Faith Without Works ~ What Is James Telling Us?

Several weeks ago, our sermon at International Bible Baptist Church - Riverside was presented by Jonathan Dave Nolasco and was based upon James, chapter 2.   That sermon started my spiritual mental wheels turning. 

My focus went to verses 14 and 17 in the James 2:14-17 passage, "What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?  (15) If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, (16) and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?  (17) Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

Jonathan's message that Sunday focused more on the message found in verses 15 and 16, loving our neighbor and allowing our Christian witness to show through how we relate to and treat others.  My antennae was piqued more on rehashing mentally how I have seen this full James 2 Scripture passage used, and misused, in past years.

The following Sunday during our "after service" fellowship, my dialogue buddy, Ben Gallardo, and I had another good discussion and I told him how Jonathan's message that week had caused me to consider the best way to present that particular passage to readers of my blogs and eNewsletter. 

We know our "Salvation by Works" brethren will use this passage in their attempt to prove that folks are saved by works.  And our Arminian brethren will use it to prove that a Christian can indeed lose his salvation.

So, let's dig more deeply into this James 2 passage and see what we can discover.

First, James is addressing Christian brethren, as witnessed in multiple verses:  James 1:2, 1:16, 1:19, 2:1, 2:14, 3:1, etc.  These people are saved Christian believers - or he would not be addressing them as brethren.  So, is James telling people whom he calls brethren - that if they have no works, they are not really saved?  If so, why is he calling them brethren?  Or is he telling them that they can lose their salvation, i.e., the Arminian view?

Using this passage as proof text, aren't our Works Salvation brethren putting the cart before the horse, i.e., works first, then salvation?

Or do you think James is telling believers that without post-salvation works their Christian witness is sterile, unable or unwilling to reproduce?  That could be true, for if a believer does not have a desire, and a willingness, to share this great blessing of eternal life in Christ with those still lost in the world - what does that say about his own Christian faith and witness?

Why would a believer not feel a strong desire to share the joy of our Christian faith with others?  I might suggest that this could come from the way folks view the Bible, God's Written Word.  Do they view the Bible as God's Written Instructions to us - or do they view the Bible as just a good book of allegories, metaphors, and myths?

For me, the Bible is God's full revelation to man regarding salvation and our Christian faith.  In His Bible, God gives us everything we need to know to attain salvation, eternal life in Christ - to maintain our own personal daily Christian walk - and to share that faith and knowledge with others who need to hear the Good News, the Gospel.

Basically there are only two views of the Bible held within our Christian communities:  the conservative Christian view and the liberal Christian view:

1.  Conservative Theology views the Bible as the Holy Spirit Inspired, Holy Spirit Inerrant, Holy Spirit Literal Written Word of God.

We believe the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, infallible, and authoritative Word of God.  The Bible is the sole authority for our Christian faith and Christian life.  The Bible is God's authoritative written revelation to man.  We believe in the verbal plenary inspiration of Scripture and that all 66 books of the Bible are without error in the original manuscripts. 

We believe Scripture should be interpreted according to its historical, grammatical, and literal sense. We believe that Divine inspiration extends equally and fully to all parts and words of the Bible, so that the whole Bible, in the original manuscripts, is without error in its moral and spiritual teaching and in its record of historical facts.

2.  Liberal Theology views the Bible in a metaphorical, allegorical, and symbolic sense. 

In Liberal Theology the Bible is the Word of God, but it is not to be read and interpreted as the literal Written Word of God.  Some in that camp will even deny the Holy Spirit Inspiration of the Bible, saying that it is the product of men and the cultural worldview of the writers during their time. 

They see the Bible as a good guideline for Christian living, but not the inspired, inerrant, and definitely not the literal Written Word of God.  Viewing the Bible in this allegorical sense, those with a predetermined theology can twist Scripture to fit any doctrinal teaching they choose.

Over the past thirty years, as I have been doing Christian and apologetic writing on different venues, I have often been asked the question, "What about the Liberals who do not believe in evangelism and the divine inspiration of Scripture, who will avoid sharing the Gospel and witnessing to people in the unbelieving world about God?  Are they saved?"

Many times on various venues people who tell me they are Christian have declared to me, "Bill, if someone wants to hear about Jesus Christ and the Bible, they will come and ask me.  If they do not ask me, I am not going to beat them over the head with my Bible."   These are the folks I call my "Couch Potato" Christian Friends. 

But, are they saved?  If they have heard the Gospel of salvation, believed in the atoning work of Jesus Christ, and receive Him as their Lord and Savior - YES, they are saved (Ephesians 1:13, John 1:12).

Yes, the Liberal "Couch Potato" Christian is just as saved as you and me.  It is just that when they stand before Christ at the Believers' Judgment, aka, the Bema Seat Judgment - their "Christmas Stocking of Rewards" will be empty.  Believing and being justified will get them into heaven - and that is our greatest reward, to be in His presence eternally.  But it will be like standing before a highly respected and beloved Teacher and having to say, "No, I have not done my homework." 

John Calvin said of that kind of saving faith, "It is faith alone that justifies - but faith that justifies is never alone"

We must keep in mind that Jesus Christ left us two Ordinances and one Great Commission:

The ordinances:  Baptism and Communion, which we do in remembrance of Him and His sacrifice for us.  (Luke 22:19-20, Matthew 28:19)

The Great Commission:  "GO, Make disciples, Baptize them, Teach them.  .  . Be My witnesses in all the world"  (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, Mark 16:15).  If we are GOING, we cannot be SITTING on our couch waiting for the world to come to us.

 
At this point I think an important question is:  "When are we saved?"  Are we saved the moment we believe?  Or are we saved after we have worked enough to earn salvation? 

If we have to work to earn salvation, then why did Jesus Christ have to die on the cross?  Or was His death not sufficient to give eternal life to believers?   Folks, these are very important questions - for they go toward our understanding of God.  Is He truly an Omniscient (all knowing), Omnipotent (all powerful), Omnipresent (all places present) God - or not?

What does the Bible say about when are we saved? 

Ephesians 1:13 (nkjv), "In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,"

Ephesians 2:8-9 (nkjv), "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

Romans 5:1 (nkjv), "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,"

2 Corinthians 5:17 (nkjv), "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation (regeneration); old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

Titus 3:5 (nkjv), "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,"

Those verses tell me that the moment we hear the Gospel and believe - we are saved, justified, regenerated, and the Holy Spirit takes up residence within us.  At that very moment a person is saved, i.e., regenerated, justified, and indwelled by the Holy Spirit.   Will the Holy Spirit ever leave the believer?  We find an answer to that question in Ephesians 4 and John 10:27-29:

Ephesians 4:30 (nkjv), "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."

And in John 10:27-29 (nasb), "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life (never ending life) to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.  My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand."

