatest empires have often fallen from with in their structure. America will no doubt have the same fate one day. But let it be known that; “Christ has come into the world to save sinners” (I Tim.1:15). What is your sin? What price do you pay for the foolish choices you have made to rebel against God? “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). Good Day!

Christians and the use of Leisure Time

As we watch spring and summer time come into view. We know that many people are getting ready for the warm weather festivities. There are so many things that we can do this time of the year. Some will be planting gardens, flowers, others are getting their fishing boat and rods cleaned up and ready to go to the lake. While others prepare for various sports activities and make preparations to travel. Our leisure time is already spent. There will not be enough hours in the day to do all the things we want to do.

I would like to humbly suggest to you: to make time for God as well. We need to have a itinerary for each day of our life made out for God. “Consecrate yourselves to day to the LORD,” (Exodus 32:29).This way we can be sure that we are honoring and respecting God to the best of our ability and keeping his word (Ecclesiastes 12:13). As a matter of fact when we compare “non-Christians” to “Christians,” we see very little difference. The non-Christians do not make allowances for worship services or church functions. They set aside Saturday and Sunday as their holy day, to do what ever they want to do. They often fail to give God the praise and glory for the beautiful things of this world (Psalms 8:3-9). As we take time to smell the roses. Let us be sure to keep God in our mind 24/7 (Titus 2:7).

We as Christians are stewards of Christ “...it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. (I Cor. 4:1-2). A steward is one that has been entrusted with the possessions of another and is responsible to give an account of his stewardship. We are stewards of our bodies, time, material goods, talents, etc. Perhaps of all the “blessings” entrusted to us by the Lord, “time” is the most precious one of all, for without it, the others are meaningless. Time is the substance out of which life is made.

The devil knows that if he can occupy our time and leisure with T.V., computers, games, and the various enjoyable activities. Then you have less time to preach to the lost. This is why it is so important to measure our time, like the sands in an hour glass. We need to make sure we give God his time. What are some ways we can do this? I would say:
1). Read your Bible everyday (2 Tim.2:15).
2). Pray to God several times a day (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
3). Praise God with all your heart daily (Psalms 117:1).
4). Be ready to answer anyone’s question (1 Peter 3:15).
5). Tell someone about Jesus everyday (Mark 16:15).
6). Help someone everyday (Matt. 25:34-36).
7). Love your neighbor as yourself (Matt. 22:39).

One may say these 7 guidelines are impossible, but to do those you can, will surely keep you on the straight and narrow. To be a Christian is a privilege, honor and a duty. Spend your time wisely and remember; “ And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17). Every breath we take is a blessing from God.

A great number of people will leave this world while enjoying the pleasures of life for a Season. They will be accountable and amenable to the unchanging word of God. In Christianity only the winners will see God. There are no second place Christians. “...choose you this day whom ye will serve; ...but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). The Bible tells us “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God wants us to enjoy this beautiful world that he has made for us. And for us to marvel at his handy-work in creating the universe and the world we live in. Yet, he expects us to remember he is the creator and giver of all life and every perfect gift (James 1:17). Make time for God. Have a good and Godly Day?

Terrible Sin of Neglect

“ Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). It is without question that many of us in the body of Christ, pass up many opportunities to do good. And we openly neglect some things which we know we should attend to. Just as weeds grow in a garden, so do bad habits grow in undisciplined lives.

Some would argue that we are not to attend every service of the church. Ask yourself, “What would Jesus do? “ I think you know the answer? Note: “(Acts 5:42: And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ).” Some would still say, “It doesn't take all that.” I beg to differ with you, because Jesus died for the church (Acts 20:28);… feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. If the church was important enough for Christ to die a horrible, torturous death to save it. Then it must have the highest priority in our lives. I can think of nothing more important in this world then to be with the Saints when they meet. It helps us to be uplifted, encouraged and to learn the word of God.

Are we ashamed of the word of God? Paul said in Romans 1:16; “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” The word of God (the gospel) has the power to save the souls of mankind, if he will hear and obey the golden commandments.

In Psalms 1:2 the bible says, “ But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” We need to eat, sleep and drink the word of God. It should be prized above food, clothing and shelter. Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33). And Matthew 4:4 tells us; It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. The preservation of our spiritual soul is more important then our physical wants. David said, ; I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread (Psalms 37:25) . God will meet our needs and some of our wants. David also said, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalms 23:1). The word “want” is “khaw-sare,' “ in the Hebrew language and means: “to lack, be without, decrease, be lacking, have a need “ God will be as faithful to us as we are to him. Think on this, “If I go to heaven will I wish I was somewhere else?” Have a good and Godly Day!

