Salt Light and Truth

Christmas - The Birth of Christ Is The Most Important Day In History

2011-12-16T10:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas

Christmas is the day that Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. No on really knows when he was born, though there is much speculation on the issue. But, December 25^th is the day most Christians remember his birth. The fact is that even the enemies of Christianity claimed that Christ lived, and that he performed miracles! Early Jewish documents such as the Mishnah and even Josephus, as well as first-century Gentile historians such as Thallus, Serapion, and Tacitus, all testify that the one called Christ lived in Palestine and died under Pontius Pilate. As the British scholar, F. F. Bruce put it, “The historicity of Christ is as [certain]. . . as the historicity of Julius Caesar” (NT Documents, 119).

My point is this: since Jesus lived, then Jesus was born! The Gospel of Matthew tell us that his birth was shortly before Herod the Great died (Matthew 2:19). Herod's death can be fixed with certainty. Josephus records an eclipse of the moon just before Herod passed on. This occurred on March 12th or 13th in 4 B.C. Josephus also tells us that Herod expired just before Passover. This feast took place on April 11th, in the same year, 4 B.C. From other details supplied by Josephus, we can pinpoint Herod the Great's demise as occurring between March 29th and April 4th in 4 B.C.

Likely it sounds strange to suggest that Jesus Christ was born no later than 4 B.C. since B.C. means before Christ. But our modern calendar which splits time between B.C. and A.D. was not invented until A.D. 525. At that time, Pope John I asked a monk named Dionysius to prepare a standardized calendar for the western Church. Unfortunately, poor Dionysius missed the real B.C./A.D. division by at least four years!

Matthew tells us that Herod killed Bethlehem's babies two years old and under. The earliest Jesus could have been born, therefore, is 6 B.C. Through a variety of other time indicators, we can be relatively confident that the Messiah was born in either late 5 or early 4 B.C.

The birth of Christ is the most important events in human history. So important in fact, that the timeline of history is divided by it - B.C. abbreviated for “Before Christ” and A.D. abbreviated for the two Latin words Anno Domini (meaning in the year of our Lord). This was no ordinary birth and it changed human history forever. Even a complete skeptic like H.G. Wells, a professional historian and science fiction writer who made no profession of Christianity, admitted in his Outline of History, “More than 1900 years later, a historian like myself, who doesn’t even call himself a Christian, finds the picture [of history] centering irresistibly around the life and character of this most significant man.…” The True Celebration of Christmas focuses the birth of Emmanuel (God with us). You can read about all the related facts surrounding the Savior’s birth in the Gospels of Matthew (1:18-2:11) and Luke (1:26-56, 67-75, 2:4-40). But what was the purpose of Christ’s birth? We read in 1 John 4:14 “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.” Why do we need a Savior? The birth of Christ was necessary because all people are lost sinners (Romans 3:23). God gave His Son Jesus a body so that so that he could pay for our sins by offering of His own body (Hebrews 10:5 & 10; 1 Peter 2:24; Colossians 2:13-14). If you have never received Jesus Christ as your Savior, do it today! “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23.

The Obsession With Greenness? We Were Green & Did Not Even Realize It!

2011-08-04T10:22:00.000-07:00

A friend sent me this the other day. I found it very interesting in light of the obsession with "Greenness" in this current generation! Hmm! We were "green" and did not even realize it!

This reminded me that my generation was not as irresponsible as everyone today seems to think we were in many ways. I liked the article.

In the line at the store, the cashier told an older woman that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren't good for the environment. The woman apologized to him and explained, "We didn't have the green thing back in my day." The clerk responded, "That's our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment."

He was right -- our generation didn't have the green thing in its day. Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled.

But we didn't have the green thing back in our day. We walked up stairs, because we didn't have an escalator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks.

Back then, we washed the baby's diapers because we didn't have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts -- wind and solar power really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing.
Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the state of Montana.
In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't have electric machines to do everything for us.

When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used a wadded up old newspaper to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.

Back then, we didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working so we didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.

We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water.

We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.

People took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service.

We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn't need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.

But isn't it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn't have the green thing back then.

Have You Been Converted?

2011-07-23T19:48:00.000-07:00

Have You Been Converted?

by Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D.

First Baptist Church of Oak Creek Wisconsin

http://www.firstbaptistchurchoc.org/ www.sermonaudio.com/fbcocEmail - FirstBaptistChurchOC@gmail.com

Conversion.07242011

I want to ask you a very important question that has Eternal ramifications. Have YOU been converted? “Salvation begins with conversion--that turning from doubt, sin, self, Satan, and turning toward God, Christ and righteousness.” (The Victor Bible Source Book, Stephen D. Swihart, Victor Books, p.116). Merrill C. Tenney writes, “In the process of salvation, it (conversion) is the first step in the transition from sin to God.” (Handy Dictionary of the Bible, Merril C. Tenney, Zondervan Publishers, p. 37). The goal of this message is to help you understand the nature of conversion so you can be sure you have been converted.

ÖTHE NEED & DEFINITION OF CONVERSION

Christ told people very clearly that they needed to be converted. Matthew 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Peter preached, Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; Acts 3:19

What is conversion? “Conversion is that voluntary change in the mind of the sinner, in which he turns, on the one hand, from sin, and on the other hand, to Christ. The former or negative element in conversion, namely, the turning from sin, we denominate (call) repentance. The latter or positive element in conversion, namely, the turning to Christ, we denominate faith.” (Systematic Theology by Augustus Hopkins Strong; Judson Press, p. 829)

The Greek word translated converted in Matthew 18:3 is strafhte (strepho, stref'-o; 4762). It is from the root word that means to twist, turn around or reverse. The term conversion refers to the human response to the Gospel. Strong’s Concordance says, “Conversion is that voluntary change in the mind of the sinner, in which he turns, on one hand, from sin, and on the other hand, to Christ.” It is turning from sin, self, Satan, and the world and turning to Christ and His righteousness. “Conversion requires the commitment of the total personality, intellect, emotion, and will. This is how people respond to the message of the gospel, when they understand the nature of Christ’s atonement, when they feel the guilt of conviction, love of God, and surrender their wills to the offer of salvation. The result of conversion is the changed life.” (The King James Study Bible, Nelson, p. 1741)

ÖTHERE ARE TWO ELEMENTS IN CONVERSION:

REPENTANCE & FAITH

· REPENTANCE

üRepentance Defined

“Repentance is that voluntary change in the mind of the sinner in which he turns from sin. Being essentially a change of mind, it involves a change of view, a change of feeling, and a change in purpose.” (Systematic Theology by Augustus Hopkins Strong; Judson Press, p. 832)

üBiblical Support For Repentance

No one can be saved who does not repent -- The Bible makes it clear repentance is a part of salvation. We are told that God is "longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" 2 Peter 3:9

ûRepentance was preached by John the Baptist -- Matthew 3:1-2 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

ûRepentance was preached by Christ -- Luke 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. And -- Luke 13:3&5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Christ's goal in dealing with men was to bring them to repentance. Christ confronted men with their sinfulness and their need to turn from their sinfulness. No one can be saved who does not see themselves as lost sinners and repent of their sins.

ûRepentance was preached by the Apostles -- Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

There is no Bible example of a person being saved who did not evidence a drastic change in his or her life. Further, the Apostle Paul, reviewing his ministry before King Agrippa, noted that he went about preaching to Jews and Gentiles both "that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance" Acts 26:20.

3 Areas Involved In Repentance

üThe Intellect (our mind) -- Repentance includes an acknowledgment of personal sin or guiltiness before God. Matthew 3:8 indicates this when it says, Bring forth therefore fruits meet (suitable) for repentance. King David of old illustrates this acknowledgment of personal guilt. Psalms 51:3-4 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Job gives us an Old Testament illustration of one that was truly repentant. Job 42:6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. There is no doubt about this man realizing his guiltiness before an Holy God.

üThe Emotions -- Repentance includes a deep sense of sorrow for the transgression committed against God. This is noted by the Apostle Paul in his letter -- 2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. The Greek translated sorrow is luph (3077. lupe, loo'-pay) which means to cause grief; sadness, grief, grievous, + grudgingly, or heaviness.

üThe Will -- Repentance includes the positive determination to change in thought, in speech and in action. Jeremiah 25:5 illustrates this aspect of repentance of will -- They said, Turn ye again now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that the LORD hath given unto you and to your fathers for ever and ever. Again, King David shows his change in will in Psalms 51:10 when he says, Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

· FAITH

üFaith Defined

“Faith is that voluntary change in the mind of the sinner in which he turns to Christ.” (Systematic Theology by Augustus Hopkins Strong; Judson Press, p. 836). It is important to point out that “repentance never saved a soul by its merits; it lays the needful foundation for the temple of faith in the heart. But all the penitential sorrows of Adam's family would not remove one faint stain of sin. If a man borrowed five thousand dollars, for which he gave security, and squandered it most foolishly, and afterwards, filled with true repentance, he solicited and expected the forgiveness of the debt because he was sorry for it, the spendthrift would only meet with contempt in his application; his sureties would have to pay the money. Faith alone in the Crucified cleanses from all sin, and repentance is God's instrumentality for leading the sinner to the Lamb of God, the Great Remover of sin” (Cathcart).

