Nathan Ham: My Passion For Biblical Teaching

It Is Finished

2011-05-28T23:32:00.000-04:00

When Jesus said “It is finished” in John 19:30, what was he saying was finished? Well, his first recorded words at the age of 12 in Luke 2:49, “And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father‘s business?” But what was his Father’s business that He had now completed? In John 18:37 Jesus testified “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”

But what is the truth about what Jesus finished on that cross? Answer: He did away with the need for earthly priests because Jesus redeemed us once and for all! Hebrews 10:11-12 means you don’t need to pray to a saint or confess to a priest for the Bible says “And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man [Jesus], after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;”

You see, we are born a child of wrath (Eph 2:3), a child of disobedience (Eph 2:2), a child of the devil (1 John 3:10). I was born in sin (Psalm 51:5) as a son of Adam, the first sinner. My great granddaddy Adam passed his sinful nature down to me through his corrupt seed (1 Peter 1:23). I disobey God’s commandments because I can’t help it: I was born in bondage (Gal. 4:3). But Hebrews 2:15 says that Christ delivered us “who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Hebrews 9:26 says that Christ “appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” - Hebrews 9:28. The Bible says in 1 John 1:7 that “the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

Which means it is the epitome of sinful pride to presume that I, by my own works or my own righteousness, could possibly save my sinful soul from God’s holy judgment in an eternal hell. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us” Titus 3:5. “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:20. “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” Galatians 2:16. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9.

What did Jesus finish on that cross? He drank the cup of God’s wrath (John 18:11) that was meant for you and for me. Do not be deceived: the great day of God’s wrath is coming soon. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7.

You’ve heard of Jesus? You’ve heard He died on the cross? You’ve probably even heard He died on the cross for your sins? Why don’t you trust Jesus Christ right now. Trust Jesus with all your heart. Confess Him as Saviour. Confess that He died to save you. Confess you cannot save yourself. Confess your sins have destined you to Hell. Confess the blood of Jesus was shed on the cross to pay for your sins. Confess you are trusting in Jesus Christ for eternal life.

John 1:12, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”

Romans 10:9, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Free Love Christians

2011-03-23T12:54:00.006-04:00

Apparently my Dad is unchristian and unloving because he refuses to compromise God's Word and he actually names the names of those who do compromise. Reference the AiG article here: http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2011/03/22/kicked-out-homeschool-conferences

Some Christians today are like the hippies of 50 years ago who used the word “love” to justify their fornications and sins against the word of God. The hippie culture is often pictured as a group of drug-addicted, fornicating drunks whose catchphrase “make love, not war” gave their movement a false sense of piety. But to those who know a handful of Bible verses taught to Sunday school children, their sins are as grievous as the war crimes they claimed to oppose. Just the same, these Christians like to justify their disobedience to the Bible by saying “we are supposed to love each other”. Oh, but aren't these hippie Christians godly? (I am speaking sarcastically). I mean, they actually quote John 13:35. Please note: their judgment is coming according to Proverbs 1:26.

I'll give you another hippie catchphrase: “what would Jesus do?”. Apparently, the hippie Christian culture has never heard of the following verses: John 2:15, John 6:66, John 7:7, John 7:43, John 8:44, John 8:47, John 10:19, etc. But I suppose many are too lazy to look up those verses and read it for themselves. If you do, please take notice that Jesus statements and actions are towards the religious leaders of His day. For more scathing rebukes from Jesus against religious leaders, read Matthew 23. The problem with the modern effeminate Christian is that he claims to do what Jesus would do and “love” everybody, but he hasn't read the Bible very carefully and he certainly isn't following Christ. The above are a small set of things Jesus did that the hippie Christian crowd would never follow.

These sorts of Christians are more interested in making love, then fighting the good fight of faith (1 Tim. 6:12) or standing against the wiles of the devil (Eph. 6:11) or having done all, to stand (Eph. 6:13). They would rather fornicate their idols of fame, wealth, and ecumenicalism then to read, believe, and obey the word of God.