Ensnared by Worldly Things

I think of a spider’s web. How fragile and weak it appears in its delicate weave. Yet how strong, supple and cruel it is to any ensnared in its clutches, its unsuspecting prey. Worms and various insects fight frantically to escape only to become more entangled in the silky web of doom. What a terrible feeling it is to get yourself into something you cannot get out of? And then you must await the awful consequences.

We are not so different from the spider’s prey. When we choose to turn from God and serve the worldly pleasures of this world, we are entangle in a eternal web of horrible consequences. That does not have to be our destiny? “Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web” (Job 8:14). Job reminds us that the temporal things of this world are like the spiders web. To rely on worldly pleasures and wants; is to embrace the fatal web of eternal damnation.

Some people are caught up in the terrible web of idolatry. The first of the Ten Commandments was specific; “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Ex. 20:3). That is not difficult to understand; but seemingly very hard to uphold! God delivered Israel and gave them directions, which they ignored: “They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them: But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works. And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them” Psa. 106:34-36). Idolatry was the spider’s web that ensnared Israel even then. From the Jerusalem conference, letters were written that saints were to abstain from the appearance of idols (Acts 15:20).

Paul had to write, “What agreement hath the temple of God with idols?” (2 Cor. 6:16). To the saints he wrote: “ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth...covetousness which is idolatry” (Col.3:5). The word mortify means “to put to death” in the Greek. Mortify “put to death” the parts of your body that would cause you to sin. Now that you have died to the flesh by seeking the spiritual things of God. You must put to death all earthly passions of evil fleshly lust. Because you are a new creature in Christ and the old man of sin must go down to the grave for all time. His tomb stone should read, “Here lies my carnal body of evil ways.” Now our spiritual body is resurrected to the newness of eternal life in Christ. “ He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken (make alive) your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you” (Romans 8:11 ).

Even though the spider’s web is a beautiful peace of art work. Don’t touch it, because it will vibrate and awaken the deadly spider. It is her alarm clock for food and it’s prey’s trumpet of doom.

If we could only learn that the spider is not one to play with, neither the temptations of the world. “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22 ). If we would stay away from everything that might cause us to sin, we would avoid the web of deception. So many people have been lost by experimenting with sinful things. They became hooked, entangled and consumed by their curiosity. And such shall not enter the Kingdom of heaven. “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:19-21). There are all types of spider webs like temptations and all types of spiders. Beware of evil things and avoid them like the deadly spider’s morgue of death? “ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls” (Jer. 6:16).

Are we Redeeming the Time

The clock goes “tic-tock,” and the hands of time stop for no one. The sands of the hours glass flow softly but surely to a stop. Time is measured in pebbles, and seasons come and go. Time is the stuff in which Life is made of! The days of our lives are numbered and who knows whom the bell tolls for? We are like the dust in the wind and the flowers that fades in their beauty. “… For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” (Js. 4:14). We are mortals, “ And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27).

Of all the creatures that God has made, only man knows he must die. The animals have no soul to loose, no appointment day in the Judgment hall of God. But we do, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. ”(2 Corinthians 5:10). “… but rather fear him “God” which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt. 10:28). We must live a life style in a way; that going to give glory and honor to God. If not, we shall surely be condemned for all time.

The paramount question is this; “How have you spent your time on earth for God?” It is pertinent and relevant to salvation. How many days have passed through the hour glass, how many opportunities have been wasted to teach the lost? We will have to give an answer to God for not warning the “lost,” and those that have left the ways of “righteousness” and have gone back into the world of sin (Ezk. 3:17-21).

In the time that you have left in this world, you must “… run with Patience the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1).“ Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise. Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Col. 4:5). To “redeem the time” means to buy back the opportunities! “ And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Gal. 6:9-10). It is never to late to do the will of God, even for a “Johnny come lately.” “… Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” (Matt. 9:38). The “Lord” is God, the “harvest” are those that seek God. And the “laborers” are God’s disciples. We need more disciples, more leaders, more preachers and teachers.To guide and take care of God’s followers.

We must be like Jesus, who said, “ I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” (John 9:4). Jesus was conscious of the value of time, are you? Jesus saw the great urgency about doing the will of God, do we? One may remember the story of Jesus when he was twelve years old. He was taken to Jerusalem and was found by his parents. He asked them: “And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?” (Lk. 2:49). In this account you have an example of turning to the Lord’s work at an early age. Children should walk in the foot steps of the Lord. Think about this riveting poem on time?

