Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Sprint Palm Tréo Pro

I bought a new phone last night, because - alas! my phone passed away! :'(

ANDDDDD..... I terminated my contract with Verizon. I was going to switch to AT&T and get the iPhone because my brother has that phone and he absolutely loved it! BUTTTT.... After spending about 35 minutes there, the AT&T guy ran a "credit check" and found out that I would have to pay a $500.00 deposit in addition to paying $210.0o0 as the out-the-door price for the iPhone. Basically, I would have to pay them over $700.00 to even start a contract with them. Call it what you want, but I call it highway robbery. I was waiting for them to start charging me for the air I was breathing while standing in their store!!! I explained to them that I did not have bad credit because I don't even have a credit card - I don't want a credit card! And IF I DID have bad credit, I would lose my job since I work for the government. Also, why couldn't they call up Verizon Wireless? I have never been late on a payment for the entire time I was a customer of Verizon!

Needless to say, I did NOT go with AT&T. Quite upset, I drove away and headed for home. I had to do something though.... I needed a new (working) phone. My crazy, heavy schedule demands that I have a means by which people can contact me. I practically live out of my car.

Anyways, I began to drive home when I saw a Sprint store on my left. I decided to pull in, and try my luck there. When the Sprint guy asked what he could do for me, I told him that before we go any further, he might as well run a credit check on me now to avoid possibly wasting time. When he told me I came up approved and that I wouldn't have to pay any type of a deposit, I got so excited! He even worked some magic and waived the activation fee for me!

I started to look at the Instinct (Sprint's version of the iPhone)... BUT THEN I was gloriously directed over to the Palm Treo Pro.... the brand new version of the phone I had. In fact, it just came out about 2 weeks ago. It was love at first sight. I walked away that night with a beautiful black Palm Treo Pro. Fully loaded with the Windows Operating System, Microsoft Office, Text Messaging, Instant Messengers, web browser, games, ring tones, alarms, calendars, etc and etc!

Now if only all my pictures had transferred over like the guy said had happened.... I can't find them anywhere - they disappeared. And my contacts folder won't open. I will be making a tiny visit back there soon to get that figured out.

Isn't it pertyyyyy!?!

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Desperate.

It occurred to me last night as I was thinking about someone.... Desperation will will make one of two things happen in your life: it will either cause you to surrender, or it will destroy you. You cannot have it both ways though.

I'm ashamed to admit, I've been desperate for many things in my life.... Attention, money, an understanding shoulder to cry on, love, rest, sinful pleasures, a new car, a listening ear, friends, and some things that necessarily aren't bad. But these are all things that should be second place - on the back burner, if you will - not in the forefront of my mind.

In the book of Lamentations, which really means the "Book of Weeping" (lament = weep; cry; be sorrowful), the prophet penned these words (ch. 3:21-25):
21. This is recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
22. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
24. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
25. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him

I want to be desperate. but not for the things of this world. not for the things that this life has to offer. not for the tangible things with are corruptible. No. I want to be desperate for my God. I want to seek after Him with all my heart, mind, and soul. I want to know the depth of both the riches and glory of Jesus Christ.

"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God:" (Psalm 42:1, 2a)

What are you desperate for?
Or rather... WHO are you desperate for?

Hmmmm.... Think about it.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

When I Don't Even Care....

I am sitting here in my basement, cold though it may be, trying to concentrate on ENVS 1050 homework (for those who don't know what that is it's Environmental Science).
Honestly, I have never cared about such matters as water-pollution, global warming, and other such nonsense ideas.

I am not a tree-hugger, global warming is a hoax, the animals can fend for themselves and don't need "rights" - how about the rights of humans? More babies pay the price of having no rights thanks to abortion, and people are worried about animal rights? please....
And the polar bears in Alaska are doing just fine.

The earth is not millions of years old.... try approximately 6000 years old at best.
I just don't understand what all the hype is about.... God doesn't need our help preserving the world. He created it all, hung the worlds in space, and has sustained His living creations since the beginning of time (which He also created, I might add).

People need to get off their environmental pedistols and actually fight for something that matters.... like the rights of the unborn, marriage = 1 man + 1 woman, lower taxes, a non-socialistic government (because we're headed that way, you know) - oh, and here's one for you.... How about the cause of Christ?! That one's sufferered more than any of the above mentioned. In fact, I think it's safe to say that most Christians (or those who so claim themselves to be) have completely fallen off the wagon when it comes to this.

Anyways, my whole point here is.... I find it very hard to write an 8-page report per week about how we should "save" the environment when, honestly, I could care less.

And God forbid that I should stand up for the truth and tell the professor that I don't believe any of this hog-wash. I believe God.

oh, and one more thought for you.... I don't believe that I came from monkeys. There wasn't nothing, and then all of a sudden *BANG* the world appeared and a blob of matter started floating around untill one day it landed on earth and began to evolve into different creatures and monsters and then eventually monkeys came along.... and *viola* there were humans. NO.
Get a grip of the truth. We're too complicated of beings to just have "happened". There is a Higher Power who created us.

"In the beginning GOD created the Heavens and the earth...." (Genesis 1:1)
By the way, GOD created the "beginning" as well.

Thank you, Jesus.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Addict.

What can I say.....


I can't help myself....


I'm addicted.

....and I want some... NOW!!

The Secret Life Is Not So Secret


A TV series came out sometime last year called “The Secret Life of the American Teenager”. It’s about a 15-year-old girl named Amy who goes to band camp, and comes back pregnant. She was the “good girl” in her family, yet one bad choice led to a whole slew of changes – and, in all reality, it turned several lives upside down. Yet there was that could undo what had already been done.

As Amy begins this new journey of pregnancy, questions of whether she would keep the baby or not, whether she would change schools or not, who she would date, who her friends were, and whether or not her parents would support any of her decisions filled her life.

A dramatic story takes off as any normal teenagers life would.... well, almost normal. This particular teenager was now caring and looking out for two people: herself and her baby.

The cast is comprised of several people – the main characters being (left to right) Adrian, Ricky, Amy, Ben, Grace, Jack, Ashley (Amy’s sister - not pictured), and Tom (Grace’s brother - not pictured). Amy has always been the “good girl” in her family, yet was pregnant with Ricky’s baby. Ashley was more of the rebel child, yet she was very caring and sweet on the inside. Ben is Amy’s ever-so-protective and loving boyfriend who sticks up for and stays with her through everything. Grace is the preacher’s naïve daughter who believes in everyone, never talks bad about people, and always has a positive attitude. Jack is Grace’s boyfriend who wants to take his relationship with Grace farther than she is willing to go. Adrian is the high school flirt that has practically no parental authority at home, gets whatever she wants, and is physically involved with Ricky. Sounds like one big mess, right?!

It was a ‘secret’ when Amy first found out she was pregnant... no one knew except for her... she wanted to keep it a secret. She was afraid of what people would think of her. She was scared or how her friends would view her. She didn’t want to be looked at as the “bad girl”. But a baby is something that you really can’t keep secret, no matter how much you want to. She could not deny it forever. So she told her sister... and then she told her two best friends... and then she told her boyfriend, Ben... eventually she told her parents... and then the baby’s father... and then it wasn’t long until the whole school new. “For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.” (Luke 8:17)

The Bible says in Psalm 44:21, “Shall not God search this out? For He knoweth the secrets of the heart.” Amy could hide it from everyone (for a short time), but she could not hide it from God. Psalm 90:8 says: “Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.”

No doubt, Amy wished she had never been in the situation that got her into this mess in the first place. However, determined to make the best of it, she kept living her life the best she could. None of us above falling – and she just happened to make the wrong choice... and a big one at that.

Searching for answers to the situation she found herself, she and Ben decided that they would get married. Sounds like a good solution, right? While they and their friends were at the little chapel, the parents got wind of the plot, and rushed to put an end to the whole idea. Needless to say, there was no wedding that night. It’s not that their parents were opposed to them getting married in the future, but certainly not at the age of 15!

Time went by, drama continued to run rampant, and Amy’s protruding belly grew with every day that passed. Nine months later the day came. Amy went into labor. Hours passed. Eleven of her closest friends, her parents and sister, and Ben’s father waited anxiously at the hospital for the baby to arrive. But finally, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy. I think the biggest struggle of the whole pregnancy was trying to pick a name for her son. Amy decided that since Ashley talked her into keeping the baby, it would only be right if Ashley named the baby. Ashley reluctantly tried to think of some names, and randomly through the name “John” out in the air. Amy liked it. Ashley labeled it as a clean, simple name since his life was “bound to be complicated enough as it was.”

The series ended as the baby’s father (Ricky) came to visit his napping son at Amy’s house. Amy was taking a nap, too. He gently lifted the baby out of his crib and just stared at him for a few seconds. He kissed his son on the forehead and whispered “I love you” I his ear.

And that was the end of the series “The Secret Life of the American Teenager”.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Personally, I have only watched about 5 or 6 of the episodes of the entire series -- but what I have had the chance to watch, I have thoroughly enjoyed. The creator of "The Secret Like of the American Teacher" was also the creator of "7th Heaven" (one of my favorites).

Perhaps the show was created to be sort of a "birth control" for teenagers. Perhaps it was created to show teens that there are always consequences for wrong actions. I don't know what the reason for the show was, but I know it helped me to better understand what teenagers go through and face on a daily basis of their lives.

I thought it was a very well-written series, the acting was great, and I definately recommend you watch it if you haven't yet.

But remember, "things done in secret will be shouted from the rooftops" (so to speak) - meaning, no matter what you do eventually people will know because you cannot keep it hid for forever. And there is one person that you cannot hide it from at all: God.

What's your secret?

Monday, March 23, 2009

When In Doubt....

A friend of mine had grown up in a Christian home all her life – a Pastor’s home, a godly home – yet for years she struggled with her salvation. She doubted if she had ever been truly saved. True, she had made a childhood profession, but she questioned if she truly understood or meant it back then.

