THE CONSERVATIVE LECTERN

WE, THE OFFENDED

2012-01-18T17:29:00.000-05:00

The labor some people put forth to "be offended" is only exceeded by the effort they themselves generate in order to offend others. Such implacable folks are never satisfied unless they have angered someone or demonstrated themselves sufficient hostility toward others. Someone opined, perhaps correctly, that Americans now live in the United States of the Offended. Yet the Psalmist wrote, "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them" (Psalm 119:165).

In a similar vein, the Apostle Paul, with the pen of inspiration, wrote, "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:18). Obviously there are some individuals with whom one cannot get along despite the greatest of efforts. But, Paul's words, "as much as lieth in you" suggest we should be willing to go the extra mile with even the most obnoxious persons in order to "live peaceably with all men."

Several years ago actor Robert Conrad starred in a television commercial wherein he placed a chip on his shoulder in advertising for a specific product. The commercial concluded with Conrad challenging viewers to, "Knock it off - I dare you." Perhaps we are all familiar with some who wear the proverbial chip on their shoulder, daring all who cross their path to "knock it off." These sad individuals are angry with everybody and their attitudes seem to suggest their desire for everyone to be mad with them.

They look to be offended, they love to be offended; yea, they live to be offended and/or to offend. These toxic characters take abnormal pride in their self-absorption and flaunt their uncanny ability to bring out the worst in others. You see, those who choose, yes choose, to live in a state of perpetual offense are never happy to go it alone. No, their desire is to bring others down with them.

Often we hear of those whom "got offended" and left a particular church. Though not a pastor myself, I believe I can say with much assurance that those men who are pastors tire of hearing about the latest person who was offended by the sermon delivered on a given Sunday morning. Pastors themselves are not exempt from the offense "bug" either. Many a pastor has undoubtedly spent some Monday morning carefully preparing a resignation letter only to chunk it in the waste basket at day's end.

I am simply suggesting that we live in a society today which cannot exist without being offended or offending in some form or another. This sinful world in which we find ourselves seems determined at every turn to develop new ways to offend Christians with startling little restraint. Today, God is denied, Jesus Christ is belittled, the Bible is doubted, Christians are mocked and unbelief is flaunted by a rebellious and gainsaying world. Their object? To offend.

This writer heard recently of a female student who was offended by the presence of a Christian symbol located in a frequently traveled corridor at her local high school. To her I say, "Get over it!" NFL quarterback Tim Tebow of the Denver Broncos was routinely mocked this past season by late night comedians (so-called) as well as fellow NFL players for the simple act of praying on the sideline and for his unashamed testimony as a follower of Jesus Christ.

American unbelievers in positions of power and prestige do not so much object to the mention of God occasionally, but they go ballistic when one invokes the name of Jesus Christ. They are "offended" by that name which is above every name and at which every knee shall ultimately bow (Phillipians 2:9-10).

Christians should bewail the rampant sin and wickedness so prevalent in society today, but believers should not be so quick to become offended at brothers and sisters in Christ. This is a huge problem sorely plaguing our churches. It is remarkably preposterous how little energy one must summon in order to offend some Christians in this end-time age.

Equally outrageous is how tiny an effort must be generated for offense to rear its ugly head within families. Consider the words of Micah the prophet (repeated by Jesus) and see if they do not ring true in many instances today: "For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies are the men of his own house" (Micah 7:6). How sad and tragic is the truth of Micah's words.

To the reader I ask, how is it with you? Are you one that is easily offended, never taking the opportunity to even consider the possibility that you yourself may have been the one in the wrong? Do you and I look for offenses beneath every tree or under every rock, or do we seek peace? Ironic though it may be, easily offended people are often the very ones who are most eager to offend. If one is in constant pursuit of becoming offended, it is certain they will not have to travel far to find it.

Two weeks ago upon entering a DOLLAR GENERAL store this writer observed a deacon from a church wherein I formerly held membership sitting nearby in his vehicle. As I exited the store I could not help but notice that this gentleman had taken the necessary precaution to preven eye contact with yours truly thereby negating the possibility of speaking and the obligatory waive of "hello". Was this man offended that I no longer attended his church? I do not know, but in many instances actions such as his denote one who is perfectly content to harbor an offense.

Let us not live our lives in this manner. Let us resolve today to be a reconciler rather than a reviler. Let us seek to unite instead of divide where at all possible. To be sure, there will be times when our best human efforts to reconcile a grievance will be furiously rejected, but let us not become bitter and live the remainder of our days being offended.

Pastor Bobby Roberson once told the story of riding to a certain location accompanied by the late Evangelist Lester Roloff. While jesting with Brother Roloff, Dr. Roberson felt in his spirit that he had offended the well-known evangelist and commenced to apologizing. According to Dr. Roberson, Lester Roloff replied, "If you offend me, it's my fault, not yours. I'm supposed to be dead to self, and dead men can't get offended."

The reason so many experience defeat, unhappiness and dwell continually on those who have offended them is simply this: they have not totally died to self. God help us to crucify the flesh daily, thereby clearing the way to live "peaceably with all men."

"And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men." ~ Acts 24:16

THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH

2012-01-11T16:30:00.002-05:00

Reading a quote recently from an unnamed source generated a smidgen of curiosity from this writer. The quote was simple: "Being honest may not get you a lot of friends, but it'll always get you the right ones." Is that so? I wonder.

Would it not be safe to assume that most of us would rather have an honest friend than one that with youthful exuberance wreaks havoc with the truth? Would not the reader rather reside next to an upstanding citizen than experience the unpleasant reality of neighboring with a thief? The point, obviously, is that an honest, trustworthy person is one whom others do not normally tend to avoid whereas a dishonest individual is.

The above quote is perhaps based upon the unproven premise that the world in which we live is not exactly bursting at the seams with honest people. In fact, taken at face value the quote would seem to suggest the exact opposite is true inasmuch as it implies that being truthful places one in the minority of those few and increasingly dwindling "right ones" who value honesty.

While it may very well be true that honesty is progressively becoming a relic of the past, and while it may also be a valid point that not very many people today desire to hear the truth, it might be just as safe to assume that the above quote may, in fact, be suggesting something totally to the contrary. What meaneth the writer? Read on.

This writer does not claim to know the intent of the one from whom the quote in question originated. Neither is this writer attempting to make the proverbial mountain out of a molehill as one might be tempted to conclude. As stated earlier, the quote referenced in this post elicited an interest in this blogger that he now conveys in words.

Thus, in meditating upon this quote it is quite possible that the intent of the quotes originator was to encourage others to speak their minds (even when truth is uttered) and let the chips fall where they may. No matter the circumstances just take the attitude expressed with the words "I'll speak my mind come what may at whatever costs!"

I beg to disagee if this is the scenario presented by some who use the quote. It is far better to withhold one's opinion if by failing to do so would serve only to cause harm and/or division. If the reader's neighbor were to ask if his wife is ugly honesty might compel you to answer in the affirmative. But to salvage a friendship and seek peace, the reader would be better served not to offer an opinion at all. In other words, keeping one's mouth shut is on many occasions a better policy than opening it and uttering the truth.

Of course this writer is aware that there are times when the truth should and must be told. We are not speaking here of compromising the truth for the sake of getting along with error. Those who regularly read this blog know the truth as I understand it is regularly proclaimed and defended from these pages. This entry is dealing with interpersonal relationships. When constructive criticism is warranted it must always be applied with love and concern for the one being corrected.

Has the reader had the distasteful experience of encountering someone who by all indications never appears to have an unspoken thought? You've undoubtedly heard it said of another that "if they're thinking it, it's bound to come out." In other words, if a thought arises in the mind of the person of whom I write, one can rest assured that the thought, be it kind or otherwise, will very soon find expression through the avenue of the tongue.

This writer is acquainted with some whom the previous paragraph aptly describes. They care not who they hurt as long as their unsolicited opinion - though in some cases contains the truth - is uttered for all in attendance to digest with the same glee with which one would consume Caster Oil. The words, "Well, I can't help who this offends, but..." or similar careless expressions are often the trigger mechanism for what amounts to nothing more than the egotistical ramblings of immature minds. Is this scenario the true path to abiding friendship? I think not.

My friends, those who fail to bridle the tongue are not wise. May it also be stated clearly that never having an "unspoken thought" is no virtue, as some would inexplicably argue, and should therefore garner one considerable pity rather than contrived respect.

The Psalmist wrote, "I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me" (39:1). The Hebrew word for "bridle" suggest something along the lines of a muzzle. In other words, David said, "I will put a muzzle over my mouth!" In more cases than not we should do the same.

James knew all too well the dangers of the tongue. He called the tongue "a fire, a world of iniquity" that "defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell" (James 3:6). In verse 8 of that same chapter James pulled no punches stating unequivocally, "But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison."

In closing, while some take the position that stating the truth "at all costs" is the way to enduring friendship, the Bible states a contrary view. "Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins" reads Proverbs 10:12. Let us emulate the example of the Psalmist David and muzzle the tongue in insignificant matters. Contrary to popular opinion, not everyone is dying to hear what we have to say, even it it's the truth. Friendship abounds when honesty sometimes compels one to be silent.

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." ~ Psalm 19:14

DELVE INTO TWELVE!

2011-12-29T17:10:00.000-05:00

Driving around the area this week uncovered to even the casual observer the closure of the Christmas season with only a vestige of lights and decorations remaining in the windows and on the lawns and structures of various homes and businesses. Honestly, to this writer it seems Thanksgiving was commemorated merely hours ago, but reality reveals not only the passing of "turkey day," but the departure of Christmas as well!

Should the Lord tarry His coming, a new year will dawn in just a little over 48 hours. Embarking upon a new year always brings excitement as well as a cloud of mystery as one anticipates opportunities to explore and, perhaps, tremendous obstacles to overcome. To be sure, no one knows the events that will unfold during the year 2012 despite the unreliable prognostications of various soothsayers.

The new year reminds us of the swifness with which time passes. When anticipating the arrival of yet another year in the cycle of life it is commonplace to hear many question just where the time has gone. Yet, should we at all be surprised at the brevity of life inasmuch as James records that life "is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away" (James 4:14)?

The approaching new year brings with it a new start. In light of this, many, including this writer, will endeavor to make New Year's resolutions which may or may not be accomplished with the passing of time. Some vow to lose weight, exercise more or quit some bad habit. Others determine to become a better Christian, treat others with more kindness, save more money or, perhaps, read through the entire Bible.

For example, one New Year's resolution undertaken by this writer is that of having his ears open twice as long in duration as shall be his mouth! Certainly a true friend knows when, where, what and how to offer constructive criticism, but an even greater gift is that of knowing when to say nothing at all when honest words or opinions may cause hurt and division.

A FACEBOOK friend recently posted that her New Year's resolution is to "laugh a little louder, smile a little bigger, love a little deeper and walk through life a little slower." The poster will receive no argument from this corner, and this writer hopes my friend will accomplish her goals for the betterment of all involved.

After the recent death of a loved one another FACEBOOK acquaintance wrote the following: "Cherish each day with your loved one as if it was your last." Good advice considering this day may very well be our last. We have no promise of tomorrow.

I am reminded of some in the Scriptures who made resolutions of one sort or another. With brokenheartedness for his sins and after pleading with God to restore the joy of His salvation, the Psalmist David determined: "Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee (Psalm 51:13). David resolved to be a soul-winner.

When Nehemiah heard of the ruins of his native Jerusalem he "wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven" (Nehemiah 1:4). God put it in the heart of His servant Nehemiah to rebuild the shattered walls of Jerusalem. Thus we read in Nehemiah 4:6, "So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work." Nehemiah resolved to stand in the gap and repair the breach.

In the face of the Jews' imminent destruction from wicked Haman, Queen Esther resolved to plead for the lives of her people. Thirty days had expired since Esther had been summoned into the presence of King Ahasuerus. To come into the court of the king uninvited could have meant instant death for the queen, but the inescapable burden upon her heart served to thrust Esther into action though her fear of physical death remained quite significant.

The annihilation of the Jewish race had been irreversibly decreed. With no thought for her safety, Queen Esther determined to approach the throne to intercede for her nation. Esther, the only person who could now save the Jews from Haman's diabolical scheme, firmly stated, "...so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16). Esther resolved to earnestly entreat the king for the well-being of her people and was rewarded.

In the book or Ruth, Naomi faced the bitter death of her husband and their two sons. To her bereaved daughters-in-law Naomi's instruction was to return to their own mother's house. While one did as admonished the other, Ruth, determined to remain with her mother-in-law saying, "...whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people,and thy God my God" (Ruth 1:16). Ruth, a type of the gentile bride of Christ, resolved to serve the true and living God at the expense of family and friends.

In his last charge to the nation of Israel before his death, the great Old Testament warrior Joshua declared before all, "...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15). Joshua led his loved ones by example, resolving yet late in life to continue serving the Lord.

In verses 23-27 of the great eleventh chapter of Hebrews we read of at least four resolutions made by Moses. In verse 24 we see that Moses "REFUSED to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter." The following verse reveals that Moses CHOSE "rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." (capitals mine)

In the aformentioned verses we learn that Moses, that great servant of the Lord, ESTEEMED "the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt," and "FORSOOK Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king..." (capitals mine). Moses, though hesitant at first, resolved to be used of the Lord in delivering the nation of Israel from Egyptian bondage.

The great Apostle Paul was a man of resolve as well. For example, in Philippians 3:13-14 Paul wrote, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

Jesus Christ, our greatest Example, resolved to do His Father's will and complete His work of redemption. John 4:34 reads, "Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work."

Though time nor space will permit, many more examples could be related of the resolve of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus did not seek to avoid Calvary as some erroneously claim. Rather, He set His face "like a flint" (Isaiah 50:7) to go to Calvary and die upon a Cross for the sins of mankind. Indeed, therein lied the purpose for which He came into this world that first Christmas morn.

What, dear reader, are the goals in the upcoming new year to which you aspire? Be they spiritual, physical or financial, delve into "twelve" with all your might and, with God's help and grace, make it the best year of your life, come what may. Be like Paul - forget what is behind (successes and failures), reach for those things which are before you, and press toward the mark for the prize which is in Christ Jesus. Be a person of absolute resolve, finishing strongly the course laid out before you.

Above all, during this season of "out with the old, in with the new," let us make certain any resolutions we formulate include as top priority that which brings honor and glory to the Lord Jesus Christ for He is worthy. From this writer to all who read, HAPPY NEW YEAR and may God's richest blessings be yours as you "delve into 2012." Thanks for reading. David.

SEARCHING FOR THE CHRIST OF CHRISTMAS

2011-12-22T16:30:00.001-05:00

The Wise Men were searching: "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him" (Matthew 2:1-2).

Herod the king was searching: "And when he [Herod] had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born" (Matthew 2:4).

The shepherds were searching: "And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us" (Luke 2:15).

The faith of searching Simeon was rewarded for when he had see "the Lord's Christ," he took the babe in his arms saying, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation" (Luke 2:29-30).

So, too, may we today embark upon our search for the Christ of Christmas. We begin our quest in Bethlehem for there it was prophesied that the Christ-child should be born 710 years prior to the event. "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting" (Micah 5:2).

"In the little village of Bethlehem,
There lay a child one day;
And the sky was bright with a holy light
O'er the place where Jesus lay.

'Twas a humble birthplace, but O how much
God gave to us that day,
From the manger bed what a path has led,
What a perfect, holy way.

Alleluia! O how the angels sang.
Alleluia! How it rang!
And the sky was bright with a holy light
'Twas the birthday of a King."

Yet in our search of the stable manger scene we find only the sheep, goats and a donkey asleep on the hay. Though indeed the Christ once lay there as a tiny infant, He has now reached the age of adolescence. Even at the tender age of twelve "all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers" as He sat in the Temple "in the midst of doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions" (Luke 2:46-47).

Was not our search for the Christ of Christmas in a lowly stable an effort in futility? Surely a further reading of Luke's gospel account would have informed our party that "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man" (Luke 2:52). The Christ is no longer the little babe in the manger. He grew up!

As we continue our pursuit of the Christ of Christmas, our search takes us to the city of Jerusalem, for there it was again prophesied the Messiah would die (Daniel 9:25-26). With great anticipation we take up positions along the Via Dolorosa where perhaps just a glimpse of the suffering Savior may be realized. Yet there is no Savior here, only the steady shuffle of sandaled feet accompanied by the merry laughter emanating from playful youth.

We hurriedly turn our attention to Golgotha, the place of the skull, where Christ would be crucified. He must be there for Luke wrote, "And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left" (Luke 23:33).

"Up Calvry's mountain, one dreadful morn,
Walked Christ my Saviour, weary and worn;
Facing for sinners death on the cross,
That He might save them from endless loss.

Blessed Redeemer! precious Redeemer!
Seems now I see Him on Calvary's tree;
Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading-
Blind and unheeding-dying for me."

Oh, but the Christ of Christmas no longer adorns the tree for it was upon the rugged Cross that He gave His life for the sins of the world. Luke 23:46 records, "And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost."

What is left to do with a dead body but to bury it. Thus, to the grave must we go in our quest to locate the Christ of Christmas. We are told that Joseph of Arimathaea "went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus" (Luke 23:52). It was this good man who took down from the blood-stained Cross the body of Jesus "and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid" (Luke 23:53).

With saddened countenances we approach the grave of the Lord Jesus. Yet, much to our thrilled amazement, we find the sepulcher empty, for He has risen! We now recall the words of Jesus who said, "The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again" (Luke 24:7). How silly of us to approach with apprehension the borrowed tomb of Jesus anticipating the grave could bind Him, the Author and Sustainer of life itself!

"Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes;
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever
With His saints to reign,
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!"

Where is the Christ of Christmas? Throughout our search we have seen He is no longer in the manger, no longer on the Cross and no longer in the tomb. To which direction must we turn our attention in order to find Him? Mark records the whereabouts of the Christ: "So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God" (Mark 16:19).

To be sure, Jesus is presently seated in Heaven with God the Father making intercession for His saints, but the Christ of Christmas also resides in the hearts of all born-again believers. Are you, the reader, searching for the peace, love, and joy that Christmas lacks without the Savior? It is only when the sinner turns to the Lord Jesus in repentance and faith can the Christ of Christmas truly be found. Be assured that the Christ of Christmas is searching for you today. The best way to celebrate this season is to have the Christ of Christmas born in your heart. Be saved today! God bless, and Merry Christmas to all! David.

PASTOR or PRESIDENT

2011-12-14T17:10:00.002-05:00

An American citizen would have to be living under a rock - a very large rock - should he or she be unaware of the upcoming presidential election in November, 2012. Though this blogger has lost count, it would seem the debates among the Republican challengers for the White House now number in double digits with more to come.

I have always somewhat enjoyed talking up politics. The first president for whom this writer ever had the privilege of voting was President Ronald Reagan in 1984. Reagan, of course, won by a landslide that year over his challenger, Democrat and former vice-president Walter Mondale. Politics do not consume me, but I enjoy a friendly argument every now and then.

What I don't enjoy or understand is the unwillingness to vote of many on both sides of the political aisle. The right to vote is a privilege for which many Americans sacrificed their life, yet many in this dark hour feel it their "patriotic" duty NOT to vote should their candidate of choice not receive the nomination, particularly in the upcoming Republican presidential primaries.

President Obama is heretofore unchallenged by others in the Democrat Party in his bid for re-election. It would be highly unusual indeed for one to step forward and challenge a sitting president within his own party though that did occur in 1980 when Senator Edward Kennedy ran unsuccessfully against President Jimmy Carter.

However, the Republican field has no less than seven candidates all vying for the coveted seat in the Oval Office. At the time of this writing former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is leading the field by a comfortable margin. In politics things change rapidly, often overnight; thus it remains to be seen if Newt's popularity remains consistent with voters.

Despite a plethora of Republican candidates the vote of this writer remains unclaimed though vote he will should the Lord tarry His coming and life continues. Yet some, as previously stated, refuse to exercise their right to vote if certain conditions are not met.

For example, a recent post on FACEBOOK by a good, Christian gentleman reads as follows:

"[U]ntil one chooses anti-abortion, pro-Israel and pro-America, I'm not voting for any of them [Republican candidates]. They all stink. It might be the first time in my adult life I don't vote. I'm sick and tired of being forced to choose the lesser of two evils. I want a godly conservative Christian candidate and he will be the only one I vote for."

Now, this blogger agrees with the writer above in that I am 100% against abortion and 100% for America and Israel. I, too, am not satisfied with the Republican field and detest "being forced to choose the lesser of two evils" as well. I, too, would love to vote for a godly, conservative, Christian candidate should one rise to the occasion.

But let's face it folks. Though I would relish the occasion, I have never in almost 30 years of voting ever had the opportunity to cast my vote for a Baptist, Fundamentalist, King James Only, Bible-thumping, sin-fighting, Devil-hating, Holy Spirit-filled, separated, soul-winning, hell-fire-and-brimstone preaching, shouting, anointed candidate for president and I doubt very seriously that I ever will. But you can rest assured that this writer shall vote for the candidate that best represents his Christian views thereby refusing to allow the current White House occupant to win his vote by default!

Get informed, get active and vote when the day arrives. Your vote could be pivotal - exercise your right to vote with caution, yes, but exercise it you must! Don't sit on the sidelines. Be counted. God bless, and thanks for reading. David.

WHY THE LEFT HATES HERMAN CAIN

2011-12-07T17:24:00.004-05:00

The recent allegations of impropriety lodged against Herman Cain have served their purpose. As of Saturday, December 3, 2011, the Republican presidential hopeful is no longer in the race for the White House.

In a speech in Atlanta, Georgia, carried live on FOX News, CNN and other outlets, Cain stated the allegations, though denied, have cast a "cloud over me and this campaign." Cain continued, "I am suspending my presidential campaign because of the continued distraction, the continued hurt," declaring that the campaign suspension was "not because I am not a fighter."

This blogger knows not whether the charges against Mr. Cain are legitimate or the spurious meanderings of his political enemies. If Cain is indeed guilty of the accusations that sealed his sudden fate then he obviously lied to the American people and deserves not to be our president. I do know, however, that the American judicial system deems one innocent of all charges until proven guilty in a court of law. Nonetheless, in the court of public opinion, Herman Cain has apparently already been tried, convicted and sentenced.

For example, while delivering a speech recently at Middle Tennessee State University Mr. Cain was interrupted by components of the Occupy Wall Street crowd who chanted, "Abuse is not acceptable." Ironically, these morally bankrupt stooges of the liberal establishment demand freedom on one hand for convicted cop-killers in the face of a mountain of evidence, yet find it not the least bit problematic to convict Herman Cain without so much as a trial.

The Left's favorite Reverend, Al Sharpton, in an October appearance on THE DAILY SHOW with Jon Stewart, demonstrated his bigotry by stating to thunderous laughter and applause from the clueless audience that he would not "support Cain even if he was running against a white guy." Sharpton further berated Cain (and white Americans) by suggesting "white people only like him because he says what they want to hear." This blogger would never suggest he was as intelligent or more so than the reverend, but he suspects it would be legitimate to assume that most people vote for the candidate who articulates what they, the people, want to hear.

The alleged comedian and mentally unsettled Janeane Garofalo, in a cozy conversation with Keith Olbermann, cast the following judgment on Herman Cain's candidacy and his supporters:

"Herman Cain is probably well liked by some of the Republicans because it hides the racist elements of the Republican party, conservative movement and tea party movement, one and the same. People like Karl Rove liked to keep the racism very covert. And so Herman Cain provides this great opportunity so you can say, 'Look, this is not a racist, anti-immigrant, anti-female, anti-gay movement. Look, we have a black man.'" Though this blogger knew Herman was black I did not realize that Cain was also a gay, female immigrant!

Actor Harry Belafonte, whose credibility with the media lies only in the fact he hates conservatives, accused Mr. Cain of being a "totally false bad apple in the black community." Perhaps Mr. Belafonte's meaning is lost in the lack of a comma behind the word "false," thus denoting a pause, but would not a "totally false bad apple" as quoted be the equivalent of an entirely true, good apple?

Resident Professor of Marxism, Cornel West, formerly of Princeton University, lovingly suggested Herman Cain should "get off the symbolic crack pipe." Oh, the civil discourse shown by these liberals should shame us all! Conservatives would never intimate that Professor West was a smoker of crack though after reading some of his writings it is readily apparent he has been infected by a liberal philosophy which alters the mind just the same.

After a FACEBOOK post wherein this blogger wrote that he had been waiting in vain for Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and/or the Congressional Black Caucus to rise in defense of Herman Cain amid unproven allegations a black liberal acquaintance responded with the following: "Just because you [Cain] are my color don't mean you are my kind." Translated: Mr. Cain is not sufficiently liberal; therefore, he is not authentically black for if he were authentic he would indeed be liberal.

Therein lies the secret why Herman Cain is hated by the Left and disliked by many in the black community. It is apparent to even the casual observer that if a person of African descent abandons the Democratic plantation, thereby refusing to toe the liberal party line, it is thus concluded that they are not legitimately black. A better depiction of intolerance could not be demonstrated.

One may reasonably assume that there are similarities between days of yesteryear wherein blacks were precluded from participation in certain venues and barred from many establishments and the bigotry demonstrated today by the African-American elite (and white liberals) who prohibit blacks to draw their own conclusions outside the established liberal box.

Some of the most courageous people living today in the United States of America are black conservatives who are forthright with their views. But, is it not true also in this day of political correctness and victim mentality that black conservatives remain relegated to the back of the bus driven by black liberals if they are permitted to board the bus at all?

The candidacy and subsequent success of Herman Cain prior to his withdrawal from the race was dealing a fatal blow to the liberal mantra that Republicans, conservatives and Tea Party activists are a horde of redneck racists longing for the day when minorities once again hang by the neck from the nearest oak tree. In order for that liberal refrain to be prolonged and consequently believed, Herman Cain had to go.

Herman Cain's mortal sin lie in his conservatism. In today's America no black man (or woman) is allowed to express conservative views lest they be lynched by the liberal mob. Those who should have celebrated his success, though not necessarily agreeing with his policies, are the very ones who participated in his lynching.

Mr. Cain demonstrated to blacks and other minorities that a better path to the desired Promised Land was available rather than the failed, unkempt trail they had heretofore traveled under 45 years of Democratic bondage.

Herman Cain refused to be told how to feel, what to think, and what to say by liberals, talking heads and race baiters. He was his own man and for this he is admired. With clear vision, Cain dared to explode beyond the parameters set for him by the political elite. We applaud you Mr. Cain. God bless you in your future endeavors.

"YE HAVE DONE IT UNTO ME"

2011-11-30T17:49:00.001-05:00

As an officer of the Court Saul had no equal. In his efforts to hale men and women to prison for their faith in Christ Saul's zeal was unmatched. Using today's terminology, Saul would undoubtedly have received the Officer of the Year award from the Optimist Club of Jerusalem in recognition of his tireless attention to duty.

Saul, who later, of course, would become the great Apostle Paul, recounted in his defense to the gathered multitude in Acts chapter 22 that, indeed, he "persecuted this way [believers] unto the death, binding and delivering into prison both men and women" (vs. 5).

In a prior verse in that same chapter Paul stated that he was, as were his brethren, "zealous toward God" (vs. 3), and testified that he had at a previous time secured "letters [arrest warrants] unto the brethren" for which he "went to Damascus, to bring them [Christians] which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished" (vs. 5).

At the stoning of the first martyr, Stephen, Saul stood at the bloody scene "consenting unto his death" (Acts 8:1). As recorded in Acts 8:3, Saul was a man driven by hatred who made "havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison."

Not to belabor the point, but before King Agrippa Saul (now Paul) confessed his prior hatred toward the followers of Christ and the One whom they faithfully served. In Acts 26:9-11 Paul declares:

"I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities."

With grief and shame and perhaps through tears Paul rehearsed before all who would hear the inescapable fact that prior to his conversion he not only imprisoned the saints, but further testified against them at their death sentencings, punished them, persecuting and compelling them to blaspheme. Oh, how Saul hated Christians and Christianity!

Yet when Saul met the Lord at midday on the Damascus Road and fell to the earth a blind man, he heard a voice from Heaven saying, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" (Acts 26:14). Similarly, the Lord answered Saul's understandably anxious question of "Who art thou, Lord?" with the words, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest" (Acts 26:15). Had Saul persecuted Jesus? Jesus was in Heaven; therefore, how could it be possible that Saul had personally maltreated the Savior as Jesus Christ Himself had so emphatically affirmed?

To answer the above question let us turn our attention to verse 31-46 of Matthew chapter 25. These particular verses cover the Lord's judgment of the Gentile nations. In the reference Bible bearing his name, Dr. C.I. Scofield writes of this passage that "The test in this judgment is the treatment accorded by the nations to those whom Christ calls 'my brethren.' These 'brethren' are the Jewish Remnant who will have preached the Gospel of the Kingdom to all nations during the tribulation."

In these verses one will discover that the Lord Jesus Christ rewards those nations who fed, watered, lodged, clothed and visited His Jewish brethren while damning those who did not. Perplexed, the nations ask the Lord, "When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? (Matthew 25:38-39; 44). Notice carefully Jesus' reply to the blessed nations: "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (vs. 40).

