The Earnest Contender

We Give Thanks (3)

2009-11-26T06:21:00.003-05:00

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8 AV)

We Give Thanks (2)

2009-11-23T06:35:00.001-05:00

Have you noticed that praise seems to be a theame in the Psalms? What are some of your favorite Scriptures of thanksgiving and praise?

We Give Thanks

2009-11-22T06:10:00.002-05:00

Did you know that the word "praise" is a word used about 300 times in the Old Testament and about 34 times in the New Testament? It has the same root word as price, meaning to ascribe value and or worth to another. What are you thankful for?

Life is Abundantly Good (last post)

2009-11-18T05:55:00.002-05:00

David's Prayer from 1 Chronicles 29: 10-13 (NIV)

13 Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.

The beginning and end of this prayer is praise. Good model.

Life is Abundantly Good (5th post)

2009-11-17T06:29:00.002-05:00

David's Prayer from 1 Chronicles 29: 10-13 (NIV)

12 Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.

If God has the power and resources to exalt all why doesn’t everyone ask Him, seek it, and knock on the doors that can lead them to it?

Life is Abundantly Good (4rth post)

2009-11-16T06:28:00.002-05:00

David's Prayer from 1 Chronicles 29: 10-13 (NIV)

11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.

What can I give to God that is not already His? He is worthy of all acceptation and worship and praise and thanksgiving.

Life is Abundantly Good (3rd post)

2009-11-15T07:00:00.001-05:00

David's Prayer from 1 Chronicles 29: 10-13 (NIV)

10 David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,
"Praise be to you, O LORD,
God of our father Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.

What a great way to kick off any event, praising God for who He is. There are so many benefits to having an attitude of gratitude. Think of all the benefits we and others receive when we simply say thank you. What benefits are you aware of when you display a thankful spirit?

Life is Abundantly Good (2nd post)

2009-11-13T06:46:00.002-05:00

David's Prayer from 1 Chronicles 29: 10-13 (NIV)

10 David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,
"Praise be to you, O LORD,
God of our father Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.

12 Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.

13 Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.

Life is Abundantly Good

2009-10-15T06:30:00.003-04:00

Have you noticed that the life we have is abundantly good? A friend on Facebook posted, "It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone." (Eph. 1:11) In response (yes response not react) to her I made this comment, "What else can we do than praise Him for His transforming power and genuine love? I have grown to love two little words. I think they must be my favorite words from the Bible, 'in Christ'. They help me feel a spiritual union with everyone 'in Christ' and compassion for everyone else." I hope you can sense the abundance God has provided "in Christ" and have joy and rejoice too. (cf. 1 Chro. 29:10-13)

A Plea for Zeal WITH Knowledge from AISI

2009-05-06T05:45:00.001-04:00

S. M. writes:

”I always thought that the main point regarding the vast contrast between The KJB and other so-called Bible versions was the fact that the other so-called versions dangerously miss-translated [sic] important words like "virgin", as in virgin birth, referring to Jesus’ mother as a "young woman" instead of a virgin.

Is this not dangerous?

I get the feeling that this site [i.e, www.kjvonly.org] and the writers herein are minimizing the KJBers effort to maintain the basic tenets of the faith like the virgin birth which separates Christianity from other religions.”
---
“Dear Mr. M----
I will grant that many in the KJVOnly movement are zealous for what they perceive to be "the truth" but very often (indeed, almost always) this is a blind zeal, even fanatical zeal driven by emotion and not by knowledge. Almost every major precept or conventional "proof" of KJVOism is based on erroneous assumptions or false information. It would be easy to make a list of 20 to 30 major "givens" of KJVOism that have no basis in fact (examples: the KJV is superior because it is not copyrighted; the KJV always follows the TR Greek and MT Hebrew texts; the TR is the same as the majority text; Psalm 12:6-7 is a promise of preservation of written Scripture; ditto for Matthew 5:17-18; ditto for Matthew 24:35; the KJV translators were the greatest Bible scholars ever; the KJV is the Bible of real fundamentalists; Baptists have historically held to the KJV as the best translation, or as a perfect translation; Westcott and Hort were spiritists; the Vaticanus manuscript is inaccessible to Protestant scholars; the Old Latin follows the TR; Luther's version contains I John 5:7; Spurgeon vowed to break fellowship with anyone who didn't use the KJV; etc. etc. EVERY ONE OF THESE CLAIMS--and many more--IS PROVABLY FALSE, indeed has been documented as false in published articles and books, most accessible on the www.kjvonly.org web-site).
That some translations do play fast and loose with the original language text I readily acknowledge. Probably the most famous case is the Revised Standard Version at Isaiah 7:14 (and recently the NET Bible issued by Dallas Theological Seminary professors!). Indeed, the modern KJVO movement in large measure at its beginning fed off the criticism of the RSV in the 1950s. But just because that version abused that particular text in translation is no basis for condemning all other modern Bible translations. Among versions which do NOT mistranslate Isaiah 7:14 are the NIV, NASB, HCSB, NKJB and ESV. To condemn all because of the fault of one is equivalent to condemning all Baptist preachers because some are adulterers. We should condemn the guilty, not the innocent. And before we do either, we need to investigate and discover which is which! This, KJVO adherents have not done, or not done adequately.

And then there are glaring theological issues with the KJV itself--4 times it refers to the Holy Spirit as "it"; in this blasphemy, only the Jehovah's Witness Bible, the New World Translation, exceeds it with five such references (and strangely, the KJV doesn't hesitate to refer inversely to demons with the pronoun "he). And the KJV obscures the clear declarations in the Greek of the Deity of Christ in Titus 2:13 and 2 Peter 1:1. As the Deity of Christ and the Personhood of the Holy Spirit are FUNDAMENTAL doctrines, is it not dangerous to encourage people to continue to use such a translation as the KJV which falsely and inaccurately translates these passages? Would not the NKJB be far better in this regard, or the NIV or NASB?

And is it not counterproductive to urge people to continue to read a version that is filled with obscure, archaic and obsolete vocabulary and syntax, which they cannot understand and which cannot assist them in seeking a fuller knowledge of God, when other translations at least the KJV's equal in accuracy (its superiors, I would affirm) are readily available? How does this differ in kind from the Roman Catholic Church's long insistence on the "Latin Vulgate Only" in its liturgy?

KJVOism is an edifice of cards built on a foundation of sand. Until KJVOers begin to get their facts straight and apply to the KJV the same kinds of criticisms they so readily apply to other versions, they are guaranteed to remain blind leaders of the blind.

What is dangerous is having fanatical zeal to defend a view which is neither orthodox nor Biblical. That was the essence of Phariseeism, and Saul's persecution of Christians. And it is the essence of KJVOism as well.

Doug Kutilek

A “Mansion” over the Hilltop? by Doug Kutilek

2009-04-04T09:59:00.002-04:00

“In my Father’s house are many mansions.” So reads the first clause of John 14:2 in the archaic KJV (italics added). In modern American English, “mansions” means only one thing: large stately houses on substantial acreages, reminiscent of “Tara” and “Twelve Oaks” in Gone with the Wind. And that is exactly how multitudes (including the author of the Gospel song “Mansion over the Hilltop”) misunderstand the obsolete language of the KJV here. (“Mansion” occurs nowhere else in the KJV).

At the very least, anyone who assumes “mansions” here has its modern sense should logically be moved to ask--“How can there be Tara-esque mansions in the Father’s house?” And raising such a rational question should instruct the thinking reader that somehow something is awry here. And indeed something is.

Why is “mansions” used here? What does it mean, or did it mean, in the early 17th century when the KJV was made? Was that different than its present meaning? And what of the original Greek that it ostensibly represents? What does it mean? First the Greek.

The Greek word here (without variation in printed Greek texts) is monai, the plural of mone. This word is found elsewhere in the NT (in the singular) only in v. 23 of John 14, where the KJV inconsistently translates it “abode.” Outside the NT, the word is not rare, occurring commonly in classical Greek authors, the apocrypha, Philo, Josephus and elsewhere. It is related to the very common verbal root meno, which means “to stay, remain, last, persist, continue.” It comes as no surprise then that Greek dictionaries give “staying, abiding” and “dwelling-place, room, abode” as definitions of mone in its various uses. Nothing here to conjure up images of opulent houses in plantation settings.

Tracing how this word was translated in ancient and Reformation era Bible versions while enable use to discover how “mansions” found its way here in the KJV.

The earliest Latin version--or versions, since they are multiple and diverse--of the NT is today designated as the Old Latin. These were made in the very late 2nd through the 4th centuries A. D. Of extant manuscripts of the Old Latin version(s), I have access to two in John 14. Both read mansiones in v. 2 (at v. 23, one is defective; the other reads habitaculum =”habitation, room”). Mansiones is the plural of mansio, meaning “a remaining, stay, sojourn; station, halting place.” I suspect that the other Old Latin manuscripts read the same.

In the late 4th century (ca. 385 A.D.) the diversity of Old Latin versions led to Jerome’s attempt to standardize the Latin text in what is today called the Latin Vulgate (the Vulgate is unquestionably the most influential translation of the NT ever made, dominating the Middle Ages in Europe and strongly influencing every Reformation-era translation there. See “The Latin Vulgate Bible Translation in Historical Perspective” part I, As I See It, 5:4, April 2002; and part II, As I See It, 5:5, May 2002). In the Gospels, the Vulgate is a cursory revision and standardization by Jerome of the Old Latin versions. Not surprisingly, it reads here the same as the Old Latin, namely: mansiones.

It doesn’t take a Ph. D. in Greek or Latin to recognize that the KJV’s use of “mansions” at John 14:2 is a direct transfer into English of the word employed by the Old Latin and Latin Vulgate versions. That the KJV was heavily influenced by the Latin Vulgate in its text and translation may come as a surprise to some, but it is acknowledged by all who are familiar with the facts of the case. In truth, every page of the KJV NT has vocabulary borrowed directly from the Latin Vulgate; “mansions” in John 14:2 is but one example among thousands (see “Is the King James Version a ‘Roman Catholic Bible’?” in As I See It 6:2, February 2003).

Among English translations, the Anglo-Saxon version (made from the Vulgate before 1000 A.D.) translates (rather than borrows) the Latin mansiones by eardung-stowa (=”tabernacle, habitation”) both times. My Anglo-Saxon dictionary does not list mansio at all, so it apparently did not pass from Latin into Anglo-Saxon as a loanword.

Wycliffe’s version of circa 1385, also made from the Vulgate, reads “dwellings” (v. 23, “dwell”). Tyndale’s version, based on the third edition of Erasmus’ Greek text, in consultation with the Vulgate, Erasmus’ own Latin version, and Luther’s German version, has “mansions” (v. 23, “dwell”) in all editions (1526, 1534, 1535, 1536). “Mansion” is also found in Tyndale’s version at 2 Corinthians 5:1, to describe the human body--the Greek literally is “house”--as the dwelling-place of the spirit (the Vulgate has domus, “house” cf. “domicile”). Cranmer’s (1539), also known as the Great Bible, reproduces Tyndale in both places in John 14, and alone of 16th century English versions, at 2 Corinthians 5:1 as well.

The Geneva NT (1557, 1560, 1602 editions), similar to Wycliffe (but not directly influenced by him), has “dwelling places” (v. 23, “dwell”). The Bishops’ Bible (1568), the base text for the KJV revision, reads “dwelling places” (v. 23, “dwelling”).

The Roman Catholic Rheims NT (1582), made from the Latin Vulgate rather than the Greek text, not surprisingly borrows the Vulgate word “mansions” (but in v. 23 has “abode,” a translation not found in any previous English version).

Then there is the KJV of 1611. It abandons the reading “dwelling places” found in the Bishops’ Bible (of which the KJV was an official revision) and in the Geneva Bible (the English Bible most influential in the making of the KJV). Instead, it reads precisely as the Roman Catholic Rheims: “mansions” (“abode,” in v. 23). That the KJV follows the lead of the Rheims in v. 23 is certain, in as much as no other English version before 1611 so translated the word there. This makes highly likely that the KJV was also imitating the Rheims (rather than reverting to Tyndale / Cranmer) in v. 2.

Other Reformation era versions are not germane to our present discussion. Luther’s German version (1534, 1545) has “Wohnungen”=”dwelling places, habitations, rooms, abodes” (v. 23, “Wohnung,” the singular of the same word), and so this did not influence directly Tyndale and Cranmer, though it may have influenced the Geneva and Bishops’ versions.

The Reina Spanish version of 1569 (and also the Valera revision of 1602) has “moradas” (v. 23, “morada,” singular), which means “stayings, remainings; habitations, abodes.” It is somewhat surprising to me that mansiones was not borrowed from the Vulgate since a related word, “mansion” exists in Spanish, and the Reina-Valera commonly borrows Vulgate vocabulary in its translation.

I do not possess Reformation-era versions in other Romance languages (French, Italian) so am not able to investigate how they rendered the word, though post-Reformation versions in French, Italian, Portuguese, and of course Romanian, do not use any word cognate with “mansions” here. Nor do I have access to Calvin’s Latin or French versions here (Calvin’s versions and commentaries did often influence the Geneva English version, and sometimes the KJV). Beza’s influential Latin version reads habitationes (“dwelling-places” / “habitations”).

Thus far the translations. We must now briefly consider the history of the use of the word “mansion” in English, and for this we turn inevitably to the Oxford English Dictionary, almost always the “last word” in such matters.