You say, “Oh, but the Apostle Paul would never stoop to such low tactics as name calling or naming names.” Paul calls someone a child of the devil in Acts 13:10. Paul calls out Demas by name in 2 Tim. 4:10 and a couple others in 1 Tim. 1:19-20 and 2 Tim. 2:17-18 and 2 Tim. 4:14-15. Paul uses the derogatory term “dogs” in Phil. 3:2. Paul uses what some would call prejudice in Titus 1:12-13. God has always raised up a man to call sin for what it is. For every Ahab, there is a fiery Elijah. For every Herod, there is a stubborn John the Baptist. For other Biblical examples of God's people name calling and naming names, see: 2 Pet. 2:15, 3 John 9, Jude 11, Rev. 2:2,14, just to name a few.

The point is not to justify purposeful meanness in preaching. After all, Paul did say in Romans 12:18, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” And in 2 Corinthians 10:1, "Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ". It is right and Biblical to get along with folks, but NOT at the expense of preaching the truth! Don't forget this was the same guy who wrote the statements mentioned in the previous paragraph. We shouldn't purposely try to cause problems, but we shouldn't be afraid to stand firmly on the Word of God and to call out those who would harm the body of Christ. We preach the word of God not only with meekness and gentleness, but also with the cunning boldness of a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Don't be a free love Christian! Don't excuse sin and unbelief in the name of love. First read, then believe, then obey every word of the Bible. Sometimes it is necessary to name the apostates and call out the perverseness of their sin. It doesn't mean we don't love. This is true love, for loving God and loving God's words comes first (Matt. 22:37-38). May God raise up more men who will preach God's words with passion and conviction without backing down.

John 7:7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

Where Is The Lord God Of Elijah?

2011-03-11T10:50:00.000-05:00

Where Is The Lord God Of Elijah?

In 2 Kings 2:14, when Elisha reached the first obstacle in his ministry he cried “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?”. As the churches of Jesus Christ become more apostate and worldly, we must take up this cry now more than ever before. 41 years ago on March 3, 1970, Free Presbyterian preacher Ian Paisley preached a message on this very subject. I’d like to give you the opening statements of his message:

“Brethren and sisters in Christ, the great apostasy is upon us. All around us today we hear the papal sounds of the papal antichrist and the false prophets of the ecumenical movement. The churches of Christendom, so called, have apostacized. And alas, what true churches are left have felt the cold and chilling blast of this adulterous and end time generation. In mad infatuation for worldly scholarship, worldly attainment, and worldly recognition, these churches have grievously departed from vital and spiritual Christianity. The prayer altars are forsaken. Strong doctrinal preaching is forgotten. Fervent evangelism is largely unknown. And a blight has settled down on the congregations of the people of God. To maintain in these days fundamental Bible truth, is to make oneself an oddity. To cry aloud of everything that savours of Baalism and pernicious idolatry, is to brand oneself as an extremist. To stand where the prophets stood, to stand where the apostles stood, to stand where the reformers stood, to stand where the Puritans stood, to stand where the great revival preachers of the past generation stood, is to go it alone like Elijah of old.

What does the church of Jesus Christ need in order to successfully and gloriously combat this last end time struggle with antichrist and antichristianity? We need a double portion of the spirit of God. Elisha took up the cry ‘where is the Lord God of Elijah?’ I want to take up that cry today in this convention, ‘where is the Lord God of Elijah?’.”

Listen to Paisley’s message here:

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sid=6792

If the modern-day protestant reformer Ian Paisley started the Free Presbyterian denomination to protest the apostate mainline protestant denominations of his day 41 years ago, then you can bet it is worse now! The very denominations that were started in protest to the Catholic church have long since apostacized and compromised with worldly doctrine and scholarship. The protestant churches need to be protested! And the independent Baptist churches are not far behind.

Where is the Lord God of Elijah?

We must take up this cry now more than ever before to stand against the spirit of antichrist. In the name of Christ, churches are more interested in jamming to drums and electric guitars than praising the name of Jesus Christ as holy and pure. Christians have fallen prey to the ungodly, self-exalting thinking of evolutionary humanists. Churches are becoming more new age through Buddhist and Hindu influences. Christians will take time to exercise their bodies, but not take time to exercise their minds and hearts through the study of God’s Word. People would rather stay in bondage to a religion that can’t control the perverted desire of priests. Young people are in love with sex, alcohol, and entertainment. Christians would rather gossip than preach the word. Christians would rather spend the effort on making another dollar to fund their idolatrous, luxurious lifestyle than join the fellowship of Christ-honoring believers.