Once a person is saved, sealed, indwelled by the Holy Spirit - the Holy Spirit will never leave that believer until his day of redemption.   When is our day of redemption?  Our day of redemption is the day we either die in this mortal body - or are Raptured from this mortal body.  Until that moment, no power on earth or in heaven can evict the Holy Spirit from the believer - for our body is a temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, John 10:27-29).

Then what did James mean when he wrote:  James 2:17(nkjv), "Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

We need to look at:

1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (nkjv), "According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it.  But let each one take heed how he builds on it. (11) For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 

(12) Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,  (13) each one's work will become clear; for the Day (2 Corinthians 5:10, Believers' Judgment or Bema Seat Judgment) will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. 

(14) If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.  (15) If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss (of rewards); but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire."

We can see that a person is not saved by, or through, works.  "Works will not bring salvation - but salvation should bring forth works."  Which correlates with John Calvin's statement, "It is faith alone that justifies - but faith that justifies is never alone"

What kind of "works" is meant in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15?  Is it works of the Law - or works which are the fruit of salvation?  Works of the Law cannot save anyone (Romans 3:20).  We must make clear distinction between "works of the Law" and "works resulting from salvation."

Romans 3:20 (nkjv), "Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin."

Galatians 2:16 (nkjv), "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified."

Galatians 3:2-5 (nkjv), "This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? . . . Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?"

There is a singular point in time when a person is saved "by grace through faith."   At that moment the Holy Spirit indwells that person, taking up permanent residence within that believer:

John 1:12 (nkjv), "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:"

At that specific moment, the person has eternal life, has the Holy Spirit within, and IS a child of God.  That fact is irrefutable and immutable.  Nothing on earth or in heaven can take that "child of God" status from that person.  In other words, NO ONE can snatch the believer out of God's hands nor out of God's family.  

At that moment, we are adopted into the family of God:

Galatians 4:4-7 (nkjv), "But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law,  (5) so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.  (6) Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!'  (7) Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God."

Works has not led to us being saved; works has not given us eternal life in Christ.  That happened by grace through faith, alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).  Once we are saved, regenerated, justified - that salvation is set in concrete.  Now that we have been saved, because of that saving grace, that should give us a strong desire to do good works in the name of the Lord.

Look at salvation like a one-way gate.  Once we walk through, we are children of God.  And, at that time we should get to work - glorifying God and sharing His Gospel with the world. 

Jesus Christ explains it very clearly in His Great Commission to ALL believers:   "GO, Make disciples, Baptize them, TEACH them.  .  .  Be My witnesses in all the world"  (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, Mark 16:15).

So, when James writes in chapter 2, verse 17, "Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."  Could that be saying that we have lost our salvation?   No.  That is saying that our post-salvation works have been tested and found lacking.  Therefore we lose rewards in the life to come, when we stand before Christ at the Believers' Judgment, i.e., the Bema Seat Judgment.

Look again at what 1 Corinthians 3:15 is telling us, "If anyone's work is burned (post salvation works), he will suffer loss; but he himself WILL be saved, yet so as through fire."  We may have scorched robes of righteousness - but we will be wearing them in the eternal presence of Jesus Christ.

James is not disagreeing with the apostle Paul, he is merely saying the same thing - but from a different view.

When you believe, put your faith in Him, and trust His promises -  a natural result is that you will want to share His Gospel with others.  You will not be forced to do it.  But I suggest that you should be so excited about your salvation, that you will not be able to resist sharing Him with others.  That, folks, is saving grace, salvation, eternal life - that is the fruit, the good works, which should naturally flow from your salvation. 

As I said earlier, there are those of us who feel a need to share the Gospel with the world, i.e., Conservative Christians.

And there are those who are saved, but prefer to sit and wait for the world to ask them about the Gospel, i.e., Liberal Christians, aka, "Couch Potato" Christians.

The important question is:  Which are YOU?  Do you surrender to the saving grace which tells us to "GO! Be His witness!" ~ or do you "SIT And Wait To Be Asked?"

Your eternal rewards, not your salvation, depend upon your answer.  But don't you want to enter never ending eternity with lots of treasures, i.e., rewards (Matthew 6:19-21) in your Heavenly Bank Account?

In closing, let me share a video clip which I took from a Bible Study on James 2 presented by the late Chuck Missler.  Chuck, besides being a corporate leader and scientist in advanced technologies for many decades, also was an accomplished Bible teacher for over 40 years with many thousands of his teaching videos distributed around the world.

In the video below, Dr. Chuck Missler provides a verse-by-verse expositional teaching of James 2:14-26.  He examines faith and works.  What kind of faith saves a person?  Is it necessary to do good works to be saved?  Are faith and works inseparable?  Is there evidence in your life that you are saved?

For many years in the world of economy and banking, we heard that proclamation:  "When Merrill Lynch speaks people listen"

Well, my Friends, in the world of Christian faith and Bible teaching, I have often felt:  "When Chuck Missler speaks people listen"

And that is why I want to end this blog giving you an opportunity to listen to what Chuck Missler has to say about James 2:14-17. I am giving you an edited short version - and the full one hour study - depending upon how much time you can spare. 

James 2:14-26 Bible Study - Chuck Missler - Short Version (25 minutes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIiCLO_dBhg

James 2:14-26 Bible Study - Chuck Missler - Full Study (1 hour, ten minutes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdxT1smfzbM

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

"Those Who Forget History Are Doomed To Repeat It" - Cuban Missile Crisis 1962

DEJA VU MOMENT OR FLASH BACK, OR BOTH?  ~  Today I was doing research for another blog and stumbled upon the uncut video below of President John Kennedy announcing to the world America's absolute will to not back down in face of the Russian buildup of Soviet nuclear weapons on the island nation of Cuba in 1962.  That was a tense week for America and for the world.  And it had an even more direct effect on me personally.

"Bill, how could this conflict between America and Russia over missiles in Cuba have a more direct impact upon you - than the threat of a nuclear war?"   Glad you asked.

Let's digress to a blog I began writing on November 26, 2016, but lay aside and never finished.   It was titled "Fidel Castro Memories" and was prompted by the death of Fidel Castro:

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

FIDEL CASTRO'S DEATH today kind of brings me full circle with history.   Early in July 1958, I was discharged from the Air Force and was spending time with my wife's parents in Denver.  During the few weeks we were there, Grace and Lester, my in-laws, took us for an outing to the beautiful mountains of Denver.  We enjoyed the day and found it pleasant that in Denver the July weather was warm allowing us to wear shorts on our drive to the mountains.  But in the mountains we played in snow - in shorts.  Go figure.  That happens in the Mile High City.

As we were driving to the mountains, a radio news reporter excitedly told us that Fidel Castro had defeated the army of Cuban President Fulgencio Batista and was marching on Havana.  In his words, Castro had taken control of Cuba.

What had really happened was the Battle of La Plata (July 11–21, 1958) the summer offensive launched by the Batista government during the Cuban Revolution.  In that battle, Castro's revolutionary army soundly defeated and virtually destroyed the Cuban forces.  But, the actual fall of the Batista government did not happen until January 1, 1959.