The OED gives seven separate uses of this word over time, as follows (with the date of the earliest attested usage; I summarize, paraphrase and occasionally supplement rather than quote directly):
1. the act of remaining (1340);
2. a place where one stops or dwells; place of abode (1386). This includes a separate dwelling place, such as an apartment in a large house (1400). Tyndale’s usage in John 14:2 and an earlier one in a religious document (1340) are placed here. “Mansions” is also used of abodes in hell (by Milton; 1629. Perhaps we need a song for the unconverted “I’ve got a mansion, far beneath the hilltop”!);
3. a structure serving as a dwelling place (1340), including the chief residence of a landed aristocrat (synonym of “manor”), specifically, a stately residence (1512). The word also has been used to describe a large building divided up into separate apartments (1860);
4. a halting place on a journey; the distance between two rest stops (1382);
5. an astrological term for the 28 monthly stages of the moon (1386); “house” is now commonly used for this (think “Age of Aquarius” by the Fifth Dimension--“When the moon is in the seventh house . . .”)
6. a parcel of land (1450)
7. as an adjective (1618)

Most of these usages are labeled as “obsolete.” The Concise Oxford English Dictionary, an abridgment and up-dating of the original OED, lists only two current usages, that of a large stately house, and of an apartment building.

The words “manor” (as in “manor-house” and “lord of the manor”) and “manse” (in British English a synonym of “parsonage”) are etymologically related to “mansion” though not derived from it, and are obviously similar in usage.

So then, sorting through the historic usages of “mansion” as reported in OED, it is clear that the OED correctly classifies Tyndale’s (and subsequently the KJV’s) use of “mansion” in John 14:2 under the meaning an apartment in a large house. We might say a guest chamber for an honored visitor. I think of the special room prepared by the Shunamite woman and her husband for the prophet Elisha, 2 Kings 4:10; and Samuel Johnson’s visit to the Thrales’ estate, where he more or less remained continuously for 20 years! In the Father’s house, we are honored guests, with our own well-furnished apartment, and we never have to leave, because we are home.

While “mansions” adequately and accurately represented in English the meaning of the Greek word monai in 1611, it certainly does not do so today, because of four centuries of extensive change in the English language. As a consequence, the KJV is at this point now obsolete, archaic, and misleading, and therefore inadequate (and this is but one of many hundreds of such places where the KJV does not conform to modern English usage, and therefore fails to communicate accurately to the modern reader. This is why I do not recommend the KJV to anyone, if they are seriously interested in knowing what the Bible teaches; indeed, I recommend that people not read it because of its frequently archaic language, recommending instead a modern English version or two).

How do modern conservative English versions treat John 14:2? The NIV has “rooms” (v. 23, “home”); the NASB “dwelling places” (v. 23, “abode”); the NKJB “mansions” (with footnote, “literally, dwellings”; v. 23 “home”); the ESV “rooms” (v. 23, “home”); HCSB “dwelling places” (v. 23, “home”). All of these are suitable (if you ignore the NKJB’s text, and follow its footnote) and adequately convey the sense and meaning of the original to the modern reader, in a way that “mansions” certainly does not. Not only will these modern translations be understood, they will not be misunderstood. With so many better options for English readers, not only here but throughout the Old and New Testaments, how can anyone justify continuing to use--and imposing on church members--a translation which they are guaranteed to misunderstand repeatedly? Exactly what is the point of that?
---Doug Kutilek

I appreciate this brother so much.
J. Wendell

My Comments on 1 Corinthians 1:4-9©

2009-01-27T06:30:00.003-05:00

4I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 5That in everything ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 6Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 7So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: 8Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

God’s Word is so rich, and powerful. Thanking God has become very natural to me as breathing, bathing, and banking. OK those last two weren’t always so natural for me, but neither was praise and thankfulness. I thank God for you my brother and sister, in Christ; we have a connection that is deeper than the name on the door of our church, or the sign in front, or names we are called by others or to my shame, names I have called some of you. We are brothers and sisters in Christ (did I ever mention that those are my two favorite words in the Bible?) We are enriched by Him! The Greek word for enrich is pronounced ploo-tid'-zo, it means to make wealthy (figuratively): - en- (make) rich.
____________________________________________

Side Bar: I am not a Greek Scholar; I do use a wonderful program called eSword, why not give it a try yourself?
____________________________________________

Now I hope this doesn't shock any of you, but I think it's OK to be rich. I mean wealthy! God, right, here has given us a clue how to get even richer. I may be going out on a limb on this one; tell me what you think.

That is the first stream of conciousness (rambling).
The second one that came to mind is belonging. It is so wonderful to belong, to be accepted! Jesus Christ has accepted me into His family called the church, and His church that meets in Toledo, has accepted me too. If you are "in Christ" why not give thanks to God for His acceptance of you?

Have you been accepted into Jesus' heart?

In His riches,
John 10:10

My Introduction to 1 Corinthians ©

2009-01-19T11:00:00.006-05:00

My personal comments on this New Testament book are my own independent comments unless otherwise stated; any similarities with someone else’s work or expressed ideas are strictly coincidental and unintentional as far as I know. Feel free to ask questions or express opinions in the comments section of each post, remember these are public and can be accessed by anyone (IOW be polite.) If you have questions or concerns or something personal you wish to express I encourage you to use my email link. My confident and eager expectation is that these posts will be a blessing and/or a challenge to all who read.

Abundantly yours,
Brother John

1 Corinthians 1
1Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's: 3Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Are you called of Jesus Christ through the will of God?

This is to the local church that met at a place called Corinth. It is written to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus - that is what being a saint is - all that in every place who call on the name of the Lord. I wonder why Paul said both their's and ours? At any rate, he is wishing us God's best, "Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ."

What are your thoughts?

In His abundance,
brother John

Love?

2009-01-09T06:43:00.002-05:00

Last Saturday, I experienced a paradigm shift of colossal proportions. God opened my understanding like nothing I have ever experienced in my Christian walk. I won’t take my time or yours to try to explain it to you just now because I’m not sure I could articulate it in any comprehensible manner, but my understanding was truly expanded and extended further than I ever thought possible. This resulted in some deep thought, prayer, and meditation on the Word of God and just to give you a hint: it was a result of contemplating a word or two from 1st John: ag-ap-ah'-o or ag-ap-ah'-o.

At the risk of causing any confusion, let me just say that from my former perspective, I do think most people get it. This unconditional love must extend outside the scope of our diminutive comprehension, beyond our own circles of influence, past the protected borders of our local church, further than our experience, and applied to everyone. This may seem like a lot, and it is. I encourage you to think about this; I did and it did wonders for me. Because this is such an immense concept to weigh up, start small. Even less is more than I have mastered so far.

For example: if you possess unconditional love for your life mate, you may still desire growth and change in them for their greater good, but would you demand change in them? What if he/she never changed? Do you get angry? Why? Is that how we express unconditional love? If you demand change in them is that love truly “unconditional” for them or is it your idea of how they should be in order for you to love them? Be honest, it is CONDITIONAL isn’t it? Do you really have unconditional love for who they are?

Think for a moment about the many ways to think? It is vast and varied. Why not learn from other peoples' perspectives, add it to your own, expand your thinking and enjoy it when others grow because of your affection and love for them?

Abundantly,
John

My next posts -if God permits- will be on 1Corinthians

Power in the Blood

2008-12-29T00:30:00.004-05:00

1 John 5
1Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
2By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
3For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
4For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
5Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
6This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
7For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
8And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
9If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.
10He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
11And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
13These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
14And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
15And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
16If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
17All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
18We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
19And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
21Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

We have a boy, Levi, who has come in full force into the “terrible twos”. Wow wee! He has more energy than his three siblings combined - a real handful unless he is asleep. I am not exaggerating when I say he has two speeds: full speed and sleep. That’s it, with the occasional break time because he does sit still most of the time for Elmo’s World, but not too often. He does not sit still to eat, drink, or play. Rose and I see it all the time. He walks, runs, dances and torments the family dog (who seems to have the patience of Job). We hear about it from Aunts, Uncles, Grandparent, Sunday school workers, and the slimming list of babysitters. Ever since he could walk he has been on the move, and man can he ever move! However, it is at least partly my fault that he is so skilled on his feet. When he was starting to take his first steps I was so proud, the thought never occurred to me to punish him. When he began to eat on his own a spilled his baby food down his front and smeared it around and got it into his hair and on his high chair I didn’t think enough to shame and scold him. He still doesn’t have the best table manners, but he’s improving all the time.

When we see other Christian’s sin (besides our self, remembering that all unrighteousness is sin) how should we handle this according to this text? Ask what? Ask who? Where can we find power to propitiate? How should we respond if they do recognize a fault, admit that fault, and evidence a turning away from that sinful way?

BTW I still don’t understand why it’s so cute when Levi has spaghetti all over his face, but when I have a small drop on my mustache, it’s gross. ;-)

The Test of Your Mettle: God's Love in You

2008-12-29T00:21:00.006-05:00

1 John 4
1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
4Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
5They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
6We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
7Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
10Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
11Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
12No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
13Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
14And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
15Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
16And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
17Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
19We love him, because he first loved us.
20If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
21And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

Here is another passage to put your spiritual mettle to the test. This is also a challenge for me?How do you fare?

To an abundant new year for you,
John

Two Stories Two Questions and a Prayer

2008-12-28T23:12:00.006-05:00

1 John 3
1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

4Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

5And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

6Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

7Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

9Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

10In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

11For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

12Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

13Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

14We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

15Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

16Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

17But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

18My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

19And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

20For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

21Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

23And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

24And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

Look at verse two (v. 2) "...it doth not yet appear what we shall be..." This reminds me of two stories one is biblical another is not from the Bible, but I like it, why not try it on yourself and see if it fits you.

The first is about a frightened man threshing grain in a little hide out when God called to him he didn't know it because God was calling to a "mighty man of valor" You can read the details in the book of Judges 6. Only God knew what He would do with Gideon.

The second is about a man who described his tailor as his favorite person "Every time I visit my tailor," he said, "he considers who I am today and takes my measurement afresh and then cuts a suit to fit me. Phony Salesmen on the otherhand, don't consider who I am and try to sell me any suit and expects me to fit into it. If I somehow fit they tell me how great I look if I don't they have the gall to tell me I could never be fit for their suit"

As you grow in your love of God and man are you more encouraged by the tailors in your life or those phony salesmen with flattery or consternation who really do not, and cannot know the outcome of your life?

You may say, "What a silly question of course I am more encouraged by the honest tailor than the disingenuous salesmen who is out to make salesmen of the month." OK that was a ridicules question, but here's a probing question... be honest with yourself, which one would you rather identify yourself with as you mature in graciousness toward others?

My hope is the latter.

I heard a man say he often prays, "God help me to become more like the person my dog thinks I am."

The Test of Your Mettle

2008-12-25T07:01:00.003-05:00

1 John 2
1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. 7 Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. 8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. 9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

12 I write to you, little children,
Because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.
13 I write to you, fathers,
Because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
Because you have overcome the wicked one.
I write to you, little children,
Because you have known the Father.
14 I have written to you, fathers,
Because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I have written to you, young men,
Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one.

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

18 Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us. 20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. 21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth. 22 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. 23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

24 Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life. 26 These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. 27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.

I am amazed that there are those who say they love the Lord and yet demonstrate nothing, nothing but hatred, contempt, and bitterness toward the brethren, this in no way resembles love for other Christians.

It is always in season to love one another.

In His abundance,
John

Acceptance

2008-10-23T06:28:00.002-04:00

1 John 1
1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
2(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
3That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
4And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
5This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
6If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

This is a blog. It is only a blog. Blog is short for "Web Log". This is not a church. I have posted extensively on the church. A blog is more of the equivalent of the living room of my mind. This is where I opine and you are invited to chime in. I expect respect for myself and other guests who comment here. When I feel this standard is not upheld in the spirit of Christian charity, comments will be removed. I want to assure you that what you say here will not end up on the pages of a gossip blog where folks swallow camels and strain at gnats in the name of being better Christians than everyone else.

Brothers and sisters we do not have to approve of someone's lifestyle of sin nor do we have to agree with their ideas and thoughts to love them and accept them. Consider what God has forgiven you of, and what He loves you in spite of.

How can you apply this verse? "...if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (1John 1:7)

Time and Treasures

2008-10-18T06:53:00.002-04:00

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)

Have you ever thought of time as a "treasure"? Time is a precious commodity of which we are given limited amounts. To squalor time is to waste your life, and I sure don't want to waste my life. I hope you don't either.

Have you ever thought of relationships as "treasures"? Relationships are an extension of who you are and what you can and are becoming. I am fast finishing this thought being delightfully greeted by my early riser two year old.

So now I gotta go. :-)

Time is Precious

2008-10-15T08:42:00.000-04:00

Ephesians 5:16 Colossians 4:5

My time is precious and so is yours. That is why I choose to spend and invest my time in -and with- those I value, and who value me. I will not waste any more of my time on the internet or in email with the petulance of those who are hell-bent on badgering others. I will not waste any of my precious time doing the same to anyone else either.

Enjoy the time God has given.

Christ in you, the hope of glory!

2008-10-10T07:04:00.004-04:00

What a joy it is to have this anchor moored in the Solid Rock! In favorable conditions, and in the tempestuous sea of life, in the rage of a storm or in the frustrations of being in the irons; He is with me piloting the vessel and adjusting the course when I have miss-charted. God is good! It is a joy and comfort to me to be in Christ. Do you have this hope?

A Question

2008-10-08T17:15:00.000-04:00

Is it possible for someone with a diminished mental capacity to become saved?
What are your thoughts on this topic?

