A Tale Of Two Bibles ~ And A Gift Of Love!

THIS IS A TALE OF TWO BIBLES ~ AND A GIFT OF LOVE!   In 1987 I was led to the Filipino-American Church of Irvine (FACI) in Orange County, California.  In hindsight I see that it was the Holy Spirit leading a man lost in the world - into the Light of God.  Through the Pinoy love of God I experienced in the FACI fellowship family and especially in my first six months in their Bible studies, my eyes were opened and I became a Christ follower, a Christian. 

Once I became a believer, I began to read my Bible, alternating between the Old Testament and the New Testament - until I hit a brick wall.  At Bible study one Friday evening I told Pastor Sam Lacanienta, "I have been doing well until I hit the book of Romans.   I cannot make sense of it.  It is like butting my head against a wall."  He asked to see my Bible.  When I started attending the Bible studies, I brought the only Bible I had - a King James Bible given to me by Mormon visitors years before. 

Pastor Sam and the Fil-Am church were prepared for such possible problems.  They had a supply of new Study Bibles available.  That night he gave both Dory and me a new NASB Harper's Study Bible published by Zondervan.  For the past 32 years that has been my go-to Bible carrying me through many, many Bible studies, Sunday School classes, and worship services - and has been my main tool in the Christian writing ministry God gave me over 30 years ago.  Since my NASB Study Bible is now over 30 years old, it is getting a wee bit worn and old, but it still works for me.  When I go to church or Bible study, I always carry a notebook with me to use as a platform where I can lay my Bible.  Otherwise it may start to fall apart.

Years later Dory gifted her NASB Harper's Study Bible to a friend who was Roman Catholic, but had joined a Bible study group near her home.

A simple solution would be for me to buy a new Study Bible.  But unfortunately the Harper's NASB Study Bible has been out of print for about 25 years.  Next solution, buy a new Study Bible which is similar in quality, both print and study notes, to my current Bible.   But, sad to say, the only decent Christian bookstore in our area, the Berean Christian Bookstore in Riverside, was purchased by the Southern Baptist Convention - and closed.  It seems the SBC bought out many Christian bookstores - and in 2019 decided to close all of them.  Doesn't seem to be the Holy Spirit working, does it?

Someone suggested I go online to purchase a new Study Bible.  But that is not feasible for several reasons.  To buy a Bible online, I cannot be sure if the text, and even more important, the study notes, will enhance my studies.  I needed a Bible much like the one I have been using all my Christian life, but where to find one now?  There are pitfalls, even when buying a Bible in a Christian bookstore.

About 25 years ago I went to buy a Study Bible for a friend, Mary, who Dory and I had been inviting to church.  I found a beautiful Bible.  But when I opened it I found that the people who wrote the study notes were very undesirable - Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, and others from the "Name It And Claim It" Prosperity Gospel gang.  I put that beautiful Bible aside and found one that was not as attractive on the outside, but had great study notes inside.  I bought that one for our friend, Mary. 

Now I faced a similar dilemma.  Where do I buy a new Study Bible, NASB or NKJV, for myself?  The only decent Christian bookstores in our area are in some of the larger churches, i.e., Harvest International, etc. - but they are only open during Sunday church hours - when I am at my church.  What to do? 

Then I remembered that circa 2000 I saw a new Christian sister, Rachel Quintans in our Fil-Am Church of Corona (now CICF), who had the same Harper's NASB Study Bible as mine.  It had been gifted to her by our mutual Friend and Christian sister, Jean Fabian, who had been in the FACI church and Bible studies when I was saved in 1987.   She and Rachel were co-workers at a hospital in Orange County and she had gifted the Bible to Rachel.

Seeing Rachel in Bible studies over the past year or so, I noticed that she is using her digital Bible instead of the old fashioned paper Bible.   I wondered if she would want to sell the paper Bible?

I sent an e-mail:

Hi Rachel,  When we were all at CICF (back in the good old days), you had a Bible just like mine - "Harper Study Bible, New American Standard Bible" - published by Zondervan.   You told me that Jean Fabian had given it to you.  If you still have that Bible and are not using it, I would love to buy it from you.  My copy is over 30 years old and has been my go-to Bible all those years - and it is starting to show its age (not me, but my Bible).  Unfortunately that one has been out of print for many years.

I have been looking for a new Study Bible (NASB or NKJV) - but since the Southern Baptist bought and closed the Berean Christian bookstore in our neighborhood - I am having a hard time finding one that fits my needs.  Please let me know if you still have your copy, are not using it, and would be willing to sell it to me.   My love to you and all the Quintans Clan.

Rachel responded:

Hi Bro Bill – I still have it!  I do not use it as often as I should.  I usually use my digital bible via my cell phone.  It is my first Bible, but there is no one I would rather have it than YOU!   You can have it, no need to purchase it.

On Monday, November 25, 2019, my dear Christian sister, Rachel Quintans, came to our home and presented me with my new, almost new, much newer that my 30 year old -  Harper's NASB Study Bible.   Yes, I am a very happy camper!  I cannot express how much this new Bible means to me.

Circa 1999-2000, Rachel, her husband, Jun, and their two boys, Nash and Michael, were saved in our fellowship at the Fil-Am Church of Corona (now CICF).  And over the years Dory and I have worshiped with, done Bible study and Sunday School with, and been so blessed to have the whole Quintans clan as our Christian brethren.  One of our biggest thrills was to see their eldest son, John Nash, become an associate pastor at one of our local Fil-Am churches in Corona, while he is completing his studies in seminary.

So that is my tale of Two Bibles.  One which has served me well for almost 32 years ~ and now a virtually new duplicate which I pray will be serving me for another 32 years.  No laughing!  I do not intend to give up easily - unless I see Jesus Christ coming in the PreTrib Rapture before my next 32 years have come and gone.