Melissa got assurance of her salvation on March 10, 2009 – and Heaven rejoiced! On March 11, 2009 she announced it during the mid-week service at our church – and the Church rejoiced! On March 15, 2009 she made it public as she was baptized: buried in His likeness, raised to walk in newness of life – and I began doubting.

I wondered if the TWO professions of faith I had made were enough. Had I truly meant it? ANDDDD if Melissa grew up in a Pastor’s home and was always so involved in the different ministries at the churches she had attended – and she STILL wasn’t sure if she was saved… maybe I wasn't either! The doubts began 5 minutes after Melissa got the assurance for her salvation – the minutes I received the announcing text message: “I got saved! No, I’m not kidding! Truly, I just handled it once and for all!” My first reaction was a shocked one, then it turned to extremely happy for her, then it turned to fright. And it stayed as a frightful reaction until March 15.

Melissa made her profession of Christ a public one as she was baptized by our preacher after the evening service. The water heater had broke, so the baptismal was freezing, yet Melissa said she was still willing to go through with it if the preacher was willing. Coming back out of the water, Melissa let out a loud *GASP* -–- apparently the water was colder than she expected it to be! ;)

I quickly left church that night. Doubts filled my mind, and I wanted to be alone so I could think.
I was flying in my car, making it home in record timing – about 35 minutes. Honestly, it’s probably not wise to be driving between 15 and 20 mph over the speed limit, steering with your knee, and texting people all at the same time when you’re doubting your salvation. But then again, I’ve always done stupid things....

When I got home that night, I went straight to my room, got ready for bed, and whipped out my Bible. I needed some answers, and I had every intention of having a long talk with God that night.

I randomly opened my Bible up to the New Testament gospel of Mark 5:24 – 36....

[24] And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.
[25] And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
[26] And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
[27] When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
[28] For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
[29] And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
[30] And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?
[31] And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
[32] And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
[33] But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
[34] And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
[35] While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?
[36] As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.


The first thing that caught my eye was when Jesus asked who had touched him. Then verse 33 says: “But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.”

That was exactly what I was doing. I was afraid of being unsaved, so I had outpoured my heart to the Lord. I kept telling him ‘I’m sorry’ over and over again.

The next verse then caught my eye: “Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” My "plague" was fear, worry, doubt - so that was a little more comforting.... but I still wasn’t convinced. I was still afraid. What if I was only trying to make myself believe I was bound for Heaven? What if I really wasn’t though – what if my eternal destination was still Hell??

I was crying. I kept asking Him to give me a peace if I was already saved. I just wanted to remember. I needed assurance. I needed peace again. I wanted the worry to disappear.
......AND THEN, as if it were glowing with a glorious light, this verse seemed to pop from the page: “Be not afraid, only believe.”

That was all I needed. I felt an instant peace. I was so thankful. I slept so well that night, and I woke up with a smile on my face the next morning – and every morning.


I remember it clearly. I remember sitting in the SilverDome as Steve Pettit preached a booming message on Hell. I was 12 years old, and I was scared out of my mind. I walked the isle that night (or the stairs, rather) and was shown with a Bible how I could know for sure that I would go to Heaven when I die. I remember crying uncontrollable as my sin-debt was washed as white as snow. I remember the heavy burden being lifted. I remember the instant joy I felt. I remember it all as if it was yesterday. I’m so thankful for a Savior who loves and keeps me through everything, no matter what“there ain’t nothin’ better than Jesus!”
I claim the blood! I rely on Jesus alone - and I trust the truth of His Word!

This song says it all. It's called....

“I Take Him Back”

Verse I:
Now it's been some time since I made up my mind
To make Jesus Lord of my life—
I've withstood the fear and shed many tears,
But patience has stood by my side!
When I hear Satan say “you're really not saved,
You're traveling down the wrong track”—
I recall once again where grace withstood sin:
Down memory's lane I take him back!

Chorus:
I take him back to the time at an old-fashioned meeting
When the presence of God filled the air—
When the saints were singing of grace and glory,
Sweet melodies seasoned with prayer—
When one simple sermon from an old-fashioned preacher
Was life to a poor dying slave—
I walk him down the aisle to a place at the altar
Where grace fell and I know I got saved!

Verse II:
I never knew love 'til it came from above
And took its abode in my heart—
The sun now shines brighter, my burden is lighter
Since Jesus gave me a new start!
My songs have been changed – my life rearranged,
My journey is now a new road—
And when that old accuser tells me I'm a loser
I remind him how he lost my soul!

(Chorus Again)

(Words and music by Gerald Crabb)

The Pre-Tribulation Rapture

What is the Pre-tribulation Rapture?

The rapture is an event that will take place sometime in the near future. Jesus will come in the air, catch up the Church from the earth, and then return to heaven with the Church. The Apostle Paul gave a clear description of the rapture event in his letters to the Thessalonians and Corinthians.

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality” (1 Cor. 15:51-53).

The timing of the rapture is not known. From the Word of God and from sound reasoning--something Jesus used quite frequently--I hope to prove the reality of the pre-tribulation rapture.

The word “rapture” comes from Paul's "caught up" remark in verse 17. The words “caught up” are translated from the Greek word harpazo, which means "to carry off," "snatch up," or "grasp hastily." The translation from harpazo to “rapture” involved two steps: first, harpazo became the Latin word raptus; second, raptus became the English word “rapture”.

Scriptural Evidence for the Pre-tribulation Rapture

The Unknown Hour --
When we search the Scriptures and read the passages describing the Lord Jesus' return, we find verses that tell us we won't know the day and hour of that event. Matthew 25:13 says Jesus will return at an unknown time, while Revelation 12:6 indicates that the Jews will have to wait on the Lord 1,260 days, starting when the Antichrist stands in the Temple of God and declares himself to be God (2 Thess. 2:4). This event will take place at the mid-point of the seven-year tribulation (Dan 9:27). Note that some people only see a three-and-a-half-year tribulation. In a way, they are correct because the first half of the tribulation will be relatively peaceful compared to the second half. Nonetheless, peaceful or not, there still remains a seven-year period called the tribulation. When the Jews flee into the wilderness, they know that all they have to do is wait out those 1,260 days (Mat 24:16). There is no way to apply the phrase "neither the day nor the hour" to this situation. The only way for these two viewpoints to be true is to separate the two distinct events transpiring here: 1) the rapture of the Church, which comes before the tribulation; and 2) the return of Jesus to the earth, which takes place roughly seven years later.

The Marriage Supper of the Lamb --
In Luke 12:36, the Word states that when Christ returns, He will be returning from a wedding. In Revelation 19:7-8, we read about the marriage itself. The marriage supper takes place before the marriage. According to Jewish custom, the marriage contract, which often includes a dowry, is drawn up first. The contract parallels the act of faith we use when we trust Jesus to be our Savior. The dowry is His life, which was used to purchase us. When it’s time for the wedding, the groom goes to the bride's house unannounced. She comes out to meet him, and then he takes her to his father's house. This precisely correlates with the events according to the pre-trib scenario. Jesus, the Groom, comes down from heaven and calls up the Church, His Bride. After meeting in the air, He and His Bride return to His Father's house, heaven. The marriage supper itself will take place there, while down here on earth the final events of the tribulation will be playing out. After the marriage supper of Jewish tradition, the bride and groom are presented to the world as man and wife. This corresponds to the time when Jesus returns to earth accompanied by an army "clothed in fine linen, white and clean" (Rev 19:14).

What They Didn't Teach You in History Class --
Many groups try to discredit the pre-tribulation rapture by saying most of the end-time events in the Bible have already taken place. A group of people called “Preterists” claims that the Book of Revelation was mostly fulfilled by 70 AD. If the events described in the Book of Revelation took place in the past, I’m at a loss to explain some of the current situations I see around us: the rebirth of Israel, the reunification of Europe, the number of global wars that have occurred, and the development of nuclear weapons. During history class, I must have slept through the part where the teacher talked about the time when a third of the trees were burned up, 100-pound hailstones fell from the sky, and the sea turned into blood (Rev 8:7-8, 16:21). I think several people would have to question their opposition to the pre-tribulation rapture doctrine if they knew that the evidence provided to them was based on the understanding that most tribulation prophecies have already occurred.

The People of the Millennium --
If Christ were to come back after the tribulation, rapture all the saints, and slay all the ungodly, who would be left to populate the earth during the millennium? Only the pre-tribulation viewpoint can account for this post-tribulation problem. The Church is raptured before the tribulation, a vast number of souls are saved during this seven-year time frame, and those who make it through the tribulation go into the millennium while the unsaved are cast into hell.

The Saint U-Turn --
In the pre-tribulation scenario, after we rise to meet the Lord in the air, we will go to heaven and abide there seven years. At the end of that period, Christ will come down to earth, defeat the Antichrist, and cleanse the temple. In a post-tribulation rapture, we would rise in the air to meet the Lord, then do a 180-degree U-turn and come back down to earth. Revelation 1:7 states that Christ will appear out of the clouds and come down to earth. Zechariah 14:4 says that His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives. If He's already headed our way, why would we need to be caught up to meet Him?

"Come Up Hither" --
Many pre-tribulation writers cite Revelation 4:1, which says, "come up hither," as a prophetic reference to the rapture of the Church, leaving Revelation chapters 1 through 3 as a description of the Church Age. After the shout to "come up hither," the Church is not mentioned in Scripture at all. The attention of Scripture switches from the Church to the Jews living in Israel.

Armies in Fine Linen --
When Jesus returns (Rev. 19:18), an army follows Him. The army’s members are riding on white horses, and they are clothed in fine linen that is white and clean. In Revelation 19:8, we are told that the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints. If the saints of God are returning with Christ to wage war on the Antichrist, then it is not possible to have a post-tribulation rapture without us running into ourselves as we are coming and going.