Individual Soul Liberty Revisited

2008-10-07T05:42:00.003-04:00

I wrote this back in December of 2005. I like it and I have not changed my mind about it. What are your thoughts as you read it through afresh?
__________________________________________________________________

In a nutshell the doctrine of individual soul liberty (ISL) is the teaching that every individual has liberty over their own soul whether saved or unsaved. This is a biblical Baptist distinctive. Baptists should view this blessed doctrine with much satisfaction. According Edward T. Hiscox, it can not be said of Baptists since they have been called Baptists that they ever persecuted anyone for holding to other religious beliefs (cf. Principles and Practices for Baptist Churches p. 493). “Is it not true…” one may ask, “…those Fundamental Baptists want the whole world to be converted to biblical Christianity?” Yes! It is true, but while we do wish the whole world would be saved our evangelism technique is neither by coercion nor persecution! Rather, it is by persuasion, we pray, present the gospel, and God gives the increase.

Here are some thoughts on this topic:

What ISL is not.

ISL is not justification for disobeying Scripture.

A believer may choose to obey or disobey God’s Word, but disobedience is not justified. “My Bible calls it SIN!” (Sketch Erickson)

An unbeliever has liberty to remain in unbelief, but is not free from the consequences.

No one has the right to do as he wishes without regards to others. This is especially true for believers (see Rom. 14). Here are some examples:

I have freedom to drink wine, but not to get drunk.

While at a Jewish Bar mitzvah (when it is recognized that a boy becomes a man) I do not want to offend my Jewish friends by not drinking a glass of wine which they have provided for the occasion. So I partake… I have NOT sinned!

However, if there is a certain sister in Christ with me who has a particular weakness in the area of drunkenness, then I will abstain so I do not offend her. I will be as gracious as possible not to unnecessarily offend anyone, but I am bound to those in Christ first… I have NOT sinned!

ISL is not short for island!

We are not a law to ourselves. I can’t go driving my Neon through traffic like it’s a bumper car track or a rollercoaster ride. In the church I can’t just go on my own little soapbox and expound it to the death (usually the death of the doctrine, or the death of the learners, not the death of me).

We are a church, individuals banned together for the common purpose, to glorify God.

To Exalt Christ
To Edify the saints
To Evangelize the lost
To Encourage one another

My liberty does not take for granted nor infringe upon your liberty.

Some one said, “Your liberty to throw punches ends where my nose begins!”

Unprovoked, and out of the clear blue sky, a customer of mine announced in a harrumph, “I believe in homosexual marriages, a woman’s right to choose an abortion for any reason, and that it’s OK to burn our flag!” My response, “Hi [Tom], I couldn’t disagree with you more on each of those issues, but I would fight for your freedom to express your opinions.” This ended the discussion and left him scratching his head. I think it threw him off a bit that I didn’t get on my moral high horse and gallop all over his twisted “beliefs”. The point is: it is hypocritical to desire liberty for oneself and not extend it to others.

ISL has also been called the doctrine of the priesthood of the believer practically considered. (God’s Blueprint for a Church, K.H. Good, RBP). I like that idea because no one has more liberty than those God calls His priests. K.H. Good makes an interesting observation about the Reformers who spoke out against “…priestcraft that began in the third century abscessing in the apostasies of Rome’s rituals.” Yet, “…the development of the doctrine of conscience never reached its full application. …this principal was latent with the Reformers but not emergent.” (K.H. Good p.91; cf. Calvin’s Institutes Vol. II page 141) or click here.

Puritans fleeing a church-controlled state came to the new country and began to set up a church-controlled state. Our look at ISL would not be complete if we did not mention Roger Williams and the roll he played in establishing a separation of powers. However, this will fit in nicely with the second S in our BAPTISTS acrostic when we will put “separation of church and state” under the spotlight. For now you may see also see Edward T. Hiscox Prop. III … (you’ll have to turn a few pages on this one.)

In a nutshell the doctrine of individual soul liberty (ISL) is the teaching that every individual has liberty over their own soul whether saved or unsaved.

What is your view of freedom? Some hold the obnoxious idea that freedom means one can do as one pleases, but this leads to bondage. Truly, freedom is doing as one ought to do, not “whatever pleases me”, but “whatever pleases God”! This is true freedom and leads to true happiness and joy.

THE SUN AND THE WIND

2008-10-05T07:14:00.001-04:00

ONE day the sun and the wind had a quarrel. The wind said, "I am stronger than you." "No," said the sun, "I am stronger than you."
While they were disputing they saw a traveler coming along the road. He wore a heavy coat.
"See that man!" cried the wind. "Let us see which of us can take off his coat. The one who can do that is the stronger."
"Agreed," said the sun. "You may begin."
The wind blew and blew and blew. But the traveler only drew his coat closer about him.
The wind now blew more fiercely than before. The trees rocked, and the dust flew, but the traveler only buttoned up his coat.
"What a gale this is!" cried he, and turned up his coat collar to his ears.
"I give it up," said the wind.
Then the sun had his turn. He shone and shone and shone.
"How the weather has changed," said the traveler, and he unbuttoned his coat.
Still the sun shone, and presently the traveler wiped the moisture from his face.
"This thick coat is too much for me; I will have to take it off and carry it on my arm," said he, and he took it off.
"You have won," said the wind. "I see now that gentleness succeeds where rudeness fails."

We Preach Christ Crucified

2008-05-13T05:27:00.000-04:00

Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. (1Corinthians 1:20-25)

In the Holy Ghost

2008-05-07T05:53:00.003-04:00

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. (1Thessalonians 1:5)

Who Is He?

2008-03-10T04:55:00.002-04:00

I wish to share with my wife a passage from 1Peter. She has had to bear with a brother who seems hell bent on misunderstanding her, (and anyone who does not dot their i's properly). She and I have politly, but firmly asked him to leave us alone, but he seems to be a firebrand of discontent. "It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom." (Prov. 10:23)

Here is the passage I wish to remind Rose of.

Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. (1 Peter 3:13-17 KJV)

Prayer, Praise, Promise, or Problems

2008-03-06T05:28:00.002-05:00

I am not denying problems exist, but given a choice what do you give your first thoughts to when you wake up in the morning? Prayer, vocally expressing my heart to God does my soul good; it is usually my first conscience contact with the Lord. If I have given in to focus on any particular problem I know I can cast my cares upon Him Who cares about me.

Prayer will usually move me to praise God from Whom all blessings flow. Are blessings flowing? You bet they are! Try this look around you find even the smallest thing that you enjoy, (it could be a plant, a painting, a bird, a color, the sun rise, or any slight thing in which you may delight) begin to thank God for it and see what other things come to mind to praise Him for. You may need an alarm or some other trigger to keep you from over doing it; some of us are still bound by time.

Then, what I do, is begin to remember the promises He made and the many He has fulfilled, sometimes I talk to Him about this one and that one, this too fills my heart with praise “a vicious cycle” (said with a smile, because this is a good problem to have). He promised eternal life to all who believe in Him, He promised that He would never leave you or forsake you, He promised He would come to our aid in trouble, and be with us in our joys. I can feel praise in my heart again, don’t you?

Another choice is focusing on problems. “God is to busy to think about my little problems” a lady assured the preacher. The wise and witty preacher responded, “Madam, may I remind you that He is concerned about all the details of your life. To Him all problems are small and He is certainly capable to meet your needs large or small.”

Your problems are not your problems. Your attitude toward your problem is the problem.

What will you give your attention to, prayer, praise, promise, or problems?

The Lamb, Who Was Slain

2008-03-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang:

"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!"

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing:
"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!" (Revelation 5:11-13)

Another Post by Chad

2008-02-23T05:12:00.003-05:00

The Literal Future Government

(Part 2)

I would like to take a brief look at two other aspects of the literal future government. The first is the structure of the government and the second is the scope of the government. One of the critical components of the study of scripture is that context is the key to understanding truth. I believe that the word of God is to be taken literally when studying the context. As you read this, may you rightly divide the truth according to its context and I hope it will bring forth encouragement and strengthen your faith.

Within any form of government that is established, the needs to be structure in order for it to properly function according to its attended purposes. In the government that Jesus Christ is going to establish, there will be a well established structure. There are four literal truths that will establish the structure of the government in the literal Millennial Kingdom.

First, at the head of this government, there will be a king, “See a king will reign in righteousness…” (Isaiah 32:1). It was even promised in the covenant to Abraham, that there will be a king. (Genesis 17:6) The prophet Zechariah states, “The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.” (14:9) it is clear that according to this passage of scripture, the Lord will be upon the earth. Jesus Christ is not presently upon the earth. He is in heaven and one day, He will come back to earth. There is a promise that Paul gives to Timothy about the hope that the church has in regards to their position in the Kingdom, “Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; If we endure, we will also reign with him…” 2 Timothy 2:11-12

Second, in the structure of this government the prophets put the “saints.” Following the vision of Daniel in regards to the world empires, he observes that “the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.” (Daniel 7: 18) These saints are those who are written in the book of life. (Daniel 12:1-3)

Third, in the next structure of this government is the living nation of Israel. In this future Kingdom this historic people will at last realize the supremacy of the Abraham covenant. They are the chosen seed of Abraham, the friend of God; and all attempts to destroy them will fail. God will fulfill His promises to them (Isaiah 41:8-16). God will not forget them. (Isaiah 49:15) There are two powerful Psalms that bring this point out clearly. Psalm 47 is a beautiful picture of the rejoicing in the land because of the fact that that the Lord is Awesome and that His name is glorified. Psalm 67 states the purpose of God’s blessing upon Israel is stated “May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the people praise you.” (67:3) the promises to Abraham will be fulfilled in the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ.

Fourth, at the lowest level, but in the structure of the government is the Gentile nations. It is amazing to see that the Gentiles will also have a part in the plan as well. It was stated through the prophet Micah “Many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths” (4:2). Even the people who were enemies of God will find a place of favor in the Kingdom (Isaiah 19:23-25). The New Testament speaks of the fact God is the God of all men both Jew and Gentile. (Romans 3:29)

The extent of this government is that it is universal in scope. It is over all the earth and it includes all nations. (Zechariah 14:9; Isaiah 2:2; 34-35; 7:14). Not only will it be universal in scope, but it will also be everlasting in duration. (Psalm 72:15, 17). The everlasting Kingdom of our Lord will be merged with the Universal Kingdom of God and it will be for eternity (1 Corinthians 15:24-28).

The Literal Future Government

2008-02-20T16:46:00.002-05:00

The following posts are by my good friend Chad.

The Literal Future Government

The government in Old Testament prophecy is a literal government. It is not a spiritual government. The church is not the spiritual Israel, but is the body of Christ. There is a time in the future when this literal government will be established. Isaiah states it clearly, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.” (9:6-7) It is clear that Jesus Christ is the authority and He is the one who exercises the authority.

The functions of the king during this literal government are “judge,” “lawgiver,” and “king” (Isaiah 33:22). All throughout History, there has been a problem with human government to keep a proper balance between the necessary functions of government and to provide unification. The problem with man is that he is sinful and therefore, human government will never have complete unification. As stated in Isaiah 9:6-7, there will be a day in which the government will have complete unity and will properly function. This day will happen when Jesus Christ is ruling the earth from the throne of David.

The government that is going to literally be established is based upon moral principles. The principles that will establish the government are truth, holiness, righteousness, and justice (Psalm 97:1-2; Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 8:3). There has never been a time in History where the government has established truth, holiness, righteousness, and justice. When Jesus Christ establishes government upon this earth, it will be the only time in which all four of these moral principles are governing the affairs of men.

Why is this so important? One of the reasons that I believe is because there is an attack upon the literal interpretation of the scriptures. There will be a day that Jesus Christ will rule and reign upon this earth. This is going to be an awesome time in the future. When this government happens, the bride of Christ will be gathered with the groom.

The Power of God

2008-02-20T06:08:00.002-05:00

I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:14-17)

Preaching the Cross

2008-02-18T07:39:00.003-05:00

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18)

Where did I go?

2008-02-15T21:04:00.003-05:00

I have been contemplating a new ministry that I think has the potential to help hundreds of thousands of people and more. I have come upon it deliberatly, not at all by some passive chance or collision of fate. I continue to contemplate and pray through the details. I am delibratly focusing on reaching my goals of bringing these thoughts to fruition.

I hope you will enjoy the fullness of life that Christ intends for you.

John 10:10

The Night Before Christmas

2007-12-28T11:22:00.000-05:00

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "It's really all right,
"I'm out here by choice.
Im here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother.
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T05:26:00.001-05:00

I wish you all a very joyous Christmas,
And a new year filled with warmth, cheer and well being.

John

Time to Wake up!

2007-12-06T05:20:00.000-05:00

Time to Wake up! I just recieved the following in an email. It seems like a blessing, but I find it to be very distressing. Can you see any reasons why I would make such a bold statement?
_______________________________________

Rethinking Church
By Chuck Colson
12/5/2007

Where Is Willow Creek, and Where Are We?

December 5, 2007

Willow Creek Community Church, one of America's biggest and most prominent churches, recently released a short book called Reveal: Where Are You? The book contains the results of a comprehensive study that Willow Creek conducted among their own members and among members of other churches that use their model. Pastor Bill Hybels has said that the results of that study are "earth-shaking," "ground-breaking."

In a nutshell, the survey results showed that heavy involvement in the church programs and activities of Willow Creek did not necessarily translate to spiritual growth and maturity. Findings like these have caused the church leaders to stand up and admit, "We made a mistake."

I have to tell you, that is historic. Can you remember the last time a church leader said anything like that? I can't, and I am very proud of Bill Hybels. He and his leaders deserve a Christian profile in courage award, and I will nominate him.

Bill Hybels understands the problem that the Church is in today. It is into therapy, but it needs to teach doctrine and grow people in the faith. That is why, by the way, I have written a new book to be released in February titled The Faith Given Once, for All, a book Hybels has enthusiastically endorsed.