Is it not plain from what we have just read in Matthew 25 and from what we learned from the Lord's dealings with Saul of Tarsus outlined above that an attack upon the people of God is an assault upon Jesus Christ Himself? According to 1 Corinthians 12, believers are members of Christ's body. Therefore, when Saul persecuted the saints he was persecuting the Savior. When Saul lifted up his brutal hand to punish Christians he was unknowingly punishing Jesus Christ. When Saul gleefully cast believers into the muck and mire of a damp, cold prison he was in reality hurling the Lord into the quagmire with them. Thus the thrust of Jesus' inquiry to Saul was, "Why persecutest thou ME?" (captitals mine).

We often hear preaching today in some circles condemning the lifting up of the hand against the Lord's anointed. The context in which this is preached almost entirely centers around one standing in opposition to the pastor or preacher. However, every true believer is the Lord's anointed and if it is a sin to eat the preacher for lunch (as indeed it is), then may this writer hasten to add that it is just as equally sinful for preachers to chew up one another's members for supper.

I would doubt any one of us have stoned another believer, thrown them into prison, or punished them physically in any way whatsoever. But what about that critical tongue and cynical attitude that longs to assassinate fellow Christians if given the slightest opportunity? May we be reminded should we succumb to disparaging, criticizing and maligning other believers we are, in fact, denigrating the Lord Jesus as we do.

If Jesus walked among us today would He be forced to ask of us, "Why persecutest thou me?" in response to our negative treatment of His children? "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Think about it. God bless and thanks for reading. David.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THANKSGIVING?

2011-11-23T21:52:00.000-05:00

Though one may find it hard to believe, Thanksgiving Day will once again be upon us in mere hours. The festive holiday set aside many years ago for annual observance on the fourth Thursday of November is near, but just how many will pause to appreciate its true significance?

For example, the capital city of North Carolina, Raleigh, brought out floats, marching bands and dignitaries, etc., for all to enjoy during its superbly attended Christmas parade last weekend. Considering Thanksgiving has yet to arrive, much less the month of December in which Christmas actually falls, one might get the idea that the great city of Raleigh jumped the gun somewhat. Hence the question, whatever happened to Thanksgiving?

The National Football League, as it did the previous year, has slated a schedule of three games to be played consecutively beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and ending near the midnight hour when the purported day of thanks yields to the dawning chaos of Black Friday.

There have always been NFL games televised on Thanksgiving for as long as this writer can remember, but the 3-game schedule is a recent gamble by the league (and the networks) that most people will be intrinsically more interested in watching football than they will be in reflecting upon God's goodness in their lives. Again, whatever happened to Thanksgiving?

Speaking of Black Friday, shoppers have been inundated with advertisements from retailers promoting this supposed day on which the Christmas buying frenzy begins. However, weeks prior to Thanksgiving those same shoppers were being urged to take advantage of "pre-Black Friday" markdowns as if the arrival and subsequent departure of Thanksgiving Day could not be realized soon enough. I say, whatever happened to Thanksgiving?

Shopping malls, stores and retail outlets of every stripe that, for the almighty dollar, have flung wide their doors the entire year on each and every Sunday, the Lord's day, cannot find it within themselves to close their doors even on this one day to offer thanks to the One from whose hand they prosper, but One whose day is, oddly enough, routinely diminished. I repeat, whatever happened to Thanksgiving?

Will Thanksgiving be observed at your home, dear reader? Will you make the effort to "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise"? Will you determine in your heart during this season and throughout the year to "be thankful unto him, and bless his name" (Psalm 100:4)?

What follows are some very distinct blessings for which we can be thankful:

"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's" (Psalm 103:1-5).

"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy" (Psalm 103:8).

"He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust" (Psalm 103:10-14).

In closing, let us remember the easy to quote yet hard to practice exhortation of Paul the apostle recorded in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Whatever happened to Thanksgiving? May an attitude of gratitude be found at your place and mine during these days. Happy Thanksgiving everyone and thanks for reading. David.

THE NEAR FUTURE?

2011-11-16T16:41:00.010-05:00

The President of the United States emerged from the Oval Office looking as if the weight of the world rested upon his shoulders. Having been inaugurated as the nation's 45th President a mere three weeks ago, President Jacobsen was now ever mindful of the tremendous task that lay before him him as leader of the free world. The grave decision he would soon announce to a worldwide audience of friend and foe would not be a pleasant one, yet it was a course of action for which there was no alternative.

The President was a combat veteran having served with the Fifth Marine Regiment during the first Gulf War. He knew full well the awful circumstances of war and had observed more than his share of mangled bodies and the loss of life that necessarily accompanies conflict. The thought of sending brave young men into the searing heat of battle greatly troubled the Commander-in-Chief, but it was a responsibility that fell squarely upon his shoulders. In reality, the weight of the world truly did rest upon his actions.

In the volatile area known as the Middle East, the nation of Israel had always been a staunch, reliable ally of the United States. In fact, she was America's only ally in the region and now, with Iranian nuclear missiles pointed her way, the Jewish state needed her American friends more than ever. Within moments of speaking to the American President on a secure video feed, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with his cabinet members, readied themselves for the ominous events soon to unfold.

It was 8:00 P.M. eastern time in the U.S. Several thousand miles away in the Iranian capital of Teheran the clock chimed exactly 3:00 A.M. amidst a quiet stillness that engulfed the land. An eerie breeze began to waft along the arid landscape of drought-stricken Iran. Little was known, from America's perspective, of the Islamic nation's intelligence capabilities, or lack thereof. The CIA had been gutted during the Clinton years and had not received the financial or human resources it needed during ensuing administrations. Israeli operatives, however, were adamant in their threat assessment of Iran's nuclear weapons arsenal and diabolical intentions. With that in mind President Jacobsen was determined another Jewish holocaust would not happen on his watch.

Television networks along with cable and satellite, much to the dismay of the pleasure-seeking American populace, broke into regular programming to broadcast the breaking news. Suddenly, President Jacobsen, looking grim yet determined, appeared before the TV cameras, his demeanor captivating the now-interested millions in his audience.

"My fellow Americans," the President began, "tonight I have ordered the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army to establish combat-ready positions at the border between Iraq and her Iranian neighbors."

Looks of bewilderment sprawled across the faces of Americans and astonishment echoed from one nation to another. The question on everyone's mind was if the dreaded but anticipated nuclear confrontation with Iran was about to begin?

"Furthermore," President Jacobsen stated, "U.S. Naval warships along with a number of aircraft carriers are in the Persian Gulf region as I speak. Our intelligence confirms the presence of Iranian nuclear missiles at strategic locations inside Iran and I have ordered continual airstrikes on these nuclear installations in order to obliterate the menacing threat, not only to our friends in Israel, but also to the United States of America."

"America cannot stand idly by and allow the Jewish people to be annihilated by means of another holocaust," the President continued. "Additional ground combat units will be deployed into the combat theater as the need exists or until President Achmedinejad surrenders to American or Israeli authorities and his military capabilities rendered incapable of further operations. Please pray for our brave men and women in uniform who, tonight, heroically forge their mark in our nation's glorious and rich history. May God grant them a speedy victory and may God bless the United States of America."

With his shocking words ended, President Jacobsen retreated to his war room at an undisclosed location below the White House. Millions of people remained glued to cable news outlets throughout the night, sleep not being an option. Stock markets were sure to plummet worldwide as oil prices skyrocketed. Wall Street, having rid itself of its recent protesters, now entertained certain fears of crashing as uncertainty gripped the air. Muslim nations, as expected, violently demonstrated in the streets, pledging a bloody revenge against the "Great Satan," America. Tensions soared in Jerusalem as the inevitable invasion of Iran to eliminate her nuclear arsenal had begun.

"Mr. President, Mr. President, are you awake?" came the voice of a trusted friend inside the President's bedroom. President Jacobsen, somewhat startled at being awakened from an unbelievable nightmare, slowly pulled the sheets from his body and sat upright in bed, unsure at the moment of his location.

"Yes, Yes, I am awake, Bob," said the President to his Chief of Staff. "For a moment there I was in another world," the President sighed.

(But is this another world or the world we are about to embark upon? Pray that God would give our leaders wisdom and pray for the peace and protection of Israel. Jesus is coming soon! Thanks for reading.)

THE END OF THE WORLD

2011-11-09T18:13:00.004-05:00

An interested reader recently questioned this blogger as to whether or not everyone will have heard the gospel prior to the end of this age. "I thought before the world ends that everyone will have heard of Jesus Christ and heard the Bible," posited the inquirer, "and you say that people will be saved during the Tribulation Period. Will they still go to Hell?"

Indeed, that is a fair question which, incidentally, reminded this writer of what Jesus' disciples asked of Him just prior to His Olivet discourse found in Matthew chapter 24. In the latter half of verse 2 of that chapter Jesus, after viewing the Jewish Temple, declared unto His disciples "...There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down." Jesus was referring to the then future Roman conquest of Jerusalem and its destruction under Titus which occurred in 70 A.D.

Their curiosity awakened, Jesus' disciples then proceeded to pop the question as recorded in verse 3: "And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?"

The end of the world. The mere thought of that climatic and sure event engenders fear into the hearts of many though it need not be so. With the chaotic situation in which the world now finds itselt, many Christians (and unsaved alike) are acquiring a greater interest in the study of biblical prophecy as they long to learn what God's Word has to say concerning the unfolding events marking the end of this age.

For the answers to questions many have regarding end-time proceedings we need look no further than the Scriptures. We dare not rely upon human reasoning as demonstrated by the foolish and failed predictions in recent months by Harold Camping concerning setting dates for the return of Christ. The best commentary on the Bible is the Bible itself so to its pages we turn.

What is the next event awaiting fulfillment according to God's calendar of time? God's schedule of events, listed in chronological order, are as follows:

1) The Rapture of the Saints - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
2) In Heaven, the Judgment Seat of Christ for Christians - Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15
3) On earth, the Great Tribulation Period - Matthew 24:15-26; Daniel 12:1
4) The Second Coming of Christ to earth - Revelation 19:11-16; Matthew 24:27-31
5) The Battle of Armageddon - Revelation 19:17-19
6) The Judgment of the Nations - Matthew 25:31-46
7) The Millenial Reign of Christ; Satan bound 1,000 years - Revelation 20:1-6
8) Satan loosed; the Battle of Gog and Magog - Revelation 20:7-9
9) Satan's doom - Revelation 20:10
10) The Great White Throne Judgment of the Unsaved - Revelation 20:11-15
11) Eternity in Heaven with Jesus for all Christians - Revelation 21 and 22

With these future happenings in mind let us now consider, first of all, if there shall ever come a day wherein the world as we know it will cease to exist. What saith the Scriptures? "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 a fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up" confirms 2 Peter 3:10.

Continuing in Peter's epistle we find, "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13). Jesus Christ Himself will one day remake this old, sin-stained, corrupt earth into something wonderfully new that will never bear the dreadful marks of sin.

Quite natural would it be for one to inquire as to when Christ will establish the new heavens and a new earth. In anticipation of such curiosity may I present Revelation 21:1 where the apostle John writes, "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea." The new Heaven and new earth will appear immediately following the millenial reign of Jesus Christ and the final judgment of the unsaved dead at which time all sin and rebellion will be forever subjucated.

Secondly, let us consider whether everyone will have heard the gospel of Jesus Christ and had access to the Bible prior to the rapture of the Church. I suspect questions along this line arise from the passage in Matthew 24:14 wherein it reads, "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."

To what "end" was Jesus referring to when He spoke these words over two-thousand years ago? Since this earth and life upon it, albeit tumultuous, will continue after the saints are caught up to Heaven it is evident that Jesus was not here alluding to the rapture of believers as the "end." Thus, the "end" of which Jesus spake would seem to refer to the end of the Tribulation Period.

In his commentary on the New Testament Dr. John Walvoord explains the gospel witness that will be propagated during the coming Tribulation Period:

"Though this will be a terrible time of persecution, the Lord will have servants who will witness and spread the good news concerning Christ and His soon-coming kingdom" (THE BIBLE KNOWLEDGE COMMENTARY; David C. Cook Publishers; 77).

That the gospel shall be preached during the 7-year Tribulation Period and multitudes will be saved as a result (see Revelation 14:6 and Revelation 7:9-14) would surely indicate the "end" has not yet occurred. No, the "end" that Jesus spoke of would more fittingly coincide with the conclusion of the Tribulation Period.

Though millions will be saved during this time of awful plagues and judgment on earth, may this writer hasten to say that of those that will be born again there number will not, I repeat, not, consist of any who heard the salvation message in this present day of grace yet rejected it.

Upon what do I base this sad but accurate conclusion? 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12:

"For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he [Holy Spirit] who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked [Antichrist] be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."

Every person who sits under the preaching of the gospel yet rejects its truth is destined, barring death, to go through the Tribulation Period. Every individual who refused to deal with the claims of Christ as presented in the Bible or, perhaps, spurned a gospel tract will enter the Tribulation Period to believe the lie of the Devil. Having rejected God's offer of salvation in this day of mercy, the doom of the lost man is sealed, his place in the fires of Hell secure as if he were already there.

God is now in the midst of calling out a people for His name, but God is under no obligation whatsoever to extend His mercy to mankind forever and He will not. For this very reason the apostle Paul exhorted in 2 Corinthians 6:2 that "...now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." Similarly in Hebrews 4:7 the writer pleads, "...To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts."

Jesus Christ may part the eastern sky at any moment to beckon His children Home. The rapture of the saints may occur before this very day is ended. In the words of Evangelist Ron Comfort the rapture is a "sure event, a sudden event, a sublime event and a separating event." The question arises - will you be caught up to be with Jesus when the rapture occurs or will you be left behind, separated from saved loved ones to endure the horrors that will befall planet earth during time of great Tribulation?

Make sure of Heaven today. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13). "Whosoever" surely includes you! God help you to do it. And if you are saved maintain an upward look for our redemption draweth nigh! Thanks for reading. David.

THE GREATEST SIN

2011-11-02T16:54:00.004-04:00

If I were to ask you to categorize the greatest sins one could commit, which of the many transgressions perpetrated by mankind would one find at the top of your list? Would you record murder, adultery, abortion or perhaps homosexuality as the vilest sin of which an individual may be guilty? I suppose it is fair to say this writer would receive a plethora of answers correspondent to the number of those responding to the survey.

To the casual reader Jesus Christ Himself seemed to suggest that there are sins of which mankind may be guilty that are more severe than others. For example, in John chapter 19 Pilate reprimanded Jesus for, in fulfillment of Isaiah 53:7, refusing to respond to his questions thereby prompting Pilate to remind the One who had created him that he had power not only to crucify the Savior but to release Him. Note the quick reply of Jesus found in verse 11 of that same chapter: "Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except if were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin."

The greater sin? Let us examine this, shall we? Could not one reasonably conclude that taking the life of another human being is of far greater consequence - thus a greater sin - than that of little Johnny in the second grade stealing a #2 pencil from an unmindful classmate? And would it not be just as logical to judge one guilty of adultery as more vile than a Saturday morning golfer who cheats a stroke or two in order to pad his scorecard while enjoying a scenic 18 holes on the links?

The state of North Carolina would agree with such human reasoning. For instance, during this writer's tenure as a state trooper one's failure to wear the provided seat safety belt while operating a motor vehicle in the Tarheel state was merely an infraction resulting in the driver losing $75.00 of his hard-earned cash. However, a motorist guilty of driving while impaired after consuming a sufficient amount of alcohol and/or drugs should anticipate being arrested and could, upon conviction for DWI, spend several eventful days and nights in the county jail.

Hearkening back to the response Jesus gave Pilate wherein "the greater sin" was mentioned, this writer does not believe that Jesus was thereby categorizing sins as small or great. To state clearly or imply otherwise that one sin is more severe than another would contradict the plain teaching of James 2:10 which declares, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." No, I believe that Jesus was simply stating that the one who had delivered Him to Pilate had rejected more of the light of truth to which Pilate had not been subjected and therefore had the greater sin.

To bring this closer to home there have been two occasions during the past six months wherein this writer has received emails from a friend inquiring whether those involved in the practice of bigotry toward blacks are eligible for Heaven after death. The first email included a video of young white teens in a pickup truck repeatedly driving over a black man simply because he was black until not a gasp of life remained in his broken body. The latter email revealed a sign in the front yard at an undisclosed location which stated simply, "No Blacks Allowed."

Any good, decent and honorable person would immediately detest and unequivocally reject such activities as set forth in the two corresponding emails. Such acts of racism have no place in civilized society and should be condemned by all, especially those who name the name of Christ.

With that said, let me hasten to add that if in the sending of the aforementioned emails the sender was implying that racism is indeed the unpardonable sin I am thrilled to report that even the grievous actions of the most bigoted members of society are within the scope of God's forgiveness. Yes, to be sure, a person who harbors hatred toward individuals of a different race or nationality may indeed go to Heaven. However, they will never step over the barrier of the pearly gates to forever walk the streets of gold without God first implanting within them a new heart.

In his first letter to the Corinthian believers the Apostle Paul with pen of inspiration wrote these words:

"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" (vss. 9-12).

The operative word Paul used in this passage is the word "were" - "...such WERE some of you..." Man is born with a sin nature; hence he is born a sinner. Within every man's bosom lies a sin nature capable of committing any sin or crime that could be imagined. But thank God the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin and makes us ready for Heaven!

Conversely, those who would never dream of participating in such wickedness as described in the verses above are no better off than those who do and are, incidentally, no more deserving of Heaven. In truth, the Bible plainly states in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Similarly, Romans 3:10 confirms, "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one."

Furthermore, remaining in the Book of Romans we read, "Wherefore, as by one man [Adam] sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" (5:12). Verse 19 of chapter 5 echoes what we have just read: "For as by one man's [Adam] disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one [Christ] shall many be made righteous."

Our natural, human inclination is to label one sin as more severe or deserving of a harsher judgment than some others we may name. Usually it is the sin we commit that doesn't quite seem so bad in our eyes. But God looks upon all sin equally - wicked, vile, putrid sin against a holy God.

Were it not for the mercy and grace of a loving God all of humanity would suffer eternally the flaming fires of Hell and justifiably so. One need not hold to racists views to go to Hell. All one need do to enter the hopeless regions of the damned is reject the Lord Jesus Christ and spurn His tender offer of forgiveness. It matters not that one lives a clean, pure and moral life for Jesus said, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3).

Thank God there is a remedy for man's sin. Romans 5:8 reads, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." While the sin of the reader may not be as egregious in your sight as that of your neighbors, the same Hell that awaits him looms for you if you do not repent of your sin and receive Jesus Christ as your only Hope of Heaven. Be saved today, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" reads Romans 10:13. God help you not to trust in your good works, but rather trust in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. God bless and thanks for reading. David.

1 WRONG + 1 WRONG = RIGHT?

2011-10-26T16:47:00.001-04:00

One of the great truths this writer learned in childhood was the old adage that two wrongs do not make a right. My father would often tell my three brothers and I that it mattered not what road others may take in life, he was determined with the Lord's help to lead his family in the right paths though the way was not trodden without a few detours.

The fact that two wrongs do not make a right seems so elementary that one would think mature adults would not need to be reminded of its veracity. Yet in the realm of interpersonal relationships alone numerous adult examples could be related wherein the offended one has rewarded the offender in like manner as they have been treated and defended such boorishness with unbridled vigor.

For sake of time and space please allow one recent example to suffice. This writer is acquainted with an individual who appears quite comfortable proclaiming the errors of others, but becomes greatly annoyed when one shines the light of truth on his own misdeeds. After being made aware of the hypocrisy within his own family in a particular area, the man responded with the following gem: "Well they're not the only ones who do it!"

In other words, the manifest sins of others necessitates, condones, yea, even exonerates and justifies any wicked practices on the part of this man and/or his family, though implicit in his justification of their actions is a denial of anything wicked. In this individual's world of make-believe, two wrongs do make a right with him being in the right and the two wrongs most certainly belonging to another! Such absence of moral clarity is surpassed only by disbelief that one would realistically take this position all the while cloaking themselves in the garb of spiritual superiority.

The only alternative to this line of reasoning is perhaps the aforementioned individual is too proud to issue an appropriate apology to those affected by his family's actions. Sad what pride in the heart will do to one's ability to objectively evaluate themselves, an affliction to which we all are prone.

Paul, standing before Governor Felix, declared, "And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men" (Acts 24:16). It is perplexing to this writer how some who claim to be men of God enter the pulpit week after week to proclaim God's Word while their conscience - unlike Paul's - maintains an offense toward other individuals. A man violates the voice of his inner conscience when he is involved in such obvious hypocrisy.

In like manner, how can a layperson stake claim to the blessings of God upon his or her life if within their breast lies a convicting conscience full of unrest due to the harboring of malice and bitterness toward others? Perhaps our hearts have deceived us into thinking we have a clear conscience when in reality all we have is a short memory.

As human beings, a "get-even" attitude is certainly appealing to our fleshly appetites. Our human nature compels us to strike back at another who has in our estimation wronged us. For believers, were it not for the constraints of the Holy Spirit abiding within us there is no limit to the level of damage we would hurl upon others. Though we all at various times have perhaps been guilty of an eye for an eye/tooth for tooth approach, our actions nonetheless violate the teaching of Scripture.

To His disciples Jesus said, "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also" (Luke 6:27-29).

We live in a society today that is not very adept at turning the other cheek, including yours truly. Our culture promotes the idea of obtaining a pound of flesh for every ounce exacted from us. Surely the reader is familiar with the expression "I don't get mad, I get even." We should anticipate behavior of that nature from unsaved individuals, but God forbid that such an attitude should prevail within the friendly confines of the church or between fellow believers.

Dr. Tom Farrell is a tremendous preacher and greatly-used evangelist who sees scores of people come to Christ in his revival meetings. Dr. Farrell told the story once of sitting on the platform just prior to preaching and being reminded that his relationship with his sister remained fractured. Dr. Farrell immediately left the platform, telephoned his sister to make things right, and returned to preach his message.

Someone says, "Well, that's a great story and it's wonderful that brother Farrell has many saved in his meetings, but we sure do not see a lot of people saved anymore in our neck of the woods." Perhaps that would change if we had more men and women of Tom Farrell's character who determine to exercise themselves "to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men."

Is the reader one who has been knocked around, verbally abused, slandered or mistreated by those in whom you placed the greatest confidence? If the answer to that question is yes, what then is your attitude toward those guilty of mistreating you? Do you reciprocate in like manner and brazenly defend your conduct with, "Well I'm not the only one that does it!"?

On the other hand, when smitten on the cheek do you follow the Savior's example and "offer also the other?" Admittedly, turning the other cheek is easier preached than practiced, but oh, how much bickering and strife could be avoided if when slander and hurt are maliciously heaved our way we respond in a biblical fashion realizing that two wrongs really do not make a right. If nobody else needed this post, this writer surely did. God bless, and thanks for reading. David.

THE "RIGHT" CHURCH - CONCLUSION

2011-10-19T17:03:00.000-04:00

Fifthly, the right kind of church will be one that is militant in its defense of the faith. When we speak of the faith we are speaking of the teaching, the precepts, the truth, the complete doctrine of Christ as revealed in His Word.

Where are those churches today that are steadfastly engaged in a polemic defense of the truth? We believe some do exist, but they are few and far between. Compromise of the truth is rampant even among independent Baptists, but Jude still admonishes believers to "...earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (vs. 3).

In his second epistle bearing his name Peter writes, "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of" (2 Peter 2:1,2). Peter writes later in this same chapter of those who "...have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray."

In Ephesians 6:11 Paul instructs believers to "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Two verses later Paul commands, "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." The "right" church will be one which stands and defends the truth of the Word of God in a day of blatant and widespread compromise.

The "right" church will not be a church who caves to the demands of the radical homosexual agenda. The "right" church will preach against the wicked abortion crowd whose hands for decades have dripped unceasingly with the blood of untold millions of innocent unborn babies. The "right" church will stand against the evils of the alcohol industry - in spite of the ramblings of some from within fundamentalism - which has destroyed countless lives and wreaked havoc on the family.

The "right" kind of church will stand in support of the King James Bible, unashamedly declaring it to be the inerrant, infallible, inspired, God-breathed, indestructible Word of the living God. The "right" kind of church will stand boldly against the encroaching liberalism of our day, and refuse to capitulate to the atheistic and immoral impulses of a depraved culture. Yes, the "right" kind of church will stand without apology (thanks BJU) for the old time religion and preach the Christ of the Bible.

In the sixth place, the right church will be one that believes in and practices personal and ecclesiastical separation. Does not the reader agree that there should be a distinct difference between the unsaved world and born-again Christians? This is what we mean by personal separation - separating from the world and its practices while being separated unto the Lord. The lives and appearances of many believers today so mirror those who have never been saved that a line of marked distinction can hardly be seen. This ought not to be for Christians have been called to a life of separated holiness unto the Lord (see Ephesians 1:4; 5:27).

The verse "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?" remains in the Bible (2 Corinthians 6:14). Ecclesiastical separation is separation from known error whether it be from unbelievers or from members/churches/institutions within the body of Christ. Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. is quoted as saying, "It is never right to do wrong in order for a chance to do right." I believe he was correct.

Believers are still commanded to "...come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you" (2 Corinthians 6:17). The right church will not only preach separation from worldy lifestyles, but will also refuse for some cause to join hands with unbelievers or disobedient brethren though the cause may be good. That approach is hard to swallow in some quarters yet it remains biblical.

Lastly, one may reasonably feel they are attending the "right" church if the music program of that church brings honor and glory to Jesus Christ. So many so-called churches today have greatly compromised and acquiesced to fleshly appetites in the area of music. Such modern-day churches are nothing more than entertainment centers with music (if one can call it that) that rivals the downtown nightclub. I believe such rock and roll antics are a disgrace to the church of Jesus Christ and should be avoided by every Christian who seeks to please and honor the Lord with their music.

Returning again to Paul's letter to the Ephesians we read, "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:18,19).

This writer is certainly aware of the plethora of prevailing opinions in existence today regarding appropriate music within the walls of the church. However, in spite of the current trend to "go with the beat," he chooses to stick with the old time music and the old time way which God has blessed down through the years.

As noted above in Ephesians 5:19 the music we sing should be from our hearts and rendered "to the Lord." Much of today's congregational music is administered simply for the enjoyment of the crowd. So-called praise and worship leaders are nothing more than religious cheerleaders performing at religious pep rallies! A good church, in this writer's opinion, will be one that implements good, godly, spiritual and melodious music that ministers to and honors the Lord.

Someone has well stated that the church exist to 1) Exalt the Savour, 2) Edify the saints, and 3) Evangelize the sinner. Similarly, in these two consecutive posts regarding the "right" church, this writer has given several biblical standards by which one may reasonably judge whether or not they are attending a good church. Other issues could have been addressed as it was not the intent of this writer to present and exhaustive list. We may safely declare that the benchmarks mentioned above carry significant weight in choosing the "right" church.

The selection of a church where one chooses to place their membership and render their service is, quite naturally, a decision that must be derived at prayerfully between the individual and the Lord. It is not a light matter especially in a day where the number of churches available within driving distance of most of us are numerous.

In conclusion, may we be reminded that the right church is a triumphant church, the very "pillar and ground of the truth" (1 Timothy 3:15). The reader may rest assured that the gates of Hell shall not prevail against God's true church! God bless, and thanks for reading. David.

THE "RIGHT" CHURCH - PART 1

2011-10-12T16:38:00.008-04:00

A friend recently sent this writer an email in which inquiry was made as to how an individual may know whether or not they are attending the right church. There are as many opinions as there are churches with respect to which church is "right," but one must ultimately look to the Bible to ascertain the correct answer to this important and perhaps often controversial question.

The aforementioned question is, in fact, an extremely vital one and particularly pertinent in this end-time age in which we live. Though sincere, many unsuspecting individuals will undoubtedly arrive at the tragic realization that their lives were wasted and their souls lost after being duped into joining affinity with a "church" or "religion" which propagated teachings contrary to the Word of God. To be sure, salvation is not obtained by joining any church or adopting any religion, but finding the right church in which to serve the Lord is nonetheless a matter of critical importance.

Speaking to Peter in Matthew 16:18 Jesus stated that "...upon this rock [Himself] I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." The Greek word for church in this verse is "ecclesia" which means "to call out" and may also be defined as an assembly of "called out ones." A true church is a called out assembly consisting of born-again believers who prescribe to the doctrine and teachings of the Rock, our chief Cornerstone, Jesus Christ.

With that in mind, let us attempt to answer from the Scriptures the question of how one may know they are attending the right church by offering several biblical principles for the reader to consider. First of all, we see that the "right" church is an assembly of which Christ is the Head. Ephesians 5:22-27 reads:

"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."

As noted earlier in the Lord's proclamation to Peter the church belongs to Jesus Christ. The church was established by Him. Therefore, having loved to the point of shedding His blood for the church, Jesus Christ may properly lay claim as her rightful Owner.

