Stand For Your Life

Esther 8:11 Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey,

We live in a very passive society today. It is very disturbing to see people so passive about issues that could destroy our nation and our Fundamental movement as we know it.

In the days this story was written, it seemed the Jews were very passive about everything that was going on in the kingdom. Many things probably contributed to this attitude. Their defeat and the captivity in which they were currently living was certainly one of the causes. The hate for the nation in which they lived was probably another cause. But maybe the biggest cause was the mentality that whatever they did would not affect anything in anyway. Whatever the reason, now their lives were at stake.

A law had been given to destroy all the Jews and Mordecai sent a post to all the Jews and begged them to "stand for their life." He begged them because their future was at stake, and if there were ever a time to stand, this was that time. Because they would not stand for any other reason, Mordecai told them to at least stand for their life's sake.

There are many reasons for which people should stand up and fight. I believe the reason for which we should stand is for right and against wrong. But to be quite honest with you, it seems we live in a society that seems to be very passive about the change that is going on in our nation and in Fundamentalism. As people are passive about the issues going on today, the crowd who wants to destroy us is certainly getting their agenda done. Their agenda is to change our nation and Fundamentalism as we know it.

I come to you today and say it is time we stand for our life. If we are not willing to stand for any other reason, we need to stand for the sake of our life, our future. Standing means we will do what it takes to get our agenda done even if it means we will lose friends and influence over our stance. It takes character to do this! Yet, we need people today to stand for their life. You may not have a public pulpit where many can hear you, but it takes everybody doing right to change what is going on.

I come to the Christian and say, stand for your life. When you see the main movement in Fundamentalism changing the Word of God and what we believe about it, stand up and say you will not be a part of it. When you see Christianity becoming more like the world, don't you change to be like everyone else. Stand up for your life! When you see the country in which you live continually move to the left, stand for right even if it seems as if your stance will not change anything. We cannot and must not be passive about the changes we see going on in our nation and in the movement of Fundamentalism. We must stand for our life's sake.

I ask you, are you standing for right when you see changes going on or are you the one who sits quietly because you don't want to upset the apple cart? It is those who quietly sit there and don't say anything when they see things going on which shouldn't be happening who are the cause of compromise and societal changes. I beg of you today, stand for your life, for not only is your future at stake, but the future of your children is at stake as well.

A devotional thought by Evangelist Allen Domelle from Old Paths Journal

MAKING ROOM FOR THE SAVIOR

Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Joseph and Mary had made the trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem, where they were obliged to report. While they were in Bethlehem, the Christ child was born that the prophecy of the Scripture be fulfilled. Because all the lodging places were occupied, the Savior of the world was not born in a clean comfortable room, but in a manger, a crib where cattle were fed. There is something so majestic in this scene. Our Lord came to this earth to love and liberate hurting people. He did not come to magnify Himself or impress us with His glory and grandeur. His persona was always of humility and meekness. Jesus identified more with the common people than the elite. Simplicity marked His ministry. He wrote in the sand, rode a borrowed donkey, and slept under the stars. His birth epitomized His mission. He laid aside that which He was entitled to as the Almighty God. He is the Creator of the worlds and commands angels, and yet He condescended to live in our world that He might redeem us from our sin. Jesus was not intrusive or demanding, but rather content and unassuming. This character of our King moves us to love Him and worship Him, not because He came to this earth demanding it, but because in every way, He deserves it. Jesus does not force Himself into our lives. There was no room in the inn for Joseph, Mary, and the soon to be born King. In a very similar way, there is little room for Jesus in many lives today. Schedules are too full to find time to honor Him, seek Him, or serve Him. Jobs, as well as recreation and leisure, take precedence over the house of God. Hearts are too crowded with other affections to love and worship the King of Glory. Budgets are so full there is no thought of giving to Him. Minds are so distracted that they have no time to meditate on His wonder. There is just no room for Jesus in the experience of so many. However, for those of us who know and love Him, we want to make room for Him. If we do nothing else, we want to adore and worship Him. He is to have first place in our hearts and our schedules. Our Lord is looking for those who will make room in their lives for Him. May the Shepherd of our souls always know we genuinely welcome Him.

A devotional thought by Pastor Smith of Mt. Zion Baptist Church

HE CAME TO SAVE SINNERS

I Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

At this time of the year, many are busy celebrating the miraculous birth of Christ, but too few remember why He came. What does it mean? Why did He come? It is not important whether He was born in December. The important thing is that He was born. God became a man. Deity was robed in humanity. The eternal Creator died for sinners. Our text reminds us that he “came into the world to save sinners.” This is the Gospel or good news. When Mary was informed of God’s plan for her to give birth to Christ, she was instructed in this way, “thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Her Son would be the Savior. Her baby would be the Lamb of God that would take away the sins of the world. He came to save sinners. When the angels announced His birth to the shepherds, they said, “unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). The Christ child is the Savior. He came to save us from our sin. He came to pay our sin debt that we might be forgiven, reconciled to God, and born again. We must personalize the Gospel. Jesus did not come to die for sinners in general, but to die for individuals. Paul says in our Scripture, “of whom I am chief.” Of all the sinners that Jesus came to save, Paul felt that he was the chief of them. He considered himself the foremost of all sinners. Who did Jesus die for? He died for you. He died for me. Undeserving does not begin to describe the desperate condition of our souls. We were without hope and without God in the world. We were lost and undone, turned to our own way, on the broad road of destruction, with an eternity in hell awaiting us. He came to save us. He came to this earth on a mission. His love for you and me and all mankind motivated His supreme sacrifice. He came to redeem us from our sin and bondage. He came to pay our sin debt. He came to ransom us. He took our sins on His own body on Golgotha’s cross. He died in our place and then rose triumphantly from the grave offering eternal salvation to all who will receive Him. What a Savior! What a Friend of sinners! We could never love Him as He deserves.

A devotional thought by Pastor Smith of Mt. Zion Baptist Church

That's My Saviour!!! Have You Seen Him??? Are You Telling Others???

Luke 2:1-21 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

The Night Before Jesus Came

‘Twas the night Jesus came and all through the house
Not a person was praying, not one In the house.
The Bibles were left an the shelf without care,
For no one thought that Jesus would come there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And mom In her rocker with baby in her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.
When out of the east there rose such a clatter,
I Sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and lifted the sash!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here!
The light of His face made me cover my head-
It was Jesus returning, just as He said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said, “It’s not here” my head hung in shame.
The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound
While all the rest were left standing around.
I fell to my knees, but It was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, If only I’d known that this was the night.
In the words of this poem the meaning Is clear;
The coming of Jesus is now drawing near.
There’s only one life and when comes the last call
We’ll find that the Bible was true after all.

-- Written by Margie Knight

Ten Commandments of Christmas

I. Thou shalt not leave “Christ” out of Christmas, making it “Xmas.” It may be true that the “X” is the Greek letter that stands for “CHRIST’ but to most, “X” is the unknown.
II. Thou shalt prepare thy soul for Christmas. Spend not so much on gifts that thy soul is forgotten and the souls of others are ignored.
III. Thou shalt not let Santa Claus replace Christ, thus robbing the day of its spiritual reality. The merchants have commercialized this season until giving is forgotten and getting is foremost.
IV. Thou shalt not burden the shop girl, the mailman, and the merchant with complaints and demands. A Christian Testimony is required from us everyday as well as Sunday.
V. Thou shalt give thyself with thy gift. This will increase its value a hundred fold, and he who receiveth it shall treasure it forever The preciousness of personal commitment is worth more than any treasure.
VI. Thou shalt not value gifts received by their cost. Even the least expensive may signify love, and that is more priceless than silver and gold.
VII. Thou shalt not neglect the needy. Share thy blessings with many who will go hungry and cold unless thou art generous. We all have more than we deserve.
VIII. Thou shalt not neglect thy church. Its services highlight the true meaning of the season. And, the joy of fellowship is untold by words.
IX. Thou shalt be as a little child. Not until thou hast become in spirit as a little one art thou ready to enter into the kingdom of Heaven.
X. Thou shalt give thy heart to Christ. Let Him be at the top of thy Christmas list His gift to us is paramount in our favor.

Anyone keeping these commandments is sure to have a blessed and meaningful Christmas.

Not on the First Christmas

Many people’s impression of the first Christmas, when Jesus was born, is not from the Bible. People get what they believe happened at Christ’s birth from television shows, movies, artists’ renderings, or an inaccurate story told to them. Much of what they see or are taught is not according to the Scriptures. So what do the Scriptures say?

The wise men were not there when Jesus was born. According to Luke 2, the shepherds were there. After Christ’s birth, more of His young life is revealed in Matthew 2. There it mentions that the babe was in the “house” (Matthew 2:11) when the wise men arrived, not in the manger.

It is possible that Jesus was up to two years old at the time the wisemen arrived. Herod, the king, heard that the “King of the Jews” was born, and to eliminate someone that could usurp his position on the throne, he had all the children two years old and younger killed. If Jesus had just been born, Herod would not have picked that age range to assure Jesus would be killed.

Also, to get the scene biblically correct, the Bible never mentions that there were three wise men. They did bring three different kinds of gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The Bible never mentions that there were exactly three packages as many pictures portray. There could have been a multitude of packages of the three different kinds of gifts. The cash value of these items may have provided the finances Joseph and his family needed to escape the genocide of all the children Herod sought to murder. Thus, the wisemen may have paid the way to keep the young Saviour from being killed.

There was no special star shining at His birth. According to the Matthew account, the guiding star was used to lead the wise men to where Jesus was; so since they came when He was in His house, there was no star at Christ’s birth.

Although Christ’s birth is celebrated on the 25th of December, it probably did not occur then. His birth was most likely at the end of September. At Christ’s birth, the shepherds were “abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock.” Since the winters today are much like they were 2,000 years ago, it was too cold for grass to grow. The flocks usually grazed in the fields from April to October.

Also, Joseph and Mary went to pay their taxes (not partaking in a “census” or “registering” as many of the modern Bible perversions retell it). The taxes were probably collected at the end of the harvest, not when the average temperature was too cold to travel (average temperature was about 29 degrees in December). The tax turnout would not be full if it were too cold to travel.

A Christmas tree was not part of His birth. Nowhere in the birth of Christ is a Christmas tree indicated. The only decorated tree mentioned in the Word of God is found in Jeremiah 10:3-4, and it was part of a heathen custom.

The birth of the Saviour, over 2,000 years ago, was the most important birth of all time. That birth brought into this world God’s only son; who over 33 years later would die on a cross to pay for the sins of all that accepted His payment. Although the ideas of many concerning Christmas may be unbiblical, it is wonderful that many still stop their busy lives to remember His birth, at least once a year. Misconceptions of any Bible information should teach us that the only way we will ever know the truth is to read God’s Word for ourselves, and not to rely on other sources that may not be accurate.

An article written by Bill Brinkworth found in The Bible View published 12/18/08.

DESPISE NOT PROPHESYINGS

I Thessalonians 5:20 Despise not prophesyings.

The word “prophesyings” would apply to both the prophecies of the Scripture, as well as the proclamation of the Word of God. For instance, the prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah, His person and work, and the many prophecies that have been fulfilled in the coming of Jesus, are not to be despised. Equally, the prophecies concerning future events such as the return of Christ, the Judgment Seat of Christ, His future earthly reign, and other such revelations should not be neglected. Just as importantly, the preaching, or setting forth of Biblical truth, is also prophesying and should not be disesteemed. There was a tendency in the early churches to exalt temporary gifts such as speaking in tongues (other languages), but then despise the faithful proclamation of sound doctrine. The inspired Word of God commanded them, and instructs us as well, not to undervalue the importance of Bible preaching. The stating of Bible truth in language simple enough to be understood is of inestimable value. Whereas certain temporary gifts were given to the apostles to confirm the messengers and messages of God’s Word, the gift and calling of setting forth the truth is a permanent office in the churches. The Biblical means by which the lost are to be convinced and believers are to be edified is preaching. Men are to preach the truth as it is, to men as they are. The despising of Bible preaching was not something peculiar to the New Testament era. It has become increasingly scorned in our generation. For many, it is considered outdated and offensive. Those who occupy the pulpits in many places of our land have been convinced that other methods are more effective and more palatable to the carnal mind. These trends are in direct violation to the clear teaching of the Word of God. Because the general population of our society has no appetite for Bible preaching does not give us the liberty to adjust God’s program or revise His plan. Bible preaching should be, and should always remain, the central activity of the Lord’s people and His churches. That being the case, we should all develop and maintain a hunger for the proclamation of God’s Word. Not only should we personally learn to love and appreciate Bible preaching, we should also lead our children to “Despise not prophesyings.”

A devotional thought by Pastor Smith of Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Merry (insert your own)mas

(Here is an article written by Marvin McElvany found in The Eagle Newsletter for all of us to ponder.....)

This time next week Christmas ’08 will be a fond memory. The trashcan will be full of wrapping paper and odd shaped boxes, everyone will be in their own little world exploring their new gifts. So…what was it all about? The gifts? The family? The food? A four day weekend?

For some of us, it will mean we paused for a moment and enjoyed the beautiful carols about the birth and wonderful story of our Saviour. We tried to put Christ back in Christmas as they say. How important is that these days? Apparently, not very.

According to an article in USAToday, December 19, 2008, most American religious believers, including most Christians, say eternal life is not exclusively for those who accept Christ as their savior. Of the 65% of people who held this open view of heaven's gates, 80% named at least one non-Christian group — Jews, Muslims, Hindus, atheists, or people with no religion at all — who may also be saved, according to a new survey released today by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. Christian believers who named at least one non-Christian faith that could lead to salvation included 34% of white evangelicals, even though evangelical doctrine stresses that salvation is possible only through Jesus. Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, calls the findings "a theological crisis for American evangelicals. They represent at best a misunderstanding of the Gospel and at worst a repudiation of the Gospel." "We are in an age when we want to tell everyone they are doing just fine. It's extremely uncomfortable to turn to someone and say, 'You will go to hell unless you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus,' " Mohler says.

We read about the boy in Mississippi who was given an “F” for writing about Jesus when asked to tell, “What Christmas Means To Me”, or how about the students who are denied to speak about their faith at their graduation ceremonies, or how South Carolina ordered a stop to making license plates that feature a cross and the words “I Believe.” It must be this “tolerance” I hear so much about. What about the state of our nation? Wall Street melt down; lay-offs; foreclosures; bankruptcies! Can we turn our backs on God and then expect Him to bless us?

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6) Pretty plain and simple. If you can still go to heaven, as some Christians claim, and not come to a “saving knowledge of Jesus”, then what did He come and die for? What do we need a Saviour for? How can we stand in front of the Maker of the Universe and plead our case without the imputed righteousness of Jesus?

Paul said in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 “…for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first…” Obviously we’ve jumped and we’re picking up speed. It’s one thing to get caught up in the gifts, food, and family. We should at least get our theology straight.

FALSE PROPHETS

Jeremiah 23:16-17 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD. They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.

It is not just the absence of preaching that causes it to be difficult to reach people. Helping someone who has never been exposed to truth can often be rather simple and effective. However, the thing that makes it more of a challenge is the presence and popularity of FALSE PROPHETS and distortions of the truth. This is not only true regarding the message of salvation, but also the message of church loyalty, separation, etc. Jeremiah’s message was, “Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you.” We are not to listen to false teachers or preachers. Their message is not from God, but rather “a vision of their own heart.” Why would people so readily believe the message of false teachers? There are probably many reasons, but at least one is found in our text. The untruths of these prophets can be more appealing than truth in the ears of the unsaved or unspiritual. Notice Jeremiah’s words as he speaks for God, “They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.” These false preachers were telling those that despised God that they would have peace, and to those that walked after the desires of their own heart, “No evil shall come upon you.” In essence, they were saying, “God does not care what you do. Do as you please. There will be no consequences for your sinful or sensual decisions.” This is in great contrast to a true man of God who says, “Thus saith the Lord.” We have a similar situation today. Many are claiming God’s authority and preaching contrary to His Word. God’s Word is still the final authority. Without His Word, we have no message. Preaching against sin and calling Christians to holy living is becoming a thing of the past. Those today that preach freedom to compromise and rebel, without consequences, are preaching lies.

A devotional thought by Pastor Smith of Mt. Zion Baptist Church

GREATEST NEEDS IN THE CHURCH TODAY

(The following list was submitted by Pastor Mike Walls of Freedom Baptist Church, Smithfield, NC and shared on an email list earlier this month.)

On Monday, February 28, 2000, I hosted a pastor's fellowship at our church. There were eighteen preachers in attendance. When the letters announcing the fellowship was sent to the preachers, they were asked to think along these lines: "What do you think the two greatest needs are for our churches today?" The information that precedes this is a summary of their responses at that meeting.

1. More doctrinal preaching
2. Preachers having more love for their people
3. Church members more committed to Christ and their church
4. Practical Bible living
5. Develop a desire for a Bible based revival
6. Getting people excited with the things of God especially prayer
7. Not being as quick to condemn others without first looking at ourselves
8. People getting busy for the Lord
9. Letting the Lord develop people's convictions
10. Try to get people committed to the ministry who are not already committed
11. Teach people to set priorities
12. Get people grounded in the basics of the Bible
13. Get a passionate love for the Lord Jesus
14. Train people to be able to take the place of the older men in the ministry
15. More personal soul winning
16. More personal holiness
17. Taking heed to ourselves first and then to doctrine
18. Getting a proper balance in the ministry
19. More pastoring than preaching
20. Develop discipleship
21. More emphasis on prayer
22. Make ourselves available to the blessings of God
23. Become better leaders
24. Develop better standards in our lives
25. Greater intensity to the study of God's Word
26. Maintain our love affair with the Lord Jesus like we had when we were first saved.
27. Teach our people the capabilities of God
28. A Spirit-filled life
29. Provide enough avenues of service for our people
30. Develop more faith to live by the Word of God
31. Have a greater burden and vision for the lost
32. Reach our youth for Jesus Christ
33. Have a greater relationship with Christ
34. Teach the basics of what and why we believe in the Bible so they will know what and why they believe
35. Ask God for proper humility
36. Remember the importance of the ministry

I compiled this list because of what Proverbs 13:20a says: "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise". May we glean from these words of wisdom!

Newsweek and President Bush: "Both are Bible Morons!"

(Here is an excerpt from an editorial piece that I read today; click on the title link above to read the article in its entirety. Earlier this week, I had hoped to post an article about the recent news stories this week in which this article addresses, but alas, I have been busy at work and home, so this will have to suffice..... I do believe America is full of several generations of Bible illiterates; the lack of knowledge of professed Christians of God's Word is truly sad!!!)

In a season supposed to be filled with glad tidings of God echoing throughout the land, we have the president of the United States questioning the Bible's literal content and a major newsmagazine suggesting the Good Book has no problem with same-sex marriage.

In case you missed it, President George W. Bush was asked this week if the Bible is literally true.

"You know. Probably not," Bush told ABC's Cynthia McFadden. "No, I'm not a literalist, but I think you can learn a lot from it, but I do think that the New Testament for example is ... has got ... You know, the important lesson is 'God sent a son."'

He also said he thinks God's creation of the Earth could have taken place along with human evolution.

"I don't think it's incompatible with the scientific proof that there is evolution," he said.

And then there are the morons at Newsweek.

Next week's cover story titled "Our Mutual Joy" actually suggests the Bible argues in favor of homosexual marriage.

Huh? What Bible are these doofuses reading?

I don't know about you, but I am absolutely fed up with idiocy like this.

First, regarding Bush's statements, I don't know why he has such a problem with believing the literal truth of Scripture. If he agrees a supernatural event took place when God the Father sent His Son to Earth by miraculously impregnating a young woman who never had sex, then why is it so hard to believe the rest? If God can create the planet, then why can't He scoop up some dirt, shape it in the image of Himself and then breathe the breath of life into the first man?

Is it impossible? For us, yes. But obviously, not for the eternal Creator. Why believe one miracle, and not any other? Are we supposed to just pick and choose which fantastic miracle to believe?

On Newsweek's ludicrous claim, here's the real truth. The Bible never mentions any case of same-sex marriage, but it soundly condemns homosexuality. I know some people hear conflicting messages these days and rarely crack open their Bibles, so here's a quick lesson.

Lev. 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

Lev. 20:13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

Newsweek's Lisa Miller calls such verses "throwaway lines in a peculiar text given over to codes for living in the ancient Jewish world ... ." What kind of psychobabble is that?

Even the ancient city of Sodom was known for its sexual perversion, and was firebombed by God shortly after the homosexuals there demanded to have sex with two of God's angels who were appearing in the form of men: Gen. 19:5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.

If you've ever been to or heard of a "gay"-pride parade in recent times, keep in mind that flaunting perversion is not necessarily new.

Isa 3:9 The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.

The New Testament brings up Sodom quite often, with examples such as:

Jude 7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

Rom. 1:22-32 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am fed up with people lying about the Bible. I'm fed up with people twisting the words of Holy Scripture to fit some depraved, politically correct, anti-God agenda. I'm fed up with fables and misconceptions about the Bible that have endured for centuries. I'm fed up with people saying the Bible doesn't mean what it says. It means exactly what it says and it says what it means.

God is coming back to put an end to this nonsense.

This is the Book!!!

Since God wrote it, mark its truthfulness. If I had written it, there would be worms of critics who would at once swarm on it and would cover it with their own evil spawn. Had I written it, there would be men who would pull it to pieces at once and would perhaps be quite right to. But this is the Word of God. Come, search, ye critics, and find a flaw; examine it from its Genesis to its Revelation and find error.

This is a vein of pure gold, unalloyed by quartz or any earthly substance. This is a star without a speck, a sun without a blot, a light without darkness, a moon without paleness, a glory without dimness.

O Bible! It cannot be said of any other book that it is perfect and pure, but of Thee we can declare that all wisdom is gathered up in Thee without a particle of folly. This is the Judge that ends the strife where wit and reason fail. This is the book untainted by error but is pure, unalloyed, perfect truth. Why? Because God wrote it. Ah! Charge God with error if you please; tell Him that His Book is not what it ought to be.... Blessed Bible, Thou art all truth.

Charles H. Spurgeon

Unfortunately, especially in these last few generations, men must be wiser and much more knowledgable than those whom lived in Spurgeon's day, since they are able to detect error within God's Book and by letting Him know it isn't what it should be; thus, these Bible scholars have presented us with a vast array of new "bibles" in order for us to know in today's "modern society" the very words of God..... I think not!!!!!

John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Psalm 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

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

2 Tim. 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

What to Ask Myself Before I Teach (or Preach) the Bible

(This article was posted on an email list I subscribe to yesterday afternoon and was written by Jim Elliff. I appreciate his seriousness about the Word of God and staying true to the text at hand.)

The results of our teaching are entirely God's business. But it is our business to be as prepared as possible. This not only means that we must know our subject, but that we must be spiritually-minded and intentional. The following are questions to ask yourself before you teach others:

1. Have I prayed?
2. Do I consciously and desperately need the Spirit?
3. Do I believe that my hearers must hear what I have to say?
4. Am I attempting to live by the truths I am presenting?
5. Will my demeanor and words reflect the beauty and significance of the passage?
6. Do I believe God will change my listeners through what I will say?
7. In what principal way do I believe my hearers will be different because of this teaching?
8. How would this truth affect _____________, ___________, ____________ (put in names).
9. Am I saying what the passage says, or am I using the passage to justify saying what I want to say?
10. Will the most mature Christian be challenged and the least mature understand?
11. In what ways am I remembering all who may be present (i.e., children, singles, retired, those without Christian spouses, etc.)
12. Am I using vivid word pictures and helpful illustrations to make my teaching memorable and clear?
13. Is there anything I am planning to say that I should not say?
14. Am I passionate about this truth, and will my passion be evident to my listeners?
15. In what ways will I make Christ known (even from the Old Testament)?

James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

Also, remember that true believers are not interested in your cleverness, but rather your faithfulness. You will do them immense good if you will simply teach what the Bible says, as accurately and as clearly as possible. Do not try to steal the attention away from God.