We have discovered the same thing here at Prison Fellowship—that we cannot just lead inmates to Christ and then not see their lives transformed. So, we have looked hard at what we are doing and whether we are really making disciples—are we transforming people? We, too, have confessed that we could be doing a lot better. And so, we have revised our vision statement and made fundamental changes in the way we work.

I think the lesson that the Willow Creek leaders have learned, and the courage they are showing, constitute a challenge and a warning for all Christians. We cannot let ourselves get caught up in a "just-get-'em-in-the-doors" mentality, no matter how attractive and effective it looks. It can too easily lead to the watering-down of the Gospel, to a "feel-good" faith, and to believers having little impact in society. As the authors of the book, Willow Creek staffers Greg Hawkins and Cally Parkinson, put it in their introduction: "The health of your church is not just about the numbers. It's about the movement of people toward Christ, toward deep love for God and genuine love for others." Amen.

Bill Hybels's example should challenge us all, especially pastors and those in positions of leadership, to take a long, hard look at what we are doing and ask whether it is really changing lives. We all need to improve. Christians today are just like the culture. We need to be transformed and then turn around and transform the world around us.

During the Reformation, the reformers had a phrase for this spirit. It was called semper reformandi, or always reforming. The more we continue to understand that we have not arrived, and the more willing we are to adopt the humble approach that we and our churches are in need of continual reformation, the more our churches and lives will come to reflect the God we preach.

I am cheering Willow Creek on. Think what could happen if, instead of tickling ears, all the churches gave the people real meat. Then there might be hope for America after all, as serious disciples are equipped to defend their faith and take their places in our communities.
_______________________________________

Time to Wake up! I just recieved the above in an email. It seems like a blessing, but I find it to be very distressing. Can you see any reasons why I would make such a bold statement?

The Last Trump: Triumph or Threat?

2007-11-11T06:54:00.000-05:00

The views expressed here are solely of the author who shall be held accountable. Therefore I tremble, yet I am confident to move forward to proclaim the whole counsel of God.

Behold, I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1Cor. 15:51-58)

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus, will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1Thess. 4:13-18)

What does a trumpet signify? Let’s think it through together. We may not be the most intelligent lot, but we’re smart enough to think. Do these passages seem threatening to you? Honestly? Is there anything in these texts that sounds like Paul is snarling, growling and ready to bite to manipulate the churches into the urgency of living more holy, witnessing, church attendance and giving a tithe? We have other motivations and exhortations in the Bible and life itself for how to live. Telling others about our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, meeting with other believers regularly, and how to handle His money that He has so graciously given us stewardship, is a blessing He bestows to each believer. These have nothing at all to do with when the trumpet blows or the timing of the rapture or the immanency of death. I hope you believe that any one of us could die at any moment, because that is more sure as taxes.

Without doubt holy living, for a Christian, is not based on the rapture of the church. Holiness is our genuine response to Christ’s enduring love and care for each one of us; we want to be holy for He is holy. We want to witness because of a desire to see others become saved and enter into a living, loving, lasting relationship with Jesus Christ whether He takes us home to glory before the tribulation, during the tribulation, or after the tribulation. Church attendance is a time of corporate worship, instruction in the Word and fellowship. When we worship together our hearts are unified in thought and purpose. Worship is refreshing to our hearts, stimulating and sometimes challenging to our mind, and comforting to our soul. It is reported that as Spurgeon was preaching on the topic of heaven he observed a lady die right in the pew before him. “…while I had been talking of heaven,” he said, “…she had gone there!” (I found this nugget in the book Spurgeon at His Best p.53) Giving is a no brainier, it is part of stewardship. God gives and gives and gives, and believers, for the most part wish to give too, even if we must endure to the very end of the wrath of God poured out on this planet.

For one say that the immanent rapture of the church is a manipulative tool for preachers to threaten people into action, is a gross misrepresentation and should be resented, but then quickly forgiven and even forgotten. For a preacher to actually have the attitude of using the teaching of the immanency alone as a threat for action, is unconscionable and should be protested, and by God’s grace corrected. Enough on my tangent about motivation let’s get back to the trump of God.

Trumpets announce that something is about to happen. Trumpets sounded and the walls of Jericho fell. Trumpets sounded and Gideon and his three hundred men gained what seemed to be a miraculous victory. When the trump of God sounds and the church saints are removed from this planet something is about to begin. The day of the Lord is announced. God’s wrath will fall. This green earth will be doomed. Yet, many will come to Jesus the Messiah for Salvation even in the midst of this terrible time.

Paul wrote these things before John wrote Revelation. He was not introducing a new idea of what a trumpet sounding would mean. Every one knew that a trumpet sounding is an announcement that something is about to happen.

What is about to happen? Who will be involved? Who will not be involved? What will be the involvement? What do you think?

John

The Trumpet Shall Sound!

2007-11-06T14:55:00.000-05:00

The Earnest Contender is Nice

2007-11-05T09:57:00.000-05:00

Thank you, KC for this very nice award. I think you are nice too!

The Imminent Rapture part 2

2007-11-02T12:01:00.000-04:00

The views expressed here are solely of the author who shall be held accountable. Therefore I tremble, yet I am confident to move forward to proclaim the whole counsel of God.

Behold, I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1Cor. 15:51-58)

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus, will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1Thess. 4:13-18)

I have asked “What in these passages point to certain things needing to be fulfilled before the rapture?”

There is nothing that I can see in these two passages that point to anything needing to be fulfilled before the translation of the church saints into heaven. Conversely Paul states that “…we shall not all sleep…” (die) in the Corinthian epistle, and that he was writing the Thessalonians, “…concerning them which are asleep…” (dead). Paul informs both the Corinthian churches and the Thessalonians that the dead that in Christ will be raised or caught up… and “WE”, referring to himself and those who were still alive at the time that his inspired autograph was written, will be also. Paul proclaims, “…WE shall be changed…” and “…WE which are alive and remain shall be caught up together…”

Some perhaps have hastened to ignore this encouragement of Paul that we will not all die, to get to the phrases “the last trump” or “the trump of God”. I must commend the thought that has been put into this idea, whatever the position leads to. Yet, there may be other biblical explanations about these “trump verses” that will fit better with the best view, which is pre-trib rapture of the church saints.

I will express more about this later, but what are your views?

John

The Imminent Rapture

2007-10-30T05:49:00.000-04:00

A Mill ? Post Mill? Pre Mill?

2007-10-20T06:42:00.000-04:00

There are a variety of views and within this variety there are yet more varieties. What is your view? I will declare my view as a Futuristic Pre Mill. Perhaps you have questions about that too. I will respond as best as I can in a spirit of Christian love and respect for you.

John

Millennialism: Your Future Depends On It

2007-10-05T05:53:00.000-04:00

Are you like the old man who, going to the ballpark only once a year, roots for both teams because he can’t afford to loose?

When faced with Millennialism, this old man may answer, “I don’t know much about it, but I’m all for it!” This is called pro-millennialism.

What about the church lady who says, “I don’t care about that stuff it will all pan out in the end.” This is called pan-millennialism.

These two views are becoming ever increasing in popularity, but in my view these are the two laziest views to have. Nearly one third of the Bible is the prophetic Word. The way we view the prophetic Word has a profound impact on the way we view the rest of the Word.

Would these be sound answers when it came to finances?

What about planning a family?

Planting a church?

Organizing a business?

If you are pro-millennial, you say, “I’m all for it.” Or if you are pan-millennial, you say, “It will all pan out in the end.” If the Lord has challenged you a bit, I urge you; don’t get all upset at my harsh sounding words, instead come back as we look at this defining issue.

Millennialism: Your Future Depends On It

Stay salty,
Brother John

Audio... Audio... Audio! The Rapture of the Church!

2007-09-26T06:12:00.000-04:00

I found this audio of Dr. Bob Shelton. I was encouraged to find it and would be thrilled if you would give a listen. Here is the audio The Rapture of the Church by Dr. Bob Shelton.

Stay salty,
Brother John

Pre-Tribulation Rapture is the Best Position (2)

2007-09-24T06:28:00.001-04:00

I got this idea from Dr. Bob Shelton when he came to our church many years ago. He is great speaker and his web site here I am not quoting him word for word, but the ideas are his, enjoy.

If I am right, and I believe I am the pre-trib position is the very best position to hold to. When Christ comes in the clouds and catches us away on our way up I will look over and smile at you and you will understand at that time I am thinking, “See I told you so!” Then we who have believed in Jesus for eternal life will finally enjoy fellowship untainted by sin, as we fix our gaze upon the prince of glory and are forever with Him.

If I am wrong, and I don’t think I am, but if I am and the seven year tribulation begins, and I am still here then I simply change my position to mid-trib. Three and a half years latter when we are gloriously ruptured, on the way up I will look over and smile at you as if to say “See I told you so!” Then we who have trusted in Christ alone for everlasting life will at last enjoy fellowship uncontaminated by sin, as we fix our eyes on upon the King of Kings and are with Him forevermore.

However, if I am still wrong and we are not taken up half way through the tribulation and we are still here, then I simply change my position again, this time to post-trib. Then after surviving the terrible time that will be so devastating… when God is pouring out His wrath upon this earth… men shrink back and ask the rocks of the hills to cover them to hide from God’s furry… Then we who were protected by our loving God, Jesus who died on the cross to save us from the eternal penalty of sin, will be lifted away in the twinkling of an eye and I will look over at you and smile, as if to say, “See I told you so!” Then we will enjoy the comforts of our new abode and in harmonious fellowship, free from the curse of sin, we will together praise the Lord and enjoy His companionship sin free, from then on.

I hope it is plane to see why the pre-trib position is the best position of all. ;-)

I need to make this last point. This last point is the one that could have the most impact in your life. It has the power to turn you life around. You may have enjoyed this little lesson on end times, or perhaps you have not, the fact remains... there will be a day of reckoning. Jesus is coming! You will be judged, if you have not believed in Him. That is a sobering fact. I do not take it lightly and neither should you. Jesus Christ died on the cross to save you from your sin, He rose again to prove that you may be forgiven of your sin and have eternal life through Him. He even promises that you will be resurected one day. Why not believe Him today, before the tribulation begins. (cf. 1 Cor. 15)

Soberly in Christ,
John

Pre-Tribulation Rapture is the Best Position

2007-09-21T17:12:00.000-04:00

The idea of a pre-tribulation rapture is by far the best position to hold to.

For those who may not be in an eschatological frame of mind, allow me to bring you into this discussion. Eschatology is the study of the end times. When someone is discussing the end times, future events, and prophecy concerning “the end of the world”, they are discussing Eschatology. I am going to focus a bit in this theological discipline.

The word “rapture", is an English word which comes from the Latin word raeptius; which is a translation of the Koine Greek word harpazo, which is translated “cauht up” in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

To be clear, when I speak about the rapture, I am not speaking of the “second coming”, or a second advent. The Second Advent is the time when Jesus will once again come to earth. When He comes a second time He will not be a baby in a manger, or a “Lamb for the slaughter”, but a King, and as the Lion of Judah. Yes, I do believe in a very literal thousand year earthly rule of King Jesus. That is known as the millennium. The word millennium means thousand (1,000) and is used in Revelation 20. This period of time will begin at the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. He will descend to earth with His host of saints that have been affirmed in holiness to rule and reign for one thousand (1,000) years. The rapture is not the second coming and the second coming is not the rapture.

The rapture is an event that will occur in history when as quoted above “…the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” I intend to demonstrate why the idea of a pre-tribulation rapture is by far the best position to hold to, before I can, I need to make a few more brief clarifications.

When I speak of the tribulation I am speaking of a literal seven (7) year period of time when God will be actively pouring out “trouble” on the earth. This is also called “the time of Jacobs’s trouble” or the seventieth weak of Daniel. I will refer to it as the tribulation. Yes, I believe in a literal seven (7) year tribulation. I must make one more point before I can unveil why the best position is the pre-tribulation rapture view.

There are several views of the rapture in relation to the tribulation; one of the most profound is the partial rapture view another is multiple raptures. The latest view is the pre-wrath rapture view, which is really the old mid-tribulation view repackaged, I will not take time to explain these. I will be dealing with the three most prominent views which are pre-tribulation (the best view), mid-tribulation, and post-tribulation. You may have guessed it; pre-tribulation view (which is the best view) is that the rapture will occur before the tribulation. The mid-tribulation view is that half way through the tribulation the rapture will occur. Finally, the post-tribulation view is that the rapture will occur after the tribulation.

The best position is the pre-tribulation rapture view and I will explain why on my next post.

Always Reforming?

2007-09-19T06:34:00.000-04:00

While genuine Christians are called to be transform by the renewal of their minds so that they may conform to the image of Christ.

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

How does this article square with the selfish ambitions of a few to overthrow the life changing message of Christ in us the hope of glory? Why is this, an issue? Instead of always reforming why not really obey the Bible and come out from among them and be separate?

Stay bright,
John

Priorities (2)

2007-09-12T06:25:00.000-04:00

I have made a list of every area of my life that is important to me, and I have tried to set them in order. “Why have you made a list?” one may ask. Good question! The answer is that a pastor/friend of mine from yesteryear Pastor Jerry Littlejohn told me, “…that when we write things down it gives them structure.” This is so true! Just as a “honey do” list this helps me to keep ideas to shoot for in order. Then I can set goals for each area to master.

The goals may change, and the ideas may vary (not much in my case), but it helps me to focus on the essential areas of my life and exposes, as under a spotlight, areas that are not moving me ahead in the direction I wish to be going. We also must remember to take joy, and enjoy all the blessings of God.

Keep focused,
Brother John

September 11, 2001

2007-09-11T05:59:00.000-04:00

Remember.

Your Priorities

2007-09-09T08:44:00.000-04:00

What is most important in your life?