This writer realizes the above verses from Ephesians are speaking of the church in its entirety, the body of Christ, of which the local New Testament church is a member. The pastor of a local church is God's appointed under-shepherd to lead as the Lord directs, but he is not to take upon himself the role of a dictator. This writer does not believe the Scriptures teach a plurality of leadership within the local church though he once belonged to an assembly where that line of thinking seemed to rule. The pastor, and he alone, is to lead the church. However, no church should exist for the sole purpose of fulfilling the whims, wishes and selfish desires of its pastor, its deacons, the pastor's family or any influential members of notoriety. If the previous sentence describes the church you now attend, the reader would be better served to find another place of worship.

A congregation's duty is to submit to the God-given authority of the pastor who himself diligently follows the leading of the Holy Spirit in guiding the congregation entrusted to his care. However, may it be said again that exclusive ownership of the local church belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ, and the right kind of church and pastor will indubitably have Christ enthroned as its Head.

Secondly, one may know they are on the right track to locating the "right" church if the church in question preaches Christ from the pulpit rather than the doctrines, opinions and ideas of men. The great Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:23, "But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness." In his second epistle to those in Corinth the apostle to the Gentiles penned the following words: "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake" (2 Corinthians 4:5).

Paul was not interested in preaching anything or anyone other than Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The church has no other message but that of the risen Christ. The late evangelist Oliver B. Greene gave good advice when he warned his listeners to beware of a ministry that promotes anyone above Jesus Christ. Paul so passionately preached Christ and His Cross that others thought him to be mad. Paul's passion may be found in Romans 1:16 where he penned, "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."

A true church will not present multiple roads to Heaven to its congregation. Any church or preacher who teaches there are numerous ways to Heaven may be correctly and unapologetically labeled a false church and a false preacher! A true church will preach Jesus Christ as "...the way, the truth, and the life..." (John 14:6), and will not compromise its message for the sake of a larger audience of a more affluent crowd. A true preacher of the gospel will proclaim, "Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

What was the modus operandi of the first century church? "And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ" (Acts 5:42). Surely one piece of the puzzle for deciphering if a church is "right" is to determine whether the message of that church is centered upon none other than the Lord Jesus Christ and the salvation only He can provide.

Thirdly, may this writer suggest that the "right" church is a called out assembly that seeks to edify, equip, strengthen, mature and encourage the saints. To bolster the point let us return to the Book of Ephesians. With pen of inspiration Paul writes,

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ; That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ; From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love" (Ephesians 4:11-16).

In other words, is your faith being strengthened where you attend church? Are you being grounded in and girded with the truth of the gospel? Are you maturing in the Word or is your spiritual life as stagnant as the filthy waters of a shallow pond in the throes of a summer drought? Do you leave the services of your church well-fed, praising God for the Word preached, or do you exit the building with spiritual hunger pangs which reveal spiritual malnutrition.

One may safely conclude he or she is in the "right" church if they are being consistently presented a diet of the pure Word of God prepared in the oven of prayer and Bible study and preached with evangelistic fervor. Away with passionless preaching which births dead churches! I had just as soon watch paint dry as to hear a man preach who has no fire in his bones! One is on the right path when they discover themselves, as Peter admonished, growing "...in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ..." (2 Peter 3:18).

Fourthly, this writer submits that the "right" church is a place where soul winning and discipleship is given a high priority. Someone has rightly stated that the only alternative to soul winning is disobedience to Christ. A true church is a missionary-minded church. Any church that is not actively pursuing the salvation of sinners at home and abroad or takes a dim view of soul winning cannot rightly identify itself as a New Testament assembly. Any Christian who is not consistently seeking to win the lost in the community in which he or she lives is living in disobedience to the clear commands of Jesus Christ.

For example, in Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus said, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." Again in Mark 16:15 Jesus said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Is the church you now attend on the "go" with respect to reaching the lost?

A familiar passage of Scripture is found in Acts 1:8 where just prior to His ascension Jesus gave the command, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Is it not clear that the Lord Jesus Christ left His church with very distinct marching orders to carry the gospel to the lost far and near? The "right" church will be one that aggressively seeks to implement (not manipulate) our Lord's mandate to preach the gospel to every creature.

MONDAY NIGHT FAREWELL

2011-10-05T16:00:00.005-04:00

The raucous voice of Hank Williams, Jr. bellowing out the trademark "Are you ready for some Football?" on ESPN'S Monday Night Football (MNF) telecast has been unceremoniously subdued. The award-winning country music star's videotaped weekly performance was pulled Monday night (10/03) after Williams made what some would consider controversial statements that morning regarding President Obama on FOX & FRIENDS, a news and entertainment program which airs weekdays on the FOX News Channel (FNC).

Most readers are undoubtedly familiar with Hank's remarks, but in the interest of those who perhaps have not read or heard the singer's comments this blogger shall repeat the gist of them here. Williams, Jr. began the interview with FNC by labeling "the biggest political mistake ever" by republicans as a friendly game of golf between President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, republican Speaker of the House John Boehner and Ohio republican governor John Kasich.

In offering an explanation of his remarks Williams exploded with the "H" word by stating that "that [golf outing] would be like Hitler playing golf with Netanyahu," the current Prime Minister of the Jewish state of Israel. Williams concluded his analogy by admonishing the now-perplexed hosts of FOX & FRIENDS that "they may not want to ask me a question because I'll give you too straight of an answer."

One would be hard pressed to find someone who would argue that Hank Williams, Jr. did not in this particular instance respond with a straight opinion though ill-advised. What could be reasonably debated however is whether or not Williams actually compared the president of the United States to the notorious mass-murderer Adolf Hitler as many have alleged. Would it not be just as rational for one to conclude that the country music legend was drawing stark comparisons between two polar opposites? Well, of course it would be just as rational, but that supposition miserably fails to further the liberal, pro-Obama agenda and therefore must be thunderously rejected.

Moreover, the outlandish use of the name Hitler is not only politically poisonous but remains feverishly forbidden unless, of course, it, or a like comparison, is implemented to describe the personal and political beliefs of George W. Bush, Tea Party members, Christians and all non-liberals in general. To indiscriminately label these groups as "terrorists," "hatemongers," or "violent racists" will engender extravagant applause from liberal elites and result in the one doing the labeling being inundated with repeated offers to appear on CNN, MSNBC, The Bill Maher Show and other like-minded venues.

As for this blogger, he could not care less who sings the introduction to Monday Night Football or if there even is an introduction. This writer occasionally watches MNF for the explicit purpose of viewing the game of football, not to hear "Are you ready for some Football?" screamed from the top of his lungs by a whiskey-drinking, foul-mouthed Nashville performer surrounded by scantily-clad women. I am not a fan of Hank Williams, Jr. nor do I condone his decadent lifestyle so often glamorized in the lyrics of his music.

However, I do decry the double standard applied by liberals as it relates to free speech. For example, in the event that Williams' comments to FNC had equated the aforementioned George W. Bush or the political leanings of Sarah Palin with the maniacal Nazi from Germany he would have been celebrated and vociferously defended by the American Left. Or, consider that had he changed his musical genre and "rapped" (as did the rapper Common) about the killing of cops Hank would have been revered as a "martyr" and a "foot soldier" for the cause by thousands of duped individuals and most likely would have received a cordial invitation (again, as did the rapper Common) from Michelle Obama to give an encore presentation at a glitzy White House affair.

Had Williams actually murdered a police officer himself he would have been warmly and lovingly praised (as was convicted cop-killer and recently executed Troy Davis) as an "innocent brother" by Princeton University's very own professor of foolishness and resident anarchist Dr. Cornel West. Williams, Jr. would have earned himself a distinguished seat at the table as guest of the Congressional Black Caucus had he only vilified Tea Party members as racists thugs who desire to see people of color hanging from the outstretched limbs of the nearest oak tree.

Yes, a double standard exist that is so glaringly obvious that only the willingly blind fail to see it. The case of Hank Williams, Jr. is just one of many in a long list of examples that could be related. In the end, ABC, which owns ESPN and the rights to Monday Night Football, probably had no choice but to pull the plug on Hank considering the political climate of today.

One can wonder, however, if those who call the shots at ABC would have been just as quick to pull the trigger had Williams' remarks been directed at a conservative. It is not often that this blogger feels comfortable quoting Hank Williams, Jr., but his statement following this fiasco delivers appropriate words with which to close this post:

"Every time the media brings up the Tea Party it's painted as racist and extremist - but there's never a backlash - no outrage to those comparisons." Well said Hank, well said.

FIGHTING PHARISEEISM by Kurt Skelly

2011-09-30T23:46:00.004-04:00

Finding and Eradicating the Seeds in Our Own Lives

After he invited Jesus to a meal in his home, a Pharisee viewed Christ condescendingly for having not washed His hands according to the man-made ceremonial tradition. In response to this condescension, Jesus spoke some pointed words about Phariseeism in Luke 11.

First, He exposed his attitude. Many times we have trouble seeing ourselves and tend to give ourselves the benefit of the doubt. Of course Jesus sees our very motives and has the unique ability to expose them. He exposed the Pharisees as those who possessed a preoccupation with the external (vs. 39–44). Satisfied with a form of religion that appeared sparkling clean to onlookers, their inner parts were corrupted with greed and wickedness. Pharisees also possess a passion for exaltation (vs. 43). They love to occupy important positions; they desire to be recognized for their lofty status and to be greeted as prominent leaders. Condemningly, Jesus labeled these hypocrites as those who were poisonous in their example (vs. 44). Like an unmarked grave over which a person might inadvertently walk and thereby be defiled, these Pharisees were poisonous leaders who defiled their unwitting followers with their proud and twisted approach to serving God.

At this juncture in the message, a lawyer (an expert in the Mosaic Law) intoned his disapproval: “By condemning the Pharisees, you are also rebuking us!” Jesus couldn’t have agreed more readily. His assessment of the situation was correct—Christ was rebuking them as well. In fact, Jesus (and for those of you who are outline-challenged, this is the second main point!) expanded his assessment. In three pointed ways, Jesus expanded upon the assessment of this lawyer.

Jesus rebuked the lawyers because they burdened men but were disobedient personally (vs. 46). Their multifarious man-made laws were a heavy burden upon those on whom they were imposed, but they were not burdensome at all to the lawyers because they didn’t apply the rules to themselves! They expected of others what they were unwilling to do themselves. Additionally, the lawyers built mausoleums but despised the prophets for whom they were building them (vs. 47–51). They made a pretense of honoring their rich religious heritage when, in fact, they were simply children of a long line of men who rejected the prophets and their messages. Indeed, they would reject the ultimate Prophet—the Lord Jesus Christ. Finally, Jesus demonstrated that these lawyers tended to blur the message and deceive the people (v. 52). Not only were they living in self-delusion with disregard to the key of knowledge (Scripture) available to them, but also they were hindering their followers from ever understanding the true focus of Scripture—the Lord!

Unfortunately, these religious Pharisees, scribes, and lawyers refused to see themselves (vs. 53—54). Instead they sought to discredit the Messenger, a daunting task when one considers that the Messenger was the Lord Himself. May each of us determine to look inward and eradicate even the smallest cells of an ever-encroaching Phariseeism.

(Pastor Kurt Skelly is senior pastor of Harvest Baptist Church. This article was taken from the web site www.ministry127.com.

BOYS WILL BE BOYS

2011-09-23T17:12:00.001-04:00

Spring had finally arrived in Madison, Wisconsin, signaling the end of the harsh winter season. Radiant sunshine accompanied the splendid warmth that had now engulfed the region, gleefully waving goodbye to the cold, frigid temperatures that Madison was famous for. Dawn was smiling through Tim's bedroom window, announcing the rapid and unwelcome approach of the dreaded school bus which would transport him yet again to the halls of learning.

Typical of youngsters his age, Tim expressed little interest in school. Today was no exception, and struggling from the warmth of his cozy bed, Tim smelled the delightfully fresh aroma of breakfast emanating from his mother's kitchen. Approaching the kitchen area Tim observed his mother, Betty, in her customary place busily preparing the eggs, bacon and pancakes he would soon devour.

Timidly, and with all the self-pity he could muster, Tim asked, "Mom, do I have to go to school today?"

"Yes, you do, young man. Now eat your breakfast!" his mother demanded, ever conscious of the time.

Although disappointed to say the least, Tim encouraged himself with the fantastic news that he had reached the last week of school before the much-anticipated summer vacation. He was determined with all the boyish courage he could muster to survive the next five days, after which he would be released to the thrills and sights of summer.

Spring fever filled the air infecting all the students at Lee Woodard Middle School, and Tim's eighth grade class was no exception. Science period was drawing to its usual boring close and Tim, as mischievous as ever, concluded some excitement was due the class.

With remarkable accuracy, Tim carefully and strategically guided his pencil through the stale air of the science lab, flawlessly and painfully reaching its intended target. The unsuspecting cheek of his best friend, Chad, was the unfortunate recipient of Tim's superior markmanship.

Unknown to Tim however, his science teacher, Mrs. Mason, witnessed the entire affair from a location yet undisclosed. Shortly thereafter, as one might suspect, a dejected Tim found himself sitting uncomfortably in the office of Mr. Lewis, the school principal.

"I knew I should have stayed home today," Tim thought within himself as the office door slowly opened to reveal the larger-than-life figure of Mr. Lewis.

"Come inside young man," bellowed Mr. Lewis as Tim immediately found himself endeavoring without success to avoid the stern, cool gaze of Mr. Lewis. The somber expression on the face of the principal was an unmistakable announcement to Tim that those five short days before the end of the school year had suddenly become a lifetime.

The above is a brief, fictional story and is intended for the mere pleasure of mothers who have "endured" the shenanigans of their little boys in school. My mother survived four of us young boys, and any resemblance the story may have to the actions of this writer when he was an eighth-grader is, shall we say, purely coincidental! God bless, David.

UNLAWFUL OWNERSHIP

2011-09-20T22:44:00.000-04:00

Unlawful ownership is the illegal, immoral or unethical condition of taking possession of some thing or some things that are not legally one's property. Microsoft Works dictionary defines unlawful as "contrary to religious precepts, ethical standards, or conventions of society."

For example, this writer once sat in a church service where the pastor, after scolding the congregation in his sermon for what he deemed their lackluster performance in the area of personal soul-winning, proceeded to inform his sparse listeners that he, despite the purported failings of his membership, was "not going to let the church die!" Quite a statement if one presumes this pastor, by making the above statement, was taking entirely upon himself the sole ownership of and responsibility for the life of the church wherein his words were delivered.

Within the context of this portion of the pastor's sermon the listener(s) would not require a great amount of imagination to feel they were being shouldered - whether intended or not - with any failures the church had heretofore endured while the pastor was seemingly staking personal claim to successes yet to be realized within the assembly. I do not presume to judge the motives of the pastor, but I do question his choice of words. And while we cannot see the heart of individuals we do know for certain that when a pastor or any other member of the congregation assumes ownership of a local church, that ministry is then operating under illegal and unlawful ownership.

The Church on earth as we know it was instituted by none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. After the Apostle Peter acknowledged Jesus as "...the Christ, the Son of the living God," in Matthew 16:16, Jesus responded to Peter in the following manner: "...Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:17-18).

Now the oft-debated question arises, Was Christ in these verses handing Peter the keys of ownership of the Church as Roman Catholicism erroneously teaches? Did Jesus abdicate His rightful place as Head of the Church, giving man authority over the institution for which He died? After the resurrection and ascension of Christ, was the Church now to become merely a man-centered, man-governed, deacon-ruled, committee-ran, or family-led arm of society whose very life depended upon the futile efforts of mortal man? Absolutely not!

In fact, in his first epistle bearing his name Peter himself under inspiration declares Jesus to be the "living stone" (2:4), "a chief corner stone" (2:6), and "head of the corner" (2:7). Yes, Peter knew who the "Rock" was upon which the Church was being built and was under no illusion that upon his own human, frail, finite shoulders rested the hopes, dreams, successes and life of the Church. How silly we are today to think otherwise.

To be sure, churches do operate under human leadership as divinely ordained from above. We call that leader the pastor or under-shepherd. The under-shepherd is under (hence the name) the Chief Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, if the church is truly a biblical, New Testament assembly of believers.

Sadly however, there are churches in existence today whose only visible contribution is to further the desires, wishes and whims of those who run them. To call such assemblies "churches" would be an act of extreme charity indeed. If the reader belongs to such a gathering where a proud few dominate pulpit and pew, head for the exit immediately and never return! God is not in attendance there - why should you attend?

Conversely, there are many modern-day churches where Christ is given His rightful place as Head and we thank God for each and every one. The motto of such churches finds expression in the words of 2 Corinthians 4:5 which reads, "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake." Here is food for thought: Does the church to which you belong have servant leadership or "serve me" leadership?

In likening the Church and Christ to the relationship of husband and wife, Paul wrote:

"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish" (Ephesians 5:22-27).

In his book "Sodom had no Bible" written in 1971, author Leonard Ravenhill relates the story of a British unbeliever who wrote, "The church is dying on its feet." Ravenhill opined in response, "If that is true, and it seems indisputable on its face value, then the reason is that the church is not living on her knees" (Bethany House Publishers, Minneapolis, Minnesota; 78). We had just as soon attempt to bring to halt a speeding locomotive as to endeavor to power our churches and extend the lives thereof with man's wisdom apart from the power of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. said, "It takes Holy Spirit unction to make orthodoxy function" and he was right.

It is one thing to boldly announce, "I am not going to let the church die!", yet quite another to say with the Psalmist, "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it..." (Psalm 127:1a). In these dark days let us be undaunted occupiers of the church, but may it never be said that we are unlawful owners of that which belongs to God. God bless and thanks for reading. David.

WE REMEMBER

2011-09-10T11:40:00.001-04:00

In less than 24 hours Americans will pause to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of September 11, 2001. All one need do to conjure up horrific memories of that day is simply mention the date 9/11. As when one utters "Pearl Harbor," nothing more than "9/11" is necessary to flood the mind with images of death, destruction and the unsurpassed heroism that accompanied that day.

What began ten years ago like any other beautiful, sun-splashed day in late summer would soon become a day of infamy as a result of the hate-filled, demonic actions of Islamic terrorists. Bringing Jihad to the shores of America, Muslim terrorists from the cockpits of hijacked airplanes guided the aircraft-turned-missiles into the twin towers of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon sweeping multitudes of Americans into eternity. Only the brave, decisive actions of those aboard United Airlines Flight 93, which resulted in the plane's crashing in an open field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania killing all on board, prevented the loss of countless more lives.

At the close of September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 innocent people had been murdered by al-Qaeda in the name of Allah, the god of Islam. Fathers, mothers, sons and daughters would never be seen alive or heard from again. Little girls would never again feel the tender, loving embrace of their mothers and little boys would now be forced to experience the gnawing emptiness and pain of growing up without a Dad.

Brothers, sisters and grandparents too would feel the pain of losing loved ones. In two months removed from the terrorist attack loved ones would arrive for the annual Thanksgiving feast yet many seats would be empty. Christmas would not be the same this year, or forever afterwards, for there would be presents beneath the tree that would remain unopened. All that would be left for thousands after 9/11 would be precious memories to cherish.

Never again would America be the same. Our air of invincibility had been shattered in a mere moment of time. Forever changed by the awfulness of that day, Americans, young and old alike, would permanently remember their whereabouts when news broke revealing the vicious attack upon our nation.

This writer well remembers strolling casually into a barber shop in small town USA where the proprietor and his few clients were mesmerized by the small television sitting in the corner of the room. Aware at the time that I was a State Trooper the barber greeted me and remarked, "They're going to send you to New York." Having not yet heard the news I, of course, had no idea what he was talking about. Sadly, I would soon find out as I watched helplessly as the second tower collapsed.

I could not believe what I was seeing. The scenes being played out before me seemed so surreal - could this truly be happening in the United States of America, I thought. Perhaps the reader can relate to what I was experiencing during one of the darkest hours in American history. Unlike the movies, however, the circumstances unfolding before my very eyes were indeed real. The most devastating terrorist attack ever committed upon American soil was just beginning to sink in, leaving us all with an unshakeable feeling of vulnerability.

Undaunted and forsaking personal safety, police, fire and emergency personnel and a host of other authorities (including civilians) bravely rushed into the dust and debris, the blazing fire and blinding smoke, the chaos of a war zone in a valiant attempt to rescue the perishing, care for the dying to borrow from an old hymn. On this day political parties ceased to exist and lines of racial mistrust and differences were erased. America had been attacked and Americans, as we always do, rose to the occasion to help one another in need.

As the day drew to a sobering close and evening shadows began their descent, Americans observed their leaders on the steps of the Capitol singing in unison "God Bless America." Our nation, perhaps as never before since the day of the Japanese attack in 1941, was united for the singular purpose of locating those parties responsible for 9/11 and bringing them to swift and final justice.

Just yesterday while listening briefly to The Glenn Beck radio show I heard again the sounds of that day in September. I heard the screams, the wails, the weeping, the pitiful pleas for help, the anxious phone messages that would never be returned and the utter chaos of that day.

The host of the show became emotional as these events were remembered and so did I. My heart went out to my unnamed countrymen whose shoulders bore the brunt of al-Qaeda's murderous actions. I could not help but think within myself, "What if those killed had been some of my loved ones?" Yes, what if?

In my mind's eye I journeyed back ten years and remembered the look of fear and helplessness on the faces of people. I remembered the relatives of those missing holding photographs of loved ones pleading for any information as to their whereabouts. I remembered the destruction, the unbelievable devastation wrought and photos of tattered American flags. I remembered this day, the day that time stood still.

And yet here we are today, a decade removed from the events of that somber day. The terrorist attack upon symbols of America's financial and military might have weakened us, but not defeated us. As we reflect upon the events of September 11, 2001, let us remember who we are as a people, blessed by God as has no other nation. Let us remember that "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance" (Psalm 33:12).

Let us remember that "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34). But let us also resolve to remember that America has a ruthless enemy who continually seeks and plans her destruction and may we be ever vigilant in her defense.

To those who lost their lives a decade ago in the Twin Towers I say, we remember. To those in the Pentagon who were slain serving their country I say, we remember. To those fallen heroes aboard fateful Flight 93 I say, we remember. To those horrified passengers on hijacked airliners whose lives were snuffed out in an instant I say, we remember.

To the fatherless I say, we remember. To the motherless I say, we remember. To the childless I say, we remember. To those whose lives were shattered in a moment of time I say, we remember. To the fallen heroes who rushed in to save others but never returned themselves I say, we remember. To those who go about their daily lives forever bearing the scars of 9/11 in their hearts I say, we remember. Yea, it is our solemn duty as Americans to remember - may we never forget. God bless America.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES

2011-09-06T18:01:00.004-04:00

Charles Dickens began his classic TALE OF TWO CITIES with the words "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" in describing the harrowing days just prior to the French Revolution. And though we recognize Dickens' popular novel as a work of historical fiction, those immortal words often characterize the days of our lives nonetheless.

The past few weeks have allowed this writer to experience good days and bad. For a span of four days I was ill and it took the better part of a week to fully regain my strength. I do not recall ever becoming sick during the month of August. However, looking on the bright side, perhaps I will get a pass during the normal cold and flu season that is quickly approaching.

A mild case of vertigo played a role in my aforementioned sickness, but the shaking and trembling that took place the week following my illness was derived from another source. At approximately 2:00 p.m. in the afternoon of August 23 the earth shook in eastern North Carolina for about ten seconds following a 5.9 earthquake that struck nearly 30 miles north of Richmond, Virginia.

An earthquake, tremor, aftershock - or whatever you choose to name it - is about as rare in these parts as an independent Baptist preacher endorsing Barack Obama! Yet, the elements were not finished as Hurricane Irene rushed ashore near Morehead City, North Carolina to close out this historical week. Such have been the days of our lives here lately.

The worst part of Hurricane Irene for this writer was the loss of electricity for nearly 3 days. My how we take lighting, water and other necessities for granted every day! I think of those that lost their homes in this area during the April 16 tornadoes that ripped through and consider myself very fortunate.

I feel confident in saying that the county wherein I reside has never experienced a mild earthquake, tornadoes and a hurricane all within the same year. Someone mentioned in passing to me recently if God was not trying to tell us something. I replied, "Yes, I think He might just be."

I was privileged recently (during the good days!) to hear in my estimation one of America's premier evangelist, Tom Farrell, preach a revival meeting in a nearby city. I do not know for sure how many were saved during the week, but I do know that 11 were saved after the Sunday morning service with another 28 saved following the closing Friday night message! Praise the Lord!

What follows are a few quotes from Dr. Farrell during this great week which I feel will be a blessing to the reader:

"Success is not what you have or what you do; success is what you are."

"If you have been forgiven you are to be a forgiver."

"A servant sacrifices for the success of someone else."

"If you're not giving you're not living."

"Some of you are spoiling your kids and grandkids by giving them everything they want. They don't even remember what you gave them. Why don't you teach them how to give?"

"Until you get saved you can give every dime you own and go to Hell broke."

"Someone said, 'What in the world is going on?' The question is, Who is coming back?"

"We're looking for everything but Jesus."

"You can't buy one second in Heaven."

"You don't go to Hell for the amount of sin you commit. You go to Hell because you're a sinner."

"You can give yourself in totality or you can live a life of carnality."

"In order to make a difference you have to be different."

"Name me one Bible prophet who was popular."

"We have preachers today who are afraid of offending everybody but Jesus Christ."

I trust that you are having a great day today in the Lord regardless of the circumstances that may surround you. As we draw nearer and nearer to hearing the trumpet may we endeavor to draw closer to Him as we live the days of our lives with eternity in view. God bless; thanks for reading. David

OPRAH'S DANGEROUS INFLUENCE

2011-08-18T15:34:00.000-04:00

That Oprah Winfrey has wielded greater influence than any other personality in the history of modern television is a position few would argue with. The Oprah Winfrey Show, which ran for 25 years, grew to number as many as 12.4 million viewers during one ratings period and in the year 2007 alone boasted an average audience of 7.4 million.

The last airing of The Oprah Winfrey Show, according to reports, was watched by 16.4 million viewers making it one of the highest rated television shows of all time. As they say in show business, Oprah had "star power" and she skillfully exerted her incredible influence with the public in 2008 by helping to catapult Barack Obama into the White House.

Oprah's target audience was women who made up 80% of those watching. Before these women Oprah paraded the likes of Tom Cruise and John Travolta, noted Scientologists, as well as Shirley MacLaine and Marilyn Ferguson, outspoken proponents of the New Age Movement.

Having left her Baptists roots while still in her 20's, Oprah was free to serve up to unsuspecting audiences the fruits of Buddhism, Christian Science, psychotherapy, self-help theology and other cultic "isms". This change in Oprah's spiritual barometer brings to mind the oft-quoted words of Evangelist Tom Farrell who quipped, "Light rejected brings darkess." Truly the enthusiastic embracing of false religions by Oprah Winfrey attests to the veracity of Dr. Farrell's conclusion.

But what of Oprah's worldwide influence? Is her dynamic personality and winsome smile alone responsible for her renown popularity or is there another dimension to Winfrey's appeal? Some would argue that her show was merely a talk show that lightened the day while others would take a more ominous position.

For example, in the August 2011 edition of THE BEREAN CALL, Executive editor T.A. McMahon writes the following in his article titled, "From Oprah to Oz - And Beyond":

"If you were asked to name America's most influential spiritual advisor for the past 25 years, what would your response be? Billy Graham? Robert Schuller? Perhaps Rick Warren or Joel Osteen? It may surprise you to learn that none of these men have been as successful numbers-wise as Oprah Winfrey."

Continuing to unmask the prevailing humanistic New Age agenda of Oprah Winfrey, McMahon writes:

"Although Oprah and her friends seem to be all over the spiritual map, their beliefs and practices can be simplifed from a biblical perspective. They all promote 1) the deification of self, and 2) salvation through good works."

Going further, McMahon states:

"In Oprah's words as she considers one Christian woman's view against a non-Christian woman's path to God: '[There are] many paths to what you call God. Her path might be something else, and when she gets there she might call it the Light, but her loving and her kindness and her generosity, if it brings her to the same place it brings you, it doesn't matter whether she calls it God or not.'"

Although sounding particularly pious and surely appreciated by a vast number in her audience to be sure, Oprah's argument has just one problem - it clashes with Scripture. "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" so reads 1 Timothy 2:5.

Far from being biblical, Oprah's response was politically correct and no doubt soothed the conscious of millions who heard her remarks. Oprah's mission to have a multitude of biblically-ignorant viewers swallow her lie hook, line and sinker was thoroughly accomplished with a mere wink and a smile.

Obviously The Oprah Winfrey Show was entertaining to millions or it would have faded into the proverbial sunset long ago. However entertaining or amusing the show might have been, it is the belief of this blogger that Oprah Winfrey was and continues to be a dangerous influence upon the women of America whom have been led away from the true and living God by Oprah's false message.

Ironically, it is Jesus and God to whom Oprah attributes her success:

"People often ask me, 'What is the secret of success of the show? How have we lasted 25 years? I non-jokingly say, 'My team and Jesus.' Because nothing but the hand of God has made this possible for me."

But is it Jesus Christ, the God of the Bible to whom she is referring?

"I'm talking about the same one you're talking about. I'm talking about Alpha and Omega, the Omniscient, the Omnipresent..." So far so good. But now is where her praise begins to unravel and suspicions rise. Read on:

"...the Source, the Force, the All of everything there is, the One and Only G-O-D." In Oprah Winfrey's world, everything is god and god is everyone. We are all a "force" within ourselves able to leap tall buildings with a single bound. We alone are the "source" of our happiness. Oprah would have been much better off to stick with her Baptists moorings.

In conclusion, Oprah Winfrey will answer some day to the true God for the manner in which she influenced a great throng away from the truth. As Mr. McMahon states in his article, "Tragically, for untold millions, she's paved the broad road that leads to eternal destruction." And that, dear reader, succinctly reveals why Oprah Winfrey is a dangerous influence.

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." ~ Acts 4:12

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." ~ John 14:6

(Information taken for this post was derived from THE BEREAN CALL newsletter and used by permission. Quotes from Oprah Winfrey were obtained from www.theAtlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2011/05oprahs-last-show-recap-in-quotes/239483/).

THE OUTRAGEOUS TRUTH

2011-08-11T16:17:00.002-04:00

When was the last time you read a book which left you grieved, angered, shocked and simply outraged upon its completion? The book before me which I have just read will do just that to every red-blooded, patriotic American who cares deeply for the future of our nation.

Erick Stakelbeck, host of CBN's STAKELBECK ON TERROR, has rendered an invaluable service to every American by documenting the threat of "Jihad" within the borders of the United States in his new book, "The Terrorist Next Door." The subtitle of the book says it all: "How The Government Is Deceiving You About The Islamist Threat."

This book is a must read! I could hardly put it down and am anxious after completing it to place it on loan to others in order for as many as possible to become informed of the grave threat facing our nation.

Within the pages of this book you will discover that the politically-correct Pentagon shares the blame for the Fort Hood massacre. If the reader is unfamiliar with the Fort Hood massacre then perhaps you should be the first to read this book.

Secondly, the reader of "The Terrorist Next Door" will be enlightened to efforts by our own U.S. State Department - under the banner of diversity - to recruit and relocate to small-town America Muslims from Islamic nations who hate us and seek our destruction.

Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, the reader of this book will learn just how far the Obama administration is willing to look the other way in bending over backwards to appease the so-called "religion of peace." The security of the United States is of far less importance to her current president than is making certain the practitioners of Islam are not offended.

I urge you to read this book and pass it on. If ever there was a time in the history of the United States that God's people need to charge the throne of grace, it is today. Our nation is in great peril from our enemies without. Who would have imagined that perhaps our greatest enemies lie within? David

CAUSE FOR CONCERN?

2011-08-06T18:13:00.002-04:00

As a supporter of The Crown College in Powell, Tennessee, I found the article posted below to be a cause for concern. As noted, the piece is taken from the Friday Church Notes of the website www.wayoflife.org. Does the substance of this article give great cause for concern or are my worries unfounded? What says the reader?

I have two questions: 1) Is the article true?, and if so, 2) Why is this book being sold at Crown and promoted by Dr. Sexton? Again, is this cause for pause or much ado over nothing? Read for yourself.

STRANGE THINGS AT CROWN COLLEGE (Friday Church News Notes, August 5, 2011, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - A book published in 2007 by a faculty member at Crown College and recommended by Clarence Sexton is chock full of biographies of heretics. The Reese Chronological Encyclopedia of Christian Biographies is published by Ed Reese, senior faculty member at Crown, and contains this recommendation from Pastor Sexton: “These sketches will inspire Christian workers, students and laymen alike and immensely help our Christian heritage to be passed down to the next generation.” The foreword was written by the New Evangelical Ted Engstrom, who was president of the radically ecumenical Youth for Christ and World Vision. Reese gives this deeply compromised man, who practiced unity with Roman Catholics, a glowing recommendation, saying that he knows “of no one more respected in Christian work than Dr. Ted.” The more than 5,000 biographical sketches include such rank heretics as the Alexandrian heretics Pantaenus, Clement, Origin (who wickedly mingled pagan philosophy with Christianity), Roman Catholics such as Jerome, Benedict (one of the founders of Rome’s heretical monastic system), Bernard of Clairvaux (founder of the Cistercians and a Catholic mystic whose writings are influential in the dangerous contemplative movement of our day), Francis of Assisi (founder of the Mary-venerating Franciscans who were at the forefront of the brutal Inquisition), Peter the Hermit (father of the first murderous Crusades), Nita Barrow and Marga Buhrig (female presidents of the apostate World Council of Churches), C.S. Lewis (who denied the infallible inspiration of Scripture, eternal torment, the substitutionary blood atonement, and claimed that man arose from the “animal form”), Ruth Carter Stapleton (female New Age healer who committed suicide), Brooke Westcott and Fenton J.A. Hort and Phillip Schaff (three of the theologically unsound fathers of modern textual criticism which treats the Bible like any other book), Karl Barth (one of the founders of Neo-orthodoxy who denied the infallible inspiration of Scripture and the virgin birth), Henry Ford (Jew hater who was honored by Adolph Hitler with the Grand Cross of the German Eagle), Martin Luther King, Jr. (adulterous preacher who was committed to modernistic theology), and Bruce Metzger (who said the Pentateuch is a mixture of myth and history and called Jonah and Job fables). While Reese’s book glorifies Protestants such as Luther, glaringly absent are many important Baptist leaders who were more faithful to God’s Word. There is nothing wrong with learning about figures from history, even heretics, but they should be clearly branded as heretics and not approached from a basically “neutral” viewpoint. This book should be filled from front to back with loud warnings, but it isn’t. Though there is a section in the back listing “Catholics, Enemies of Christianity, and Liberals,” the aforementioned heretics and many others of similar quality are in the main body of the encyclopedia. The Bible has nothing good to say about heretics. We are to mark and avoid them (Romans 16:17). We are to reject them (Titus 3:10). We are not even to bid them God speed (2 John 10-11). One of the great errors of Crown College and West Coast Baptist College is that have a positivist philosophy whereby they don’t do a lot of plain warning about heretics and compromisers. The same error was practiced at Tennessee Temple when I was there in the 1970s, and today it is a rock & roll Southern Baptist institution. The New Testament is literally filled with the plainest warnings, and a true New Testament church will follow this divine pattern and let the chips fall where they may instead of pursuing a pragmatist philosophy of trying to build “big” and promoting “unity and friendship” and cutting corners in the process.

PICS from WALKERTOWN

2011-08-01T17:57:00.002-04:00

The 2011 edition of the National Sword of the Lord Conference on Revival and Soul-winning is now in the books. This blogger thoroughly enjoyed the preaching as well as the Christ-centered music and is already anticipating, should the Lord tarry His coming, the 2012 conference.

What follows are a few pictures from the Gospel Light Baptist Church in Walkertown, North Carolina where the conference was held for the 20th consecutive year. It is not the intention of this blogger to magnify men above measure; it is his intention, however, to convey to the reader some sense of sitting in the pew while these men preached the Word. See you at the conference next year!

Sword editor Shelton Smith preaches on "There's Still Water in the Well."

Tim Hicks and the Gospel Light choir.

Pastor Mike Allison from Alabama preaching on "Duty...Honor...The Saviour."

Pastor Gary Randall from Colorado spoke from II Chronicles 17 on "A Good Man who Changed."

Pastor Lonnie Moore and Evangelist Terry Lawson singing "What A Day That Will Be."

Pastor Joe Arthur bringing an unusual message titled, "Will Your Boat Float."

Evangelist Lou Rossi.

The Smith Trio singing.

Pastor Norris Belcher from Westminster, Maryland.

Pastor Mark Campbell from Florida preaching from Jeremiah 38:1-10 on "Ebedmelech."

Evangelist John Hamblin from Michigan bringing the message, "My 3 Fears as a Fundamentalist."

Host Pastor Bobby Roberson preaches from his own pulpit. Brother Roberson is now in his 55th year as pastor of Gospel Light Baptist Church!

Pastor Tim Rabon from Beacon Baptist Church in nearby Raleigh, North Carolina brought a message Wednesday evening titled, "The Fight For the Future."

Veteran preacher Raymond Barber delivering the Word of God.

Pastor Mike Norris from Murfreesboro, Tennessee preaching on "Please Come Back."

Heartland Baptist Bible College president Sam Davison brought a classic message on the subject of "God Cares For You."

Pastor Jeff Fugate from Kentucky preaching on Thursday morning.

The Gospel Light pulpit from which these messages were preached. May God use this conference to light a fire in our pulpits that will never be extinguished.

NATIONAL SWORD CONFERENCE - MIDWAY

2011-07-27T15:40:00.002-04:00

Today marks the midway point of the 2011 National Sword of the Lord Conference here in Walkertown, North Carolina. Thus far the weather has been hot and so has the preaching. The music has been second to none and gives one just a slight taste of what that enormous Heavenly choir may sound like one of these days!

We have heard messages from the Sword's editor, Shelton Smith, as well as good sermons from Pastors Mike Allison, Gary Randall, Joe Arthur, Norris Belcher and Mark Campbell. Evangelists Lou Rossi and John Hamblin have also plowed a few rows themselves with timely messages. It has been a good week, though I do miss family and friends who could not attend this year.

Perhaps the thought that has stuck in my mind the most is what Dr. John Hamblin said in his message this morning. I quote: "If God gives someone a second chance, don't you think we should too? If God was not a God of the second chance most of the Bible would have never been written." Though perhaps not considered profound by some, that statement was extremely thought-provoking to this blogger and well-received.

For various reasons the crowd seems to be a little down numerically this year at the conference. The main floor is packed, but there is seating available in the balcony which is normally jammed itself. Perhaps Thursday and Friday night will see an overflow crowd which, in my estimation, this conference warrants.

The best place in Walkertown or the Winston-Salem area for spiritual food is undoubtedly Gospel Light Baptist Church. However, if one is looking for physical food, the ultimate establishment is a restaurant named Seafood Shack. If you're ever in the area you should look them up - you will not be disappointed! Be sure to tell them this blogger sent you. You won't get a discount, but you will leave full, as I did today at the noon hour!

The beloved pastor of Gospel Light Baptist Church, Dr. Bobby Roberson, will be preaching tonight at the conference and everyone always looks forward to gleaning from this man's wealth of wisdom learned through many years of experience. I may be in error, but I believe Brother Roberson announced that this is his 55th year as Pastor at Gospel Light! God has been good to both pastor and people.

Pastor Tim Rabon from Beacon Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina will finish out the night. Brother Rabon preached a tremendous message at last year's conference and I'm sure he will be a great blessing tonight as well.

Well, I've had a nap, updated the blog a bit and now it's time for something very important - a mid-afternoon snack accompanied by an ice cold Coke! Hey, don't let anyone steal your joy; keep your eyes off men and keep them on Christ. Men disappoint; Jesus never! God bless you, David.

NATIONAL SWORD CONFERENCE - ARRIVAL

2011-07-25T14:38:00.000-04:00

Thank the Lord I arrived safely in Winston-Salem, North Carolina for the annual National Sword of the Lord Conference on Revival and Soul-Winning. At 11:30 a.m. I was placing my "seat-saver" in the fifth row from the front where every speaker has a clear shot to give this blogger an earful (and I surely need it!).

I greatly anticipate this event each year. Unless I have missed my count, this is the seventh consecutive National Conference I have been blessed to attend and they seem to keep getting better and better. In my opinion, no other conference compares to the Sword Conference in terms of the preaching, music, atmosphere, and overall friendliness of most everyone in attendance.

I have just returned from grabbing a bite to eat at your friendly Taco Bell and browsing a few aisles at the vast Barnes & Noble bookstore here in Winston-Salem. Barnes & Noble is huge, but I must confess to liking my hometown Books-A-Million much better. Unfortunately I did not leave the store with any books in my possession which went against my heart's desire I assure you.

As I look out my fourth floor Hotel window I see a thunderstorm is upon us. It always seems to storm here during Sword Conference week. Perhaps the physical storm will parallel the preaching storms we receive each day!

I look very much forward to tonight's service wherein Dr. Shelton Smith and Dr. Mike Allison will be preaching. I heard Brother Smith just two weeks ago and he's always a blessing. Speaking of those thunderstorms, I love hearing Dr. Mike Allison "lay it down" from the pulpit. To this blogger, he preaches as I with my imagination see the "old-timers" preaching and he'll step on your toes a time or two to be sure.

I will close now and commence to ironing a shirt for tonight. A fella not married gets pretty good at straightening out lines after awhile! If their are any "lines" in my life that need straightening I hope this week in Walkertown will accomplish just that. God bless, and I'll be in touch. David.

THE LONE LEPER

2011-07-20T17:13:00.003-04:00

Are you a thankful person? Are you genuinely thankful for the manifold blessings and, yes, even trials that come into your life? Though admittedly hard to practice, the Bible commands us to be thankful in everything and for everything (Ephesians 5:20 & 1 Thessalonians 5:18). In my own life I must confess my failure to meet that standard on far too many occasions.

Should the Lord tarry His coming, in a matter of a few short months we will again be celebrating the annual Thanksgiving Holiday. It goes without saying that Thanksgiving is the season of the year in which an attitude of gratitude is exhibited by most, if not all. Sadly, such a commendable attitude will endure but for the season in the hearts of many.

In God's indictment of the human race in the first chapter of Paul's epistle to the Romans, three words stick our like a sore thumb in verse 21: "...neither were thankful...". I can think of no truer words to describe the present culture in which we live. There is a generation today for which Moms and Dads have moved the proverbial mountain to hand to them on a silver platter their every desire, yet it is a generation of whom the words "neither were thankful" could be accurately ascribed.

For the most part, we are living in a time when people just do not express their gratitude as they ought. I was recently at a McDonalds when upon paying for my order the clerk pushed my bag of calories out the window accompanied with the words, "here you go" and thereafter slammed the window shut. I was in a Dollar General store a few weeks ago where the cashier never greeted me much less thanked me for my purchase.

We are living in the age of hand-outs and entitlement programs. What's mine is mine and what's yours is mine is the prevailing thought. Many have the idea, fostered by an ever-increasing federal government, that life itself is indebted to them to provide unending happiness, and the population in general must afford them a living. Worse still, we have a president who seemingly agrees with them.

We are living in an hour when 50% of the American populace feed at the trough provided by the hard-working efforts of the remaining 50%. Rather than praying to God for our needs, we have chosen to petition government for our wants and government has been all to willing to oblige while retracting one freedom after another.

In a speech decades ago President John F. Kennedy immortalized the following words: "Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country." In today's society those words from yesteryear have been altered to read, "Ask not what you can do for your country, but demand what your country can do for you." And upon that philosophy our great republic now rests on the brink of financial collapse.

Ingratitude is not the exclusive possession of society I might add. Sadly, it has also invaded the church. Those who attend to the nursery, mow the lawn, paint the walls, drive the buses, etc., deserve, in my opinion, a word of commendation every so often, yet rarely receive it in some quarters.

Oh yes, I can hear some object, "Well, brother, our commendation will come in Heaven at the Judgment Seat of Christ." Of course, that is the ultimate commendation that all believers should strive for, but might I ask what one's reward in Heaven has to do with my acclamation of him or her down here below? Surely an attaboy every now and then isn't out of line!

How long has it been since the reader thanked his or her pastor for the messages he diligently prepares on a weekly basis with which to feed your soul? "Oh, brother David," one interrupts, "we thank our pastor every time the offering is taken." Yes, and well we should, but monetary gifts can never take the place of a well-placed, much-needed word of genuine thanks and encouragement.

Often even families do not express thankfulness to one another. So numerous are the times when family relationships are taken for granted. A close family member is no less worthy of your thanks for a favor done for you than is that friend upon whom you bestow incessant gratitude for a similar kindness. Both acts of generosity should be met with genuine thankfulness.

We sometimes excuse our lack of expressing gratitude to family members because we assume due to our closeness that they know or should know we are appreciative of them. But that is not always the case. In fact, I suspect that in most situations where a "thank you" has been neglected it most definitely is not the case.

I have witnessed grown children, whereupon reaching what the world would deem a measure of success, abandon the love and guidance of godly parents. I have observed grandchildren turn their backs on grandparents who love them with every ounce of love their heartbroken hearts could muster. Ingratitude makes one forget that they did not reach the "status" they currently enjoy all by themselves.

Luke chapter 17 records one of the most blatant examples of ingratitude. Jesus healed ten men of the awful, dreaded, life-ending disease of leprosy. But the Bible records that only one of the ten returned to give thanks to Jesus, prompting the Saviour to ask, "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" (vs.17). Ungrateful!

In closing, allow me to quote a man whom I quote quite often, Dr. Bob Jones, Sr., who said, "The most lovely flower that blooms in the garden of a man's heart is gratitude. And when the flower of gratitude dies, that man is well nigh gone." If that be the case, our nation is well nigh gone.

Have you thanked someone today? Better still, have you thanked God today for all He has done for you? "Neither were thankful" should be the exception in our lives, never the rule. Let's be like the lone leper who returned to give thanks. God bless, and "Thank you" for reading. David.

BILLY GRAHAM WAS WRONG!

2011-07-12T18:55:00.005-04:00

Someone asked me recently if I liked Evangelist Billy Graham. I hold no personal animosity toward the popular preacher and praise the Lord for every person saved in his revival crusades. However, I am in total disagreement with the ecumenical style of evangelism that has marked his ministry.

I say I am in disagreement simply because the Bible is in disagreement with Graham's approach. Joining all "religions" together under one umbrella, even for the sake of preaching the gospel, is not only foreign to New Testament evangelism but is, in actuality, forbidden by Scripture.

For example, the oft-quoted verses in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 read:

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye seperate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord almighty."

Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. is quoted often as saying, "It is never right to do wrong in order to get a chance to do right." It is never right to yoke with unbelievers in a "religious" gathering, no matter the religious facade of those cooperating, in order to gain the opportunity to see people saved. That, simply, is what ecumenical evangelism is all about and what Billy Graham through the years has stedfastly promoted.

Not only do I disagree with Billy's ecumenical evangelism, I also disavow his selective preaching of the necessity of the New Birth. On page 31 of his book "Decision Points," former President George W. Bush relays the following story relating to Billy Graham:

"In the summer of 1985, we took our annual trip to Maine. Mother and Dad had invited the great evangelical preacher Billy Graham. Dad had asked him to answer some questions from the family after dinner. That was typical of Dad, always willing to share. It would have sent a signal of importance to have had Billy to himself, but that is not George H.W. Bush. He is a generous man, devoid of a big ego. So there we sat, about thirty of us - Laura, my grandmother, brothers and sister, first and second cousins - in the large room at the end of the house on Walker's Point.

The first question was from Dad. He said, 'Billy, some people say you have to have a born-again experience to go to Heaven. Mother [my grandmother] here is the most religious, kind person I know, yet she has had no born-again experience. Will she go to Heaven?' Wow, pretty profound question from the old man. We all looked at Billy. In his quiet, strong voice, he replied, 'George, some of us require a born-again experience to understand God, and some of us are born Christians. It sounds as if your mom was just born a Christian.'" (George W. Bush, Decision Points, Crown Publishers, New York; 31)

President Bush was "wowed" by his fathers question - I am "wowed" even more by Billy Graham's response! While Graham's polite and unoffensive answer - according to Mr. Bush - may have soothed the ears of those making inquiry, it nonetheless was in absolute contrast to the very words of Jesus Christ!

To the religious Pharisee, Nicodemus, Jesus directed these words, "...Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). Making sure Nicodemus did not miss this great truth, Jesus again repeats it in verse seven of the same chapter: "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again."

Mr. Bush's grandmother may very well have lived a good life and may, perhaps, have undertaken tremendous deeds of benevolence during her stay on this earth, but lacking a born-again experience she (like all others) will die in her sin and plunge into a Devil's Hell. Now, that would not have been a popular message for Graham to deliver, but it would indeed have been a Biblical message.

As stated in my earlier post "The Presumptuous Barber," not one individual is born into this sin-cursed world a Christian. The Apostle Paul makes this fact very plain when with the pen of inspiration he writes, "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" (Romans 5:12).

Someone has rightly stated that to be born only once means one has to die twice (physical death and spiritual death). However, if one is born twice (physically and spiritually), they shall only be subject to one death - the physical death of the body.

In delivering his soothing message to the Bush's, Billy Graham avoided the offense of the Cross. The Cross of Jesus Christ is offensive to those who would strive to enter Heaven by any merit other than through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

A person is born again when the Holy Spirit convicts that one of sin and draws them to the Saviour. Seeing their need of Christ, the repenting, believing sinner places their faith and trust in Jesus Christ and Him alone for their eternal salvation and thereby are born anew into the family of God.

In the reference Bible bearing his name, Dr. C.I. Scofield penned these words regarding the new birth:

"The necessity of the new birth grows out of the incapacity of the natural man to 'see' or 'enter into' the kingdom of God. However gifted, moral, or refined, the natural man is absolutely blind to spiritual truth, and impotent to enter the kingdom; for he can neither obey, understand, nor please God. ...The new birth is not a reformation of the old nature, but a creative act of the Holy Spirit. ...The condition of the new birth is faith in Christ crucified. ...Through the new birth the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature and of the life of Christ Himself" (Old Scofield Study Bible, pages 1117 & 1118; Oxford University Press, New York).

Dr. Scofield got it right - Billy Graham got it wrong. The most important question the reader or this writer will ever face is the matter of the New Birth. Are you doing the best you can to gain Heaven or have you been born again?

HENCE, THENCE AND MY TWO CENTS

2011-07-08T15:04:00.000-04:00

So much has been said or written regarding the recent courtroom saga of the Casey Anthony trial that it would seem almost pointless to utter another word on the subject. Do I dare? As most are aware, an Orlando, Florida jury took less than 11 hours on Tuesday of this past week to acquit Ms. Anthony of the murder of her 2-year old daughter, Caylee.

This blogger did not follow the Anthony trial; thus, my opinion is more than likely worth less than the 2 cents which the title of this post suggests. But from what I have read, Casey Anthony certainly performed as if guilty in the immediate aftermath of her daughter Caylee's disappearance. One thing is certain - if Ms. Anthony is indeed culpable in the murder of little Caylee she will one day answer to a holy God for her preposterous act should she fail to "come clean" and seek divine forgiveness.

However, as I posted on FACEBOOK following the jury's decision, the Anthony verdict concerns me very little in comparison to the awesome truth found in the following verse of Scripture: "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God" (Romans 14:12). I have enough trouble with the one who looks back at me in the mirror than to be overly concerned with whether or not another receives justice at the hands of man. God is the ultimate Judge of us all.

GREG LOCKE DEPARTS FROM IFB ROOTS

I was saddened recently to learn that prominent Evangelist-turned-Pastor Greg Locke has led the church he now pastors to remove the term "Baptist" from its name. The former Global Vision Baptist Church is now Global Vision Bible Church. True Baptists believe and preach the Bible so why the name change? Brother Locke has also indicated that while he appreciates his IFB (Independent Fundamental Baptist) moorings, the heritage of the IFB movement will not be continued in his future ministry.

On a personal note, I have enjoyed listening to Brother Locke's preaching CD's, traveled many miles to hear him preach in person, and read a couple of his pamphlets. He is an excellent, gifted preacher to be sure. That being true, let me hasten to say I am nonetheless disappointed that a man younger than I whom I esteemed would cast aside his Fundamental Baptist heritage and boast of same while choosing another direction for his ministry.

None would argue that a church and its pastor has the privilege to chart their own course as they determine the will of the Lord for that assembly. Hence the term "Independent". However, it seems a bit hypocritical to post on FACEBOOK and TWITTER one's implemented changes in their church yet at the first sign of criticism claim their new direction is a "local church" issue. No, what happens in the local church doesn't stay in the local church if it's broadcasted on social networking sites.

ISN'T GOD LUCKY TO HAVE US!

Is God privileged to have you on His side? Are you one of those self-absorbed Christians who strut around believing God hit upon a stroke of luck the day you were saved? Let's be honest; we all know people like this do we not? From the pen of Martyn Lloyd-Jones comes this sobering reminder when we are tempted to blow are own horn: "The Christian is not a good man. He is a vile wretch who has been saved by the grace of God." Powerful words!

SLC AND MUSIC AT LBC/WCBC

Spiritual Leadership Conference commences on Monday, July 11, at Lancaster Baptist Church in Lancaster, California. Though this blogger has never had the privilege to attend, I would dearly love to join the conference in Lancaster one year. Perhaps I will tune in by way of the internet and pray God's richest blessings upon the gathering.

In recent weeks Lancaster Baptist Church and the school it started, West Coast Baptist College, have received sharp criticism from David Cloud on his website www.wayoflife.org for what Brother Cloud termed the "adaptation" of Contemporary Christian Music into the services of LBC and WCBC. I believe the church's pastor, Paul Chappell, is a good man who honestly and earnestly seeks to please the Lord in every aspect of his ministry.

That being said, I do believe that Pastor Chappell would do well to investigate some aspects of the music ministry at LBC and WCBC and make changes where necessary if a softer, gentler style of CCM has indeed made inroads into that good ministry. I have myself listened to a number of music CD's from WCBC and while I cannot say the music is sinful and wicked, I can confirm, in my opinion, that some of the selections could be slowed down somewhat or thrown out altogether.

DERELICTION OF DUTY

A funeral was held in this area a few days ago which was attended by approximately 150-200 people. The music of choice was of a country/western flavor and, amazingly enough, a couple of the selections included some vulgar language. But, sadder still, not one word regarding the gospel or the way of salvation was mentioned by the "clergy" officiating this funeral and an invitation to receive Christ as one's Saviour was omitted entirely.

A golden opportunity to present the glorious gospel which saves men's souls was neglected by someone who was not faithful to his professed calling. What a shame! But let's not be too hard on the minister - how many individuals do we allow to cross our paths on a daily basis without so much as offering them a gospel tract? Perhaps we are all negligent and derelict in our duties at times. God forgive us.

TO READ OR NOT TO READ

Anyone who reads this blog knows its author absolutely loves to read. Therefore, an acquaintance of mine suggested I read a particular book by noted Princeton University professor Cornel West. I will not advertise the title of the book here, but I took my friend up on his suggestion. Well, I've made it through the first chapter at least.

Not surprisingly, it took Mr. West only 2 pages to express his admiration for Karl Marx. In a few pages over the Princeton professor proudly wrote of the day when he "lambasted Imperial America" in a question and answer session with Frank Rich which later aired on C-SPAN. I'm guessing I won't make it to the end of this garbage! Be careful whose influence you are under.

NATIONAL SWORD CONFERENCE

In just a few short days I will be headed to Walkertown, North Carolina (Lord willing) for the National Sword of the Lord Conference on Revival and Soul-winning held annually at Gospel Light Baptist Church. Unless I missed my count this will be the seventh consecutive year this blogger has had the privilege to attend this gathering of Fundamental Baptists. I always receive a great blessing while there and anticipate nothing short of that again this year. Please pray for the conference and the preachers.

CONCLUSION

Obviously this post has took on a different nature than most, but I have rather enjoyed the informal format. In the future I may write several of these "Hence, Thence and My Two Cents" depending on the issues that arise. Believe me, plenty more could be written, but I will leave it as is for now. As always, nothing I write is worth your time in my estimation, so thanks very much for putting up with my ramblings and may I say God bless you as you seek to please Him. David.

THE AGITATED ATHEIST

2011-06-21T16:45:00.004-04:00

What would the reader say of one who would voluntarily sever both arms for the chance to win a million dollars? I suspect you would rightly label that person a fool. However, that individual is far less a fool than the one who denies with unmitigated boldness the very existence of God.

We are all, perhaps, familiar with the passages of Scripture in the Bible which state, "The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God..." (Psalm 14:1 & 53:1). In both instances the words "there is" are italicized, meaning they do not appear in the original text. With that in mind, the literal rendering of the above-mentioned verses should read, "The fool hath said in his heart, no God."

Today, there are individuals such as Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens (whose works I've read) who are unashamedly open in their arrogant defiance and rejection of God. Mr. Hitchens is currently dying of esophageal cancer, but that unfortunate reality has not deterred the avowed atheist from continuing his futile assault on the existence of God. Regardless of their intellectual prowess and academic achievements, men such as these are nothing more than fools according to the Word of God.

Yet their influence is great among the youth. After this blogger recently posted his article, "The Enemy We Refuse to Face," on FACEBOOK, a young woman who claimed to formerly be a "devout Christian" took issue with his views relating to the subject of the piece, the religion of Islam. As the reader shall soon see, this agitated atheist holds extremely sacrilegious and libelous views toward God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

The comments posted on FACEBOOK by this "new" atheist are nothing short of blasphemous. Though hesitant to do so, this writer chooses to herein post excerpts of her words as she wrote them to illustrate the following: When one rejects the truth, the depths to which they may sink and the error which they may embrace knows no limits. As Evangelist Tom Farrell has repeatedly stated, light rejected brings darkness.

In her rebuttal of my view that Islam and its followers are purveyors of violence, the agitated atheist wrote:

"I'm afraid you're forgetting that God condones genocide in the OT (notably in Exodus and Deuteronomy). The poor Canaanites didn't deserve the violence God demanded be administered to them."

Missing in her indictment of God is any mention of the wickedness of the Canaanites and other Gentile nations that God warned Israel of in Leviticus chapter 18, verses 3, 24 and 30. (See also Leviticus 20:23)

After reminding her that God is sovereign, just and holy, yet offers guilty sinners His mercy rather than His wrath, the agitated atheist replied:

"Aha, you've uncovered the main reason as to why I am no longer a Christian (after living as a devout and Bible-believing one until about 6 months ago). Why would I want to worship a god who has weaker moral standards than my own? The god of the Bible commands a multitude of things that I peg as immoral and verging on belligerent. And Jesus' sacrifice in the Bible was indeed noble. But tell me, friend, would you not do the same? Die for the whole world? Any right-minded person would. His sermon on the Mount, for instance, contains some teachings that are admirable and wonderful. However, the standards he sets are generic and hardly profound. (Please don't take this as me insulting your religion, by the way. I have great respect for you and your beliefs."

(Note: If what she writes constitutes respect, I know not the meaning of the word!)

Unwittingly, this deluded disavower of God has joined the ranks of those who espouse the humanistic New Age philosophy which enthrones "self" as god. It is the philosophy that Satan himself employed in the Garden of Eden when he intimated to Eve that he was smarter than God. In stripping God of His rightful place in the universe while exalting man to a position of Deity, the creature condemns the Creator based upon limited, finite human reasoning.

Continuing, as I endeavored to persuade the non-persuadable that she would not find peace and fulfillment outside of Jesus Christ, the agitated atheist once again countered with her own sense of self-worth:

"I find peace and fulfillment through loving and helping others. While I used to live to please an unseen entity who never proved Himself to me, I now live solely for other people and aiding in their welfare and happiness. I am indeed disappointed by many Christians, but that is not what turned me away from religion. Really studying the religion is what ultimately made me lose my faith."

How sad that an individual should turn their back on Christianity and become a vessel for the Devil's use. Romans 12:21,22 declare, "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools." A more fitting description of my atheist friend could not be found.

Has God forgotten or failed to "prove Himself" to mankind? What saith the Scripture? "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," reads Romans 1:20.

What of His death on the Cross? "But God commendeth (demonstrated) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). What more could a loving God do than sacrifice Himself for mankind?

Educated man declares he is smarter than God. His pride will not allow him to submit his will to a higher Power. Yet, God looks down upon puny man and declares unequivocally, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8,9).

Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. once said, "Dying men have said, 'I am sorry I have been an atheist, an infidel, an agnostic, a skeptic, or a sinner'; but no man ever said with his last breath, 'I am sorry I have lived a Christian life.'" Oh, how empty the life of an atheist must be!

To reject God is to invite His judgment. Again, light refused brings darkness. The arguments of twenty-first century atheists have not caught God by surprise as evidenced by the words of Romans 1:28: "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient."

When the dust finally settles in the halls of intelligentsia and the last argument has subsided, the Word of God shall, as the mighty oak of the forest, remain standing. The debates of foolish minds will give way to a Heavenly chorus loudly proclaiming, "Our God reigns!" Every knee shall bow in that day and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10,11)!

To be sure, my complete responses to the agitated atheist are not printed in this post. One may reasonably conclude that neither of us changed the other's point of view. Nor is it the purpose of this post to prove the existence of God. To turn away from the Word of God severs the source of faith in one's life leaving a void which mere human words cannot fill.

Should the young lady whereof I write read these lines, or perhaps one who shares her views, I close by leaving you another quote by Dr. Bob Jones, Sr.: "It is better to die for something than to live for nothing." God bless; thanks for reading. David.

THE BEST SERMON

2011-06-10T23:54:00.004-04:00

On the drive to work this morning I happened to get behind a law enforcement officer who apparently was taking the same route as I. Normally, things of this nature occur when one is running a bit late, but, much to my relief, I had plenty of time to arrive at my destination.

For several miles I followed the officer, particularly noting that he was traveling in forward motion without having the provided seat safety belt properly fastened about his body. Here in North Carolina, general statute 135.2a (if memory serves me correctly) requires one to wear his seat belt while in forward motion. Naturally I found it interesting, though not egregious, that one who took an oath to uphold the law was now breaking it in front of my very eyes and in view of other motorists.

No, I did not get angry nor did I notify the agency to which this officer belonged of his unlawful deed. His call number, attached to the back glass of his patrol vehicle in letters as large as life, provided an easy opportunity to do so, yet I refrained. Having been a State Trooper for nearly 14 years, this writer can attest to the fact that the motoring public routinely complains on officers for matters far less than failing to wear a seat belt.

Protocol would prohibit a law officer from another agency pulling over the officer of whom I write and issuing him a citation. You and I, however, should not begin to entertain the idea that we would be as fortunate. Regardless of the why's and wherefore's of police protocol (of which I am very familiar), obeying the law remains the responsibility of the reader as well as this writer.

My first reaction to this officer's contempt of the law was that he, indeed, was setting a bad example to those who were observing him if injury had not in fact prevented him from wearing his seat belt. Why, the question begs to be asked, should civilians obey the motor vehicle laws of the great state of North Carolina if law enforcement officers deem it unnecessary? Good question.

Officers must remember that putting on the uniform and patrolling the highways invites searching eyes of scrutiny one would not otherwise receive. One must accept that this is all a part of the job. Whether or not he realized it, by failing to wear his seat belt this officer was inviting others to disrespect the law (as had he) and esteem it of little value in their practice. Though surely not his intent, he was, in fact, making it much more difficult for his fellow officers to enforce the law.

Displaying a good example is, likewise, true for those of us who identify ourselves as Bible-believing Christians. It is not merely enough to say, "I am a Christian." One must live the Christian life in the power of the Holy Spirit, demonstrating daily to a gainsaying world that Christ truly does make the difference that we claim He does. Anything less will not suffice nor convince an unbelieving and skeptical world whose attention is focused squarely on the followers of Jesus Christ.

To young Timothy the Apostle Paul instructed, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an EXAMPLE of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). Obviously Paul is here implying that the life of young Pastor Timothy (as well our own) should emulate Christ as he demonstrated a good example in all manners of holy living.

Saint Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words." Benjamin Franklin, himself not a Christian, stated, "A good example is the best sermon."

Yet, I wonder how often have the unwise actions or words of professing Christians harmed the cause of soul-winning? I wonder how often has been the case where sin in the life of a believer has hindered the work of other Christians in their efforts to reach the lost? I wonder how often have bad attitudes exhibited in the check-out line at Wal-mart or gossip at the local McDonald's hurt the cause of Christ and cast a long, dark shadow on His institution, the church?

I wonder how many godly pastors have had those they were trying to win to the Lord slam doors in their faces due to the carnality of one or more of their church members? I wonder how many loved ones have been lost due to the inconsistencies of family members who professed Christianity yet lived like the Devil? I wonder how many co-workers and friends would become Christians if we simply lived what we preached?

Thankfully there is another side of the coin. I wonder how many have been influenced for God and for righteousness by the godly living of those to whom this world gave little notice? I wonder how many souls will be in Heaven due to the faithfulness of a preacher who day in and day out lived as Jesus would live? I wonder how many may someday point the finger at you and I and say with the words of the songwriter, "I saw Jesus in you"?

Oh, what a challenge that is! Everybody has influence with somebody! When someone looks at my life and the way I conduct my affairs, I want them to be able to honestly say, "There's something different about that guy!" Not for my own glory, but for the glory of God.

Several weeks ago I was in a place of business with which my family is well acquainted. The people there, likewise, know my family quite well. A gentleman passed by and when he was out of sight, a lady said of him to me: "There are Christians and there are those who just talk the talk. That man is a Christian." What a blessing that was to me, for you see, that man was my Father.

In closing, someone rightly stated that everyone sets an example - good or bad - by the way they live. What must be determined is whether we as professing followers of Christ will live lives that unquestionably display to those observing us that we are leaving a good and right example for others to follow. Are we drawing men and women to the Savior, or are we pushing people further away? Let's endeavor each and every day to allow our walk to preach our best sermon.

DEFINED BY INTEGRITY

2011-06-07T17:57:00.006-04:00

One of the greatest character traits that may be present in the life of an individual is integrity. One of the highest compliments one may receive from others is to be labeled a person of integrity. Conversely, to be known by one's peers and/or friends as a person with little or no integrity demonstrates a glaring weakness of character.

One dictionary defines "Integrity" as follows: The possession of firm principles or the quality of possessing and steadfastly adhering to high moral principles or professional standards. When Job's wife asked him, "Dost thou still retain thine integrity?" (Job 2:9), she was bewildered that her husband could still maintain his high moral principles in light of the many trials and tribulations that had befallen him. Apparently Job's wife had long ago abandoned any principles she might have previously owned.

It was said of our Republic's first president, George Washington, that he was a man who could not tell a lie. Whether or not that be true God only knows, but if it was true of General Washington, that fact alone displays a remarkable attribute not present in many modern-day politicians.

Of course, in today's political climate one would be foolish NOT to expect a considerable number of politicians to lie. Americans have grown wearily accustomed to their leaders lying to them in order to get elected to office or re-elected as the case may be. There are very few statesmen among us, sad to say, who demonstrate by the way they live and vote a high degree of personal and professional integrity.

Lack of personal integrity is no less attractive when it rears its ugly head in the lives and ministries of preachers. Let there be no mistake - I love good preaching and have tremendous respect and admiration for God's men. But let it be just as emphatically stated that what elicits absolutely no respect from anyone is a preacher who hasn't the slightest morsel of personal integrity residing within his bosom.

A few days ago I had the privilege of viewing a service by way of the internet wherein Heartland Baptist Bible College's new chapel was named after its current president, Sam Davison. During the service one of the speakers made reference to Dr. Davison as being a man of integrity. Likewise, I have heard others say of Evangelist Ron Comfort that he is a man of integrity. In the opinion of this blogger no greater compliment could have been bestowed upon these two men. I am certain they represent thousands of men in the ministry today of which the same could be said.

On the other hand, there are men currently in the ministry and church members sitting in pews who demonstrate by their actions that they are bereft of personal integrity. Condoning in my own heart what I condemn in the lives of others cleary defines the writer as a hypocrite. Furthermore, attempting to preach in this condition reveals that one may simultaneously fill a pulpit while his character and integrity tank runs on fumes.

I should not be guilty of preaching long and hard against the outward sins of the flesh, yet be strangely silent when it comes to the hidden, secret sins of the heart. If I should call down fire from Heaven upon the unbiblical practices of Billy Graham or Joel Osteen, may I also be willing to summon that same courage to confront the compromise within my own "camp."

I believe ladies should dress like ladies and men as men, but it is sheer hypocrisy to blast from the pulpits those "worldly" women in the pews who wear pants, but conveniently ignore, should it be present, the ungodly cancer of bitterness lurking within me. I should rebuke those who eat the preacher for lunch, but I should also refuse to partake in the verbal dismantling of other saints of God while downing a hamburger at the local Wendy's.

During revival services we rejoice with those who have been touched by the preaching of God's Word, and applaud those who have made things right with another brother or sister as a result of the meeting. Yet, the idea that we ourselves should endeavor to restore broken relationships (see Matthew 5) never seems to enter our minds. Friend, the causes for such pharisaical actions are, simply, pride and a loss of integrity.

Don Larson once quipped, "A lot of people mistake a short memory for a clear conscience." I am afraid his statement describes many of us. In dealing with those whom we have wronged we all too often employ the maxim "out of sight, out of mind," whereas the Scriptures exhort us to confront and confess our faults as well as compassionately forgive the wrongdoing of others.

For example, Proverbs 28:13 reads, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." Christians are commanded in James 5:16a to "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another that ye may be healed." Apparently many of us have forgotten Ephesians 4:32 which says, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

The following simple yet profound statement has on several occasions fallen from the lips of Dr. Ron Comfort: "A person who cannot say 'I am sorry, I was wrong' is a person who has a character deficiency." I wholeheartedly agree. Beware of individuals, be they politicians, preachers or influential laypersons, who cannot bring themselves to echo from their heart those six words.

In a service wherein he was preaching, Evangelist Tom Farrell stated that he had on occasions left the platform just prior to preaching to telephone someone with whom he had been at outs in order to make things right. According to Dr. Farrell, he did this in obedience to Matthew 5:23-24 so as to prevent anything from hindering the message he was about to preach to souls hanging in the balance. May I ask, is that level of integrity present in your life and mine?

One of the greatest needs in our homes, our businesses, our schools, our halls of Congress, and, yes, even in our places of worship is a revival of personal integrity. Be real, be genuine; be who you say you are every day! Practice what you preach.

Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. was famous for saying, "Do right though the stars fall!" Let us identify the truth, stand with it no matter the costs, and resolve to be people defined by integrity.

"Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool." ~ Proverbs 19:1

FOR TO ME TO LIVE IS...AMERICAN IDOL?

2011-06-03T00:12:00.001-04:00

Were he alive today, can you imagine the Apostle Paul auditioning for an appearance on the immensely popular television show "American Idol"? How about John the Baptist or Peter or maybe even Stephen? Perhaps in the days wherein these men lived the program might well have been called "Jerusalem Idol."

The bizarre thought of Paul, Peter, John the Baptist or Stephen appearing today on any television program for the express purpose of showcasing their "talents" is unimaginable. One need not read far into the Scriptures before discovering that the burning desire of these men was not the vain exaltation of self, but, rather, the vibrant extolling of the Lord Jesus Christ.

For example, speaking of Christ in John 3:30 John the Baptist stated, "He must increase, but I must decrease." In his first epistle, Peter wrote, "To him [Christ] be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen" (1 Peter 5:11). Stephen's sermon in Acts chapter seven begins with him reminding his listeners of "The God of glory..."(vs. 2), and Paul's epitaph could certainly contain the words, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).

Yet there are multitudes today whose manifest reason for living appears to be that of relaxing in the comforts of their homes viewing episodes of American Idol. Though they would not express it in so many words, their aspirations in life (unlike Paul) could very well be summed up with the following: "For to me to live is...American Idol."

How sad that even professing Christians demonstrate considerably more enthusiasm for an insignificant TV show than they with all their might may muster for all things spiritual!

As for American Idol, one would find it extremely difficult to locate a good number of individuals who have yet to hear of the Emmy award-winning reality show. Having just recently concluded its tenth season on the Fox Broadcasting Network, American Idol (which began on June 11, 2002) is one of the most popular and lucrative programs ever to air on the small screen.

To demonstrate its extreme level of popularity, American Idol is broadcasts to over 100 nations outside of the United States. For the past seven years, American Idol has been the top rated show within the 18-49 age group, and was tops among TV shows for the 2010-11 season.

The concept of American Idol is simple: To discover new solo recording artists with the overall winner being determined by the vote of the viewers. The winner is subsequently awarded a record deal with a major record label thereby ensuring the "Idol" the opportunity to amass an enormous amount of wealth.

At age 17, Scotty McCreery became the youngest male in the history of American Idol to win the prize, doing so at the conclusion of the 2010-11 season. From the small town of Garner, North Carolina, young McCreery has become the darling of the Tarheel state, his face plastered continually on both television screens and in newspapers.

Incredibly, one individual went so far as to suggest that Scotty's victory on American Idol was actually a reward from God. For his unashamed witnessing to others of how wonderful God is, the Lord - according to this individual - graciously granted Scotty "great rewards."

Surely those missionaries serving God in distant places we cannot even begin to spell would find the above claim humorous if it were not so sad. Those men who faithfully pastor small churches while working a full-time job just to make ends meet would love to know Scotty's secret wouldn't you think?

Legend has it that Peter was crucified upside down on a cross for his faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible reveals that John the Baptist lost his head for his uncompromising preaching to a powerful ruler. After preaching his soul-searching, convicting sermon in the seventh chapter of Acts, Stephen was stoned to death by an unruly mob of religious folk.

The Apostle Paul was stoned, beaten, imprisoned and later beheaded for preaching and witnessing for Christ. Yet there are those today who would have us believe that due to Scotty McCreery's witness for Christ, God Himself engineered the lucrative deal he received from Hollywood!

My Friend, either the example of Paul or Scotty McCreery represents true Christianity, but it is certain that they both cannot! To be sure, there are great rewards for serving Christ, but Paul realized and relished the fact that his crown(s) awaited him on the other side. The world today is seeking a crown; for the Christian, Christ offers a cross.

1 Corinthians 10:7 commands, "Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them [Israelites]; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play." A similar passage may be found just a few verses down in the same chapter: "Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry." An idol is anyone or any thing which takes the place of Jesus Christ in one's heart and life.

The inordinate obsession with and idolization of Scotty McCreery and all preceding "Idol" winners is merely a preview of the adulation Satan's superman, the antichrist, will receive from the masses after believers in Christ are raptured from this earth. Promoting "self" as god, the New Age Movement of today will perhaps be the instrument Satan uses to usher in his false messiah. With the current popularity of American Idol, who would argue the world is not now ready to receive him?

In response to my opening question, if Paul were to appear today on American Idol, I have a suspicion he might sing (or quote) the following and, consequently, be voted off the show:

Jesus, I my cross have taken,
All to leave and follow Thee;
Destitute, despised, forsaken,
Thou from hence my All shalt be.
Perish every fond ambition,
All I've sought or hoped or known;
Yet how rich is my condition!
God and heaven are still my own.

Let the world despise and leave me,
They have left my Savior, too.
Human hearts and looks deceive me;
Thou art not, like them, untrue.
And while Thou shalt smile upon me,
God of wisdom, love, and might,
Foes may hate and friends may shun me;
Show Thy face, and all is bright.

Go, then, earthly fame and treasure!
Come, disaster, scorn, and pain!
In Thy service, pain is pleasure;
With Thy favor, loss is gain.
I have called Thee Abba, Father!
I have stayed my heart on Thee.
Storms may howl, and clouds may gather,
All must work for good to me.
-Henry Francis Lyte

Thanks for reading and God bless. David.

THE SOLDIER'S GRAVE

2011-05-30T09:13:00.003-04:00

On this Memorial Day I would like to share with the reader a poem I wrote which I have titled, The Soldiers Grave. Though no claim of being a poet is made, I trust it will nonetheless pay tribute in a small way to those who gave their lives in defense of freedom here and abroad.

THE SOLDIER'S GRAVE

Canst thou with words clearly convey
To all who pass this blood-stained way,
Why celebrate we do this day
With banners unfurled at end of May?
Why soldiers stand in proud display
When flags in gentle breeze doth sway?
Why old vets rise in broad array
With furrowed brows and hairs of gray;
Whose minds recall lands far away
Where lives were lost, freedom's price to pay?

Oh, canst thou tell from shore to shore
Why Americans pause and just what for?
It's Memorial Day, 'tis at our core
To honor heroes this day the more.
Who gave their all for a cause so sure
Free men live aft' their lives are o'er.
Canst thou repeat the glorious lore
Why men left home and country's shore?
Their nation's uniform they wore
To light the path to freedom's door.

To honor those - their lives they gave
Who fought all who would dare enslave;
From Lexington to the Afghan's cave
From Europe to Iraq did pave,
The road to liberty, some lives to save
Our Republic's rights they did not waive.
It's freedom that the world doth crave,
Red, white and blue - it must yet wave!
'Tis Memorial Day, why do we rave?
It is because of the soldier's grave.

Happy Memorial Day. David.

MEMORIAL DAY by Eula Gladys Lincoln

2011-05-27T16:21:00.001-04:00

In distant field of sunny France
Where strangers come and go,
Amid the farms of Flanders, where
The fragrant breezes blow,
Our soldier-dead in quiet sleep
'Neath crosses row on row.

Here shrapnel shells once shrieked and burst
And took their toll of death;
The very wind, itself a foe,
Bore poison on its breath.

Above their graves the birds now sing
As round that home of yore,
When, carefree boys, they romped and played;
Those childhood days soon o'er,
The boys to brave and strong men grown,
They romped and played no more.

They put aside their childish toys,
A man's work each must do,
And when their country called for them,
To her they answered true.

"We must protect our native land:
She shall not suffer wrong
For she has reared and nurtured us,
We're men and we are strong.
We'll bid good-bye to those we love;
It will not be for long."

With aching hearts and tear-dimmed eyes
We watched them go away.
Some have returned but many sleep
In foreign lands today.

Where English roses bloom and fade,
In France where lilies grow,
Among the fields of Flanders, where
The scarlet poppies blow,
Our soldier-dead are not forgot
Though strangers come and go.

THE END

We remember-we will never forget! David

LOOKING FOR ANSWERS

2011-05-23T16:33:00.002-04:00

So much has been said or written about Harold Camping's failed prediction of the end of the world that it hardly seems necessary to comment further. It should now be obvious to all that Mr. Camping is a false prophet whose tired publicity stunts will, hopefully, no longer be accepted.

One should remember that this is not Mr. Camping's first venture into the realm of date-setting for the rapture of the church. He made a similar prediction in 1994 and, as one may have guessed, he was wrong then too!

Who is Harold Camping? By now everyone who is interested should have some idea of who the man is, but perhaps there are those who do not. Mr. Camping is the co-founder of Family Radio Network with reportedly sixty-six radio stations currently nationwide.

Based on Mr. Camping's own calculations he forecasted that the rapture of the church would occur 722,500 days after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, thereby making May 21, 2011 the day of reckoning. Obviously, Mr. Camping miscalculated, giving unbelievers worldwide ample cause to scoff at true Bible-believers whom they categorically lump with Camping and his followers.

Moreover, for May 21, 2011, Mr. Camping prophesied that worldwide earthquakes would accompany the rapture of 3% of the world's population. The remaining 97% would be left behind, according to Camping, to endure the Great Tribulation period until October 21, the day the entire world would be destroyed.

It is not unusual for men to set dates for the return of Christ. That has been happening for years. What is unfathomable to this blogger, however, is why so many individuals follow these false prophets of doom when simply studying one's Bible would expose their heretical teachings.

Jesus Himself warned of worldwide deception prior to the rapture of His saints. "For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many" said Jesus in Matthew 24:5. To my knowledge Mr. Camping has not claimed to be Christ, but none can argue that he has been used as an instrument of deception in this end-time age.

Speaking of His second advent in the same twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew Jesus plainly said, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only" (vs. 36). In verse 42 Jesus reiterates that truth by admonishing his disciples to, "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come."

Those verses alone should deter any thinking person from setting dates regarding the rapture of the saved or the second coming of Jesus. Unfortunately, as we have seen lately, they do not. Men (or women) who set dates, who profess to know a "word" not heretofore expressed in Holy Scripture are to be discarded as false prophets and their message disclaimed and exposed by Bible-believing Christians.

Speaking of false prophets (such as Harold Camping), II Peter 2:2 expressly states, "And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of." The greatest error Mr. Camping has propagated through his erroneous doomsday claims is the allowance of atheist, agnostics and Bible-deniers to speak evil of the truth.

Whereas unbelievers will undoubtedly mock now as they did then, "Where is the promise of His coming?", the Apostle Peter responds with words that bear repeating in light of Camping's fiasco: "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" (II Peter 3:10).

But there is good news! Peter continues three verses later, "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness"(vs. 13). Praise the Lord a new day will soon dawn on a new earth!

In closing, it was reported that Mr. Camping, in remarks to the San Francisco Chronicle, stated that he was "flabbergasted" that the rapture did not occur as he had predicted. Furthermore, the false prophet quipped, "I'm looking for answers." Mr. Camping, may I suggest you look no further than the Bible which, up to this point, you have apparently ignored. Thanks for reading. David.

THE MISGUIDED MUSLIM

2011-05-13T16:58:00.003-04:00

Undoubtedly the reader can identify with the plight of one pleading for guidance after inadvertently getting lost while traveling. Often it is the case that the weary traveler is left more bewildered after a good Samaritan endeavors to right the straying one's course with a slew of confusing directions. Knowing assuredly that you flawlessly followed the person's instructions, you are left scratching your head in amazement as to how you arrived in the boondocks in the face of such "brilliant" directions!

We have all arrived at times at a place called nowhere. Thus the occasions when, despite our eloquence in map-reading, we have been unquestionably lost, though apparently not as misplaced as the one who gave us those crazy directions! In summary, we have been misled as a result of receiving and/or adhering to misguided directions.

One dictionary defines the word "misguided" simply as "motivated by or based on ideas that are mistaken." Though it is disconcerting to adopt misguided ideas or receive erroneous directions when lost, one's position is far more precarious when harboring misguided beliefs as they relate to eternal issues.

The Bible, as one might expect, addresses the mistaken beliefs of misguided persons. In Proverbs 16:25 we read, "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Again, in the second verse of Proverbs chapter 21 we find written the following: "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts."

A fool is one to whom people would not normally ascribe brilliance or intelligence, yet the Scriptures tell us that even "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise" (Proverbs 12:15). Upon reading the above-referenced verses it becomes obvious that the Bible is not silent in its warnings against relying upon one's own wisdom when making life's decisions.

In the New Testament the Apostle Paul writes of a proud group of people who were (and remain) blinded by unbelief - his own nation of Israel:

"Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." (Romans 10:1-4)

As are those who trust in their own wisdom, as was the nation of Israel who trusted in their own righteousness, so, too, are individuals today hopelessly blind who base their eternal hopes of Heaven on anything or anyone other than the solid and sure foundation of Jesus Christ. A faulty foundation leads to a fractured infrastructure which ultimately results in an unfortunate demise.

Such is the case with a young man in his mid-thirties whom I had the opportunity to speak with recently. I had noticed on several prior occasions as this gentleman (whom I will hereafter refer to as Joe) frequented my brother's restaurant that Joe refused to eat pork products and would, if uncertain, always ask if a particular buffet serving was, indeed, pork.

Having developed a somewhat friendly relationship with Joe, I took the liberty recently while he was eating lunch at the restaurant to enquire of him if eating pork violated his religion. Joe responded in the affirmative and informed me, as I had expected, that he was, in fact, a Muslim.

As one might imagine, people do not want to be bothered on their lunch break, but I did manage to steal another moment of Joe's time and asked him another all-important question: What do Muslims think of Jesus Christ? Unhesitatingly, Joe responded that Muslims, himself included, believe that Jesus was a prophet though not the last prophet. (Of course, the last prophet would be Mohammed in the Muslim tradition).

"Joe," I continued, "do you believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins upon the Cross?"

"Jesus didn't die for your sins or mine," Joe replied matter-of-factly. "No man can die for your sins." With undaunted confidence Joe concluded, "You're gonna have to pay for your own sins."

Pursuing the issue I asked, "Joe, does that mean I have to go to Hell when I die to pay for my sins?" Joe quickly responded, "Yes, you're gonna pay for your sins. Christians think that Jesus died for their sins and they can live as they please," Joe continued, "but you have to pay for your own sins."

Our brief but telling conversation ended at this point out of respect for Joe's time to himself, but when asked if I could talk with him further about his "religion" Joe surprisingly replied, "Sure." I trust an opportunity to present the real Christ to Joe is in the near future. Meanwhile, my brief dialogue with Joe is shared here in order to illustrate the degree to which Satan has blinded the eyes of men to the truth, religion being his tool of choice yielding the greatest results.

Somewhere along the way the Devil prompted someone to give Joe the wrong directions, thereby placing him on an errant path to an eternity without Christ. Known to Joe is "A way that seemeth right unto a man," but unknown to Joe "the end thereof are the ways of death." Joe, the misguided Muslim, is typical of all those in the world today (Muslim or not) whose religion is devoid of Jesus Christ, thus providing the vehicle with which they trod the road to ruin.

Paul writes along these lines in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4: "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world [Satan] hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."

Not only is the misguided Muslim's religion devoid of Christ, it is also bereft of any hope. What hope is there in a religion that offers no Saviour, consequently teaching that one must pay for his own sins? To ask the question is to answer it - there is no hope whatsoever in such belief. Though God's justice is what each and every one of us deserve, it is the mercy and grace of God which we so desperately stand in need of and which God so feely offers through the merits of His Son, Jesus Christ.

I am thrilled to report today that Jesus Christ paid in full the sin debt owed by mankind. I like the words to the old song which reads, "His blood can make the vilest clean, His blood availed for me!" Another hymn beautifully says, "Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow."

Contrary to the beliefs of the misguided Muslim, Hebrews 2:9 says, "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man."

To deny that Christ died for the sins of mankind is to rip the heart out of the glorious Gospel. In his definition of the Gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:3, the Apostle Paul states with the pen of inspiration, "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures." If Christ did not die for the sinner, there is no Gospel to preach, no salvation to offer and no hope beyond the grave!

To reject the truth that Christ died for our sins is to render the Word of God meaningless. All the blood sacrifices in the Old Testament pointed to that day wherein God's sacrificial Lamb, Jesus Christ, would offer Himself on the Cross as a Lamb without blemish and without spot, the Just for the unjust. John cried out in John 1:29, "...Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

Numerous passages could be cited, but the following four verses from Paul's epistle to the Romans are unequivocal:

"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him."

No regenerated, redeemed, born-again, saved, blood-bought, blood-washed, Heaven-bound believer in Christ Jesus will ever have to pay for his or her sins thanks to Calvary! It was there on an old rugged Cross that Christ absorbed the penalty and payment for our sins.

The only people who must suffer eternally for their sins in a place called Hell are those who refuse to repent of them in this lifetime and receive Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. With great assurance I repeat the words of the songwriter who wrote: "What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus." Thank God for Jesus Christ, our great Sin-bearer!

In conclusion, Jesus Himself stated in John 14:6 that He is "...the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Do not allow yourself to become misled or misguided by false religion or no religion. The true course is found only in Jesus Christ. The Bible is our eternal Roadmap. If followed, it will lead us safely Home. God bless, thanks for reading. David.

can YOU handle the TRUTH?

2011-05-05T17:03:00.003-04:00

Allow me to begin this post by stating the obvious - I am not a scholar on Islam nor the son of a scholar. In fact, I am neither well-versed in the Koran or Islamic culture and know very little about Muslim tradition. I am just a simple blogger making simple observations.

That being said, I wish I had a dollar bill for every time someone has stated that the murderous atrocities committed by terrorists such as the now- deceased Osama Bin Laden do not represent the true nature of Islam. In fact, yesterday I listened to popular conservative radio talk show host Sean Hannity repeat for the one-millionth time (I exaggerate, but just barely) the mantra that the United States is not at war with Islam but, rather, with radical Islam.

Even in his speech to the nation last Sunday night announcing the wonderful news that Osama Bin Laden had been killed, President Obama was quick to point out that America's conflict was not with the religion of Islam but with Islamic extremists. That is pretty significant when one considers that the President's speech lasted for mere minutes, yet he dared not close his remarks before a vain effort was given to placate the Muslim world.

The word "radical" is defined in the dictionary as "relating to or affecting the basic nature or most important features of something." In other words, for one to be a radical Islamist he must harbor views that affect or alter the basic teachings or features of the Islamic faith - or so we are told.

In light of numerous passages in the Koran which plainly instruct followers to kill Jews and Christians (infidels and unbelievers), what part of Bin Laden's and other Muslim terrorists' actions alter the teachings of Islam? I submit they both flow downstream together in agreement.

Furthermore, one dictionary defines "extremist" as one that "goes far beyond what is reasonable, moderate and normal." As stated above, the Koran condones, yea commands, the murder of those who do not bow at the altar of submission. Again, in what manner does the slaughter of innocent victims by Islamic terrorists violate the normal, written exhortations contained within Islam's holy book, the Koran? Truthfully, no violations exist.

To be sure, moderate, seemingly normal individuals exist who claim they are Muslims. Not every self-professed adherent of Islam is a terrorist anxiously awaiting the opportunity to blow some thing or someone up. However, it is the opinion of this blogger that "moderate" Islam is not true Islam at all. If "moderate" Muslims refrain from murdering innocent people, they do so in violation of (rather than in conformance to) the Koran and their stated Islamic faith.

Frankly, I am sick and tired of those in places of power (yes, conservatives are included) telling us, the American people, that our battle is not with Islam. I am weary of Presidents Bush and Obama, as well as Congressional leaders within both political parties, demonstrating their ignorance by spreading the lie that Islam is a "religion of peace." Excuse me, but I do not believe for one second that Christianity would receive such kid-glove treatment were the purveyors of international terrorism devout Christians.

I do not believe for one moment that the facilitators of 9/11 and other terrorist atrocities acted in defiance of the Islamic religion. Rather, I am confident that these religious zealots plotted, planned and perpetrated their horrific acts in accordance with and in obedience to the Muslim faith and to believe otherwise is to be guilty of willful ignorance. So, despite what politicians would have you and I believe, the enemy of the United States of America and freedom itself is precisely the religion of Islam.

Following the tragic events of 9/11 many Muslims in America and around the world openly celebrated and rejoiced that the "Great Satan" had received such a devastating blow. In fact, in a community where this blogger once resided, it was reported that operators of a Muslim-owned convenient store enthusiastically distributed candy and other edible items to customers in celebration of the terrorists strike against America.

By way of contrast, I have not heard from "moderate" Muslims one iota of congratulatory remarks toward the United States for the recent elimination of Osama Bin Laden. No laughter, no dancing in the streets, no candy give-aways - just silence, a silence that speaks volumes as to where and to whom their loyalties truly lie.

Now, I am acutely aware that this post will not win me many friends in the Muslim community nor will it propel its author into the running for the Pulitzer Prize. However, neither scenario is the objective of the writer though my beef is not with a particular group of people - it is with a false religion. Jesus Christ shed His blood on Calvary's Cross for everyone, and Muslims are certainly within the scope of His redemptive work.

Rare is the occasion today in the secular world as well as the spiritual realm where accolades are showered upon one who simply writes or tells the truth. Truth has never been popular. It seems very plain to this writer that the majority today desire not to hear the truth concerning the religion of Islam. But to turn a blind eye to the truth of Islam does nothing to diminish the grave threat we now face from its followers.

Islam's stated goal is worldwide domination and it matters not to Muslims whether their goal is obtained through the world's peaceful capitulation or at the edge of a sword. That, my friends, is the truth - can you handle the truth?

So often the question has been asked, "Why do the Muslims hate us?" I submit that the proponents of Islam hate us because they hate Christianity. They hate the United States who for so long has stood shoulder to shoulder in friendship with the nation of Israel. They despise the Lord Jesus Christ. They hate the Bible and the God of the Bible.

Islam is a false religion that the Devil is using to send untold millions to the fiery flames of an eternal Hell. Islam is not a religion of peace; it is, rather, a religion that has its origins in the pit of Hell.

Several years ago a well-known actor made famous the line, "You can't handle the truth!" in a popular Hollywood movie. The question remains, can America handle the truth about Islam? As a freedom-loving people, we overlook Islam's evil intentions to our own peril.

With Islam becoming (perhaps already is) the world's fastest growing religion, it would behoove those of us who do not share its beliefs to investigate thoroughly the truth about Islam and lift our voice in opposition to it at every opportunity. Succeeding generations of Americans, should there be any, will be glad we did.

THE WHEELS OF JUSTICE

2011-05-02T19:13:00.003-04:00

On December 8, 1941 President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the American people (and the world) following the horrific attack on Pearl Harbor by the Imperial armed forces of Japan. On that somber, fateful day in history, President Roosevelt opened his remarks with the following words:

"Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan." Yes, a day of infamy, the likes of which the United States citizenry had not heretofore experienced and had not endured afterwards - until September 11, 2001.

We all know what transpired on that warm, sun-drenched late summer morning. With the dawning of the sun on that dreadful day ten years ago rose the the diabolical dreams of Al Quaida terrorists bent of destroying the United States of America.

Their leader, Osama Bin Laden had for years harbored resentment and hatred toward America whom he viewed as the "Great Satan." Bin Laden envisioned America's overthrow, plotted her destruction and prayed to his god for her demise.

I can imagine Bin Laden whispering a silent prayer to Allah as the airplanes left their respective airports bound for their soon-to-be-targets: the Pentagon, the World Trade Center Towers and only God knows where else had not the brave occupants of one flight heroically thwarted the actions of the terrorists on board.

One airplane-turned-missile did, however reach the Pentagon and, of course, two more struck the World Trade Center towers. The towers were destroyed, thousands of lives were swept out into eternity and America was forever changed by the actions of those loyal to the mastermind of the attacks - Osama Bin Laden.

Though President Bush promised retaliation and despite the continued presence of U.S. armed forces waging war against terrorism in the respective nations of Iraq and Afghanistan, Bin Laden had successfully evaded justice for nearly a decade. It looked as if the leader of Al Quaida would never be apprehended or, as President Bush stated, taken "dead or alive."

Then came the night of May 1, 2011 where in a hastily-called briefing to the American people President Obama announced from the East Room of the White House the news that we as a nation had for so many years longed to hear: Osama Bin Laden was dead!

The terrorist mastermind has met his Maker. It has been reported that a group of U.S. Navy Seals, an elite Special Operations team, acting upon information received by President Obama from intelligence sources, pinpointed the whereabouts of Bin Laden in the country of Pakistan. Rather than surrender, Bin Laden made the always-fatal mistake of challenging the U.S. Military. He lost.

I am always proud to be an American but I've stood a little straighter today, walked a bit taller and felt a might prouder! I am so proud of our armed forces. Well done! Someone has said that the wheels of justice sometimes grind slowly, but they grind nonetheless. Good riddance Osama - your justice has been served.

DEATH DOOMED to the DUNGEON

2011-04-27T16:14:00.001-04:00

That the unregenerate world would revel in the "Easter bunny" and "Easter eggs" during this time of the year should not surprise any of us. However, it is a bit perplexing, if not shameful, when the furry, long-eared critter is given a place of prominence in various fundamental churches. Easter is about the resurrection of Jesus Christ and should remain so.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is a cardinal doctrine of the Christian faith. Christ's resurrection is an authentic "fundamental" of the faith, the truth of which one must believe in order to enter Heaven's portals. Therefore, the importance and veracity of Christ's resurrection should not only be commemorated during Easter season, but throughout the entire year.

There are those today walking the profane halls of apostate Christendom who deny that Christ literally rose from the dead, thereby rendering their religion a lifeless creed. Unbelievers within this traitorous realm have been historically labeled as modernists and their contemporary descendants are those who cloak themselves in the garments of theological liberalism and agnosticism.

To deny the bodily resurrection of Christ is to deny the gospel. In 1 Corinthians 15, that great resurrection chapter, the Apostle Paul defined the gospel with the following words: "...that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" (vss. 3a, 4).

To deny the resurrection of the Saviour is to make liars out of a host of witnesses including Cephas, James, the twelve, all the apostles, Paul and above five-hundred brethren who all testified of laying eyes on the risen Christ (1 Corinthians 15:5-8).

If Christ is not risen from the dead, our preaching and faith are both exercises in vanity (vs. 14). We may as well close our Bibles, construct "vacant" signs over the door of our churches and sell the church property if Christ did not rise victoriously from the grave as He promised.

It was none other than the belief in Christ's supernatural resurrection that set the early church aflame with the good news of the gospel message. Today, we have no message to proclaim, no Saviour to offer, no hope to extend if Christ remains in the tomb. If Christ be not raised "...we are of all men most miserable" (vs. 19) and believers can justifiably be accused of being "false witnesses" (vs. 15).

"But," the apostle triumphantly exclaims in verse 20 of 1 Corinthians 15, "now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept." Because Christ arose, Satan is now a defeated foe, death has been swallowed up in victory and the sting of death has been removed. The believer can now claim victory "...through our Lord Jesus Christ" (vs. 57).

The late pastor, Adrian Rogers, in his book UNVEILING THE END TIMES IN OUR TIME stated, "I can imagine that death shrieked in terror when Jesus rose from the grave. Jesus put his heel on the throat of death, pulled death from his throne, threw him to the dungeon floor, and pulled out the sting of death and in its place ignited a star of hope in the tomb." Though I could not condone Pastor Rogers' Southern Baptist ties, I do, however, find joy in his analogy.

Is the reader, along with this blogger, among the innumerable throng who believe that Jesus is as much alive today as He was when He walked the dusty trails of Galilee? Is it your position that Jesus is as much alive today as when He stood by the putrid tomb of Lazarus in Bethany and cried, "Lazarus, come forth" (John 11:43)?

Does the reader attest to the fact that Jesus is as much alive today as when He beckoned, "Peace, be still" to the raging sea whose waves, though boisterous, gently bowed to His command? Do you believe that Jesus is as much alive today as He was when He fed a gathering of over 5,000 weary people on a Judean hillside with only a few fish and bread?

Jesus Himself testified to Martha in John 11:25: "...I am the resurrection and the life...". To John the exiled revelator on the Isle of Patmos the risen, glorified Christ proclaimed, "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death" (Revelation 1:18).

Is Jesus alive? Oh yes, but does He live today in your heart? If so, I rejoice with you. If not, you are one of whom the songwriter wrote, "Something's missing in your life if Jesus doesn't live in your heart." You can be saved today and have the very life of Christ Himself abiding within you. Come to Jesus, confess that you are a sinner on your way to a Devil's Hell, take Him as your Saviour, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and go your way rejoicing in sins forgiven!

The angel at the unoccupied tomb of Jesus proclaimed on that first resurrection morning, "He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay" (Matthew 28:6). The risen, victorious and soon-coming Christ is alive today! He is risen; He is risen indeed! Away with the Easter bunny! Let's magnify Jesus today Who alone dethroned death. God bless and thanks for reading. David.

GUILTY AS CHARGED?

2011-04-22T17:37:00.003-04:00

The late pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Dr. Lee Roberson, was noted for saying that "everything rises or falls on leadership." Perhaps we have all been members of churches where strong, vibrant leadership was exhibited from the pulpit, but there may also have been dreadful occasions where the exact opposite was true.

I believe Dr. Roberson's statement is applicable to secular positions of leadership as well as sacred. One could reasonably argue that the quickest way to invite criticism upon one's self is to accept a position of leadership. Someone has humorously quipped that "as long as people are shooting you in the rear you know you have the lead." But fiery darts of criticism directed one's way is, nonetheless, not a pleasant experience.

Perhaps no other leader garners more criticism or second-guessing than does the President of the United States. Whether it is the current White House occupant or those of bygone days, the President's policies and actions are under constant surveillance and review by parties of all political persuasion.

He or she, as the case may be, cannot escape the reproach of the highest office for which they aspired. America, economically and militarily speaking, may either rise or fall depending upon the President's strong leadership or lack thereof.

I know individuals who constantly deride, criticize and disparage President Obama with every given opportunity. Whether verbally or in print, these sharp-tongued critics fail not to seize every occasion to blame the President for everything from high fuel prices at the pump to the cost of used furniture down at the local flea market.

We on the political "right" are quick to point out the fallacies of the "blame Bush" crowd, yet is it not readily apparent that some among our ranks are equally guilty of the same unfair rhetoric toward the current administration? Lest one get the wrong impression, this blogger did not vote for Obama nor is he in the very least pleased that the former Illinois Senator won the 2008 presidential election.

Furthermore, if Obama seeks re-election in 2012 (and I presume he will) I shall count it my privileged duty and honor to cast my ballot for his challenger who shall, with the highest of hope, be his successor. (Whom Obama's challenger might be remains to be seen, but at this point the prospects look bleak).

With that said, allow me to just as emphatically state that, in contrast to the actions and scribblings of some who share my political views, I do not hate the President. It is not the man but, rather, Obama's liberal policies with which I stand in disagreement.

Though I do believe he is unfit for the most powerful office in the world, let me hasten to say that I am also cognizant of the vastly more important fact that Mr. Obama is a fellow human being within whom resides a never-dying soul for which Christ died.

While contemplating this thought, I recently posted the following quote for all to see on FACEBOOK: "Criticism, though warranted, of the President and Congress in the absence of prayer for them is not patriotism at all - rather, it is dereliction of duty." For those who may not know, the dictionary defines dereliction simply as "a deliberate neglect of duty or obligations."

As expected, my post on FACEBOOK was greeted by disdain and mockery by some, who, interestingly enough, would claim to be born-again Christians if asked. It seems that in their zeal to remain "on" the right politically, these of whom I write have sacrificed their responsibility to be "in" the right Biblically.

One respondent to my FACEBOOK post simply commented, "Guilty as charged." The argument of those who disagreed with and/or mocked my post is not, however, with this blogger - it is with the forthcoming verses which prove, I believe, this writer's charge of "dereliction of duty."

In 1 Timothy 2, verses 1-4, the great Apostle Paul penned these words with the pen of inspiration:

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men: (2) For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty: (3) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; (4) Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."

If I understand the above verses correctly, we as believers in Christ are to pray for "all" those in authority irrespective of their political leanings. We are instructed to pray for the authorities in our lives for two given reasons: (1) That we might lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty and, (2) It is good and acceptable in the sight of God.

Verse 4 indicates that we are to pray for the salvation of our nation's leaders, yea, for the salvation of all men. Why? Because God our Saviour would have all men to be saved (in spite of the erroneous claims of Calvinism) and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. Therefore, Christians are to pray for President Obama and our representatives in Congress, interceding on their behalf for the salvation of their souls.

Would it not be wonderful for a spiritual revival to occur within the halls of Congress! Would it not be terrific if President Obama called a press conference in Washington, D.C. for the express purpose of announcing to the world his new-found faith in Jesus Christ! God is able, as the Apostle Peter reminds us, to save to the uttermost those who come to Him by faith and the political "elite" are certainly not excluded.

I would simply ask that if Christian people are not praying for both state and federal leaders, would the reader please tell me who is? Multitudes of Americans would like to see Obama removed from office in 2012 - I, too, share their sentiment. However, would it not be of far greater importance to see the President regenerated by the Holy Spirit rather than removed?

Should one criticize the President and Congress? Certainly. Should we raise our voices in opposition to state and local leaders? Of course. We abdicate our duty as a free citizenry when we fail to do so as necessary. Indeed, Cicero taught that "freedom is participation in power."

The powers possessed by Congress and the President are, in fact, derived from "we the people." It is our responsibility to monitor their decisions and voting records and remove from office those whose actions so warrant.

In this day of political uncertainty let us, however, remember that the key to obtaining credibilty is determining when to take a stand and when to remain silent. Of the ill-fated Cabinet of France's King Louis XVI it was said: "Never to have said anything or done anything is a great power, but ought not to be abused."

In closing, when we as Christians find it necessary to lift our voices in opposition, let us not forget to always season our criticism of political (or spiritual) leaders with a healthy dose of prayer for them. To do otherwise would constitute a verdict of "Guilty as charged!" God bless and thanks for reading. David.

THE BEST IS YET TO COME!

2011-04-19T23:50:00.001-04:00

A DAY TO BE REMEMBERED!

2011-04-18T00:25:00.004-04:00

April 16, 2011 - a day forever etched in the memory of North Carolinians from the Piedmont to the Coast. Deadly tornadoes, approximately 84 in number, relentlessly pounded the Tarheel state on a Saturday that more closely resembled the prairies of Kansas and Oklahoma than it did the Old North State.

Lives lost, property damage estimates in the millions of dollars - words cannot adequately express the scene. Therefore, I have submitted several photos of the area in hopes the reader will remember in prayer the many families who lost loved ones or were otherwise affected by these tragic storms.

"The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet" (Nahum 1:3).

TAKE IT DOWN!

2011-04-14T21:22:00.002-04:00

"Some Pastors bring in well-known preachers to build themselves up in the eyes of men. Good Pastors, however, bring in preachers, well-known or not, to build their people." The preceding quote by this blogger was employed recently by same to update his FACEBOOK status. But more than mere words scribbled on a social networking site is the alarming truth of the first half of that statement within some venues of Christianity today.

Does the reader know someone whose primary goal in life, or so it seems, is to be important? Such individuals care not whom they hurt, step upon or offend in their prideful quest for an exalted position in the eyes of their peers. Like Diotrephes of old, they will occupy the place of preeminence no matter the costs (3 John, vs. 9).

I heard an astute Evangelist once say that you can tell how big a man is by the way he treats those he does not need. I wholeheartedly agree with that assessment. The manner in which a leader relates to those under his or her charge (personal and professional) speaks volumes regarding that leader's character of lack thereof. A detached or indifferent attitude toward subordinates rightfully brings into question one's leadership abilities and garners little respect.

In a message preached many years ago entitled "The Three Resurrections," Evangelist Ron Comfort made the following statement: "I am so tired of big shots in Fundamentalism!" May I hasten to say a hearty "Amen!" Though there are plenty who would gladly adorn that mantle of importance, let it be vociferously reiterated here that God does not have any "big shots" in His service!

I know a Pastor who once stated in my presence that one of his dreams in life was to have his church advertised in the SWORD OF THE LORD. To be sure, there is certainly nothing wrong with church advertisements and I cannot think of many things wrong with the SWORD OF THE LORD. I do not suggest that I know the motives of the aforementioned Pastor, but if one chooses to advertise (whatever the venue) in an effort to be perceived as one of the "big boys" in the camp, that is wrong.

During my one-year Bible College experience I became friends with a fine young man with whom I took several classes. For one course in particular, students were required to memorize a simple verse in the Gospel of John - John 3:30: "He must increase, but I must decrease."

Though only seven words long, my friend, while quoting it aloud to me, inadvertently expressed the verse in this manner: "I must increase, but He must decrease." We laughed and joked over this incident throughout the school year, but, sadly, that is precisely the way many who name the name of Christ feel about the matter - we must increase, but He (Christ) must decrease. Though we would never verbalize those words, the way we live our lives speaks to their veracity.

In many hearts the words of the song "Am I A Soldier of the Cross, a Follower of the Lamb?" have been changed to read "Yes, I'm Im-por-tant to the Cause, a Promoter of My-Self?" Though humorous, is that not true in many places? Yet, the reader will recall in John's Gospel, chapter twelve, where certain Greeks went to Jerusalem during the feast day and enquired of Philip, "...Sir, we would see Jesus" (vs. 21). Their only concern was Jesus.

Today, by way of contrast, many go to church to see or hear a performance by a "great" preacher or "awesome" singing group with the idea of seeing Jesus last in their thoughts. A selfless, sacrificial nature is totally foreign to the self-absorbed, self-promoting thinking of our present day.

In 1896, the late Evangelist, Rodney "Gipsy" Smith arrived in Boston from England for a preaching engagement at the then well-known People's Temple. In his approach to the church, the Evangelist noticed, much to his dismay, a large banner hanging from the building which read, "Gipsy Smith, the greatest Evangelist in the world."

When this world-renowned Evangelist mounted the pulpit that night, his first words to the overflow congregants were as follows: "I do not feel that I am the greatest Evangelist in the world, and you do not believe it. That being so, we will have it taken down." Thus the banner was removed and God blessed the meeting with many souls saved. Gipsy Smith, contrary to many today, demonstrated the proper attitude.

As Christians, we should remind ourselves constantly that in whatever ministry we undertake one thing is for certain - it is not "all about us!" How important we are in this life pales in significance when compared to whatever rewards one may receive in the next. There are many self-professed "big shots" in our day who may very well need the strongest telescope ever invented to view those saints around the throne in Heaven whom God deemed as truly important.

Two relevant verses from 2 Corinthians will serve to bring this post to a close. 2 Corinthians 3:5 reads, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God." 2 Corinthians 4:5 says, "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus sake." Are our lives preaching Christ or do they serve to exalt self? It is a constant battle. Let us take the position Gipsy Smith took hundreds of years ago in regards to self - take it down! God bless; thanks for reading. David

THE BEST OF GIPSY SMITH

2011-04-12T15:59:00.001-04:00

One of the best books this blogger has been privileged to read (twice) is the autobiography of the late Evangelist, Rodney "Gipsy" Smith. The book was required reading for students in the Evangelist class at Ambassador Baptist College while this blogger attended, and one can certainly understand why as you embark upon the life journey of the "Gipsy."

What follows are excerpts from the book which I have labeled "The Best of Gipsy Smith." I trust you will enjoy this post and allow the Lord to speak to you through the words and stories of the late Evangelist who was mightily used of the Lord in worldwide evangelistic meetings.

"There is no conflict between a man as God made him and the work of grace in him when he is utterly abandoned to the will of God."

Speaking of the death of his beloved mother, Gipsy wrote, "It was my mother's death, however, which woke me to full consciousness, if I may so put it. This event made a wound in my heart which has never to this day been really healed, and even at this moment, though I am now in middle life, I often feel my hungry soul pining and yearning for my mother. 'Rodney, you have no mother!' - that was really the first an the ineffaceable impression of my boy's life."

"It was his [Father's] custom when he came home to embrace us one by one, and speak words of tenderness to us. On this occasion, as on others, we all made way for the baby, namely, my sister Tilly. It was my turn next. I came after her. But Tilly stayed such a long time in my father's arms that I became very impatient. 'Look here,' I said, 'it is my turn now; you come out!' 'All right,' said Tilly, quite cheerfully, 'you get me out of my father's arms if you can.' I knew that I could not do that; so I said, 'Never mind, there is room for me too, and I am coming in,' and I went. There is room too, in our Heavenly Father's arms for all. He pours out His love over His children with more fulness and tenderness than ever earthly father did; and remember no one can take us from our Father's arms."

"I am only a gipsy boy. I do not know what you know about many things, but I know Jesus. I know that He has saved me. I cannot read as you can. I do not live in a house as you do; I live in a tent. But I have got a great house up yonder, and some day I am going to live in it. My great desire is to live for Christ and the whole of my life to be useful in His service."

"You see, I was born at the bottom of the ladder, and there is no disgrace in being born at the bottom. There are thousands of people who owe everything to their father and mother, yet walk about the earth and swagger as if they had made creation."

A group of preachers from The Congregational Union of England and Wales were not inclined once to invite Gipsy Smith to speak to their gathering because he was not, in fact, an ordained minister. The following was the Gipsy's reply:

"Brethren, I did feel hurt that you did not invite me to accompany you on this occasion. I know I have not been ordained, but I am your brother. I have not had the hand of priest or bishop or archbishop laid upon my head, but I have had the hands of your Lord placed upon me, and I have received His commission to preach the everlasting gospel."

"It hurts and grieves me when I hear a pastor speaking disdainfully of the work of the evangelists, remembering as I do that God has given to the church some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, as well as pastors and teachers."

"We are only too apt to draw too much attention to ourselves. We do not sufficiently hide behind the Cross."

"We are so apt to think that this must be done, and that must be done, and that a certain fixed course of procedure must be followed, or else we must not look for results. Too often I fear our rules and regulations and orders of service simply intrude between men's souls and their God. We all need to be taught when to stand aside."

"I have had rich and strange experiences. I have lived in many houses, the guest of many sorts and conditions of people. I have been presented to two Presidents of the United States, dined with bishops and archbishops, and slept with [in the homes of] two Roman Catholic priests. In my study hangs a letter from her late Majesty the Queen, and one from a royal duchess, but the dearest things in my house are two pictures which adorn the walls of my bedroom. One is the picture of the wagon in which my mother died, and the other a picture of a group of gipsies. I never sleep in that room without looking at these pictures and saying to myself: 'Rodney, you would have been there today but for the grace of God. Glory be to His name for ever.'"

(Quotes taken from the book, GIPSY SMITH AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY; Gipsy Smith; Fleming H. Revell Company, 1911.)

TONGUE-WAGGING

2011-04-06T18:48:00.001-04:00

If a dog wags his tail as you approach it normally means he or she accepts you on friendly terms. We've all seen an exhausted canine trotting about with open, thirsty jaws from which his tongue dangles from side to side.

However, when tongue-wagging is the preoccupation of human beings, the sight is far from adorable. How well do you constrain your tongue? Are you one that must speak your mind at all times and give opinions on matters for which your ideas were not solicited? When it comes to others, are you one who cannot keep from spilling the beans, further damaging the character and reputation of one for whom you demonstrate very little Christian love or kindness?

I have seen this acronym before, but was again reminded of its powerful truth last Sunday night in church. We would all do well to follow these guidelines and "Think" before we speak.

T = Truth. Is what we're about to repeat the truth?

H = Hurt. Is what we're about to say hurtful to another?

I = Instructive. Is what we're about to relay instructive in nature?

N = Necessary. Is the information we're about to relinquish necessary?

K = Kind. Are the words we're about to employ words of kindness?

So often we speak before we think. Wouldn't the world be a better place if we all should endeavor to think before we speak! God bless; thanks for reading. David.

A HOLE IN OUR GOSPEL??

2011-04-02T19:53:00.002-04:00

I recently took the opportunity to read "The Hole in our Gospel" by Richard Stearns wherein he implores the church to take a more active role in "bringing in the Kingdom." The following review from The Berean Call thoroughly represents this blogger's opinion of Stearns's book in far better language than this blogger is capable of. See if you agree.

A review of The Hole in Our Gospel, by Richard Stearns, Pres. of World Vision U.S. --Reviewed by Ron Merryman

Richard Stearns writes, "[God] is weary of seeing a shiny veneer of faith but no depth of commitment. That is the hole in our gospel, and until we fill it, ours is an empty religion, one that God despises" (pp. 184-85). To fill the hole, Stearns advises the church (i.e., Christians and local churches) to make the alleviation of social ills (poverty, hunger, squalor, disease, environmental issues, and injustice) a major priority. In fact, without such a major priority, there is a void, a hole, an inadequacy in the gospel that Christians propagate. Stearns's "Good News" to the poor focuses on handouts--not on the gospel of God's saving grace in Christ.

In short, Stearns advocates that American Christians ("Christians" in the broad sense) should aggressively support an international social welfare system that would be somewhat of a rival or supplement to the United Nations UNESCO. Obviously, World Vision has such a system already in place, with 40,000 workers worldwide but lacking the funds to fill the hole.

To criticize any organization/movement that compassionately seeks to eliminate poverty, feed the poor, and correct the world's injustices invites censure upon the critic--and double the censure when the organization claims Christian motivation.

This book is my only source of information on its author Richard Stearns, though I am quite familiar with the beginning, growth, and mission of World Vision. Richard Stearns, undoubtedly a brother in Christ, is no doubt a compassionate person who is highly motivated to alleviate all types of suffering in this world. But in seeking to encourage Christians to be more involved in his cause(s), the book that he has penned is based on false principles that he supports largely from misleading applications of Scripture. I have major concerns with Stearns's premises and conclusions. Two of these follow:

First and foremost is the perverted, non-scriptural gospel advocated herein. To Stearns and World Vision (as with Mother Teresa), the gospel is so broad that it has no core message. In fact, the gospel message is swallowed up as if by a black hole in space and hence is lost and ignored. The title leads most evangelical Christians to look for a hole in their personal understanding of the gospel; instead Stearns submerges that message in the depths of social injustices, poverty, disease, etc., until its essential essence is totally lost.

In contrast, the Scriptures make the core message the first priority of the gospel! In 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Paul succinctly explains the gospel that he and the apostles preached. (Note: it was a message of top priority to be preached, i.e., verbally communicated.)

1 Corinthians 15:1-2a: Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand...by which also you are saved....

Note the order here. Paul says:

A."I declare to you the gospel;" ( i.e, "I am reminding you verbally of what the gospel is").

B."I preached (this) to you:" ("I am reminding you that on my initial visit to Corinth, I announced this message").

C."Which also you received, and in which you stand, and by which you are saved."

My point simply is this: the gospel according to God's Word is an objective message to be delivered to human beings because only therein can they be saved from their sins. Any organization that omits, subverts, or adds to the core message of the gospel, should not be promoting itself as "Christian." Stearns (World Vision) would have us replace the objective message with humanitarian efforts.

Another problem is the misuse and misapplication of Scripture throughout. Well-taught believers should immediately recognize these, but new and untaught Christians are most likely to buy into World Vision's program (especially in view of the multiple endorsements that include such famous names as Madeline Albright, LuciSwindoll, Kay Warren, Bill Hybels, Charles Colson, Tony Campolo, Leighton Ford, et al.).

Note the distortions and misuses of God's Word in the following quotes from the book:

(p. 15) "... the word gospel literally means glad tidings or good news. It is shorthand, meant to convey the coming of the kingdom of God through the Messiah....This new kingdom, characteristics of which were captured in the Beatitudes, would turn the existing world order upside down" (emphasis mine).

(p. 20) "The gospel...means much more than the personal salvation of individuals. It means social revolution."

(p. 22) "This whole gospel is truly good news for the poor, and it is the foundation for a social revolution that has the power to change the world. And if this was Jesus' mission, it is also the mission of all who claim to follow Him."

Thus Stearns sees the gospel as whole, or entire, only when it includes social benevolence. Christians who follow this logic could do more social good by becoming lawyers and politicians than by preaching the core message of the gospel.

I believe that Stearns is guilty of the following:

He has a shallow and superficial understanding of the gospel of the Kingdom, which was the initial message to Israel by John the Baptist, then followed up by Jesus. Israel rejected its King and, in so doing, His kingdom. All Kingdom promises and blessings are now in abeyance until the King returns at His second advent.

Stearns also identifies Kingdom responsibilities with the church. The church is not the Kingdom and the Kingdom is not the church (although Roman Catholics would disagree, as might Richard Stearns).

He appeals to naïve idealism and utopian speculation: In the first 11 pages, at least 12 times the author refers to "believers changing or transforming the world." According to Stearns, not only can

they do it, "they are called to do so...as did the 12 Apostles." On p. 311, he asks, "What have you done to change the world?"
In this case, Stearns is guilty of false advertising. Not only did the Twelve not change the world, but each of them died mercilessly at its hands. Moreover, the Scriptures teach that even the core message of the gospel will not change the world--only individuals in the world. It is the judgment of God and the return of Messiah, prophesied in both the Old and New Testaments, that alone will change this world.

Besides that, Christians are not called by God to change the world! They are called to give witness (verbal testimony) to an accurate gospel.

The root meaning of ekklesia, from which we derive our word church, is "called-out ones." "Called-out" from what? Called out from the world of human beings. God sees believers of this age as persons separated and unique to His Son. They are indeed the Redeemed. They cannot and will not change the world.

Stearns also lays a guilt trip on local churches because they do not have the same passion for social benevolence as does World Vision.

Conclusions

On page 336, the author names four objectives of World Vision. Please note that not one word of the gospel preached by Paul and the Apostles is included. Instead, World Vision describes itself as "...a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice."

Stearns preaches that by living lovingly, kindly, and generously, we will convert people (p.18). The Apostle Paul would challenge this, perhaps commending him for these niceties but certainly rebuking him for not proclaiming openly the objective message.

That World Vision is dedicated to social amelioration is commendable, but for it to claim to be Christian and yet shun the only true gospel message is strange and even deplorable.

World Vision follows in the steps of other well-meaning social-humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross, the YMCA, YWCA, and the Salvation Army. Each of these started with a Christian message that, over time, was diluted and eventually discarded under layer upon layer of social helps.

It seems that no one in their right mind should criticize an organization that seeks to feed starving children of the world and eliminate poverty, but to include this--in fact to insist upon it--as an integral part of the gospel is simply not biblical

World Vision is in reality an international social-welfare program. Stearns sees anything short of this as short on the gospel. Therefore, he sees the role of the church as that of an international distribution center to evenly dole out security (financial and physical). Sound familiar? Atheistic socialism desires the same end.

Christians who understand God's Word should find it difficult to support the goals of this book.

* * * * *

Can you find the gospel in their vision?

About World Vision (taken from the book)

WHO WE ARE:

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.

WHOM WE SERVE:

Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, World Vision serves alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God's unconditional love for all people.

WHY WE SERVE:

Our passion is for the world's poorest children whose suffering breaks the heart of God. To help secure a better future for each child, we focus on lasting, community-based transformation. We partner with individuals and communities, empowering them to develop sustainable access to clean water, food supplies, health care, education, and economic opportunities.

HOW WE SERVE:

Since 1950, World Vision has helped millions of children and families by providing emergency assistance to those affected by natural disasters and civil conflict, developing long-term solutions within communities to alleviate poverty and advocating for justice on behalf of the poor.

Thanks for reading and God bless. David.

HANDS OUT or HANDS UP?

2011-03-17T17:20:00.003-04:00

Are you a thankful person? Of course, this searching question is one the writer must himself face. I appreciate the fact that a day has been set aside annually in November in which thankfulness is offered unto God for His bountiful blessings.

But, far from being a one day affair, our continual practice should be one of harboring within our innermost beings an attitude of gratitude that prevails throughout the entire year. Admittedly, this blogger falls short of that worthy goal on far too many occasions.

While crossing New York harbor on a steamboat bound for Staten Island, former United States President Andrew Jackson reportedly remarked to Reverend Peter Van Pelt, Jr.: "What a country God has given us! No people have so much to be grateful for as we." This blogger wholeheartedly agrees with the late president's astute conclusion.

Yet the question remains - Are we a thankful people? The Psalmist, with pen of inspiration, admonishes the reader to "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name" (100:4). The first five words of the ensuing verse reveal why we are to live lives filled with thanksgiving and praise unto our God: "For the Lord is good...".

When from a night of much-needed rest mine eyes awaken to the freshness of a newly dawned day, my first thoughts should be, "Lord, thank You for another day of life!" Obviously God is not under any obligation to allow my days to be further prolonged, but in His mercy and grace He has, to this point, permitted it to be so. Often it is life itself, the very air we breathe, that is so unforgivingly taken for granted. Are we thankful that our days are in His hands?

In the aftermath of the massive 9.0 Richter scale earthquake and subsequent tsunami that recently struck Japan, the news media has been riveted (and rightly so) with the story of the catastrophic conditions that now exist inside that Asian nation. I could not help but sense, on a small scale, the pain and suffering of those who lost loved ones and, to a far lesser degree, property as a result of the aforementioned calamity. Are those of us not affected by this tragedy appreciative of the shelter we enjoy and the homes in which we reside?

Heartbreaking it is to observe a Japanese man and woman, presumably husband and wife, surveying the ruins of their former homeplace while helplessly, desperately bellowing their son's name, hoping against hope for just one sign of life. Are we grateful for our families or do we presumptuously believe they will "always be there" for us?

One finds it relatively easy (or should) to express thanks when the sun is beaming, our stomachs are full and the bills are all paid. However, if one were to be transported to the ruinous epicenter of the current disaster in Japan, one wonders if praise and thanksgiving would be so readily lifted toward Heaven in light of the existing misery there.

Yet the Bible encourages, nay commands believers in Christ to be thankful. Ephesians 5:20 says, "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Furthermore, I Thessalonians 5:18 exhorts: "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Are we thankful for everything that crosses the threshold of our lives?

I am afraid that a generation has been produced in America who have the attitude that all things they covet should be given to them without acquainting themselves with the slightest vestige of hard work. The welfare program, in many cases, has fostered an entitlement mentality that has pretty near wrecked our country. Since "things" are owed us, we have lost the ability to be thankful for what we have.

America did not become the envy of nations by embracing this type of thinking. Americans worked and produced, looking unto God for the reward of their labors. Our ancestors were a thankful people in the formative years of these United States. Unfortunately, times have changed.

Two days ago an acquaintance of mine with whom I work was questioning why a 40-year old friend of his (a "good guy" in his estimation) should die of cancer at such an early age. The argument presented was that since this young adult had eschewed drugs, gangs and violence, etc., God "owed" him a lengthy life.

I explained, though not quite understood nor well received, that one of the certainties of life is that it rains on the just as well as the unjust. While the death of this man was extremely unfortunate, there are untold multitudes of people whose remains fill cemetery plots today who slipped out into eternity well before their fortieth birthday. The point being, be thankful for today, for the present, for the here-and-now for there is no promise of tomorrow.

In closing, may we be reminded to be thankful during good times and bad. It is this blogger's sincere desire to become a genuinely thankful person. In the wake of the awful devastation in Japan, let us, first, resolve to pray for that nation and, secondly, let us determine to thank God for His manifold blessings, taking refuge in the fact that "...the Lord is good." God bless; thanks for reading. David.

AMERICA'S THREE ENEMIES - #3: RUSSIA by Brian T. Kennedy

2011-03-14T15:36:00.000-04:00

Which brings us to Russia and to the degradation of American strategic thinking during and after the Cold War. This thinking used to be guided by the idea that we must above all prevent a direct attack upon the U.S. homeland. But over the past 50 years we have been taught something different: that we must accept a balance of power between nations, especially those possessing nuclear ballistic missiles; and that we cannot seek military superiority—including defensive superiority, as with missile defense—lest we create strategic instability. This is now the common liberal view taught at universities, think tanks and schools of foreign service. Meanwhile, for their part, conservatives have been basking in the glow of “winning the Cold War.” But in what sense was it won, it might be asked, given that we neither disarmed Russia of its nuclear arsenal nor put a stop to its active measures to undermine us. The transformation of some of the former captive nations into liberal democracies is certainly worth celebrating, but given the Russian government’s brutally repressive domestic policies and strengthened alliances with America’s enemies abroad over the past 20 years, conservatives have overdone it.

Perhaps it is not surprising, then, that our policy toward Russia has been exceedingly foolish. For the past two decades we have paid the Russians to dismantle nuclear warheads they would have dismantled anyway, while they have used those resources to modernize their ballistic missiles. On our part, we have not even tested a nuclear warhead since 1992—which is to say that we aren’t certain they work anymore. Nor have we maintained any tactical nuclear weapons. Nor, to repeat, have we built the missile defense system first proposed by President Reagan.

Just last month, with bipartisan backing from members of the foreign policy establishment, the Senate ratified the New Start Treaty, which will further reduce our nuclear arsenal and will almost certainly cause further delays in building missile defenses—and this with a nation that engages in massive deception against us, supports our enemies, and builds ever more advanced nuclear weapons.

At the heart of America’s strategic defense policy today is the idea of launching a retaliatory nuclear strike against whatever nuclear power attacks us. But absent reliable confidence in the lethality of forces, such a deterrent is meaningless. In this light, deliberating about the need for a robust modernization program, rather than arms reductions through New Start, would have been a better way for Congress to spend the days leading up to Christmas—which is to say, it would have been supportive of our strategic defense policy, rather than undercutting it.

But what about that strategic policy? Some of New Start’s supporters argued that reducing rather than modernizing our nuclear arsenal places us on the moral high ground in our dealings with other nations. But can any government claim to occupy the moral high ground when it willingly, knowingly, and purposely keeps its people nakedly vulnerable to nuclear missiles? The Russians understand well the intellectual and moral bankruptcy of the American defense establishment, and have carefully orchestrated things for two decades so that we remain preoccupied with threats of North Korean and now Iranian ballistic missiles. We spend our resources developing modest defense systems to deal, albeit inadequately, with these so-called rogue states, and meanwhile forego addressing the more serious threat from Russia and China, both of which are modernizing their forces. Who is to say that there will never come a time when the destruction or nuclear blackmail of the U.S. will be in the interest of the Russians or the Chinese? Do we imagine that respect for human life or human rights will stop these brutal tyrannies from acting on such a determination?

If I sound pessimistic, I don’t mean to. Whatever kind of self-deception has gripped the architects of our current defense policies, the American people have proved capable of forcing a change in direction when they learn the facts. Americans do not wish to be subjected to Sharia law, owe large sums of money to the Chinese, or be kept vulnerable to nuclear missiles. Having responded resoundingly to the economic and constitutional crisis represented by Obamacare, it is now time for us to remind our representatives of the constitutional requirement to provide for a common defense—in the true sense of the word.

(Reprinted by permission from IMPRIMIS, a publication of Hillsdale College)

AMERICA'S THREE ENEMIES - #2: CHINA by Brian T. Kennedy

2011-03-10T20:40:00.001-05:00

Since I have mentioned China and Russia, let me turn to them briefly in that order. The U.S. trades with China and the Chinese buy our debt. Currently they have $2 trillion in U.S. reserves, about half of which is in U.S. treasuries. Their economy and ours are intimately intertwined. For this reason it is thought that the Chinese will not go to war with us. Why, after all, would they want to destroy their main export market?

On the other hand, China is building an advanced army, navy, air force, and space-based capability that is clearly designed to limit the U.S. and its ability to project power in Asia. It has over two million men under arms and possesses an untold number of ICBMs—most of them aimed at the U.S.—and hundreds of short- and medium-range nuclear missiles. China’s military thinking is openly centered on opposing American supremacy, and its military journals openly discuss unrestricted warfare, combining traditional military means with cyber warfare, economic warfare, atomic warfare, and terrorism. China is also working to develop a space-based military capability and investing in various launch vehicles, including manned spaceflight, a space station, and extensive anti-satellite weaponry aimed at negating U.S. global satellite coverage.

Absent a missile defense capable of intercepting China’s ballistic missiles, the U.S. would be hard pressed to maintain even its current security commitments in Asia. The U.S. Seventh Fleet, however capable, cannot withstand the kinds of nuclear missiles and nuclear-tipped cruise missiles that China could employ against it. The Chinese have studied American capabilities, and have built weapons meant to negate our advantages. The destructive capability of the recently unveiled Chinese DF-21D missile against our aircraft carriers significantly raises the stakes of a conflict in the South China Sea. And the SS-N-22 cruise missile—designed by the Russians and deployed by the Chinese and Iranians—presents a daunting challenge due to its enormous size and Mach 3 speed.

China has for some time carried out a policy that has been termed “peaceful rise.” But in recent years we have seen the coming to power of what scholars like Tang Ben call the “Red Guard generation”—generals who grew up during the Cultural Revolution, who are no longer interested in China remaining a secondary power, and who appear eager to take back Taiwan, avenge past wrongs by Japan and replace the U.S. as the preeminent military power in the region and ultimately in the world.

However far-fetched this idea may seem to American policymakers, it is widely held in China that America is on the decline, with economic problems that will limit its ability to modernize its military and maintain its alliances. And indeed, as things stand, the U.S. would have to resort to full-scale nuclear war to defend its Asian allies from an attack by China. This is the prospect that caused Mao Tse Tung to call the U.S. a “Paper Tiger.” Retired Chinese General Xiong Guong Kai expressed much the same idea in 1995, when he said that the U.S. would not trade Los Angeles for Taipei—that is, that we would have to stand by if China attacks Taiwan, since China has the ability to annihilate Los Angeles with a nuclear missile. In any case, current Chinese aggression against Japan in the Senkaku Islands and their open assistance of the Iranian nuclear program, not to mention their sale of arms to the Taliban in Afghanistan, would suggest that China is openly playing the role that the Soviet Union once played as chief sponsor of global conflict with the West.

(Reprinted by permission from IMPRIMIS, a publication of Hillsdale College)

AMERICA'S THREE ENEMIES - #1: ISLAM

2011-03-08T23:18:00.001-05:00

Brian T. Kennedy
President,
The Claremont Institute

It's Never Just the Economy, Stupid
BRIAN T. KENNEDY is president of the Claremont Institute and publisher of the Claremont Review of Books. He has written on national security affairs and California public policy issues in National Review, the Wall Street Journal, Investor’s Business Daily, and other national newspapers. He sits on the Independent Working Group on Missile Defense and is a co-author of the recent book Shariah: The Threat to America.

The following is adapted from a speech delivered on January 7, 2011, in the “First Principles on First Fridays” lecture series sponsored by Hillsdale’s Kirby Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship in Washington, D.C.

WE ARE OFTEN TOLD that we possess the most powerful military in the world and that we will face no serious threat for some time to come. We are comforted with three reassurances aimed at deflecting any serious discussion of national security: (1) that Islam is a religion of peace; (2) that we will never go to war with China because our economic interests are intertwined; and (3) that America won the Cold War and Russia is no longer our enemy. But these reassurances are myths, propagated on the right and left alike. We believe them at our peril, because serious threats are already upon us.

Let me begin with Islam. We were assured that it was a religion of peace immediately following September 11. President Bush, a good man, believed or was persuaded that true Islam was not that different from Judaism or Christianity. He said in a speech in October 2001, just a month after the attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon: “Islam is a vibrant faith. . . . We honor its traditions. Our enemy does not. Our enemy doesn’t follow the great traditions of Islam. They’ve hijacked a great religion.” But unfortunately, Mr. Bush was trying to understand Islam as we would like it to be rather than how countless devout Muslims understand it.

Organizationally, Islam is built around a belief in God or Allah, but it is equally a political ideology organized around the Koran and the teachings of its founder Muhammad. Whereas Christianity teaches that we should render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is God’s—allowing for a non-theocratic political tradition to develop in the West, culminating in the principles of civil and religious liberty in the American founding—Islam teaches that to disagree with or even reinterpret the Koran’s 6000 odd verses, organized into 114 chapters or Suras and dealing as fully with law and politics as with matters of faith, is punishable by death.

Islamic authorities of all the major branches of Islam hold that the Koran must be read so that the parts written last override the others. This so-called theory of abrogation means that the ruling parts of the Koran are those written after Muhammad went to Medina in 622 A.D. Specifically, they are Suras 9 and 5, which are not the Suras containing the verses often cited as proof of Islam’s peacefulness.

Sura 9, verse 5, reads: “Fight and slay the unbelievers wherever ye find them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem of war. But if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practice regular charity, then open the way for them . . . .”

Sura 9, verse 29, reads: “Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Apostle, nor acknowledge the religion of truth, even if they are of the 40 people of the Book, until they pay the jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.”

Sura 5, verse 51, reads: “Oh ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors; they are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them for friendship is of them. Verily Allah guideth not the unjust.”

And Sura 3, verse 28, introduces the doctrine of taqiyya, which holds that Muslims should not be friends with the infidel except as deception, always with the end goal of converting, subduing, or destroying him.

It is often said that to point out these verses is to cherry pick unfairly the most violent parts of the Koran. In response, I assert that we must try to understand Muslims as they understand themselves. And I hasten to add that the average American Muslim does not understand the Koran with any level of detail. So I am not painting a picture here of the average Muslim. I am trying to understand those Muslims, both here in the U.S. and abroad, who actively seek the destruction of America.

Here at home, the threat is posed by the Muslim Brotherhood and its organizational arms, such as the Council on American Islamic Relations, the Islamic Society of North America, and the various Muslim student associations. These groups seek to persuade Americans that Islam is a religion of peace. But let me quote to you from a document obtained during the 2007 Holy Land Trial investigating terrorist funding. It is a Muslim Brotherhood Strategic Memorandum on North American Affairs that was approved by the Shura Council and the Organizational Conference in 1987. It speaks of “Enablement of Islam in North America, meaning: establishing an effective and a stable Islamic Movement led by the Muslim Brotherhood which adopts Muslims’ causes domestically and globally, and which works to expand the observant Muslim base, aims at unifying and directing Muslims’ efforts, presents Islam as a civilization alternative, and supports the global Islamic State wherever it is.”

Elsewhere this document says:

The process of settlement is a “Civilization-Jihadist Process” with all the means. The Ikhwan [the Muslim Brotherhood] must understand that their work in America is a kind of grand Jihad in eliminating and destroying the Western civilization from within and “sabotaging” its miserable house by their hands and the hands of the believers so that it is eliminated and Allah’s religion is made victorious over all other religions. Without this level of understanding, we are not up to this challenge and have not prepared ourselves for Jihad yet. It is a Muslim’s destiny to perform Jihad and work wherever he is and wherever he lands until the final hour comes . . . .

Now during the Bush Administration, the number of Muslims in the U.S. was typically estimated to be around three million. The Pew Research Center in 2007 estimated it to be 2.35 million. In 2000, the Council on American Islamic Relations put the number at five million. And President Obama in his Cairo speech two years ago put it at seven million.

In that light, consider a 2007 survey of American Muslim opinion conducted by the Pew Research Center. Eight percent of American Muslims who took part in this survey said they believed that suicide bombing can sometimes be justified in defense of Islam. Even accepting a low estimate of three million Muslims in the U.S., this would mean that 240,000 among us hold that suicide bombing in the name of Islam can be justified. Among American Muslims 18-29 years old, 15 percent agreed with that and 60 percent said they thought of themselves as Muslim first and Americans second. Among all participants in the survey, five percent—and five percent of the low estimate of three million Muslims in America is 150,000—said they had a favorable view of al Qaeda.

Given these numbers, it is not unreasonable to suggest that the political aims and ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood represent a domestic threat to national security. It is one thing to have hundreds of terrorist sympathizers within our borders, but quite another if that number is in the hundreds of thousands. Consider the massacre at Fort Hood: Major Nidal Malik Hasan believed that he was acting as a devout Muslim—indeed, he believed he was obeying a religious mandate to wage war against his fellow soldiers. Yet even to raise the question of whether Islam presents a domestic threat today is to invite charges of bigotry or worse.

And as dangerous as it potentially is, this domestic threat pales in comparison to the foreign threat from the Islamic Republic of Iran and its allies—a threat that is existential in nature. The government in Tehran, of course, is enriching uranium to convert to plutonium and place in a nuclear warhead. Iran has advanced ballistic missiles such as the Shahab-3, which can be launched from land or sea and is capable of destroying an American city. Even worse, if the Iranians were able to deliver the warhead as an electromagnetic pulse weapon from a ship off shore—a method they have been practicing, by the way—they could destroy the electronic infrastructure of the U.S. and cause the deaths of tens of millions or more. And let me be perfectly clear: We do not today have a missile defense system in place that is capable of defending against either a ship-launched missile attack by Iran or a ballistic missile attack from China or Russia. We do not yet today have such a system in place, even though we are capable of building one.

(Reprinted by permission from IMPRIMIS, a publication of Hillsdale College)

QUOTABLE QUOTES

2011-03-07T15:20:00.003-05:00

I have had the opportunity recently to hear Dr. David Gibbs, Jr. speak at two area churches. I readily conclude after two messages that one does himself a great disservice when hearing this man if that one does not possess pen and paper to scribble down all the quotes that come from his lips. (Note: Some may not have originated with him)

Dr. Gibbs, himself an attorney at law, is the Founder and President of Christian Law Association, an organization which works tirelessly to see to it that the rights of Christians, Churches and Christian Schools etc., are upheld. Christians need to pray for this man and CLA for, as Brother Gibbs has said so often, they "swim in the deep end" where the sharks of atheism, liberalism and all remaining ism's that hate God swim.

What follows are some quotes from Dr. Gibbs that I was able to pen down during the two aformentioned services. I trust they will elicit deep thought from the reader as you ponder them.

"The world says make friends with three categories of people:
1) Those you like.
2) Those you can use.
3) Those you can get along with.

However, the first duty of a Christian friend is not what someone can do for you, but rather what you can do for them.

God never called you to leave people worse than you met them.

The second duty of a Christian friend is to not be ashamed of others.

When people need a friend they don't need you to amplify what they did wrong.

A true friend walks in when everyone else walks out.

The third duty of a Christian friend is to go find those in need.

Are you the friend God has called you to be?

Speaking of disinterested, uninspiring church choirs, Dr. Gibbs humorously said: "Some choirs can sing a hole so deep that no preacher can dig out of it."

Speaking of tribulation that must come to every believer, Brother Gibbs stated:

"Real cheer, irrespective of tribulation, comes when one realizes that God doesn't give you cheer by substitution [removing the problem] but by transformation."

"God gives us cheer by transformation rather than substitution and prayer is the triggering agent. You must ask for transformation."

"When you ask for transformation, do so with thanksgiving."

"No one is any better a Christian than he is a pray-er."

"We have time to watch Fox News for an hour but we have no time to pray."

"No one is in the will of God who isn't thankful for everything."

INTERESTING ARTICLE CAUSING A STIR

2011-03-02T16:08:00.001-05:00

The following article written by David Cloud regarding the music at Lancaster Baptist Church and West Coast Baptist College in Lancaster, California, is creating quite a stir within Fundamental Baptist ranks. I re-post it here in hopes that the article will further the ongoing debate on which type of music is Christ-honoring and which, perhaps, is not.

LANCASTER BAPTIST SHOUTING TO THE LORD (Friday Church News Notes, February 18, 2011, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - For awhile now we have observed with increasing concern the adaptation of Contemporary Worship Music at Lancaster Baptist Church, home of West Coast Baptist College. It would be very easy for me to keep my mouth shut about this because of the close relationship I have with some of the people there and because of the widespread support the school has from very conservative Independent Baptists, not to speak of the many commendable things the school stands for; but I can no longer remain silent in good conscience before God. It is not a one-time problem; it is a pattern. For decades I have been warning about the spiritual danger of Contemporary Christian Music and how that it brings a lot of worldly baggage in its wake. It is not just music; it is a philosophy of Christianity that breaks down the God-ordained barriers between the church and the world. Any church today that is not aggressively resisting CCM will eventually succumb to it, and probably sooner rather than later. The evidence is all around us. The pressure toward compromise is too great; the satisfaction that this music offers to the flesh is too intense. The contemporary philosophy in this apostate hour is like a powerful flowing river, and our churches are like small boats. Those that are not paddling fiercely against the current will certainly be carried along by it. I don’t care what else you are doing right; if you allow CCM a foot in the door you are on the slippery slope of compromise. Like many others, Lancaster Baptist and West Coast are saying the right things about being opposed to CCM, but increasingly their actions don’t match the rhetoric. I strongly suspect that there are people in the music department that love CCM and listen to it regularly. This is why they frequently come up with toned-down CCM specials. They remove the heavy back beat (though the dance syncopation can still be present in the piano style); there is no drum kit, no bass guitar; but it is still CCM. The most recent example that came to my attention was radical charismatic-ecumenist Darlene Zschech’s “Shout to the Lord” performed as a special by the orchestra and two pianists and available on YouTube. I urge Pastor Chappell and the leaders at Lancaster Baptist Church and West Coast Baptist College to put a stop to the music people who are digging in the garbage bin of CCM in search for something acceptable. And don’t say, “It can’t happen here.” When I graduated from Tennessee Temple in 1976 it was in most ways every much as conservative as West Coast is today. In music, it was more conservative. But they didn’t heed warnings and thought they were too big to be criticized and shot the messengers instead of heeding the reproof, and today Tennessee Temple is a Southern Baptist rock & roll institution. I would challenge the leaders of Lancaster to bring in an expert like Graham West of Australia to inform the people more properly about music. The wisest standard for Christian music today is the standard that rejects CCM lock, stock, and barrel. Lines must be drawn, and the safest line is the best line. It is far better to err on the side of being too strict about music, as it is one of the most powerful influences in modern society. There is an endless supply of truly sacred music, both old and new, that doesn’t push the boundaries

REVIVAL: A HOAX OR HOPE? By Evangelist Alton Beal

2011-02-24T22:44:00.002-05:00

Revival. When is the last time you prayed for it? When is the last time you heard a message preached on revival? The answers to these two questions reveal our attitude about revival in the church today. Sadly, there seems to be a growing contingency of people in our churches, Christian colleges, and seminaries that scoff at the idea of revival.

I will never forget attending a preacher's meeting in Ohio years ago as an impressionable graduate student and hearing a seminary president preach a message that downplayed the idea of revival. I was shocked, to say the least. Hearing that message caused me to think that maybe the statement "Seminary is cemetery" was right after all. While I am not against higher education in the Christian realm, I am against an intellectual approach to the power and might of God. Every Christian college and seminary should promote the cause of revival, not hinder it.

A few months ago, I was preaching on the subject of revival, and I was met by an older gentleman at the end of the service. This man shared with me his pessimistic view of revival. He believed that God could not send a revival in our day. He said that we are "too far gone." I will be the first one to admit that America has gone a long way in the wrong direction, but Biblical examples of revival give me hope.

One such example in the Old Testament is Josiah, the boy king. His story is told in 2 Kings chapters 22 and 23. Imagine walking into the throne room of the king of Judah and finding an eight-year-old boy sitting on the throne, entertaining himself with some childish game or trick. This young boy grew into a mighty king and was used by God to bring a revival to a nation. We need young servants of the Lord with hearts like Josiah.

In 2 Kings 22:2, we see Josiah's unswerving commitment to the Lord. He did what was right in God's sight and was not distracted to the right or left in his pursuit of God. The word "commitment" is a foreign word in our churches and culture today. Commitment in the church is lacking because commitment to the Lord is at a low ebb. Some Christians today are more concerned about living right in the sight of man rather than the sight of God. Others have been turned to the left or right by pride or doctrinal error. Commitment to God is a precursor for revival.

Josiah also had an unquestioning respect for the Word of God and a response to it. In 2 Kings 22:8, Hilkiah the high priest found the book of the law and it was brought to the king to be read. After hearing the law read, Josiah rent his clothes becaue the law revealed the wicked state of the people. I am afraid that we have raised a generation which has a familiarity with the Bible but little appreciation for it. As a result, there is no response to it. Josiah was so moved by the book of the law that he tore his clothes. When is the last time you visibly responded to the Word of God? Perhaps it was a tear in your eye, a smile on your face, or a bent knee at an altar. If we are going to see revival in our day, we must regain a deep respect for the Bible and be willing to respond to it.

The last thing we see about Josiah and the revival in his day was an uncompromising purging of sin. He burned the vessels and images of Baal and broke down the high places of false worship in 2 Kings 23. Idolatry is alive and well in the church today. While Christians today are not worshiping gods of stone or gold, some are bowing to the gods of entertainment and pleasure. Many gather around the television on weeknights to see who will be the next American Idol. Whatever happened to "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3) or "I will not give my glory unto another" (Isaiah 48:11)? What idol are you refusing to surrender? If we are going to see revival in our day, we must be willing to deal with the sin in our lives.

Revival is not a hoax. It is the hope of our churches and our nations. We need Josiahs who will be committed to the Lord, sensitive to His Word, and willing to deal with personal sins and strongholds. May the subject of revival be on our hearts more this year than ever before.

(Evangelist Alton Beal is president of Ambassador Baptist College, Lattimore, North Carolina. The above article is taken from the Spring 2011 edition of The Ambassador, published quarterly by Ambassador Baptist College. For more information on the college, go to http://www.ambassadors.edu/. Used by permission)

DREAMS ALTERED - DESTINATION UNKNOWN

2011-02-21T15:58:00.001-05:00

Have the plans and aspirations envisioned for your life been altered or abandoned? Have your well thought-out goals and elaborate dreams of success failed to reach fruition? As we all are acutely aware, life occasionally has a way of redirecting our steps. To repeat an old maxim, life sometimes "throws us a curve."

However, in a multiplicity of cases it is the great Architect of life Himself who detours us from our personal projected path. Of course, God is sovereign and nothing takes Him by surprise. Absolutely nothing enters into our lives without first the approval of the One who loves us more than we could ever imagine.

With this truth in mind, the Psalmist reminds readers in Psalm 16:11 of God's abiding interest in directing the daily lives of His people. The verse reads, "Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore." Within this verse lies a most definite promise upon which believers may rely when the way before us seems anything but clear.

Woven intrinsically within the fabric of our being is the irrefutable truth that God bestows joy and fulfillment on the lives of those who totally and completely surrender their dreams and plans to His control. While not easily accomplished, complete surrender is necessary in order to receive God's choicest blessings. The question you and I must answer is, Are we totally yielded to the Lordship of Christ? Admittedly, not an easy question to entertain.

Is your life not currently at the level you intended it to be? Are you finding your footsteps redirected at this juncture in life? If that be your lot, gain inspiration, again, from the Psalmist: "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way" (Psalm 37:23). What follows is a very brief glimpse into the life of one man who dreamed of becoming an educator, yet God changed his ambition in life. May it be an encouragement to the reader who may be facing the same challenge.

On December 11, 1895, a man of innovation and vision was born on a ranch in west Texas. His mother had consistently prayed for her son to become a preacher and lovingly referred to him as her "preacher boy." In a revival meeting in the nearby town of Gainesville, Texas, the "preacher boy" claimed Jesus Christ as his Saviour at the tender age of nine.

Sadly, his mother died when he was just a lad. Though now motherless, the youth was nonetheless reared in a good home by a godly father. At the age of nineteen John R. Rice, the "preacher boy," bade farewell to family and friends and set out for Texas Baptist College in Decatur, Texas, to pursue a teaching career.

Young John worked to pay his way through college, determined to fulfill his boyhood dream of becoming an educator. Often he fancied himself filling the role of teacher in a classroom of rowdy youth, and he was now pleased with the opportunity afforded him to accomplish that very goal.

Upon graduating from college, John Rice began what he thought would be a life-long career as that of a teacher. However, God had other plans for this young man. In downtown Chicago, John whisked his way into the famous Pacific Garden Mission to assist with the derelicts who, but for the mission, had no place of shelter.

Here John acquainted himself with a homeless man who, though ruined by sin and abandoned by society, heard of the love of Christ through a sermon delivered in the Misson's chapel. After the message, the homeless discard trudged to the front of the mission, kneeling at the altar. Although he was homeless, he possessed a renewed hope that Jesus Christ did indeed love him and would save him.

John Rice, the educator, met the Devil's reject at the altar and, on their knees, culture and coarseness met each other. The friendless, homeless refuse of humanity found not only an eternal Friend in Jesus but procured an eternal Home that night as well. The educator's life was changed in a moment as John R. Rice, in answer to his mother's prayers, surrendered to preach the gospel.

Leaving the classroom in a cloud of dust, the lecturer blazed the revival trail, primarily conducting meetings in Texas and Oklahoma. Rice's successful revival crusade near Dallas resulted in the establishment of the Fundamentalist Baptist Tabernacle which he pastored for seven years.

However, God was again stirring within the heart of John Rice a desire to enter full-time evangelism. Rice sensed a growing burden to hold great city-wide revival campaigns and, being an instructor, likewise carried a burden to begin a weekly Christian newspaper.

Resigning his church in Dallas, the young preacher stepped out by faith as an itinerant evangelist and was blessed to see many souls saved under his ministry. His newly God-given ambition to start a Christian weekly was realized on September 28, 1934 as the first issue of The Sword of the Lord was published and hand delivered to homes in the Dallas area. The paper was then limited to merely four pages but, today, the twenty-four page biweekly enjoys a worldwide readership and continues to be an instrument of blessing to countless preachers and laypeople alike.

John R. Rice continued to preach in revivals and two-day Sword of the Lord Conferences until his death in December, 1980. He was often called the "20th century's mightiest pen," inasmuch as the writing skills he developed in the classroom would be subsequently used to further the cause of the gospel through his many books, commentaries, pamphlets and editorship of The Sword. The circulation of Dr. Rice's famous gospel tract, What Must I Do To Be Saved?, has been used of God throughout the years to bring thousands to salvation in Christ.

John R. Rice's goal was to be a leader of boys and girls in the halls of academia. Teaching was his yearning in life, but God changed his desires and set him to preaching. The ministry of John R. Rice, though not one of perfection, continues yet today through his writings.

Yes, John R. Rice's dreams were altered - but one could not imagine a more fulfilling life than the one lived by the "preacher boy." Allow God to work in your life - your destination may take you to heights you never dreamed of. God bless; thanks for reading. David.

AND THEN....ETERNITY!

2011-02-18T00:13:00.001-05:00

The morning of February 18, 2001 dawned in sunny northeast Florida with anticipation and excitement in the air. Racing fans by the tens of thousands had descended upon Daytona Beach for the annual running of the Daytona 500, the Super Bowl of Nascar.

What began as an ordinary race day at Daytona would end as anything but normal. Tragically, on the final lap of this "Great American Race," seven-time Winston Cup champion Dale Earnhardt crashed in turn 4 in what appeared to most onlookers as a routine wreck in comparison to more violent collisions.

Upon being cut from his damaged #3 car, Earnhardt was rushed by ambulance to nearby Halifax Medical Center as the world of Nascar held its collective breath. The celebration of Michael Waltrip's checkered-flag victory was postponed as everyone associated with the sport of Nascar eagerly awaited news of Earnhardt's condition.

The news that came from the medical center would shock the sports world. The impossible had occurred. The king of Nascar, known to friend and foe alike on the racetrack as "The Intimidator," had died from head injuries sustained in the turn 4 crash. Dale Earnhardt's life was over; he was now in eternity.

ETERNITY - a word which rings with sobering finality. Defined by one dictionary as "a timeless state experienced after death," eternity is a reality that awaits every single human being on planet earth. Young and old, small and great, rich and poor alike are speeding headlong toward that timeless state commonly referred to as eternity.

Just one week ago a local young lady of only 37 years of age succumbed to death after a valiant struggle with cancer. This blogger did not attend her funeral, but those who did can vouch for the veracity of what follows. It was reported by the officiating preacher at her funeral that just before the deceased departed this life, she gained enough strength to whisper one final word under her breath - "eternity." Then she was gone.

The greatest question ever faced and one which must be answered while on earth is the question of our eternal destination. Though there was a time in eternity past wherein this blogger did not exist, there shall never be a time hereafter in which I will cease to exist. I will live somewhere forever as shall the reader.

Either we are headed individually for a blessed and blissful eternity with the Lord Jesus Christ on the shores of Heaven, or the eternal torments of the lake of fire await us. The choice of our eternal habitation must be determined in this present lifetime, for it will be too late when our eyes close in death's cold grip.

Hebrews 9:27 unequivocally states, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." Once to die is our future lot in life. There are numerous past appointments which I have been pleased to cancel for various and sundry reasons, but this is one sure and solemn appointment (should the Lord tarry His coming) that you and I shall keep.

Dale Earnhardt's appointment with death came quite unexpected; the appointment for the aforementioned 37-year old woman perhaps was expected. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding either death, it is plain to see that both individual's rendezvous with eternity assuredly came nonetheless.

As days pass into weeks and weeks into months, I am increasingly aware of the truth of the words of the Apostle in James 4:14: "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."

As noted above, today marks the 10-year anniversary of the death of Dale Earnhardt, a life cut short in a mere moment of time. In remembering this tragic event, the question of the hour should be, What are we planning to do in God's service with what remains of the little "vapour" of our lives?

Thomas O. Chisholm wrote many great hymns, not the least of which was the soul-stirring classic, "And Then-Eternity." I close with the piercing words of this song as they flowed from the pen of Mr. Chisholm.

"A few more years to sow and reap,
A few more years to smile and weep,
A few more years to wake and sleep,
And then - eternity!

A few more miles for weary feet,
A few more trials yet to meet,
A few more lessons to complete,
And then - eternity!

A little while to watch and pray,
To labor while 'tis called "Today,"
Prepare for Heaven while we may,
And then - eternity!

Our life, how soon it will be past!
The golden hours are going fast,
This very day may be our last!
And then - eternity!

As fades the mist before the sun,
As song that dies when just begun,
So passes life - so quickly gone,
And then - eternity!

Thanks for reading, and God bless you. David.

THE GREATEST OF THESE

2011-02-16T16:24:00.001-05:00

Cancer had taken a terrible toll on the feeble body of Kimberly Dyer. At the relatively young age of fifty-two, the mother of three had been diagnosed with terminal bone cancer and, sadly, doctors gave her little hope of seeing the spectacular sunrise's of many more days.

Kimberly's husband, Ray, had endeavored to make her existing days as comfortable and relaxing as possible, but cancer was a determined, dreadful foe to which Kimberly would ultimately succumb.

For Ray, the days appeared to whisk by as he struggled to come to terms with the reality of his lovely wife's mortality. Kimberly's condition, diagnosed just weeks earlier, had also brought him face to face with his own frail humanity. Ray never dreamed that at age fifty-five he would be compelled by forces beyond his control to bid farewell to his beloved wife in a matter of weeks, if not days.

The chronic pain endured by Kimberly was a constant burden to Ray who had long ago abandoned his struggle to restrain his emotions. Saying goodbye in death is always too soon.

Kimberly's diagnosis was an ever-present reminder to them both of the uncertainties of life. Married for thirty years, the couple often experienced the pleasures of life and their marriage was exempliary. With such happy memories, Ray found it extremely difficult to observe his wife's rapid physical deterioration. His greatest desire, if not Kimberly's restored health, was to see her relieved of her pain. However, he felt himself drowning in a sea of helplessness as Kimberly's condition only grew worse as each day passed.

As was often the case, Kimberly was forced to retire early one evening. Ray knew that she had experienced a particularly rough day, but he felt impotent to do anything for her but pray. Ray habitually spent time in prayer prior to going to bed and, tonight, he found himself once again on his knees in earnest prayer. His love for his wife was demonstrated by petitioning God to permit him to exchange places with his wife. He would undergo her pain, if only for one night, and allow her to experience the rest that his healthy body routinely enjoyed.

God granted Ray's request. Ray suffered through a most turbulent night and garnered little sleep. Stealing a quick glance at Kimberly, he could not help but notice the peace with which she was sleeping. Her body was motionless and her face had the look of tranquility. Tears flowed from Ray's eyes as he inwardly thanked God for granting mercy, not only to his beleagured wife, but also to himself.

Admittedly, Ray's act of selflessness serves as inspiration for all. However, a far greater example of substitutionary love may be found in the Bible. Romans 5:6-8 reads, "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

One discovers in I John 4:10 the words, "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." One of the greatest verses in all the Bible can be located in the gospel of John, chapter 15, verse 13, which reads, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." While Ray's love for his wife is undoubtedly praiseworthy, the love of God for lost mankind leaves one's vocabulary bereft of words to describe.

Have you responded to God's love for you? Have you been born again? If not, trust Christ today. He's waiting for you. God bless; thanks for reading. David.

DEAD NOSES SMELL NO ROSES

2011-02-14T16:39:00.004-05:00

Valentine's Day - a special day set aside for those in love to demonstrate to one another the veracity and depth of their innermost feelings. It is a day of heart-shaped boxes arrayed in the beautiful colors of red and pink, filled with scrumptuous chocolate candies. It is a time for ballons emblazened with the words, "I Love You," or a pretty card in the mailbox carrying that same message.

Perhaps for others, Valentine's Day brings an assortment of red, yellow or pink roses. For some ladies, tomorrow affords them the opportunity to display the precious jewelry lovingly bestowed upon them on this day set aside for sweethearts. Be the gift great or small, Valentine's Day is centered upon one thing - love, the greatest gift of all.

Isn't it unusual, though, that oftentimes we hurt the ones we love the most. It is a fact of life that to love someone(s) opens the gate through which anguish and hurt may someday enter the heart. The reader has surely heard the adage that it's "better to love and have lost than to have never loved at all." Another has quipped that it is love that "makes the world go around." Whether one agrees with these expressions or not, it cannot be honestly argued that love is not a powerful emotion.

In abandoning his father's house, the prodigal son of Luke chapter 15 hurt his father very deeply. Imagine the emotions that engulfed the father as he watched his beloved youngest son leave his abode, perhaps never to see him again. Oh, how the father's heart must have ached within him as these unfortunate events unfolded.

I do not believe that a single day passed without the father praying for and agonizing over his wayward son. While the son, in youthful exuberance, frivolously partied his inheritance away in dens of iniquity, the father offered fervent prayers to Heaven for the soon return of his boy. His prayers were answered, as those familiar with the parable know, when the son "came to himself" (Luke 15:17).

Oh, what a reunion day that must have been! Rejoicing, shouting, feasting, and yes, even tears of joy! My friends, that is what real love is all about. Love never gives up! Love "suffereth long, and is kind" (I Corinthians 13:4); love "never faileth" (13:8). Love "Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things" (13:7).

My, what a world of broken hearts we live in. The pain, the despair, the lonely hours and the anguish of soul for those who feel unloved. How it must break the great heart of God, for He "so loved the world" as John 3:16 so wonderfully reveals. In spite of the darkness in the soul of the forsaken and outcasts of society, God still loves and longs for fellowship with the most unlovely of us!

If there are those in your life whom you love, do not allow this day to pass without expressing that love to them. Do not take tomorrow for granted for "dead noses smell no roses" as one has said. Seize the day; make wrongs right and enjoy renewed fellowship with loved ones.

Telephone that neglected mother or father and thrill their hearts with the words they long to hear, "I Love You!" Renew your vows with your spouse whom you chose to cherish for better or for worse. That son or daughter, perhaps at their wits end, could use a word of endearment from you today. Make this (and many others) a glad day in your life which you'll look back on with the fondest of memories. When your dearest loved ones are dead and gone, you'll be glad you did. God bless you and Happy Valentine's Day. David.

A SERMON OR A MESSAGE? by Oswald J. Smith

2011-02-12T12:21:00.002-05:00

   "If your purpose is to preach great sermons, then you had better give up. The world does not need sermons; it needs a message, and there is all the difference in the world between a sermon and a message.

   You can go to a seminary and learn how to preach sermons, but you will have to go to God to get messages. Sermons will never influence your congregation, but messages will. Sermons appeal to the intellect, messages to the heart.

   What people need today are not great sermons, but great messages. We must go out to present Christ, the living Saviour.

   The world, I say, is waiting for God's messengers. If you are going into the pulpit to present Christ, a living Christ for a dying world, then God will bless you and use you for His glory. You will be engaged in the greatest of all vocations, that of the ministry, and you will never regret having responded to the call of God. At the end of life, you will look back over your ministry and thank God for a life spent in the service of the Lord Jesus Christ."

The above four paragraphs were such an encouragement to me, so much so that I have placed them in inside the cover of my Bible. I trust it has been encouraging to the reader as well. Whatever one's vocation in life may be - be it preacher, plumber or painter, etc. - if that is what God has called you to do, you, indeed, have a ministry to fulfill. God bless, and thanks for reading. David.

(This excerpt from Dr. Oswald J. Smith was taken from the February 4, 2011 edition of Sword of the Lord newspaper)

THE PRESUMPTUOUS BARBER

2011-02-08T17:59:00.002-05:00

Several months ago I found myself present in a local barber shop and the conversation, as it occasionally does, took on a spiritual flavor. The barber, an elderly and somewhat pious gentleman, is regrettably known for speaking fondly of Jesus in one breath while cursing in the next.

I have never liked going to the barber shop and this day was no exception. When the time finally came to enter the "chair of no return," the barber was in rare form. Forgive me, but all I really wanted was a haircut, and I was in no mood for an exegesis of Scripture from someone whose spirituality could rightly be summarized as merely one hour per week on Sunday morning.

Near the conclusion of my trim and when the two of us were alone, I took the liberty to ask the barber about his "born-again" experience. The barber's response to my query was quite unexpected and one that I had not heretofore experienced to any measure.

"I have always been a Christian," the barber explained with unabashed conviction. "It has always been inside of me from the day I was born," he continued. Summing up his "testimony," the barber concluded with these words: "When I was about two years of age, I went out into the woods and preached on a stump. I was born a Christian; you're either born with it or you're not."

Needless to say, I was stunned at this declaration by one who had for so long and so loudly professed salvation in Jesus Christ. My astonishment was only surpassed by my dismay with the realization that the barber genuinely felt that from birth he had been a Christian and was truly on his way to Heaven. Sadly, however, nothing could be further from the truth!

The barber, though professing Christianity, was in reality aligning himself with the proponents of false religion in denying the reality and absolute necessity of the new birth. Moreover, in denying the new birth's essentiality and proclaiming his own goodness, he, in fact, disallowed the Cross of Christ and the atoning work He accomplished thereon.

To take the position of the barber (as millions do), yet claim to know the Bible, one would have to repudiate verses such as Titus 3:5 and Ephesians 2:8-9 among many others. Jesus plainly told religious Nicodemus in John 3:3 that "...except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God," and reiterated that truth in verse 7 of the same chapter by saying "...Ye must be born again."

Nobody earns their way into Heaven. Not one soul is "born" a Christian as the aforementioned barber would have you believe. The Psalmist acknowledged that he was "...shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me" (Psalm 51:5). According to Isaiah 64:6, "...all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags..." in the sight of a holy God.

We see an abundance of it here on earth, but there will be no self-aggrandizement inside the pearly gates of Heaven. The only boasting exhibited in that celestial City will be that of the redeemed of the ages bowing before the throne of Christ, shouting, "...Thou art worthy...for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by the blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation" (Revelation 5:9).

If my barber friend and those yet lost are ever to be born into the family of God, they must lay aside their sinful pride. It is a prerequesite that they admit their sin, repent of it and place their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation (Acts 20:21). Then, and only then, will they be ready for Heaven, clothed not in their own goodness, but in the righteousness of Christ.

Inspired by a sermon by Dr. George Pentecost on the "New Birth," George C. Stebbins wrote the music and William T. Sleeper assisted with the words to the following evangelistic hymn with which I close this post:

"A ruler once came to Jesus by night,
To ask Him the way of salvation and light;
The master made answer in words true and plain,
'Ye must be born again.'

Ye children of men, attend to the Word,
So solemly uttered by Jesus the Lord;
And let not this message to you be in vain,
'Ye must be born again.'

O ye who would enter that glorious rest,
And sing with the ransomed the song of the blest,
The life everlasting if ye would obtain,
'Ye must be born again.'

A dear one in Heaven thy heart yearns to see,
At the beautiful gate may be watching for thee,
Then list to the note of this solemn refrain,
'Ye must be born again.'

Have you been born again? God bless; thanks for reading. David.

IS YOUR SEAT EMPTY?

2011-02-04T23:44:00.001-05:00

The National Football League takes center stage this weekend as the Pittsburgh Steelers battle the Green Bay Packers for the right to be called Super Bowl Champions. For many years the Sunday of the playing of the Super Bowl has been labeled "Super Sunday," and for untold millions it is certain to be a day of entertainment and revelry.

Many homes will celebrate the occasion with a party atmosphere as fun and frivolity rule the day. Sports bars across the land will serve up alcoholic beverages by the barrel fulls to satisfy the thirsty demands of its inebriated patrons. Such activity should be considered normal for an unsaved world which has arguably sold its pleasure-seeking soul to the god of competitive sports.

Sadly, many of those participating in the "Super Sunday" merriment will be Christians who indifferently choose viewing the Super Bowl over attending Sunday evening services at their respective places of worship. In an effort to keep their crowds, numerous churches advertise their "Super Sunday Services" in local newspapers at which the big game will be aired on the big screen to the delight of those in attendance.

Do not misunderstand - I like sports and have from my youth. I enjoy watching a good football game and will undoubtedly absorb the latter half of the Super Bowl should the Lord allow me breath to breathe. There is absolutely nothing wrong with liking sports if it is kept in its proper perspective. However, it is indeed a sad commentary upon the Laodicean age in which we live that a ball game should take precedence over God's house.

I have previously made the following statement and it remains applicable to the reader as well as to this blogger: No life is a success which leaves God out. There are people today who call themselves Christians who never darken the door of the church and it does not require the playing of the Super Bowl to keep them away. I am not judging, but I cannot help but question the professed salvation of one who seldom attends church and their chronic absence from same concerns them even less.

This blog entry is not to be construed as criticism of those who are required to work on Sunday. For many years my career as a State Trooper obligated me to work most Sundays, but I was able to take in at least one of the Sunday services depending upon which shift I was scheduled. No, I am writing of those who seek excuses to miss church and are pretty successful at finding them.

There are those who have abandoned God's house in the vain pursuit of pleasure, happiness and riches. There are those who have subjugated the importance of attending church to their insatiable desire to make a living. It is not how much money one accrues in the bank of their earthly sojourn that makes one successful; rather, it is how many riches one has deposited in the coffers of Heaven that makes life on earth worthwhile and which produces eternal rewards. Some have lost sight of this unshakeable truth.

Some would argue that to make it financially it is absolutely imperative that they do business on the Lord's Day. But I would argue that Matthew 6:33 still says "...seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness...". I admire the Chick-fil-a franchise in that they remain closed on Sundays to allow their employees the opportunity to attend church if they so desire.

Quite confidently, someone remarked recently to this blogger that nowhere does the Bible command that one "must attend church three times a week." No, I suppose it does not, but might this writer be so bold as to suggest that the one drawing this conclusion probably views regular church attendance as an obtrusive obligation rather than an obedient opportunity.

Perhaps one with the above mentality would do well to be reminded of the words from the writer of Hebrews: "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works" (Hebrews 10:24). And just how are believers to do this? The following verse tells us: "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: AND SO MUCH THE MORE, as ye see the day approaching" (vs. 25).

What was the Psalmist's attitude toward God's house? Psalm 122:1 reveals the answer: "I was GLAD when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord." Let's get back to faithfulness to God's house. After all, the church is God's institution on earth from which and through which the glorious gospel is to be proclaimed to a lost and dying world.

Yes, the upcoming Sunday is super for it affords us another opportunity to be in God's house to hear His Word preached. We may not possess tickets to the Super Bowl, but we have a far greater privilege to attend a gathering for which no ticket is needed - the local church. Let's take advantage of it and let's not allow our seat to be empty. God bless; thanks for reading. David.

THE SPIRIT OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR

2011-02-01T19:36:00.001-05:00

I suppose pastors face no greater battle today within the four walls of their churches than the one raging over particular music styles. Sadly, the traditional sound is being progressively replaced in our Fundamental churches with a sensual genre of contemporary music which incorporates the worldly beat to the satisfaction of the flesh.

Oh, I am aware that those of us who believe the music we allow into our churches should be of the conservative and Christ-honoring variety are today considered "old- fashioned," "out of touch," and "not with the times." I am cognizant of the desire of the "young fundamentalists" to rid themselves of the music of their parents and to place their own stamp of approval on what is acceptable for this day and age.

Forever, pastors and churches are being admonished to accept the "new sound" in order to connect with the new generation. Out with the old, in with the new. We have been consistently lied to by those with weak music standards that the church must become like the world if we are to reach the world.

Several years ago my brother and his wife left a church and a formerly good pastor over the deteriorating music standards that had engulfed that ministry whereof they were members. In speaking with the compromising pastor, my brother was informed that the music had been changed in a concerted effort to draw more young people into the church. In other words, "we're giving the worldly youth what it craves so they will hopefully find us more palatable." What nonsense!

I'm sorry, but I thought I read somewhere that Christians are supposed to be different. I was under the distinct impression that Christians were to be the salt and light in this sin-darkened age. I am so tired of being told that I must become like Egypt to win the Egyptians! It simply is not so.

Speaking of unbelievers, my Bible commands me in II Corinthians 6:17 to "...come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you." No, it is not the fundamental, Bible-believing Christian that must change and adapt, but rather the unsaved world that is in need of repentance and a change of heart. They should not be instructing us - we as believers are to be teaching and disciplining them.

I am in a continual state of amazement over what some believers esteem to be "fine, Christian music." Just recently, a friend posted an advertisement on Facebook wherein he invited all to attend an upcoming concert by a "Christian" group at a nearby Baptist church.

In viewing the posted video of the group and listening to their music, I could not honestly decipher the difference between them and rock musicians. After inquiring whether or not the group was, in fact, a rock band, I was advised by my friend that the church-sponsored event was for "saved and lost" teens alike which, to the poster, deemed the rock sound appropriate.

I am all for soul-winning, but we have gotten to the place in some circles where the worthy goal of winning souls has led to compromise and capitulation to the standards of the world. For example, I was speaking a few years ago to an evangelist friend and casually mentioned the name of Billy Graham. The evangelist responded that when he "had won as many souls to Christ as Billy Graham has," only then might he feel qualified to criticize him.

My friend evidently wrongly believed that soul-winning superseded faithfulness and one should therefore receive a pass for disobedience and compromise if that one was a great soul-winner. Likewise are we being advised today that as far as music is concerned, "anything goes" as long as souls are being saved. My question is, when all the church has to offer the unsaved is what the Devil offers them, to what are they being "won" to?

Surely we should endeavor to have as many people fill our church pews as the Lord will allow. This goes for young and old alike. However, since when do we permit a teenager (or adult for that matter) who smacks bubble gum during the singing of "The Old Rugged Cross" or "At Calvary" to set the standard of music in the church?

It is my conviction that music will play a prominent end-time role in the apostate church. King Nebuchadnezzar, a type of the antichrist, implemented the rhythm of numerous musical instruments in his egotistical effort to unify religions and acquire worldwide worship in his day (See Daniel 3). I believe the antichrist will do the same. Even today, multitudes are increasingly more willing to set aside Bible doctrine and firmly-held beliefs and tolerate error while enthusiastically clapping and swaying to the beat of a drum.

May I say a hearty "Amen!" to a recent status update by a young Facebook acquaintance, Miss Ashley Allen, who very perceptively wrote, "Music is a stronghold in a teenager's life, preventing them from seeking God. The singers are worldly, leading young people to think that once you are saved there won't be any changes in your life. The message is clear: you can live like the Devil, dress filthy, watch dirty movies, talk like the heathen, party like the wicked; and still please God as a Christian."

When I posted a favorable comment in support of her post, I was asked by another if I, too, was condemning Christian contemporary worship. I close with my response: "No I am not; for their is nothing remotely Christian about today's contemporary sound." God bless, thanks for reading. David.