“I have only just a minute;
Only sixty seconds in it!
Forced upon me, can’t refuse it;
Didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it.
Just one tiny little minute,
But Eternity is in it!”

A minute doesn’t seem very long, but a person can be saved or lost for all eternity. “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom”. (Ps.90:12). Take time to call a love one, or send a card, or give them a word of encouragement. One day we will not have time or be able to do these things we take for granted. Enjoy and use the time you wisely?

The United Church of Christ Controversy

There have been some controversies about the “United Church of Christ” in the news lately. Some people confuse them with the “Church of Christ.” I would like to set the record straight. The “United Church of Christ” and the “Church of Christ” have two totally different religions beliefs. The ‘United Church of Christ” has accepted gay marriages among other things. Those of us in the “Church of Christ” are 100% against gay marriages.

The Bible does ‘not condone gay marriages or gay life styles, but condemns them. Read these scriptures in your bible and you will see for yourself; (Rom. 1:24-27; Gen. 19:15; Lev. 18:22; Deut. 23:17; I Cor. 6:9; Jude 1:7). Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed for their wickedness and gay life style. The scriptures condemn all of those that fall into a liberal gay life style. We hope and pray that those people will change their life style.

This article is not centered on “gay bashing.” But is intended to make people aware that the “Church of Christ” has no affiliation with the “United Church of Christ” organization. There is as much difference between these two religions doctrines as there is light from darkness. And we are not affiliated with the “Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints,” they represent the Mormon beliefs.

There are several of the “Church of Christ" congregations in a fifty-mile radius of Thomson. I know of no “United Church of Christ” congregations in a fifty-mile radius of our area.

In the “Church of Christ” we teach the Bible and only the Bible. There are no Creed books, Prayer books or Catechisms. We prove our belief by giving book, chapter, and verse from the bible. We are conservative Christians. The Church of Christ dates back to 33 A.D., when the Apostles were baptized with the H.S. and preached on that glorious day of Pentecost the first Christian sermon (Acts chapter 2).

The United Church of Christ was founded in 1957 as the union of several different Christian traditions: from the beginning of their history, they affirmed the ideal that Christians did not always have to agree to live together in communion. Their motto—"that they may all be one" The UCC is one of the most diverse Christian denominations in the United States. They consist of 1.4 million members, and has become the largest denomination to officially sanction “gay” marriage.

The unity that they seek requires neither an uncritical acceptance of any point of view, nor rigid formulation of doctrine. It does require mutual understanding and agreement as to which aspects of the Christian faith and life are essential.

The United Church of Christ has no formula that is a test of faith. Their valued of authentic “testimonies” of faith consist of historic statements such as the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Heidelberg Catechism, the Evangelical Catechism, the Augsburg Confession, the Cambridge Platform and the Kansas City Statement of Faith. They are basically “all things to all people.” That is to say, “your doctrinal beliefs are not important, just worship God the way you want to.”

The UCC declares that the study of the scriptures is not limited by past interpretations, but it is pursued with the expectation of new insights and God's help for living today. Their concept of scriptures is that it can change and evolve to fit this present day. And that the H.S. helps man to interpret the scriptures in his or her own unique way. Thus giving way to Liberalism in the worst way.

I hope this give you a little insight to the UCC beliefs? I am disturbed that people confuse the UCC with the “Church of Christ,” because it cast a bad reflection on us. We just need to educate people about the difference in beliefs. We worship in the church that Jesus built (Matt. 16:18) and not in the UCC way. If anyone has any questions about the “Church of Christ,” please contact a minister at a Church of Christ near you, or Gary Palmer.

Easter

Well, it is that time of the year again. Many people who have neglected their church and those that have been faithful to the attendance of their church, will pour in to their denominational churches. There objective will be; to pay respect and reverence to the day of Easter. As if it were more important then any other day of worship. Unfortunately it shows a lack of understanding of the day called, “Easter.”

Easter is define by Websters as; Eas·ter 1). A Christian feast commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus. Some denominations will have Easter sunrise services. This is done in remembrance of Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary, the mother of James, and other women who discovered the Lord’s body was no longer present in the tomb. (John 20:1); “The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.”