The Imperative of Immediate Belief

2007-09-09T05:43:00.000-04:00

“There are some of you standing in these aisles and sitting in these pews, who I feel in my soul will never have another invitation, and if this be rejected today, I feel a solemn motion in my soul--I think it is of the Holy Ghost--that you will never hear another faithful sermon, but you shall go down to hell impenitent, unsaved, except ye trust in Jesus now. I speak not as a man, but I speak as God’s ambassador to your souls, and I command you, in God’s name, trust Jesus, trust now. At your peril reject the voice that speaks from heaven, for ‘he that believeth not shall be damned.’ How shall ye escape if ye neglect so great salvation? When it comes right home to you, when it thrusts itself in your way, oh, if ye will neglect it how can ye escape? With tears I would invite you, and, if I could, would compel you to come in. Why will ye not? O souls, if ye will be damned, if ye make up your mind that no mercy shall ever woo you, and no warnings shall ever move you, then, sirs, what chains of vengeance must you feel that slight these bonds of love. You have deserved the deepest hell, for you slight the joys above. God save you. He will save you, if you trust in Jesus. God help you to trust him even now, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.”

Charles H. Spurgeon
Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit
Vol. VIII (1862), p. 564
(italics in original)

This was sent to me from Doug Kutilek who sends out a mounthly publication called "As I See It" Doug also has a web site KJV Only.

Blessings upon you,

Brother John

What is Biblical Love? (2)

2007-09-05T16:21:00.000-04:00

I started to post on biblical love in the recent past and I am now returning to the subject. When we read the many times in Scripture that God demonstrates His love in this; that He sent or gave especially His Son, we should be able to muster the mental prowess to surmise that love is more than emotionalism, sentimentality, and romance. Those may be fine attributes, they may be part of having loving feelings and I do not wish to downplay or diminish these qualities. However, biblical love is more, much more. It is demonstrable, it is giving, forgiving, and it is gracious, among other characteristics that I may or may not get to (I want to do short posts).

A wise counselor gave me this definition of love and for no extra charge I will share it with you.

Love is giving of oneself to another/others for their benefit without demanding or expecting anything in return.

I wish I knew who originally said this because it is so rich. I do, on the other hand, know some one who put this principle into motion and He is none less that God Himself. Hear His Word, heed His Word. Here are some verses you can read on this topic.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (Ephesians 5:1-2; and v. 25)

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. (1John 4: 9-11)

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Love is the giving of myself for the benefit of others without expecting anything in return.

Please add your thoughts to this and help me to expand mine.

Be a blessing,
Brother John

Priorities

2007-08-30T06:09:00.000-04:00

I am finding so much in the Word about living an orderly life and having a proper perspective. Our desires are no less to be prioritized. What do you want?

We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him. We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true - even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. (1John 5:18-20)

Are there any verses that you would like to share about priorities?

Thanks for reading,
Brother John

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge

2007-08-24T06:24:00.000-04:00

Proverbs 1:1-7

1The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;

2To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;

3To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;

4To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

5A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

6To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

I wish we could all grow in the wisdom of Solomon.

Keep growing,
Brother John

Setting Hearts on Things Above

2007-08-20T06:04:00.000-04:00

Colossians 3:1-17 NIV

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

God has been transforming my heart and mind to conform to His image through the power of His Word. Have you noticed Him at work in your life too? Please tell us about it so we may be mutually encouraged.

Blessings upon you,
Brother John

Time

2007-08-14T05:07:00.000-04:00

Time is a commodity that attracts many robbers.

From the first to the last there are still 24 hours in a day. What will you do with yours? What is most important to you? These are some thoughts I have been pondering. What desires do I deem most worthy of the precious little time I have? What about you?

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:15-17)

There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. (Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV the context is everything)

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. (Colossians 4:5-6)

We all have desires and passions some are OK some are better, but what is best. How can I best use the time God has given me?

Brother John

What is Biblical Love

2007-08-13T06:15:00.000-04:00

Lord how am I to love others your way?

Love

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1Corithians 13 NIV)

Becoming Like Christ

2007-08-12T06:35:00.001-04:00

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 3:20 cf. Romans 6)

Conforming to or, “…to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness]…” (Romans 8:28-29 TAB) is my passion and I hope it is yours too. I am taking time to share some big ideas in small doses that I hope will have a huge impact on any who may read here. I hope you will share your thoughts too. That way we can all grow and benifit from each other. If you want to know what I think about theological orthodoxy you can find it at TEC Theology Page. For now, here at The Earnest Contender blog, I am zooming in on orthopraxis. The way we believe will affect the way we live. Building our own personal relationship with Christ and to let others in on it is such a joy for me.

Stay bright,
Brother John

Transformed by the Rewnewing of the Mind

2007-08-10T14:08:00.000-04:00

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Being helped along by a book by by Jay E. Adams called Christ and Your Problems I have come to a fuller understanding of this verse, I am so exited about how the Word of God is working in my life that I can't help but pass it along. I am being transformed by the renewing of [my] mind, by listening to what our Lord has to say to me in His Word. The Bible is not for me only it's for you too.

1 We are responsable for our own actions and we can not blame others for our sin.

2. Others have stood up against their own sin and so can we, availing ourselves to God's resources.

3. God is faithful to us even when we are not faithful to Him.

4. Other Christians can help us and we can and should help other Christians.

We have God's Word!
Brother John

The Earnest Contender Embraces Replacement Theology

2007-08-08T22:23:00.000-04:00

What “The Earnest Contender” Embraces Replacement Theology?

That’s right, I do!

You may be asking, “Has someone defeated ‘The Earnest Contender’?”

“Am I at the wrong website?”

“Did I turn on the wrong computer?”

“Is this ‘Bazaaro World’?”
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Many Reformers are Still Reforming!

The main-line Reformation churches are still reforming their theology. They want it to fit into (or conform with) tolerance and acceptance of theories of evolution, homosexual priests, women preachers, and one world-wide political and religious organization. Thank God there are still those who have a more biblical approach to historic Reformation Theology and the godly men and women it produced and still produces. Phew!
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A New Ecumenism

A “new ecumenism” is reported to be taking hold in evangelical churches; the glue that holds these new evangelicals together is not the ole’ “Let’s forget doctrine and just love Jesus”, or tongues, or an encounter with God, or any other experience, but something that sounds even more religious: “The Doctrines of Grace”! If one conforms to, or holds to, or is tolerant of these extreme views of Calvinism, then that one may be included warmly… no mater what other doctrines that one holds to. Everyone outside these “Doctrines of Grace” needs further enlightenment. If you are elect, keep seeking this enlightenment you’ll get it. If you are not elect, you cannot seek it anyway so don’t try. I don’t think you should even want to try. BTW, Antonio, they would all accept you, too, if you would say the DOG is from GOD. Until then, I am afraid you will have to put up with the shameless ridicule you have been enduring for believing in Jesus for eternal life.
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Just In

The World Council of Churches of Christ is meeting with other religious leaders to discuss ways to evangelize the world. Leaders from Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and even Christian groups will be discussing the use of proper etiquette, etc. in evangelism. Rose from Rose’s Reasonings was pondering the purpose of this meeting and asked, “I wonder, what is their ‘evangel’?” Good question Rose. Who knows? I would sooner consult my Bible than this cluster of religionists.
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The Earnest Contender Embraces Replacement Theology

“That’s right I do!” was the surprising comment by the blog administrator J. Wendell. “It has been right under my nose in the book of Romans!” When asked to explain this new revelation, J. Wendell released the following statement:

Revelation is not the right word to use. Illumination or enlightenment would be less confusing. It dawned on me as I was reading Romans 12:1-2:

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Focusing my attention on verse two (2) and the words, be not conformed to this world, I realized that is what I was doing by allowing lust, anger and envy to rule my day and ruin my sweet fellowship with God. Then when I focused on the words, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, I realized that renewing my mind is what I need to do daily as I mediate on Scripture, praying, and enjoy sweet communion with the Lord. Get it? Theology should be teaching us to replace our ugliness of sin with Christ’s beauty of holiness.

He wants us to conform into His likeness!

I get so excited about this…

He is changing me from the inside out!

I gotta go tell someone…

Stay bright,
Brother John

CRACK

2007-08-02T06:36:00.000-04:00

Why did the 40 year old have to get dentures? Crack!

Why was the young man beaten just inches from his life? Crack!

Why are thousands not able to get and hold a job? Crack!

Crack, Cocaine and most other illegal drugs, cause permanent damage! It rots your teeth, ruins your relationships, and robs your purse. Breaking into and stealing from another person's property is not uncommon for those on Crack. One who has been responsible, hard working and somewhat sensible with their earnings can find it all lost, vandalized, and broken because of a Crack user. Some on Crack turn to prostitution to supply their habit. Damnable men may use Crack to seduce young women to become profitable whores. Crack kills the human spirit!

I've seen enough of it!

I am tired of it!

I hate it!

Is there hope? Can lives be mended? Can there be healing in relationships?

The evolutionist will argue that we are evolving, may only the fittest survive. The religionist will make up rules to follow and may even say, “Christ demands all.” I am sick of these false propagators, with useless answers too.

The person who alone is capable to mend the permanent damage is Christ. The only ones who can make Him known are His witnesses. The best way His witnesses can do this is to be conformed to the image of God's Son. We can be conformed to His image by being transformed by the renewal of our minds. (See Romans 8:28-29; 12:1-2)

More later,
Brother John

Becoming More Like Christ

2007-07-31T06:52:00.000-04:00

I want to be conformed to the image of Christ and I want to exhort you to be too. This is both negative and positive.

Negative: Be not conformed to this world.

Positive: Be transformed by the renewal of your mind.

Any worldling can be a gossip, a backbiter, a slanderer, but Christian we are called to be like Christ. We need our thinking changed.

How can we do this?

Be Transformed!

2007-07-30T07:44:00.000-04:00

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Conformed to the Image of His Son... Me?

2007-07-28T07:21:00.000-04:00

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Rom. 8:28)

God has a purpose.

God has a purpose for you and me.

God's purpose for you and me is to be conformed to the image of his Son.

Brother and sisters in Christ, how well are we doing with this?

One may ask,

"How is it possible to be conformed to the image of Christ?"

Great question! I have asked this one my self. Next week I hope to start posting more on this idea, so please leave any questions, comments, and or suggestions you my have on this topic. My springboard verses will most likely include Romans 12:1-2; and 1Corinthians 10:13.

In His care,
Brother John

2007-07-27T07:13:00.000-04:00

Who Did Paul Say It To?

2007-07-26T05:38:00.000-04:00

"...to be conformed to the image of his Son..."

Who Said it?

2007-07-25T21:16:00.000-04:00

"For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren."

The Doctrines of Grace

2007-07-19T09:19:00.000-04:00

The following is just small piece from a post on the attributes of God from TEC Theology Page I have expanded my thoughts here a bit.

Grace

This may be a good reminder to those of us who have received the grace of God in our lives, it is to me any way.

Grace is God's love that is exercised to the unworthy, this includes you and me, we are all unworthy of God's love. Grace is God's goodness manifested toward the undeserved, this also includes you and me none of us deserve God's goodness. Grace is God's free actions on behalf of the unmerited, this once again includes you and me none of us can preform well enough to merit God's benifits to us. (cf. Titus 3:4-7)

Here are seven basic biblical doctrines of God's grace, but they may not be what some of my brothers and sisters view as "the doctrines of grace". See weather you agree or not. Compare this teaching with a list I found here.

1. Salvation is a product of God's grace (Acts 18: 27; Eph. 2: 7-9; Titus 2: 11).

2. Election is the result of God's grace (Eph. 1: 4-6).

3. Redemption is the riches of God's grace (Eph. 1: 7-8).

4. Sanctification is the fruit of God's grace (Rom. 5: 21).

5. Preservation is God's grace perfecting His strength in our weakness (2Cor. 12: 9).

6. Service is the overflow of God's grace (Heb. 12: 28).

7. Grace is the result in that final presentation in Christ (1Pet.1: 13).

Scripture:
Ephesians 2:8-10

Aplication:
Just as God has demonstrated His grace to us we should be gracious to one another; in our homes, in our churches, and in the world those we like and those we don't like, the lovable and the unlovable.

Here are some other ways (I barrowed from The Disconnected Generation, by Josh McDowel I highly recomend this book) that the truely regenerate can demonstrate God's grace in their home, in the church, and in the world.

Affirmation- for a sense of authenticity to [others]
Acceptance- for a sense of security to [others]
Appreciation - for a sense of significance to [others]
Affection - for a sense of lovability to [others]
Availability - for a sense of importance to [others]
Accountability - for a sense of responsibilty to [others]

Whatever your thoughts may be on this, and I am interested in your thoughts, the truley regenerate can be gracious to everyone they meet. We can be... by grace found in Christ.

Stay bright,
Brother John

Contend for the Faith, Seriously!

2007-07-09T08:37:00.000-04:00

To contend for the faith, fundamentalists should keep in mind to take doctrine seriously, very seriously. However, this does not mean we need to take ourselves so seriously. We could lighten up a bit; some of us could lighten up a lot. We do not need to elevate our own self-importance to a level of superiority, nor be self-debasing in pride, feigning humility. These wrong attitudes in the heart of the Christian are carnal and worldly… evidence of an immature spirit, and it defaces the gospel message. This also spoils our unity and gives a skewed picture of what the victorious abundant life in Christ is all about.

Stay Salty,
Brother John

Assurance

2007-06-29T08:20:00.000-04:00

Can one have assurance of being a child of God?

Can one know for sure heaven will be their eternal home?