The next week, my family and I took a train from Denver to Los Angeles, California, arriving on my 21st birthday, Wednesday, July 23, 1958.  And one week later, July 30, 1958, I was offered a job working for Burroughs Corporation in the computer industry.   In the fall of 1959, Burroughs Corporation sent me to work as a Field Engineer at the Norfolk Naval Supply Depot in Virginia, and later moved me to Alexandria, Virginia, to work out of the Washington DC office. 

In October 1962, I was the lead Field Engineer on a Burroughs Corporation B-220 computer system for our customer, Atlantic Research Corporation, a government contractor in Tysons Corner,Fairfax County, Virginia.  Another Burroughs Field Engineer, Paul, worked with me - and since we both were ex-Air Force electronic techs, we decided that we would join the Air Force Reserve just to keep up with Air Force electronics technology.  We had planned to go to the Air Force Reserve Center on Saturday, October 13, and join the Reserves.

But, as fate would have it, the computer we were responsible for at Atlantic Research Corporation had a problem and we had to work that Saturday.   Not a problem, Paul and I agreed.  We will just go next Saturday.

Well, Fidel Castro stepped into our plans.  On Sunday, October 14, the Cuban Missile Crisis burst upon us.  Russia had installed missile sites in Cuba - within easy target range of America.   That Sunday led into a 13-day (October 16–28, 1962) confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union over the apparently offensive missile sites in Cuba.

Guess what happened to the Air Force Reserve Unit that Paul and I had planned to join the previous Saturday.  You guessed it.  President Kennedy activated that unit on Monday, October 15.   If we had joined for what was supposed to be a weekend activity - we would have been activated into full time service that Monday.  Needless to say, since that day, I have never volunteered to join anything - except the church.

And, today, November 26, 2016, I read that Fidel Castro had passed away the previous day.  His impact on my life has come full circle.  But, his communist legacy still lingers and is still a threat to the free world. 

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

I pray that you have enjoyed this wee walk down memory lane.  Why should we study history?  Glad you asked.

The Spanish philosopher, essayist, poet, novelist, George Santayana (1863-1952), wrote:  "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."   And, in World War 2, England's great Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, paraphrased that declaration as:  "Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it."

So, what do you know about the week that America, Russia, and the world - were standing on the doorsteps of a nuclear war over the Soviet missile installations in Cuba?

The uncut video below of President John Kennedy drawing a real line in the sand (unlike the wind-blown lines Obama constantly drew and then blew away) - making it clear to Nikita Khrushchev, First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, that America would NOT accept Soviet offensive weapons so near our homeland, America. 

President Theodore Roosevelt, in a letter to Henry L. Sprague on January 26th 1900, wrote:  "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far."

Praise God that America has had good presidents in my lifetime who knew how to speak softly of peace - while holding the big stick of the American military strength in hand.

In 1962, President John Kennedy took a stance for American freedom.  In the 1980s, President Ronald Reagan demanded and built a strong American military force, not for aggression - but to prevent aggression against America.   And now President Donald Trump is effectively working to rebuild our American defense system and strategy which was allowed to wither under the administrations starting with Clinton and almost cease to exist under Obama.

Let us resolve to work with President Trump to solidify America's borders and rebuild our military strength.  Our national defense and security is multi-faceted.  It includes both our military strength to protect us at home and abroad - and also our homeland defense starting with secure and firm borders, which calls for walls on our southern borders.

JFK's "Cuban Missile Crisis" Speech (10/22/62) (Complete And Uncut) https://youtubemini.site/video/EgdUgzAWcrw/jfks-cuban-missile-crisis-speech-102262-complete-and-uncut

God bless America - God bless President Trump - and God bless YOU and your family, 

Bill 

 

 

What Did Jesus Mean - Regarding Prayer?

The blog below was posted in 2014 and reposted in 2015 when the same gentleman, Crusty, from the TimesDaily Religion Forum popped up again on Facebook, once again repeating his same worn out argument against Christians praying.

I shared on Facebook about a woman who took a photo of the staff in a Waffle House restaurant as they were praying before beginning their work shift.  The workers gathered in a prayer circle behind the counter area and prayed. 

My comment was: "OKAY TO PRAY IN PUBLIC?  You betcha!  And, like this lady, the image of praying co-workers makes my day!  Enjoy!  God bless, Bill"

And, my faithful follower from the Timesdaily Religion Forum, Crusty, posted:

Bill, TV Preachers, and Tim Tebow love to ignore this passage:  Matthew 6:5-15 ESV, “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites.  For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. . . . "

No matter how many times over the years I have explained that passage to him - he keeps coming back with the same question.  That is a perfect example of what I mean when I say they "Throw it against the wall to see if it sticks!"    Over the years, and especially today, we have all seen Liberals, both religious and secular, and non-believers - who consistently use that tactic. 

They will take a fact that has been proven wrong, or many times just make up a non-existing fact - and post it all over social media.  Why do they do that?  Simple. They know that most folks will not bother to fact-check their post and will just accept it as true.  That is also one method the Liberal Socialist Left use to build their voter base - feed inane and untrue facts into minds that are void, which will just absorb whatever is presented to them.

So, let me present my blog from 2014 and 2015 where I repeatedly explained to my Forum Friend what I believe Jesus Christ meant in the Scripture passage found in Matthew 6:5-8:

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

What Did Jesus Mean - Regarding Prayer?

October 21, 2014 at 5:59 PM

In a TimesDaily Religion Forum discussion I began several months ago titled "The Prolific Forum Poster!" - a Forum Friend and I somehow wandered into a dialogue on prayer and divorce.   Because these are both very important issues, I want to discuss both.  But to have some semblance of brevity I have split them into two separate discussions.

Regarding prayer, my Forum Friend asked me: 

How about you, Bill?    Was Jesus wrong when he said to pray in private?  Is there somewhere in the Bible that contradicts Jesus on this matter?

“Whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray while standing in synagogues and on street corners so that people can see them.  Truly I say to you, they have their reward.  But whenever you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret.  And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you”  (Matthew 6:5-6 NET Bible).

Bill, do you pray as Jesus commands, or as a hypocrite?

To get a better view of what Christ is telling us about prayer, let's expand that passage to include verses 7 and 8: 

Matthew 6:5-8 (nasb), "When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men.  Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.  (6) But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.   (7) And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.  (8) So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him."  

My Forum Friend has inadvertently raised a good question.  What is prayer?   Is prayer a flag we fly in public to make ourselves appear righteous?  Or, is there more to prayer?  Is there a higher meaning to prayer, rather than self promotion?  YES!  Prayer is not a "righteousness mantle" to be worn.   Prayer is we Christian believers, as children reaching out to our Father - knowing that He will always have an answer.

Prayer is a Christian's conversation with his/her very Best Friend.  Do we only talk with our Best Friend while hiding behind closed doors - or do we converse with Him openly and even in corporate environments?

What did Jesus mean when He said, "But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret"?