Holy living is criticized as legalism. Biblical expectations are lambasted as too severe. The birth pangs of Christ’s second coming are louder than ever before but the world’s pleasures have made Christians too stupid to realize the lateness of the hour. The call for separation is made, but none heed. The call for the King’s service is made, but they are too busy listening to their gospel music. The church has lost the children. The parents wonder what happened to their kids. And all along a handful of preachers stand strong on the word calling for faithfulness and devotion to the Scriptures. But the Christians are too rich, too blessed, too well off to know their spiritual condition.

Only the Lord God of Elijah has the power to clean up the mess of apostasy and worldliness in our homes, churches, and communities. May God raise up a new generation of godly young people who will stand on the Scriptures as their final authority, and in the power of God’s Spirit will cry effectually and fervently “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” against the apostasy and worldliness of our day!

Why Must I Be Still?

2011-02-15T09:52:00.000-05:00

Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God..."

Why must I be still, when life around me rages?
Why must I be still, when the God of all the ages
Has left me poor and needy,
Miserable and weepy?!
Why must I be still?

Why must I be still, when my heart is pounding?
Why must I be still, when fears are surrounding?
Suffering and stress;
Why won't God bless?!
Why must I be still?

Why must I be still, when my thoughts are racing?
Why must I be still, when stress has me pacing?
Doubts and fears assail;
Why can't God prevail?!
Why must I be still?

Why must I be still, when my heart is breaking?
Why must I be still, when my head is hurting?
Is God even there?
Why won't He care?!
Why must I be still?

Why must I be still, when others seem so blessed?
Why must I be still, when anguish grips my chest?
"Life is so unfair!",
I cry out with despair.
Why must I be still?

Why must I be still, when something must be done?
Why must I be still, while God has nothing done?
I sit there for a minute,
But still I don't see it!
Why must I be still?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I consider the verse,
And realize my curse.
Sin has me blind,
I think wrong in my mind.
The answer is this,
God's truth I have missed.

Psalm 46:10 (this time the whole verse) "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Be still and know that God is good,
His truth always misunderstood.
God's grace is strong, His comfort near.
The storms may rage and hearts a-fear.
But know this thought from God's own book,
God's glory cannot be forsook.

Life has and always will be about God, and God alone.

Men, Stand For Truth!

2011-02-07T15:06:00.002-05:00

Ephesians 6:13

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Most preachers today are pink panty wearing, yellow-bellied, gutless, spineless, weak-kneed, unmanly cowards more interested in sharing an experience than preaching the Word of God. These lilly-livered, chicken-hearted, sissified "yes men" are not worth their testosterone. Most pulpits today spew a sickly sweet, diabetic forming sludge of amateur psychology that destroys the moral fabric of American culture. Professing to be messengers of peace, they are in reality harbingers of doom fulfilling the prophecy in First Peter chapter 3 that God's wrath will come upon a people who scoff at the absolute truths of Scripture. We need Christian men more interested in standing against sin and suffering the consequences than bowing to worldly women and miserable men.

The Holy Bible separates the men from the boys. What America needs is not political, but spiritual revival born in the hearts of men willing to stand for God's truth, and having done all, to stand. Men who will stand for marriage and against shacking up. Men who will bring their families to church. Men who will love Jesus Christ above all else. Men who will love God's gift of life and oppose a culture of death, whether abortion or euthanasia. Men unafraid to give their lives for the gospel, and for our freedoms. Men who love their wives, not slap them. Men who teach their children about Jesus, not abuse them. Men who will turn off the immoral filth and idolatrous abominations of television, rather than worship with their family at the atlar of humanism. Men who believe "gay" means happy and homosexuality is a perversion. Men who believe that evolution is a religion and that the Bible is true history. Men who frame their thinking with a Biblically-minded worldview. Men who refuse to trade freedom for security.

The human tendancy to shoot the messenger has driven preachers away from the war front. Deceitfully handling God's Words, they promote philosophy, psychology, education, technological advancement, tradition, and humanistic thinking above the Bible in order to appease a crowd of milk drinking, worldly-minded, sin loving, apostate Christians. These fools are afraid of what people will think. They do not believe the book they claim to preach.