Do you know beyond a doubt, that when you die, you will be welcomed into the presence of God and not have to face hell as your eternal abode?

Some say “That’s absurd! No one will know absolutely until they die…”

Others have said, “I hope so.”

Some very pompous religionists will tell us “If we continue in good works (defined by various criteria) we have a good chance, if we endure to the end.”

Romans 10:17; says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

I cannot make you, dear reader, believe what I am about to layout here. Nor is it my intention to do so, but the Bible is God’s Word and it loudly says that you can know for sure without doubt that you are a child of God, heaven will be your eternal home, you will be welcomed into the presence of God and not have to face hell. Don't take my word for it see what God has said.

This promise is not made for everyone, but only to those who believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead. Here are a few Scriptures to read, ask God to help you understand them. If you have questions about them let me know in the comment section or by my email link in the profile section.

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.. (John 1:12-14)

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. (John. 3:16-18)

I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. (John. 5:24)

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. (Ro. 8:1-2)

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast. (Eph. 2:8-9)

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of his glory. (Eph. 1:13-14)

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Ro. 6:23)

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. (1Jo. 5:13)

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Heb 9:12-14)

In His fellowship,
Brother John

בראשית

2007-06-22T08:16:00.000-04:00

בראשית

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Is this first verse of Genesis to be taken figuratively, or spiritual? What does it mean? When the author wrote this down what was He (oops, he) thinking?

Perhaps this is mythical or poetical. Is it valid to view it either of those ways?

What if it is literal? Then what?

Then what?

Stay bright,
brother John

Right Where They Are

2007-06-19T07:55:00.000-04:00

For this post I am assuming some knowledge on the part of the reader. I wish to sway certain reductionists, whom I love in the truth that we do have biblical precedence to evangelize in cultures that have no Bible background beginning right where they are. Presenting the Lord Jesus Christ just as He is the Creator God become man dying and raising from the dead! This is the good news. We may be born again.

Acts 17:15-34 (NIV)

The men who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.

In Athens
While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, "What is this babbler trying to say?" Others remarked, "He seems to be advocating foreign gods." They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, "May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we want to know what they mean." (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.)

Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.

"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'

"Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man's design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead."

When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, "We want to hear you again on this subject." At that, Paul left the Council. A few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.

In His fellowship,
brother John

The Longest Psalm

2007-06-12T06:31:00.000-04:00

Last week our ABF teacher Dave Mullins has challenged our class to read Psalm 119 this week we are to begin to memorize verses 9-16. Prompted by my Monday morning meeting with brother Chad Preslowski (I hope I am pronouncing it correctly) we read the psalm in three (3) different versions. After reading it through I began to read Spurgeon’s Treasury of David, this man truly waxes eloquent and I am commending it to your reading. I will be posting some of it here at The Earnest Contender Blogspot the whole volume can be found by clicking here.

Stay salty,
Brother John

Introduction to Psalm 119

TITLE. There is no title to this Psalm, neither is any author's name mentioned. It is THE LONGEST PSALM, and this is a sufficiently distinctive name for it. It equals in bulk twenty-two psalms of the average length of the Songs of Degrees. Nor is it long only; for it equally excels in breadth of thought, depth of meaning, and height of fervour. It is like the celestial city which lieth four square, and the height and the breadth of it are equal. Many superficial readers have imagined that it harps upon one string, and abounds in pious repetitions and redundancies; but this arises from the shallowness of the reader's own mind: those who have studied this divine hymn, and carefully noted each line of it, are amazed at the variety and profundity of the thought. Using only a few words, the writer has produced permutations and combinations of meaning which display his holy familiarity with his subject, and the sanctified ingenuity of his mind. He never repeats himself; for if the same sentiment recurs it is placed in a fresh connection, and so exhibits another interesting shade of meaning. The more one studies it the fresher it becomes. As those who drink the Nile water like it better every time they take a draught, so does this Psalm become the more full and fascinating the oftener you turn to it. It contains no idle word; the grapes of this cluster are almost to bursting full with the new wine of the kingdom. The more you look into this mirror of a gracious heart the more you will see in it. Placid on the surface as the sea of glass before the eternal throne, it yet contains within its depths an ocean of fire, and those who devoutly gaze into it shall not only see the brightness, but feel the glow of the sacred flame. It is loaded with holy sense, and is as weighty as it is bulky. Again and again have we cried while studying it, "Oh the depths!" Yet these depths are hidden beneath an apparent simplicity, as Augustine has well and wisely said, and this makes the exposition all the more difficult. Its obscurity is hidden beneath a veil of light, and hence only those discover it who are in thorough earnest, not only to look on the word, but, like the angels, to look into it.

The Psalm is alphabetical. Eight stanzas commence with one letter, and then another eight with the next letter, and so the whole Psalm proceeds by octonaries quite through the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Besides which, there are multitudes of appositions of sense, and others of those structural formalities with which the oriental mind is pleased, -- formalities very similar to those in which our older poets indulged. The Holy Spirit thus deigned to speak to men in forms which were attractive to the attention and helpful to the memory. He is often plain or elegant in his manner, but he does not disdain to be quaint or formal if thereby his design of instruction can be the more surely reached. He does not despise even contracted and artificial modes of speech, if by their use he can fix his teaching upon the mind. Isaac Taylor has worthily set forth the lesson of this fact: -- "In the strictest sense this composition is conditioned;nevertheless in the highest sense is it an utterance of spiritual life; and in thus finding these seemingly opposed elements, intimated commingled as they are throughout this Psalm, a lesson full of meaning is silently conveyed lo those who shall receive it-- that the conveyance of the things of God to the human spirit is in no way damaged or impeded, much less is it deflected or ciliated by its subjugation to loose modes of utterance which most of all bespeak their adaptation to the infancy and the childlike capacity of the recipient."

The Teaching Ministry of Dave Mullins

2007-06-04T05:31:00.000-04:00

I had the privilege of sitting under the teaching ministry of Dave Mullins in our Adult Bible Fellowship (ABF). What a refreshing time. Dave will be teaching our class for the summer months and gave us a preview of what he is planning for us. I’ll post more details if God permits, but my time is limited on Monday morning due to an early Bible study with a friend.

In His fellowship,
Brother John

Lordship

2007-06-03T07:03:00.000-04:00

Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

The Bible does not speak of Lordship Soteriology but it does speak much of Lordship Christology.

Stay salty,
Brother John

A Good Post

2007-06-02T07:09:00.000-04:00

There is a good post at Still Reforming. I don't know how I overlooked it. See it by clicking here.

Doubts?

2007-05-30T07:12:00.000-04:00

Jesus is alive! Death could not hold Him. The grave has not confined Him. He is raised, and is alive! Because He lives I will live. Because He lives you may live. Precious ones in Christ, He will never leave you nor forsake you. Doubt should not overtake you. There are doubts enough in life, but we may put on the helmet of salvation and walk in the knowledge of eternal life with confidence.

Keeping on,
Brother John

The Mailman

2007-05-29T07:08:00.000-04:00

I am off to sort and deliver the mail. I hope I will take advantage of every opportunity to present Christ to a fallen world.

Stay salty,
Brother John

Honor

2007-05-28T06:09:00.000-04:00

To honor our fallen on this Memorial Day is fitting. To give our respect to those who have served and are serving our military, the U.S. Armed Forces, and the brave public servants who keep our streets safe and homes secure the Police, and Firefighters, is most appropriate. The brave men and women who serve and protect our interests, our freedom, and our way of life, sometimes to the sad point of the ultimate sacrifice are the true defenders of the liberty we have in the USA.

The Earnest Contender joins with you today to honor our heroes.

May God bless America!
J. Wendell

Dispensationalism: Help or Hindrance?

2007-05-26T10:53:00.000-04:00

I would love to do a post based on personal experience of the doubt, and apostasy that I was brought up into in a non-dispensational church. I am sure I could fill a page or two packed with emotionally charged rhetoric of the dangers and follies of the ecumenical movement and the utter disrespect and disregard she has for the Bible. The Bible is the one Book I have come to love and defend as the only rule and authority for my life. A Book I recognize, as it is, the Word of God. This is due by and large to a system of thought that has helped me make sense of the Word of God as a whole. This system is known as Dispensationalism. Irrespective of the way the ecumenical movement has disputed and despised precious doctrines that are central to biblical Christianity, and since I am not set (in this post) to warn against the creeping crud of liberalism… I refrain. Instead my focus will be on Dispensationalism: Help or Hindrance?

In many ways my allegiance is to this system of thought is due to its adherence of the foundational teaching of the Scriptures: A high view of the Bible, the deity of Christ, His saving death, His bodily resurrection, and His second coming. Many of you have heard all of this before. Perhaps some have gotten bored of hearing the same tired tomes; the dusty doctrines have become dormant. The accolades of the ancients lull you asleep. So off you go into the wonderful world of modern exploration. “Did God really say…?”, the dull of hearing may ask. Being dry and dreary in our faith is directly related to a lack of doing. What good is a hearer of the Word who is unwilling to do the work of the Word?

It was through dispensational teaching and teachers that I came to know Jesus Christ my Lord in a personal, intimate relationship. The Bible was opened up to me in a manner which I have never considered. Of course I was not born again; I was still dead in sin. Now I am alive in Christ, instead of a book to decorate my shelf it is my link to hear the very voice of the Creator. Here are other considerations of dispensational thought that have been a great help to me and I am sure to countless others.

One is the Doxological approach to Scripture: finding God’s glory in every text.

The next is the consistent hermeneutic (interpretation), the plain and normal interpretation to discover the intent or meaning, “It means what it says…” One does not need to be a Greek scholar to read the Bible with some level of intelligence. Read it plainly without imagining hidden codes and meanings, there is enough there to satisfy any truth thirsty soul. The Protestant reformer and scholar William Tyndale (1494-1536) declared, “I defy the Pope, and all his laws; and if God spares my life, I will cause the boy that drives the plow in England to know more of the Scriptures than the Pope himself!” The Scriptures are now before our eyes in our own language we may read them and grow in the Lord.

Thirdly, and once again, insofar as salvation, (in the dispensational system I have come to love) there has always been and always will be one way to be saved from our sin, from the Scriptures alone by grace alone through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone. Authentic Dispensationalism is a great help and hinders none of the great fundamental themes of the Bible. One need not be bashful about being in this helpful assembly of faithful Bible proclaimers.

In His fellowship,
Brother John

Leave No Trace

2007-05-24T07:23:00.001-04:00

The famous Boy Scout motto “Leave no trace” means that at each and every (BSA) event, the Boy Scouts are committed not to leave any trace of evidence behind of their presence. They keep their area that clean. More often than not parks across this land have had the benefit of having the BSA come and leave the park cleaner than when they arrived.

I was thinking of this motto when a question was raised in my mind. As believers are we committed to “leave no trace” when it comes to sin? I understand that those of us in Christ are viewed by God as He views His own Son. Theologians call this positional sanctification. One day everyone who has trusted in Jesus for eternal life will be affirmed in His holiness. This is known as perfect sanctification. How about right now? What about the way we work out our own sanctification? This could be called progressive sanctification. What are some practical steps we can take to “leave no trace”? Here are some pointed questions I have asked myself, and in God’s strength am becoming sanctified in them. You can too.

When I drive, am I more careful today than in the past to obey the law of the land, and am I more courteous toward other drivers?

While on the internet, am I more careful today than in the past of the sites I choose view?

While in the parks, and public places am I more careful not to liter?

What about at home, in church, with friends, at work?

I am not asking these things to become a better Scout. My desire is to become a better representative of Christ.

Stay salty,
Brother John

Another Bloodless Bible? by James May

2007-05-10T07:09:00.000-04:00

In his newsletter, Flashpoint of March, 1998, Texe Marrs has reproduced an article by Perry Rockwood entitled, “The NIV is Not God’s Word.” In the article, Mr. Rockwood states that “the NIV leaves out ‘through his blood’ in Colossians 1:14.” He then asks the rhetorical question, “Do we want a Bible without blood?”. The question implies that the New International Version deletes the blood of Christ from the New Testament. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is most unfortunate to see Christian leaders slanderously attack a conservative modern translation of the Bible using such misleading tactics.

Read the rest of this short article click here to find out why the KJV added one more verse about the blood than the NIV. The website The King James Only Resource Center has earned a link on my Ministry Links because of its loyalty and commitment to the doctrine of verbal plenary inspiration. You can read how I feel about this doctrine by clicking here and here.

I do wish Fundamentalists would stop bickering over favorite versions and be united in proclaiming that the Bible alone is our authority.

BTW I have a New site here!

Stay salty,
Brother John

Reclaiming Authentic Fundamentalism

2007-05-08T07:31:00.001-04:00

I am currently reading (among other books) Reclaiming Authentic Fundamentalism a book by Douglas R. McLachlan, the current pastor of Fourth Baptist Church. I am providing some quotes from chapter three (3) Rediscovering Authentic Evangelism. I think these are excellent thoughts.

“Excessive Calvinism almost always ends in dead fatalism”. It is pointed out that this is a result of an unbalanced view of divine sovereignty and I agree. “Among other things, this constitutes a failure to see that [the] sovereign God is free to ordain not only the end but means. And the means is urgent Christian witness by all the members of the body of Christ.” (Thoughts from p.63)

"If excessive Calvinism terminates in a dead fatalism, then excessive Arminianism terminates in a destructive fanaticism. People grow frantic and humanistic. The result in such contexts is the generating of a great deal of heat and very little light. If it is all left in human hands, then whatever works becomes permissible."
(Thoughts from p.64)

The authentic Christian witness is marked by "...a quiet confidence because he recognizes [the] divine sovereignty in which God is at work. And he is marked by an energetic activity because he acknowledges a human responsibility in which man is obedient to the divine command to be at work.” (Thoughts from p.64)

I do wish Fundamentalists would invest more time evangelizing then debating evangelism.