Did He mean that we should never pray in public?  Would that mean that saying Grace at a meal - is wrong?  Would that mean that when we pray in church - we are wrong?   Would that mean that when we hold events such as the National Day of Prayer, or a Prayer Breakfast, or a Prayer Service at church - that all those things are wrong in the eyes of Jesus Christ.  Of course not.

In Matthew 6:5-7, Jesus first addresses the Pharisees standing on public corners praying to be seen, i.e., wearing their "righteousness mantle."   What kind of praying is that?  Is it seeking the eyes of God - or the eyes of man?  We all know from Jesus words that these men were seeking adulation and admiration from men, not God.  And, that is what He is condemning in their public prayer performances.

I am sure we all have seen pastors and other Christians who, when they pray, seem to think that a prayer is really supposed to be a sermon.  I once knew a fellow who, when he prayed, would declare piously in his prayers, "Lord, in Isaiah blah blah, You said.  And, Lord, in Jeremiah blah blah, You said.  And, Lord, in Hebrews blah blah, You said."   On and on, he would continue for about half an hour telling God what He had written in Scripture.  My distracted silent reaction was, "My Friend, I believe God knows what He has written in His Word!  There is no need for you to remind him."

I once visited a local sister church to make copies of the Sunday bulletin for my church.  And since a meeting was in progress in the room with the copy machine, I went into the sanctuary where a prayer meeting was beginning.   There were about nine men, including my son, there and my "sermon praying" friend from the paragraph above had brought one of his friends to the prayer meeting.

Mr. "Sermon Praying" started the praying with his usual sermon posturing.  And, when he would slow down to catch his breath, his friend who came with him took over with another version of sermon praying.   I was there for 45 minutes and during all that time this duo had their "dueling prayers" going full force.  Only once during that time was even the pastor of the church able to get in a short prayer when both hesitated to catch their breath at the same time.  No one else in that prayer meeting was quick enough to get into the action.  After 45 minutes of this I left the meeting.

That is the kind of praying I believe Jesus had in mind when He said, in Matthew 6:5,  "When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men."   I am thoroughly convinced that those two men in that prayer meeting I attended were praying to impress man, not God.

So, what did Jesus mean when He said, in Matthew 6:6, "But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you" ?

Have you ever been in a conversation with a person - and that person is looking around as though searching for something or someone?  Dory and I were at a church function some years ago and a pastor Friend was there.  Several times I stopped to chat with him.  But he always seemed so distracted - as though he was looking around for someone or something, that I finally gave up.  He was, and is still, my respected Friend.  And we have had plenty of opportunities to talk at other times.  But that night, and that time due to his distractions, was not the right time.

The same is true of prayer.  When we stop to chat with our Father, we need to be focused on Him.  And, not distracted by what is going on around us.

I believe that is the "inner room" which Jesus is suggesting - that "inner room" within us where there are no distractions.  When we have a conversation with our Lord, He does not want us mentally wandering, totally distracted.  Instead He wants us to be concentrating and focusing on Him and His love.

Is that "inner room" a physical room or place?  No, not necessarily.  It may be a private physical space.  Or it may be that relaxed place within ourselves (even when in a crowd) where we can be at peace and have a sincere conversation with our Best Friend, Jesus Christ.

With a little practice, we can enter that "inner room" no matter where we may be - in church, in a crowd, in a restaurant, or in our own home.  That is the "inner room" we are to enter when we want to talk with our Lord.  And, we can do this "in secret" while standing or sitting in a crowded auditorium, theater, church, restaurant, or wherever.

Dory and I always pray before a meal - at home or in a restaurant.  I recall once we were having dinner in Coco's Restaurant in Mission Viejo, California.  During dinner, I noticed another couple sitting on the opposite side of the dining room.  And, I saw them bow in prayer before eating.

Later when were walking out, I stopped by their table to tell them that I was blessed to see them praying before their meal.  To my surprise, the man told me, "We were also blessed when we saw you praying - and especially because you held hands as your prayed."  I had no idea anyone was observing us - for we were in our own "inner room" while praying and giving thanks for our food.

Learn to find your "inner room" and spend lots of time there, talking with your Best Friend, Jesus Christ.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

  

Dispensational And Covenant Theologies - What Difference Does It Make?

Last Sunday after our worship service my Christian brother, Ben Gallardo, and I found ourselves indulging in one of my favorite activities - a discussion on theology and the meaning of certain aspects of theology.  Somehow our discussion centered on a subject that is often ignored, overlooked, and/or misunderstood - Dispensationalism - or Dispensational Theology.

Wow, what does that long word mean - and how does it apply to our Christian life? 

Dispensationalism is a belief system, or method of interpreting the Bible, which centers around the fact that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, literal Written Word of God.   The other side of the coin from Dispensational Theology is Covenant Theology, the Bible interpretation system favored by those in Reformed and Calvinistic churches - most often reading the Bible from an allegorical, metaphorical, and symbolic point of view - not as the literal Written Word of God.

Most believers are not familiar with the meaning of "Dispensational Theology" and "Covenant Theology."  So, what is the difference between the two and where does your church stand on these differing, divergent theologies?

For me, the biggest stumbling block in Covenant Theology is the way proponents of that teaching view the nation Israel and the church.  Simply stated, in Dispensational Theology we view Israel and the church as two distinct entities.  Israel is the chosen people of God and distinct from the church.  You might view Israel as the wife of God, the unfaithful wife.  And the church is the faithful promised bride of Christ.

All in the church have His promise of eternal life in Christ.  While the seven year Tribulation, the time of Jacob's Troubles, has been fore-ordained by God as the time when He will bring a remnant of His chosen people, Israel, His wife, into the family of God.

Deuteronomy 7:6, "For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth."

Genesis 12:1-3, "Now the LORD had said to Abram: 'Get out of your country, From your family And from your father's house, To a land that I will show you.  I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.' "

God's message to King David:   2 Samuel 7:16, "And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you.  Your throne shall be established forever."

And God does not change His mind as we see in Malachi 3:6a, "For I am the LORD, I do not change; .  .  ."

In Covenant Theology, they teach that the nation Israel has been replaced by the church.  Where Israel was the "physical" chosen people of God, in this teaching they are no more. They have been replaced by the "spiritual" people of God, the church.  To support that teaching they also deny that the Day of Pentecost 33 AD was the beginning of the Christian church.  They see the church, the body of Christ, as starting back in the Old Testament - even though it was never mentioned there.

The apostle Paul, the most prolific writer in the New Testament, tells us the church was a mystery in the Old Testament - only to be manifested in the Incarnate God, Jesus Christ, in the New Testament.

Romans 16:25-27, "Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith - to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen."

From Pastor David Guzik's commentary on Romans:   According to the revelation of the mystery:  Paul means this as the whole plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.  Though God announced much of the plan previously through prophecy, its final outworking wasn't evident until revealed by God through Jesus.