The truth is “Easter” has nothing to do with the Bible, its origin like Christmas stems from paganism. The English word comes from the AS Eastre or Eastera, a Teutonic goddess to whom sacrifice was offered in April, so the name was transferred to the Paschal feast. The word does not properly occur in the Scriptures, although AV [KJV, IC] has in Acts 12:4 where it stands for Passover, as it is rightly rendered in RV. There is no trace of Easter celebration in the New Testament…1. Christianity was made legal by Constantine during the time of the Roman Empire. The Catholic church pushed the idea or representing Easter on Sunday. The Catholic church is really a mixture of left over Jewish religion, Roman and Grecian paganism with a hint of Christianity.

The difference arose as to the time of the Easter celebration, the Jewish Christian naturally fixing it at the time of the Passover feast which was regulated by the Paschal moon. This would begin on the 14th day of the moon on the month of Nisan without regard to the day of the week, i.e., the Sunday of the resurrection, irrespective to the day of the month. The latter practice finally prevailed in the church and those that followed the other reckoning were stigmatized as heretics. 2. It is sinful for man to recognize and observe Easter as a religious holiday, because it is a man made doctrine.There is no bible for it, no reference or example to observe Easter.

We must be ever mindful that we must give a “thus saith the Lord” for everything we believe and practice. If there is no book, chapter, and verse (BCV), then we don’t practice it. (Matt. 15:8-9); “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” God has a specific pattern of worship for us to follow, any deviation from that will surely be vain worship. The word “vain” means worthless, useless. You would be just as well off worshiping a “June bug”. As to worship in vain.

It is wrong my dear friends to observe any holiday of any kind as a “holy day,” because it follows the pattern of the Old Testament; which Christ nailed to the cross (Col.2:14) “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross”; cf. Gal. 4:9-11). Therefore my friend, in the eyes of the Lord, Easter Sunday is not a special day. (Proverbs 6:63) …”the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” Listen to God, not man.

Women's Apparel

I was asked to write something about young women’s apparel. I do this with great respect for women. So that they may know what God requires of them. We know that mature women also have a problem with appropriate apparel sometimes. This is a subject that most women are sensitive about, especially when it comes from a man’s perspective. In this case it is not just a man’s perspective, it is more importantly a Godly perspective.

As I searched the Internet for women’s clothing for the twenty first century. I am amazed that women have thousands of choices to choose from, unlike men. Women’s clothing is indeed a multi-billion dollar industry. And provocative attire is at the top of the list.

I must admit, I know very little about women’s clothing, but I know men, and I know what excites them. The clothes a woman wears in public or at “church” will cause a decent man to think on them in a pure lovely way or a lustful unchaste fashion. A woman’s clothing can be like the serpent in the garden of Eden. She can use it to lure a man to sin (Prov. 7:10; Matt. 5:28).

Men and women are attracted to each other by natural chemical and hormonal agents in the human body. Since this is a natural God given attraction. We really don’t need to enhance that attraction by wearing provocative clothing. Women should be looked upon with respect, and as women of intelligence and integrity, not for some fleshly lustful use.

The woman that uses her body and clothing to attract the “lustful eye’ of man. Has shown herself to be a very ignorant woman. She has debased and degraded herself. She has caused a man to seek her company, not for her charm, wit, or virtue, but for sexual attraction. She is on the animal level when she does this (Prov. 6:25-29). The man she has lured is of the worst kind. He does not seek her good attributes or welfare. She is nothing more to him then sexual gratification. And he will leave her as quickly as he used her.

Yes! Men do have a lustful eye. Samson had his eyes “burned out" because of provocative women (Judges 16:21).The Great king Solomon built idols for his provocative women (1 Kings 11:4). Reuben went with his father’s wife (Gen. 35:22). Men in the Old Testament became polygamist (Gen. 4:19). Solomon had a thousand wives (1 Kings 11:3). Many a men have lost their soul to these silly provocative women (Prov. 6:25; Prov. 7:10-23).

The church is a sacred place. Women must be extremely careful of what they wear. If a woman’s attire causes a man or others to concentrate on her and not God. She has sinned greatly. Men do not need any extra temptations.

The holy women of God choose to serve God with humbleness and obeisance. They restrain their desires to be the twinkle in every man’s eye. They seek the man that want to know their distinctive qualities as a person and not just a lustful adventure. The Christian woman seeks to be pleasing to God, and not to excite and flirt with men.

