Pray With Understanding

WESTON, Wis. — An 11-year-old girl died after her parents prayed for healing rather than seek medical help for a treatable form of diabetes, police said Tuesday. (Fox News Wednesday, March 26, 2008)

Will someone please teach Dispensational Theology to the Charismatics? I’m sure you’ve already heard about this incident – and it most certainly is not the first. It just grieves me so when I see Christians practicing that which they know nothing about, does not apply to them, yet in which they believe so desperately.

Charismatics – I beg you, put down the NIV that you really don’t read anyhow. Turn off the charlatans that are teaching you this nonsense. Pick up a King James Bible and turn to:

(2Timothy 2:15) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Then get down on your knees and ask God how to rightly divide His word. You will be amazed at how your understanding will clear up when you have the right Bible, the right attitude, the wrong teachers locked away, and the Holy Spirit of God to guide you. I say this not to chastise, I used to run with the charismatics. Please feel free to comment and ask questions. Perhaps I’ll write a longer blog on this subject in the near future.

Also, please know that I do believe in prayer – but I also believe God gave us doctors.

Grace & Peace, my brethren – Grace & Peace!

Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus

Christian freedom of speech will continue (in these last days) to be challenged. But let us American Christians understand that the freedoms we celebrate are not necessarily celebrated across the rest of the world; in fact, most Christians do not have the legal right to stand up, stand up for Jesus.

I am submitting this short blog, not to complain about the continual assault on Christian liberties in America, but rather to remind us that we simply must preach the gospel of Jesus Christ no matter what may become of us. God very simply could have taken us home the day that we trusted Jesus as Saviour, but He chose to leave us here that we might be a light in a dark world.

I encourage you to follow this link: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,344350,00.html

Give it a read, and then get down on your knees and thank God that you still have the right to street preach – even though you choose not to. Thank God that you still have the right to tell your fellow workers that Jesus died for their sins – even though you choose not to. Thank God that you still have the right to pass out a gospel tract while standing in line at the grocery – even though you choose not to.

One day soon, it just may be illegal to speak the truth. What do we do then, Christians? Well, we respond as Peter once did:

(Acts 4:19-20) But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

Grace & Peace unto you all.

Broadway Market 2008

The smell of chocolate was in the air as Western New York’s most desperately religious headed out to the Broadway Market in Buffalo, New York. It just so happens to be quite a tradition (especially among the Polish Catholic Community of Buffalo) to take a stroll down to the Broadway market to purchase pussy willows and chunks of butter in the shape of a lamb on Good Friday and the Saturday before Easter. (Just a side thought: funny how the masses gather in the cold to get a butter lamb, but have absolutely no interest in the True Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world! And they call me crazy!)

Anyhow, a couple of us gathered to hand out tracts (some did some preaching) and we were able to hand out a guestimated total of 1,200 tracts between the two days. I say questimated because I only managed to make the Saturday event and 600 was the number of that day. Friday was busier so the total is likely higher. But numbers are not the issue of this blog.

The Broadway Market (for those of you who do not know) is on Broadway on the streets of Buffalo. It is a street like any other street…well, accept for the condition of the area, which is less than to be desired…to put it kindly. Somehow, security decided to puff out its chest and ask those who were situated on the sidewalk just outside of the doors of the Market to move to the street corners or the other side of the street. It seems that they did not know our Constitutional Rights to be there.

Today proved to me (yet again) that people just do not want the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You see, “the Christians” were not allowed in the front of the building, but street musicians collecting change were not asked to leave. There was a guitar player and a sax player. Each played “bunny” jingles to warm the hearts of the helplessly, hopelessly, religious lost. There was even a man dressed in an Easter Bunny costume waving at the eager pussy willow purchasers.

So let’s get this right:

The Easter Bunny: Welcomed.
Street Musicians: Welcomed.
Drunks: Welcomed.
Pussy Willow Purchasers: Welcomed.
Jesus Christ and his disciples: HIT THE ROAD, JACK!

Looks like we’ll have to do some work for next year. We’ll have to make sure that we have researched the laws of the land and bring a copy of such laws the next time we come. This way, the security guards (who were not even police officers…I think) will have to think twice about giving Christians the boot.

We’ll just keep on keepin’ on. ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS!

Grace & Peace be unto you all.

A Gory Religion

I was reading more of the useless news while on a lunch break at work when I came across this article. You can read it in its entirety at the following link.

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=/Culture/archive/200803/CUL20080312b.html

I thought that I would focus on this little section, and more specifically, the words that I have put in bold font:

“Nevertheless, Kazman told Cybercast News Service that it's ‘entirely appropriate’ to focus on Gore because he "is not just the messenger here, he is what you could easily call the ‘high priest’ of global warming alarmism.”

I know that the concept of “Global Warming” has been debated to death and that the subject has recently died down. Let me state for the record that whenever “the higher powers” decides to push something…it gets pushed to the max. When “they” have been proven to have faulty information, they quietly ride off into obscurity. As “Global Warming” gets exposed more and more as a fraud, mark my words, the nasty news media will no longer bother to waste precious air-time on it.

With that being said, I will revisit the subject matter that has been beaten to death for one reason: to expose “Global Warming” for what it is. IT IS A RELIGION.

I cannot quite recall when a particular event took place, or the name of that event for that matter. But there was a musical event that took place around the world to raise awareness and FUNDS for the “Global Warming Crisis”.

I happened to turn on the television and catch a portion of it. Let’s call it morbid curiosity, as I had no interest whatsoever in listening to the music. I turned it on just at the right moment so as to come to an understanding of what this thing is all about.