This teaching of Covenant Theology regarding Israel is most often referred to as Replacement Theology, i.e., the church replaced Israel as the chosen people of God.  That teaching only encourages anti-Semitism - as we have seen when several major Protestant denominations who support Covenant Theology - encouraged people to boycott Israel and asked corporations to not trade with Israel.

Denominations which have made this anti-Semitic decision against Israel include:  United Methodist Church USA – Presbyterian Church USA – British Methodist Church – United Church of Canada – South African Council of Churches – Malaysia Council of Churches – Church of Sweden – World Council of Churches Central Committee.   They do this because they support Replacement Theology, i.e., the heart of Covenant Theology.

Dispensational Theology is interpreting Biblical history as defined periods, or ages of time, which represent different ways that God deals with mankind.  Classical dispensationalists such as C. I. Scofield identify the Day of Pentecost, in the second chapter of Acts, as the start of the church, the body of Christ, (a new people of God) - distinct from Israel as the historical chosen nation of God.

Most dispensationalists identify seven dispensations:

1.  Innocence  ~  Genesis 1:1–3:7  ~  Prior to Adam's fall

2.  Conscience  ~  Genesis 3:8–8:22  ~  Adam to Noah

3.  Government  ~  Genesis 9:1–11:32  ~  Noah to Abraham

4.  Promise  ~  Genesis 12:1–Exodus 19:25  ~  Abraham to Moses

5.  Law  ~  Exodus 20:1–Acts 2:4  ~  Moses to Christ

6.  Grace  ~  Acts 2:4–Revelation 20:3  ~  Church age which began at Pentecost 33 AD

7.  Kingdom  ~  Revelation 20:4–20:6  ~   Millennial Kingdom which has yet to come.

Where Dispensationalism typically views Scripture unfolding in a series of seven “dispensations” - the particular means God uses to deal with man and creation during a given period in redemptive history - Covenant Theology looks at Scripture through the grid of Covenants.  Covenant Theology defines two major covenants: the covenant of Works and the covenant of Grace.  A third covenant is sometimes mentioned; namely, the covenant of Redemption.

Covenant Theology defines the period from the Creation to Adam's fall as the Covenant of Works - for Adam is "working" for the Lord taking care of His creation.

Covenant Theology defines the Covenant of Grace starting after Adam's fall - and lasting until Christ comes again, either Post-Millennial (after the Millennial Kingdom), or Amillennial (no Millennial Kingdom) - just in time to take us all into Eternity.

Covenant Theology sometimes defines a Covenant of Redemption - but that takes place in heaven and only exists within the three Persons of the Trinity.

It is important to recognized that Covenant Theology interprets Scripture based upon two or three inferred covenants. These covenants are not explicitly found within the Bible:

Covenant theology holds to two or three theological covenants.  They believe there is a Covenant of Works (between God and Adam) - a Covenant of Grace (between God and the elect, some say all of fallen humanity) - and possibly a Covenant of Redemption (among the Members of the Godhead).  None of these are found in the Bible.  Concerning the Covenant of Works, Hodge states directly that it “does not rest upon any express declaration of the Scriptures.” — Charles Ray, “Systematic Theology and Premillennialism,” The Conservative Theological Journal, Vol. 8 No. 24, August, 2004, 165-191, p. 168.

http://www.spiritandtruth.org/questions/137.htm?x=x

In most of our Christian fellowships in America, we often find two distinct types of persons.  And by saying this I am not casting aspersions on anyone.  It is just that some folks are more comfortable assuming the position, "I am a believer who wants to simply love God, study His Word, and worship the Lord Jesus Christ.  I don't want to get into a lot of heavy discussions."  

While other persons, like myself, want to dig deeper so that we may be stronger witnesses for the Lord.  Personally, I love to study, discuss, and write about theology, prophecy, and other aspects of our Christian faith.  Some may ask, "Bill, why do you bother spending a lot of time studying and writing about all this stuff - when you admit that none of it affects our salvation?"

That is true.  Discussions of such issues as prophecy ~ different theologies ~ varying beliefs such as baptism method and timing, communion methods and frequency, tithing, etc. ~ six days of Creation versus millions of years ~ and many other interesting subjects truthfully do not directly affect our salvation.  So why discuss them?

Glad you asked.  If you are a professional athlete, a combatant such as a boxer, wrestler, a military soldier whose very life may depend upon your physical strength and conditioning - will you slack off, tell yourself that you have done enough and there is no sense working too hard?   I don't think so.  You will be diligently working to gain your maximum strength and capabilities.  Why?  Because when you go into battle - you know that those extra efforts may be the difference between life and death.

And your extra knowledge of God's Word and His message of salvation - may be the difference between spiritual life and death for the person to whom you are witnessing.  Will that person believe and be saved?  Or walk away, disbelieving?   Are you prepared to do battle for the eternal soul of that person?

Most of us are familiar with the terms "Liberal Christian" and "Conservative Christian" - even though we may not necessarily be able to explain the differences   And we often hear people discussing the difference between Calvinists and Arminians - and often using the term "Calvinist" as a stone to be thrown at a Conservative Christian, i..e., "You're a Calvinist Fundamentalist Bible-basher!"   Yes, I have been called all those and more.

Even though I could never be a Calvinist nor an Arminian, the Calvinist label has been thrown at me many times over the years on different forums and social media.  Why?  Because I will stand and defend our Christian faith.  That is called apologetics, defending the faith.

Now I would like to offer you several resources to help you better understand Dispensational and Covenant Theologies.  The first three are short videos which clearly address this issue:
 
1.  Dispensations - Chuck Missler  (3 minutes)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au6_lG_Euks

Dr. Chuck Missler's career is distinguished.  While serving as CEO and Chairman of technology companies in Southern California, serving on the Board of Directors of advanced technology companies with the likes of William E. Simon (former Secretary of Treasury), General David C. Jones (Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff), Admiral Tom Hayward (Chief of Naval Operations) and Dr. Edward Teller, (Scientific Advisor to the President) - he was also involved as a consultant in highly sensitive advanced technology projects, and on the Board of Directors of the Computer and Communications Industry Association in Washington D.C.

In the 1970s, while still in the corporate world, Chuck began leading weekly Bible studies at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, California - where thousands of cassette tapes of his Bible studies were distributed.  At the same time he was one of the founding members of the Biblical Research Center, and in 1973 he established Koinonia House to create and distribute materials to stimulate, encourage, and facilitate serious study of the Bible as the inerrant Word of God,  He also helped start the Bible web site, BlueLetterBible.org, which has been indispensable to me in my writing ministry. 

2.  Covenant Theology and Dispensationalism -Greg Koukl  (8 minutes)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLT1FEzjz_E

Greg Koukl, Founder and President of "Stand to Reason" - a Christian ministry whose goal is to equip Christians with knowledge, wisdom, and character - focusing on the basics, the fundamentals of theology and ethics, and the fundamental tools of thought.   He received his Masters in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics at Talbot School of Theology (Biola University), graduating with high honors - and his Masters in Christian Apologetics with honors from Simon Greenleaf University.  He is an adjunct professor in Christian apologetics at Biola University. 