God, give us real men. God, let your Word strengthen the weak, ineffectual Christian men filling our churches and pulpits today. God, grant these men boldness to lead their families and churches in the fight for truth. God, enable our men to preach the Gospel to a lost and dying world. God, may your grace strengthen our hearts to deliver the message of Biblical truth, no matter the consequences.

God give us honest, trustworthy, bold, God fearing, Bible thumping, sin hating, Devil fighting, gospel preaching men of truth.

Exodus 18:21

Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens...

Looking For A King

2011-01-27T07:48:00.000-05:00

I have searched the annals of history. I have seen some good kings. And I have seen some bad kings. Some have followed in their father's footsteps, while others have promised change and the crowds chanting "yes, we can". But still: the moral decadence of world cultures continues unabated. I have seen world leaders impose strict laws. I have seen others look for the good in man. But still: rape, murder, bloodshed, prejudice, hatred, selfishness, laziness, immorality and other lusts permeate every aspect of advanced and third world nations alike. For all of our technology, we are unable to eradicate the wretched blackness from the human heart. Our desire for peace and our desire for goodness simply confirms Romans 1:18 that we "hold the truth in unrighteousness".

I am looking for a King who can change the human heart! I have seen kings legislate morality. And I have seen kings promote pornographic filth in society. But I have yet to see a king who can establish everlasting righteousness. I need a King to not only establish good laws, but to make the heart of the people good too. What use is a speed limit sign if we are inclined to disobey? I am looking for THAT King.

The longest reigning monarchs of recent history have ruled for over 70 years. But what would be the point of "long live the king" if he still eventually dies and the next one will crush the people? I am looking for a King who's reign of righteousness will last forever and ever. The "happily ever after" of story tales simply confirms that we "hold the truth in unrighteousness". I am looking for an eternal King.

Kings often hide their sins and mistakes. King David was arguably one of the greatest kings of all history, even being called a "man after God's own heart". But even he tried to cover up a grievous wrong. The claimed transparency of our leaders is a fable! I am looking for a King who can be trusted. Trusted to do what he promised to do. Trusted to make wise decisions. Trusted that He knows what is best for our economy. Trusted with my little children. Trusted because he DOES have the answers for our fracturing culture. I am looking for THAT King. I am tired of leaders promising they can be trusted. I am tired of leaders saying they will fulfill their promises. I have searched and I have looked for a trustworthy King.

I am looking for peace. Weary of the fear mongering helped by extremists, I look for peace from the free markets but do not find it. Under socialism, I find only oppression and burden. It has been said that "freedom is not free", but how much blood has to be shed before we find the peace we are looking for? How much fear must we endure before the drug dealer is no more, shootings are a thing of the past, and rape, abuse, and domestic violence are forgotten -- how much longer must peace elude us? I am looking for a King who can establish everlasting peace. Yes, the oppressive elite do enforce their will on the sheeple, but what is the answer? It is not to take from the rich and give to the common man, for that would be committing the same sin. Even a king who can provide free opportunity for honest, hard work cannot contain the inherently lazy nature of the human heart. Again, I am looking for a King who can change the human heart! I am looking for a King who's burden is easy and His yoke is light.

I am looking for a King who can make my country so safe, I don't have to lock my doors at night. I am looking for a King who can make people so good, that I don't have to worry about what might happen to my children. I am looking for a King who can make this world safe from pestilence, safe from famine and starvation. I am looking for a King who can tame the bite of lions, the sting of scorpions, and the venom of snakes. I am looking for a King who can ensure that new technology will not be used for evil. I am looking for a King who can promise that my hard work taking care of my family will not be wasted. I am looking for a King who can sort out all our economic issues once and for all. I am looking for a King who can stop the prejudice between cultures. I am looking for a King who will put an end to enslaving religions. I am looking for a King who will tell us the truth. I am looking for a King who will provide an end-all cure for the world's diseases. I am looking for a King who understands me and knows my plight. I am looking for a King stronger than 10,000 men, braver than any soldier, but tender and compassionate with a loving heart. I am looking for a King I can know personally. I am looking for a wise King, wiser than any scholar or scientist. I am looking for a King who's stories marvel the children, who's power staggers the imagination, who's goodness is unparalleled.