Ø The Greek Word & Expanded Meaning

The Greek word translated faith is pistewV (pistis, pis'-tis; 4102). Faith means that which is believed or that which you are persuaded of. The Bible make it clear that it is impossible to please God without it. Hebrews 11:6 says, But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. A companion word, from the same Greek root is the word pisteuson (pisteuo, pist-yoo'-o; 4100) which means to trust, have faith in, to be persuaded of a thing or believe. This is the word used in John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

A Look At The 3 Aspects of Faith

üThe Intellect -- There must be knowledge of the facts of the Gospel and a recognition of the truth of those facts. Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. No one can be saved without having the Gospel (the death, burial and resurrection of Christ) communicated to them. They must read it or hear it and recognize it as true. (Romans 10:13-16). But, this intellectual assent as to the historical facts and truth of those facts does not alone yield saving faith. John 2:23-24 illustrates this intellectual, non-saving faith -- Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. 24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men...”

Nicodemus comes to Christ by night with this kind of faith -- John 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

Though there must be an intellectual understanding and belief in the facts of the Gospel there must be more than that.

üThe Emotion -- There must be an acknowledge (admitting) that Christ alone is the answer to the present need of their sinful soul. I like the way Bancroft puts it -- “There must be a heart response to Him as my Saviour which springs from the sense of realized need and deep seated desire.” (Elemental Theology; Emery H. Bancroft; p. 211). The Apostle Paul put it this way -- Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Note: If there is no recognition of the deep personal need for Christ’s Salvation, there is no salvation.

üThe Will -- There must be the consent of your will, a volitional (deliberate) choice for Christ. One writer put it like this -- “Faith not only recieves the word of Christ, it reaches out and lays hold upon the person of Christ.” (Elemental Theology; Emery H. Bancroft; p. 211)

Davis says, “There is a volitional element in faith. There must be a will to believe. Hence faith involves not mere passive acquiescence in the truth, but an active response to the demands of truth. Faith is stepping out on the promises of God.” (Elemental Theology; Emery H. Bancroft; p. 211). John 1:12 shows the volitional aspect of faith -- But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Biblical faith involves not one or two of the above elements but all of them... your intellect, your emotions and your will!

In conclusion, conversion involves repentance and faith. In the last analysis repentance and faith are one and the same act. This is seen in 1 Thess 1:9 “Ye turned to God from idols”. Repentance is included in believing. I want you to know that repentance is not faith, nor faith repentance. But repentance is an essential part of faith or belief. “He that believeth...” implies repentance. “Repent and be converted...” involves faith. In fact, repentance and faith can never be separated as we see in Acts 20:21 --“Repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Have you been converted? Have you repented of your sins and believed on the Lord Jesus Christ?

The Rapture Will Come, But In God's Time!

2011-05-21T18:11:00.000-07:00

The Rapture Will Come But In God’s Time!

by Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D.

First Baptist Church of Oak Creek Wisconsin

www.FirstBaptistChurchOC.org www.sermonaudio.com/fbcoc

Blog - http://SaltLightTruth.blogspot.com Twitter – www.twitter.com/drdavidlbrown

Facebook –www.facebook.com/DrDavid.Brown

Email - FirstBaptistChurchOC@gmail.com

Harold Camping.05222011

· Introduction

The RAPTURE is the next event on God’s prophetic calendar. It is imminent, which means, it could happen any time. No prophecies have to be fulfilled before the Rapture can take place. I long for the Rapture of Church Age believers. But, it has grieved me to see people make fun of the Rapture and God’s coming judgment on unbelieving people because of the bogus predictions of false prophet Harold Camping. We are seeing 2 Peter 3:2-4 come to pass - “That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: 3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.”

The Rapture WILL happen in God’s timing! Not Harold Campings. God WILL judge the Christ rejecters and unbelieving scoffers. We read in Jude 1:14-18 “And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. 16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. 17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.”

· Definition of Terms

Before I go any further, I want to define some words, so we are on the “same page” so to speak.

By definition The Rapture is the ‘catching away’ of Church Age believers in Jesus, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, thereby fulfilling His promise that the Church was not appointed to wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10), and completing the age of the Church.

Lets look at these Scripture passages: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.”

So, what is the “Church Age” also called the “Age of Grace,” or as Ephesians 3:2 calls it, “…the dispensation of the grace of God.” John F. Walvoord says, “most expositors agree that the New Testament Church in some sense began on the Day of Pentecost.” Dwight J. Pentecost says, “After the day of Pentecost and until the rapture we find the church which is His body…After the rapture we find no church….” So to clarify then, we believe the Church Age began at Pentecost, in Acts 2, and will conclude with the Rapture of genuine believers.

It certainly is my pray, “even so come Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20). I want the Rapture to come today, and it could, or it may not come for another 100 years. But it WILL come in God’s time. Peter wrote – “The Lord is not slack [slow, tardy, delayed] concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night…” 2 Peter 3:9-10b.

The fact is, that the end time events that begin with the Rapture will come unexpectedly. Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:2 “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.”

However, there have always been those who are intent on setting dates for the Rapture of the Lord, despite of the fact that our Lord clearly says you could not know the date.

Matthew 24:36 “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”

Mark 13:32 “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.”

Let me give you several examples of those who will not accept “NO” for an answer, and who think they do an end run around God and figure out the date. I was in Battle Creek Michigan about a week ago. There is an historic cemetery there. Battle Creek was a haven for the Seventh Day Adventists. James and Ellen White are buried there, the co-founders of that movement. This group was founded as a result of setting dates for the Lord’s return. Let me give you a brief historical sketch.

A Vermont farmer by the name of William Miller who developed a theory in the 1820′s, based on Daniel 8:14 that Jesus would return to the earth on March 21, 1844. The verse reads – “And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed."

Miller converted the days into years. He assumed the prophecy was given in 457 B.C. then calculated that Jesus would return 2,300 years later, on March 21, 1844. Further, he interpreted the “cleansing of the sanctuary” to refer to the purging of the earth by fire at the Second Coming of Jesus!

Miller’s date came and passed without any sign of the Lord’s return. He recalculated and set the new date for October 22, 1844. But, when nothing happened on this second date, most of Miller’s followers became totally disillusioned and abandoned him. The whole experience was dubbed “The Great Disappointment.” Miller died in disgrace four years later in 1849.

But that was not to be the end of the matter. One small group of Miller’s followers in New England decided that he had not been wrong after all. Led by a young so-called prophetess named Ellen G. White, they began to teach that on October 22, 1844, Jesus had returned invisibly and had entered the Holy of Holies in Heaven to begin an “investigative judgment” of the works of every person who has ever lived in order to determine their fitness for Heaven. They further taught that the reason Jesus did not return to the earth on the October date was because of the Church’s failure to observe the Jewish Sabbath. Worshipping on Sunday was considered The Mark of The Beast. They asserted that he would soon return Thus they founded what is known today known as The Seventh Day Adventists.

Another group also tried to hold to the 1844 date. It was led by Jonas Swendahl and was known as the Second Adventists. They believed that 1844 did not mark the date of Jesus' return, but of the beginning of the last generation, which would be 30 years long. Swendahl taught that Jesus would therefore return in 1874.

One of Swendahl's followers was a former Presbyterian named Charles Taze Russell. When 1874 came and went, he concluded 30 years was not long enough for a generation. So he added 70 years to 1844 and concluded that Jesus would return in 1914. This and other differences led him to split from the Second Adventists and launch Zion's Watchtower and Herald of Christ's Presence. His followers became known as the International Bible Students, and they went about the country with the message, “Millions now living will never die!” Followers were to leave their churches and fellowship together. All churches were considered apostate, but God had provided a new channel for their instruction, Zion's Watchtower Tract Society. What began as the International Bible Students has become the Jehovah's Witnesses. The date of 1914 was changed to 1925, 1941, and 1975. What began as calling Christians out of their churches to prepare for Christ's return has become an anti-Christian cult. I believe we are seeing a rerun of what has happened before.

Harold Camping follows the line of false teachers who think they can out smart God. He was trained as an engineer and he loves numbers. He “plays” with them constantly, giving them meanings that will support his off-the-wall interpretations.

Here are just a few of his hair-brained calculations & teachings –

· The Church Age ended on May 21, 1988 and the Tribulation began that day.

· Between May 21, 1988 and September 6, 1994, the first six years of the Tribulation, almost no one was saved.

· On September 6, 1994, God began to pour out His Spirit. This will result in a great end time harvest of souls during the last years of the Tribulation.

· Since the Tribulation will last 8,400 days or 23 years, dating from May 21, 1988, the Rapture will occur on May 21, 2011.

· Those left behind will be judged by Jesus for a period of five months, until October 21, 2011, at which time the world will come to an end.

· Harold Camping teaches that the Holy Spirit is no longer working in the church.

· Harold Camping teaches that EVERY church in the world is apostate.

These teachings raise a lot of questions, the most important being, “How did Camping arrive at the date of May 21, 1988 as the end of the Church Age?”

The answer is absolutely bizarre! He begins his explanation by claiming that the first Jubilee Year after the re-establishment of Israel in 1948 was 1994. Then he says that because the last part of the Tribulation is identified with a great multitude to be saved (Revelation 7), the last part of the Tribulation must have begun in 1994, since it was the first Jubilee Year since the re-establishment of Israel in 1948. He goes on to explain that because the first part of the Tribulation must be identified with the 2,300 days of Daniel, the Tribulation must have begun 2,300 days earlier, which would place it in 1988. AND, since the Church was established on the Day of Pentecost, the end of the Church Age must have occurred on the day before Pentecost, which in 1988 was May 21.

Are you confused yet? I certainly am, but there is one more thing I want to share.

“How did Camping come up with the date of May 21, 2011 for the Rapture?” Here is the trick the master magician used to come up with the date. He dogmatically claims that since the Tribulation lasts 23 years, the Rapture will occur on May 21, 2011, because that is 23 years after the Tribulation began on May 21, 1988. I can not figure out how he arrived at 23 years for the length of the Tribulation when both Daniel and Revelation make it clear that the Tribulation will last 7 years. I’m sure his answer is in his writing, or at least his head somewhere, but I can not find it.

To be honest, his writings are so obtuse that are like chasing a skunk in a labyrinth with no way out. This convinces many people that he must be a profound thinker and a genius. He must have received these revelations from God, because they do not make sense to the average person.

I believe Harold Camping is a False Prophet. He is being used as a tool of Satan just like the false teachers of the past. By substituting the false, he is conditioning people to be skeptical of the true teaching of the End Times. As Paul wrote - “…let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings….” Romans 3:4

False Prophet Harold Camping

2011-05-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

Modern self-proclaimed prophet Harold Camping, the 89-year-old California radio station has proved once again that is a FALES PROPHET, predicting the rapture of the Church on May 21, 2011 and the destruction of the world (final judgment) on October 21, 2011. Camping predicted the end in 1994.

I remind you of what the Bible says - Matthew 25:13 “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” Also, note Mark 13:30-32 “Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. 31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.”

The truth is, the Rapture is imminent (could happen at any time). 1 John 3:3 says, “…every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”

His false teaching on the Rapture and the end of the world is not his only problem. He teaches a false salvation and tells his followers that all churches are corrupt and totally ignores Hebrews 10:25 “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

Camping is a false prophet! Steer clear of his false teachings. If you listen to Family Life Radio, beware of his teachings, in fact do not listen to them at all. Deuteronomy 18:22 says, “When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.” Camping has spoken presumptuously! He his deceived his followers. May their eyes be opened to this man’s lies!

We need to keep on keeping on for the Lord. Two Scriptures come to mind - Romans 13:12 “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” Ephesians 5:15-16 “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

Our Suffering Yet Victorious Savior

2011-04-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

Our Suffering Yet Victorious Savior

by Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D.

First Baptist Church of Oak Creek Wisconsin

www.FirstBaptistChurchOC.org www.sermonaudio.com/fbcoc

Arose2011R.041501042411

Text: Isaiah 53:5-11

Today we remember the most important event in Christianity, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the day Christ arose victorious from the dead. When Christ revealed himself to the Apostle John on the Isle of Patmos He said, “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelation 1:18. Hallelujah, we have a Savior who is ALIVE! We have a Savior who making intercession for us today before God (Romans 8:34)! Hallelujah! However, I remind you that before our Lord’s Victorious Resurrection, there was an enormous amount of suffering that he went thru. In this message, we are going to consider the sacred symbols associated with our Savior’s suffering and then look at the symbol of His Victory. Again, I remind you that all Christ’s suffering was for us! Isaiah 53:5 says, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

· The Scourge

“But he was wounded for our transgressions… and with his stripes we are healed.”

Scourging was a common and brutal form of corporal punishment that involved tying the victim to a post or bench and whipping him severely. The number of blows was fixed as we read in Deuteronomy 25:2-3 – “And it shall be, if the wicked man be worthy to be beaten, that the judge shall cause him to lie down, and to be beaten before his face, according to his fault, by a certain number. 3 Forty stripes he may give him, and not exceed: lest, if he should exceed, and beat him above these with many stripes, then thy brother should seem vile unto thee.” Later, by Rabbinical instruction that was reduced to thirty-nine. Paul says that five time he had received 39 stripes from the Jews (2 Corinthians 11:24). The person being scourged was to receive thirteen stokes on the chest and twenty-six on the back. It was not uncommon for victim died from a scourging. Perhaps you are wondering, why Paul didn’t die. He was whipped five times. The answer is revealed in a study of the Greek words used. The Greek language indicates that there were three levels of whipping. Scourging was the worst. Then there was flogging and finally chastisement. Different whips were used in administering the beatings. The flagrum or scourge used on Christ likely had lead balls and pieces of bone affixed to it, because we know His flesh was mutilated by the beating. Isaiah 50:6 prophetically foretold, “I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.”

Why was Jesus Christ bruised and beaten? The Apostle Peter tells us, "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." 1 Peter 2:24-25. Christ had no sins of His own (1 Peter 2:22). He was paying for our sins. The scourge is a symbol of the awfulness of our sin and the terrible price Christ personally paid for our sins (Isaiah 52:14).

· The Crown of Thorns

“And when they had platted [to twine or braid] a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! 30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.” Matthew 27:29-30

The Crown of Thorns is a symbol of Christ suffering public humiliation and public rejection. The Lord of Glory was despised and rejected of men! Why did he allow it when he could have stopped it! Christ could have called 81,912 angels (Matthew 26:53) and they would have instantly been at His side to stop this! The answer is found in 1 Peter 3:18 “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God…” Christ suffered for you and for me!

· Cruel Nails & The Cross

“For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.” Psalms 22:16. “He that is hanged is accursed of God.” Deuteronomy 21:23

The Jews detested the death of the cross. Roman citizens were exempt from this heinous form of death. This form of death was reserved for the most serious crimes such as treason, desertion in the face of the enemy, piracy, assassination, sedition, etc. The suffering of death by crucifixion was intense, especially in hot climates. Severe local inflammation, coupled with bleeding from the jagged wounds produced traumatic fever, which was aggravated the exposure to the heat of the sun, the strained of the body, and insufferable thirst. The swelling around the rough nails and the torn lacerated tendons and nerves caused excruciating agony.

The arteries of the head and stomach were supercharged with blood and a terrific throbbing headache ensued. The mind was confused and filled with anxiety and dread. The victim of crucifixion literally died a thousand deaths. Tetanus often appeared and the rigors of the attending convulsions would tear at the wounds and add to the burden of pain, till at last the bodily forces were exhausted and the victim sank into unconsciousness and death. The sufferings were so frightful that “even among the raging passions of war pity was sometimes excited.”

But why did Christ endure all of this? There are two passages, one in Galatians and one in Colossians that answer this question –

Galatians 3:13 “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:”

Colossians 2:13-14 “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;”

My friend, these are the sacred symbols of our suffering Savior –

The Scourge; The Crown of Thorns; The Cruel Nails; & The Cross

He suffered all these for you! W. G. Ovens wrote –

Wounded for me, wounded for me,

There on the Cross He was wounded for me;

Gone my transgressions, and now I am free,

All because Jesus was wounded for me!

There is yet one more important symbol that we must look at. It is the symbol of victory!

· The Empty Tomb

“…Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,” Luke 24:5-6

The literal, physical, bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christianity! The resurrection of Jesus Christ proves that He was the Son of God and that God accepted His sacrifice as payment for the sins of mankind. (See - Romans 1:4 says that Christ was “…declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” 1 John 2:2 says, “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”)

The New Testament church was born out of Peter preaching the resurrection of Jesus Christ in Act 2. Peter preaches it again in Acts 4, then again in Acts 10. Stephen preaches the resurrection in Acts 7. Philip preaches it in Acts 8. In Acts 9, 13, and on through 28, Paul preaches the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Why is the resurrection so important? It is through the resurrection of Jesus Christ that we are born-again. The same divine power that physically raised Christ from the dead is the power that brings the spiritually dead sinner to spiritual life. 1 Peter 1:3 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Paul put it this way: “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. 1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 4:25-5:2. But, there’s more. Believers will be physically raised from the dead to immortality just as Christ was (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). The unsaved will be raised as well, but to eternal damnation in the Lake of Fire (Acts 24:15). The resurrection you will have part in depends on what you have done with Christ. Is Christ your Savior? If not, I urge you to receive Him today!

Remember The Titanic?

2011-04-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

REMEMBER THE TITANIC?

Ó 1976 & 2008 by David L. Brown

· THE TRAGEDY

April 15, 1912 was a tragic day in maritime history. April 15, 2008 marks the 96^th anniversary of this century’s most catastrophic shipping calamity. At 2:40 a.m. the “unsinkable” luxurious White Star Liner, Titanic, pride of the British merchant fleet, plunged to its watery grave becoming a humungous coffin for 1,517 perplexed people.

· THE GREAT DELUSION

Too many have an errant, even flippant view of God. One crewmember brazenly stated, “Not even God could sink this ship!” It was commonly stated that the ship was “unsinkable.” This was the selling point of all the promoters. After all, it was the world’s largest vessel in 1912: 882 ½ feet long, weighing 46,328 tons, with a double bottom of 5 to 6 feet thick to insure added safety.

Thirty-two-year veteran E.J. Smith, the Titanic captain, stated, “I cannot imagine any condition that would cause the ship to founder. I cannot imagine any disaster happening to this vessel. Modern shipbuilding has gone beyond that.”

People would have harangued anyone as a lunatic who would have said the Titanic would sink on her maiden voyage. It was a known “fact” that the only way possible she would sink would be if both keel plates on her double bottom hull were torn at least half her length. The odds of that happening were too high to figure! Especially considering there were 30 watertight compartments designed to prevent that from ever happening. Adding to the air of security, or might I say false security, was the presumptuous talk that the 46,328 ton Titanic traveling at 18 knots could slice through anything without sinking.

· THE PEOPLE

The Titanic has received worldwide publicity, with the owners, designers, builders, captain, crew and news media proclaiming it as the safest, most luxurious attraction ever. They made it seem as if it were the Eighth Wonder of the World and a first class booking cost like it also. The best accommodations were reserved for $4,350, while the less expensive first-class rooms were a mere $2,300. That was a BIG PRICE back then.

For that money, you might guess the class of people that were attracted to an expensive “unsinkable” ship offering the plushest transatlantic accommodations in the world. The tall, 48-year-old John Jacob Astor IV was probably the most renowned. If not, he was at least the riches, worth some $150 million. His wealth included companies still known today: Western Union, The Equitable Life Assurance Company, and Mercantile Trust Company. At 48 he took Madeline, his bride of 19, and reserved the best of accommodations on the Titanic as the final leg of a trip from Egypt. He never stepped foot on dry land again after boarding at Southhampton, England although his wife escaped the watery grave and later gave birth to his son, John Jacob Astor V.

Benjamin Guggenheim, age 47, was worth $95 million. Jay Bruce Ismay of International Mercantile Marine Company and White Star Line chairman was on board with his wife and children. He was worth about $40 million and he wanted everyone to know it. His wife was a “display piece” for his wealth. It is said that one string of her pearls was worth $250,000.

Among the noted Americans on the Titanic was Major Archibald Butt. He had been military aide to the 25^th president, Theodore Roosevelt and at the time was returning to Washington from a visit to Italy and specially visiting the Vatican on behalf of President Taft. Butt was serving President Taft as military aide also.

There was Isidor Straus, an elderly Bavarian Jew who made his fortune in commerce and banking. He was also a partner with R. H. Macy in New York City’s famous store by the latter name. He was returning from the Rivera. It is said he was worth $50,000,000.

Great men of industry, commerce and finance, as well as a sprinkling of aristocrats of Europe, held prime places on the Titanic. Leading theatrical and motion picture figures, a renowned American publisher, a British journalist, a famous metallurgical engineer, a fashion designer and dozens of other celebrities were aboard. Such great wealth and fashion; the women outstandingly arrayed in the finest Parisian gowns, shimmering with enough jewels to sink a lifeboat. The rich and famous, as well as hundreds of average people like Lawrence Beesley, a London schoolmaster going to visit his brother in America, did not have the slightest inkling of the tragic disaster they would encounter at 41° 46′ N. and 50° 14′W.

· THE PLEASURES AND PROBLEMS

Amid the swimming pool, Turkish baths, library and reading room, gymnasium, miniature golf course, child’s playroom, tennis courts, restaurants, ballrooms, tailor shops, dress shops and palm-lined courts, people had no time to be interrupted from their amusement. Wallace Hartley and his eight-man orchestra often captivated the attention of the passengers with light waltzes and American Rag Time. An electric camel, horse, 16 pianos and a “hospital equipped with an operating room” testified to the extravagant heights White Star Lines had gone to quench the thirst for pleasure and amusement of the rich. She even published her own magazine enroute – “The Atlantic Daily Bulletin”.

The alarming truth is that a fire was burning in number 6 coal bunker when they left Southhampton. In fact there was a near disaster when the Titanic pulled away from port because it displaced such an immense volume of water in such a restricted area that it caused a powerful suction, which combined with an offshore breeze dragged the ship the New York from her berth, snapped her mooring lines and a collision between the two was missed by just a matter of inches! Adding further to the danger, it was discovered after the Titanic was under way that there were no binoculars in the crow’s nest with which to watch and spot danger more easily.

There was a fourth problem. The accounts that I have found set the number of people, in total, from 2,222 to 2,340. There were 20 lifeboats with a capacity of 58 each. That meant there was room for 1,160 if each boat were filled to capacity.

The fifth problem was bad seamanship. Despite all urgent warnings of ice by radio and signal lamp, the Titanic, in hopes of an early arrival in New York harbor, sailed at near top speed of 22 ½ knots, into slushy iceberg infested waters.

On that cloudless, breezeless night of April 14, 1912 with only the stars for light, the Titanic rammed a huge iceberg, which ripped a 300-foot gash into the one side of the “unsinkable” ship. Lady Cosmo Duff Gordon, in her stately room, was awaken by the jolt and was quoted to have said, “It seemed as though somebody had drawn a giant finger along the side of the ship”. Many were so busy the jar went unnoticed.

By 12:10 a.m., April 15, Thomas Andrews, the Chief designer of the Titanic had informed Captain Smith the ship had incurred some serious damage, but there was no need to alarm the people. The crew was notified and ordered to uncover the lifeboats and distribute life vests. Many refused to put on the vests, saying they didn’t want to ruffle their gowns with those dirty vests! John Jacob Astor was asked where his life vest was and he replied, “I didn’t think I needed it”!

At 12.45 a.m. Captain Smith ordered an S.O.S. flair fired but no assistance would come after many firings. The call was given – “To The Life Boats…women and children first” but people had been brainwashed by the pompous publicity – “Unsinkable”, and the cries for the most part were not taken seriously. The truth is that many lifeboats pulled away with only a dozen or so people in them while the capacity was 58. One story has it that people were chipping off hunks of icebergs and having snowball fights on deck.

At 1:30 a.m. a series of explosions turned the dream cruise into a nightmare. People were shocked into the reality of impending disaster. The stampede was on. A few men were said to have disguised themselves as women in an effort to get in the lifeboats.

There were men on the Titanic that day that could have bought it, but in those last moments they did not have enough money to buy a seat in the lifeboat.

Some say 705 lived to tell of the terrible tragedy. The British Government said 1,490 people perished. The British Board of Trade said 1,503 and the U.S. Senate Investigating Committee said 1,517. That figure is probably the most accurate.

Eyewitnesses say that the partings were horrible…children snatched from parents and thrown into lifeboats. Women torn from their husbands by ship stewards and placed screaming into the boats.

One eyewitness said a man was holding his 12-year-old son. Many came and begged him to let the boy loose and put him into the boat. The man tried to push his son away several times but the little boy would not release his grip from his dad.

At 2:40 a.m., April 15, 1912, as the band played the Episcopal Hymn, Autumn: “All against my soul combined, Hold me up in mighty waters, keep my eyes on things above, Righteousness, divine atonement, peace, and everlasting love”, as the Titanic slipped beneath the icy waters, 1,600 miles from New York City, off the Banks of Newfoundland. It came to rest in 16,500 feet of water.

Those drifting in lifeboats heard the calls of those left struggling in the sea. The Third Officer, Herbert Jolin Pitman testified at the Senatorial inquest, after burying his head in his hands and sobbing – “Sir, you asked about the screams…it was just one long, continuous moan!” some lifeboat groups rowed frantically in an effort to get away from the terrible sound. Some tried singing, some plugged their ears, some just rowed.

The “Unsinkable” ship sunk on her maiden voyage, becoming a gigantic gloomy sepulcher for 1,517 people.

· SPIRITUAL APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED

1. “Not even God can sink this ship” was a seaman’s rash remark. Men throughout the ages have endeavored to demonstrate their independence from God and even think themselves equal with God Almighty. The sailor’s remark was a flippant one, probably made in jest. Many today feel they are “above” relying on the Lord. The Bible reminds us, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” (Proverbs 16:18-19) I do not believe God sank the Titanic, but I believe He allowed it to happen. We are also reminded, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: For whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” (Galatians 6:7-8) Despite the claims of the designers, builders, owners, captain, crew and news media, that the Titanic was unsinkable, in essence claiming, “Lord, we will care for ourselves, we do not need Your protection or help, we are the masters of our own destiny and captains of our fate”, the ship sank. After all these years the incident is a lamentable and catastrophic reminder to the world that we still need God.

2. There is more to life than luxury. The Titanic had the grandest accommodations. There were none better in the world…tennis courts, bars, ballrooms, dining rooms, gambling dens, an elevator and plush cabin accommodations. Those securely resting in the comfort and luxury of the palatial surroundings found too late that the builders had furnished much for self-gratification and enjoyment in life, but little for saving it. There were 20 lifeboats with a capacity of 58 each on the Titanic. There were no crew members assigned to man the lifeboats in an emergency. The lifeboats contained no provisions, no fresh water, and some had no plugs in the water drains. The Bible says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) The age in which we live offers many luxuries to strive for and enjoy. Most get an education, get a job, get married, buy a home, have a family and continue to work, striving to acquire enough earthly things and to be set by the time they retire. Then they die. If there has been no “seeking God” their situation is hopeless for all of eternity. They cannot take a single cent to the grave with them. Are you prepared for eternity?

3. The worthlessness of money in the light of eternity. There were men aboard the Titanic who could have bought her. But in those last sinking moments their entire fortunes were not enough to by a seat in a lifeboat. Remember the words of Mark in his gospel – “For, what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul:” (Mark 8:36-37)

Friend, if you are without Christ as your personal Saviour, it is like being on the Titanic with no room in the lifeboat. Jesus Christ said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; No man cometh unto the Father but by me.” (John 14:6) “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) “He that believeth on Him is not condemned: But he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:18) “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

Have you ever called on Christ Jesus and asked Him to forgive your sin and come into your life as Saviour? Would you like to? Why not pray this simple prayer of acceptance? “Lord…I know that I am a sinner, and that I deserve to go to Hell, but I now believe that Christ died for me, and now by faith receive Him as my personal Saviour and Lord.”

4. The Alternative…

If you were to die tonight without Christ, what would be your fate? Remember Third Office Pitman’s testimony relating to the sounds as the Titanic slipped to its watery grave – “Sir, it was just one long, continuous moan!” Hell will be like that… “There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 13:42) Do not sink in your sin…Repent of your sin and reach out to the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved.

Why I Do Not Celebrate Lent

2011-04-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

There are certain special events that are clearly seen in the Bible. Here are several examples. Palm Sunday is a remembrance of the day when Jesus Christ entered into Jerusalem and the crowds cheered Him as their King. John 12:13 “Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.”

We also remember the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. We read in John 19:30 “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” We know that Jesus was three days and three nights in the grave. He prophesied this in Matthew 12:40 “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Paul attests the fact that this is exactly what happened (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). We will remember the death of our Lord Jesus Christ this Friday.

Then there is the Resurrection. Resurrection Sunday is next week! To be sure we will be focusing on the glorious event. My heart is warmed by the words of the angel recorded in Mark 16:6 “And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.”

However there are other non-biblical events that we do NOT celebrate, that have their origin in paganism but have been transported into Christianity. What I am referring to is what is called LENT. When I was a child, I went to a church that celebrated Lent. I never really understood why we celebrated it when I was younger. When I started going to the Baptist church they did NOT celebrate the Lenten Season. I want to explain why.

· The Modern Definition of Lent

Lent is the 40-day period (Sundays excluded) prior to Easter, which the Catholic and most Protestant church observes as a penitential season. It begins on Ash Wednesday (which can occur any time between February 4 and March 11, depending upon the date of Easter), and it concludes with the Passiontide, the two-week period during which the church's liturgy follows Christ’s activity closely through the final stages of his life on earth. These two weeks are called Passion Week and Holy Week.” The Roman Catholic Church says it was established to commemorate the 40 days that Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by Satan.

However, you can search the Scriptures diligently, from Old Testament to New, and you will find no mention of Jews or Christians observing an annual period of 40 days of fasting and abstinence preceding the festival of the Passover or Resurrection Sunday. Yet today much of the Christian world observes a 40 day period called Lent, which precedes the festival of Easter Sunday.

Some have falsely claimed that the celebration of Lent goes back to the time of the Apostles. Believe it or not, Lent was never observed by Christ or His Apostles.

· The Pagan Origin of Lent

But, where did the Catholic Church get Lent? The word actually comes from the Anglo-Saxon Lencten, meaning “spring,” which in turn was derived from the Anglo-Saxon word lenctentid (pronounced LENG-ten-teed), which means the time of lengthening and flowering. The entire spring season was called Lenctentid.

The ancient Anglo-Saxons (and other pagans) celebrated the return of spring with rioteous fertility festivals commemorating their goddess of fertility and of springtime, Eastre. In fact, the word Easter is derived from the Scandinavian Ostara and the Teutonic Ostern or Eastre, both pagan goddesses of fertility. The complete month of April was called Eostur-monath with the entire month was dedicated to Eostre.

The pagan religion taught that Eostre was one responsible for changing a bird into a rabbit, this then is how the rabbit became an Easter symbol. Rabbits symbolize the fertility of springtime. It should be noted that the rabbit's capacity of abundant production of young is especially great at this time of year.

I should also tell you that most ancient races, including the Anglo-Saxons, included spring festivals to celebrate the rebirth life, using the Egg was a symbol of fertility, life and re-birth. This is old Latin proverb catches this idea -- Omne vivum ex ovo. This means “all life comes from an egg”.

Where did the Anglo-Saxons get Lent. We have go back to the ancient Babylonian mystery religion. “The forty days’ abstinence of Lent was directly borrowed from the worshippers of the Babylonian goddess. Among the Pagans this Lent seems to have been an indispensable preliminary to the great annual festival in commemoration of the death and resurrection of Tammuz.” (The Two Babylons).

But why did the church at Rome institute such a pagan holiday? “To pacify the Pagans to nominal Christianity, Rome, pursuing its usual policy, took measures to get the Christian and Pagan festivals amalgamated, and, by a complicated but skillful adjustment of the calendar, it was found no difficult matter, in general, to get Paganism and Christianity—now far sunk in idolatry—in this as in so many other things, to shake hands” (The Two Babylons).

Cassianus, the monk of Marseilles, writing in the fifth century A.D. contrasting the primitive New Testament Church with the Roman Church of his day, “that the observance of the forty days had no existence, so long as the perfection of that primitive Church remained inviolate.”

Lent was not observed by the first century Church! It was first addressed by the church at Rome during the Council of Nicea in A.D. 325, when Emperor Constantine officially recognized that church as the Roman Empire’s state religion. Any other form of Christianity that held to doctrines contrary to the Roman church was considered an enemy of the state. In A.D. 360, the Council of Laodicea officially commanded Lent to be observed.

Originally, people did not observe Lent for more than a week. Some kept it for one or two days. Others kept it for 40 consecutive hours, falsely believing that only 40 hours had elapsed between Christ’s death and resurrection. Eventually, it became a 40-day period of fasting or abstaining from certain foods. “The emphasis was not so much on the fasting as on the spiritual renewal that the preparation for Easter demanded. It was simply a period marked by fasting, but not necessarily one in which the faithful fasted every day. However, as time went on, more and more emphasis was laid upon fasting…During the early centuries (from the fifth century on especially) the observance of the fast was very strict. Only one meal a day, toward evening was allowed: flesh meat and fish, and in most places even eggs and dairy products, were absolutely forbidden. Meat was not even allowed on Sundays” (Catholic Encyclopedia).

From the ninth century onward, Lent’s strict rules were relaxed. Greater emphasis was given to performing “penitential works” than to fasting and abstinence. According to the apostolic constitution Poenitemini of Pope Paul IV (Feb. 17, 1966), “abstinence is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays of the year that do not fall on holy days of obligation, and fasting as well as abstinence is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday” (Catholic Encyclopedia).

Today, Lent is used for “fasting from sin and from vice…forsaking sin and sinful ways.” It is a season “for penance, which means sorrow for sin and contrition to God.” However, before giving up personal sins and vices during Lent, the pagans held a wild, “anything goes” celebration to make sure that they got in their share of debaucheries and perversities. All Catholic and some Protestant countries traditionally call the day before Ash Wednesday "Fat Tuesday" or Mardi Gras today. Some call it Carnival and Shrove Tuesday.

· The Biblical Problems With Lent

ü Lent Has Its Roots In Paganism

You cannot Christianize Pagan observances. This principle is set out in Deuteronomy 7:1-5

Ephesians 5:11 “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

ü Lent Is A Man Made Celebration

Colossians 2:20-23 “Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.”

ü The Bible Does Not Instruct Penance

Penance is an act of self-mortification or devotion performed voluntarily to show sorrow for a sin or other wrongdoing. It includes contrition, confession to a priest, acceptance of punishment, and absolution.

ü The Bible Does Call For Repentance and Confession To The Lord

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Revelation 2:5 “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”

ü We Are To Daily Live In A Christ Honoring Way

Luke 9:23 “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

Ephesians 5:15-16 “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

Our focus should not be on human tradition, fabrication or speculation, but on the reality of things recorded in the Bible – Palm Sunday and Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, His death on the Cross for our sins and His victorious resurrection. Thank you Lord Jesus for what YOU have done for us!

The Power of The Tongue - The Power To Direct

2011-04-02T18:15:00.000-07:00

Be Disciplined In Your Speech

Part #2 – The Tongue’s Power To Direct

by Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D.

First Baptist Church of Oak Creek Wisconsin

www.FirstBaptistChurchOC.org www.sermonaudio.com/fbcoc

Blog - http://SaltLightTruth.blogspot.com Twitter – www.twitter.com/drdavidlbrown

Facebook –www.facebook.com/DrDavid.Brown

Email - FirstBaptistChurchOC@gmail.com

James 020.040411

The focus of James 3:1-12 is -- Be Disciplined In Your Speech

· The Outline of Our Study On The Tongue

As we dig into chapter 3 we see that the intention of James is to STRESS the importance of controlling our tongues and being disciplined in our speech. He does this by giving us 6 Pictures of the Tongue which are divided into 3 Different Classifications that reveal the three powers of the tongue. The tongue has 1) The Power To Direct, 2) The Power To Destroy & 3 ) The Power To Delight. The message today deals with…

ü The Power to Direct vs. 3-4

James 3:3-4 “Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.”

The tongue may be small but it is very powerful and influential. The uncontrolled tongue is “set on fire of Hell.” (James 3:6). Proverbs 18:21a says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue….” Job 19:2 says, “How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words?”

In James 3:3-4 he points out that the tongue has the power to direct and illustrates that by using the horses bridle and the ships rudder. When I say the tongue has the power to direct, I mean that the tongue has the power to affect others lives. The tongue can sway men to violence, or it can move them to the noblest actions. It can instruct the ignorant, encourage the dejected, comfort the sorrowing, and soothe the dying. Or, it can crush the human spirit, destroy reputations, spread distrust and hate, and bring nations to the brink of war.

During World War II there were posters that read LOOSE LIPS SINK SHIPS! But loose lips can offend others and even wreck others lives. That is why it is so important to control your tongue!

James begins by using the illustration specifically the bit of a horses bridle. It is a relatively small piece of hardware. A typical bit may not weigh more than one pound. Yet, from that small bit, a horseman can control and turn around the one-thousand pound body of the horse. The bit is small but powerful in its effect. If a horse is to be useful, then it must be under control.

One old preacher said this – “The bridle bits are not impressive in size, but they can hold a high-spirited horse in check and keep him from running away. If you are old enough, you may have recollections of the horse-and-buggy days. I can recall seeing a horse run away, turn over a buggy, and bring death and destruction to a family. In the same way, the tongue can run away.”

If a Christian is to be useful to God, he will need to keep his tongue under control. Matthew Henry says - “The more quick and lively the tongue is, the more should we thus take care to govern it. Otherwise, as an unruly and ungovernable horse runs away with his rider, or throws him, so an unruly tongue will serve those in like manner who have no command over it.”

I appreciate what Robert Barnes wrote - “A man always has complete government over himself if he has the entire control of his tongue. It is that by which he gives expression to his thoughts and passions; and if that is kept under proper restraint, all the rest of his members are as easily controlled as the horse is by having the control of the bit.”

David noted in Psalms 39:1 “I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.” In other words, David said that because he wanted to give the right kind of testimony, he would put a bridle on his mouth. My friend, there are a lot of Christians today who ought to have a bridle put in their mouths. The tongue that is bridled is used of God and accomplished His purposes. The one that is not makes a mess of things.

The next illustration of control that James uses is the helm of a ship. James 3:4 says, “Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.”

The word helm is a translation of the Greek word πηδάλιον – pedalion (pay-dal'-ee-on) which literally means the blade of an oar. That is how first century ships were steered. This same word is translated “rudder” in Acts 27:40 “And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoisted up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.”

The rudder, though it is small, must fight the winds and currents that would drive the ship off its course. The human tongue also must overcome contrary forces. We have an old nature that wants to control us and make us sin. There are circumstances around us that would make us say things we ought not to say. Sin on the inside and pressures on the outside are seeking to get control of the tongue.

Our tongue can really get us into trouble—there is no question about that. Someone has put it in words like this:

A careless word may kindle strife;
A cruel word may wreck a life.
A bitter word may hate instill;
A brutal word may smite and kill.

A gracious word may smooth the way;
A joyous word may light the day.
A timely word may lessen stress;
A loving word may heal and bless.

—Author unknown

Both the bit and the rudder must be under the control of a strong hand. The expert horseman keeps the mighty power of his horse under control, and the experienced pilot courageously steers the ship through the storm. When Jesus Christ controls the tongue, then we need not fear saying the wrong things — or even saying the right things in a wrong way! “Death and life are in the power of the tongue,” warned Solomon (Proverbs 18:21). No wonder David prayed, “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Incline not my heart to any evil thing” (Psalm 141:3-4). David knew that the heart is the key to right speech. “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34). When Jesus Christ is the Lord of the heart, then He is Lord of the lips too.

Never underestimate the guidance you give by the words you speak or do not speak. Jesus spoke to a woman at a well, and her life and the lives of her neighbors experienced a miraculous change (John 4:1-54). Peter preached at Pentecost and 3,000 souls came to salvation through faith in Christ (Act 2:1-47).

On April 21, 1855, Edward Kimball went into a Boston shoe store and led young Dwight L. Moody to Christ. The result: one of history’s greatest evangelists. Thousands came to know Christ as their Savior. The tongue has the power to direct others to the right choices.

It would do us all good to read Book of Proverbs frequently, and to note especially the many references to speech. “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord” (Proverbs 12:22). “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19). Yes, the tongue is like a bit and a rudder: it has the power to direct. It is of the utmost importance that our tongues direct people in the right way!

Dynamic Faith Is The Right Kind of Faith

2011-03-13T07:55:00.001-07:00

Be Sure You Have The Right Kind of Faith

Dead Faith – Demonic Faith – Dynamic Faith

by Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D.First Baptist Church of Oak Creek Wisconsin

http://www.firstbaptistchurchoc.org/ www.sermonaudio.com/fbcoc
Blog - http://saltlighttruth.blogspot.com/ Twitter – www.twitter.com/drdavidlbrownFacebook –www.facebook.com/DrDavid.BrownEmail - FirstBaptistChurchOC@gmail.com

James 018.031311

Text: James 2:14-26

Review

· Be Sure You Have The Right Kind of Faith – James 2:14-26

We have been studying the 3 Kinds of Faith which James points out in James 2:14-26. 1) Dead Faith 2) Demonic Fatih and 3) Dynamic Faith. The first 2 which are counterfeit and the last which is true saving faith.

I have brought to your attention that there are two different aspects of justification. First, there is the justification that the Apostle Paul presents -- JUSTIFICATION BEFORE GOD. In the book of Romans he writes – “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” Romans 3:28. Paul is addressing how a man is justified before God and how to obtain salvation.

That brings me to the second aspect of justification which James is addressing -- JUSTIFICATION BEFORE MEN. James is NOT dealing with the means of salvation, but rather its outcome, the evidence that salvation has genuinely occurred! James, is addressing justification before man. He is explaining that true believers live the Christian life. They demonstrate that they ARE saved by their works. He says this in James 2:18 “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.”

As one commentator put it: “James contrasts living faith with what he…described as dead faith (14-20). Saving faith with non-saving faith, productive faith with unproductive faith, godly faith with a kind of faith that is exercised by the demons.”

The first kind of faith we looked at was --

1. Dead Faith (James 2:14-17)

While it is FAITH ALONE that justifies, the FAITH THAT JUSTIFIES IS NEVER ALONE! True saving faith always brings life, and life produces good works! Workless faith is worthless faith. Saving faith produces works. As James says, “…faith, if it hath not works, is dead.” (v. 17). Dead faith is counterfeit faith.

Last week we looked at…

2. Demonic Faith (James 2:18-19)

James 2:18-19 “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”

We say that demons have faith! 1) The Demons are Monotheists: They Believe In God 2) The Demons Believe In The Diety of Christ 3) The Demons Believe In A Place of Eternal Punishment 4) The Demons Recognize Jesus Christ As The Judge & They Submit To The Power of His Word!

But, demonic faith is NOT saving faith! They know that Jesus is all powerful and they know that He will one day judge them and they will be damned to Hell! They tremble in anticipation of that.

While the man with dead faith is touched in his intellect, the demons believe and even tremble. They are touched in their emotions. But neither faith saved them. Dead faith will not save. A person can be enlightened in the mind and even stirred in their heart and yet be LOST! Why? Because true faith involves something more: It involves a changed life that can be seen and recognized by others. As verse 18 says -- “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.”

In summary, we see that James has introduced two kinds of faith that can never save the sinner: Dead Faith (intellectual faith) and Demonic Faith (which includes the intellect and the emotions).

Our Focus In This Message Is…

3. Dynamic Faith (James 2:20-26)

Dynamic faith is the only kind of faith that can save the sinner. It is the only real kind of faith! Dynamic faith has power. It results in a changed life!

James’s Description of True Dynamic Saving Faith

ü It Is Based On The Word of God

“Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” James 1:18

We receive the Word of God and this saves us. We read this in James 1:21 “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”

We are born again by the Word of God! Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

As you hear about the person and work of Christ and believe that Gospel that Christ died for your sins, was buried and rose again…as you receive Christ as your Savior you are born again! 1 Peter 1:23 “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”

True, dynamic, saving faith is based on God’s Word and what is revealed about the Savior, Jesus Christ. True faith must have a proper object! When I was in Haiti, there were people who had faith in their idols of stone and wood! No matter how much faith they had in them, these deaf and dumb idols could not help them! They reminded me of what Psalms 115:4-8 says, “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. 5 They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: 6 They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: 7 They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. 8 They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.”

One writer said this – “‘I believe’ may be the testimony of many sincere people, but the BIG question is, ‘In whom do you believe. What do you believe?’ We are not saved by faith in faith; we are saved by faith in Christ as revealed in His Word.”

Saving faith, dynamic faith is based on the God’s Word as recorded in the Bible. Saving faith involves the whole person! Dead faith reaches only the intellect. Demonic faith involves both the mind and the emotions. BUT, here is the difference. Dynamic faith, saving faith involves the mind, the emotions and the will. The heart desires the truth and the will acts upon that truth! That is the second aspect or dimension of Saving Faith –

ü True Saving Faith Leads To Action

You know the truth, you believe the truth and you make a choice of your will to act upon the truth! It begins with believing that you are a sinner, and that Christ died for your sins and rose again from the dead. Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

James is NOT contradicting the doctrine of salvation in any way. He was not dealing with the means of salvation, but rather with the outcome of salvation, that is showing you ARE saved by your obedience to God’s Word and the fruit of good works. These are the genuine evidence that salvation has occurred. Where there is dynamic faith you will always find good works and obedience to God’s Word. James 2:26 says, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”

James illustrates this point by in the lives of two well-know Bible persons: Abraham and Rahab.

Be Sure You Have The Right Kind Of Faith

2011-03-05T15:18:00.000-08:00

· Be Sure You Have The Right Kind of Faith – James 2:14-26

In this passage, James 2:14-26, James shows the relationship between faith and works. In my last message we began looking at the 3 Kinds of Faith, the first 2 which are bogus and the last which is true saving faith.

I pointed out to you in that message was that there are two different aspects of justification. First, there is the justification that the Apostle Paul presents -- JUSTIFICATION BEFORE GOD. In the book of Romans he writes – “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” Romans 3:28. Paul is addressing how a man is justified before God and how to obtain salvation.

That brings me to the second aspect of justification which James is addressing -- JUSTIFICATION BEFORE MEN. James, in the second chapter of his letter is addressing justification before man. James was not addressing how to be saved. That is clear because he starts out his letter by saying “my brethren…” (James 1:2). He is explaining that true believers live the Christian life. They demonstrate that they ARE saved by their works. He says this in James 2:18 “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.”

Then we explained the first kind of faith --

1. Dead Faith (James 2:14-17)

Today’s Focus

2. Demonic Faith (James 2:18-19)

In today’s study we come to Demonic Faith.

We will look at verse 19 before we look at verse 18. It may come as a real shock to you, but demons have faith! So, let’s look at…

What Do The Demons Believe?

üThe Demons are Monotheists: They Believe In God

Demons are neither atheists nor agnostics. They have faith. They believe in the existence of God! In fact, they are monotheistic. They believe in ONE GOD! And the one God they believe in is the Biblical God! We read the daily Jewish affirmation of faith in Deuteronomy 6:4 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:” To believe in one God is good, as far as it goes, but it does not go far enough! Intellectual belief in almighty God does NOT save a man! The devils go that far and even one step further, they tremble.

ü The Demons Believe In The Diety of Christ

Whenever the demons met Christ, they acknowledged that He was the Son of God. Mark 3:11 says, “And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.”

ü The Demons Believe In
A Place
of Eternal Punishment

In Luke 8:31 we read, “And they [the demons] besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.” The Greek word translated deep is the word ἄβυσσον abusson (ab'-us-son), meaning the abyss. In Revelation it is translated as “the bottomless pit” which is the abode of the demons (see Revelation 9:1-2 & 11; 11:7; 17:8; 20:1 & 3).

The Scriptures make it clear that Hell was prepared for the Devil and his angels [demons]. We read this in Matthew 25:41 “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:”

In fact, the demons KNOW their end!

ü The Demons Recognize Jesus Christ As The Judge & They Submit To The Power of His Word!

Mark 5:1-13 “And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. 2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, 3 Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: 4 Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. 5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. 6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, 7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. 8 For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. 9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. 10 And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country. 11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. 12 And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. 13 And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.”

In a parallel passage, Mattew 8:29 we read – “And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

They know that Jesus is all powerful and they know that He will one day judge them and they even obey them. BUT, they are damned to Hell!

Here is the point of all this: The Devils (Demons) believe in God and even tremble! While the man with dead faith is touched in his intellect, the demons believe and even tremble. They are touched in their emotions. But neither faith save them. Dead faith will not save. Demonic faith will not save. A person can be enlightened in the mind and even stirred in their heart and yet be LOST! Why? Because true faith involves something more. It involves a changed life that can be seen and recognized by others. As verse 18 says -- “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.”

The Bible is clear. Works do NOT Save you, BUT Saved people DO good works -
Ephesians 2:8-10 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

7 Reasons Why Believers Should Not Drink Alcohol

2011-02-08T12:37:00.000-08:00

I have an article on my research web giving 7 Reasons Believers should not drink alcoholic beverages - http://www.logosresourcepages.org/Believers/drinking.htm

I received an interesting response that I hope you will take time to read and ponder -

I read your article this evening about the 7 reasons why a Christian should not drink. Thank you for this study, it is very helpful.

Years ago I struggled with drinking as a young believer and it got me into lots of trouble. Unfortunately, the Baptist church I attended at the time had an extensive young crowd that loved to socialize and go "clubbing." In my heart I knew it was wrong, but I couldn't stop and found no allies among my peers to confide in of the guilt I was feeling for the wrong we were doing. Any comments I got were the classic misunderstandings of Christians with regards to this matter: everything in moderation; Jesus turned water to wine; we have liberty, we're under grace, not law; Paul told Timothy to drink wine, etc, etc. It was so bad, that the preacher's children and their spouses drank; even his son-in-law had a home beer brewing kit and was on the deocinate of the church.

I finally left that church and have since found a church that does NOT condone drinking, but advocates abstinence, moreover the preaching of the Word of God! I have been alcohol free for 7 years now, praise God!

While I work in the challenging field of accounting, unfortunately my colleagues and my boss find the way to cope with the stress by hitting the bottle after work. Thankfully, I am strong and do not surcumb to this activity, although it puts me on the outs, because I choose not to participate. Sadly, my boss is a professing Christian whose husband is a former Baptist minister and is now the founder of a major charitable relief organization, so she feels perfectly comfortable flaunting her "liberty." This coupled with her like for gambling and swearing make it difficult to distinguish her as a believer. She has even bragged to coworkers who are blatant heathens that, "she's a cool mom" because she drinks with her kids.

Please pray with me that I remain strong and can be a positive influence to those around me. And please pray for my boss that God opens her eyes and heart to truth.

God bless,
Bro ____

King James Admonition To His Son To Be Sexually Pure

2011-02-03T15:23:00.000-08:00

It is the 400 Anniversary of the King James Bible, published in 1611. Below is King James I of Scotland & VI of England instructions to His son --

"Keep your body clean and unpolluted while you give it to your wife whom to only it belongs for how can you justly crave to be joined with a Virgin if your body be polluted? Why should the one half be clean, and the other defiled? And suppose I know, fornication is thought but a veniall sin by the most part of the world, yet remember well what I said to you in my first book regarding conscience, and count every sin a breach of God's law, not according as the vain world esteems of it, but as God judge and maker of the law accounts of the same: hear God commanding by the mouth of Paul to abstain from fornication, declaring that the fornicator shall not inherit the kingdom of heaven, and by the mouth of John reckoning out fornication among other grievous sins that declares the commiters among dogs and swine."

More Than Baby Jesus!

2010-12-20T10:26:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas, when there is a true focus on what is important. So, what is important? Jesus Christ! I have written an article some time back titled - More Than Baby Jesus! It is wonderful that God sent the Christ child thru the Virgin Mary! However, please do not become myopic and focus on Baby Jesus alone. God coming down in human form was just the beginning of God's redemption plan for mankind. Please take 5 minutes and read this article I have posted at -- www.logosresourcepages.org/Holidays/much_more.htm

Thank you & my you have a Wonderful Christmas.
Parson Brown

How To Have Joy

2010-12-06T16:03:00.000-08:00

1 John 1 is where Linda and I went for devotions this morning. What struck me is this. John's desire for believers is that we would experience overflowing joy. But, how can you have that joy? Surprisingly, you do NOT have to be a theologian to figure it out! WALK IN THE LIGHT...that is live for the Lord! Keep short accounts with God. Then you will have fellowship with you heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ. But, if you choose to live in sin, FORGET THE FELLOWSHIP & FORGET THE JOY OF THE LORD!

Ponder these verses - What do you see? How can you apply it to your own life? 1 John 1:3-9 "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Only one life,
T'will soon be past &
Only what's done for Christ will last!

Parson Brown

Where Does Revival Begin?

2010-11-12T08:55:00.000-08:00

I have been pondering Revival this morning. I came across this quote.

"Revivals begin with God's own people; the Holy Spirit touches their heart anew, and gives them new fervor and compassion, and zeal, new light and life, and when He has thus come to you, He next goes forth to the valley of dry bones…Oh, what responsibility this lays on the Church of God! If you grieve Him away from yourselves, or hinder His visit, then the poor perishing world suffers sorely!" Andrew Bonar

Ponder it, pray about it, ask God to Revive YOU!

Another Quote About The King James Bible

2010-11-09T10:02:00.000-08:00

Merit Students Encyclopedia

"The greatest English Bible is the Authorized, or King James, Version. Based on Tyndale's translation and original texts, it was produced in 1611 by six groups of churchmen at the command of King James I. The King James Bible became the traditional Bible of English-speaking Protestants. Its dignified and beautiful style strongly influenced the development of literature in the English language. The influence can be seen in the works of John Bunyan, John Milton, Herman Melville, and many other writers."

The 400th Anniversery of the King James Bible is 2011

2010-11-09T09:57:00.000-08:00

Compton's Encyclopedia

"One of the supreme achievements of the English Renaissance came at its close, in the King James Bible...It is rightly regarded as the most influential book in the history of English civilization...the King James Version combined homely, dignified phrases into a style of great richness and loveliness. It has been a model of writing for generations of English-speaking people."

We Need Spiritual Awakening!!!

2010-10-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

The famous British Historian Arnold J. Toynbee (1889-1975) said that 19 to 21 major civilizations that had come and gone since man began to form governments. He said, the American civilization is one of five that remain. He point out that almost all had not been overthrown by some outside aggressors, but by moral and spiritual collapse from the inside.

That brings me to General Douglas MacArthur. As a quick aside, in 1907, while on an engineering assignment in Milwaukee, MacArthur used to live in a Hotel where the Grand Avenue Mall stands today. MacArthur insisted, "History fails to record a single precedent in which nations subject to moral decay have not passed into political and economic decline. There has been either a spiritual awakening to overcome the moral lapse, or a progressive deterioration leading to ultimate national disaster."

I recently came across this quote when reading a sermon by F. B. Meyer. He wrote about sensuality and sexual immorality and how it destroys a nation. He wrote, "There is no sin which will sooner bring about a nations fall. If history teaches anything, it teaches that sensual indulgence is the surest way to national ruin. Society, in not condemning this sin condemns itself."

Feeding Sheep or Amusing Goats?

2010-10-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

The famous Baptist preacher of London, Charles H. Spurgeon wrote an article in the late 1800’s titled, Feeding Sheep or Amusing Goats? In this article he said…

"The devil has seldom done a cleverer thing than hinting to the Church that part of her mission is to provide entertainment of the people, with the view of winning them. From speaking out as the Puritans did, the Church has gradually toned down her testimony, then winked at and excused the frivolities of the day. Then she tolerated them in her boarders, now she has adopted them under the plea of reaching the masses…. Providing amusement for the people is nowhere spoken of in the Scriptures as a function for the Church. If it was a Christian work, why did not Christ speak of it? ‘Go ye’…into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. This is a clear enough. So it would have been if He had added, ‘and provide amusement for those who do not relish the Gospel.’ No such words are to be found…. Jesus pitied sinners, sighed and wept over them, but never sought to amuse them."

What Spurgeon saw blossoming in his day is in full bloom today. Passionate preaching has been replaced with choreographed dramatic productions and worldly music. And when there is preaching, too often it is non-judgmental and non-directive. Nothing controversial is addressed that might bring conviction and repentance. How contrary to the instructions that Paul gave to the young preacher Timothy - Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn their ears from the truth and shall be turned to fables." 2 Timothy 4:2-4

If you are one of the Lord's sheep, get into a church that focuses on preaching and teaching the Word of God!

Parson Brown

Is Your Pastor A Blessing or A Curse?

2010-10-04T19:22:00.000-07:00

"As God can send a nation or people no greater blessing than to give them faithful, sincere, and upright ministers, so the greatest curse that God can possibly send upon a people in this world is to give them over to blind, unregenerate, carnal, luke-warm, and unskillful guides." (George Whitefield – 1714 to 1770)

Are You Following The Compass or Going Your Own Way?

2010-09-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

It is my belief that we, as Americans, are living in a post Christian culture. Here is what I mean by that -- No longer do Judeo-Christian ethics (Old Testament, New Testament values) serve as the compass that guide our national leaders, national laws, personal beliefs and personal conduct. While it is true that in times of trouble lip service is paid to the Lord God of Heaven, it is as our Lord Jesus said in Matthew 15:8 "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me."

While I do not deny that there are still multitudes that profess that they are Christians in America today, it is my contention that far too many do not hold a genuine Christian world view, but, by and large, they either have adopted, the mindset of today’s secular culture, or they are oblivious to the paradigm shift that has taken place in America. So, what is the mindset of our culture today? It is a radicalized idea of freedom, that is, that freedom means the freedom to do what you please. [In reality, when everyone does that which is right in his/her own eyes, that is anarchy]. It is the idea that everything is equal, and all types of behavior are equal. As one person put it –

"The goal of equality has supplanted all other cultural and moral values and become the sole legitimating principle of this society. Today we have notions of absolute "life-style" equality [i.e. homosexuality and heterosexuality are equal options. However the Bible says marriage is honorable – Hebrews 13:4; homosexuality is vile – Romans 1:26-27]; absolute cultural equality (as in multiculturalism) [In God’s eyes, all cultures are note equal. See Leviticus 20:23-24]; absolute equality of the races (as in the demand for statistical equality of results) [The Bible rewards on the basis of diligence of the individual. See Proverbs 13:4] ; and absolute sex equality (as in the feminization of the military) [Ephesians 5:23; Titus 2:4-5]. When you press people on these issues, you find that they have an implicit feeling that normative distinctions, upon which civilization just happens to be based, are inhumane. In order to avoid being inhumane to out-of-wedlock mothers, we must say that illegitimacy is as worthy of respect as legitimacy; and we end up with a nation of fatherless children. In order to avoid being inhumane to illegal immigrants, we give illegals virtually all the privileges of citizenship; and so on."

Our Nation is in DEEP TROUBLE!!! So what is the remedy? Is it the Republicans? Is it the Tea Party? As my friend wrote - The “conservative” political movement does not and cannot address this, since the vast majority within the conservative coalitions have little or no problem with these sins and lack spiritual discernment.

The only hope for America or any other land is REVIVAL, Christians living like true Christians according to Biblical values and a return to the God of the Bible. --“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

America Is Going Back to Babel!

2010-09-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

When I was in first grade, we began each class day by reciting The Pledge of Allegiance. We would stand and say…

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

Previous to 1954, the phrase under God did not appear. But in June of 1954 an amendment adding two words, under God, was made to the 1942 act of Congress establishing the Pledge of Allegiance in this Nation. Then President, Dwight David Eisenhower said this about adding "under God" to the pledge.

"In this way we are affirming the transcendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most powerful resource in peace and war."

President Eisenhower recognized something that too many Americans have forgotten. That is that our heritage has been that we were, from our inception, ONE NATION UNDER GOD!

Our founding Fathers recognized the profound truth that rights, yea, freedoms comes from God. This truth is acknowledged in The Declaration of Independence…

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Thrice more in The Declaration God is referred to! It says in the first paragraph, "the Laws of Nature and Nature’s God." Then, God is called "the Supreme Judge of the world." Finally, in the closing sentence it says, "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."

The leaders of this nation would do well to ponder carefully the words of Benjamin Franklin…

"I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth - that God Governs in the affairs of men…We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that ‘except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.’ I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and bye word down to future ages."

Franklin was correct! Today, our Nation is divided by partial local interests, our projects are being confounded and we are becoming a reproach and a bye word. Our congress is succeeding no better than the builders of Babel. Why? Our leaders and many of our citizens have forgotten the truth that of Psalm 127:1 "Except the LORD build the house they labor in vain that build it..." Christian, be Salt and Light! Get busy sharing the Gospel, praying for our leaders and practicing biblical Christianity.

Believers Are NOT Public Relations Agents!

2010-09-23T14:31:00.000-07:00

Ponder This Christian: We who preach the Gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, or the world of sports, or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum.

God offers life, but not an improved old life. The life He offers is life out of death. It stands always on the far side of the cross. Whosoever would possess it must pass under the rod. He must repudiate himself and concur in God’s just sentence against him…Let him not seek to make terms with God, but let him bow his head before the stroke of God’s stern displeasure and acknowledge himself worthy to die.

Having done this let him gaze with simple trust upon the risen Savior, and from Him will come life and rebirth and cleansing power. The cross that ended the earthly life of Jesus now puts an end to the sinner; and the power that raised Christ from the dead now raises him to a new life along with Christ. (A. W. Tozer)

Is God Judging America?

2010-09-17T11:09:00.000-07:00

On August 22, 1787, George Mason (1725–1792), Father of the Bill of Rights, made this statement during the debates of the Constitutional Convention – "As Nations cannot be rewarded or punished in the next world, they must be in this. By an inevitable chain of causes and effects, Providence punishes national sins, by national calamities."

As I ponder Manon's words, I believe Mason was right! I further believe that for many years God has been slowly withdrawing his hand of blessing on this nation. Now, it seems apparent to me that God has begun to judge this nation or at least withdraw His hand of protection.

That's my 2 cents worth, what are your thoughts?

Parson Brown

Am I A Legalist Because I Call For Holy Living?

2010-09-14T09:54:00.000-07:00

Legalism is a term wildly thrown around in many Christian circles today. Often Christians who desire to maintain holy standards and who are zealous for pure doctrine as set forth in the Word of God are accused of being legalists and Pharisees. Walking obediently before God and urging others to do the same often brings harassing accusations of being a grace killer, a Puritain, a legalist and a Pharisee.

The modern church shouts at the top of their lungs, “we are not under law, we are under GRACE!” But they have a very unbiblical view of what grace is. One high profile evangelical writer writes -- [Grace] “means I'm free to choose righteousness or disobedience… Christ's blood has cleansed us from our sin, we are gloriously free - free to please Him. But we don't have to.” He goes on to say, “Life is like a menu in the Grace Restaurant. In this new establishment you are free to choose whatever you want.” (Charles R. Swindoll, The Grace Awakening; Nashville: Word Publishing, 1990)

The promoters of this “choose whatever you want” grace “cherry pick” proof texts that seem to support their idea that the grace of God allows the believer to live like he or she wants to, which in truth is “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness….” (Jude 1:4).

For the believer, God’s grace is the enablement God gives Christians to say no to sin and to make them able to live for and serve Him. It is God giving the believer the desire and power to live the Christian life and serve Him (Philippians 2:12-13; 1 Corinthians 15:10).

One verse used to support the false grace being promoted in our day is a portion of Romans 6:14 which says “for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” This is one of the passages quoted to support the anti-law, anti-standard thinking that pervades the modern church. However, they have jerked this verse completely out of context! This passage is NOT supporting the “live like you please” mentality. Let’s examine the context - Romans 6:12-18 “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”

God’s Grace gives the believer NO license to choose to live as we please! This is very clearly stated in Titus 2:11-12 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”

2010-09-10T09:32:00.001-07:00

Let's quit fiddling with religion and do something to bring the world to Christ. Evangelist Billy Sunday

I am starting a blog!

2010-09-10T08:43:00.000-07:00

What ever possessed me to do this I am not sure. However, I view at this as another opportunity to obey the Lord's command to be Salt and Light because I see the truths of the Bible being too often walked on, walked around or totally ignored. The verses I took the Blog title from are found in Matthew 5:13-16 "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Just another quick thought before I close this first posting. When Matthew 5:13-16 was written Salt was the primary preservative. There were no freezers and canning food as we know it was non-existant. Therefore, as believers we are to live and articulate our Biblical Values because they preserve the our culture. Second, light has not changed. Oh yes, it has gotten bigger and brighter, put the purpose of light has always been to give direction in the dark. We are to boldly speak the truth so that others may know what is right, what is not right, how to get right and how to stay right!

Take Care and God Bless!