Thank you, Lord, for my many Christian brethren, especially Sister Rachel Quintans and all the Quintans Clan.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Click on the image to enlarge:

Who Are The Two Witnesses Of Revelation 11?

Often I have written that all believers should have a clear understanding of their own personal Statement of Faith, i.e., that they clearly understand how we are saved and why "they" are saved.  That is just foundational for being a good witness of our faith, as Jesus Christ commands us in His Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, Mark 16:15).

I have known believers who have told me, "I don't care about all those details.  I am just concerned that I am a Christian believer and that I am saved.  I just want to hear the sermon and then go on about my week."  My question to them is, "If you do not understand what determines your salvation - how do you know that you are saved?"

I have a good Friend who has been a Christian brother for at least thirty years.  Yet a while back, in a Bible study, the pastor raised questions which made him question if he was truly a real believer.  My suggestion to him was to stop only listening to sermons, and concentrate on personally studying and knowing the Biblical doctrines which define our faith and the Gospel.  That way he would not have those doubts.

And as I have often written, the Biblical doctrines which define our faith can be viewed on two levels:   (1) Those Essential Biblical Doctrines which are the foundation of our faith and which without them we are not saved, and (2) those Non-Essential Biblical Doctrines, which while not affecting our salvation are key to our fuller overall understanding of Scripture - which can only add to our sense of Eternal Security in Christ and our effectiveness as witnesses for Christ.

Eschatology, a study of the End Times Prophecies, is one of those Non-Essential Biblical Doctrines or teachings.     Yet, even though our beliefs on eschatology do not affect our salvation, a solid Bible-based understanding of the End Times most certainly will affect our sense of eternal security.  Typically we who delve into a deeper study of the End Times find that the questions we receive often key on several major points of discussion:  (1) When will the Rapture happen, (2) when will the Second Coming of Christ happen, and (3) who are the Two Witnesses of Revelation 11?

Long ago I defined myself as a Dispensationalist, one who personally holds a "Dispensational View" of those issues.  To reiterate, I believe in a PreTribulation Rapture of the church and a PreMillennial Second Coming of Christ.  I believe that is the only Biblical scenario which fits with the Doctrine of Imminency as defined by Christ (Matthew 24:36-44, Luke 12:35-40). 

But who will be the Two Witnesses prophesied in Revelation 11? 

Previously I have thought it to be Moses and Elijah, representing the Law (Moses) and Prophecy (Elijah).  Also because they appeared with Christ at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9). 

However, reading from The Revelation Record, written by Dr. Henry M. Morris, founder of the Institute for Creation Research, and published by Tyndale House Publishers in 1983, an excellent verse by verse commentary on the book of Revelation - I have had to rethink and possibly revise my thinking on this issue.  In his commentary Dr. Morris presents solid evidence that the Two Witnesses will be Elijah and Enoch, the only two men to be taken into heaven without tasting death.

Rather than me repeating what he has written so well, I offer this excerpt from that commentary.  After the excerpt I will give you the link to be able to read the full book online.  I use the online version as a copy/paste source in my writings to avoid typo errors, but find that I like reading the hard copy in my personal library for my studies:

The Revelation Record, Pages 194-195 (Page 78 on web site)
Dr. Henry M. Morris, Institute for Creation Research http://thebookofrevelationartist.com/Page_78_GIHK.php

Revelation 11:3, "And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth."

The mighty angel appears suddenly to change the subject, speaking of “my two witnesses.”  The assertion that these two witnesses are peculiarly His witnesses is further proof that the angel is Christ.  Furthermore their witness was to be in the form of prophecy.  They were true prophets, speaking by divine revelation under the authority of Christ, and the duration of their prophetic testimony was set at 1260 days, corresponding to forty-two months of thirty days, or three-and-a-half years.  .  .  .

The identity of the two witnesses has been a matter of much speculation.  Many have suggested that they represent the Law and the Prophets, but both the narrative and the context show clearly that they are real men who speak and perform miracles and then die and rise again. 

Many commentators conclude that they are two great future prophets whom God calls in the last days but whose names are unimportant and therefore unrevealed.  This is a possibility, but seems unlikely in view of Christ’s special identification of them as “my” witnesses, as though they were somehow known to Him and serving Him long before.  The reference to Zechariah’s prophecy of the olive trees and candlesticks (Revelation 11:4) suggests the same.

That they are men, however, and not angels is obvious from the fact that they die.  The most likely conclusion is that they are two of God’s faithful witnesses from former ages, sent back to witness again in the final age.  .  .  .

Elijah was taken into heaven without dying (2 Kings 2:11).  God must have had a reason for such a remarkable action; Elijah was no more deserving of such a privilege than many other saints before and since.  Evidently, God had a ministry for Elijah which required that he still remain living in his natural body.  There he has remained ever since, awaiting the time at the end of the age when he would return to earth to complete his prophetic mission to the people of Israel just “before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.”

But if Elijah is one of the witnesses, who is the other?  The majority of commentators believe it is Moses, primarily because Moses appeared with Elijah on the mount of transfiguration (Matthew 17:3), and also because both Moses and Elijah had called forth miracles from heaven in the form of plagues on God’s enemies and could effectively represent both the Law and the Prophets.

However, there do seem to be serious problems with this solution.  Moses was not taken into heaven as Elijah was, but died and was buried (Deuteronomy 34:5, 6).  The appearance of Moses with Elijah on the mountain was not an actual physical descent from heaven but was merely a “vision” (Matthew 17:9, "Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead").  Despite the mysterious reference to Michael’s dispute with Satan over Moses’ body (Jude 9), it is likely that Moses’ spirit, like all others who died before Calvary, was in Sheol, at least until the time of Christ’s resurrection.

The greatest problem, however, with the assumption that Moses is one of the witnesses is that this would mean Moses would die twice, which would contradict Hebrews 9:27: “It is appointed unto men once to die.”  Furthermore, both Moses and Elijah were prophets to Israel, whereas the two witnesses of Revelation 11 are prophets of judgment to the whole world, both Jew and Gentile.