The Time of Jacob's Trouble --
In several passages, the Bible refers to the tribulation as a time of trouble for the Jews. The phrase "Jacob's trouble" pertains to the descendants of Jacob. Jeremiah 30:7 says that this time of trouble will come just before the Lord returns to save His people. The final week of Daniel's 70th week is yet to take place. An angel told Daniel that, "70 weeks are determined unto thy people" (Dan 9:24). Scripture never mentions that the tribulation is meant to be a time of testing for Christians. However, some “post-tribbers” try to claim that they are the ones being tested during the tribulation. To make this so, they need to spiritualize the 144,000 Jewish believers in Revelation 7:2-8 who receive God's protective seal. Placing the Church dispensation into the same time frame as the seven-year Jewish dispensation, as the “post-tribbers” do, raises one good question: Can two dispensations transpire at the same time? In the past, God has only dealt with one at a time. Having both present during the tribulation would have to be an exception.

"He" That is Taken Out of the Way --
Before the Antichrist can be revealed, Paul said a certain "He" must be taken out of the way. According to 2 Thessalonians 2:7, the "He" that must be removed is widely thought to be the Holy Spirit. It has been promised that the Holy Spirit would never leave the Church, and without the working of the Holy Spirit remaining on earth, no one could be saved during the tribulation. The removal of the Church, which is indwelt by the Holy Ghost, would seem the best explanation for this dilemma. The working of the Holy Spirit could go on during the tribulation, but His influence would be diminished because of the missing Church.

War or Rapture --
(Rev 19:19-21) When Jesus returns at the end of the tribulation, He will be coming for battle. For those who believe in a post-tribulation rapture, it would be strange to meet your Lord and Savior just as He's rushing into battle. The idea that war and rapture could occur together is difficult to imagine, especially since they transpire at the same moment.

The Five Foolish Virgins --
The wedding story that Jesus gave in Matthew 25:2-13, I believe, is a parable of the rapture of the Church. It explains how some will not be ready. Jesus clearly states that a group of people will miss out on an event, and will cry out to God to let them into the place where He resides, heaven. Although some try to put this parable in a post-tribulation context, it doesn't fit very well. The ones left behind in a post-tribulation rapture will not need to seek the Lord because they'll immediately be confronted by Him and His army of angels.

God Hath Not Appointed Us to Wrath --
In 1 Thessalonians 5:9, Paul assures us that God has not appointed His people to wrath. This wrath is plainly God's anger that will be poured out during the tribulation. Pre-tribulation believers interpret this as meaning that Christians will be removed from the earth. Post-tribulation believers tell a different story. They describe this as meaning that God will protect Christians during the tribulation and pour this wrath out on the unbelievers only. This idea runs against the statement made in Revelation 13:7, in which the Antichrist is given power to make war with the saints and to overcome them. A post-tribulation view would make God's promise of protection from wrath into a lie. In years past, it was possible to think of being protected from the guns and swords of that day. Today, when any major war would involve nuclear and chemical weapons, it's impossible to expect that same kind of protection. When Nagasaki, Japan was bombed during World War II, the bomb exploded over a Catholic church. Everyone who was in the center of the explosion died--both Christians and non-Christians. The only way to validly interpret God's promise of protection from wrath is by viewing 1 Thessalonians 5:9 as the bodily removal of the Church from this world.

The Salt of the Earth --
Jesus said, "Ye are the salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13). When the believers are supinely removed, the earth will be plunged into spiritual darkness. When this happens, the Antichrist will then be free to control the world.

God Takes an Inventory --
In Revelation 7:3, an angel descends to earth and seals the servants of God. Two bits of information about this sealing highly disclaim a post-tribulation viewpoint. The first item is the number of people sealed: 144,000. The second one is that all those who are sealed are from the 12 tribes of Israel. For the events in Revelation 7:3-8 to be true in a post-tribulation interpretation, either the Church has turned against God or God has turned against the Church. A “post-tribber” could write a thousand-word commentary about why the Church doesn't need to be sealed. Instead of trying to argue about why the Church is not mentioned or sealed, a pre-tribulation proponent could just say, "We're already in heaven."

Noah and Lot as Examples --
The tribulation period is compared to the times of Noah and Lot by Jesus in Luke 17:28. Most people argue over whether the time frame Jesus was talking about in that passage was pre-tribulation or post-tribulation. In doing so, they miss an important point. The two circumstances that the Noah and Lot situations have in common are the removal of the righteous and the judgment of the unbelievers. From these two accounts, we see that God prefers to remove His own when danger is involved.

Common-Sense Reasons for Believing in the Pre-tribulation Rapture

The World Test --
One way to check the soundness of a doctrine is to see how the world reacts to it. One company put out a questionnaire that was used to screen prospective employees. One of the questions was, "Do you believe in the rapture?" If you answered “yes,” your chances of getting hired would not be good. Some internet sites do not allow the topics of Rapture or Second Coming. They do allow topics such as sex, gays, and drugs. The only time the news media mentions the rapture is when someone sets a date and is proven to be wrong.

That Old-Time Religion --
It used to be a rule of thumb that when one was visiting a church or listening to a preacher, one could assume the preacher believed in repentance, prayer, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost if he taught the rapture doctrine. It was also true that the churches on fire for God worshipped out of storefronts. Today, many of those storefront churches have moved into marble palaces and have strayed from their principal doctrines.

Birds of a Feather Flock Together --
Whenever I look at all the groups that teach false doctrine and are highly focused on end-time events, I cannot find any that support the rapture theory. Some organizations, the Jehovah's Witnesses, for example, teach a false gospel and are heavily into Bible prophecy. Why, then, don't Jehovah's Witnesses teach a false doctrine that would be right up their alley? Could it be that the demonic forces that influence these groups know something that Christians opposed to the rapture don't know? The list of prophetically minded cults that reject the idea of a rapture goes on and on. Here are some more: the Mormons, the Worldwide Church of God and the Moonies, as well as leaders like Jim Jones and David Koresh.

The Church Would Rebuke the Antichrist --
If the Antichrist came to power with the Church still here, I do not see how he could operate. When Hitler was fighting to take over England, a number of Christians were praying for victory. Hitler made mistake after mistake, and England outperformed its enemy at every stage of the conflict. It is difficult to measure the impact of intercessory prayer in physical warfare. Little is known of how great a role praying saints played in the defeat of Nazi Germany. If the Church were to reside on earth during the tribulation, I am sure she would give the Antichrist fits. In Revelation 11:3, the two witnesses alone give the Antichrist enough headaches. Millions of Christians who know their Bibles well would recognize the man of sin and pray fire down on his head. The post-tribulation view would have to plan on the Church just rolling over and playing dead the whole seven years.

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We should all remember one thing: Knowing the Antichrist's mother's maiden name isn't the primary goal. Knowing Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and having your name written in the Lamb's Book of Life should be your number-one priority. The jailer asked Paul, "What must I do to be saved?" The answer was, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:30-31).

By Todd Strandberg
(This article was taken from:
http://www.raptureready.com/rr-pretribulation-rapture.html)

Friday, March 20, 2009

Once Saved, Always Saved


Once Saved, Always Saved - The Biblical Evidence:
The Bible teaches “once saved, always saved” -- that we can be saved once and for all only through a repentant, saving faith in Jesus Christ. Once a person has accepted Christ as Savior, they may wonder if it is possible to lose that salvation. What if they commit a sin? What if they commit a lot of sins? What if they do something very, very wrong? Is it possible to be saved, and then lose that salvation? Fortunately, the answer is a resounding “no.” Once a person has accepted Jesus Christ as Savior, he/she is forever saved. This fact is referred to as the doctrine of “eternal security,” often summarized as “once saved, always saved.”

There are several reasons why a person can be confident in their “eternal security.” First and foremost is the evidence of Scripture. John 3:15-18 says about Christ: “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

The salvation in Christ is not temporary, it is eternal.

In John 10:28-30, Jesus says: “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one." The forgiveness of God through Christ is sufficient to cover all of our sins -- past, present, and future. There is nothing a person can do that God cannot forgive. This doctrine is supported by Romans 8:38-39, Ephesians 4:30, and Jude 24, among others.

Once Saved, Always Saved – The Logical Evidence:
As with many other scriptural doctrines, the idea of “once saved, always saved” is also supported logically. Eternal security is consistent with everything else the Bible teaches about mankind, and God. Examining the doctrine in relation to the rest of Scripture demonstrates that it is consistent with all other biblically sound teachings. The idea of losing our salvation is not only unscriptural, but it creates monumental problems with other doctrines, including salvation by faith, the sin nature of man, and the purpose of Christ’s sacrifice.

The Bible teaches that man is inherently sinful -- that a sinful nature is a part of all of us (Romans 3:10). This means that even after being saved, every single believer is going to sin from time to time. Thinking that we can live a perfect, sinless life after our salvation is not only unscriptural, but arrogant (James 2:10). If we are not eternally secure, this sinning will cause us to lose our salvation, but how much sin is too much? There is no scriptural “yardstick” given to tell us how many or what kind of sins are enough to void our salvation. Without eternal security, the Bible would describe a situation where Christianity is a perpetual game of Russian Roulette; a life in which condemnation and salvation alternate every time we sin and confess, and we never know if we’re saved or not.

Scriptural passages (Ephesians 2:8-9, Isaiah 64:6) indicate that our attempts at good deeds will never earn us a place in heaven. We cannot make up for our past, present, or future sins by doing good works. A saved believer will, as a natural product of their faith, shun sin and practice good works (James 2:18). If “once saved, always saved” is not true, then by necessity we are saved both by our faith and our works. If we can do sinful things, or not do good things (James 4:17) and lose our security, then our good deeds are a part of our salvation. This is concept is contradictory to Scripture. It also creates an unlivable scenario where we have to try to do enough good to outweigh our sinful natures. The doctrine of “eternal security” goes hand in hand with the doctrine of “saved by faith alone.” To deny eternal security is to endorse a “faith plus works” salvation system.