Let me tell you - I have searched the annals of history and I have found Him! He is Jesus, the mighty King! Everything the world has been looking for - peace, solutions to hunger and disease, hope, freedom - can only be fulfilled by Jesus Christ.

I have found a King so great that even the heavens cannot contain His glory. His love knows no bounds. His mercy lasts forever. His wisdom stumps the skeptics. His name is Jesus! The second coming of Jesus Christ will bring a kingdom of peace this world has never known. Everything the world has been searching for is found in Jesus. You can trust Him to tell the truth. You can trust Him with your children. You can trust Him to judge in righteousness.

Have you found my King, Jesus the Christ? The strength of His power was evident when He shouldered all the filth and stink of sin upon the cross. The eternal peace of salvation is only found in Jesus. Give glory to King Jesus! Lift up the name of Jesus! Every legistive body and political ruler will bow the knee to the King of Kings! The United Nations will serve Him. The nations will worship Him. And the children will love Him.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.

I have found the King, and His name is Jesus.

They Loved The Praise Of Men More Than The Praise Of God

2011-01-17T21:55:00.002-05:00

John 12:43 says "for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God". This verse, among many in the Scriptures, stands in sharp contrast to everything the world is about, as epitomized by the lustful, corrupt Hollywood crowd. So many of our actions are driven by a fleshy desire to be accepted by others. Why is it that today's young people are not ashamed to make statements by spiking their hair, piercing every opening of their body, and wearing strange clothes but Christians are too chicken-hearted to boldly stand for a Holy God who hates sin? When an unsaved man through extraordinary actions stands against popular culture, he is a testimony against Christians who are saved and know the truth but their life doesn't show it. Will it be too late and at the end of your life that you realize a "well done" statement of praise from your Creator is better than anything else this life has to offer? What are you driven by? Are you driven by acceptance from family and friends? Are you driven by work? Are you driven by personal dreams and ambitions? Choose rather to be driven by the Holy Scriptures when the Lord said "them that honour me, I will honour" (1 Samuel 2:30). This is the praise of God. It is a holy quest, a truly purpose-driven life, and honourable. But remember one thing: this greatest achievement cannot be attained by those who reject God's Words (John 12:48). "For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God".

http://www.harvestbaptistcincy.org/sermon-series/gospel-of-john

Isaiah 55:6-7 Seeking God's Mercy

2010-06-26T22:45:00.003-04:00

Isaiah 55:6-7 Lesson 3 - Seeking God's Mercy

Isaiah 55:

6 ¶ Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

When you don't have money to pay the bills ... seek ye the Lord

When you don't understand why God doesn't heal ... seek ye the Lord

When you don't seem to be getting answers to prayers ... seek ye the Lord

When you are struggling with sin and can't overcome it ... seek ye the Lord

When you are hurt by those you love the most ... seek ye the Lord

When you are struggling with anger and bitterness ... seek ye the Lord

When you are scared and fearful about tomorrow ... seek ye the Lord

When you question what God is doing in your life ... seek ye the Lord

When you don't know God's will or how you should proceed ... seek ye the Lord

When your children don't love God like they should ... seek ye the Lord

When you feel like giving up ... seek ye the Lord

When you are tired and don't have the strength ... seek ye the Lord

When you are too afraid to witness for Jesus Christ ... seek ye the Lord

When you are empty and emotionless on the inside ... seek ye the Lord

When you are struggling with depression ... seek ye the Lord

When you are living in constant pain ... seek ye the Lord

When you worry about the future your country is headed in ... seek ye the Lord

In every area of life ... seek ye the Lord

1. "seek ye the Lord while he may be found" -- reveals what God is like

Why I like the book of Isaiah - it tells us what God is like
God likes to be trusted and looked to
The socialists taking over our government like to be in power, but they can't provide what they claim. Socialism is a parasite and consuming philosophy that feeds of producing economies. Out of all of man's systems and philosophies, none can do what God claims -- He can provide for those that come seeking answers, strength, wisdom, mercy, grace, etc.
Contrast what people are like -- they usually end up treating badly the ones they are supposed to love the most (spouses, siblings, etc.)