The performer was Melissa Etheridge. (I do not know if I’ve even spelled her name correctly, so forgive me if I have not) We’ll leave her personal life out of it and just focus on what she was doing when I happened to turn on the idiot box. She was preaching. It was like watching one of those “charismatic” debacles where the preacher says a sentence or two, then an organ plays a riff in order to work up a frenzy. The “blues” played in the background as the female preacher began to declare her message.

She began by pointing out the sinners: Those who contribute to the global warming problem. The camera panned around, revealing one celebrity after another. The all had their chance to speak to the crowd as well…because they are the modern day prophets of Baal. Before long, Minister Melissa began to talk about the one hope for the world. That hope came in the form of her “Savior” (yes, she used that word) Al Gore.

Folks, if you don’t think that this thing has moved into the realms of spiritual deception and false worship, you’re blind. The farce of “Global Warming” has done nothing but send the United States further into debt. I know…the “tree huggers” believe that it is a small price to pay. Let me ask: to pay for what? Hey, in the 70’s they were preaching about a coming “Global Ice Age”. Please…I’m not that stupid, and I pray that neither are you.

I just recently had a talk with my boss who informed me of some changes coming upon our company due to the need to become “Eco-Friendly”. I about lost my lunch. Our company is already competing with companies in China, India and South America. We cannot compete with the low wages others are willing to work for. To add insult to injury, our own Country…which should be helping us secure jobs HERE IN AMERICA, has decided to make it even more difficult.

Now, I do not work for a company that is pouring pollutants into the creeks. I work for a silk-screening factory. Still, we are being forced to start using “eco-friendly” inks, neck labels and shirts. For what? For a fairy tale. The plain and simple truth is that our Country cannot afford to keep doing this to the small businesses…or to the big ones for that matter. We are being taxed and regulated right out of existence.

Quite honestly, the only pollution we need to take care of immediately is the pollution that pours out of the “high priest’s” mouth. Sadly, I believe that the greatest cult leader of our day has just begun to roar. Will he be the future President that sells the sovereignty of the United States for a “theory”?

All I can say is: Even so, come Lord Jesus!

Grace & Peace, my friends…grace and peace!

A Real Presidential Candidate

Someone recently passed an email along to me. I do not claim credit for this work other than some editing. But I loved it and thought it appropriate for this website. I hope that this is not an offense to any of you…but it very much represents my feelings towards the candidates of the upcoming election. Enjoy!

WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT TO TURN ON THE TV AND HEAR ANY U.S. PRESIDENT (DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN) GIVE THE FOLLOWING SPEECH?

"My Fellow Americans: As you all know, the defeat of the Iraq regime has been completed. Since congress does not want to spend any more money on this war, our mission in Iraq is complete. This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American forces from Iraq . This action will be complete within 30 days. It is now time to begin the reckoning.

Before me, I have two lists: One list contains the names of countries which have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict. This list is short. The United Kingdom, Spain, Bulgaria, Australia, and Poland are some of the countries listed there. The other list contains every one not on the first list. Most of the world's nations are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of both lists later this evening.

Let me start by saying that effective immediately, foreign aid to those nations on “List 2” ceases immediately and indefinitely. The money saved during the first year alone will pretty much pay for the costs of the Iraqi war. Then every year thereafter it will go to our social security system so that it will not go broke in twenty years. The American people are no longer going to pour money into third world nations only to watch those government leaders grow fat on corruption. Need help with a famine? Wrestling with an epidemic? Call France.

In the future, together with Congress, I will work to redirect this money towards solving the vexing social problems we still have at home. On that note, a word to terrorist organizations: Mess with us and we will hunt you down and eliminate you and all your friends from the face of the earth. Thirsting for a gutsy country to terrorize? Try France or maybe China. I am ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with France, Germany, and Russia. Thanks for all your help, comrades. We are retiring from NATO as well.

I have instructed the Mayor of New York City to begin towing the many UN diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan with more than two unpaid parking tickets to sites where those vehicles will be stripped, shredded and crushed. I do not care about whatever treaty pertains to this. You have tens of thousands of unpaid tickets. Pay those tickets tomorrow or watch your precious Benzes, Beamers and limos be turned over to some of the finest chop shops in the world. I love New York.

A special note to our neighbors: Canada is on "List 2". Since we are likely to be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to try not ticking us off for a change. Mexico is also on "List 2". Its president and his entire corrupt government really need an attitude adjustment. I will have a couple extra thousand tanks and infantry divisions sitting around. Guess where I am going to put them? Yep, border security.

Oh, by the way, the United States will be abrogating the NAFTA treaty - starting now. We are tired of the one-way highway. Immediately, we will be drilling for oil in Alaska – which will take care of this country's oil needs for decades to come. If you're an environmentalist who opposes this decision, I refer you to “List 2” above. Pick a country and move there.

Fellow Americans, it is time to focus on our own welfare. Some will accuse us of isolationism. I answer them by saying, 'darn tootin.' Nearly a century of trying to help folks live a decent life around the world has only earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on the planet. It is time to eliminate hunger in America. It is time to eliminate homelessness in America.

To the nations on “List 1”, a final thought: Thank you guys. We owe you and we will not forget it.
To the nations on “List 2”, a final thought: You might want to learn to speak Arabic.

God bless America. Thank you and good night."

Do you have any idea how many people in their homes would stand up and cheer after hearing that speech? It boggles the mind!

Grace & Peace be with you all.