In His fellowship,
Brother John

BTW please read my current post at The Earnest Contender's Theology Page, thanks.

Love and Unity?

2007-04-29T06:17:00.000-04:00

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 3)

The purpose of the National Council of Churches is to “manifest ever more fully the unity of the church...” claimed the Reverend Bob Edgar, general secretary of the NCC in this news article. However, it came as no surprise that with out missing a beat he said “My full-time task is to attack fear, fundamentalism, and Fox News...”

Hmm, how is this attitude manifesting unity?

Can you feel the love?

Stay salty,
Brother John

Hot Off the Presses!

2007-04-15T06:35:00.000-04:00

Living it Up with Downs!

I have put a new link on my side bar. I put it there intentionally, as I do all the links I add. I did not put it on as a “favor for a friend”, though if he were to ask me to I would have done so and that without hesitation. M. L. Ramirez (I know him as Martin) author of a new book, just released called Living It Up With Downs, is a father of three, and a co- worker on the “other side” of the postal service. ;-) He is a Clerk and if you didn’t know, I am a Carrier.

I can speak with authority as the Safety Captain of the Reynolds Corners Post Office when I say He works well with people, Martin is the Union Steward of the Clerks, and we do have the opportunity to work on problem solving tasks together from time to time. It did not take long for me to realize he loves working well with people, as if it were his purpose in life.

Martin has a special mentor in his life, his 10 year old son Mario. Mario has Downs and has taught his dad (Martin) four basic life lessons. Martin has learned them well, and he would like to share this valuable information with you. Further Martin has started a Web site Living it Up with Downs.Com to raise the awareness level of the value of individuals with special needs. I am asking you to go visit that site and then recomend it to others. You'll be glad you did.

I have read the book Living It Up With Downs word for word, from cover to coverand I recommend it to all who visit here.

Stay salty,
Brother John

What’s New?

2007-04-12T16:13:00.000-04:00

What’s new at The Earnest Contender Blog?

I am in the process of changing the direction of this blog. I want to get back to the original intent of presenting Authentic Fundamentalism. What is Authentic Fundamentalism? Thanks for wondering. Authentic Fundamentalism is first of all authentic, it has to do with a life lived well in Christ. Fundamentalism is not just a doctrinal statement of faith, it is the faith! There is nothing better than being alive in Christ and growing in His grace daily.

Sadly, there are many religionists who may not know the first thing about the abundant life in Christ (or perhaps they have forgotten) and therefore they seem hell bent on begrudging and belittling others (usually in the name of tolerance of course) for the joy that they have of knowing sins are forgiven and take pleasure in a growing relational bond with God through the Lord Jesus Christ.

An Authentic Fundamentalist will take doctrine very seriously, without taking himself or herself too seriously. Exposing errors and edifying the saints. This is more of the model I wish to represent.

The name of this blog is The Earnest Contender not the obstinate offender. I like this name for several reasons.

1. That is what saints are called to be and do. (Jude 3)

2. This blog is in a sense dedicated to my very first Bible believing, Authentic Fundamentalist pastor, Earnest Pickering.

3. I want to be more earnest in contending for the faith.

4. I like the word “contender” I may have the entomology a little off, but if the prefix “con” is to put together or hold together and the word “tender” means kindhearted, loving caring, and passionate, and the object being contended for is the faith once delivered to the saints, then that is a great and noble idea. BTW it is not my idea (Jude 3)

Yes I know theology and the biblical distinctives of Baptists are important. The whole counsel of God is important. That’s why I will do my best to maintain two other Blog Spots, TEC Theology Page and Baptist Distinctives Re-Blogged in Order.

Thanks for reading feel free to ask questions and express your views and opinions here as well.

In His fellowship,
Brother John

A New Begining!

2007-04-11T07:47:00.000-04:00

I have decided to change the direction of The Earnest Contender Blog. I will posting within a few days with more detail. In the mean time, not to disappoint both of my readers who may or may not be interested in continuing in the study of the attributes of God I will continue to post at a new site TEC Theology Page. I have started there where we left off here. So one may click onto the current post The Attributes that Are True of God Alone: Freedom and still discuss theological issues there.

Many of my friends know that I am a Regular Baptist. I love being a Baptist, I love my church Emmanuel Baptist Church, and I love the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches. If one would wish to find out why click over to Baptist Distinctives re-blogged in Order. These sites will soon appear on my sidebar as well.

I welcome all questions, suggestions and comments on each blog.

Thanks for your patience,
Brother John

The Attributes that Are True of God Alone: Unity

2007-04-10T07:38:00.000-04:00

Unity

The attribute of unity means that God is One, God is numerically one and as such He is unique. This doctrine stresses the oneness of God, and the unicity of God, and the singularity of God. This does not violate the concept of the Trinity, instead it emphasizes that God is one in essence, though He is distinct in subsistence.*

Scripture
Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him. (Deut. 4:35)

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD... (Deut. 6:4)

See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand. (Deut. 32:39)

That all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and that there is none else. (1Kings 8:60)

Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. (Is. 44:6)

I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me... (Is. 45:5)

And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one. (Zech. 14:9)

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:3)

As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. (1Cor. 8:4-6)

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (1Tim. 1:17)

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (1Tim. 2:5)

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. (James 2:19)

Application
This should give us a consciousness of Whom it is that we worship, and we should worship Him alone.

* When I post on the Trinity I will demonstrate three and only three distict persons of the One essence.

Stay salty,
Brother John

The Attributes that Are True of God Alone: Simplicity

2007-04-08T08:01:00.000-04:00

Simplicity

Simplicity means that God is un-compounded, incomplex, indivisible. God is one essence not made up of in parts. Incorporeal, invisible, without material substance, and without physical parts, or passions, and therefore He is free from all temporal limitations. This is possible for God because God a Spirit.

Scripture
John 4:24; "...God is Spirit..."

There are at least Seven consequences of being a Spirit

1. God is not a corporeal or material being (cf. Luke 24:39).

2. God is immaterial, He can't be divided or compounded (see Luke 24:39).

3. God is invisible (Rom 1:20; Col. 1:15; 1Tim 1:17).

4. He is a spiritual substance, or reality. (John 4:24)

5. He posseses personality. This is seen in His intellect (God knew Abraham in Genesis 18:19; God knows Israel's affliction in Exodus 4:31),emotion (God was grieved in Genesis 6:6; God has the emotions of anger love and pity in Psalm 103:8-13 and so on), and will (God says, "...I will..." as in Genesis 3: 15 and in John 19:30 He does; God does whatsoever He pleases, and whatsoever God pleases He does as in Psalm 115:3).

6. He is a living God (see Joshua 3:10; 1Sam. 17:26; Ps. 84:2; 1Thess. 1:9).

7. Morality, God is a moral being (Ex. 34:6-7).

Application
We must worship God in spirit (John 4:24).

This strikes me with a sense of awe that God would allow sinful man (anthropos) to worship Him in His holiness. That He would desire worship from the likes of you and me. That the holy God would make a provision for us to worship Him (Christ crucified, arose), free of sin and guilt. That we may be born of His Spirit, become His very own child and worship Him in Spirit and truth. Will you make time today, brother and/or sister to worship Him in Spirit and in truth?

Brother John

The Incommunicable Attributes of God: Self Existence

2007-04-03T06:20:00.000-04:00

There is a temptation on my part to settle the great debate over God's governing attribute; is it love or is it holiness? Instead of ending this debate once and for all (since it is one of those debates that will go on and on this side of heaven). I opted as an alternative to begin with the incommunicable; natural or non-moral; imminent or intransitive; absolute; personality; negative; passive attributes... better put…

The attributes which are only true of God

I will leave these posts up for a while for three reasons,

1. For the purpose that we may have time to contemplate each one.

2. So I am not spending undue time sitting at the computer when I have other things that must be attended to.

3. Because I am lazy.

_________________

The Self Existence of God

God's self existence means that God is not dependent on anything outside of Himself, and He is self sufficient in His whole being. The ground of God’s existence is Himself. Let this truth sink in deep. One will soon ask, "Where did my pride go?"

Scripture
And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. (Ex. 3:14)

For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. (John 5:26-27)

God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things... (Acts 17:24-25; This is in the context of Paul's sermon on Mars Hill. I think I shall open my Bible now, and read the whole sermon.)

Application
This truth means that God is also the cause of our own existence, as taught by Ps. 36:9 and we should honor Him as such.

God, I ask that I may be receptive and obedient to the Words your mouth, in Jesus Name, Amen.

What's an Attribute?

2007-03-30T05:51:00.000-04:00

We’ve probably all heard the story of the little boy who was busy drawing a picture in SS class. When his teacher asked what he was drawing he said, “God”. Trying not to be dismissive the teacher gently replied, “No one really knows what God looks like.” To which the little boy answered, “They will when I’m done with this drawing!”

Can we know what God looks like? Can we get a complete picture of God? We may not be able to know all things of Him, but through Jesus Christ we can know Him and through His Word the Bible we can learn much of Him.

Before we begin our study on His attributes let’s make an attempt to come up with a “working definition” of God. See The Westminster Confession of Faith.

The shorter catechism sates, "God is a Spirit infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth. He is eternal infinite, and immutable in His Being, in all that belongs to His intelligence, knowledge, wisdom; in all that belongs to His will, which includes power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth."

I do not think it is possible to know all there is to know about God. Therefore all definitions of God are partial at best, but we can and do know something/s about God because true knowledge of God can only come by revelation and He has seen fit to provide revelation of Himself to us (cf. this post. We can grow closer to our Father as we learn more about Him and His attributes.

What is an attribute?

Here are some definitions theologians have given of divine attributes:

1. They are . . . an analytical and closer description of essence. (Shedd)

Essence of God- is the divine nature comprised of those qualities that makes God the Divine Being that He is.

2. The attributes of God are those distinguishing characteristics of divine nature which are inseparable from the idea of God and which constitute the basis and ground for His various manifestations to His creatures. (Strong)

3. A divine attribute is an essential property of God. A property is essential to some being if and only if the loss of that property entails that that being ceases to exist. A divine attribute is a property which God could not lose and continue to be God. (Nash)

4. An attribute is a property which is intrinsic to its subject by which it is distinguished or identified. (Chafer)

5. Perfections that constitute the nature of God, these are essential, permanent, and characteristics which can be affirmed of His Being. (Fruchtenbaum)

God and His Attributes Are One

These are not to be viewed as parts that enter into the composition of God (i.e. make up who He is), they are not to be considered as something added to the being of God. Not He has these things, but He is these things. An attribute therefore describes the essence of God.

-The whole essence is in each individual attribute.

-A knowledge of the attribute carries with it a knowledge of the divine essence.

-The essential qualities of God which are inherent in His very own being and coexist with it.

-The essential quality of each one reveals some aspect of the Being of God.

-Each attribute describes God as He is, not just parts of His Being or simply what He does.

-Attributes have objective existence, not just more names for the human conception of God.

-Attributes are inherent in the divine essence, they are not separate existences, attributes belong to the divine essence as such.

-Attributes manifest the divine essence, the essence is only revealed through the attributes, the attributes describe the very essence of God.

No attribute is higher than the other. The Scriptures in their totality give equal space to each one. All attributes apply equally to each member of the Trinity. Putting it another way, every member of the trinity has each of these attributes. All characteristics of the divine essence are resident in God at all times, but not all are manifested at one time, or at the same time. The attributes are the characteristics of the divine nature which are inseparable from the idea of God and which constitute the basis and ground for His various manifestations to His creatures.

Two Classifications

There are two main classifications of attributes. The basis of the two classifications are that some of the attributes are true of God alone, while some are found to be in a limited way in man also. The following are classifications used by differing theologians.

Berkhof finds the incommunicable and communicable attributes of God. He says the incommunicable attributes admit no extension or degrees, and there is nothing analogous to them in all of creation, but the communicable are found in a limited degree in creation, and they are analogous in creation.

Theissen and Baker see the natural or non-moral,that which is constitutional in God; and Moral which is a function by virtue of the divine will.

Strong defines God's attributes in two classes too. Imminent or Intransitive and Eminent or Transitive. The imminent or intransitive are within Gods Being. The eminent or transitive reach out from God and produce certain effects.

Another view sees absolute and relative. The absolute concerns God's relationship to Himself. The relative concerns God's relationship to others.

Finally Chafer contributes two classes also, personality and constitutional. Personality is related to intellect, emotion, and will. Constitutional is related to the being of God.

There are a few others such as negative and positive; passive and active; greatness and goodness; metaphysically, intellectually, ethically, emotionally, existentially, and relationally, etc...

I don't think so many definitions will be considered in this study, but they may be helpful to some. I made mention of the last classifications for the purpose of becoming aware of there existence only (it wont be on the test). :-)

The best way for me to understand the two cassifications or categorize the attributes in a clear-cut way is to simply say some of the attributes are true of God only, and some are found to be (in a limited way) in man also.

The Attributes of God (Disclaimer)

2007-03-29T07:12:00.001-04:00

Is This going to be Practical?

Many of us in Christendumb, have given into the numbing down, feel good, motivational talk, syndrome. We prefer an exhilarating talking to, rather than expository preaching and teaching that exults Christ, after all “preaching and teaching should be practical”, not deep and thought provoking. We work hard at getting to church on Sunday! Why should we sit in a boring class while the teacher tries to explain the principals of hermeneutics, the hypostatic union, or fulfilled prophecy? Leave that stuff to the seminaries! If we want to know about that sort of thing we can spend money, get a loan and go back to school. We don’t come to church to learn anyway. We come to be entertained, be lifted up in our spirit, meet with our friends, talk sports; perhaps we'll even fit in a chorus or two, etc. We want a nice comfotable class on how to get our needs met by tithing, or a course on anger management, or developing interpersonal relationships, and some sensitivity training will do. It is much more practical for us and fitting for our society to be more of that kind of contry club, I mean church.