3.  What is the difference between dispensationalism and covenant theology? -John Barnett  (19 minutes)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5E1FA5kCFk&t=153s

Dr. John Barnett has been teaching the Word of God for 30+ years.  Born and raised in Michigan, John has studied at Michigan State University, Bob Jones University (B.S., B.A., M.A., M. Div.), The Master's Seminary (faculty and Th. M. work), Dallas Theological Seminary (Dr. of Biblical Ministry) and with Francis Schaeffer at L'Abri Fellowship.   

He has served over 30 years in the pastorate, and also as a Seminary Professor of Theology, Church History and the English Bible.  His work reflects the background of the Scripture from the ancient biblical world, the history of the church, and the daily life in far corners of the planet. In 1998 a new ministry called Discover the Book Ministry was launched to provide electronic copies of Pastor John's audio, video, and text studies free of charge to pastors, missionaries, and other believers.  

And the virtual text book on Dispensationalism and Covenant Theology is "Dispensationalism Today" by Dr.Charles Ryrie.  I have had this book in my personal library for years - and I have downloaded the PDF format version.  When reading I prefer the hard copy book.  But when I am quoting from the book, I prefer the PDF version in my archives so that I can copy/paste without errors.  If you are interested in an indepth study of these methods of Bible interpretation, I highly suggest you download this book.  The price is right:  FREE!

4.  Dispensationalism, Revised And Expanded - Charles C. Ryrie - PDF Format

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0ahUKEwjSota25ffbAhVOMqwKHXsUBe0QFggrMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fshopeshop.org%2FSearchable%2520Riches!%2FAuthors%2FRyrie%2C%2520Charles%2FDispensationalism.pdf&usg=AOvVaw2dDgBgyRJuxIyWI3nhlany

Dr. Charles Caldwell Ryrie (1925 – 2016), American Bible scholar and Christian theologian.  He served as professor of Systematic Theology and Dean of Doctoral Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary, and as president and professor at what is now Cairn University.

He received his B.A. from Haverford College, his Ph.D from the University of Edinburgh, and his Th.M. and Th.D. with high honors from Dallas Theological Seminary.  He has served as president of Philadelphia College of the Bible (now Cairn University), taught at Westmont College, and Midwest Bible & Missionary Institute.

I realize that I have dumped a load of information and resources on you.  I pray that, as you and I continue to mature in our knowledge of His Word, this blog has been helpful to you.   Let us all strive each day to become better witnesses for Him as we live out His Great Commission -  "Go, Make disciples, Teach them, Baptize them.  .  .  . Be My witnesses in all the world"  (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, Mark 16:15).

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Prophecy Update Interview With Mike Macintosh And Pastor Tom Hughes

A VIDEO I WOULD RECOMMEND TO ALL PEOPLE, believer and non-believer  ~   Yes, it is a Prophecy Update Interview With Mike MacIntosh And Pastor Tom Hughes of Calvary Chapel, San Jacinto, California - but the issues they speak on in this interview, while mostly related to Biblical prophecy, definitely speak clearly about what is happening in America, and around the world, today.

Since it is a rather long video, I began watching it with the intent of only watching a portion of it.  I became so engrossed with the issues they discussed - that I watched the whole video in one sitting.  And I was very glad that I did - for in the closing minutes Mike MacIntosh shares about Pastor Chuck Smith being invited to China by the Chinese government. 

They were in a meeting in the huge Government State House with many dignitaries and Chinese leaders - when God made it possible for Chuck Smith to give a thirty minute teaching on Scripture - in a Communist Chinese government building, to dignitaries and leaders.  You can find that at the 1:05.00 minute point in the video.  For that alone I am happy that I watched the video to the end.

A little background. In 1965 Chuck Smith went to Calvary Chapel, Costa Mesa - then less than 20 members.  He and his wife, Kay, were burdened by God to reach out to the local Hippie drug community in Orange County.  To make a long story short, the growth at Calvary Chapel was explosive, mostly young people with heads messed up from drugs. 

Pastor Chuck and Mike MacIntosh, then just a young disciple, knew that those kids were into music - but would be bloated by the typical church music of that time, i.e., predominately hymns.  Pastor Chuck and Mike reached out to Christian musicians, professional and amateur, seeking "milk" music at the time, instead of the heavier "meat" music, hymns.

Thus Contemporary Christian Music as a movement began.  The musicians wrote songs, recorded their new contemporary Christian music, and Mike MacIntosh loaded the trunk of his car with cassettes and drove around Southern California encouraging Christian Book & Music Stores to carry this new music.  That led to Pastor Chuck and Mike MacIntosh startingMaranatha! Music, a Christian music record label founded as a nonprofit ministry of Calvary Chapel in 1971.  Mike MacIntosh was the Director of Marketing (and in the beginning, most likely the sole employee) of Maranatha! Music.

In 1974, Mike MacIntosh, then director of Maranatha! Music and on the Pastoral team at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, began driving from Orange County to San Diego every week to lead a Bible study group.  That Bible study eventually led to the founding of Horizon Christian Fellowship with headquarters in San Diego - which today includes hundreds of church fellowship. 

A year earlier, 1973, Pastor Chuck sent a young 19 year old Greg Laurie to Riverside, California, to lead a Bible study.  That Bible study grew into the Harvest Christian Fellowship, which also includes the Harvest Crusades, with church fellowships across America. 

Today, the Calvary Chapel Movement has thousands of church fellowships across America and in virtually every free nation in the world.  Both Horizon and Harvest are still officially under the umbrella of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa.  Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa is responsible for thousands of church fellowships across America and in virtually all free nations of the world. 

So, with that said, let's watch this video of the interview with Pastor Mike MacIntosh.  Pastor Tom and Pastor Mike are discussing current events and their implications on Bible prophecy.   I was edified by this viewing.  I pray you will also be edified and have a better understanding of where we are today as world events and Bible prophecy begin to come together. 

Prophecy Update Interview With Mike Macintosh And Pastor Tom Hughes - Posted:  June 25, 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zy2YBS7szrY&feature=youtu.be

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Is The Apostasy Today Reaching Critical Mass?

Should we worry that the apostasy (or falling away) spoken of in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 is fast becoming a reality in the Christian world?  Let's consider some of the more concerning changes which have happened in mostly liturgical churches over the past few decades.

1.  In 1972, the United Church of Christ became the first mainline Protestant denomination in the United States to ordain an openly gay clergy.

2.  In 2003, the Episcopal church in New Hampshire ordained an openly gay man to the position of bishop.

3.  Since 2010, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has been ordaining gay clergy.

4.  Since 2012, the Presbyterian Church (USA) has been ordaining gay clergy.

5.  The Presbyterian Church (USA) voted to allow Same-Sex Marriages in June 2014.

6.  The Episcopal Church in the United States and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) also allow ordination of openly gay and lesbian clergy.

7.  Internationally, many churches have ordained openly lesbian or gay clergy.

8.   And, in recent years we have seen clergy from many denominations publicly speaking and demonstrating FOR abortions.

And now the United Methodist Church (UMC) Minnesota Conference has voted to removes "Father" from the Apostles' Creed for their worship service.  In other words, even though the Bible refers to God as Father and He - this United Methodist Conference refuses to acknowledge Him as Father - because they insist that God be genderless. 

In other words, they are acceding to the Secular Society's demand that all our world be genderless - that our world be seen as an LGBTQ+++ world.  In this new UMC teaching, regardless of what God has authored in His Bible - whatever you want to be, just name it and claim it.  You can be male, female, or anything in between.  Or, you can be the newest fad - completely GENDERLESS!

I have long been a Baptist-flavored Christian and while our Statement of Beliefs, i.e., what we believe and teach, mirrors the Creeds of liturgical churches (Apostles' Creed, Nicene Creed) - those are not integral parts of our worship service.

As Baptists our beliefs do reflect most of the theological positions articulated in those early creeds.  For example, the Apostles' Creed expresses belief in the virgin birth, the resurrection, and the Second Coming.  We Baptists embrace those beliefs.  The Nicene Creed describes the doctrine of the Trinity as one God manifested in three distinct and equal persons.  Baptists also believe and teach the doctrine of the Trinity.  The difference being that we stop short of officially embracing the creeds and instead focus on individual saving faith.

Yet, for me personally, having spent a number of years in my younger life attending and studying in the Roman Catholic church - I do find some beauty in the Apostles' Creed.  And now to have churches which have long been true to the Bible and our Christian faith - beginning to grow more and more secular, to see them actively adopting secular norms and teachings - I find very disturbing.

NO, I do not wish folks "Happy Holidays" - I wish them a "Very Merry Christmas!"   NO, I do not have a Holiday Tree, I have a Christmas Tree.  And when folks start taking CHRIST out of Christian, when folks start taking CHRIST out of Christmas - that sincerely bothers me.

And today when I find that thisUnited Methodist Church (UMC) Minnesota Conference has gone against His Bible and made God the Father genderless - I do begin to think that the apostasy is reaching End Times level.

The Apostles' Creed - Traditional Version:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.  He descended into hell.  The third day He rose from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic (universal) church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Newly modified United Methodist Genderless Version:

I believe in God, the CREATOR Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.  I believe in Jesus Christ, GOD'S only Son, our Lord.  He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. 

He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried.  He descended TO THE DEAD.  On the third day He rose AGAIN.  He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the CREATOR.  He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic (universal) Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Let me point out a typical flaw in their version. Even though this new UMC version is careful to remove all gender from the name of God - they still refer to Jesus Christ as "He."   So, it seems that, to them, God the Father is genderless - while God the Son is not!  Hmmm?  Wonder how they will justify that?

Folks, I sincerely pray that you have your Eternal Life Insurance (the free gift of life in Jesus Christ) all in order.  For, based upon current events, in the not too distant future we believers may be hearing Jesus Christ telling us, "Come up here" (Revelation 4:1) and we will be in glory with our Lord.

However, before that happens - are your Eternal Life Insurance premiums in order?  Or is there a FRAN (Friend, Relative, Associate, Neighbor) who does not have his or her Eternal Life Insurance in place, i.e., the Holy Spirit indwelling, guiding, teaching, convicting, protecting? 

Is there a FRAN with whom you should be sharing Jesus Christ and helping that FRAN become part of the Family of God?  After all, that is OUR Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, Mark 16:15) - to Go, Make disciples of all our FRANs, Teach them, and bring them into our church fellowships where, as a Family member, they can be baptized in the presence of their new spiritual family - confirming that their Eternal Life Insurance is valid.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Born Free? - Yes! ~ Born Gay? - NO!

Today Facebook reminded me of this dialogue I posted in June 2013.  But it is even more relevant today, because of the Liberal Socialists' continued war against the Positive Moral Values of our Christian faith.    Folks, we now have a president, Donald Trump, who will work with us to keep our Christian faith from being relegated to the shadows or hidden in a closet.

I believe that God is showing us that we, all Christian believers, need to stand up and declare our God and our Christian faith to the secular world.  That is why I am reposting this 2013 dialogue.  For if it helps just one person to better understand the current task we have of bringing God's promise of eternal life to an unwilling world - then reposting has been worthwhile.

Born Free: Yes!  ~  Born Gay: NO!
Posted June 23, 2013 at 1:16 AM on Facebook Notes

In a discussion I began on the Religion Forum titled "Did Exodus International Cave To Societal Pressures?" - I opened by writing:

The Los Angeles Times, a Secular Newspaper, and Liberals cheer the closing of a Christian ministry.   Was Exodus International right in closing that ministry - or did it just cave to societal peer pressure?

And, a Religion Forum Friend who tells us he is a Christian believer, but does not believe most of what the Bible teaches, and admits that he has not been in a church in many years - yet, feels he is a good spokesman for the Christian community, tells me, "It closed because homosexuality isn't a choice.  You can't be 'cured' of it.  And even the founder (of Exodus International) admitted it didn't work.  If you believe God is behind every birth, then you also have to believe that God made them that way - and did it on purpose."

I reply to him:

Regardless of whether people are born gay (which they are NOT!) as you believe - or chooses to be gay as the Bible teaches; that is not the issue.

We all have sin in our lives, believers and non-believers.  The trick is to NOT allow that sin to become the god of your life.  And, that is exactly what happens when a person CHOOSES to live a homosexual or lesbian lifestyle.

Being homosexual or lesbian is NOT a sin.  But, living an active homosexual or lesbian lifestyle - IS a sin.   For God declared that lifestyle to be an abomination, unnatural, and against sound teaching.  In other words, God loves the homosexual/lesbian - but, God hates the sin lifestyle, any and all sin lifestyles.

Then, another Forum Friend responds, "Bill, the gay community disagrees.  But, SOME theorists feel there are three types of gays.  Of course, the rationales could cross over, so that some might have two traits, not just one.  (More) to the point, one of the reasons is a genetic propensity in males to be gay.  That doesn't mean that anyone has to act on any propensity they may have, whether to have homosexual sex, steal, or be sarcastic."

And, I tell her:
 

Not sure what you mean by "three types of gays" - but, I do believe you are right that everyone is born with some degree of feeling, curiosity, desire to experiment, or whatever one will call it - about homosexual desires.  I would probably lean more toward believing it is curiosity and a desire to experiment.  But I cannot speak for everyone.

I do not believe this occurs only in males.  I believe it is equally true in females, that desire to experiment.

And, that is why it is so important to have Traditional Marriage - so that every boy and girl has the right role models in those young years.  Same-Sex Marriages, i.e., two mommies or two daddies, cannot offer those types of role models to young children.

She responds, "Three types:  (1) Born that way,  (2) Sexually abused/molested at young age, and (3) Taunted as gay because of small stature or lack of athleticism.  Your post reminded me of an old joke, 'He could have married anyone he pleased.  He just didn't please anyone.' "

Luckily, I do not have that latter problem.  For God prepared a very special woman for me whom, despite my many faults I would please (some might say fooled) enough that she married me almost 36 years ago.  And, biggest miracle of all - she still loves me.

At this point, let's look at reasons why homosexuality is not an inherited trait, nor is anyone born gay.

In your list, items 2 and 3 have validity, and could be viewed as emotional or psychological reasons which might cause a person to have such low self-esteem that he/she would avoid relationships with people of the opposite sex.  And, as a result, some seek solace in a person of the same sex.  The reasons and understanding of all the emotions and feelings which are a part of this - are far above my intellectual knowledge and beyond my pay scale.

However, I do not believe that your item 1 has any validity.   Why would God, the God who has declared:

2 Peter 3:9 (nasb), "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for ALL to come to repentance."

Why would He create people that are condemned to hell before birth, and before they have an opportunity to choose eternal life in Christ?  That would be the highest form of cruelty.  And God is not cruel.

We know that not ALL people will accept the "free gift" of eternal life which Christ purchased with His blood on the cross.  But this Scripture verse tells us that God truly desires ALL to be saved.

Would a God who wants ALL to be saved - create some to be the abomination, the unnatural person whom He, in the Bible, has said condemns himself or herself to eternal hell?  NO!  God would not create anyone specifically to be sent to hell - in spite of the Calvinist teaching of Reprobates.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (nasb), "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither  fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers - will inherit the kingdom of God."

In this Scripture passage, God has listed specific sin lifestyles, not people or sins, but sin lifestyles - which those who live them will not inherit the kingdom of God.  In other words, they will not be saved into eternal life, for they have chosen to live an active sin lifestyle, condemning themselves to eternal hell.

All of us, believers and non-believers, may commit some, or all, of those sins at times.  But, if we are believers, if we have a saving relationship with Christ - we have been forgiven.  Yes, we have to repent, ask His forgiveness, and ask His strength to help us not commit those sins again.  We do this, not so that God will know what we did (for He knows every hair on our head, every breath we take, every thought we have) - but, so that we personally recognize, understand, and accept our sins, i.e., that we own our sins - and strive, through prayer and His help, to avoid them in the future.

When Christ went to the cross, He took all the sins of all the world, the sins of all people who have been born, or will ever be born - to the cross with Him.  He took all those sins upon His perfect, sinless Self on the cross, so that we - you, me, all the world (John 3:16) - can be forgiven by grace, through faith.

Not, will be forgiven, but, can be forgiven.  If by the grace of God, through faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross - a person will believe the Gospel and receive (John 1:12) His precious gift of eternal life - "paid in full" by His blood spilled on the cross - that person is saved and has eternal life in Christ.

In other words, He is our High Priest who offered the sacrificial Lamb, Himself, to be the "once for all time, for all people" blood sacrifice which would satisfy the perfect justice of God (Hebrews 7:27, Hebrews 9:12, 1 Peter 3:18).

Colossians 2:14 (nasb), "Having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us (sins: past, present, and future), which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross."

On the cross, Jesus Christ "paid in full" the sin debt for all people - so that we who believe and receive His "full pardon" - have received forgiveness for all our sins:  past, present, and future.

Does this mean that we have a "license to sin"?  Absolutely not.  For we WILL have to account for every sin, by word or deed, done by commission or omission in this life when we stand before Him in judgment - the Bema Seat Judgment of rewards or lack of rewards for believers - or the Great White Throne Judgment of punishment for all non-believers.

Do you recall, when you were a small child, having to stand before that authority figure, dad or mom, and admit your guilt for a wrong that you had done?  Do you recall how you felt?   Well, multiply that about a million times - and that is what it will feel like to stand before Jesus Christ, the Son who died a cruel death on the cross to buy your pardon - and admit that you have disobeyed Him.

No, my Friend, being a "forgiven sinner" is definitely NOT a license to sin.  But it is the blessed assurance that, one day, you WILL stand before the Jesus Christ we love and receive the great reward of being in heaven eternally with Him.

So, back to my original point:  I am sad to see Exodus International close its ministry.  For even saving one soul who had been led down the wrong path in life - is worth the effort to keep the ministry active.  I can understand how missionaries, pastors, and evangelist who have been in the service of the Lord for many years - and have not personally experienced the elation of bringing a soul to Christ - would feel. 

But, that is short sighted.  It is not the ones we can personally attest have come to the Lord through our work, that matters.  What matters is how many "salvation seeds" we have personally sown into the winds of eternity.

Some years ago, a Christian brother, Fernando, was doing the quarterly newsletter for our church.  I recall hearing him say once, after the newsletter had been distributed at worship service, and after the worship service - to see so many of them laying in the pews, laying on the floor, or thrown into the trash can, "I feel like they are throwing my baby away."

Later, I mentioned that to a Christian sister, May, the wife of my Friend, Pastor Charles Patam.  Her reply was so true that it led me to publishing my own Christian newsletter.  She told me, "But, if only one soul is touched or saved through that effort - then, all the work is worth it."

That thought resonated within me.  And, that is why, almost 25 years later, I am still doing Christian apologetic writing - even though I frequently do get stones thrown at me, i.e., name calling, accusations, untruths, misrepresentations, etc.  Each stone, each name called or derogatory comment, thrown when I share the Truth of God's Word - is a rare gem in the coming Crown of Life I will receive in heaven.  And, each one makes me smile with elated anticipation.

James 1:12 (nkjv), "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

Revelation 2:10 (nkjv), "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer.  Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days.  Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."

It makes me sad that this badly needed ministry, Exodus International, has been abandoned because of what appears to be our Liberal society's pressure.  Did Exodus International make mistakes?  What ministry does not, for we are only human?  But, do we quit because we have made mistakes?  No!

We adjust.  And work even more diligently to make that ministry more effective and more glorifying to our Lord, who, ". . . not wishing for any to perish but for ALL to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9) - waits patiently at the door of every heart: male or female, gay or straight - waiting to be invited in as your Best Friend (Revelation 3:20).   If you have not yet invited Him to come into your life, into your heart - why are you waiting?

For any of my Friends, or my Friends' Friends, still living in an active sin lifestyle, regardless of which sin - God has not given up on you.   So, why are you giving up on Him?

That is why He has appointed pastors, teachers, leaders - and yes, apologetic writers such as me.  He wants us to like like the blister on your buttock, not life threatening - but uncomfortable when you continue to sit and not receive His precious gift of eternal life.  God does not want you to be comfortable living a sin lifestyle.

Christ is patiently waiting at the door of your heart, waiting for YOU to open the door which He cannot (Revelation 3:20) - ready to come into your heart and be your very Best Friend.  Give Him a chance.  What do you have to lose - except an eternity in hell?

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill