"Calvinist" Theology ~ OR ~ "Day Of Pentecost 33 AD" Theology?

Calvinism has long been defined by the acronym TULIP:  Total Depravity - Unconditional Election - Limited Atonement - Irresistible Grace - Perseverance of the Saints.  There are Calvinists who will claim allegiance to only some of these, i.e, I am a 3-point Calvinist, or a 4-point Calvinist, or a 5-point (hardline) Calvinist?

And, there are those who have realized that the Calvinist TULIP theology is viewed by many as being very harsh, so they have created a euphemism to soften the impact of Calvinism.  This euphemism is labeled:  "The Doctrines of Grace."   Wow, that appears to be right in line with the Bible, right?  But, regardless of the name, the teachings are still TULIP, only wearing a pretty dress.

The two doctrines which always seems to fit most Calvinists and are inherent in the Calvinist theology are:  (1) Free Will, taught in the Bible, but denied in Calvinism, and (2) Predestination, the teaching that, before the creation, God predetermined who - of all the billions of people born from Adam to the last human born in the Millennial Kingdom - will have eternal life in Christ (the Elect, the smaller number of people) - and who will be predestined to eternal punishment in hell (the Reprobates, the much larger number of people), with absolutely no possibility of parole, no possible chance to believe and receive Christ toward eternal life with Him.

To accept those two Calvinist doctrines, one must deny some attributes of God.  We know that God is immutable, unchanging - (Malachi 3:6, "I the Lord do not change" -  also Numbers 23:19, 1 Samuel 15:29, Isaiah 46:9-11, and Ezekiel 24:14).  In this discussion the two attributes of God which would be in conflict if Calvinism were true are:  His Perfect Love and His Perfect Justice.  

Both must balance against the other.  So, ask yourself:  "Would a God of Love create billions of people, then predetermine and condemn them to eternal hell and punishment - with NO possible chance of salvation?"   The only Biblical answer has to be, "NO!"

1 Timothy 2:3-4, "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."

God's Perfect Love says that He desires ALL mankind to be saved.  But God's Perfect Justice demands atonement, i.e., legal justice for all sin.  Once again, we fall back upon God's Perfect Love - where we read that "For God so loved the WORLD (you, me, all people) that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). 

He sent Jesus Christ to pay our sin debt, to take our death penalty, to offer us His righteousness before God the Father.  That is God's Love in perfect balance with God's Justice - and from that we attain God's Mercy and Grace.

This is a good article written by Pastor Lance Ralston of Calvary Chapel Oxnard (CA).  I will show only excerpts from his article, but I recommend reading the full article, which is not long, but is full of good information:

ARE YOU READY FOR THIS? -  PART 1
By Pastor Lance Ralston, Calvary Chapel Oxnard
http://www.calvaryoxnard.org/2017/are-you-ready-for-this-part-1

This is an appeal to those attracted to a movement going by several titles, predominantly The Resurgence and Neo-Calvinism.  The more traditional title is Reformed Theology.  Its popular contemporary proponents are voices like RC Sproul, John Piper, and James White.  These and others have inspired a growing number of popular bloggers and podcasters (who are) spreading the Reformed brand. 

The movement’s well-known advocates are intelligent and well-spoken speakers whose influence is persuasive.  The following appeal is a cautious attempt to ask those being drawn into The Resurgence to make sure they realize what they are buying into when they embrace Reformed Theology.  Are you ready to intellectually embrace what Calvinism really says about God?.  .  .   .

In addition, those just entering a study of Reformed theology are usually unaware of the wide spectrum of theological perspectives there are among Calvinists.  While some dislike the terms, they are popular for a reason; there are 3-, 4- and 5-Point Calvinists.  Even among 5-pointers, there are different distinctives and emphases.  In the long-running debate between Calvinists and non-Calvinists, Calvinists tend to label all non-Calvinists as Arminians and assume they all believe the same thing.

Yet the theological spread among non-Calvinists is at least as wide as that among Calvinists, including those who dislike the label “Arminian” in favor of other descriptors such as “Traditionalist.”  My point is that a Resurgent may read what follows and say, “I’m a Calvinist but I don’t believe that!  That misrepresents Calvinism and Reformed theology.”   Be careful, because what follows are in fact the positions held by Calvinists, maybe not your brand or stripe, but of other advocates of Reformed theology.

If you find yourself in fundamental disagreement with the Reformed tenets that follow, you ought to ask if you are really a Calvinist?

My Friends, I am not posting this to pick a fight with my Calvinist Friends or with my Arminian Friends.  My sole purpose, to the best of my abilities, is to share the whole Word of God.

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

Acts 17:11, "These (the believers of Berea) were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so."

From just these two Scripture passages we confirm that "ALL Scripture"  - all 66 books of the Bible - are the Word of God and are His full revelation to us for salvation and for Christian living. 