A Modern Day Shadrach

I thought it would be good to share a miraculous testimony on this blog. The Lord has certainly worked in my life and in the lives of my friends and family over the years. After all, salvation alone is the greatest miracle. I have turned my life over to following him and ministering to his saints. Why? Out of love, of course. How? Because He first loved me. (1 John 4:19)

For those of you who have not heard, my mother’s place of employment was just the victim of a grease fire. My mother is actually a Beautician. She worked in a Salon next door to a bar/restaurant within a small plaza in Depew, New York. The fire started in the kitchen of the bar and quickly spread next door to my mother’s shop. Everyone got out and there were no injuries. There was a fireman that had to be taken to the hospital for exhaustion, be he has since fully recovered and is fine.

Because my mother does not drive, she lives within walking distance of work. She has always done this. She is on her feet all day long and is quite a trooper. Cutting hair, however, is all she knows. When the fire burned down the shop, it burned down her livelihood. She had to quickly think about the next step so as to continue to receive pay. As a self-employed Beautician (she rented a chair in the shop she worked in) she is not able to draw unemployment in the state of New York. On top of all of that, she had left her client’s phone numbers in a rolodex in the shop. She had no way of contacting them, and they had no way of contacting her as they only had the shop’s phone number.

So now, pretend that this is you. What do you do? You’re without a job, without training in anything, without a high-school diploma, without transportation, and without the ability to contact those who put food on your table. Again I ask, What do you do?

Christian, you pray.

Now let me give you the good news. Within a couple of days, a competing salon just down the street called to express their sympathies. My mother was offered a chair for the same rental fees she had at the other salon. The walk is a shade longer, but like I said, my mother is a trooper.

She now has a place to work, but what about her customers? GOD IS FAITHFUL. As the owner of the salon that caught fire walked through the ash heap, he saw one solitary thing that was preserved. It just so happened to be my mother’s rolodex. A piece of plastic filled with paper managed to be the only thing that survived the fire.

My mother is adjusting to working in a new environment, but she is working. On top of that, she has a wonderful testimony of the greatness of our God. Praise our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

By the way, I titled this A Modern Day Shadrach for a reason. We all know the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and how they were preserved in the fire. I chose Shadrach because of his original name: Hananiah. This name means: God has favored.

(Psa 107:8) Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Grace and Peace be unto you all.

Separation of Church & State

I was trading emails with a fellow student this past week. Somehow a question regarding weather turned into an email correspondence of John Calvin and a State run Church. I suppose that it “somehow” turned to the State Church thing when I referred to Calvin as “murderous.” So here’s the question this friend of mine brought up: “Would it be wrong for a government, say, the State of New York, to use the Old Testament civil laws as its own laws?”

My knowledge of John Calvin is somewhat limited. But as I understand it, and feel free to correct me if I’m wrong, Calvin helped establish the laws of Geneva during his time there. He believed very strongly that the State and the Church were to work together. Now let me say that I would have no problem with a State run Church just so long as the State was acting in a Biblical manner. However, this will never happen. I’m just being a realist. What were to happen if the State Church decided that water baptism was necessary in order to obtain salvation? In order to follow the Bible, I would have to rebel against the teachings of the State Church. If the State Church then threw its weight around, I might be punished, jailed or even killed by disobeying its mandate (law) to water baptize everyone. One of the great freedoms of America is its separation of Church and State. It must be said that this in no way, shape, or form means that the State has to ban all religious thought from its institutions (as many assume), but rather that it cannot enforce someone to practice a faith or a religion that he/she does not want to participate in.

John Calvin forced his views upon the populous through a State Church that was oppressive and murderous. This cannot be ignored, nor can it be dismissed as “okay.” I have heard it said that this was just the way things were back then, so we must be forgiving of Calvin for the way he dealt with Servetus. (He had him killed for “teaching heresy”) Was murder okay back in the garden when Cain slew Abel? No. Was murder okay when David had Uriah killed in order to marry his wife, Bathsheba? No. Was murder okay when they nailed our precious Savior to the cross? No. Then why would it be okay for Calvin to murder someone just because it was the mandate of the State-run Church? Plain and simple: it is not.

The Church should care for the things of the Church. The State should care for the things of the State. The State SHOULD NOT enforce someone to believe something they do not. Now concerning John Calvin, no Christian I know would ever force another to believe what he believed or be murdered for it. Apparently Calvin is an exception in the eyes of those who idolize him, but he is no exception in my eyes. In fact, I have nowhere read any of Calvin’s words that would even lead me to the conclusion that he was saved. Sorry Calvin idolaters, this is just from what I have read. But please, feel free to post a Calvin quote that would help me change my mind. If he has testified, through the written word, of a Biblical salvation, I have yet to read it…but would love to see it.

As we continued to trade emails, my friend asked me my thoughts concerning Erastus in the Bible. Erastus is mentioned three times in Scripture. He is mentioned in (Acts 19:22) (2 Tim 4:20) and (Rom 16:23). There is no proof that the Erastus mentioned in each verse is the same as the next…but let’s assume that he was. It is mentioned in Romans that Erastus was the Chamberlain of the city. This would mean that he was a public official – perhaps a mayor or governor. The reason I was asked about Erastus was because I had made this comment:

“Here’s my humble opinion, though given time, I think I can back it up Biblically. Role of Govt: Supress Evil. Role of Christians in Govt: Pray for Leaders.”