2. "seek ye the Lord" -- you don't get rich by seeking riches

The way to prosperity is not to seek prosperity
Pr 21:17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
Mt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
The Biblical contradiction is that the way up to heaven is to get down on your knees
The way to save your life is to lose it
The way to riches, is to give yours away

3. "while he may be found" -- Does this verse contradict passages like Psalm 139?

Psalm 139:
7 ¶ Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
Practically there are times in a person's life when God is dealing with them over their sin and the conviction is more present than normal than at other times.
But this doesn't contradict -- Pr 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
And it doesn't mean God is not always there, but you should listen to the Spirit of God when the sweet conviction comes. How many times have you noticed Christians go through a rough time in their life when its almost like they can't even hear the Holy Spirit convicting them of sin?

4. "while he may be found" -- God's mercy endures forever, but is not available forever

God's mercy most certainly endures for ever, Praise God!, but there comes a time when God's mercy is no longer available and He allows people to suffer the consequences of their sin. Does this make God a bad God? Go through Proverbs 1:24-33 and make these points:

v. 24 - cross reference to Rom 10:19-12. God has been trying ALL DAY LONG to show His mercy but no one listened. God is a VERY merciful God and willing to pardon.
v. 26 - God laughs and mocks at their calamity. Some truths about God are difficult to swallow, but this truth doesn't negate the fact that God has tried over and over to show mercy but man has never listened.
v. 27 - cross reference to Pr. 13:13 and show the connection to refusing to heed God's Word ("counsel" in v. 24, "knowledge" in v. 29, "counsel" in v. 30)
v. 29 - Hating Knowledge -- The Bible is the only book that you get more out of it, depending on your attitude towards it. You can read a love story and hate the whole thing but still get it all, but you can't hate the Bible and get all the truth out of it.
v. 31 "own way" - show connection to Is. 55:7
So, the point is that rejecting God's word is rejecting His mercy. God is not a bad God but has always been trying to show mercy. Although His mercy will endure forever, it is not always freely available. We are creatures of time and time governs everything we do. Today is the day of salvation, and while God's Spirit is calling we must listen.

5. "while he is near" -- God is nearer during tribulation than at other times of prayer

More so than most of your prayer time, the time God will be nearest to you is when you are going through a hard time because of sin or difficulty or tribulation in this life and you are under conviction from the word of God and know exactly what you need to do.
THIS is the time to respond to God's Word.
But many times, your prayer time will seem quite dull compared to a time like that because you aren't coming to God with a broken and contrite heart.
Example of this past week -- a Christian not faithful to the Lord or the church is struggling to pay the bills. This is the time to draw near to God.
The healing hospital power of the Psalms
See Psalm 13

6. "while he is near" -- 2nd Coming context for Israel

Jeremiah 29:
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
14 And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.

7. "abundantly pardon" -- not just our sins forgiven

Not just our sins forgive, but ABUNDANTLY pardon
Go through the NT Scriptures that show our salvation is way more than just sins forgiven (home in heaven, Spirit of God indwelling/sealing, part of the body of Christ, adopted as sons, chosen to live holy lives, redeemed, forgiven, created for his glory, etc.) -- see spiritual blessings in Eph. 1 for an example

Other points:

v. 7 "forsake his way" - it is always about our way vs what God said. (will cover more in next lesson)

v. 7 a man's way is connected to his thoughts (we will cover more in next lesson)

v. 7 "forsake" and "return" is repentance. A true act of believing is an act of repentance (forsaking self righteousness and love of self and turning to Jesus Christ with the whole heart)

A verse I live by and pray to God every day:

Ps 147:11 The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

Conclusion: What should be our response to God's mercy? I don't want to make you feel guilty, I don't want to use fear tactics, or persuasions techniques, simply show you God's mercy so that you believe it and react accordingly. "we love him because he first loved us"

Bowels in the KJV

2009-09-25T16:06:00.006-04:00

The King James Version of the Bible is arguably the best English translation of all time. But one of the common criticisms of continued use is the now-archaic words. One such word is "bowel". With the common definition of bowel now being the intestines, these verses are a little strange, if not humurous:

2 Corinthians 6:12 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.

Philippians 1:8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

Philemon 1:20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

And so the standard line is that we need to update the KJV because it is archaic and uses words that we don't use anymore. Of course, the modern versions change the wording in 20,000-30,000+ places and go way above and beyond just updating the archaic language. The argument is simply an alibi for justifying an entirely new translation from corrupt texts and duping the public into buying them because they have up-to-date language. Bit of a bait-and-switch tactic if you ask me. But I digress, and will save those comments for another post.