Any theology which skips or denies any part of the whole Word of God - is from man and is not built upon the full and solid foundation of His Written Word.

How do we become Good Bereans as the apostle Paul admonishes us in Acts 17:11?  First, make sure you are part of a Christ-centered, Bible-teaching Christian church, i.e., a Christian fellowship family.  Next, make sure you are actively involved in your local church fellowship family.    Then make sure your Christian fellowship has an active discussion-style weekly Family Bible Study - and make sure you are active in those Bible discussions. 

Remember, the apostle Paul told us, in Acts 17:11, to test the teachings and the teachers against Scripture.  How can YOU test them - if you are not involved?

Have a great day in the Lord, stay daily in prayer and in the study of His Word - and get INVOLVED!

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Married To A Filipina 40 Years ~ And Counting!

ON THE "MARRIED TO A FILIPINA" Facebook group page, someone posted a graphic asking, "How Did You Meet Your Filipina?"  So, let me once again share our love story.

Forty years ago, September 2, 1977 - my Filipina bride, Dory, made me a very happy man!   That is the day we were first wed.   I say "First Wed" because on our 3rd Anniversary we went to Hawaii and had a second wedding.  Yes, a true second wedding -  a church wedding where we did it all over again - marriage license in Hawaii, wedding flowers, wedding photographer, and we were married in a church in Honolulu.  Complete redo!

We tried to do the same thing on our 6th Anniversary.  But, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, the only Protestant church we could find had been burned down years before.  My new company even got into the act.  I had recently become a Regional Sales Manager for a computer graphics company based in Lafayette, Louisiana, and part of my employment terms was that I would have a one week vacation in September to get married again. 

The president of the company, a retired Louisiana lawyer who, with his white hair and refined looks, could have been the poster-boy for the kind Southern judge - put in their employment offer letter to me:  "And, we will allow you a one week vacation in September to legitimize your already legitimate marriage."   I love it when a plan comes together!

My mom asked Dory, "Why does Bill like to get married again every three years?"  And, Dory told her, "That way, no matter how many years we have been married - he only feels like he has been married three years!"   Dory had it right.  We had plans to become perpetual newlyweds!  But, when we could not find a Protestant church in Puerto Vallarta to marry us - that sort of broke the chain.  But, it did not break the spirit of being perpetual newlyweds. 

In making a collage to commemorate our love story, I searched for photos which would tie in with our early romance.   Where are those romantic places today?

We first met on a Wednesday evening at the Saddleback Inn Hotel in Santa Ana, California, where Dory was attending a weekly Red Carpet Real Estate sales meeting.  The Saddleback Inn Hotel is no longer there.

A week later, on a Saturday evening, we had our first date.   We first went to Bobby McGee's Restaurant and Night Club in Newport Beach, California.  We stayed at Bobby McGee's just long enough to have a drink with my friend, Jay Kear, a successful technology venture capital consultant. That Bobby McGee's is no longer there.

Then, Dory and I went to the Newporter Inn on Jamboree Road in Newport Beach to dance.  The Newporter Inn is no longer there.

While walking by the swimming pool at the Newporter Inn that evening, we had our very first kiss.  The kiss is still there!

The next day, Sunday, we had our second date.  We went to church at the Garden Grove Community Church (precursor to the Crystal Cathedral).  I can still see that full length golden yellow dress and wide brim yellow hat she wore that day - making her look like a true Filipina Southern Belle from Alabama. 

The way the Garden Grove Church was designed back then, we could sit outside on the lawn and still be a part of the congregation and worship service.  Being a warm Southern California day, we lay on the lawn with many of her friends from the church during the service.

After the service, we went to a movie at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, the 1976 movie "A Star Is Born" with Kris Kristofferson and Barbra Streisand was playing. 

And then we had an early dinner at the Quiet Cannon Restaurant in Dana Point.  The restaurant is still there but the name is changed.

So, the place we first met, the Saddleback Inn, is no longer there.  The places we went on our first date,Bobby McGee's and the Newporter Inn, where we shared our first kiss - are no longer there.  The restaurant where we had our first dinner date is still there, but is no longer the Quiet Cannon.  It is now called Cannon's Seafood Restaurant.

So much has changed over the 40 years since we fell in love and married.  But, the love which was spawned on those first dates is stronger than ever, 40 years later.   

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

Click to enlarge photos:

Nehemiah 6 Recitation By Chantelle Gibbs ~ Worth Another Look!

Several years ago, I was talking with my Christian Friend, Bob Ginger, who now lives in Phoenix.  Their Bible study seemed to be losing some of its enthusiasm and momentum.  Bob is concerned for he has been involved in this Bible study for years.  Our discussion soon led us into talking about how great Pastor Sam's Bible studies were when we were at the Irvine Fil-Am church in the late 1980s, and even in following churches that he pastored. 