With that comment, I was asked about Erastus’ position as Chamberlain. The question then is this: Was Erastus the Chamberlain before or after he was saved? The fact alone that Scripture says that he was indeed the Chamberlain does not necessarily mean that Christians should enter politics any more than saying Christians should cut off people’s ears because the Scripture mentions that Peter did it. A statement of fact in the Scripture is not always a command to do – we must understand this if we are to properly interpret Scriptures. The Bible does teach this:

(1Ti 2:1-2) I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

This is the role of a Christian in Government according to the Scriptures. This is not just a statement of fact, but is indeed, a God-given command for all Christians.

So to tie this whole thing together, Calvin had no Biblical basis for forcing his beliefs on Geneva (or any other populous) because of his own personal convictions. Even God Almighty does not force a human to believe – though He desires all men to come unto the knowledge of the truth. It is best for the Christian to stay out of politics, but rather to focus his energies on winning others to Christ. If a political leader gets saved, he should not focus his life on changing laws to conform to Old Testament laws – but should spend him time evangelizing the lost and ministering to the saints. After all, why would a government want to adopt the Old Testament Law? It is a curse, Christian…remember? I do not live by the law, but by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me. The Government’s role is to protect me from harm. It should protect my right of the freedom of worship from those who would murder me for not believing what they believe. The Government should then have protected a man from being killed by John Calvin, rather than follow Calvin’s orders and do the murdering. Make sense? I sure hope so.

Grace & Peace be unto you all.

The King James Bible (Part 5)

Argument # 4: The Italicized words didn’t appear in the originals – so they cannot be inspired.

I had a conversation (not too long ago) with my pastor about the subject of God’s word. In this conversation, we both agreed, that if there is a blatant open mistake that can be found in the Bible, that our faith system would be shattered. To me (and apparently to him as well) Jesus and the Bible are not mutually exclusive. In other words, they are one entity. How could they not be, really? If God wrote the Bible (and hopefully you believe He did, as I do) then His words are His very essence. If there is a flaw in His word (the Bible), then there is a flaw in His Word. (That’s Jesus for those of you who don’t study your Bibles.)

Now for those of you who are using a different “version” of the Bible (I’d rather prefer to it as a perversion) other than the King James Version, I’ve got either some very encouraging news or very discouraging news for you – depending upon your perspective. I am going to prove that the italicized words in the King James Bible are just as inspired as the non-italicized words with one verse of the Bible.

When I have the opportunity to compare Bibles with someone, it is always this verse that gets everyone’s attention. By this verse I will either convince them, or there is absolutely no hope for them. In other words, they have been so brainwashed into thinking “all bibles” are okay that they really do not care what the Bible actually has to say. Again, the Bible’s authority means nothing to them and its impact on their lives has been next to nothing, and likely will remain that way until the day they die.

Have I piqued your interest? Would you like to know what verse I am referring to?

Before I do so, I must ask the readers a question. So as to make this question easy for everyone, I will do it in a silly multiple choice question. Here we go:

Who killed Goliath?
1. David
2. Bathsheba
3. Balaam’s ass
4. Elhanan

This should be a no-brainer if you know your Bibles even a little bit. Yes, the answer is David. Even secular people have heard of the story of David and Goliath and know that little David took down the great, big giant with a slingshot and a stone. That’s great! You all get a 100! That is, of course, all of you but the NIV, NASB, ASV, CEV, ESV, RV translators et al. How might they have answered the above question? They would have circled #4. How do I know? I have all of those translations at my disposal. Let me show you the Bible verse I’m referring to – first in the KJV, then in others to follow.

(2Sa 21:19) And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam.
(Notice here in this verse that Elhanan killed the BROTHER of Goliath in another battle with the Philistines. Now watch these other “versions” and their handiwork.)

(2Sa 21:19) There was war with the Philistines again at Gob, and Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. (NASB)

(2Sa 21:19) In another battle with the Philistines at Gob, Elhanan son of Jaare-Oregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite, who had a spear with a shaft like a weaver's rod. (NIV)

I’d keep quoting the other “versions”, but rest assured, they say the same thing. So what do you do with that, NIV user? Your Bible has a great big mistake in it. By the way, you can find the story of David killing Goliath in your own “versions” in the 17th Chapter of 1st Samuel. So not only is there a mistake, but a contradiction. Oh that’s right, there are two contradictions. (1 Chronicles 20:5) will clear things up for you as well. It is there that you will find the correct answer to the question.

So why is it (Let’s just use the NIV as the example because it is the most popular perversion to date) that the NIV has the story correct in 1 Samuel 17 and in 1 Chronicles 20, but fails to do so in 2 Samuel 21? The simple answer is that the words “the brother of” did not appear in the “originals.” They, therefore, decided to leave it out – even though it made for a glaring contradiction in their “bible.”

So now, NIV user et al, you’re going to tell me that leaving “the brother of” out of the text was the “correct” thing to do because you cannot find it in the originals? (The originals do not exist on earth by the way – they’re in heaven – read your Bibles!) I guess that leaves me in the minority. I will choose the Bible that does not have the mistake. I will choose the King James Bible.

Are the italicized words inspired? You bet they are! So how about it, NIV user – are you willing to put down your flawed “version” for a mistake-free King James Bible, or would you rather go on being willfully ignorant of the truth?

I had the opportunity to “Disciple” someone recently. When he entered our first meeting, he held an NIV under his arm. The first lesson we had was on the word of God. In that lesson, I pointed out this verse along with some others. At first he was angry. It was very visible. But let me tell you, this man was more interested in the truth than he was in his feelings. Though the idea that “his bible” was flawed bothered him, he came back the following week for lesson #2. This time he held a King James Bible under his arm as he entered my apartment. He has grown leaps and bounds and every time we meet I am floored by his passion for the Lord, the lost, and the word of God.