I stand on the position that the English language has sadly degraded too much since 1611 (we are lazy speakers?) and that the good old-fashioned KJV gives a much clearer sense in many passages, if you go with the original definitions of these "archaic" words.

For example, archaic personal pronouns such as thou, thee, thy, thine are actually more accurate in speech. Believe it or not, there are many passages in the Bible where these words make the passage clearer. I'll give you one example:

John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee (singular), Ye (plural) must be born again.

You wouldn't get that in a modern, "up-to-date" version. He was talking to one man, Nicodemus, but the verse applies to many - "ye". What a wonderful truth that John 3:7 applies to me, today, in 2009. In our modern language, "you" can mean either singular or plural and "you" are left to guess which is meant based on the context. "You" can't always tell. John 3:7 is only one example; there are many others.

But lets get back to the bowels! Bowel is a word that has changed meaning over time. If you look up the word etymology for bowel or the definition in the 1828 Webster's dictionary, you'll find it simply meant the interior part of a thing. Like the "bowels of the earth".

What English word does bowel sound and look like? Bowl. A bowl is a hollowed out container that you can put stuff in. So is the bowel of a person. Biblically speaking, its everything from the hips up to the shoulders, including the heart, lungs, stomach, liver, spleen, intestines, etc.

You'll find many jokes online regarding the bowels, as they are used in the KJV. And Mark Lowry has some funny comments to say. But every one of these people has a misunderstanding of what "Biblical bowels" really are. Look at the verses below and you'll see how the word bowels is used in many different ways -- heart, womb, inward parts, stomach, etc. All the organs that comprise the hollowed-out inside part of a person. And notice the words I have bolded. The KJV has a built in dictionary that defines the words in the context they are used. You won't find this in the modern versions.

Psalm 71:6 By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.

Isaiah 16:11 Wherefore my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kirharesh.

Isaiah 48:19 Thy seed also had been as the sand, and the offspring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me.

Jeremiah 4:19 My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war.

Ezekiel 3:3 And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.

When we get excited or happy, doesn't our heart race? When we get nervous, don't we get sick to our stomach? When we get terrified, don't we breath fast? All of these feelings come from what the KJV calls the "bowels" -- the hollowed-out bowl-like inside part of a human, containing the heart, lungs, stomach, intestines, and many other organs. The English definition for bowel might have become very specific over time, now referring only to the intestines, but you'll have to agree that all of these organs ARE indeed the "seat of emotions", always have been, always will be. Regardless of where the person came from, what country they live in, and what language they speak, the truth is timeless. No Old Testament Hebrew ever thought his small and large intestines were the seat of his emotions.

Look up these verses in modern versions, and you'll see how degraded or generic the language is compared to the KJV and how the change of words makes it hard to compare Scripture with Scripture. Once again, the good old-fashioned Authorized Version of the Bible wins and is far ahead or advanced of any modern day science, historian, politician, linguist, or poet.

Its a bit sad to me that words such as "bowel" have changed so much over time that our English Bible becomes a mockery. The 2nd Law of Thermodynamics strikes again.

Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address

2009-01-29T12:25:00.005-05:00

Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address is a great read. You can find it at this link --
http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres32.html

I've never heard much about this particular speech, but Lincoln's perspective on why God allows a war like the Civil War is quite amazing. He quotes Matthew 18:7, "Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!".

Carefully read this sentence from his speech, for it clearly gives his beliefs on the war. I find this to be an incredible quote:

If we shall suppose that American slavery is one of those offenses which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, He now wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South this terrible war as the woe due to those by whom the offense came, shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a living God always ascribe to Him?

Abraham Lincoln has a better and greater understanding of God than our current President does today. In spite of all our power and technology and financial or military might, we have become lacking in a basic understanding of who God is and why He does what He does or why He allows problems in this world.

Billy Graham interview by Robert Schuller

2009-01-24T11:36:00.003-05:00

Television interview of Billy Graham by Robert Schuller. Part 1, an approximately 7-minute-long broadcast in Southern California on Saturday, May 31, 1997. The following is an exact transcript* of an excerpt close to the end of this broadcast.