Is that so?

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)

It seems to me that in the New Testament there is a great deal of emphasis placed on gaining knowledge (cf. click here).

How is it that we obtain knowledge? Through teaching (cf. click here)

I promise brothers and sisters in Christ, when we visit the attributes of God we will deepen our understanding of Him who is able to make us up standing for Him and in Him. We will also be more equipped to handle the pressures in life here and now, live godly in Christ, treat others (insiders and outsiders) better, and become more fit for the coming kingdom. I aim to demonstrate the practical application of each of God’s attributes, after all it was Jesus who prayed, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)

Can there be anything more practical than that?

God bless,
brother John

The Personality of God

2007-02-28T07:16:00.000-05:00

I have a dear brother in Christ named Shane who told a group of men “God loves us ‘just as I am’, but loves us enough not to let us stay ‘just as I am’”. Amen! Brother Shane hit the nail on the head.

The main purpose in the study and discipline of systematic theology (ST) is to get to know God and learn to enjoy Him even forever. This indeed is the call to every Christian. Here at The Earnest Contender Blog we have been visiting Theology Proper, The Doctrine of God (Primarily God the Father). Have you ever noticed how children tend to take on certain characteristics of their parents? They develop the same mannerisms, the same musical tastes (at least for awhile) and even the same accent and deflections in their voices. I find that interesting. On a similar note I have heard that children tend to get their ideas about God by their earthly father. If their earthly father is a loving man, children will view God as loving. If he is angry they will view God as angry. If he is involved in their lives they will view God as involved. If he is a funny man, then God may be viewed as having a good sense of humor. If he is a serious person, then God must be serious. Absent, then absent, etc. Thank God we have the Bible that can correct our thinking about fathers. We can gain a proper view of fathers in the Bible and more important a proper view of our heavenly Father.

There are two goals in Systematic Theology. One is that we discover Orthodoxy (i.e. the right teaching). The second is that we apply Orthodoxy this is called Orthopraxis (i.e. right practice or living). I hope that as we get closer to the Lord we will become more like Him. What is God like? I have linked the Scriptures below so one may discover from the Word of God, that these thoughts are not just some nice ideas originating with man, click and see.

The Personality of God

We are created in the image of God. Therefore, there is a similarity between God and man (see Gen. 1:26,27). What about the ability to think, reason? What about emotions crying, laughing? What about making decisions and acting upon them?

Similarity is not in the material, but in the immaterial realm because “God is Spirit...” (John 4:24 cf. Luke 24:39). However, God does express Himself by use of anthropomorphisms. Anthropomorphism means the characteristics of God that are stated in terms of human elements.

Some examples of anthropomorphisms are:
Mouth... Isaiah 1:20
Nostrils... 2Sam. 22:9
Back... Exodus 33:23
Hands... Ex. 33:22; Isaiah 65:2
Arms... Deuteronomy 33:27
Ears... Isaiah 59:1
Eyes... 2Chronicles 16:9; Psalm 11:4, 34:15
Face... Exodus 33:11 and
Feet... Isaiah 66:1

Did I miss anything? Let me know when you leave a comment.

Although God is Spirit He can do these things that are the physical part of man without possessing the physical extremity (Ps.94:9).

What Constitutes Personality?

There are three tests, or three elements of personality. Intellect, emotion, and will.
Intellect is the ability to reason or understand.
Emotion, is all about feelings.
The will, is the power of making a reasoned choice or of controlling one's own actions.

Proof of Intellect includes the following Scriptures,

Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. (Ps. 147:5)

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. (Is. 1:18)

Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. (Acts 15:18)

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (Ro. 11:33)

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. (Heb. 4:13)

Needless to say not only does God possess intellect, but His intellect is far superior to any of ours.

Proof of Emotion includes,

And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. (Gen. 6:6)

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; (Ex. 20:5)

(For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth. (Deut. 6:15)

And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice... (1Kings 11:9)

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. (Ps. 103:8-11)

These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: (Pr. 6:16)

Do not these verses express emotion?

Proof that God possesses a Will includes,

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. (Gen. 1:26)

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. (Gen. 3:15-16)

But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. (Ps. 115:3)

Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (Is. 46:10)

And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? (Dan. 4:35)

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2Pet. 3:9)

I hope this brief study has exposed us, to some extent, to the personality of God. If we can gain a proper view of our heavenly Father perhaps we can begin to take on godly characteristics and become the children, fathers, mothers, husbands, and wives, the people God desires us to become. Brother Shane reminded me, “God loves us ‘just as I am’, but loves us enough not to let us stay ‘just as I am.’”

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; (Philippians 2:13-15)

Stay salty,
Brother John

Atheistic Views

2007-02-15T07:01:00.000-05:00

Basic Atheism says “there is no God” (Eph. 2:12). It is the open positive denial of God's existence! "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." (Psalm 14:1).

Practical Atheism which teaches that there is godless existence (Ps. 10:4; 14:1; 53:1).

Speculative or Theoretical Atheism cannot be proven and must be accepted by faith.

Dogmatic Atheism is a flat denial that God exists, it advocates and propagates that God does not exist.

Skeptical Atheism is where the existence of God is simply doubted. It denies as conclusive, any evidence that supports the existence of God, and doubts the ability of the mind to know weather there is or is not a God.

Virtual Atheism holds to principals which are inconsistent with a belief in God. God is defined in terms that deny His essential Being; the explanation of the universe excludes the agency of a Creator or Godhead. Darwin was in this camp, he was a virtual atheist. What does this say about theistic evolutionists?

Agnosticism muses that there is no sufficient ground for the affirmation or negation that God is. Man is "incapable" of knowing anything outside of the realm of natural phenomenon.

Here's a question, how could an agnostic know this?

Agnosticism says the only way one can know anything is by an analogy and claims there is none. Since there is no analogy between the finite and infinite, there is therefore no knowledge of God.

Wait, there is an analogy!

Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

Materialism equals the universe. The universe equals atoms. The facts of experience are to be explained by reference to reality, to affinities, and laws of the material and physical substance. Priority is given to matter rather than the mind. This is where our a-posteriori or inductive reason come in handy. Remember the cosmological argument "powerful", the teleological argument "intelligent", and the anthropological argument "personality"? In what ways might one employ these to convince another about the the existence of God?

Idealism believes that the universe equals force, plus ideas (F+I=U). All things that are, are an organizational system of ideas. Priority is given to the mind over matter. This is where the the ontological argument may be helpful, as Matthew corectly pointed out in that thread, "The aim of the argument is to prove that God's non-existence is illogical, like a married bachelor."

Positivism says that mans knowledge is restricted to physical phenomenon. Senses are the only source of knowledge, nothing else exists but matter, the metaphysical is impossible.

These are atheistic views of the existence of God. Up to now we have pre' much covered or at least touched on every aspect of God's existence, but what is God like? We will look into this nex time. You can know God personally and have a real relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. You may ask me, "how?"

Brother John

Theistic Views

2007-02-08T19:08:00.000-05:00

Here's the Problem as some express it, "We can see that the universe exists! So how can it be explained?"

Here are some theistic views, theories and/or ideas about God or gods that attempt to explain the universe. I have not detailed these views, nor am I pretending that I comprehend them fully, because once again there will not be a test on these I am simply making us aware that these theories and ideas are out there. Some are really OUT THERE!

Animism teaches nothing is inanimate. Everything is alive with spirits that can help and injure man.

Dynamism teaches that life is impersonal. Energy which can be used for evil or good purposes pervades all things.

Fetishism teaches temporary dwelling of a spirits in an inanimate objects, and an object is worshiped because the “god” is there.

Idolatry is similar to fetishism except that the spirit of the god dwells permanently in the object, thus the object is always sacred.

In Monolatry the worshiper selects one god among the many and worships it. The worshiper may change from one god to another. This is often a tribal deity that is worshiped.

Polytheism of course is the worship of more than one god or worship of many gods.

It “...distributes the perfections and functions of the infinite God among many limited gods” (Hodge, Outline of Theology p. 47). See Rom. 1:21-23.

The Bible, thank God, has its own definition of Polytheism, it is, vanity and nothingness (cf. Ps 106:28; Is. 41:24-29; 42:17; 44:9-20; Jer. 2:26-28), it is not real (Gal 4:8), and it is demonic (1Cor. 10:20).

Henotheism teaches that there is one "god" for each region. The worshiper selects one of many gods of polytheism and worships it as his god to the exclusion of other. He believes other gods exist, but his god is superior. This "god" is usually a tribal deity such as Moloch, Chemosh, Baal, or Murdoch. Critics say Yahweh was such a deity to Israel (1Kings 20:23). BTW we will see that the critics are wrong! And Henotheism is wrong too.

Deism teaches that there is one god (or God) who is removed from the world and has abandoned it since creation. The God sustains no present relation to the creation. Such a god is seldom worshiped since it cannot be reached through prayer and it does not reach the world in any way. This is the doctrine of the absentee god. It is transcendent but not intimate. Thank God we can have a personal and intimate relationship with Him through Jesus Christ!

Dualism teaches that there are two principals (or gods) who are locked in eternal conflict; one is good the other is evil.

Pantheism teaches that God is all, and all reality is God. Nothing really exists but God. Everything is a manifestation of God. God is locked into the universe, an opposite view from Deism. God is intimate but not transcendent. Both good and evil are deified. Man is a mode of god’s existence. This teaching destroys any basses for true morality. There are three identifiable forms of Pantheism.

Materialistic Pantheism teaches that the material universe is god; matter is the eternal cause of all life.

Naturalistic Pantheism teaches that ultimate reality is neither mind nor matter, it is neutral stuff (for lack of a better word), where mind and matter are above appearances.

Idealistic Pantheism denies the real existence of the material universe, and defines god as the sum total of mind and spirit; the ultimate reality is the mind.

Monotheism is the belief in and worship of One True God and Supreme Being. In Biblical thought, this One is personal and ethical; He is distinct from the world yet in the world. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and has revealed Himself in many ways.

These are theistic views. On the next post I will expose some atheisic views. In the mean time...

Stay salty,
brother John

The Existence of God: 5

2007-02-06T06:01:00.000-05:00

Biblical Arguments

As a Bible student I am going to start at the high ground and boldly and dogmatically declare “There is a God!” I need no other (naturalistic argument such as a-posteriori argument or a-posteriori argument) I need no other plea… (cf. My Faith Has Found a Resting Place)

A question posed here earlier in our discussion at the Earnest Contender Blog was, “Does the Bible present a formal proof for the existence of God?”

The answer was and still is, “No! Rather it presents God and takes for granted that all mankind should know that He is. Contenders for the faith should always take the high ground, ‘There is a God’ (Romans 1).”

The Bible begins from the highest point, for the Bible assumes and declares the existence of God (see Genesis 1:1), the Bible teaches the existence of God (see Gen. 1:1 - Rev. 22:21 i.e. the whole Bible), and the Bible argues for the existence of God (see Psalm 19, Isaiah 40:26, Acts 14:17)

There are some opposing views or problems too, we will review what they are on the next post.

Stay salty,
Brother John

The Existence of God: 4

2007-02-03T07:18:00.000-05:00

Ontological Argument

Idea

There is a story told of René Descartes, he’s the chap who (among many other things) coined the phrase “I think therefore I am”. Anyway, Ren'e Descartes is sitting in a pub. As Rene’ finishes his drink the bar tender asks him, “Would you like another?” his reply, “I think not!” Rene’ then disapers into thin air.

This cute little story is an appropriate introduction to the ontological argument because the word Ontos it means "to be". This a-priori argument is by far the weakest form of reason, it attempts to indicate that to have an idea there must be perfection (I have no Bible reference for this one if you find one let me know).

The reasoning (or the lack thereof) follows something like this; man having an idea about God somehow proves Gods existence. The idea of the perfect comes from the perfect source and that source is God since there can be nothing higher in perfection than God in our thinking. This is the weakest argument as stated because man has certain ideas about Hobbits, Elves, and Orcs too, that does not mean Hobbits, Elves, and Orcs exist except in our incredible God given imagination. I hope my readers will not go about trying to prove the existence of God by means of the ontological argument.

The key word is: Idea

The Existence of God: 3

2007-01-31T07:16:00.000-05:00

Anthropological Argument

Personality

We have presented two types of naturalistic arguments so far. We are touching on the a-posteriori or simply put inductive reasoning for the existence of God. A-posteriori or inductive reasoning is that which moves from effect to cause; consequence to antecedent; particulars to principal; and phenomenon to ground. Examples of a-posteriori or inductive reason are the cosmological argument, teleological argument, and the anthropological argument.

We have already touched on the cosmological argument remember the key word powerful? We have also mentioned the teleological argument the key word to remember for the teleological argument is intelligent.

We will now touch on the anthropological argument or moral argument. One can almost hear the word anthropos meaning man, this a-posteriori reasoning is based on the constitution of man. (Acts 17: 29) Man has a personality consisting of intellect, emotion, and will, therefore there must be a first cause of personality intellect, emotion, and will.

You see man is a moral creature with a sense of right and wrong, this being true, the first cause then must be a “Personality” who determines what right and wrong is. There is, therefore, a moral law; accordingly there must be a law giver who possesses a personality consisting of intellect, emotion, and will.

The key word to understanding the Anthropological Argument is:

Personality