That can be you too, Christian. You can put down your perversion and pick up the truth. The King James Bible will change your life – I make that promise to you. Before I knew that God had actually perfectly preserved every single word that He wanted to convey to man in an English Bible, I was a sad Christian, tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine. Since finding the truth, I have soared to new heights by the grace of the Lord. God wants the same for you.

I think this will conclude my King James series – unless I am challenged with a new question regarding its inspiration in the future. I pray this has either blessed you or challenged you. If it has angered you – let me say that I understand. After all, the first time someone informed me that I had an “incorrect” bible, they said that I was reading, “Satan’s book.” At least I wasn’t that blunt!

The grace and peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Update

For those of you who do read this blog...please forgive my lack of posting. With school, ministry and work, I have been swamped as others have as well. I plan to post this weekend, Lord willing.

The King James Bible (Part 4)

Argument #3: Hasn’t God preserved His message in all versions of the Bible?

Not too long ago, I sat down with a young man and had a very heated discussion over the King James issue. Of course, I have no issue with the Bible – but the young man did. I also was not heated, but he was. He seemed to honestly believe that ALL “Bibles” are okay; because, after all, it is the message of God we should be interested in rather than the specific words.

I do not have to spend too much time here. It is simple, really. Where in the Bible (from Genesis to Revelation) does God say that He has preserved his message? The word “message” appears in your King James Bible seven times. There are a couple verses that refer to God’s message. Here are a those that this young man might have leaned on – though he quoted me ZERO Bible during this entire conversation.

(Jdg 3:20) And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of his seat.

(Hag 1:13) Then spake Haggai the LORD'S messenger in the LORD'S message unto the people, saying, I am with you, saith the LORD.

(1Jn 1:5) This 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.

(1Jn 3:11) For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

The other three verses refer to messages from man to man. Okay, there are four verses that deal with God’s message to man. When I am out on the streets preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, I declare God’s message unto the people with words like, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” Someone can be saved by hearing God’s message. But they cannot hear God's message without hearing His words. How is someone supposed to know whether I speak truth or not? There must be a source – a final authority – from which I draw my conclusions. The Christian authority is the Bible. The young man I spoke with did not argue this. If the words are not as important as the message (as this young man spent much time arguing) then how can I trust the message? If my message differs from the words of the Bible, am I not in error? If my message agrees with the words of the Bible, do I not speak truth?

There can be no accurate message without the preservation of specific words. Therefore, the words must be preserved in order to preserve the message. The message is dependant upon the words – not the other way around.

The above verses make no claim to the authority of the message (and remember that the word “message” only shows up 7 times in your KJB) but the Bible lets us know that God’s words are both preserved and authoritative. Not every “version” of the Bible carries the same message. So how about these verses?

(Psa 12:6-7) The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

(Pro 1:23) Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

(Mat 24:35/Mark 13:31/Luke21:33) Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

(Jer 23:29) Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

(Psa 19:7-11) The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

So here’s my "message" to you all today: There is no message from God without perfectly preserved words.

The message brings salvation…but the words sanctify. So Christian, please start believing that God has preserved His words for you. They can be trusted. They are without error. You do not need to know Greek or Hebrew in order to understand them. Get the words right, and you will get the message right. Get the words wrong – and your message will be wrong.

The Jehovah’s Witnesses: Wrong words…wrong message.
The Catholics: Wrong words…wrong message.
The Mormons: Wrong words…wrong message.
The Baptists: No faith in God’s words. What do you think comes next?

The Grace & Peace of God be with you all.

The King James Bible (Part 3)

Argument #2: Are you telling me that in order to have God’s perfect word, you must know English?

Once again, this is an argument that has not been thought through. Choosing English to perfect (complete) His word, God did not exclude…but included. When you say that God’s word is preserved perfectly in English, the common response is something to the nature of: “What about people living in China? Are you telling me that unless they learn English, they do not have God’s perfect word?” The natural assumption when presented with this idea that God preserved His word in English is that it is too exclusive for God. But you would be looking at it wrong.

First, God is an exclusive God. You cannot argue that. Those who argue this point are ecumenists. There is one God. His name is Jesus Christ. There is none other name given among men whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) There is one way to salvation: believing on Jesus Christ. Exclusive? Yes, of course. However, God is not exclusive when choosing English to perfect His word.

Rather, God is doing just the opposite. When you even briefly consider the English language and how it spread throughout the world, if you’re an honest person, you either have to believe it to be an unexplained miracle, or you have to give credit to God. When God chose English, it was because He knew it was going to be the world’s language. Yes, there are people who do not read English. Does this mean that the gospel is cut off from them? No. The gospel is found in God’s message. Sanctification is found in God’s word. Anyone can be saved by hearing the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. By faith they receive that which God so freely gives…so they are not refused the gospel.

Most of the world knows English as its primary or secondary language. When they are taught English in Europe and Asia, it is the King’s English – Probably just coincidence. It is not the Text Messaging English we have now in the States. Besides that, much of the English of the King James Bible has roots from other languages, which helps the foreigner pick up on the language that much easier. Even English spelling in other parts of the world lines up with the King’s English rather than modern English. For example, “Music” (modern) is spelled “Musick” in the KJB and is spelled that way everywhere else save America.

So why English? Let me turn that around. Why Hebrew? Why Greek? Can you give an honest answer as to why God chose Koine Greek? It is an insignificant language, no longer in use, of which NO ONE has a complete N.T. manuscript. When you talk about the originals…please understand that they do not exist. So to say that I believe in the Inspiration of the word of God as found in the originals, you are thus saying that you do not believe that God’s inspired word is attainable by any of us. However, if God’s “originals” are inspired…and have been preserved for us today…then you can be sure that you have an INSPIRED King James Bible.