Bill Gray Note:  Yet we know from that Lazarus, brother of Mary and Martha, died twice.   John 11:43-44, "Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come forth!'  And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with grave clothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, 'Loose him, and let him go.' "  So, since Lazarus obviously died twice, could not God have done the same with Moses?

All of these considerations point clearly to the great antediluvian patriarch Enoch as the second of the two witnesses.  Enoch is the only other man in all human history, besides Elijah, who was taken directly into heaven in his natural body without dying.  “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death” (Hebrews 11:5).  Neither he nor Elijah were given immortal bodies when they were translated however, because it was necessary for Christ first to die for their sins and rise again.  “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming” (1 Corinthians 15:22, 23).

Thus Enoch and Elijah have been waiting in heaven in their natural bodies through all the intervening ages since their respective translations.  Therefore, although we cannot be absolutely certain, it does seem most probable that these are Christ’s two witnesses, sent to earth again in the last days to complete their prophetic testimonies to an ungodly world just before Christ returns. 

Enoch’s testimony, given to the antediluvians (Pre-Noahic flood population), could well be the essence of his message to the world in the tribulation period: “Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him” (Jude 14, 15).

Enoch and Elijah are uniquely appropriate selections for this peculiar ministry in the last days.  For approximately the first 2,000 years of human history (Adam to Abraham), God was dealing with the world of mankind as a whole.  For approximately the second 2,000 years of history (Abraham to Christ), He was dealing primarily with the chosen nation Israel. 

It is significant that Enoch’s prophetic ministry was to the first group and that he preached and was translated during about the middle of the “Gentile” (or “nations”) epoch of history.  Elijah’s ministry was to Israel, and he preached and was translated at about the middle of the period from Abraham to Calvary.

Bill Gray Note:  Enoch prophesied to all people before Noah's Flood for 2000 years (Adam to Abraham).   Elijah prophesied to the Jewish nation for 2000 years (Abraham to Christ) after Noah's Flood.

The third major period of history is the Church Age, also about 2,000 years in duration, during which the members of Christ’s Church, through the prophetic written Word, preach to both Jews and Gentiles.  This age is terminated by the rapture of the Church. 

During the tribulation, with the Church no longer on earth, God will send back His two greatest prophets of the two former ages (Enoch and Elijah) to renew and to complete their respective testimonies to Gentiles and Jews, proclaiming to the whole ungodly world the mighty judgments of God.  After living in their natural flesh in heaven for an average of over three-and-a-half thousand years, they will preach again on earth for a final three-and-a-half years, and then finally be put to death for three-and-a-half days.

As we can see, there is no way to absolutely say whether the Two Witnesses are Moses and Elijah or Enoch and Elijah.  Does it really matter and will this affect our salvation?  No, but doesn't this intrigue you, make you want to dig deeper into Scripture to learn more?  For me, that is the purpose of Bible study, to encourage all of us to dig deeper into the Bible, including the Non-Essential Biblical Doctrines.

I realize that not all believers will wander through the books of prophecy, especially the book of Revelation, and may still contend, "I don't care about all those details.  I am just concerned that I am a Christian believer and that I am saved."

But, you would not begin reading a great novel, or watching an exciting movie - and just close the book or walk out of the theater in the middle without knowing how the story ends, would you?  That would leave you hanging, wondering, "How did it end?"
   
And since "This Is Your Life" - aren't you interested in knowing how it ends, what comes next, and if YOU will win or lose?  You should know that you have eternal salvation, but what does that mean?  That is why studying the Non-Essential Biblical Doctrines and teachings should be a part of your Christian knowledge.  Personally, I find comfort and security in KNOWING how the story ends.

As promised, this is the link to the home page and full access to the book "The Revelation Record."  I pray that you will find this closing book of our Bible exciting and that you will be so intrigued that you will continue to study Eschatology, prophecies of how OUR story ends - and the eternal life begins.

The Revelation Record,  By Dr. Henry M. Morris, A Scientific and Devotional Commentary on the Book of Revelation http://thebookofrevelationartist.com/Home_Page.php

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Click on the image to enlarge:

Starting A New Bible Study?

RECENTLY A CHRISTIAN BROTHER, Danny Fernandez, and I were talking and he said that he would like to see how I would lead a Bible study.  Leading a Bible study can be broken into two very important parts:  First, in the initial meeting of a new study group, we should talk about the foundation of our Christian faith.  We will want to make sure we are all on the same page regarding doctrines which affect our eternal salvation.  

Second, in the next meeting we should begin an interactive discussion style expository Bible study through a chosen book of the Bible.

Is your church or study group getting ready to start a new Bible study or Sunday School class?  If this is a new group study, I would like to suggest affirming a strong foundation in doctrinal teachings, really understanding what your church believes and teaches (their Statement of Faith), and knowing your own personal Statement of Faith. 

To help you accomplish that, I suggest watching the three short videos below:  The first video is "Leading a Small Group Discussion," a 4 minute video by Ross Anderson of PursueGod.org.  The second is a video I created from my PowerPoint discussion titled "Bible Study: Essential Christian Doctrines."  And the third video is from a second PowerPoint discussion and is titled "Bible Study: Non-Essential Christian Doctrines."  In my Friends Ministry eNewsletter I have attached the two PowerPoint discussions.  Also, for your convenience, I have attached the supporting Word documents which can be printed and used for class notes.

Note:  For Friends who are reading this blog on Facebook or on the Bill & Dory Gray Christian Ministries blog site, those documents cannot be attached. However for anyone who wants them, if you will Message me your e-mail address I will be happy to send them to you.

Every believer should make it a goal to be able to put your own personal Statement of Faith in writing and test that against Scripture.  Acts 17:11 applies whether you are hearing a message, being led in a Bible study, or doing your own personal study.  Test that message or study against Scripture.  It can only strengthen your faith, to be able to articulate clearly and effectively what you believe and why you hold those beliefs.