And, I got onto my favorite soap box - Family Bible Study!   While we had many solid Christian families in our Bible studies, I used as my prime example the family of Nimfa Veneracion and her daughters, Chantelle and Gabrielle, as my perfect example of why we should have Family Bible studies -- and not just limit them to adults only.

When I reminded Bob about Chantelle's 2008 Nehemiah 6 video and the eNewsletter I had sent in July, he asked if I would send him a new copy so that he can share it and the video with their Bible study.

When I lost my Windows 7 computer, I lost all the Friends Ministry e-mails I had sent back then.  But, praise God, since I also post most of my eNewsletters in my Facebook Notes, I have been able to reconstruct that e-mail.  So, since I was doing this for my Friend, Bob Ginger, I decided to resend it to all my Friends and add the Facebook Notes comment Nimfa posted about Chantelle's more recent visit to her Christian optometrist.

Let's all continue to share the pure Christian joy we witness in this beautiful Christian child, now a beautiful Christian lady.  Enjoy!

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Nehemiah 6 Recitation By Chantelle Gibbs - Amazing!
Posted in Facebook:  July 17, 2014 at 4:10pm

So often, on the TimesDaily Religion Forum and on other venues, I have read posts from atheists, agnostics, and other non-believers shouting that it is criminal to subject a child to Bible study and church.  They tell us, "Wait until the child is old enough - and let him/her make up their own mind!"

What they are really telling us is, "Leave your children with no knowledge of God's Word and vulnerable - so that we have a better chance of snaring them for our leader, Satan."  Sorry, my atheist Friends, but that will never happen!  As Christians, we protect our children - physically and spiritually.
 

Joshua 24:15, “And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell.  But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

How can a young person make a decision about life, when that person has never been prepared for life, through study.   That is rather like taking a young person who has never studied engineering - and asking him/her to design an advanced computer.   First, one prepares, or is prepared - and then one does the work for which he/she is prepared.  We Christian believers prepare our children to serve the Lord.  And, we praise God for that opportunity.

Since we, as adults - parents, grandparents, and God parents - know and understand that God is God, preexisting, perfect, and holy - wouldn't it be criminal if we do not teach our children about Him and His love for us?

Back in the mid to late 1990s, our church, the Filipino-American Church of Irvine (FACI), had what I still view as the perfect Bible studies.  I call them Family Bible Studies, for no one was excluded.  In our Friday Night Bible Studies, we often had as many as 30, 40, or more people there to study God's Word.   And, we had all ages, from toddler, to youth, to young adult, to mom and dad, grandma and grandpa - and all in between.

The kiddies sat on the floor in the middle, we adults sat on sofas and chairs - and Pastor Sam taught us.  Being a kid at heart, sometimes I also sat on the floor.  I will admit that Pastor Sam has always been very adept at keeping the young ones interested, while not boring we who were a wee bit older.  I have heard folks complaining that having children in the Bible studies with adults is distracting.  Not so when they are included.

So, what do we have?  We have youth hearing the Word of God, hearing our discussions, and most often able to be included in the discussions.  True, the toddlers cannot do that, but what they see is mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, and all their friends sharing love, the love of God, and Christian love for one another.  That image will always stay in their minds.  And, as they grow older, they, too, can join in when we read and discuss God's Word.  In a Family Bible Study of God's Word, nothing is wasted - not the love, not the lessons, not the memories.

From that large Bible study group we had in the late 1980s and into the 1990s, I was blessed to watch the young people grow in knowledge of God's Word.  And, I have been blessed to see them put that knowledge into action.   At least four of our young men from those studies have become Godly pastors and teachers, leading local fellowships.  All four married young ladies from our Family Bible Study groups - and are raising their own children up to be Godly children.  That is truly paying it forward.

Over the years, I have had the joy of watching all those young children who were in our FACI Bible study groups go on to lead positive Christian lives, virtually all of them in some way involved in ministry - from mission trips, to becoming missionaries, to being active in local Christian fellowships, to being pastors and pastors' wives, and so much more.

I have even had the joy of seeing my own granddaughter, who is now a junior at a wonderful Christian college, going on several mission trips.

As are told in Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he (she) should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it."

My reason for writing this article is my memories of a young child who was in our early Family Bible Studies - who is today a perfect example of what I have written.   One family who were regulars in our early Bible studies was my Christian sister, Nimfa Veneracion, and her two young daughters (shown in the photo below), Chantelle (left) and Gabrielle (right).  The photo below is how they looked during those 1990s Bible studies.  Several years ago, Nimfa posted a video of Chantelle doing a recitation at church.  At that time, Chantelle was still in high school or maybe just entering Biola University.  But, that video totally blew my mind.