Jesus Christ made some powerful statements about morality during His earthly ministry. In those three short years, He talked the talk and walked the walk of the toughest moral and ethical system in human history. Most religions focus on the external actions, but Christ took the concept of sin and holiness to a much deeper level. For example, most religions are satisfied to condemn the physical act of adultery, but Christ said “Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:28).

Christ set the bar for holiness at a level all Christians are called to aspire to, but none can ever fully live up to, because of our sin nature. Just as the law of Moses was meant, in part, to demonstrate to Israel how impossible it was for mortal man to obtain the moral perfection of God, the standards of Christ also remind us of how shallow our best efforts at goodness really are. Thankfully, God has always provided a way for us to be forgiven for our shortcomings. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross served the same purpose for all mankind that the sacrificial lambs did for specific families before His ministry. Christ was a sinless, blameless substitute for our sins. The Bible clearly tells us what Christ’s moral expectations are for us. If we lost our salvation every time we fell short of those ideals, then none of us would be saved for more than a few minutes at a time. If that were true, what purpose was there in His death?

Also, according to the Bible, if we could lose our salvation, then it would be lost forever, because Christ only died once. Hebrews 6:4-6 is an often misunderstood passage, which strongly supports the doctrine of eternal security in two ways: it implies that Christ’s sacrifice must be sufficient for all sins, and states that if it were possible for a person to lose their salvation, it would be forever lost. According to this passage, if a person could do something that cost them their salvation (which they cannot), then it would be “impossible” for them to be re-redeemed.

Once Saved, Always Saved – The New Creation:
Critics of the “once saved, always saved” doctrine claim that it gives Christians a license to sin. They presume that those who believe in eternal security intend to accept salvation, and then continue to willingly sin. This is inaccurate, because anyone who has been truly saved is a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17), has the conviction of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 1 Thessalonians 4:8), and now wants to live for Christ. Someone who continues to willingly and blatantly live in sin has not truly accepted Christ (1 John 2:19; 1 John 3:6; James 1:26). While this false belief may be held by some, it is not a part of the teachings of any true Christian church (Romans 3:8).
A person who willingly, humbly, repents of sin and turns towards the cross, trusting Christ as their Savior, will be saved (Acts 16:31; John 6:37; John 14:6). That salvation is once and for all, eternal, and secure. Those who truly trust in Christ are saved once, and saved always.

Learn More!

(This article taken from: http://www.allaboutgod.com/once-saved-always-saved.htm All Scripture passages were changed to reflect the KJV Bible)

Eternal Security of the Children of God

True children of God are, according to the Scriptures, forever saved and eternally secure because:

1. They are born, again of incorruptible seed which yields the fruit of everlasting life (1 Peter 1:23).

2. They stand before God clothed in the imputed (credited) righteousness of Christ, and not in their own (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:19-21).

3. His sheep have been given eternal life-they shall never perish (John 10:28).

4. Their eternal lives are forever hid with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1-3).

5. They are already seated in the heavenlies in Christ (Ephesians 1:3; 2:6).

6. The penalty for all their sin has been forever settled through the perfect and finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 4:23-5:2; 5:6-9).

7. Loss of reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ is certain for the careless Christians, but not loss of salvation (1 Corinthians 3:10-15).

8. God faithfully chastens all of His children, even to the point of taking home those who refuse their Heavenly Father's correction (Hebrews 12:6-11; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5; 11:28-32).

9. They have already been delivered from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:9,10; 5:8-10).

10. They are sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30; Romans 8:23).

11. The Lord knoweth them that are His; false professors will be revealed as such at the White Throne Judgment (2 Timothy 2:19; Revelation 20:11-15; Matthew 7:21-23).

12. God is the one Who has begun the good work in the believer, and He has promised to perform it until the day of Jesus Christ; they are to "work out," not "work for" their salvation (Philippians 1:6; 2:12,13).

13. They are already living stones in the spiritual building of God of which Christ Himself is the Chief Cornerstone (1 Peter 2:5; Ephesians 2:20-22).

14. They are members of the Body of Christ, each with a peculiar function and without each one, the Body would not be complete (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

15. They are kept by the power of God, through faith, not through the efforts or the works of the one who is saved. (1 Peter 1 :5).

16. Their incorruptible, everlasting inheritance is reserved for them by God (1 Peter 1 :1-4).
17. They are God the Father's irrevocable gift to God the Son (John 17:6,7).

18. Backsliding is a sin, but the blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son, cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1 :7-9)

19. He is able to save them to the uttermost because Christ "ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25).

20. They are upon trusting Christ made "accepted in the Beloved" (Ephesians 1:6).

21. Nothing can separate them from the love of Christ (Romans 8:38-39).

22. By one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified (Hebrews 10:10-14).

23. They cannot be unborn (John 3:6-8).

24. Christ dwelleth in them for ever (2 John 2).

25. No man can pluck the Christian out of His Father's hand, and that necessarily includes the believer himself (John 10:29).

26. All who are justified are finally glorified-none are lost along the way (Romans 8:28-30).

27. In their flesh dwelleth no good thing; they are saved by grace (undeserved favor) and not by their own works (Ephesians 2:8, 9).

28. The gifts and calling of God are without repentance; God will never annul His promise or cast out those who have come unto Him through Christ (Romans 11:29; John 6:37; 17:2).

(this article was taken from: http://www.feasite.org/Tracts/fbcsecr1.htm)

I'm saved to the uttermost! I know that I am!
I've been washed by the blood of the precious Lamb!

~~"I'm so saved, it's pitiful!!" - Pastor Steven G. Brown

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Letter to Pastor Jack Schaap: Concerning the KJV Bible

written on February 9, 2009, and mailed out to First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana shortly after:

Pastor Schaap –

I’m writing to you concerning an issue that – no doubt – you are receiving a lot of questions about. I have read blogs, checked websites, talked to others who are concerned, read “The Church Bus News” (in which the entire issue was dedicated to this topic), and even read the open letter Dr. Jeffrey Fugate wrote to you concerning this issue. The issue is your stand on the KJV Bible. I’ve heard so many different accounts and opinions on this discussion that all I really want to know now is the truth. Do you believe that the KJV Bible is the inspired Word of God, preserved down through the generations? Or are you backing down on what you once stood for and preached on?

If you are relinquishing your stand on this issue, then what will be next? Dress standards, the Virgin birth, Salvation through Christ alone, music standards, or even the truth of Heaven and Hell? There are so many issues that are resting upon the foundation of this one doctrinal issue. Your Father-in-law was one of the greatest advocates for the Independent, Fundamental Baptist movement. If you are truly stepping back on this issue now, Pastor Hyles would cry in shame and pity if he could see where this is beginning to lead the ministry he began – and through your broad influence – the ministries of other men.

It’s not about choice; it’s not about rights; it’s not about opinions – it’s about the truth. This is not a game – we’re in the midst of a raging war. I am in shock at the possibility that you, who once preached against this lie and people who pushed it, have bought into it yourself.

John 1:1 states: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” God has preserved His Word for thousands of years; who are we, as His mere creation, to questions His Word now? When what's been preserved by God throughout the years – and has been defended by faithful men and women who have survived imprisonment, burnings, threats, public shame, or have even died – has worked for so long, why do we need to change it? Why do we need to veer off the path? Truth, though trampled, will rise again. God inspired the old prophet Jeremiah to pen these words: "Lo they have rejected the Word of the Lord; and what wisdom is in them?" (Jeremiah 8:9).

For many years I have looked up to you as a man of God who has stood for the truth despite the constant nagging of the Mega-church movement and those who want to drop the standards. I have respected your strong stand for truth and your love for God – but where you stand on this issue concerns me. I would greatly appreciate it if you would clarify your stance for me on this issue.


Thank you,
Heather Vires

How I Know the King James Bible is the Word of God

There are many good works that one can read on the authority of the King James Bible, and this particular effort offers nothing really new. However, it does attempt to explain the issue in a simple and brief manner for all to understand. Over the years I have learned a great deal about this issue, and I believe that a truth worth learning is a truth worth telling.

Many preachers and teachers across our land talk about "preferring" and "using" the KJV, but I haven't heard them speak much about BELIEVING it. Many prefer it and use it, because that's what their congregations prefer and use, but they do not BELIEVE it to be the infallible words of God. They are taught in college to USE, PREFER, and RECOMMEND the KJV, but they are NOT taught to BELIEVE it. Most "Christian colleges" teach that the King James Bible is only a translation, and that NO translation is infallible. Consequently, the average minister today uses a Book which he doesn't even believe.

Now, I thank God that I don't have that problem. I don't have to play make-believe with anyone about the word of God. I believe it. I believe the King James Bible is the preserved and infallible words of God. It doesn't merely "contain" the word of God: it IS the word of God. I'm absolutely sure of it, and I'd like to give a few reasons why. Here are twelve reasons how I know that the KJV is the word of God:

God Promised to Preserve His Words


Psalm 12:6-7 says, "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." Then we read in Psalm 100:5 that ".....his truth endureth to all generations," and Jesus said in John 17:17 that God's WORD is truth.

These words state very clearly that God's preserved word MUST be available to us today, because God PROMISED to preserve it for us. There MUST be an infallible Book somewhere.

You say, "But ALL translations are God's word, not just one." That's impossible, because the various translations contain different readings, and God is not the author of confusion (I Cor. 14:33). Besides, if all of the versions are the word of God, then where are the "corrupt" and "perverted" versions that we are warned about in II Corinthians 2:17 and Jeremiah 23:36? If everyone is innocent, then where are those who are said to be GUILTY of subtracting from and adding to the word of God (Rev. 22:18-19)? God wouldn't have warned us about Bible perversion if it wasn't going to be a reality. According to the scriptures, there must be a single Book that is the word of God, and there must be MANY which are involved in CORRUPTING the word of God.

Now, if the Authorized Version isn't the infallible word of God, then WHAT IS? There has to be a Book somewhere in "all generations" which is God's word; so what book is it? Those who "use" the new versions believe that these are good and reliable translations, but they do NOT believe these to be INFALLIBLE translations. However, I know MANY people who believe the King James Bible to be an infallible Book. Why? Because they know that the One True God has ONE TRUE BOOK. He promised to preserve His words, and we believe that He has done just that. Jesus said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away" (Matthew 24:35). If His words didn't pass away, then where are they? I want to read them. There has to be a perfect volume somewhere. I know the King James Bible is the word of God because God promised to preserve His words.

The Authorized Version Was Translated Under A God-Ordained English King


The main subject of the Bible is the kingdom which God intends to give to His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who will be crowned "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS," according to Revelation 19:16. Ecclesiastes 8:4 says, "Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?" Unlike the modern versions, the KJV was translated under a king. In fact, the king's name was "James," which is the English word for "Jacob," whom God renamed "Israel," because he had power with God and with men (Gen. 32:28).

The new versions have been translated in America, which is not a monarchy. God's form of government is a theocratic monarchy, not a democracy. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that His word would be translated for the English speaking people under a monarchy with an English king. I know the King James Bible is the word of God because it was translated under a king.


Because It Has No Copyright


The original crown copyright of 1611 does not forbid anyone today from reprinting the Authorized Version. It was only copyrighted then for the purpose of allowing the printer to finance the publication. For nearly four hundred years now we have been printing millions of copies of KJV's without requesting permission from anyone. Over eight-hundred million copies of the Authorized Version have been printed without anyone paying royalties. This cannot be said of any of the new translations.

The new "bibles" are the work of MEN, but the KJV is a divine work of the Holy Spirit. The term "Authorized" has traditionally been applied to the King James Version alone, for this is the one Book which the Holy Spirit has blessed and used for so long. The fact that it bears no copyright allows printing ministries throughout the world to print millions of copies each year for the mission field. I know the King James Bible is the word of God because it has no copyright.


Because God Always Translates Perfectly


The words "translate" and "translated" occur three times in the Bible, and GOD is the Translator each time. The scholars insist that the KJV cannot be infallible, because it is "only a translation." Do you suppose that such scholars have checked II Samuel 3:10, Colossians 1:13, and Hebrews 11:5 to see what GOD has to say about translating?

In II Samuel 3:10 we are told that it was God Who translated Saul's kingdom to David. We are told in Colossians 1:13 that Christians have been translated into the kingdom of Jesus Christ, and Hebrews 11:5 tells us that God translated Enoch that he should not see death. God was the One doing the translating each time. What's the point? The point is that a translation CAN be perfect, if God is involved in the translating.

When the New Testament writers would quote the Old Testament (Mt. 1:23; Mk. 1:2; Lk. 4:4; Jn. 15:25; Acts 1:20; 7:42; I Cor. 2:9; Gal. 3:13, etc.), they had to TRANSLATE from Hebrew to Greek, because the Old Testament was written in Hebrew, but THEY wrote in Greek. So, if a translation cannot be infallible, then EVEN THE NEW TESTAMENT IN THE "ORIGINAL GREEK" ISN'T INFALLIBLE, because it contains translations from the Hebrew text!

Obviously God assisted them in their translating by the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and He assisted the King James translators as well. The scholars will never understand this, for most of them have QUENCHED the Holy Spirit in their own lives by looking to higher education for truth, rather than seeking the Lord's leadership (Jn. 16:13).

The Holy Spirit Who inspired the word of God through "holy men of God" (II Pet. 1:21) is quite capable of guiding His servants to KEEP the words which Jesus told us to keep (Jn. 14:23). In essence, the KJV translators were merely INSTRUMENTS which God used in translating and preserving His word. In fact, they said this themselves in the Dedicatory to the Authorized Version: "....because we are poor instruments to make God's holy truth to be yet more and more known to the people..."

I know the King James Bible is the word of God, because God is very capable of using anyone He pleases as His very own instruments of righteousness in order to preserve His word.


Because It Produces Good Fruit

The Lord Jesus said that every good tree will bring forth good fruit, and we can know them BY their fruits (Mt. 7:17-20).

God had the KJV translated for the purpose of bringing forth fruit, and it has been very obedient to the call. The greatest preachers of the past four centuries have been King James Bible believers. Billy Sunday is said to have led over one million people to Christ, and he was a KJV believer. Spurgeon, Moody, Whitfield, and Wesley were all KJV men, and the list goes on. God has richly blessed the ministries of such men as these because they stayed busy OBEYING His word rather than questioning its authority.

The KJV produces good fruit. I was led to Christ with a King James Bible. Nearly every Christian I know was led to Christ with a KJV. Why? Because it produces good fruit.

The new translations produce EVIL fruit. The modern perversions of scripture are producing infidels who do not even know what the word of God is, much less where to find it. The new translations produce spiritual babies who are totally incapable of discussing Bible doctrine. The new versions produce NEWER versions, which produce MONEY for the publishers, and I Timothy 6:10 tells us that the love of MONEY is the root of all EVIL.

The Holy Spirit doesn't bear witness to the modern translations, but He DOES bear witness to the King James. I've always believed the KJV to be God's word, even before I was saved. No one ever told me to believe this, but the Holy Spirit just bore witness to the King James--not the others. After being saved, I spent several years of my Christian life not being aware of the big debate going on these days between King James Bible believers and New Age Version believers. The whole time I believed only ONE BOOK to be God's word, and even then I was suspicious of the new versions, although no one had told me to be. When I discovered that over eighty percent of the "Christian" schools in our nation do not believe the KJV to be the word of God, I was shocked.

How is it that one comes to believe the KJV naturally, but must be EDUCATED OUT of his belief in it? Why is it that King James believers are accused of following men when GOD is the One Who led them to believe it? Why do opponents of the KJV accuse us of following men, when THEY are the ones who allowed MEN to talk them out of believing the KJV?

The KJV produces good fruit, because the Holy Spirit bears witness to it like no other book in the world. It's easier to memorize than any new version, and the beautiful old English language gives the reader the impression that he is reading a Book very different and far superior to the rest. It reads different because it IS different, and it IS different because it has a different Author. We shall know them "by their fruit", and I know the King James Bible is the word of God, because it produces GOOD fruit.


Because the King James Translators Believed They Were Handling the Very Words of God


One can see this truth by reading the Prefatory and Dedicatory remarks in the Authorized Version. These men didn't believe they were handling "God's message" or "reliable manuscripts." They believed they were handling the very words of God Himself. As I Thessalonians 2:13 says, they "....received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe."

Like the serpent of Genesis 3:1, modern translators approach the scriptures in skepticism, saying, "Yea, hath God said?" This was the first recorded sin in the Bible, and it still runs rapid through the hearts and minds of most scholars and new version promoters.

God has always allowed such people to be DECEIVED because of the IDOLS in their hearts (Ezek. 14:1-9; II Thess. 2:10-12; I Kings 22). A man who lacks faith in God's word is in no condition to translate it. This eliminates every revision committee in the past one hundred years, because these committees have consisted mostly of highly educated men who were heady, high-minded, and proud, thinking that their intelligence qualified them to tamper with the pure words of God.

The KJV translators were not like this. Their scholarship FAR EXCEEDED that of modern translators, yet they remained humble and allowed God to use them in order to produce an infallible masterpiece. They didn't set out to "judge" and "correct" the word of God. Their purpose was to translate God's word for the English speaking people, as they were told to do by their appointed king. I know the King James Bible is the word of God because the KJV translators believed it themselves.


Because the King James Translators Were Honest In Their Work


The critics of the KJV enjoy making a fuss about the words in italics, which were added by the translators, but the argument is entirely unnecessary and unfair.

The italic words in the KJV actually PROVE that the translators were honest in their work. When translating from one language to another, the idioms change, thus making it necessary to add certain words to help the reader grasp the full meaning of the text. When the KJV translators added such words they set them in italics so that we'd know these words were added, UNLIKE we find it in so many new versions today, which do NOT use the italics.

Besides, no one has ever PROVEN that the italic words are not the words of God, because no one has "the originals" to check them with. In fact, we know for sure that the translators were led by the Holy Spirit to add at least some of the italicized words.

One good example of this is found in II Samuel 21:19. When the translators came to this verse in the Hebrew text, they noticed that an exact translation would give Elhanan credit for slaying Goliath, but we know from I Chronicles 20:5 that he actually slew THE BROTHER OF Goliath. So the KJV translators added the words "the brother of" to II Samuel 21:19. If the Lord had not led them to do so, then II Samuel 21:19 would contradict I Chronicles 20:5 (as it DOES in the New World Translation!).

Another fine example is I John 2:23. The last half of the verse was missing at the time, but the KJV translators inserted it anyhow (in italics), feeling that it was necessary. This naturally disturbed many people, but since that time new manuscripts have been found which CONTAIN the last half of I John 2:23. The translators were RIGHT in adding the italicized words.

One last example of the Holy Spirit's guiding influence on the KJV translators is found in Psalm 16:8, which says, "I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved." As you can see, the words "he is" are in italics. According to many scholars they should be omitted, but according to the Apostle Peter they should NOT be omitted. Peter quotes Psalm 16:8 in Acts 2:25, and he USES the italicized words! How did the translators know this if the Lord didn't lead them?

The italics in the King James Bible are the marks of an HONEST translation, for no one added these words to mislead us, or to change the word of God. They added the words to help us, and they set the words in italics so we'd know they were added. That's honesty. I know the KJV is the word of God, because the translators were more honest in their work than any of the modern Bible translators.


Because All New Translations Compare Themselves to the KJV


The new versions do not compare themselves with each other, because they're too busy comparing themselves with one Book--the King James Bible. This fact alone proves that there is something very special and unique about the KJV.

Why does everyone line up in opposition AGAINST the King James Bible? Why not attack one another? That's easy: Satan has no desire to divide his own kingdom (Mt. 12:26). His desire is to discredit the word of GOD, not himself; so he attacks only one Book, God's Book, the KJV.

Those who oppose the KJV are unsure of themselves, for they have no Final Authority; so they despise those of us who DO have an Authority. They're unstable, insecure, dishonest, and very inconsistent. They're all TERRIFIED of One Book, the KJV, and they'll stop short of nothing in their efforts to rid the Body of Christ of that Book.

I know the KJV is the word of God, because it's the standard which all others use for comparison.

Because of the Time in History in Which It Was Translated


The King James Bible was not translated during the apostate and lukewarm Laodicean church period, like the new translations. The Laodicean period is the last church period before the Second Coming of Christ. It is the last of the seven church periods in Revelation chapters two and three. One can clearly see that we are living in the Laodicean period today by simply comparing modern churches to the church of Revelation 3:14-22. This lukewarm period began toward the end of the 1800's and will continue until Christ returns. The new versions fit well into the lukewarm churches, because they are lukewarm "bibles."

The Authorized Version, however, was translated LONG BEFORE the Laodicean churches appeared. It was translated during the Philadelphia church period, which is the best church period of all. It was this church that the Lord Jesus COMMENDED for KEEPING HIS WORD( Rev. 3:8-10)!

In 1611, when the King James Bible was completed, the scourge of lukewarm Laodicea had not yet swept over the world. There was no "scientific" crowd around in 1611 to put pressure on the translators. There was no civil rights movement going on at this time to influence the work of these men. The women were not screaming for "equal rights," and the humanists and socialists had not yet taken control. The massive army of liberal and modernistic preachers had not yet been assembled. The open public denial of God's word and the Deity of Christ was practically unheard of among ministers. It wasn't until the twentieth century that professing Christianity became flooded with lukewarm preachers who would be willing to compromise the word of God for self gain.

The greatest missionary work in church history occurred between 1700 and 1900, so it makes perfect sense that God would have a Bible ready for this great work, and He did - the KJV. Unfortunately, the new translations appeared a bit LATE on the scene! Think about that. I know the KJV is the word of God because of the time in history in which it was translated.


Because No One Has Ever Proven That the KJV is Not God's Word


Any honest American should know that innocence is supposed to prevail in our land until guilt is proven. The KJV should be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Has anyone proven it guilty? No. Has any scholar actually PROVEN that there are errors in the King James Bible? No. Enemies of the KJV delight in IGNORING the facts about the Authorized Version, while never PROVING anything. All apparent "errors" in the KJV can be explained through prayer and a careful study of the scriptures, but the opponents of the KJV aren't interested in looking for TRUTH; they're interested attacking God's word, while never proving anything. I know the KJV is the word of God, because, over nearly four hundred years, no one has proven otherwise.

Because of the Manuscript Evidence


Only a very deceived individual could believe that the new versions are equal to the King James Bible. Ninety-five percent of all evidence SUPPORTS the text of the King James Authorized Version. The new versions are supported by the remaining five percent evidence.

The new "bibles" are supported by two very corrupt fourth century manuscripts, known as the "Vaticanus" and the "Siniaticus." These manuscripts are filled with many text alterations to meet the demands of Roman Catholic tradition. They also include the Apocrypha, which the Lord Jesus Christ EXCLUDED from the Old Testament in Luke 24:44. All new versions contain readings from these corrupt manuscripts, and all new versions use their tiny five percent evidence to attack the ninety-five percent majority text of the King James Bible.

The Textus Receptus (received text) from which the King James Bible came can be traced clear back to Antioch, Syria, where the disciples were first called Christians and where Paul and Barnabas taught the word of God for a whole year (Acts 11:26). The other "bibles" do not come from Antioch. They come from Alexandria, Egypt, and from Rome. We don't need an Egyptian version, for Egypt is a type of the WORLD in the Bible. God called His people OUT of Egypt (Exod. 3-14), and God called His Son out of Egypt (Hos. 11:1 with Matt. 2:13-15). Why, the Bible says that "every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians" in Gen. 46:34, and the Lord Jesus Christ is called a SHEPHERD in John chapter ten. Alexandria, Egypt, is associated with SUPERSTITION in Acts 28:11, and Aquilla and Pricilla had to set an Egyptian straight on his doctrine in Acts chapter 18. Alexandrians are also found DISPUTING WITH STEPHEN in Acts 6:9. So we don't need a "bible" from Alexandria, Egypt.

Then there's the Roman text, also called the "Western Text." We can also do without a Roman "bible", because it was ROMAN soldiers who nailed our Lord to the cross. The harlot of Revelation 17 is a perfect description of the Roman Catholic Church, which has persecuted Christians for thousands of years. Romans persecuted the Christians in Acts18:2, and in 70 A.D. the Romans destroyed Jerusalem. Rome is the "dreadful and terrible" beast of Daniel chapter seven, and Christ will destroy the "Revised Roman Empire" at the Second Coming (Dan. 2; 7; and Rev. 13). It has been estimated that Rome is guilty of the blood of some 200 million people who have rejected her corrupt system. A "bible" from Rome is another thing we can live without.

There's only one line of manuscripts that we can trust, and this is the line from Antioch, called the "Syrian" or "Byzantine" type text. The word of God speaks POSITIVELY of Antioch, and NEGATIVELY of Rome and Egypt. We should TAKE THE BEST AND DUMP THE REST! I know the King James Bible is the word of God because of the manuscript evidence.


Because It Exalts the Lord Jesus Christ


Jesus said, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: And they are they which testify of me." John 5:39.

A REAL Bible will testify of the Lord Jesus Christ. The true word of God will always EXALT Jesus Christ, and it will NEVER attack Hid Deity, His Virgin Birth, His Blood Atonement, His Bodily Resurrection, His Glorious Second Coming, or any other doctrines concerning His Person. However, the new versions attack ALL of the fundamental doctrines concerning the Lord Jesus Christ at one time or another.

By perverting the many important verses of scripture which deal with the fundamental doctrines of Christ, the new "bibles" have a CONTINUOUS ATTACK launched against our beloved Savior, and this is NOT an overstatement! His Virgin Birth is under attack in Isaiah 7:14, Luke 1:34, and Luke 2:33. His Blood Atonement is under attack in Colossians 1:14, Acts 20:28, Ephesians 1:7, and Revelation 1:5. The Bodily Resurrection is under attack in Acts 1:3, Luke chapter 24, and the last twelve verses of Mark. His Deity is under attack in Acts 10:28, John 9:35, and I Timothy 3:16. The new versions attack the Second Coming in Revelation 11:15, and Titus 2:13, and the list goes on, because the new versions have an extreme bitter HATRED toward the Authorized Version and the way it gives the Lord Jesus Christ the preeminent place.

If the reader doubts this, we challenge you to take whatever version you want and compare the above verses in it to the same verses in the King James Bible. If you still doubt it, after checking the verses, then write us and we will send you a great many more references to check. The new "bibles" have a very consistent record of attacking the Lord Jesus Christ; so they cannot possibly be "the scriptures" that He said would testify of Him in John 5:39. They testify AGAINST him.

The King James Bible NEVER attacks our Lord. More than any book in the world, the Authorized Version of the Protestant Reformation EXALTS the Lord Jesus Christ. If we had no other reason for receiving the Authorized Version as the word of God, this reason alone should be enough to convince any true believer, for how could we not become suspicious of the new versions for making such changes? I know the King James Bible is the word of God because it always exalts the Lord Jesus Christ.


Copyright © 1997 James L. Melton
Published by Bible Baptist Church, Sharon, TN
(this article was taken from: http://www.av1611.org/kjv/knowkjv.html)

John Harper: the Hero of Faith Aboard the Titanic

John Harper was born to a pair of solid Christian parents on May 29th, 1872. It was on the last Sunday of March 1886, when he was thirteen years old that he received Jesus as the Lord of his life. He never knew what it was to "sow his wild oats." He began to preach about four years later at the ripe old age of 17 years by going down to the streets of his village and pouring out his soul in earnest entreaty for men to be reconciled to God. As John Harper's life unfolded, one thing was apparent...he was consumed by the word of God. When asked by various ministers what his doctrine consisted of, he was known to reply "The Word of God!" After five or six years of toiling on street corners preaching the gospel and working in the mill during the day, Harper was taken in by Rev. E. A. Carter of Baptist Pioneer Mission in London, England.


This set Harper free to devote his whole time of energy to the work so dear to his heart. Soon, John Harper started his own church in September of 1896 (now known as the Harper Memorial Church). This church which John Harper had started with just 25 members had grown to over 500 members when he left 13 years later.


During this time he had gotten married, but was shortly thereafter widowed. However brief the marriage, God did bless John Harper with a beautiful little girl named Nana. Ironically, John Harper almost drowned several times during his life. When he was two and a half years of age, he almost drowned when he fell into a well but was resuscitated by his mother. At the age of twenty-six, he was swept out to sea by a reverse current and barely survived, and at thirty-two he faced death on a leaking ship in the Mediterranean. Perhaps, God used these experiences to prepare this servant for what he faced next.......


It was the night of April 14, 1912. The RMS Titanic sailed swiftly on the bitterly cold ocean waters heading unknowingly into the pages of history. On board this luxurious ocean liner were many rich and famous people. At the time of the ship's launch, it was the world's largest man-made moveable object. At 11:40 p.m. on that fateful night, an iceberg scraped the ship's starboard side, showering the decks with ice and ripping open six watertight compartments.


The sea poured in. On board the ship that night was John Harper and his much-beloved six-year-old daughter Nana. According to documented reports, as soon as it was apparent that the ship was going to sink, John Harper immediately took his daughter to a lifeboat. It is reasonable to assume that this widowed preacher could have easily gotten on board this boat to safety; however, it never seems to have crossed his mind.


He bent down and kissed his precious little girl; looking into her eyes he told her that she would see him again someday. The flares going off in the dark sky above reflected the tears on his face as he turned and headed towards the crowd of desperate humanity on the sinking ocean liner. As the rear of the huge ship began to lurch upwards, it was reported that Harper was seen making his way up the deck yelling "Women, children and unsaved into the lifeboats!" It was only minutes later that the Titanic began to rumble deep within.


Most people thought it was an explosion; actually the gargantuan ship was literally breaking in half. At this point, many people jumped off the decks and into the icy, dark waters below. John Harper was one of these people. That night 1528 people went into the frigid waters. John Harper was seen swimming frantically to people in the water leading them to Jesus before the hypothermia became fatal. Mr. Harper swam up to one young man who had climbed up on a piece of debris. Rev. Harper asked him between breaths, "Are you saved?"


The young man replied that he was not. Harper then tried to lead him to Christ only to have the young man who was near shock, reply no. John Harper then took off his life jacket and threw it to the man and said "Here then, you need this more than I do..." and swam away to other people. A few minutes later Harper swam back to the young man and succeeded in leading him to salvation. Of the 1528 people that went into the water that night, six were rescued by the lifeboats. One of them was this young man on the debris.


Four years later, at a survivors meeting, this young man stood up and in tears recounted how John Harper had led him to Christ. Mr. Harper had tried to swim back to help other people, yet because of the intense cold, had grown too weak to swim. His last words before going under in the frigid waters were "Believe on the Name of the Lord Jesus and you will be saved." Does Hollywood remember this man? No. Oh well, no matter.


This servant of God did what he had to do. While other people were trying to buy their way onto the lifeboats and selfishly trying to save their own lives, John Harper gave up his life so that others could be saved."Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends..." John Harper was truly the hero of the Titanic!


Sources for this article: "The Titanic's Last Hero" by Moody Press 1997, Scriptures are quoted from the King James Bible.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

A Little About Me....

As if you don’t already know enough about me, I thought I’d share a little bit more of my world with you.....

I was homeschooled all my life. I played sports for a homeschool support group called L.I.F.E. Summit – 5 years of volleyball (I was the setter), 2 years of basketball (I was a point guard), and 1 year of soccer (I was a forward). I also played 2 years of baseball for Fraser Parks and Recreation. My volleyball team was the defending state champions for 3 years in a row.

I have played the piano for almost 18 years now, and have been a private piano teacher for almost 5 years. I travelled with a summer music and drama group called “Called Out Ministries” for 3 summers (2003 – 2005) in which I played the piano, sang in the ensemble/choir, sang duets, was a dramatic reader, and more. I am now very involved with the different music ministries at my church (Parkview Baptist Church). I play for the congregational singings, offertories, special music, choir, sing in the choir, sing for specials, and even write music. I play the piano for weddings, and have even been asked to play at a couple wedding showers. I love music very much – because it is such a huge part of my life.

I was adopted at the age of 8 weeks, but set out to find my biological family when I was 19 years old (see post entitled: “I Grew In Her Tummy”). I have not decided yet if I’m going to pursue trying to find my biological father or not.

I attended Crown College of the Bible in Powell, TN for my first year of college, during which I studied Secondary Education with History as a major, and music as a minor. Now I am almost finished with my 3rd semester at Macomb Community College in Warren, MI. I am studying Business Management, and may apply for a triple Associates’ Degree, then I will go on for a Bachelors’ Degree in something to do with computers, and then perhaps even a Masters’ Degree. I’ve been on the Dean’s List each semester, and was even accepted as a member of Phi Theta Kappa for academic excellence.

I have a very strong will – some would even call me stubborn – and whatever I put my mind to, it usually happens.

When I went to school in TN, I worked at KinderCare© and I loved it. When I came back home to Michigan I got a job at the Lutheran daycare down the road. I worked there for approximately a year and a half, and then my dream job opened up. I now work for the government for the department of defense at TACOM. I love my job.

I also love to travel. As far as the United States go, I would love to go to New York City, California, Hawaii, Florida, Texas, and the Mall of America before I die. Outside of the United States, I’d like to visit France, Germany, Italy, Israel and Jerusalem, China, Australia, Costa Rica, Jamaica, England, Ireland, and India. I also want to go on a few cruises before my life is over.

I’m still living at home with my Madré and Padré! I’m hoping to have my own place within 1 to 2 years. I also plan on buying a new car sometime between April and June of this year. I’m so very excited!

I am a Christian, and I'm not ashamed of it at all. I love to laugh. I love to live. God made me special and unique and there's no one else I'd rather be! :)

That’s all for now... If I think of something else that I think may interest you, I’ll either post a new entry or add to this one.

Compelling Biblical Evidence Proves That Jesus Christ Is God!

“… What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
(Mark 4:41)

My purpose in this Bible study is to show you, that it can be proven through the scriptures, that without doubt Jesus Christ is God.


Bible Study Synopsis

The Testimony Of John The Baptist - John was the “voice in the wilderness” (John 1:22-24, Isaiah 40:3) who prepared the way of the Lord Jesus Christ. John knew that Jesus was preferred before him because He was before him. (John 1:15,27) even though Jesus was physically born after him. John referred to Jesus as the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

The Testimony Of Jesus Christ - Jesus referred to Himself as the “I AM” which was the name that God Himself used when He spoke to Moses out of the burning bush (John 8:56-59, Exodus 3:13-14). The Jews sought to stone Jesus because they thought that He was guilty of blasphemy (John 8:59, Leviticus 24:16). Jesus claimed to be the First and the Last (Revelation 1:11,17-18,2:8) which is a name that God claims for Himself (Isaiah 44:6). Jesus also claimed to be the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8,11) and the Almighty (Revelation 1:8).

Many inferences can then be made about Jesus Christ as we examine scripture with scripture. Since we know that the Word of God which was made flesh (John 1:14) spoke of Jesus Christ then we also know that Jesus Christ is the Word who created all things (John 1:3). Consider the fact that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1) and that the Word who is Jesus Christ was also there in the beginning (John 1:2). We will then naturally conclude that Jesus Christ is God. We learn through Isaiah the prophet that God made all things alone and by Himself (Isaiah 44:24) which is in perfect agreement with John 1:1-3 and Colossians 1:12-16. If God did everything alone and by Himself it lays to rest those within the cults who insist that God created Jesus Christ and then used Jesus Christ to create everything else.

The Works Of Jesus Christ - The works that Jesus Christ did during His time on earth are more than ample proof that Jesus Christ is God. Jesus cast demons out of the possessed, He healed the sick, He had power over nature, He raised the dead , He forgave sins, causing His enemies to say “… who can forgive sins, but God only?” (Mark 2:7). Jesus also raised Himself from the dead.


The Testimony Of John The Baptist

John the Baptist was the son of Zacharias, a Jewish priest, and his wife Elizabeth. John was born to this couple after they had been without children for many years. John was born exactly as promised to Zacharias by the angel Gabriel. (Luke 1:5-25) The scriptures also tell us that John would be filled with the Holy Ghost and that he would turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. And that he would go forth in the “spirit and power of Elias (Elijah) … to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17). It is not surprising that John the Baptist attracted the attention of multitudes. Many people wanted to know who he was. The Pharisees, a Jewish group, sent people to question him:

Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias (Isaiah). And they which were sent were of the Pharisees (John 1:22-24).

Please keep in mind that John was questioned by the people because they wanted to know if he was in fact the promised Christ (Messiah) or if he was some other prophet (John 1:19-21). John responded to their inquiry by quoting from the Old Testament book of Isaiah. Here John makes a very revealing statement not only about his own identity, but the true identity of Jesus Christ also.

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our GOD (Isaiah 40:3).

John let them know that he was that “voice in the wilderness” that the prophet Isaiah had spoken about. Now it is obvious that the voice was representative of a person with a message and the message was this:

- to prepare the way of the Lord
- to make straight … a highway for our God

So given the fact that John identified himself as THAT “voice in the wilderness” we can say without question that John was preparing the way for the Lord God.

The Hebrew word for Lord that is used in this verse is YHWH

The Hebrew word for God that is used here is ELOHIYM

We also know from the contents of the New Testament that John the Baptist was the very one who prepared the way for Jesus Christ. So we can rightly say, without shame and without fear, that the titles of Lord and God most definitely apply to Jesus Christ.

Here is another testimony from John regarding the deity of Jesus Christ:

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water (John 1:29-31).

In this passage of scripture John identifies Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God, and the one who came to take away the sin of the world. John also declares that Jesus was preferred before him because he was before him. It is most interesting when you look at the gospel account in Luke and find that Jesus was born at least six months AFTER John was born. (Luke 1:34-37). So we can conclude that John knew full well, by the Spirit of God, that Jesus Christ existed long before He was incarnated as a human being on this earth.

The topic in this study is of utmost importance. The claim that Jesus Christ is God is more than a mere theological debate between those who endorse the position of His deity (divinity) and those who do not. Why? Because if it can be proven through the scriptures (and it can) that Jesus Christ is in fact God, then we must take a closer look not only at the words that Jesus spoke while He walked this earth but also at the words that the Lord spoke to the children of Israel in the Old Testament. We can learn a great deal when we truly understand that this Christ whom we know as Lord was the very same eternal Lord who created all things, and who came to this earth and partook of our own human nature.


The Testimony Of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ: He is the “I AM”
It has been said very often by those who do not believe that Jesus Christ is in fact God, that He never made that claim for Himself. That is not true. In the New Testament book of John we can read the following scriptures.

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM. Then took they up STONES to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by (John 8:56-59).

I highlighted the words of Jesus Christ in red letters to make it easier to see when He is speaking. In this passage of scripture Jesus was in a confrontation with the Jewish religious people, and He told them that He Himself was the “I AM.”

I would like you to note that His enemies took up stones to throw at Jesus, which means that they wanted to kill him. The reason that they did that was because they thought that he had committed blasphemy in declaring Himself to be the “I AM” and that he was “living” before Abraham ever existed. The Old Testament book of Leviticus shows us the reason for their actions:

And he that BLASPHEMETH the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly STONE HIM: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he BLASPHEMETH the name of the LORD, shall be put to death (Leviticus 24:16).

This shows us that his enemies knew full well what Jesus was declaring when he claimed the name “I AM” for Himself. This also shows us that Jesus most certainly made His deity clear on different occasions. What was Jesus trying to tell those who were in opposition to Him? Jesus was telling them that He was alive long before Abraham ever existed.

There are millions of people who only see Jesus Christ as a person who was born about two thousand years ago, lived a short life, did some good things and then died. The purpose of this Bible study is to show you the reader that Jesus Christ is more than a man. He is part of the eternal triune Godhead. When Jesus used the words I AM, He was using the very same words that were used by God when He spoke to Moses out of the burning bush. Moses was intrigued by that burning bush when it was not consumed, and when he approached the bush this is what happened:

And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God (Exodus 3:5-6).

The voice that spoke out of that burning bush identified Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Moses was afraid to even look upon God. The point that I want to make here is that it was God who spoke out of that burning bush. Further down in that very same chapter we find the following:

And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And GOD said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you (Exodus 3:13-14 ).

Here we see that God told Moses that His name was “I AM THAT I AM” and that was what Moses was to tell the children of Israel. Am I trying to say that Jesus Christ was the very same person that spoke to Moses out of that burning bush? Yes, that is exactly what I am trying to say and there is further proof in the scriptures to make that point.


Jesus Christ: He Is The First And The Last

Now I would like to go to the new Testament book of Revelation to further prove the deity of Jesus Christ.In the following verse we have the words of the RISEN JESUS CHRIST, and He declares that He is in truth, the FIRST and the LAST!

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I AM the FIRST and the LAST: I AM he that LIVETH and WAS DEAD; and, behold, I AM ALIVE FOR EVERMORE, Amen; and have the keys of HELL and of DEATH (Revelation 1:17-18).

In this scripture verse John listens as the risen Christ declares Himself to be the FIRST and the LAST. Not only that, but He tells John that He was DEAD but now He is ALIVE forevermore! I do not think that the LORD could have made His deity any clearer than that. We all know that it was Jesus Christ who was slain for our sins and who rose from the dead. The title of the FIRST and the LAST is a title that is unique to God and Him alone, and here the glorified Christ claims it for Himself. Let’s take a look in the Old Testament to see how it is used.

Thus saith the LORD the KING of ISRAEL, and his REDEEMER the LORD of hosts; I AM the FIRST, and I AM the LAST; and beside me THERE IS NO GOD. (Isaiah 44:6).

In the book of Isaiah we learn that the Lord is the King of Israel and also calls Himself the FIRST and the LAST. There are not several FIRST and LAST’s but only ONE. Not only that but this verse tells us that there is no other God beside Him. If Jesus called Himself the FIRST and the LAST then the title of GOD belongs to Him.

Jesus Christ: He Is The Alpha And Omega

Jesus Christ: He Is The Almighty

Back in the first chapter of Revelation we see that the First and the Last is also the Alpha and Omega “… I am Alpha and Omega, the FIRST and the LAST…” (Revelation 1:11). When we look back at verse eight we find out that the Alpha and Omega is called the Almighty:

I AM ALPHA and OMEGA, the beginning and the ending, saith the LORD, which is, and which was, and which is to come, THE ALMIGHTY (Revelation 1:8).

So we learned in this first chapter of Revelation that Jesus Christ is:

- The First and the Last
- The Alpha and Omega
- The Almighty
- The One who was dead but is now alive forevermore
- He holds the keys of Hell and Death
- He is the one which is, which was, and which is to come

In chapter two of Revelation the fact that the FIRST and the LAST was dead is mentioned again:

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the FIRST and the LAST, which was DEAD, and is ALIVE; (Revelation 2:8)

And in the last chapter of that book and the Bible itself it tells us this:

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I AM ALPHA and OMEGA, the beginning and the end, the FIRST and the LAST (Revelation 22:12-13).

The Alpha and Omega, who we have now learned is Jesus Christ, is the very one who will judge every man on the last day. He is the one who is coming again.


Jesus Christ: He Is The Creator Of All Things

I want to leave you with some scripture references to study regarding the attributes of Jesus Christ.

In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD. The same was in the beginning with GOD. ALL THINGS were made BY HIM; and without him was not any thing made that was made (John 1:1-3).

In the scripture passage above we learn that the Word is a Person. That Person was WITH God, WAS God, and ALL things were made by that same Word. The Word in this passage is describing the Person of Jesus Christ. This can be proven by the passage of scripture below.

And the WORD was made FLESH, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but GRACE and TRUTH came by Jesus Christ. (John 1:14-17)

This passage tells us that this very same Word was made FLESH, which means that this Word took on a physical body and became a human being. That’s what happened when Christ was born of the Jewish virgin Mary in Bethlehem, fulfilling a prophecy of the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14). It also tells us that He was the only begotten of the Father, and the same One that John the Baptist declared existed before He ever did. The bottom line is that this Word is describing the eternal Son of God and the One that has always been with the Father in Heaven. If you take a look at the very first verse in the Bible you will find this:

In the beginning GOD created the heaven and the earth (Genesis 1:1).

The Hebrew word for God here is the word ELOHIYM which is the plural form of the word God, and within that Godhead was the person of Christ. A little further down in that chapter we find this:

And GOD said, Let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So GOD created man in HIS OWN IMAGE, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them (Genesis 1:26-27).

In the passage above we learn that God used the words “…Let US make man in OUR image…” which is quite interesting. Who was God talking to? The cults will try to explain this verse away by telling you that God was talking to the angels. That argument falls to the ground because the passage tells us that God created man in HIS own image, with no mention of angels anywhere. Then the cults will tell you that God first created Jesus and then Jesus created everything else. But if you take a look in the book of Isaiah you will find a verse that refutes that way of thinking:

Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that MAKETH ALL THINGS; that stretcheth forth the heavens ALONE; that spreadeth abroad the earth BY MYSELF; (Isaiah 44:24)

The Bible tells us that the Lord made “ALL THINGS” and that He did this “ALONE” and “BY MYSELF” thus refuting another attack against the deity of Jesus Christ. In the passage below we see that the Father Himself referred to the Son as God, and as the one who laid the foundation of earth and heaven.

But unto the SON he saith, Thy throne, O GOD, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore GOD, even thy GOD, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And, Thou, LORD, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of THINE HANDS: (Hebrews 1:8-10)


The Works Of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ Cast Demons Out Of People

Luke 4:31-36: Jesus cast a demon out of a man in the synagogue. The demons recognized Christ as the “holy one of God”.

Luke 4:41: Jesus cast demons out of many. The demons knew He was the Christ (Messiah).

Mark 5:1-20: Jesus cast a legion of demons out of a man who had been possessed for many years. The demons recognized Jesus to be “the Son of the most high God”. The demons asked if they could enter into a herd of swine after they were cast out. Jesus allowed this and when they entered the swine who then charged into the sea and drowned themselves.


Jesus Christ Commanded “Mother Nature” To Obey HIM

Mark 4:35-41: Jesus rebuked a raging storm at sea with three words “Peace, be still”. The wind ceased and there was great calm.

Jesus Christ Commanded Dead People To Come Back To Life

Luke 7:11-17: Jesus raises a young man from the dead as the man was being carried in a funeral procession.

John 11:39-45: Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead after Lazarus was dead and stinking for four days.

Jesus Christ Healed All Sorts Of Diseases

Mark 7:33: Jesus healed a deaf and dumb man.

Mark 8:23: Jesus healed a blind man.

Matthew 8:14: Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law.

Matthew 9:2: Jesus healed a paralyzed man.

Luke 17:12: Jesus healed ten lepers.

Jesus Christ Forgave People Of Their Sins

Mark 2:1-12: Jesus had the power to forgive sins.

Jesus Christ Was Worshiped By Others

John 9:35-38: Jesus was worshiped by a blind man that He healed.


REVIEW
We return to the question “Is Jesus Christ God?” We can affirmatively answer with a resounding YES to that question. We have seen through the use of the scriptures that:

Jesus Christ Is the Lord God whom John the Baptist prepared the way for (Isaiah 40:3, John 1:22-24).

Jesus Christ is the “I AM” who was alive before Abraham ever existed, and the same God who spoke to Abraham out of the burning bush (John 8:58, Exodus 3:13-14).

Jesus Christ is the First and the Last (Revelation 1:11,17,18, 2:8, Isaiah 44:6).

Jesus Christ is the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8,11).

Jesus Christ was the one who was dead but is now alive forevermore (Revelation 1:17-18,2:8).

Jesus Christ is the one who is coming to judge all (Revelation 22:12-13).

Jesus Christ is the creator of ALL things (John 1:1-3, Genesis 1:1,26-27, Hebrews 1:8-10, Isaiah 44:24).

Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world and was raised from the dead just like He said He would. The words of the apostle Thomas also declare the deity of Christ:

The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name (John 20:25-31).

AUDIO: IS JESUS CHRIST GOD?

TWO PART VIDEO: IS JESUS CHRIST GOD?


(Article taken from: http://soulrefuge.wordpress.com/2009/01/19/compelling-biblical-evidence-proves-that-jesus-christ-is-god/)
I am Elizabeth Bennet of Pride & Prejudice! I am intelligent, witty, and tremendously attractive. I have a good head on my shoulders, and oftentimes find myself the lone beacon of reason in a sea of ridiculousness. I take great pleasure in many things. I am proficient in nearly all of them, though I will never own it. Lest I seem too perfect, I have a tendency toward prejudgement that serves me very ill indeed.

I am Elizabeth Bennet!