In that second meeting your group should choose which book of the Bible you will study and then venture into that book in an indepth study.  New studies often start with the book of John which is foundational to our faith, but that is up to the group.   Let me suggest a way of viewing Scripture:  Genesis - John - Revelation.  

Genesis tells us of the beginning and how we and our universe came into being. 

Revelation tells us where we are going, revealing what is going to happen one day which will usher us into eternity, into God's presence - or into a place void of God's love, aka, hell. 

The Gospel of John sits between the books of Genesis and Revelation, telling us God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay our sin debt to Him and to offer all who will believe and receive Him as Lord and Savior, a free ticket on the Glory Train into eternity.

All the other books of the Bible build upon and support the foundation laid by those three books.

Whichever book your group chooses to study, I suggest you consider taking a verse-by-verse expository walk through that book, stopping along the way for discussions of the verses or group of verses.  That way no one gets left behind in their understanding of God's Word.  Keep in mind, it is more important to have everyone in the group well grounded in the Scripture passage or book you are studying - than to see how many verses you can "get through, or out of the way, in one night."   A good Bible study should never be a race for closure - but a mining for knowledge.

I have been in Bible studies where we covered a full chapter in one sitting - and I have been in Bible studies where some evenings we have discussed our way through only a few verses.  The number of verses is not important.  What is important is that you, as a group, have discussed, chewed on, and have a better understanding of what God's Word is teaching us.

In the mid-1980s, Dory and I were in a study of John led by a Bible study leader also named Bill.  The first night we only made it through three verses.  But I promise you, everyone in our group left with a good understanding of those three verses.  A successful Bible study should not be measured by how many verses you make it through - but did all in attendance leave with a good understanding of the verses you did study and discuss?

Please feel free to use these videos and study notes in any way that will benefit you, your church group, and your friends.  I only ask that you do not modify any of the material.  If you believe you see an error, let me know and I will definitely take a serious look at it and make any necessary corrections.

New Bible Study Playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiKSbPLiklU&list=PL_YT3Rttutri61xd6wmbOD7y0uibrt8KD

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Click on the image to enlarge:

 

 

Can You Relate To What This Man Is Saying?

CAN YOU RELATE TO WHAT THIS MAN IS SAYING?  ~ I can, for what he is saying in his videos and podcasts reverberates with me, I can relate to what he is saying.  Like him I am not a pastor, not a teacher, not a theologian.  I am a Christian who has been studying the Bible for 32 years and began to do apologetic writing about 30 years ago.

While this man speaks to you in his videos and podcasts about the war society has been waging, and is stepping up in recent years, against our Christian faith - I attempt to do the same thing in my apologetic writings.

In my writings (Friends Ministry eNewsletter, Facebook Notes, Bill & Dory Gray Christian Ministries blog, and Facebook posts on current issues) - I try to mix discussions about Biblical issues in our Christian faith, with issues about what the secular society is doing to stifle our Christian faith.  I will discuss political issues which directly affect our Christian faith, and occasionally I will throw in bits of humor and human interest.  I offer this mix so that I do not get relegated to one narrow track in the road of life and ignored.

Do we who attempt to defend our Christian faith get ignored?  Let me answer that from a personal point of view.  I began doing Christian writing about 30 years ago.  Besides the ministries I mention above, I spent 7 years writing on the TimesDaily Religion Forum of my hometown newspaper refuting atheists, legalists, secularists, those in pagan religions such as Wicca, New Age, Humanism, and various other vanilla-flavored non-believers.  At times on that religion forum I had good discussions with other Christians, and even some believers who leaned more toward a liberal theology.

For several years I wrote as a guest columnist on Nathan Tabor's The Conservative Voice, an online newspaper with an audience of about 250,000 readers.  Most of my posts were on the Faith & Family page, but I did venture over to the Politics page occasionally.

At one time my Friends Ministry eNewsletter had about 1000 readers from around the world.  But today due to the extreme secular censorship of many internet providers, that number is far less.  Yet because I still have many faithful Friends from around the world, I can relate to what Jesus tells us in Luke 4:

Luke 4:24 (nkjv), "Then He (Jesus) said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country.' "

Luke 4:24 (nasb), "And He (Jesus) said, 'Truly I say to you, no prophet is welcome in his hometown.' "

Change that from prophet to Christian writer or blogger, and I can relate well to it.  For I have more interaction with Friends from the other side of the world, across America, and in other parts of Southern California - than I do in my own community.  Maybe it is caused by familiarity.  Not sure, but I have noticed it.

This man in the video, Ian Bayne, offers discussions about politics and our Christian faith on YouTube and other social media.  I do the same in my writings - defending the faith.

I do relate very much with one comment he made.  For a while he did mostly radio talk shows and podcasts.  So when he began to do videos he tells us that he was concerned that he speak to the viewing audience - and not just to his guest on the show.  Not wanting to be distracted when doing a video with a guest, he had the producer put a blinder on his microphone so that he talks to his listening audience, rather than having a one-on-one chat with his guest.  As Ian Bayne tells us, both are supposed to be addressing the viewing audience, not having a chat with one another.

About a year ago I began watching the Answers In Genesis YouTube show, which typically has three people sitting at a table discussing issues relevant to Genesis and our faith.  But those three spend 90% of their time with one-on-one chats between themselves.  I found myself yelling (quietly) to myself, "Hey, look out here!  We are your audience!  You are supposed to be talking to us, not chatting with one another."

After a few attempts, I finally gave up watching their videos.  Not because what they were saying is not relevant to my Christian faith.  But because I had a strong feeling they did not know I was out here.  They were too busy chatting with one another.

So I can personally relate to what this gentleman, Ian Bayne, is saying - and I appreciate his efforts to use podcasts and YouTube videos to defend our faith.

You And I Are In A War Whether We Want To Be Or Not https://youtu.be/B1eqJwrKYcs

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Click on the image to enlarge:

Are The Southern Baptist Convention And Cooperative Baptists Merging?

IT SEEMS THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION AND THE LIBERAL COOPERATIVE BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP are not that far apart anymore.   About 25 years ago, Jimmy Carter left his long time affiliation with the SBC and joined the liberal Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.  His reasoning was that he could no longer agree with teachings of the SBC.

Well it seems that Jimmy Carter will soon have the whole Southern Baptist Convention in the pew with him at his Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.  I posted a blog last week about the liberalization of the SBC ("Churches Leaving The Newly Liberalized Southern Baptist Convention") and today I get an e-mail sharing the Cooperative Baptist "Fellowship Weekly" update. 

One of the key articles in this "Fellowship Weekly" report is that of a young lady, aka, Rev. Rebecca Caswell-Speight, who looks like she is still in high school -  and she is dissing John MacArthur and all conservative Baptist Christians for our challenge and rebuttal of Beth Moore's claim that, and I am paraphrasing, "John MacArthur and others conservative Christians like him are hateful because they do not believe that women should be pastors."    

And this young lady wrote a rather lengthy article refuting MacArthur and conservative Christians - and sharing how she was called by God to be a pastor while she was in college.  But in her rather lengthy rebuttal - not once did she show Scriptural proof or suggestion, nor did she even mention Scripture, that she has a right and a calling by God to be a pastor.

I was about to write a rebuttal to that article in the Cooperative Baptist "Fellowship Weekly" when I found this well written, Biblically based, answer to the question:  "What does the Bible say about women pastors?" on the GotQuestions web site.  Since it gives a Biblical answer to her non-Biblical diatribe against conservative Christians, I will just share that article.

Excerpt from GotQuestions (dot) Org article:

Yet another objection to this interpretation of women in pastoral ministry is in relation to women who held positions of leadership in the Bible, specifically Miriam, Deborah, and Huldah in the Old Testament.  It is true that these women were chosen by God for special service to Him and that they stand as models of faith, courage, and, yes, leadership.  However, the authority of women in the Old Testament is not relevant to the issue of pastors in the church. The New Testament Epistles present a new paradigm for God’s people - the church, the body of Christ - and that paradigm involves an authority structure unique to the church, not for the nation of Israel or any other Old Testament entity.

Similar arguments are made using Priscilla and Phoebe in the New Testament.  In Acts 18, Priscilla and Aquila are presented as faithful ministers for Christ.  Priscilla’s name is mentioned first, perhaps indicating that she was more prominent in ministry than her husband.  Did Priscilla and her husband teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Apollos?  Yes, in their home they “explained to him the way of God more adequately” (Acts 18:26).  Does the Bible ever say that Priscilla pastored a church or taught publicly or became the spiritual leader of a congregation of saints?  No.  As far as we know, Priscilla was not involved in ministry activity in contradiction to 1 Timothy 2:11–14.

In Romans 16:1, Phoebe is called a “deacon” (or “servant”) in the church and is highly commended by Paul.  But, as with Priscilla, there is nothing in Scripture to indicate that Phoebe was a pastor or a teacher of men in the church.  “Able to teach” is given as a qualification for elders, but not for deacons (1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:6–9).

The structure of 1 Timothy 2:11–14 makes the reason why women cannot be pastors perfectly clear.  Verse 13 begins with “for,” giving the “cause” of Paul’s statement in verses 11–12.  Why should women not teach or have (spiritual) authority over men?  Because “Adam was created first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived” (verses 13–14).  God created Adam first and then created Eve to be a “helper” for Adam.  The order of creation has universal application in the family (Ephesians 5:22–33) and in the church.

The fact that Eve was deceived is also given in 1 Timothy 2:14 as a reason for women not serving as pastors or having spiritual authority over men.  This does not mean that women are gullible or that they are all more easily deceived than men.  If all women are more easily deceived, why would they be allowed to teach children (who are easily deceived) and other women (who are supposedly more easily deceived)?  The text simply says that women are not to teach men or have spiritual authority over men because Eve was deceived.  God has chosen to give men the primary teaching authority in the church.

Many women excel in gifts of hospitality, mercy, teaching, evangelism, and helping/serving.  Much of the ministry of the local church depends on women. Women in the church are not restricted from public praying or prophesying (1 Corinthians 11:5), only from having spiritual teaching authority over men. The Bible nowhere restricts women from exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12).  Women, just as much as men, are called to minister to others, to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), and to proclaim the Gospel to the lost (Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15).

God has ordained that only men are to serve in positions of spiritual teaching authority in the church.  This is not because men are necessarily better teachers or because women are inferior or less intelligent (which is not the case).  It is simply the way God designed the church to function.

The young lady pastor (?) wrote, belittling John MacArthur's advise to Beth Moore to "Go Home!" and stop playing pastor:

I AM HOME, By Rev. Rebecca Caswell-Speight
https://cbfblog.com/2019/10/25/i-am-home/

Folks, we did not design the family - one man, one woman, and their children.  And we did not design the church.  Both were designed by God, for His purposes, and defined in His Written Word, the Bible.  That is our authority - not man's desires, feelings, or wants.  I will still follow the old saying, "God Said It ~ I Believe It!"  That has worked well for at least six millennia, why should man want to change it now?

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Click on the image to enlarge:

Until We Have Erased Prejudice And Bigotry. . . .

UNTIL WE HAVE ERASED PREJUDICE AND BIGOTRY, this video and the associated posts and comments below will continue to be very relevant. And unfortunately, in this fallen, broken world we will never erase those evils. The best we can hope for is to minimize them as we wait for His Second Coming and His Millennial Kingdom. Until then we all need to work together to make our world a better place, not perfect, but better.

Until then we can agree with the apostle John when he wrote in Revelation 22:20, "He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming quickly.' Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!"

And I will add this from Revelation 22:21, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.  Amen."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Bill Gray posted: October 22, 2017

WHEN I VIEW THIS VIDEO ~ I have mixed feelings. The man who is making the racist speech is not the typical American. I was born in Alabama in 1937 and grew up there during an ugly period (1940s-50s) when segregation was prevalent. Yet, in my home we were not raised to be prejudiced against anyone.

Yes, in those early years, I saw prejudice all around me. I saw separate drinking fountains, separate bathrooms, separate schools, i.e., everything separate - Colored and White. Growing up there, even though I was not raised to be prejudiced - I thought the whole world was that way.

It was such a sweet taste of life and light when I went to the Air Force Tech School in Denver in 1955 and found that the whole world was not separated by race.

The character (played by an actor) making the speech in this anti-racism movie is an ignorant fool. Unfortunately, in the 1930s-1960s there were a lot of cloned ignorant fools just like him, all over America. And, to my embarrassment, the governor of my home state, Alabama, at that time, George Wallace, was one of the biggest real life fools.

He was one of the worst kind - playing the Race Card to win votes. Yes, when running in Alabama, he really played the Race Card. But when he wanted to run for president - all of a sudden his rhetoric was toned down. Yes, he was a hypocritical fool.

But, my Friends, in the last several decades it has been black and brown people and their Liberal friends who have heavily played the Race Card: the Obamas, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and yes, the Clintons - all supported, funded, and nurtured by the Liberal Left Democratic Party, the United Nations, and wealthy globalists such as George Soros.

Today, when we see the Race Card played, most often it has a black or brown face behind it - funded by Liberal Left money. And that is sad for they are hurting their own people. And, why? For votes - for money - for power, for so many selfish reasons.

America really needs to UNITE, forget skin color, forget ethnic background, forget religious differences, and other such divisions - and start working together toward Making America Great Again.

if you are an American citizen, you should be working to make America a better place for all to live. If you are an undocumented person who is in America illegally - you should go home and enter America legally - the way millions of other immigrants have done, including my Filipino wife, who is today a naturalized American citizen.

If we are going to make this happen, it must start with and include the college age people - for they are the future of America.

Let me leave you with this thought. Martin Niemöller (1892–1984) was a prominent Protestant pastor who emerged as an outspoken public foe of Adolf Hitler and spent the last seven years of Nazi rule in concentration camps. Niemöller is perhaps best remembered for this quotation: 

"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out - Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out - Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out - Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me - and there was no one left to speak for me."

Is that going to be our American Legacy? We began a change in America when we elected President Trump. We can continue that change in November 2018 (now 2020), the Mid-Term Elections, when we can vote into office Conservative Americans who understand the meaning of "We The People" and will work with us to bring UNITY back into America. I pray that will happen. But, that is up to YOU! God bless, Bill

The following are Comments to my original post:

Philip D: I’m not going to read all this jargon. But I expected more than just more finger pointing. Americans will never progress with that attitude, whether they be Conservative or Liberals. It’s laughable really. Americans can be better, can rise above finger pointing. Debate issues, determine the root cause of real issues, then find compromises to bring solutions to the table. But then again, we are American. There will always be some egos to inflate or deflate.

Bill Gray: Hi Philip, No one hates prejudice, of any kind, i.e., skin color, ethnic, cultural, religious, etc., - more than me. I was raised in the South during some of the worst of it. But it did not become a part of me.

In 1956-57, I was in the Air Force stationed in Korea. My best friend for that year was a black guy, an accomplished guitar player, from Detroit named Bob White. After the Air Force he was a founding member of the MoTown Funk Brothers inhouse band. In Korea, I would go to the Enlisted Men's Service Club practice room with him while he and his jazz trio practiced. Even in those dark days of segregation in America - I never noticed that, of the four of us in that practice room, I was the only white person. We were just friends.

When Bob and I were rotating back to the states for assignment at Bergstrom AFB in Texas - it was Bob who had to remind me that in Texas, in 1957, it would be hard for us to hang out together. It never dawned on me, a white boy from Alabama. It took a black man from Detroit to remind me of what I had left at home.

Yes, today the spectre of racial divide has become very bad in America. And yes, I do lay it mostly at the feet of people like Obama, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and many other black politicians, and other Liberal Democratic politicians, who have encouraged and nurtured it - for their own benefit.

I would dearly love to see ALL the racial schism done away with and unity nurtured in America. Don't you agree with that? God bless, Bill

Philip D: I agree to tolerance and the stop of racism. I don’t agree to place blame on any leader - black, white, yellow, orange, or whatever. You point one finger at a person, you have three more pointing back at you. Instead of pointing, what can an individual do to rise above finger pointing? It doesn’t get anybody anywhere. Funny that you didn’t point out Bush or Trump. Not saying you're right or wrong. And I’m not saying I’m right or wrong. I have my own opinions (which) I keep to myself. I just enjoy playing Devil’s advocate to play both sides.

Bill Gray: Hi Philip, We are told in Scripture, "Therefore by their fruits you will know them" (Matthew 7:20). And I don't think ANYONE can deny that Racism and the use of the Race Card - grew by leaps and bounds during the Obama administration. I don't believe anyone can deny that Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and a number of other Liberal politicians have cultivated the cancer of Racism - to their own benefit. So, to me, their fruit is rotten.

You mention Bush and Trump. I will admit that, after 9-11, Bush was too eager to call Islam a religion of peace. He may have had good intentions - but the end results were far from good.

As for Trump, yes, I believe what he is doing with the problem of illegal immigration is right. You and I have family who are naturalized American citizens, they all came to America legally. Today there are many more folks who are working to come to America, legally.

So, why should America reward those who have broken our laws and come into America illegally - at the expense of those who are doing it the right way? Your dad and Dory came here legally? So why should we turn our face and ignore those who came illegally? And why should America reward those here illegally by giving them millions of dollars in Freebies? They are not American, they do not deserve to be coddled and rewarded.

There are our immigration laws in America (and other countries have the same laws) which show that illegals are breaking the law - and that legal immigrants are welcome. Would you have us change that and reward law-breakers? God bless, Bill

Bill Gray: Hi Philip, I was not going to respond to your first statement above, because I was not sure if you were addressing me personally - or what was said in the video. But since you did address what I initially posted when you wrote - "I’m not going to read all this jargon...but I expected more than just more finger pointing" - I have to ask this question: "If you will not read what I wrote - HOW can you know that you disagree with what I have written?" Just saying! God bless, Bill

Philip D: Best of luck to your opinions, Bill. Someone always seems to have the last word. It’s all yours.

Tim W: People are not born racist. They have to be taught. So sad.

Maggie W: This is what comes of letting the government subdivide us into groups. Like African-American, Hispanic-American, White-American, Asian-American, etc.. When are we going to drop the "other" and just be AMERICANS?

My Friends, please take a moment to view this short video, then share it with all your FRANs (Friends, Relatives, Associates, Neighbors). They may not all agree with you, as my long time Friend and family member, Philip, did not agree with me. But that only creates discussions where we all can share and we all can learn. If we stop having discussions, we do not make progress. That applies equally to political and secular issues, as well as to Bible studies. If we just sit and listen instead of discussing God's Word, you can see that our progress toward maturity as believers will be stunted. That is equally true of political, secular, religious, and Christian maturity.

Sharing this video may be YOUR next step toward an America which does not nurture prejudice, bigotry, and racism. We start with FRANs, and all our young people, such as these students, who will be our future leaders - and we move America forward. If we erase the divisive teachings and arm our Millennial Generation to lead America forward as it was founded, America will be a free nation open to all who will come to America legally and live the American life.

Anti-Racism Video Discussions with College Students - 2017 https://www.facebook.com/FBE/videos/10155614913249522/

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Click on the image to enlarge:

Churches Leaving The Newly Liberalized Southern Baptist Convention

HAVE YOU EVER HEARD A PASTOR'S MESSAGE and think to yourself, "That has been heavy on my heart for a long time - and today the pastor is speaking to my heart."  My Friends, that is exactly what has happened with this video from today's sermon at the Grace Life Church of the Shoals in my Alabama hometown.  Pastor Jeff Noblit went right to my heart with this message:  "The Southern Baptist Convention is broken!" 

In recent weeks I have posted several short blogs about what I see happening in the Southern Baptist Convention.  I knew I am not the only Baptist believer who feels this way, but it sure affirms what I have seen happening when I hear Pastor Jeff Noblit share my same thought in his sermon today.

I have included the video of the worship service at Grace Life Church of the Shoals at the bottom of this blog.  If you want to skip the preliminaries and get right to his message, fast forward to about the 9 minute point.  Pastor Jeff speaks for about 20-30 minutes, then there is special music, and then Pastor Jeff continues again at the 41 minute point.  You can jump to these key times - or you can just enjoy the whole worship service, which I know you will enjoy.

But my main reason for posting this blog today is to make you aware of what is happening in the Southern Baptist Convention - and the dire effects that is going to have on Christian communities all across America.  Please, take the time to watch this video.  It is so important that you do and that you then share it with all your FRANs (Friends, Relatives, Associates, Neighbors).   We cannot allow Liberalism to continue this meteoric spreading through our Christian communities across America.

Below I have copy/pasted the text of the article associated with the video.  I did this to eliminate all the confusion caused by advertisements popping up all over the place while you are reading.

Large Southern Baptist Church Leaves Denomination Over Its Support of Beth Moore
By News Division · Published Oct 20, 2019 · Updated Oct 20, 2019

Another Southern Baptist Church has left the SBC over what many are calling a complete undoing of the Conservative Resurgence.  Pastor Jeff Noblit of the booming Grace Life Church of the Shoals (Muscle Shoals, AL) mentioned a number of problematic issues with their denomination but said that the denomination’s support for Beth Moore’s ministry was “the straw that broke the camel’s back."

Noblit announced to the congregation that he and the rest of the church’s elders were united in asking the church members to abandon the liberalizing denomination.

John MacArthur’s comments over the weekend, in which he said that Beth Moore should “go home” and stop preaching, should have received widespread approval in the SBC and would only a few short years ago.  Instead, SBC officials like Convention President, JD Greear, mocked MacArthur.  And other SBC leaders like Danny Akin rebuked MacArthur for his position on female preachers.  Previously, Russell Moore had said, “An SBC that doesn’t have room for Beth Moore doesn’t have room for a lot of us.”

Mentioned in his sermon is SBC support for Beth Moore - their leadership’s attacks on John MacArthur - the passage of Resolution 9 (promoting Critical Race Theory) - SBC leaders promoting Paula White - and it’s generalized liberalizing and its promotion of Social Justice.

The calmly-spoken but serious-minded pastor explained that churches that embrace feminism will embrace liberalism, and acknowledged that the SBC was beyond salvaging.

The sermon really was incredible, and we encourage you to listen to it.  You can see it below.  The announcement of the church’s choice to leave the denomination starts around the 9:35 minute mark.

Noblit told the crowd, “You can disagree with me, but if you do, you better come with an open Bible and about four hours.”

Many churches have left the SBC over this issue.  Fellowship Baptist Church in Sidney, Montana, was the first to do so in recent years over social justice last year, which was written about in Relevant Magazine, The Christian Post, and other publications.  Since then, hundreds have officially and/or unofficially left the denomination, pledging privately or publicly to never support the denomination again.  We have continually covered these departures at Pulpit & Pen.

Over the last few months I have really been bothered by the rapid shift of the Southern Baptist Convention toward Liberalism.  And the problems which Pastor Jeff Noblit outlines in his message have become a major burden on my heart.  I have long known that Calvinism has spread far and wide in the SBC, which has bothered me - and Pastor Jeff affirms that his church is Calvinist. 

