The Scripturist

From one of our readers....

2008-03-19T17:34:00.004-04:00

Celebrating Three Years of Scripturist

Tell a friend about the SCRIPTURIST today.

A Scripturist Read writes.... Long way back, I read the evangelists posting on tithing. I was a bit hesitant because it seems to lump offerings and tithes together. Nevertheless I heeded his warnings and immediately changed our family's tithing habits. So now, we tithe to the church we attend. And we don't hoard the tithe in a savings account for months. We give it weekly. We never miss a service. Good things started happening in our walk with the Lord following this. So I'm thankful for the Scripturist's post on tithes. I do think this changed my outlook on a few things. He should know he made a positive difference in our lives and in the Kingdom of our Lord.

Read the post on tithing by clicking here

Praise God for His word and using flawed people like us to deliver his message of truth, repentance, righteousness, forgiveness, hope and joy.

Has the Scripturist been a blessing to you? Let us know how. Is there are way we could serve you better? Let us know how. Do you have a Bible question? Let us know.

scripturist@hotmail.com

Let the reader understand....

2008-03-11T05:55:00.001-04:00

Click on the Pic

Run to win the prize!

2008-02-04T18:15:00.000-05:00

You may disagree with me but I thought last weeks super bowl was one of the best in NFL history. Watching the Patriots get beat and watching Eli Manning join is brother in football immortality was almost as exciting as when the Colts won the super bowl. Did you see it?

Here’s what got me. They presented Eli with the keys to a brand new Cadillac Escalade. Now a loaded Escalade prices out at $69,515. I know that because I looked it up.

But did you notice Manning’s response? Exactly! There wasn’t one……at least not much of one. Not that he was rude. He acknowledged the gift but his mind was on a greater prize. He saw the Vince Lombardi trophy and the joy of being the Super bowl MVP. Besides with his salary and bonuses and his newly found advertising appeal….he could have a dozen Escalades if that’s what he wanted. Who cares about a free car when the real rewards are there for the taking?

Get the picture? You have an inheritance that the Holy Spirit guarantees. Why get wrapped up in the glitz of this world. Paul even makes an athletic distinction in Corinthians. Athletes compete for a perishable wreath but we an imperishable one. Who cares about earthly windfalls when eternal treasures are there for our inheritance?

1 Corinthains 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

-copied. This was sent to me by a Scripturist reader and I pass it on to you. If you missed the thrilling ending to the superbowl feel free to click on the pic and watch the game winning drive.

Can They Steal Your God?

2008-02-04T12:05:00.000-05:00

Tales of corruption, looting and religious rivalry are swirling around the spot where Buddha is said to have gained enlightenment in eastern India some 2,500 years ago, sullying one of Buddhism's holiest sites.

Priests and monks allege that thousands of dollars in temple donations have mysteriously vanished, that a thick branch of the ancient holy Bodhi tree was lopped off and sold in Thailand in 2006, and that ancient gold idols have disappeared.

Charges have been brought against the powerful former secretary of the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee, a Hindu, as well as the committee's former public relations officer and the former Buddhist chief priest of the temple.

Clad in white robes, the barefoot and bearded Brahmachari excitedly points out the spot where the branch was chopped off, as well as empty niches around the temple grounds where he says statuettes of Buddha stood until recently.

Can Your God Be Stolen?

We "enlightened" westerners often cast a condescending eye upon those who worship idols, mere objects created by man. We laugh at people worshiping creation rather than the creator. But in all our arrogance many westerners don’t realize our own forms of foolish idolatry. We laugh at the idea that someone could steal your God. We read the story of Laban in the book of Genesis and laugh at the idea that his own daughter stole his gods (Genesis 31:19). A god is no God that can be stolen.

But could someone stop us from worshiping by stealing some items from our church? I know a Christian church that has an old catholic Bible in the auditorium. One of their past preachers wanted to remove the catholic Bible because it had the extra inter-testamental books, but the elders were concerned that many of the older members would be upset because that Bible was donated by their ancestors to the church years ago. It was a sacred cow.

I have also seen a picture of Jesus worshiped. This picture of a blond haired blue eyed Jesus in a eastern meditation pose adorned the wall behind the pulpit since the 1950s through three different auditoriums. Once it was taken down for a Christmas play and some people threw a fit. No one dared consider the idea of removing it permanently. It was sacred to some. If they came to church and it was not there, they would not have been able to worship. God's men always destroy sacred cows. Moses did.

I have also seen this idolatry with music. If some young people go to a service and hear hymns rather than modern worship music, they can’t sing. They can’t worship. The style of worship has become their god. Likewise, I have heard traditionalist say when new worship songs were introduced, “When they took away my hymns, they took away my worship.” If you have to have a certain type of music to worship, isn’t the music style what you are worshiping rather than God?

Can someone steal your music like the Hindus stole the Buddhists idols? Can they steal your God?

I knew a church that sold their building to another congregation and built a new bigger building down the road. One lady refused to leave the old building. When the other congregation that didn’t even share her beliefs on core doctrines moved in the old building she stayed worshipped with them. Her father helped build that building and she went there all here life and she wasn’t leaving. The building was more important than what she believed, saving souls or who she fellowshipped with. The building was her god.

Could someone sell your God like this woman’s god was sold? What is the sacred cow at your church or in your life? Moses melted the golden calf and made those who worshipped it drink it to their own demise. Idolatry is a sin. For many in American their god is money. Greed is their god. Others worship pleasure. As the Bible says of these false teachers, their god is their stomach?

All of those gods can be stolen. But the one true God can’t be stolen. You can take away a building, a picture, pleasure or music but the true God will be worshipped by faith no matter what. You can take away possessions, homes, money or even lives, and true worshipers will worship in spirit and in truth. First, true worshipers love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Secondly they love their neighbor as themselves. They are not bound to buildings, pictures, music styles or money. They love God first and others second and themselves last. They love God and long to do His will. And they know his will is that they love others and lead them to salvation found only in him. Their loyalty is to God and His will not buildings, pictures, music styles, or money. The Christian has a Kingdom that cannot be stolen or taken away. The gates of Hell cannot prevail against it.

Hebrews 12: 26-29 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken— that is, created things— so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire."

Again I ask you, can someone steal your god?

The Storm Is Coming. Are You Ready?

2008-01-30T05:42:00.000-05:00

Years ago, a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast. He constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops.

As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received. A steady stream of refusals. Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. "Are you a good farm hand?" the farmer asked him. "Well, I can sleep when the wind blows," answered the little man.

Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help, Hired him. The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt satisfied with the man's work. Then one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand's sleeping quarters. He shook the little man and yelled, "Get up! A storm is coming!

Tie things down before they blow away!" The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, "No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows."

Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm. To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured. Everything was tied down.

Nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew.

Matthew 7:24-27 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

Put the words of Jesus into practice. That is wisdom. That is the only way to be ready for the inevitable storm. Will all you have built withstand the storm? Are you wise or foolish?

Luke 8:22-25 One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let’s go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we’re going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples.

Is you faith ready for the strom. Are you prepared for the stroms of life? Can you rest easy and sleep during the storm?

-Author Unknown

Who Should Ordain New Elders?

2008-01-01T10:10:00.000-05:00

Question: Our church just voted on putting in some new men as elders. Our preacher is going to ordain them. Is that biblical? When I was a boy our elders would ordain the elders. Which is right or does it matter?

Answer: The Bible clearly teaches that Evangelists (preachers) should ordain Elders. Here are the reasons your Preacher (Evangelist) should be the one ordaining your Elders.

1. Because that is what the Apostle Paul commanded Evangelists (preachers) to do:

Titus 1:5 “The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.”

1 Timothy 5:22 “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others.”

2. Because Evangelists and not Elders are the ones given the qualifications for Elders (see 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-8)

3. Because we don’t have any example of or command for Elders to ordain Elders.

4. Because Elders ordain Evangelists (Preachers) and Evangelists (Preachers) ordain Elders creating a checks and balance of mutual doctrinal accountability.

Titus 1:5 “The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.”

In 1 Timothy 4:14 Paul tells the young evangelist “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.”

5. Both Elders and Evangelists have the responsibility to hold the other mutually accountable to follow Biblical doctrine.

In Titus 1:9 the Elder is told that “He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.”

Timothy, the young evangelist is told rebuke a sinning elder publicly in 1 Timothy 5:19-20 it says, “Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning.”

The young evangelist, Timothy is also commanded by the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 1:3 “stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer.” And we know that Paul had prophesied to the elders at Ephesus years earlier that the false teachers would be some of the elders (see Acts 20:30). So Timothy was told to command some false teachers at Ephesus not to teach anymore and we know some of them were elders.

It is clear from scripture that…

Preachers are commanded in multiple places to ordain elders

Preachers are given the qualifications for Elders in multiple books

There is no example or command for Elders to ordain Elders

Elders ordain preachers and preachers ordain elders

There is to be mutual doctrinal accountability between elders and preachers creating a checks and balance against false doctrine.

Below are two objections I have heard to Evangelists ordaining Elders:

Objection #1
They say, “Yes, Titus is told to ordain elders but that was because they didn’t have any elders yet at the in those churches to do it. Once elders are in place, the elders not evangelists should ordain future elders.”

Answer:
Where is the scriptural command or principle written that would lead us to believe that once elders are in place they should do the things scripturally assigned to the preacher? If Elders are to take over one task assigned to preachers, why shouldn’t they take over all things assigned to the preacher to do? By this logic, there is no longer any need for preachers at all.

It is an assumption, that there were no elders in Crete. How do we know that Titus was not just ordaining more elders? There may not have been elders on Crete or there may have been. We don’t know. Insisting there were not any is an assumption.

If elders once in place are to be the ones who ordain new elders, then why is Timothy, the young evangelist told not to be quick to ordain elders (1 Timothy 5:22), when there were already elders at the church in Ephesus for at least a decade before Timothy came (Acts 20:17)? Churches with elders still need preachers.

Objection #2
They say, “The bible says in 1 Timothy 5:17 ‘The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.’ See, elders are to rule the church and therefore they should ordain new elders not the evangelist”

Answer:
The word translated “rule” in 1 Timothy 5:17 means “to stand firm before.” It does not mean to be Lord over. In fact elders are told NOT to “Lord it over” their fellow Christians. Elders should “stand firm before” others in teaching the Bible.

In Luke 22: 25-26 Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves."

1 Peter 5: 2-3 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers— not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

In the NASV the word translated “rule” in 1 Timothy 5:17 is used nine times in the New Testament and only translated “rule” in this one verse. It is never used of kings, government rulers, or slave masters. It is used of husbands toward wives, fathers toward children, church leaders toward members, individuals toward their own moral behavior, and of an inanimate object, rain (James 5:7). It means to “stand firm before” in teaching and preaching not to “Lord over” flock by assuming authority given to the preacher. It does not give Elders permission to set aside Biblical doctrine in order to ordain other Elders.

Send your questions to scripturist@hotmail.com

Top Ten Reasons We Know Santa Clause Is Evil

2007-12-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Top Ten Reasons We Know Santa Clause Is Evil
10. Uses Midgets as slave labor
9. Takes credit for all the gifts that parents really give
8. Was adapted from a pagan God called Joulupukki
7. He discriminates against Jewish and Muslim children
6. Ran over some goof ball singers grandma
5. Sees you when you are sleeping
4. Breaks into children’s houses at night
3. Greedily licensed his image out to thousands of commercials
2. Santa has the same letters as Satan
1. Causes Children to forget who the first six letters in Christmas are for

What is important this Christmas?

2007-12-19T10:59:00.000-05:00

Check out what Christmas should be about but isn't for far too many.

Agnostic Abarberist

2007-12-17T09:24:00.000-05:00

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects.

When they eventually touched on the subject of God the barber said: "I don't believe that God exists."

"Why do you say that?" asked the customer. "Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things."

The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: "You know what? Barbers do not exist."

"How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber. "I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!"

"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside." "Ah, but barbers DO exist! What happens, is people do not come to me."

"Exactly!"- affirmed the customer.. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! What happens, is, people don't go to Him and do not look for Him. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."

Nehemiah's Wall Found

2007-11-30T05:02:00.000-05:00

JERUSALEM (AP) - A wall mentioned in the Bible's Book of Nehemiah and long sought by archaeologists apparently has been found, an Israeli archaeologist says.

A team of archaeologists discovered the wall in Jerusalem's ancient City of David during a rescue attempt on a tower that was in danger of collapse, said Eilat Mazar, head of the Institute of Archaeology at the Shalem Center, a Jerusalem-based research and educational institute, and leader of the dig.

Artifacts including pottery shards and arrowheads found under the tower suggested that both the tower and the nearby wall are from the 5th century B.C., the time of Nehemiah, Mazar said this week. Scholars previously thought the wall dated to the Hasmonean period from about 142 B.C. to 37 B.C.

The findings suggest that the structure was actually part of the same city wall the Bible says Nehemiah rebuilt, Mazar said. The Book of Nehemiah gives a detailed description of construction of the walls, destroyed earlier by the Babylonians.

"We were amazed," she said, noting that the discovery was made at a time when many scholars argued that the wall did not exist.

"This was a great surprise. It was something we didn't plan," Mazar said.

The first phase of the dig, completed in 2005, uncovered what Mazar believes to be the remains of King David's palace, built by King Hiram of Tyre, and also mentioned in the Bible.

Ephraim Stern, professor emeritus of archaeology at Hebrew University and chairman of the state of Israel archaeological council, offered support for Mazar's claim.

"The material she showed me is from the Persian period," the period of Nehemiah, he said. "I can sign on the date of the material she found."

Warning: May be to graphic and creepy for small children.

2007-10-31T05:20:00.000-04:00

I always get this question every year so "Should I let my kids do Halloween?" So click on the creepy picture above to read what the Bible has to say about it. Or click here!

The Power of Christ

2007-10-08T05:56:00.000-04:00

Colossians 2:15 "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. "

Romans 6:20-22 "When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life."

Leave a comment at scripturist@hotmail.com

Do we have to give to the local church?

2007-10-06T05:04:00.000-04:00

Do we have to give our tithes to our local church or can we give it anywhere we want? I know members of our church who currently disagree with how our church leaders are spending funds so they are withholding their tithe or giving it elsewhere. I actually know members who are currently withholding their tithe until a time when they deem fit, saving it in a bank account to draw interest to give at a later date when all is "well" again or to their liking at church. Does the Bible have anything to say about that?

Those who preach the gospel to you have a right to support.

1 Corinthians 9:12-14 “If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. Don’t you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.”

How did those who worked in the temple make their living? They ate from the daily sacrifices and lived off the tithe of the people. Well this scripture teaches us that “in the same way” preachers are to make their living today. As Paul said “The worker deserves his wages.” When a man works full time at ministry he has a “right of support from you.” To deprive your minister(s) of that right by giving your tithe to some other group is wrong no matter how worthy the cause. What you give above the tithe is yours to give to whomever you like but from what I read you owe your local preacher(s) a living.

The tithe in the Old Covenant was for paying those who worked at ministry and for meeting the needs of the poor. We see the same exact use for offering money in the New Covenant. Ministry today is to be funded “in the same way.”

Galatians 6:6 “Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.”

You are not only to share with your instructor a little but in “all good things.” Is a nice home a good thing? Is a reliable newer car a good thing? Is health insurance a good thing? Do the majority of people in your church have those things? IF so than you should be sharing those good things with Him. You should pay him enough to share in all the good things you share in. Preachers should not make less money than the average person (but they do.) Churches can’t afford to pay preachers "all good things" because the priority is on fancy buildings, dozens of missionaries, family life centers, and because the average Christian gives 4% of their income not 10%. When we don’t tithe we are disobeying what God ordained for us to do to fund ministry. And we are robbing those who instruct us in the Word. We owe it to our church and its leaders to fund what they do for us and our families. Ministry should not be a means to great riches but they should be able to make what the average person in the community makes.

When and to whom should you give?

1 Corinthians 16:1-2 “Now about the collection for God’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.”

Notice Paul teaches a universal rule about offerings. He teaches the same thing everywhere. (See 1 Corinthians 4:17) Offering is to be given on the first day of EVERY week. You should give in proportion to how God has blessed you. If you made nothing and have nothing, than you give nothing. If you made a lot and have a lot you should give a lot. Notice we don’t give according to how much we think we need to keep but in proportion to how much we actually made.

We are commanded here to set aside as a group our monies and save them up as a group so that when the urgent need arises for the tithe it can quickly be sent without taking up a special offering. They New Testament never shows anyone saving the tithe up in their own bank account to give only when they want. It teaches that we should give it to the church each week.

What about when a church gives the money to something wrong?

2 John 1:9-11 “Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work.”

There were no motel 6’s “leaving the light on for you” in the first century. There were no Hotels only taverns and brothels. Most traveling ministers made their living by staying in Christians homes while in town preaching and eating their food. Then being given enough money and food to make it to the next town, they moved on and lived by the generosity of the next church. So in 2nd John he is telling them not to welcome in false teachers, support them or fund them. If you do than you share in their wicked work.

So some may say, “I don’t agree with what my church is doing so I am going to give my tithe else where.” That is fine if your church is sinning or teaching false doctrine. But if that is the case you should not even continue to attend there. To not tithe and fund a church but still attend there is a perfect example of being a hypocrite. If it is so bad you can’t fund it or if they are funding evil, than you should not attend church there but find another church which you can attend and fund in good conscience.

However, in most cases were people I have seen stop tithing it’s not over a doctrinal issue or a “thus saith the Lord” command but over matters of petty opinion. When I have seen tithes withheld it’s by petty people voting with their pocket book in some pathetic power play. They are too much of a coward to obey Matthew 18:15-17 and confront leaders with their sin. Instead they withhold money in an unchristian protest to try to manipulate their will upon the leaders. They don’t like the building program, or agree with the youth outreach, or the style of music so they disobey God and rebel against their leaders. Or they have some other petty difference which is not a matter of salvation they use as an excuse to not obey God and give their weekly tithe. This is divisive behavior and should be handled according to the instruction of Titus 3:10.

I even knew of one family so petty and unspiritual that they withheld their tithe because their preacher bought a new car from a car company other than the one this man worked for and so he stopped tithing. Now there is a real Biblical and doctrinal issue worthy of disobeying God's clear commands for! (Note the deep sarcasm)

The point is this….

Your church and preacher minister to you spiritually and you should at least help meet their financial needs. God has so ordained it. The tithe is to go to the funding of ministry and benevolence of the local church. What you give above and beyond 10% is up to you. Support what ever missionary or needy person you want, but give proportionally to your income to the church on the first day of every week. If the church is teaching false doctrine on a salvation issue or funding false doctrine, don’t just stop tithing but also stop going to that church. If you can’t fund it you shouldn’t attend it. If you attend it than you must fund it.

Questions? scripturist@hotmail.com

Who Will Judge You?

2007-09-30T05:21:00.000-04:00

The Day of Judgment seems to me to be a fairly important topic. When your mortal soul hangs in the balance and your eternal fate is up for decision, it seems to be a topic more people would want to pay attention to. When people go to court for a civil trial or criminal case they often want to know whom their judge will be. Which judge presides over their case can make all the difference in the out come of the trial. Also the Lawyers are very interested in jury selection because in our trial by piers system, a jury makes the actual judgment of guilt or innocence. So lawyers spend no small amount of effort in trying to get the jury they want. It can make all the difference.

Someday, on the Day of Judgment, when the secrets of our life are laid bare, who will be judging us? And equally important, how will we be judged? The Bible gives us a plain teaching on this. However, many people become confused by false teachers who twist God’s word to say something it doesn’t. But the best way to confront falsehood is to present all the facts. So who will judge us and by what standard will he judge? It can make a difference if we prepare to appease our judge and follow the standard he sets to avoid being found guilty.

All Judgment given to the Son

Surprisingly, God the Father will not be the one pronouncing our Judgment. John 5:22-30 “Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him. "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. "Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out-- those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.”

The Father has given the job of pronouncing judgment of all guilt to the Son, Jesus. It is God the Fathers desire that people honor Jesus with the same level of respect that they have for the Father and so he places all judgment in Jesus hands. The word translated “judge” here is the Greek word krinw (krino) meaning to pronounce an opinion concerning right and wrong or to pronounce judgment, or pass judgment on the deeds and words of others. So now we know who will be pronouncing judgment at our trial. It will be Jesus the Son of God.

Jesus has the authority to do this job because God the Father has placed everything under him. In Matthew 28:18 Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” That includes the authority to judge. God’s word also says in Philippians 2:9-11 “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Notice it is to God the Father’s glory and was the Father’s desire that we worship Jesus. Jesus is the mediator between God the Father and mankind.

But Jesus is not some rogue Judge saving us against the Fathers will. It was God the Fathers love that sent Jesus into this world. John 3:16 reminds us that, “For God so love the world He gave his only begotten son, that who ever believes in Him may not perish but have everlasting life.” Jesus is not acting alone or judging without the Fathers influence. Remember what Jesus said above in John 5, “By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.” The Father may not be the one pronouncing judgment but he did tell the one who will pronounce it what to pronounce. Jesus will pronounce only what he has heard from the Father and He will do it to please the Father. Remember Deuteronomy 6:4 which says, “Hear O Israel The LORD our God is one LORD.”

The Son, who will judge is the Word that became flesh

God said in Genesis 1:26, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” Who was he talking to? He was not talking to angels for they are not in his likeness nor are they equal to him. It was communication between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit who are separate persons but in another since one in person. You cannot separate the will, the character or divinity of these three manifestations of God. Further evidence of God being three and yet being one is John 1:1-4 which says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men.” So who is the Word? The Word is Jesus! John 1:14 explains, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the only begotten, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Jesus is the Word who became flesh. He is the embodiment of God’s revelation and the source of all creation. The word translated as “Word” in John chapter one is the Greek word logov logos. It is where we get our English word Logic from. The Word has the idea of spoken reason. One concordance says, “This term was familiar to the Jews and in their writings long before a Greek philosopher named Heraclitus used the term Logos around 600 B.C. to designate the divine reason or plan which coordinates a changing universe. This word was well suited to John's purpose in John 1.”

So we have learned that all judgment has been given to the Son of God who is also called the Word, or the “spoken divine reason.” So the judgment will come from Jesus who is the Word and is revealed to us by the Holy Spirit through the Word given by the apostles and prophets. In fact all we know and believe about Jesus only comes from the Bible or at least it should only come from the Bible, which is God’s written Word.

Faith comes from the Word, who is the Judge

Paul, by inspiration teaches us in Romans 10:17 that, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” The only way to get faith in Jesus is to hear the Word. There is no other way. You don’t pray for faith to be supernaturally rendered to your heart. You don’t find it in experiences or circumstance of life. You don’t find it in your own pathetic attempts at righteousness. No, the faith that saves only comes from one place and that is from the Word of Christ. What does this have to do with who will judge us on the last day and how we will be judged? Everything! If we are judged by Jesus, who is the Word in the flesh, and if we are saved by faith that only comes from the Word of Christ, it seems to me the Bible is suddenly very important component in what will determine our judgment on that great and final day when we stand before Jesus to give an account.

Without faith from the Word it is impossible to please God.

Ephesians 2:8 teaches “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” What is not from ourselves but is a gift? Faith? No faith is not a gift; the grace is the gift that is not from ourselves. God gives grace to those with faith. Just because you have faith does not mean you deserve grace. Faith does not earn grace. Nothing can be done to earn grace or it wouldn’t be grace anymore. But you can do something to accept grace. And that is put your faith in Jesus Christ. People who live by faith and act out their belief receive a grace they don’t deserve. But faith does not come by a supernatural experience where God puts it in you whether you like it or not. Faith only comes from accepting and putting into practice the Word of Christ as we just discovered above.

Without faith you are lost. Hebrews 11:6 makes it clear when it says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Do you believe in God based up on the Word of Christ and do you believe Christ will reward you when you seek to do his will as revealed in his faith building Word? Your Faith in the Word of Christ will determine how you are judged. The Bible is the standard by which Jesus will pronounce the judgment he has received from the Father just as he heard it.

The very Word of Jesus will judge

John 12:47-50 “As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say."

Jesus came to save mankind from their sins. Jesus said in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” So Jesus purpose in coming was not to judge but to save. However, there will be a day of judgment for those who would not accept the free gift of grace that the Father so lovingly offered by sacrificing the son for us. There will be condemnation for those who do not heed God’s Word. Jesus said, “There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day.” So the Bible and the Word of Jesus will judge mankind on the Day of Judgment. In other words, Judgment has been pronounced in advance. We already can see who is going to heaven. It will be people who put their faith in Christ and obey the gospel. Those who will be condemned are those who don’t put their faith in Jesus and thus cannot obey the gospel of Christ. So what you do with the Word determines your destiny and how you will be judged.

On the Day of Judgment I don’t believe that Jesus will have to saying anything new in judgment of sinful man other than quote scripture. I believe the statements of Jesus such as "Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41), or “Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 22:13) or “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:23) will do just fine. Notice who is condemned; people who are still under the curse of sin because they didn’t accept grace through faith are condemned. People did not use the gifts God had entrusted to them and people who Christ never came to know or have a relationship with through faith are cast out. All this can be avoided by learning God’s Word, which produces faith and the repentant life you need to “know” Christ and escape the curse of sin. 2Timothy 3:15 says “…you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” What you need is to know the judge and the standard by which he will judge in order to escape being condemned. The Judge is Jesus the standard by which He will proclaim judgment is the Word. To escape condemnation you need to know Christ by putting your faith in His Word.

One last point I wish to make about John 12:47-50 and the Word judging us. It means all the statements of the Bible are made and judgment is already pronounced. It means there are no exceptions to what the Bible says. If the Bible says, “Unless a man is born of the Water and the Spirit, He cannot enter the kingdom of Heaven” than that is just what it means. There will be no exceptions that the Bible does not already make because Christ is not going to judge beyond the Bible. The Word will judge us. It is the final say. It is the last Word. It is what God will do. There will be no changes to God’s Word or his judgment. It stands forever!

The books will be open on the Day of Judgment

Revelation 20:11-15 says, “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”

There is the book of life. A book which evidently contains the names of those who are saved. You want your name in that book. It is a list of those who by faith received grace when they obeyed the gospel. There also seems to be books that contain the history of what each of us has done with our life. This passage doesn’t explicitly say what all the books that will be opened will be. But I can’t help but believe one of them will be the Bible. Because Jesus taught the Word will pronounce that judgment. So I expect to see a Bible opened to judge mankind on that wonderful and terrible day of the Lord.

No wonder that Jesus, the judge left us these parting words in Revelation 22:18-21, “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.”

scripturist@hotmail.com

Does Fortune Favor The Prepared?

2007-09-20T05:31:00.000-04:00

Some believe that fortune favors the prepared. In other words, be prepared when circumstances provide opportunity. Christians don't believe in fortune. But we should believe in preparing ourselves.

I Peter 1:13 says, "Therefore, prepare your minds for action..."

A farmer prepares the land before the rain. He plants in dry ground before the rains. He sows seed in hope of a harvest. He prepares the ground and the seed for that which he cannot control. If he plants durning the rain... it's too late. He must sow before the summer rains come to feed the seed in the land he prepared. Then he will recieve a harvest. He has faith in God to send the rain and plants with hope for a harvest.

In the same way, we must prepare ourselves for the rains God will send. So prepare yourself. Pray for wisdom and boldness. Study the Word of God and learn His ways. Become familure with the scriptures. Know them. Feed on them. Follow them. Put each small part into practice. Discipline yourself.

1 Corinthians 11:31-32 says, "But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world."

If we would discipline ourselves to learn from God's Word, God would not have to discipline us in the school of hard knocks. Turn to God so he can bless you. Obey his command to prepare yourself for action.

Train yourself in the scriptures. Read the Bible daily. What do you want to train to do? Study it. Read books about what the Bible has to say about what you want to learn. Study being the spouce, parent or person you need to be. Seek God's will and you'll find it. Pray for wisdom and it will be given to you.

James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

You will do spiritual battle with satanic forces of evil in spiritual realms. Prepare yourself. Be prepared for temptation. Be prepared for persecution. Be prepared for hardship, hurt and suffering. Prepare to pick up your Cross and follow Jesus. Prepare for the opportunity God will send. Perpare yourself. Educate, trian, and equip yourself so when opportunity comes you are ready to tackle it.

You will open wide the flood gates of blessings and be able to handle the hard hits of suffering when you prepare yourself. Prepare for battle. Get your head in the game. Do your drills. Dicipline yourself. Work harder. Train longer. Invest in your future. Till your soil. Plant your seed. God will send the rain. Plant in hope of a harvest.

Galatians 6:8-9 says, "The one who sows to please his flesh, from that flesh will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

When Gods' blessings send the rains of opportunity will you be ready?

scripturist@hotmail.com

Did You Hear The Latest?

2007-09-19T05:42:00.000-04:00

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)

Didn't your mother tell you that if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all? Most Christians realize that gossip is a sin but I have found many people believe that gossip is only gossip when it’s untrue. Whereas, spreading false rumors is gossip so is spreading something bad about someone even when it’s true. Telling something to others which hurts the one you are speaking about is malicious and wrong whether the facts are true or not.

Sometimes we must share unpleasant things about people for their own good or the good of the church. Sometimes facts must become public. But usually that is not the case. According to the word of God we should only share that which is “helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Sharing someones sin publically should only be as a last resort when a person refuses to repent and must be put out of the church. That means 99.9% of telling about others sin needs to stop.

Spreading something that is true because it’s a “juicy” bit of information which you know will be hurting and humiliating others is a sin. However, I have found most gossip isn’t even true. Most of it is half-truth, a distortion of facts, or outright lies. So don’t get caught up in the, “Hey did you here what so-in-so did?” trap.

Proverbs 11:12-13 "A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret."

Tell a friend to read SCRIPTURIST.COM

2007-09-16T05:31:00.000-04:00

click on the pic to read something fun

IF YOU HAVE A BIBLE QUESTION OR A COMMENT ON ONE OF OUR POSTS PLEASE EMAIL US AT SCRIPTURIST@HOTMAIL.COM

What Are You Looking For?

2007-09-07T05:14:00.000-04:00

What are you looking for here? What makes you tick? What is motivating you to say what you say and do what you do?

What makes you get out of bed in the morning? What do you love the most? Where are your priorities? What makes you go to some people and walk away from others?

Why do people do what they do? It's all about what they put first.

For some what they put first is their fleshly desire: Their lusty hunger.

Philippians 3:18-19 says, "For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things."

Others put their family first. They will compromise their morals, their doctrine, their ethics, their standards and their point of view so as not to hurt their standing with their family. They bend to the will of evil if it comes from their family.

Matthew 10:37-39 says, "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

Still others long for material possessions. They turn Christianity into the latest self-help gimmick for the insatiable hunger of the gullibly greedy.

2 Peter 2:14 say of them "With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed—an accursed brood!"

But lust, pride and greed only lead to worry, conceit, and vanity. Ecclesiastes 6:7 says "All man's efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied." And Proverbs 27:20 says, Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are the eyes of man."

Matthew 6:31-33 says, "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

What are you seeking first?

Psalm 41 : Put Othes First & Trust In God To Take Care Of You

2007-07-13T05:25:00.000-04:00

Psalm 41 was written by King David as inspired by the Holy Spirit. Some believe it is merely about David. Others believe it gives us a prophetic foreshaddow at the perspective of Jesus. Notice especially the verses about a close friend who shared bread with him while betraying him.

Psalm 41:1-3 Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. 2 The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. 3 The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness.

If we put others first and are selfless, God will meet our needs in times of trouble. Satan attacks in many ways. With trouble, trials, sickness and betrayal. He often dumps a bunch of things on us at once. But we can't focus on ourselves. We must focus on God's will which is to help the weak. For if we help others, we will be helped in our time of sickness, weakness, or trouble. If we lose our life for his sake we'll find it. If we give up our life for others he will restore ours. Who are the weak? Is it not the lost souls who are in need of grace and salvation? Our churches should focus on meeting the needs of the weak and then God will meet our needs. Churches should focus on visiting the sick in rather than programs for their own entertainment. If we put the weak first then He will protect us and preserve our life.

Psalm 41:4-8 I said, "O LORD, have mercy on me; heal me, for I have sinned against you." 5 My enemies say of me in malice, "When will he die and his name perish?" 6 Whenever one comes to see me, he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander; then he goes out and spreads it abroad. 7 All my enemies whisper together against me; they imagine the worst for me, saying, 8 "A vile disease has beset him; he will never get up from the place where he lies."

David was always seeking God's grace. People regularly betrayed David. His friends, his children, his wife, his brothers, his king, his advisors, and his general. When you do what is right people will seek your down fall. When you do what it wrong you will bring your down fall. David saught deliverance from both. Even if you never sin, and you will, you will need delivered because, Jesus was perfect and He was still attacked. God's mercy is our only hope.

Psalm 41:9-13 Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. 10 But you, O LORD, have mercy on me; raise me up, that I may repay them. 11 I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. 12 In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. 13 Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.

A close friends betrayal is the worst. An enemies you can expect, but when your friends betray you the pain is overwhelming.

David wrote in Psalm 55:12-14 "If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him. 13 But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, 14 with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God. "

Now read the passage below which tells the story of Judas.

John 13:21-26 After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, "I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me." 22His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. 23One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. 24Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, "Ask him which one he means." 25 Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, "Lord, who is it?" 26 Jesus answered, "It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish." Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon."

But the promise of God is your enemy will not triumph over you. They did not triumph over David. They did not triumph over Jesus. They did not triumph over the apostles. And your friends who betray you will not triumph over you. Your heart will be comforted, your soul saved, your body restored, your spirit renewed and your tears wiped away.

Send comments to scripturist@hotmail.com

Two Books With Ideas To Turn Your Church Around

2007-06-30T05:14:00.000-04:00

If your church is in decline and you feel that it has lost sight of God's purpose then these two books are for you. Once again, I don't agree with everything in the books due to their denominational slant. But these books lay out the universal problem and the Biblical solution to the decline of the church.

The first book is Comeback Churches: How 300 Churches Turned Around and Yours Can, Too

Research shows that over time, most churches plateau and then eventually decline. Typically, they start strong and experience periods of growth, then stagnate and lose members.

Since 1991, the North American population has increased by 15 percent while the number of “unchurched” people has increased by 92 percent. Large church houses that were filled in the 1950s and ‘60s now hold a fraction of their capacity.

To counter this trend, authors Ed Stetzer and Mike Dodson surveyed 300 churches from across ten different denominations that recently achieved healthy evangelistic growth after a significant season of decline. What they have discovered is an exciting method of congregation reinvigoration that is shared in the new book entitled Comeback Churches.

The Second book is BreakOut Churches Discover How To Make The Leap

Thom Rainer believes that it is sinful for churches to settle for being good when God has called them to be great. In Breakout Churches Thom will show you how thirteen congregations were able to move from a place of internal conflict and spiritual stagnation to a place of spiritual health and overwhelming evangelistic effectiveness. Take this opportunity to learn how you can help lead your church towards a God glorifying breakout!

LIKE A SPURGEON

2007-06-20T15:08:00.000-04:00

"The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men's brains proves that he has no brains of his own." - Charles Haddon Spurgeon

I want to encourage you to be a reader. I am not the type to read for pleasure. I don't enjoy sitting down with a good mystery, thriller or western. I don’t' like curling up with a good book by the fire. I don't read for entertainment very often. I prefer movies like most people. I have enjoyed reading the Chronicles of Narnia as a child but other than a few books I was required to read in school, I never read much fiction. It's hard to read and eat popcorn at the same time!

But I am a curious person. And I do have a deep love for God and long to understand his will. As the deer pants for water so my soul longs after God. To know him is the apex of human existence. To know his thoughts are to unravel the mystery of human life. Therefore, I study the Scriptures daily to see that which is true. I read commentaries, Christian books, philosophy, history, and daily news. I read and read and read. Not for the mere joy of reading but because of my lust for knowledge.

I love to read maxims, quotes, proverbs and wise sayings. I love books on science, history and apologetics. I love to read biographies of great people and human interest stories to compare this modern world and the lessons it teaches with the wisdom of the ancient scripture. It's fun to see how the wisdom of a book written between 3500 and 2000 years ago still rings true in the mess of this modern world.

King David was a reader. He wrote in Psalm 119: 99-100 "I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts." Read it. Meditate on it. Obey it. When put into practice, scripture will make you wise. Jesus said in Matthew 7:24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."

Proverbs 20:18 says, "Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance. " If we are to be wise and accomplish anything lasting we must be readers who seek advice. We must seek advice. We must read and understand from many sources to have the perspective to see truth. Proverbs 24:6 says, "for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers."

How many plans have failed because people rushed in with haste without seeking advice? They fail because they never turned to the authority of God's Word. How many people have listened only to limited advice and lost sight of God's will? Even bad advice can make good advice more clear. Wisdom listens to all sides of matter in order to discover the truth. Proverbs 15:22 says, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."

Stand on the shoulders of others wisdom and you will see father yourself. By standing on a stack of books you will have the knowledge of others to see father than your limited knowledge would allow. But becareful. Listen to all sides. Don't be hasty and miss the way. Listen to many advisers. Read many books. Take the time to sharpen your saw. Take the time and open your mind. Seek wisdom.

Proverbs 15:14 "The discerning heart seeks knowledge"

Wish things were more simple? They can be!

2007-06-14T05:44:00.000-04:00

I have read and been encouraged by the book Simple Church.

Obviously due to my non-denominational beliefs I don't agree with every little thing in this book but over all it gives a compelling case for returning to the simplicity of New Testament methods.

If you are like me and believe the book of Acts is a how-to guide to imitate and not a mere historical account to ignore as you do your own thing, then this book will truly speak to you.

I for one am tired of playing church and never fulfilling the mission Christ gave us. I am tired of outdated programs that never really worked in the first place. I am tired of the latest gimmicks that always fall flat. I am tired of inward-focused church programming that never wins souls or matures saints. Modern church tradition is way too much to do right and with no real point. I want to go back to simple Christianity. Click on the pic.

Seize the Mothersday!

2007-05-12T04:48:00.000-04:00

I was remembering back to the fourth grade when my grandmother passed away. I remember her telling me shortly before she died that Jesus loved me. She knew her time was short due to her cancer and what she said to me that day would stay with me forever.... So she said to remember that Jesus loved me.

Of all that was important to her to leave with me, that was what she chose. What do you want to leave with those you love? You never know when tragedy will steal someone away from you. You never know when your words will be your last. What will you leave in the hearts of those dear to you? Will it be joy, gratitude and love?

For many, our parents are not spring chickens anymore. What do you want your mother to leave this world feeling? Does she know you love her? Does she know you care? Does she know how thankful you are for all she did to give you life and help you grow? Does she know? Has she been thanked?

Psalms 89:47 says, "Remember how fleeting is my life." and Psalms 144:4 says, "Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow." You do not have forever to tell your mom how much she means to you. Take this day to share you love with her.

Proverbs 31:30-31 "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

Take time this Mothers day to say thank you. Priase her in the city gates. Tell others how much she means to you. Don't let this moment pass you by without loving on your mom. Don't you want her to feel loved?

For more on Mothersday go to one of the links below

Listen to your mother

A Good Mom Is Like A Tree Planted By A River

Dedicate One To The Ladies

When you don't understand what God is doing...

2007-05-11T05:54:00.000-04:00

When life doesn't make sense and you don't understand what God is up to. Remember to never stop trusting.

It's darkest before the dawn and he always comes to his own. In your fear, sin not. In your anger, sin not. In your confusion, sin not. In your grief, sin not. In your bitter anguish, sin not. HOLD ON! He is coming.

He will be your protection. He will be your justice. He will be your solution. He will be your comfort. He will be your sweet reward. Fear not. When nothing can be done and it's out of your hands, place it in his. Call up on the name of the Lord.

Trust him. Be still and know that he is God. He will guide you and when the time is right lead you out of the valley and the shadow of death in paths of righteousness for his Name's sake. To his Glory the day of his jubilant surprise is coming. All will see it and be in awe.

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

King Herod's tomb may have been found

2007-05-08T06:48:00.000-04:00

The Bible is written in historical context about actual people and places. An Israeli archaeologist on Tuesday (May 8th, 2007) said he has found remnants of the tomb of King Herod, the legendary builder of ancient Jerusalem, on a flattened hilltop in the Judean Desert where the biblical monarch built a palace.

There were three king Herods mentioned in the Bible. A Grandfather, father and son who ruled from the time of Jesus birth until some years after he raised from the dead. This tomb is from the last of the three Herods who became ruler of the Holy Land under the Romans around 40 B.C.

Stephen Pfann, an expert in the Second Temple period at the University of the Holy Land, called the find a "major discovery by all means," but cautioned further research is needed. He said all signs indicate the tomb belongs to Herod, but said ruins with an inscription on it were needed for full verification.

This reminds me of when they found ‘Goliath’ inscribed on pottery from the time of King David. Again and again the people and places of the Bible are proven correct by archaeology. The Bible talks about real people in real places and real events.

There are no historical, archaeological, scientific, or geographic reasons to not believe the account of the Bible as history.Where we can check it, it's always right. Click here to finid out why skeptics don't believe the Bible.