Why did God choose Hebrew? Let’s be honest…it was not the world’s language. If you wanted to become a Jew, you had to enter their country, learn their customs, and learn their language. Was God inclusive or exclusive here? The role of the Jew was to share what he had with the rest of the world. I’m pretty sure that those that argue against the inspiration of the King James Bible would have no problem with the concept that you HAD to learn Hebrew in order to be a practicing Jew. Isn’t that the same thing?

Why did God choose Koine Greek? Let’s be honest again…it is a dead language. However, at the time, it was the world’s language. The gospel was spread to the Greek speaking world of the time through the Greek language.

Why did God choose English? Let’s be honest one more time…IT IS THE WORLD’S LANGUAGE. God saw fit to perfect His word in English so that the entire world might have His perfectly inspired and preserved word today. It is available to you today! Glory to God! Do you believe that Christian? It is not the “best”, it is perfect. To say that God has given us His best, but it is not perfect…well that just doesn’t make sense concerning the character of the Almighty God that I know and serve.

The biggest supporters of the Greek and Hebrew languages seem to be those of a “Reformed” background. Funny thing, really. Aren’t reformers so hung up on the “Sovereignty of God” that they dismiss the free will of man? Well, if their God is so sovereign, how is He not able to preserve His word PERFECTLY for us today?

I do not dismiss the Textus Receptus. It was inspired. Many Greek advocates I know have no problem with that. But, hey…it is not the original! So here’s my take: The OT Masoretic Text was translated from heaven to earth…perfectly inspired and preserved. The NT Koine Greek was translated from heaven to earth…perfectly inspired and preserved. The King James Bible (Old & New Testament completed together) was translated from heaven to earth…perfectly inspired and preserved. God does things in threes and there you have it. I know – I know…this does not sit well with the “Bible Believing” Christians in the mainline Baptist Community. I couldn’t care less. You’ll just have to forgive me for believing God is able to perfect His book in the language of the people just before the return of His Son.

Why English? Why not?

Grace & Peace be unto you all

The King James Bible (Part 2)

Argument #1: The King James translators never admitted to being inspired.

Here’s a simple question: Have you ever been a part of a situation that turned out to be a huge blessing to someone else? When it was all said and done, you consider the situation and think to yourself, “Wow! God was all over that!” But at the time it just seemed like an ordinary average day.

When given the opportunity to preach, I do not claim inspiration of God. But there have been, and Lord willing will continue to be, times in which the hand of God moved across the hearers of a message I delivered. When I look back on the preparation of that message, nothing in particular stands out. I prepared that message like any other, with prayer and meditation on the word and study of the word. Yet God moved.

Now, we’re talking about something very different than the writing of Scriptures in both cases…and I am well aware of that. However, I thought it necessary to give some illustrations as to why the King James translators had no idea that God was guiding their hands. It is also proof positive that the translator’s writings outside of the realms of the Scripture were NOT inspired. These men were not prophets…they were Christians, carrying out the will of God.

You want some Bible? No problem. Search the Scriptures…did Peter ever claim inspiration? Nope. Does that mean first and second Peter is not inspired? Did Luke ever claim inspiration? Nope. Does that mean that the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles are not inspired? Chew on this one:

(Dan 4:1-3) Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me. How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.

I could have continued to quote from Daniel…but I am trying to make a point. Here is a pagan leader of a heathen nation writing a letter. In the end, the very words that he spoke (by the way, likely translated from ancient Babylonian unto Hebrew at the time…something else to ponder) became SCRIPTURE. Did Nebuchadnezzar ever claim inspiration of God? Nope. But sure enough, the words that came out of his mouth and ended up on paper eventually became Scripture.

I’m sorry, but the argument that “the King James translators never claimed inspiration” is a VERY WEAK ONE. There are other human authors involved in the writing of the word of God who never claimed inspiration. Should we assume that they are not therefore? How sad to have to throw out all of the Psalms because each Psalmist never claimed inspiration. I guess we’ll just have to doubt the validity of their writings. I guess we should throw out the creation story along with the book of Genesis…after all, Moses never claimed inspiration when penning that book either.

Okay…enough of the sarcasm, I know it is not becoming. Inspiration is not inspiration when man makes the claim, but rather when GOD MAKES THE CLAIM. When I read my King James Bible, I believe I hold Scripture. Therefore, I deduce that my King James Bible is inspired based on:

(2Ti 3:16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

If I didn’t believe that I was holding Scripture, then I would NOT believe it to be inspired. For instance, I do not believe the NIV to be Scripture. I do not believe the NASB to be Scripture. I do not believe the CEV to be Scripture. Why? Well, because two or more things that are different are not the same. They read very differently from the King James Bible and are therefore not the same thing. Hopefully I’ve been clear enough so that everyone understands what I am getting at here.

One argument down…I suppose more to come. My prayer is that every Christian will stop messing around with Greek and Hebrew when God made His word available to us in English. This blog might not get you there…but hopefully more to come will. Be patient…I will get them up as time permits.

Until next time, may the Grace & Peace of God be with you all!

The King James Bible (Part 1)

Okay, I have had way too many disturbing conversations with other “Christians” now concerning the word of God that I will need to address this within a few postings.

I am a King James Bible Believer. This means that I not only believe in the inspiration of the Masoretic Texts and the Greek Textus Receptus, but I BELIEVE IN THE INSPIRATION OF THE KING JAMES BIBLE! For some reason, this is a great mystery to modern Christians.

Modern Christians cling to the FACT that there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. (1 Tim 2:5) But when it comes to the idea of there being only one Bible, they freak right out. If God would provide one exclusive way to heaven, why is it so difficult to believe that God also provided one exclusive Bible?

Listen, Christans: There was one Hebrew Old Testament. There was one Greek New Testament. And there is one English Bible…The Authorized Version, given to us by the Author and finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ. (Heb 12:2)

The Authorized Bible is not the “best” Bible available, it is the “only” Bible available. All others are perversions. That’s right, they are PERVERSIONS of the Truth given by the Perverter of Truth, the Father of Lies: the Devil. (John 8:44)

I will attempt to take some time over the next few blogs to explain away some of the “silly” and “often quoted” arguments against the INSPIRATION of the King James Bible. Listen, I’ve heard them all before. I know where you get those arguments. You get them from evil men, professors in colleges and institutes and Seminaries claiming to know more about God’s word than God Himself. I am not fooled. They are evil men, seducers…waxing worse and worse. (2 Tim 3:13)

Here is what I think of professors:
(Rom 1:22) Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

Do I sound mad? I sure hope so, because I’m smoldering as I type this blog. Is there a Christian out there who still believes God is capable of preserving His word? Is there a Christian out there who still believes God is able?

So go ahead and throw some arguments out there if you’d like. I will answer some that I have already come across and more as they come.

Christians, why think ye in your heart such an unimaginable thing; that God did not leave a perfect Bible for us to read? You know that there is one Lord. You know that there is one faith. You know that there is one baptism. But there are Bibles, many? What?!

Shame on you Institute teacher: For spreading your doctrine of doubt.

Shame on you Bible College teacher: For spreading your doctrine of mistrust.

Shame of you Seminary Professor: For claiming to know more about Greek, Hebrew and English than God Himself.

The Day of Judgment is at hand:
(Amo 8:11) Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:

This day is that Judgment fulfilled in our eyes…shame on this generation!

Liberalism I Can Get Behind

For those of you who have visited this site, it should not take long to realize that I stand firmly against “Liberal” ideologies. In fact, the last couple of blogs dealt with the issue…and I’m sure, many more will follow. However, I decided to share a “Liberal” subject that I am all for.

As I pondered the way the “Liberal” mindset has affected this nation, I could not help but ponder the “Liberal” nature with which my Lord Jesus Christ bestowed the free gift of salvation to me, and to others. I praise my Lord for being “Liberal” when it comes to the offer of salvation.

No one is any better or any worse than the next. We are all unclean…we have all rebelled against the Lord.

(Ecc 7:20) For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

Yet Jesus has made salvation available to us all. This is “Liberal”, “Equal” and yet still “Fair” and “Right”.

1. Salvation is “Liberal” in that it is available to all. (1 John 2:2)
2. Salvation is “Equal” in that God is not prejudice to whom He gives it. (Gal 3:28)
3. Salvation is “Fair” in that it requires the same work of us all: the work of FAITH. (1 Thes 1:3)
4. Salvation is “Right” in that it comes from God…the ONLY RIGHTEOUS. (Ps 18:2)

O the love that drew salvation’s plan!
O the grace that bro’t it down to man!
O the mighty gulf that God did span at Calvary.

Mercy there was great and grace was free,
Pardon there was multiplied to me,
There my burdened soul found liberty,
At Calvary!

By the way, there is one more “Liberal” thing I am for:

(Mat 10:8) Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

While I live in the wrong dispensation and therefore cannot heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead or cast out devils; (That is debatable, I know) this much I can and should do:

FREELY GIVE THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO OTHERS. I can be liberal in my conversations about the Lord. I can be liberal about how many tracts I distribute to others. I can be liberal about my love for the word of God. And for all the negative I have to say about the “Liberal” mindset, I thank my God that He was “Liberal” when it came to the giving of His grace to me…and to all who have called upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace and Peace be unto you all!

Gender Blender

This is a subject matter that I have neglected to write about because I wanted to see how things would turn out. But I can no longer wait on this. In the previous post I discussed the “Liberal Mindset” and its effects on the populous as a whole. Remember, “Right/Righteousness” to the “Liberal” is equal to “Equality”. They do not care about what is “just” or “fair” but rather wish to make laws/rules based upon what a small minority stirs up. Thus, we have the purpose behind this blog.

There is a law that was passed by the Terminator in California, called SB 777. If you are a parent who sends your children to a public school, you need to understand this law. I live in New York and know all too well that that which is passed in California will shortly be passed in New York. So if you do not live in California, it may just be a matter of time before your State adopts this as well. Actually, I believe Maryland has adopted this as well, but do not quote me on that.

So here’s the law:

1. Public Schools (k-12): No discrimination against those who cannot/do not identify with their gender. In order for you to understand the implications here, keep in mind that it would be considered “wrong” for a teacher to not allow a girl to become Prom King.
2. Public Schools (k-12): Words like “Husband”, “Wife”, “Mother”, “Father” are not to be invoked by teachers so as to not make those who come from same sex unions uncomfortable.
3. Public Schools (k-12): Public facilities offered to all!!! This means that if a child is having a hard time identifying with his/her gender, he/she has the right to use whatever washroom/changing facilities he/she choose to use. That’s right, a 17 year old male could end up in the bathroom with a 13 year old girl and that would be perfectly legitimate.

(Feel free to check this out on your own...just google SB777 and it will pop up)

Folks, this is insanity at the highest level! What red-blooded teenage boy would not jump at the opportunity enter the girls locker room? Don’t think that some would not take advantage of this. So let’s get this thing right, a minority (4% of the populous…and that is a very generous number) fall into the homosexual/confused gender grouping, yet this law is designed for them? Once again you have the deranged “Liberal Mindset” at work here. It is all about “Equality” but it is not about “Fairness”. This goes even beyond that…this is about “Safety”. How comfortable would you feel with your teenage daughter in the bathroom with a boy with the wrong intentions? This could lead to rape cases.

(Isa 5:20) Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

This country is upside down! People generally have no idea of the difference between “fairness” and “equality”. They have no idea of the difference between “right” and “wrong”. They have no clue as to what is “just” and what is “unjust”.

“Celebrate Diversity” is no longer their cry. It has morphed into “We’re going to make you celebrate diversity or you will go to jail!”

So here’s what I think is going to happen in regards to this law: (By the way, you should know that this law was passed in Oct of 07…interesting how quiet the media has kept this one. You have been distracted by the “Britney Effect”.)

1. I don’t think people will put up with this, even in Liberal California. From what I’ve heard there is a petition drawn up and they are working towards overturning the law.
2. I do, however, think there will be a compromise. I think that when it comes to the bathroom situation, they will make a third gender bathroom. This way there is no danger to those who are against this, but it still teaches the youth of America to accept the “third” gender. You will eventually see three bathrooms. A “male” sign will be on one door, a “female” sign on the other and a sign like I’ve pictured at the top of the page as a third.

A very vocal minority continues to rob America of its moral fiber. What if the Christian stood up? What if the Christian voiced his opinion? I can tell you what happens there: the Christian is made to look like a fool by the news media. We are called religious crackpots. We are called “haters”.

Hey, you can call me whatever you desire…I couldn’t care less. But one thing you cannot call me is a fool. I am not at all lulled to sleep by the “Britney Effect”. I am well aware of what is happening in America and who is behind it all.

(Gen 3:1) Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made…

There are only two things staying the hand of God’s judgment upon this nation.
1. Praying Christians (By the way, there are fewer and fewer of these today)
2. Our kindness to Israel (The day that we turn our backs on Israel or help divide up their land will be a very dark day for America)

You may ask, “What can I do?” The same thing you should have been doing your entire Christian life: SHARE THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST WITH OTHERS! There is but little time left. Everything else is trite.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.

Workplace Socialism

(Isa 32:8) But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.

I have, over the past few years, had the privilege of working a desk job that has afforded me the right to listen to Christian radio. Seeing that I couldn't care less about today's "Christian" music, I listen to preaching. When there is nobody worth listening to on the radio, I throw in an audio cd of some of my favorite preachers. This has been such a great spiritual lift to me over the years, I have grown much in that time and have even learned to be a better worker via these sermons.

Recently, the radio privileges have been revoked. I am literally heart broken over this, as strange as it may sound. When you are able to feed yourself with good, solid, Biblical preaching all day, it makes work that much easier and gives a boost to your spirit life.

So I did my work today, as I would any day...but this time I had nothing to occupy my ear. I'd like to say that I prayed more than normal, but that was not the case for today. No, today I pondered the "Liberal" way of thinking.

Have you ever considered the Liberal way of doing things? The Liberal way is to make everyone as equal as possible. Does that sound good to you? Is equality really what America needs? Some people just work harder than others and therefore should have the right to have more privileges than others. Some people do not care to work at all, yet they receive the same privileges so that they will not feel left out.

When I was in management I can honestly say that I did not treat everyone equally. No, rather I favored some over others. But there was always a reason for this treatment. Those who put in effort and were solid workers received better benefits. Those who were lazy and disrespectful found themselves with the worst schedules and no pay raises. Isn't this fair? Isn't it right to reward those who do good and punish those who do bad? Am I going crazy here, or is Liberal mindset completely opposite of this?

The Liberal wants everyone so equal, that the lazy choose not to work so that they can have everything handed to them...and the good worker thinks, "What's the point? I work more than the next guy but we get equal pay and benefits!"

The truth of the matter is that we're not all equal. We are all gifted in different ways. God has enabled people with different talents so that we might all work together in order to further His Kingdom. (That is the intention, anyhow) But in Liberal America, we're told to celebrate diversity, when all the while they're trying to conform you into a mindless robot. Liberalism isn't liberal at all, it is simply Socialism with a different title.

Back to the workplace and my lost radio. The reason the radio was taken was because someone in the workplace (in a completely different department) abused their privileges. As a matter of fact, it took place on the second shift and I work first shift. The powers that be decided that everyone was to lose their radio privileges. So everyone was punished for the sins of a couple of people. This is fair only in the Liberal mindset. Biblically, no one is to be punished for another person's actions.

(Deu 24:16) The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.

What was deemed "fair" was that if one loses the privileges, then all must...even though it was one or two that caused the problem. Somehow "fairness" has morphed into "Equality". In other words, "equally rewarded" and "equally punished" all across the board.

So this is what happens when a man has all day to ponder things. If you knew my job, you'd understand that there are portions of my day that require mindless repetition. So the radios were taken away from all. Uh oh...wait, let me correct myself. The radios were taken away from all but a "select" few with more power than the average worker. So those who made the decision to remove the radios, did not make that a rule for themselves. Ah, true Communism/Socialism at its heart! Only the leaders are not considered equal. They are above equality...or fairness as we have just come to terms with.

So there you have it...the truth behind the "Liberal Mind"...or someone whining about not being able to listen to preaching anymore. You decide.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.