Schuller:

Tell me, what do you think is the future of Christianity?

Graham:

Well, Christianity and being a true believer--you know, I think there's the Body of Christ. This comes from all the Christian groups around the world, outside the Christian groups. I think everybody that loves Christ, or knows Christ, whether they're conscious of it or not, they're members of the Body of Christ. And I don't think that we're going to see a great sweeping revival, that will turn the whole world to Christ at any time. I think James answered that, the Apostle James in the first council in Jerusalem, when he said that God's purpose for this age is to call out a people for His name. And that's what God is doing today, He's calling people out of the world for His name, whether they come from the Muslim world, or the Buddhist world, or the Christian world or the non-believing world, they are members of the Body of Christ because they've been called by God. They may not even know the name of Jesus but they know in their hearts that they need something that they don't have, and they turn to the only light that they have, and I think that they are saved, and that they're going to be with us in heaven.

Schuller:

What, what I hear you saying that it's possible for Jesus Christ to come into human hearts and soul and life, even if they've been born in darkness and have never had exposure to the Bible. Is that a correct interpretation of what you're saying?

Graham:

Yes, it is, because I believe that. I've met people in various parts of the world in tribal situations, that they have never seen a Bible or heard about a Bible, and never heard of Jesus, but they've believed in their hearts that there was a God, and they've tried to live a life that was quite apart from the surrounding community in which they lived.

Schuller:

I'm so thrilled to hear you say this. There's a wideness in God's mercy.

Graham:

There is. There definitely is.

2 Peter 2:1-2

1 ¶ But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

3 Definitions Of The Church by James Knox

2008-12-12T13:58:00.007-05:00

This is really good Bible teaching on the church by James Knox from http://www.jamesknox.com/. He is one of the best Bible teachers I have ever come across.

http://www.jamesknox.com/mp3/doctrineofthechurch/20080928pm_ThreeDefinitionsoftheChurch.mp3

Democracy vs Republic

2008-11-05T10:47:00.002-05:00

from U.S. Constitution Article 4 Section 4 - Republican government

The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.

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From the Pledge of Allegiance:

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America,
and to the Republic for which it stands,
one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

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This is actually a very confusing subject but there are a few good reads:

http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles2/silveira90.html
http://thebullspeaks.com/2008/06/20/republic-or-democracy/
http://www.1215.org/lawnotes/lawnotes/repvsdem.htm

In general, a republic represents and protects the rights of each individual according to a constitution (like we do in this country) and in a pure democracy, you've got mobocracy where the majority rules and reigns with no respect to the individual or constitutional principles. [NOTE: In a pure democracy, 51% beats 49%. In other words, the minority has no rights. The minority, even if 49% of the people, only has those privileges granted by the dictatorship of the majority.] So when the President and others say they are spreading democracy throughout the world, that is not true by the original meaning of "democracy", but we are spreading the liberty of each individual. I have no idea when "democracy" changed meaning and the fact that there is a "Democratic" party makes it even more confusing for everyone. There is doubt as to whether or not a pure democracy has ever existed and there is ample proof that those societies that tend towards democracy end up destroying themselves. (search google)

The reason this is such an important point is that Thomas Jefferson said "liberty and ignorance cannot coexist". A Republican form of government needs informed voters to keep the country on track but we have tended to push our country more and more towards a democracy. The constitution and laws are not enough to keep the country on track, but each individual must do his best to hold to and promote the best of American principles. When over 50% of the people out there vote for change simply for the sake of change, they are ignorant of

why the economy is so bad ("it's Bush's fault!!!" they say)
why socialism doesn't work
why it is important to ensure stability in Iraq before pulling out (regardless of why we went in in the first place)
why government can't do everything for them., etc.

Socialism and pure democracy seem to be related ideas. So in a pure democracy the majorty could and would probably vote for "spread the wealth" of the rich folks and the rich minority (even if 49% of the people) couldn't do anything to stop it and would have no constitutional protection. Our constitution protects us from the evils of pure democracy, but Obama's ideas scare me because they represent those "excesses of democracy" our founding fathers wanted to protect us from.