For a long time, I have wanted to share the video with all my Friends, but in transitioning computers, newer operating systems, etc., somehow I could not find the video in my computer.  Recently I found it on Nimfa's Facebook page and, holding her previous permission from past years to still be active and valid - I want to share it today.

In this video, Chantelle is reciting, not reading, but reciting the full chapter of Nehemiah 6.   And, she does it so well that we get the feeling that Nehemiah is actually telling us the story himself.   This is an amazing Scripture recitation and performance and I pray that you enjoy it as much as I always have - every times I have watched it.

Nehemiah 6 @ Celebration - Chantelle Gibbs Recitation - Video
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=1059976421398&set=vb.1285550330&type=3&theater

My Friends, this family is a perfect example of paying it forward.   And, that is what Jesus Christ has instructed all Christian believers to do in His Great Commission:

Matthew 28:19, Acts 1:8, Mark 16:15, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you. . .  You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth. . . Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation."

There can be no greater example of the Great Commission - than seeing Chantelle Gibbs reciting Scripture in such an exciting and inspiring way.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

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The note below is from my Facebook Notes page.  It is a great example of the benefits of having Family Bible Studies which includes the little ones - for the little ones today, are the leaders tomorrow.  And, with leaders such as Chantelle andGabrielle have grown to be, America will be in good hands:

Bill Gray   Hi all,  Let me just take a moment and share with you the response below which was posted in Facebook.  Nimfa is the mother of Chantelle, and a long time Christian sister:

Nimfa V:   Awwww, thank you so much, Bill!!  This is so exciting and I only hope that it will inspire and move people to love God's Word. Chantelle is such an inspiration to so many people, and has inspired me personally to memorize. 

She digs into the Scripture with a journal at hand and write her insights and prayers.  Her writings are deep and intentional.

Just yesterday she was at our optometrist.  Dr Booth, after examining her eyes, asked her, "Chantelle, are you a believer and a lover of Christ?"

"Well, yes sir," she answered.  Dr. Booth then shared a verse and talked about Jesus walking on water.  She cried and was so blessed.

She loves the Word so much that every Bible she uses gets so worn out and pages falling out.  Her transformation, her beautiful heart, is magnified because of her love for Jesus.  Thank you, Bill.

Friends like this are part of the blessing of being adopted into the Family of God.  I pray that this also blesses you.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Is The Imminence Of Christ's Return Proven In Scripture?

In the Facebook group named "Rapture Discussion: Pretribulation, Posttribulation, or Prewrath?" - there seems to be a lot of reluctance toward accepting the Scriptural doctrine of Imminency.   Specifically, what or who are we saying is Imminent?  Looking at the whole End Times scenario - the Tribulation is not imminent, the Second Coming of Christ is not imminent, the Millennial Kingdom is not imminent, and final Eternity is not imminent.

"Bill, I have always been taught that the Second Coming of Christ is imminent.  And, now you tell me it is not?"

That is true, my Friend.  For all those events, anyone with Biblical knowledge can set a date for them to happen.  Once the Rapture occurs - I can tell you, give or take a few days or weeks - when the Tribulation will begin. Once the Rapture occurs - I can tell you the day when Christ will return in glory at His Second Coming.  Once the Rapture occurs - I can tell you when the Millennial Kingdom will begin and when it will end.  Once the Rapture occurs - I can tell you when we believers will go into eternity in the presence of God.

"Okay, Bill, so what is imminent?"  Glad you asked.  The major gating factor for all those events, drum role please ~ is the PreTribulational Rapture.  All of the Scripture verses and passages I will give you are really speaking of the timing of the Rapture.  For when that happens - all the rest of the events will follow like clockwork.

In the discussion yesterday in theFacebook group named "Rapture Discussion: Pretribulation, Posttribulation, or Prewrath?" - a member told me:

"Bill, you can't just go around making up doctrine and saying it's true even if not in Scripture.  You don't find imminence in the Bible, you don't find a HINT of imminence in the Bible, and you won't find imminence ALLUDED to in the Bible.  You have zero Scripture to base that nonsense on, so why bother even respond?"

 
Really?  First, I will show you that the doctrine of Imminency is absolutely in Scripture.  Then I ask you to explain why YOU will accept that the doctrine of the Trinity is taught in the Bible - even thought the word is not found in Scripture - yet, you will not accept the same Biblical proof of the doctrine of Imminency.

In Mark 13:4 the apostles ask Christ, "Tell us, when will these things be?  And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?"   And Jesus Christ tells them, in Mark 13:32, "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." 

In Mark 13 and in Matthew 24 Jesus is speaking of the coming Tribulation and of His Second Coming in glory, as the roaring Lion of Judah.  These Scripture passages are not speaking of the Rapture, but of His Second Coming.  However, if the Rapture is MidTrib, PreWrath, or PostTrib - everyone can know for years prior to the event, exactly when He will return.  For according to Daniel 9:27 the Tribulation clock starts ticking the moment the Antichrist and the nation Israel sign a seven year peace accord.

Does Jesus teach the Imminence of His Second Coming?  Absolutely.  The following Scripture passages show Jesus Himself teaching Imminence:

Matthew 24:36, "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only."

Matthew 24:42, "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming."

Matthew 24:44, "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."

Matthew 25:13, "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."

Mark 13:32-33, "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.  Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is."

Luke 12:40, "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."

 
And, in Acts 1:7 Luke tells us, "And He said to them, 'It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.'"

Let's look at 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 and what it teaches about the doctrine of Imminency.  

2 Thessalonians 2:1-2, "Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.

Here the apostle Paul is warning the church at Thessalonica not to entertain any teaching or teacher which offers a different Gospel or End Times prophecy which is different from what Paul had already taught them.  Like Paul, that is why I take the time to post on these group discussions - to show people the Scriptural truth about the Rapture and the Imminence of His Second Coming.    

 
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, "Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day (the Day of the Lord, i.e., the End Times) will not come unless the falling away (apostasy) comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God." 

Paul is teaching that the Day of the Lord (the seven year Tribulation period, followed by His Second Coming) has gating factors:  First, the apostasy or falling away - Then the Antichrist is revealed -  And after 3 1/2 years the Antichrist will sit upon the throne in the temple, declaring himself to be God. 

It is obvious that Mark 13 and Matthew 24 are describing the Day of the Lord, i.e., the End Times - and according to Revelation 3:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:9, and 1 Thessalonians 1:10 - the church will already have been raptured.  We will NOT experience the wrath of God nor the "hour of testing" which will come upon the earth during the seven year Tribulation.    

 
2 Thessalonians 2:5-10, "Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?  And now you know what (Who) is restraining, that he (Antichrist) may be revealed in his own time.  For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way (the church is removed via the Rapture).  And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.  The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved."

Here Paul is teaching that before the Tribulation, through the church's (the body of believers) work on earth the Holy Spirit is restraining Satan's evil spirits and the coming of his Antichrist, the lawless one.  But when the church is raptured from earth, the working of the Holy Spirit through the church will be taken out - and for a while there will be no one left on earth to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with non-believers and to point them toward Christ. 

For a time during the Tribulation the working of the Holy Spirit will be gone from earth - for the church will be gone from earth.  The Holy Spirit will still be on earth - for He is omnipresent (all places present).  But His influence which is now shown through the church will be gone.  After that God will raise up His 144,000 Jewish evangelists to share His Word.  And a great number, too large to count (Revelation 7:9), will be saved, i.e., the Tribulation saints.  

 
2 Thessalonians 2:11-12, "And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness."

And, believe it or not, here Paul begins to teach about those who would bring erroneous theologies, erroneous teachings, into the church.  That, because they have blocked their ears to His Truth, God allows them to believe lies and delusions.

2 Timothy 4:3-4, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths."

 
Doesn't that sound somewhat like those who teach an unBiblical MidTrib, PreWrath, or PostTrib Rapture?  No, I am not saying that our brethren who believe and teach those erroneous Rapture scenarios will be condemned - for ALL who have put their faith in Jesus Christ are saved. 

But what I am saying is that, when the PreTrib Rapture does occur - there will be many with shocked looks on their faces on the way UP!  For they were waiting for a MidTrib, PreWrath, or PostTrib Rapture - and suddenly they are on the UP escalator into heaven!  Regardless of which Rapture scenario one believes - we will ALL be happy to meet the Lord in the air and to have Him personally usher us all into our heavenly home.

In conclusion let me share a short video with you.  In this short video, Dr. Chuck Missler gives a solid presentation of a PreTrib Rapture of the church, validating the Imminence of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Chuck Missler, graduate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis - Branch Chief of the Air Force Department of Guided Missiles - senior engineer at  TRW - senior analyst with a non-profit think tank conducting projects for the intelligence community and the Department of Defense.  During that time, Chuck earned a master’s degree in engineering at UCLA, supplementing previous graduate work in applied mathematics, advanced statistics, and information sciences.

As a child he developed an intense interest in the Bible - studying it became a favorite pastime.  In the 1970s, while still in the corporate world, Missler began leading weekly Bible studies at the 30,000-member Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, California.  Through Doug Wetmore, head of the tape ministry of Firefighters for Christ, over 7 million copies of Missler's taped Bible studies are scattered throughout the world. 

The Doctrine of Imminence - Chuck Missler (11 minutes) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79QjC4KLAEE

My advise to all believers is that we should stop bickering over which Rapture scenario is correct, for Christ has that all worked out.  We know that regardless of which scenario we champion, that does not, in any way, affect our salvation. 

However, should we stop discussing End Times prophecy?  No way!  There is no discussion of Biblical issues which is wasted.  There are several reasons that we should be in personal study of the Word of God daily and in active group discussions of Scripture, i.e., corporate Bible studies, at the least, weekly. 

The main reason:  God speaks to us individually and corporately through His Word, the Bible.  The next reason: As we consistently study Scripture, we mature in our knowledge of God and His Word - empowering us to take His Gospel to the fallen world.  And, a great reason to have such Bible discussions, even when we disagree - is that this should motivate us to personally dig deeper into His Word so that we may know His Truths.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Can God Repent?

Discussions on Facebook and on forums such as the TimesDaily Religion Forum, where I posted for seven years, can at times become "spitting contests" - and yet they can still often be very beneficial. 

I have a long time Friend and Christian brother who has said to me, "Bill, what benefit can you get from arguing with people on an open forum or social network?  Most of them are atheists and just want to denigrate God and our Christian faith!"

Well, first, even though there are a lot of atheists, agnostics, and just plain old vanilla-flavored non-believers on these forums - there are also believers, both new and mature, and there are also folks who are seeking - with feelings that they need to surrender their lives to God, but often still with questions and still not quite ready to walk the aisle at an altar call - or even respond to a one-on-one witness.

And there are sincere Christian brethren who are mired in liberal theology churches, or in legalistic theology churches - who will dispute many of our conservative Christian beliefs and doctrines. 

"So, Bill, what benefit can come from you arguing with those in liberal or legalistic theology churches, or with atheists, agnostics, and non-believers?"

Glad you asked.   First, let me assure you that I am not "arguing" for the sake of arguing with these folks.  I hate disagreements and arguments.  I prefer to say I am refuting (Acts 17:11) false beliefs, teachings, or premises which they have thrown out for all to read.  That is called "apologetics."  

And, there are two people who can, prayerfully, benefit from my discussions with these folks.  The first I pray are those folks who are seeking, with feelings that they need to surrender their lives to God, but often still with questions and are still not quite ready to walk the aisle at an altar call - and also those brothers and sisters who are preparing to do one-on-one witnessing to those dear seekers.

The other person who benefitsfrom these discussion is me.  Yes, each time I respond to a false or erroneous premise which has been presented - I have to do my homework to make sure I am giving a truly Biblical response.  

I have often said that the best way to learn a subject is to teach it.  In 1957, in the Air Force, my commanding officer made me a "voluntary" instructor on our F-86 airborne radar/weapons fire control system.  Why?  Because out of about 100 airmen in our wing who took that career field annual test, only 7 of us passed. 

So, our commanding officer announced that we were starting a new training class - and that we had 7 "volunteer" instructors.  I had to study each night just to stay ahead of the class.   That same approach also applies to doing apologetic writing, frequently I learn as I am responding.

With that introduction, let me share with you an abbreviated dialogue which has been on the Facebook "Christian Life And Thought" group for the past week.  A group member, Elsie, began this dialogue on October 5th, with this initial post (which also has been abbreviated):

Elsie:  Repentance is Necessary for Salvation!   It is true that there are numerous Bible verses that speak of the promise of salvation, with no mention of repentance.  These merely say to "believe" on Jesus Christ and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9).  

However, the Bible makes it clear that God is holy and man is sinful, and that sin makes a separation between the two (Isaiah 59:1,2).  Without repentance from sin, wicked men cannot have fellowship with a holy God.  We are dead in our trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1) and until we forsake them through repentance, we cannot be made alive in Christ.

Bill Gray:   Hi Elsie, I know that our brethren in the Free Grace Movement believe that repentance is not a part of salvation - that through believing only we are saved.  They relate repentance to being works, like baptism.  To me, baptism is a physical thing we do after we are saved. 

But repentance is not a physical thing.  Instead it is a change within us, a spiritual change, when we believe and receive Him as Lord and Savior.  To say that we can believe without an inner repentance - is like saying we can breathe - but we do not need oxygen.  They go together like ham and eggs.  My thoughts.  God bless, Bill

Then a brother from England, Stephen, came into the discussion with two surprising thoughts.  In the running dialogue below, I make the following assertion, "Keep in mind that God is immutable, that God never changes, that God is perfect in all ways.  And, He needs to repent?  Really?"  (Read in context of the following discussion).

And, Stephen responds,"Its not possible to prove a negative.  Bill. its just not there."

In all the years I have been having apologetic discussions on forums, only atheists have tossed out that challenge to me.   I have often had non-believers, especially atheists, use that approach to deny the supernatural aspect of God and our Christian faith:  "Bill, its not possible to prove a negative" - which is what they claim we are doing when we present the preexisting, supernatural nature of God.   

The second point from Stephen which rather surprised me is that he is quoting from theYoung's Literal Translation Bible, a translation of the Bible into English, published in 1862.  I am not saying he is using a wrong translation, just that in all the years I have been jostling with folks on forums - I have never had a person use that translation to refute me.   King James, yes ~ New King James, yes ~ NASB, NIV, ESV, and such, yes.  But never before the YLT (Young's Literal Translation).  

But that is beside the point, for all translations (but not paraphrases such as the Message) are from God and whichever translation best helps a person study and understand God's Word - is a good translation.

Now we can get to the portion of the"Christian Life And Thought" group discussion which inspired me to write this blog:

Stephen:   Repentance is "an after-thought."   It means to "think again."   To "think afterwards."   And of course this does not automatically lead to a change of behaviour (or) Conversion.   One cannot assume it means to give up sin.   Because God repented!

Bill Gray:   Hi Stephen, To repent means that one has done something wrong or sinful.  What has God ever done that He would need to repent?  Can you share Scripture proving your statement?   Keep in mind that God is immutable, that God never changes, that God is perfect in all ways.  And, He needs to repent? Really?  God bless, Bill

Stephen:    Its not possible to prove a negative.  Bill. its just not there.

Stephen:    Jonah 3:9-10 (YLT), "Who knoweth?  He doth turn back, and God hath repented, and hath turned back from the heat of His anger.   And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them."

Amos 7:6 (YLT), ."The LORD repented for this:  This also shall not be, saith the Lord GOD.  .  . The LORD repented for this: This also shall not be, said the Lord GOD"

Stephen, since you prefer a translation which goes back to 1862, I will begin with a Bible commentary which also dates back to about that time:

Jonah Commentary - by A. R. Fausset:

Jonah 3:1-10:  "Jonah's second commission to Nineveh: the Ninevites repent of their evil way: so God repents of the evil threatened."

10. God repented of the evil  -  When the message was sent to them, they were so ripe for (the) judgment that a purpose of destruction to take effect in forty days was the only word God's righteous abhorrence of sin admitted of as to them.  But when they repented, the position in which they stood towards God's righteousness was altered. 

So God's mode of dealing with them must alter accordingly - if God is not to be inconsistent with His own immutable character of dealing with men according to their works and state of heart - taking vengeance at last on the hardened impenitent - and delighting to show mercy on the penitent.

Compare Abraham's reasoning, (Gen 18:25, Eze 18:21-25, Jer 18:7-10).  What was really a change in them and in God's corresponding dealings is, in condescension to human conceptions, represented as a change in God (compare Exd 32:14 ), who, in His essential righteousness and mercy, changeth not (Num 23:19, 1Sa 15:29, Mal 3:6, Jam 1:17 ).

I don't believe anyone explains the meaning of Jonah 3:10 better than the late Dr. J. Vernon McGee, a highly recognized Bible teacher and pastor.  So, without a lot of repetition from me regarding the Immutable attribute of God, let me share this short audio recording of Dr. McGee explaining it in his wonderful, down to earth way:

Dr. J. Vernon McGee, Audio Commentary on Jonah 3:10: http://www.blbclassic.org/audio_video/asxgen/?AuthorID=24&commInfo=35&SectionID=32&ID=6893&t=a

Stephen, my Friend, I am happy we have taken the time to discuss repentance and the immutability of God.  I pray we will have more fruitful dialogues.

And, I pray that this dialogue has been useful to all my other Friends, that it adds to your arsenal of Scripture knowledge which will be helpful when you are called upon to defend God's Word and our Christian faith to an unbelieving world.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

The Star Spangled Banner Lyrics And Their Meanings

The Liberal Left is continuing to share false and fake information in an attempt to support Colin Kaepernick and all the athletes who are spitting on the American flag, the American National Anthem, and all the brave Americans who have served and died defending that flag and our freedoms.

Recently I watched a video created by some group called "Unstripped Voice" and posted by a young man on Facebook.  The video begins with Colin attempting to justify his anger at the America which made him a rich man for playing a game.  The poor soul - being forced to play a game and earn millions of dollars doing it.

This video shares one falsehood after another - starting with the reason for the War of 1812, when the National Anthem was written.   The video was "Reality Check with Ben Swann."  In the video this commentator states that the War of 1812 was fought because America was attempting to take Canada from Britain. 

FALSE.

The immediate causes of the War of 1812 were a series of economic sanctions taken by the British and French against the US as part of the Napoleonic Wars and American outrage at the British practice of impressment (the British capturing American sailors and forcing them into service in the British Navy, especially after the Chesapeake incident of 1807.  

In response to the 1806 British Orders in Council, which crippled American trade, the US (under Jefferson) first tried various retaliatory embargoes.  These embargoes hurt the US far more than they did Britain, angering American citizens and providing support to War Hawks in Congress like Henry Clay.   In 1812, with President Madison in office, Congress declared war against the British.   (The War of 1812 [1809-1815] - http://www.sparknotes.com/history/american/warof1812/summary.html)

And another attempt to create fake facts was when the commentator tells us that the lyrics in verse 3 which says "No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave"- was speaking of black slaves. 

FALSE.

What did that part of verse 3 really mean?   You will read this below when you read all the National Anthem verses and explanations of what was truly meant in those words written by Francis Scott Key.  But, here let me give you a preview at the true meaning of those contested words:

● The Star Spangled Banner lyrics "the hireling " refers to the British use of Mercenaries (German Hessians) in the American War of Independence

● The Star Spangled Banner lyrics "...and slave" is a direct reference to the British practice of Impressment (kidnapping American seamen and forcing them into service on British man-of war ships). This was a Important cause of the War of 1812

Below are the full lyrics of the National Anthem and an explanation of each verse:

The Star Spangled Banner Lyrics and Meanings
Star Spangled Banner Lyrics - By Linda Alchin
http://www.american-historama.org/1801-1828-evolution/star-spangled-banner-lyrics.htm

Star Spangled Banner Lyrics Verse 1

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Meaning of Star Spangled Banner Lyrics Verse 1

● The flag that flew over the fort was enormous. The commander of Fort Henry, Important George Armistead had commissioned Mary Pickersgill to make "a flag so large that the British would have no difficulty seeing it from a distance"
● The flag could be seen from several miles away and Francis Scott Key was saying that it could be seen in the last light before nightfall and the first light at dawn
● The 'perilous fight' was the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812
● The Star Spangled Banner was streaming over the ramparts (battlements) of the fort
● The "rocket's red glare" and the "bombs bursting" used alliteration to describe the cannon fire pounding from the British navy and the cannons firing from the fort (one of the ships was armed with a rocket launcher)
● The angry red glow from the cannon fire enabled Americans to see their Star Spangled Banner was still flying - the British had not captured the fort and hoisted the Union Jack
● The Star Spangled Banner was waving over the 'land of the free' - a reference to the fight for Independence that had resulted in freedom from the tyranny of the British
● The 'home of the brave' lyrics reflect the heroic exploits of Americans to defend their country
● The War of 1812 was popularly known as the 'Second War for Independence'

Star Spangled Banner Lyrics Verse 2

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Meaning of Star Spangled Banner Lyrics Verse 2

● Francis Scott Key was describing the perspective from the land as American looked out to hazy images of the British ships
● The 'foe's haughty host' lyrics describe the vessels of the arrogant British
● The lyrics 'dread silence reposes' express the view of the ships that look quiet and still as if resting, but are actually a hive of terrifying activity
● Francis Scott Key describes the high vertical position of the flag over Fort Henry in the lyrics 'o'er the towering steep' and the movement of the flag blowing in the wind, concealing then revealing the Star Spangled Banner
● The sun comes out and clearly shines on the Star Spangled Banner, 'in full glory' lyrics express the grandeur of the flag and a religious connotation
● Francis Scott Key almost makes the Star Spangled Banner lyrics 'cheer' using the patriotic words "Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave. O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"

Star Spangled Banner Lyrics Verse 3

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Meaning of Star Spangled Banner Lyrics Verse 3

● Francis Scott Key describes the British as arrogant and boastful in the lyrics 'that band who so vauntingly swore'
● He is venting his anger at the British with the "foul footsteps' pollution" lyrics inferring that the British poisoned the ground on which they walked
● But the poison and corruption had been washed away by the blood of the British
● The Star Spangled Banner lyrics "the hireling " refers to the British use of Mercenaries (German Hessians) in the American War of Independence
● The Star Spangled Banner lyrics "...and slave" is a direct reference to the British practice of Impressment (kidnapping American seamen and forcing them into service on British man-of war ships). This was a Important cause of the War of 1812
● Francis Scott Key then describes the Star Spangled Banner as a symbol of triumph over all adversity

Star Spangled Banner Lyrics Verse 4

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Meaning of Star Spangled Banner Lyrics Verse 4

● Pride and Patriotism is the theme of the last verse
● Francis Scott Key uses emotive words such as 'freeman', 'home', 'blest', 'victory', 'triumph', 'conquer' and 'peace' in the Star Spangled Banner lyrics
● He was a deeply religious man and his words reflect his belief that God was on the side of the Americans
● He refers to the American nation and fighting for a just cause
● The words "In God is our trust" combines the concepts of religion and patriotism and are believed to be the origin of the official motto of the United States "In God we trust". The unofficial motto of 'E pluribus unum' which was adopted when the Great Seal of the United States was created in 1782

I  pray this gives you a better understanding of OUR National Anthem, the flag which it honors, and the men who have fought and died to protect it and our freedom - going back to the War of 1812 when the song was written to honor the brave men at Fort McHenry in Baltimore who withstood the British invasion and keep Old Glory flying.

God bless America, our nation and our people,

Bill