If you seek to please God, then read (Proverbs 31:1-31). In this passage God paints a perfect picture of the, Godly, righteous woman. A woman of true virtue and perfection, whose beauty is within as well as on the outside. All of the worldly women of the world would not even begin to touch the hem of her garments.

Here are a few guidelines of what a Christian women should wear. Please forgive some of the terminology.

1. Touch your chin to your chest. Your blouse, tee shirt, etcetera., should not go below this line. That means no “V” cut blouses, tee shirts, bolero, tank tops, halter tops and the like. You know the kind that shows “flesh and cleavage?” Also don’t unbutton the top buttons of your blouse?
2. Put your hand on your stomach. If you feel bare flesh, you have the wrong type of blouse, garment or pull over shirt. No one should ever see your belly button!
3. The length of your skirt, dress etcetera.; should not be shorter then about 2.5 inches (height of a dollar bill) above your knee cap, (you can go longer).
4. Your pants should not look like there are two people in side them. Some girls wear pants that look like they had to oiled them down before they could put them on.
5. Women’s underclothes should not stand out as a different color from outfit she is wearing.
6. Women should cross their legs with knee high dresses.
7. The Bikini: your husband should be the only one that sees you dressed in something like that. It is public immodesty at its worst.
8. Tattoos are imprudent (Lev. 19:28).
9. Dark Gothic make up, and attire is not the image of a Christian woman.
10. To much make up for young girls can make them looks like a floozy.

The Occults

The occults have been around since the dawn of man.There are many types of occults today. We can only look at a few of them. The definition of the word“occult” by Webster’s Dictionary is; 1. Of, relating to, or dealing with supernatural influences, agencies, or phenomena. This will give us our basic foundation of the study. The most common forms of occultism today are; Astrology, Evil Spirits, Demon possession, Ghost, Witches, Goblins and the Satanic churches.

When a Christian looks at any subject, he or she is equipped with the Bible to determine whether or not that subject is valid or invalid. The occults mentioned above and all others that exist are all evil. They are a abomination before God. They are a damnable offense and a fracture of God’s divine commandments.

We must give a “thus saith the Lord” to prove our case. Is it wrong to read your “Horoscope”, do you believe it to be true? If the answer is “yes” then it is Wrong! You may say, “I don’t see anything wrong with it.”

We get our horoscopes from the field of Astrology. It is defined by Webster’s as; “The study of the positions and aspects of celestial bodies in the belief that they have an influence on the course of natural earthly occurrences and human affairs.” This occult teaches that the Sun rotates around the earth (which the opposite is true). This would also throw off their time table. So that you will be a month or two off from your true horoscope sign. Your horoscope is suppose to guide you in your daily affairs according to the stars. God’s holy word should be your guiding light through your daily affairs and choices. A damnable error occurs here, when we put out trust and confidence in man’s inventions. God knew man would have a problem discerning right from wrong. Remember; “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12). So God gave us the bible to guide us in every situation that comes up (2Tim. 3:16-17).

Why is Astrology wrong? Because man seeks what God has not given him. Man is willing to trust in the foolishness of star gazers, even over the word of God. The prophets of old never gave advice like you would find in horoscopes. Things like; financial advice, what is going to happen to you today and your romantic encounters. What will happen in your job, etc. We should not seek to know the future. These people represent the Satanic occult.

What are some scriptures that teach this? the Bible says, “ Therefore shall evil come upon thee; thou shalt not know from whence it riseth: and mischief shall fall upon thee; thou shalt not be able to put it off: and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, which thou shalt not know. Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth; if so be thou shalt be able to profit, if so be thou mayest prevail. Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee. Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame:” (Is. 47:11-15). This passage tell the king of Babylon of the destruction of his nation. God also tell him that the various people of the occult “who claim to know the future” will have no clue as to when this will happen. We see that thousands of years ago man was powerless to tell the future, even as he is today. And those that try to do so will be burned up. Astrology is a sign of idolatry. Note; we are not talking about “Astronomy” that is the scientific study of stars and has nothing to do with foretelling the future. Be very careful of the occults, (abstain from evil). Good, Day!

A Passion for God’s House

I think of King David, “a man after God’s own heart." (Acts 13:22). There were times when he was unfaithful, and in those times he was not “ a man after God’s own heart.” David had great resiliency in changing his prodigal ways, back to God’s holy ways. He like many Christians today realize that sometimes you stumble and fall, but he like some of us, was willing to admit our failures and ask God for forgiveness (1 John 1:8). This is one of the many great lessons we learn from David.

As one observes the life and times of King David, You can see that God was always had a great part in his life (Ps. 37:25). David wanted to build a house (Temple) for God. The Lord had delivered him so many time during his life, that David wanted to do something to honor him. David was not concerned about his own epitaph, But he wanted a memorial made for God, that would be remembered for all time. He had a passion “powerful emotional love” toward God. He wanted his legacy to be the “Temple.” It was a very noble idea. I am sure God was pleased with David’s obsession to do something for him, but it was not God’s will for him to build the “Temple.”

“And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God: But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight. Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days. He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.” (I Chronicles 22:7-10).

I would think that David was somewhat disappointed, but he would not sulk or mope around. He would go to plan “B” as it were. Here is another great example of David’s passion for the Lord. He cannot build the “Temple” but he can use his personal fortune to donate to the temple. “ Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,” (I Chron. 29:2). David has not given 10% to the Lord, but over 90% of all his wealth.

Does that remind you of the “rich young man who walked away sorrowfully? “The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 19:20-23).

Do we not understand that everything we have belongs to God. We are just stewards of these earthly possessions. David knew he could not build the temple, but that did not stop him from contributing to it. He also knew that his son Solomon would get the credit for it, but he didn't care. He knew his eyes would never behold one brick of the glorious “Temple” he had envisioned. Yet, he provided the wealth of all that he had. He also encouraged the people to donate to the construction of the “Temple” and they did (1Chron. 29:6).

We as Christians today need to lay the ground work for the church, whether or not we ever see it come to fruition. We need to have this passion David had in glorifying God? Let us live our lives as a monument to God? Good Day!

He That sweareth to his own Hurt

Here is a phrase that is foreign to most people today: “...He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.” Ps. 15:4). How many people would actually make a vow today and keep it, regardless of the consequences? The average person likes to follow the path of least resistance. If their decisions cause them some grief and sorrow, then they will “turn about face” and try another way. They will recant their positions and beliefs to save themselves. This phrase would make a great epitaph for any Christian. What does it really mean?

This passage describes the true nature of a man of God. It expresses the very essence of honor, duty, integrity, and perseverance. It illuminates the honest, pure character of a soldier of the cross, and his relentless discipline to serve God at all cost. “be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Rev. 2:10). This faithfulness and undying determination to walk the ways of righteousness, shall be rewarded with eternal life. Every Christian man and women is a soldier of God’s elite army. “… But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation” (I Peter 2:9).

Besides the Christians, there are those that have “sworn to their own hurt, and changed not.” In the military a man or women will swear allegiance to their country, even if it cost them their life. In Iraq today, many American soldiers have died representing this country's “Declaration of Independence and Freedom.” They have joined the ranks and the honorable monuments of recognitions of so many great and valiant soldiers of centuries gone by. They stand as a memorial for their beliefs and convictions.

Unfortunately the enemy, also has their own belief and ways of life. And they too, are willing to die in vain for their “worthless” cause. There are many amoral (no concern for right or wrong) people that will live and die for no good reason or cause. How foolish they are to waist their precious life. To some life is very cheap. They fail to realize eternity waits on the other side of death, and Judgment will follow “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” (Hebrews 9:27). One must however admire the price one will pay for their cause or convictions.

What is worth a man or woman’s life? What is worth the sacrifice of your life? Would you give up your job, home, possessions, children and spouse, to die for your cause? Would you surrender your every physical, emotional, and temporal pleasures this world has to offer for your beliefs? If not, why not? Who or what is worthy of this reverence or esteem, that people are willing to die for?

Your life is a one time opportunity. God gave you your life, It did not come to you by chance (Gen. 1:26). Your life is precious, even more precious then all the creations that God has made in this world. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” (2 Peter 3:10). The things of this world will one day vanish and all that will be left is the “souls” of man kind. Our soul is so important and cherished by God that: “ he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

God has given you his ultimate sacrifice (his son). Christ has given you his ultimate sacrifice (his life on the cross). Is he not worthy to receive our ultimate sacrifice (our lives and dedication to him.?) “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.” (Mark 8:35). Who, is worth dying for: “God is, and his divine word.” Why, because there is a place you and I will go one day. A wonderful place called heaven, if we keep his commandments and reverence him (Eccl.12:13-14). What is heaven like; It is a place where there are no tears, death, sorrow, crying, or pain (Rev. 21:4). A place of eternal happiness, and where God reigns, now that is worth dying for!