That is not a problem since I have long ago put the Calvinist and Arminianist thoughts out of my theology, preferring to stand in the middle between the two.  I am not saying that my Calvinist and Arminianist brethren are not saved, only that I disagree with parts of their theology regarding salvation and keeping our salvation.

That said, I beg you to listen to Pastor Jeff's message, take it to heart, and then share it.  Let us keep the faith by sharing the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the world.

One last thought on the Southern Baptist Convention.  In my Southern California neighborhood, the Berean Christian Bookstore has been a mainstay for over 30 years - and my go-to for all Christian material.  This past year LifeWay Christian Store, the retail arm of the Southern Baptist Convention's publishing company, purchased our local Berean Christian bookstore. 

Not sure how many others across the country they bought out.  And this year they announced plans to close all 172 of their stores, including the ones they have just purchased, by the end of 2019.  Is this a way for them to control what you read?  Do they want you to accept their new Liberal vision and interpretation of the Bible?

Recently I have decided that I need a new Study Bible, for my go-to Bible is over 30 years old and becoming a wee bit worn.  Then reality hit me.  There are no more Christian bookstores in our city.  There are Christian book stores in some of the large churches such as Harvest International - but they are only open during their Sunday worship service - when I am at my own church worship service.  I cannot buy a Study Bible online, for I want to see the study notes and who wrote them before I buy a new Bible.  I have a dilemma, accelerated by the SBC shutting down book stores all across America.  So what am I to do?  Thank you, Southern Baptist Convention.

Grace Life Church of the Shoals Worship Service - Start At Pastor Jeff's Message
https://www.facebook.com/AnchoredinTruth/videos/975898566095054/?t=481

Grace Life Church of the Shoals Worship - Full Worship Service
https://www.facebook.com/AnchoredinTruth/videos/975898566095054/

Large Southern Baptist Church Leaves Denomination Over Its Support of Beth Moore (full article) By News Division · Published October 20, 2019 · Updated October 20, 2019
https://pulpitandpen.org/2019/10/20/large-southern-baptist-church-leaves-denomination-over-its-support-of-beth-moore/?fbclid=IwAR20rQxWsUCuvspAIOtMB-vCkTe_8MWV-0pPby2HuNWjKQVxHBa3HY2O-8s

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

Click on the image to enlarge:

 

I'm From The Government, And I'm Here To Help!

Often we see stories shared on the internet, read them, and then move on - not knowing if the story is true or one made up to make a point.  The story below is like that, I have seen it often over the years - but today it rang a bell.  It was shared on Facebook by my hometown Friends, Patsy Congleton and Joey Plunk, and by another fellow American living in Panama, Greg Kitzmiller.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Critical Life Lesson  ~  "Do you know how to catch wild pigs?"

A chemistry professor at a large college in America had exchange students in his class.  One day in the lab, the professor noticed one young exchange student who kept rubbing his back and stretching as if his back hurt.

The professor asked the young man if he had a problem with his back.  The student told him he had a bullet lodged in his back.  He had been shot while fighting communists in his native country who were trying to overthrow his country's government and install a new communist regime.  He looked at the professor and asked a strange question, "Do you know how to catch wild pigs?"

The professor, thinking it was a joke, asked for the punch line.  The young man assured him it was no joke.  "You catch wild pigs by finding a suitable place in the woods and putting corn on the ground.  The pigs find it and begin to come every day to eat the free food."

"When they are used to coming every day, you put a fence on one side of the feeding area.  When the pigs get used to that partial fence, they begin to eat the corn again.  Then you put up another side of the fence.  They will soon get used to that and start to eat again, ignoring the fence.  You continue until you have all four sides of the fence installed with a gate in the last side.  By now the pigs, accustomed to the free corn, continue to come through the gate to eat free corn.  Then, you close the gate - and catch the whole herd."

The young student continues, "Suddenly the wild pigs have lost their freedom.  Realizing they are trapped, they run around and around inside the fence, but there is no way out.  Soon they acquiesce, embrace the fence, and go back to eating the free corn.  They have become so used to the "free food" that they have forgotten how to forage in the woods for themselves.  So they passively accept their captivity."

He told the professor that is exactly what he sees happening in America.  The government keeps pushing us toward Communism and Socialism, keeps spreading the "free food" in the form of programs such as Supplemental Income, Tax Credit for Unearned Income, Tax Exemptions, Tobacco Subsidies, Dairy Subsidies, Payments to not Plant Crops (CRP), Welfare Entitlements, Free Medical, Free Education, etc. - and all the while we continue to lose our freedoms, a little at a time.  The government, one way or another, forces us to participate in many of these programs whether we want to or not.  ObamaCare is an prime example. 

One should always remember:  There is no such thing as a free lunch.  So when you continue to hear all the promises coming from the Liberal Left Socialist candidates - that YOU will receive lots of "free corn" - keep in mind that SOMEONE must pay for that corn.  Will it be you, your children, your grandchildren?   Is that the legacy you want to leave for them?   God help all Americans when the Liberal Left Socialist "Free Corn" Gate slams shut! 

Thought for today: "The problems we face now exist because the people who work for a living today ~ are outnumbered by those who only vote for a living."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1776 America declared its independence.  On June 21, 1788, the day our Constitution was ratified, it became the official framework of the government of the United States of America.  And since then many brave Americans have died to defend that Constitution and the America it has defined.  Do YOU really want to give it away for "Free Corn"?

Your greatest weapon against that wall of "Free Corn" is YOUR VOTE.

VOTE CONSERVATIVE IN 2020, in all elections:  local, state, federal.

VOTE CONSERVATIVE IN 2020, for all candidates and on all issues.

Commit yourself to VOTE CONSERVATIVE IN ALL ELECTIONS, from this day forward.  

God bless America and keep her strong against all enemies, internal and external,

Bill 

Click on the image to enlarge: