Captain's Log - Unalienable Rights

The Declaration of Independence says, "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."

At the time this was a radical idea. Citizens were viewed as property and subjects of the state. The idea that the state was created for the citizen not the citizen for the state was truly revolutionary. What had led the Colonialist to this radical position?

America had been founded by Puritans and others searching for religious freedom in the New World. They were scriptuarists who desired to form all their beliefs, philosophy and society around the teaching of scripture. They developed the concepts for the foundation of our country from the Bible.

Proverbs 31:4-5 teaches us that. "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights."

Notice the dangers listed here. It is not only against drinking wine. The real danger for the king was to forget the purpose of law and "deprive all the oppressed of their rights."

Did you catch that? The Bible teaches that citizens have rights and it is the government’s job to protect those rights. In fact,that is the purpose of the law. Proverbs 31:8-9 goes on to say, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."

The destitute have rights. The poor have rights. The needy have rights. And look at this, those who cannot speak for themselves have rights! That means, the child in the womb of its mother, has rights. The mentally handicapped have rights. The person with brain damage, who can't speak for herself, has rights.

The founders of our nation believed that the first among those rights was the right to life. They listed it first, before liberty, property, or the freedom to pursue happiness. Life was the first right in the mind of our founders.

There is a growing philosophy in our culture today toward death for those who cannot speak for themselves, as if the inability to speak takes away your humanity and rights. Just because a child in the womb cannot speak; because the mentally handicapped cannot talk; because those with brain damage cannot articulate their rights; does not mean they don't have them. It also doesn't mean that the government should not defend them. People should not have to speak in order for the government to defend their right to life.

The philosophy of socialism and communism is that the person exists for the good of the state. Rights are given by the state along with necessities like food, water, shelter, education and health care. In the socialist and communist mind we all work for the state and the state provides all our needs. The state controls production and distribution of goods and services. It redistributes wealth and property according to the needs of the state. In this world view, if someone becomes a burden on the state and cannot contribute to the good of the state, they lose their rights.

The fascist socialism of the Nazi state best illustrates this philosophy lived out to its full extent. They considered the mentally handicapped a burden on society along with the aged. They had a policy of euthanasia to relieve the state of people who were a burden on the resources of the Nazi government. This same philosophy of killing the undesirables was then used next on the Jews, the Polish, the terminally ill, and the aged. Anyone who the state felt was a burden, they killed. Why keep them in concentration camps, when you can kill them? Why house the mentally ill ,when you can kill them? Why burden the state with the cost of those who did not help the state? This was called "The Final Solution."

This exists still today. The Chinese abort thousands of babies because they are girls. Most people in China want a boy to carry on the family name and the state only allows the family to have one child each. Many couples, when they are told they are having a girl, have it aborted and try again for a boy. If they already have a boy, any second child is aborted. And china is not the only place where this happens. How many "undesirable" children are aborted each day in America? We are no better than the Nazis.

The Bible, self-evident truth, and the declaration of independence agree, every person has the right to live and it is the governments job to protect those rights not infringe upon them. That is the purpose of the three branches of government. If one or two of those branches don't protect the rights of those people, our founders believed, the other branch should balance them out and rein them in. Government was given by God to protect the innocent and punish those who would infringe on others rights, especially the rights of the weak who can't speak for themselves.
For more on the Declaration of independence go here: http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/index.htm

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How To Tell If Your Church Is Devoted To Jesus.

From its very foundation the Church that God established was devoted to certain things. Acts 2:42 tells us that, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

Their devotion was an example for us to follow. Hebrews 13:7 commands, “Remember your leaders, who spoke the Word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” Some might wonder what it means to be devoted to these things. If we remember their “way of life” and “imitate their faith,” we will understand what it means to be devoted.

THE EARLY CHRISTIANS WERE DEVOTED TO THE APOSTLES' TEACHING IN THAT:

They taught it in the temple.
Acts 5:25, “Then someone came and said, "Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people."

They spread it all over Jerusalem.
Acts 5:28, "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood."

They taught it from home to home.
Acts 5:42, "Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.”

They taught it every day.
Acts 5:42, "Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.”

THE EARLY CHRISTIANS WERE DEVOTED TO FELLOWSHIP IN THAT:

They met in public worship to praise God.
Acts 2:46, "Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts”

They met together in each other's homes.
Acts 2:46, "Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts”

They met the physical needs of others.
Acts 6:1-7, " In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.”

They cared for each other in sickness.
Acts 9:36-41, " In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!" Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive.”

They cared for those who couldn't get out to the assembly.
Acts 24:23, "He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs.”

THE EARLY CHRISTIANS WERE DEVOTED TO THE BREAKING OF BREAD IN THAT:

They all came together to partake
Acts 20:7, "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.”

They did it on the first day of the week.
Acts 20:7, "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.”

They met every first day of the week.
I Corinthians 16:2, "On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.”

When they took the communion, it was called "love feasts."
Jude 1:12, " These men are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm— shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted— twice dead.”

THE EARLY CHRISTIANS WERE DEVOTED TO PRAYER IN THAT:

They prayed constantly.
Acts 1:14, "They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”

They prayed during the day.
Acts 3:1, "One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer— at three in the afternoon.”
Acts 10:9, "About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray.”

They prayed during the night.
Acts 12:12, "When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying.”
Acts 16:25, "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.”

They prayed in choosing new leaders.
Acts 1:24, "Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen."
Acts 6:6, "They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them."
Acts 13:3, "So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”
Acts 14:23, "Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.”

It was a priority for the leaders to pray.
Acts 6:4, "and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

They prayed during persecution.
Acts 4:29, "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.”
Acts 7:59, "While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
Acts 12:5, "So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.”

They prayed for those needing physical healing.
Acts 9:40, "Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.”
Acts 28:8, "His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.”

Prayer was given before going on journeys.
Acts 20:36, "When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed.”
Acts 21:5, "But when our time was up, we left and continued on our way. All the disciples and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray.”

When in danger prayer was their strength.
Acts 27:35, "After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat.”

They prayed for forgiveness after sinning.
Acts 8:22, "Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.”

Truly they were devoted to the Apostle's doctrine, fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer. Could the same description be given about you and your church? Are you devoted?

Submit your Bible question to scripturist@hotmail.com or post a comment by clicking on the "comments" link below.

News Brief 03-29-05 If it’s painless, why the morphine?

Those defending the starvation of Terri Shiavo have said it would be painless and serene. Go here:
http://www.detnews.com/2005/politics/0503/27/A04-127716.htm

Patients who starve don't feel pain. In fact, it can be quite blissful and euphoric. Go here:
http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/nation/11228321.htm

Find out how you can experience this inner peace and euphoria. Go here: (A Must Hear)
http://mfile.akamai.com/5020/wma/rushlimb.download.akamai.com/5020/New/Starvation%20Center.asx

Meanwhile, they have to give Terri morphine for the convulsions. Go here:
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2005/3/29/94845.shtml

Psalms 72:13 "take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death."

Psalms 41:1 "Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble."

Do I have to be baptized to be saved?

Question: I have a quick, but very important question for you! I live in a sorority with approximately 90 other women and we have a Bible Study every Sunday evening. Yesterday we got on the topic about baptism and where in the Bible does it state that you must be baptized in order to go to heaven. We have a baby Christian in our group and she bluntly asked the question, "If I were to die today, would I go to hell because I am not baptized." I was wondering if you could give me scripture and your words of wisdom on how best to answer this question.

Answer: The question is do I have to be baptized to be saved. To answer that question I want to look and see what happens in baptism so we can know whether or not it is essential to our salvation. Let's see what happens to a person according to the Bible when they are baptized. (And remember Baptism is to dunk under water, not sprinkle.)

WHAT HAPPENS IN BAPTISM

FORGIVENESS OF SINS
Acts 2:38-39 "Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, for all whom the Lord our God will call."
Acts 22:16 "And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name."

GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Acts 2:38-39 "Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, for all whom the Lord our God will call."
Titus 3:5 "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."

UNITED TO CHRIST
Romans 6:3-5 "Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection."

BURIED IN CHRIST
Romans 6:3-5 "Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection."
Colossians 2:12 "having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead."

MAY LIVE A NEW LIFE
Romans 6:3-5 "Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection."

CLOTHED WITH CHRIST
Galatians 3:26-27 "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ."
Colossians 3:3 "For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."

BECOME A CHILD OF GOD
Galatians 3:26-27 "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ."
The word "for" in verse 27 is "a conjunc. used to express cause, explanation, inference" (Strongs)
Galatians 4:6 "Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."
When you become a son, God sends His Spirit into your heart. You become a son when you are clothed with Christ by faith in baptism. When does Acts 2:38 say we get the Holy Spirit?

PLEDGE YOUR LIFE TO CHRIST
1 Peter 3:20-21 "God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also, not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

SALVATION
1 Peter 3:20-21 "God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also, not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ"
Mark 16:16 "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."

YOU ARE BORN AGAIN
John 3:3-5 "In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." 4 "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" 5 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit."

BORN OF THE SPIRIT
So when are you born again?
•Are you born of the Spirit when you receive it? Yes!
•When do you receive the Holy Spirit according to Acts 2:38 and is there water involved?
•So how are you born of the Water and the Spirit?
•What happens to you if you are not?

CAN YOU BE SAVED WITHOUT BEING BAPTIZED?
•Can you be saved without the forgiveness of sins?
•Can you be saved without receiving the Holy Spirit?
•Can you be saved without being united with Christ? (see John 14:6)
•Can you be saved without being buried with Christ in His death?
•Can you be saved without the ability to live a new life?
•Can you be saved without being clothed and hidden in Christ?
•Can you be saved without becoming a child of God?
•Can you be saved without being pledged to Christ?
•Can you be saved without doing what Jesus said to do to be saved?
•Can you be saved without being born again?


We are saved by Grace through Faith at Baptism

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What does "baptized for the dead" mean?

Question: I would like for you to let me know, and explain what the verse in I Corinthians 15:29 is. My friend said that this verse means you pray for the dead.”

Answer: I Corinthians 15:29 is one of the most misunderstood verses in the Bible. There are dozens of opinions on what this verse means. How do we know which is right?

One way to tell which of the interpretations of this verse are false is to find the ones that do not harmonize in meaning with the topic of the verses around it. Or secondly, if a particular interpretation of this verse is proven false by a clear teaching from elsewhere in scripture, then we know that interpretation is wrong. Therefore, to clear the air on this verse it would be good to go through and address what I Corinthians 15:29 is not teaching first.

I Corinthians 15:29 reads, “Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them?”

First of all, it is NOT teaching that those who are dead and without Christ still have a chance of being saved. Once you die, your opportunity to accept Him is over. Hebrews 9:27 says, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” There are no second chances after you die. Secondly, it is not encouraging prayer for the dead. Prayer is not even mentioned in this verse or its context.

II Corinthians 5:10 declares, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” When we are judged before God it will be based on the choices we made while “in the body.” Death is a separation of the spirit from the body (see James 2:26). Therefore, after your body and spirit are separated you will face judgment for what you did while “in the body” before you died.

Therefore, the erroneous teaching that you can be baptized in the place of someone who is dead to save them is proven utterly false. The idea that you can pray for the dead and take them from torment to paradise contradicts the teaching of II Corinthians 5:10 and Luke 16:26. Salvation is based upon your response of faith before your death not on anything anyone does for you after death. Therefore, the above interpretations cannot be what I Corinthians 15:29 means.

Who is Paul talking about in verse 29, when he refers to the “dead?” When we look at the context of this verse, the only dead mentioned are the dead “in Christ” in verse 18. The dead “in Christ” don’t need to be saved or prayed for because Romans 8:1, teaches, “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” The dead in verse 29 are the dead who are saved.

So what does verse 29 mean in the context? In I Corinthians 15 Paul is defending the Gospel and future hope of the resurrection of the dead. He is listing several ways our faith would be useless and pointless if the dead in Christ are not raised at Christ’s return (see verses 13-20, 23, & 29-32).

Paul’s arguments in this chapter can be paraphrased as: If there is no resurrection of the dead, why are we preaching Jesus arose? Why are we living for the next life not this one? Why do we endanger ourselves every hour by preaching Christ? Why do we suffer the hardships of the Christian life? Therefore, what ever verse 29 means it must be proving that the practice would be pointless if there were no resurrection of the Christian dead.

The word “for” in verse 29 could be translated as “on account of.” So why were they baptizing people for or on account of the dead Christians? I believe it’s to replenish church membership and sustain the church after the present believers have passed on. It’s to preserve a remnant who can proclaim the Gospel to the next generation.

All through the chapter Paul is questioning why they are doing the things Christians do if there is no resurrection. I think verse 29 could be paraphrased, "why are we making new converts to replace those who have died in Christ if there is no resurrection?" But the dead will be raised, so be ready for death by being saved today!

Submit your Bible Question to scipturist@hotmail.com or feel free to post a comment by clicking on the word "comment" below.

Captain's Log - In The Garden

In the garden all alone
Feeling abandoned leaning on this stone
Overwhelmed with sorrow filled with grief
Oh father, of father, Take this cup from me

Feels so alone here on my knees
My friends don’t notice sleeping under the trees
My sweat is so intense it makes me bleed
Oh Father you can do all things, take this cup from me

Wake up brothers come and see
My betrayer has come to betray me
Torches coming with weapons and fists
Behold my betrayer betrays me with a kiss

Feel so alone now surrounded by this mob
My friends all abandoned me here alone
For this moment I was born
Father, not my will, not my will but yours be done

by The Bittersweet Blues Band

BREAKING NEWS: Court acts to spare life at 11th hour

Convicted murderer given reprieve on technicality, while Terri is still being starved to death. http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/3100050

Terri now bleeding from eyes and mouth as she slowly dies. http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2005/3/26/80255.shtml

The Judge in Terri's case was paid off:
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2005/3/25/230207.shtml

Proverbs 17:15 "Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— the LORD detests them both."

Captain's Log - Fishers Of Men

As Jesus began his work of bringing the good news to mankind, he used certain techniques to recruit people for service. Notice Jesus technique as he calls Peter and Andrew.

Matthew 4:18-20 "As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him."

Jesus does three things to insure success in his appeal to Peter and Andrew that we can imitate today.



First Jesus meets them where they are. Notice he doesn't try to get them to come to a synagogue service or a temple. He goes out to the common man, in the common world and goes to them. Jesus latter tells his disciples in Mark 16:15 to "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." Notice that Jesus did not wait in the ivory palaces of heaven for sinners to come find him. He sought them out in the midst of this sinful world and approached them with an offer of grace.

Second Jesus calls them to something spiritual. He did not appeal to their flesh. He did not appeal to their desire for money or land. He appealed to their better nature. He appealed to their desire to make a difference for God in the lives of their fellow man. He called them not to buildings, money, pride or prestige but service, sacrifice and searching for their lost fellow man. What you win them with is what you win them too.

Third Jesus relates to them in terms they understand. Jesus didn't talk like other religious teachers (John 7:46). Jesus didn't use 5 syllable words all day or talk in religious jargon. He spoke in a way that appealed to common men and women seeking the truth. Jesus was not pretentious but spoke to fishermen in analogies and metaphors that they could grasp and be motivated by. To fisherman, he spoke of evangelism in fishing terminology.

Jesus was very successful with this type of preaching and teaching. It drew large crowds, built a solid core of leaders, and changed the world. We would do well to imitate him. He was the master fishermen. If we want to be fishers of men like Jesus we should use the same bait.

What Does The Bible Say About alcoholic Beverages?

Question: Should a Christian drink alcoholic beverages?

Answer: Ephesians 5:18 says, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." It is definitely a sin to get drunk. The question then arises, when am I drunk.

Webster's dictionary defines "drunk" as when a person consumes alcohol "to the point of impairment of physical and mental faculties." How much alcohol does it take to cause impairment? Not much according to the latest studies.

The following are the reasons the Bible gives in Proverbs 23:29-35 as to why drinking alcohol is foolish.

Alcohol Causes Depression, Conflict, and Pain

Proverbs 23:29-30 "Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine."

Alcohol is a depressant causing a chemically induced depression of "woe" and "sorrow." Alcohol does not relieve depression but deepens it. Luke 21:34 says "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap."

As a depressant it makes people argumentative and violent. Drunken brawls are common. There are many needless bruises, injuries and deaths due to such conflicts.

Alcohol Is a Subtly Deceptive Poison

Proverbs 23:31-32 "Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper."

Here the Bible not only tells us not to drink alcohol, it tells us don't even "gaze" at it.

Sparkling smooth Alcohol is compared to deadly snake poison. In others words, it is suicide.

Alcohol Destroys Reason and Self-control.

Proverbs 23:33 "Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things."

Alcohol is a known to confuse the mind and destroy the ability to reason. This inability to reason robs us of self-control. To lack self-control is to be open to the Devil's attack. Proverbs 25:28 "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control." To give up self-control is to give Satan control.

Go here to view more: http://realserver.earthlink.net/~www.discover-films.com/BOA2.rm

Alcohol Hurts the Body Which Is the Temple of the Holy Spirit

Proverbs 23:34 "You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging."

Alcohol is unhealthy. Like all other sin, it kills. Alcohol is a poison that destroys brain cells, internal organs, and mental function.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

1 Corinthians 3:17 "If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are."

For More Info: http://www.ncadd.org/pubs/images/alcoholposter.jpg

Its only use should be in "little" doses for medicinal purposes. 1 Timothy 5:23 "Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses."

Notice that Timothy didn't drink any wine, but only water. Timothy has to be told to drink wine for his stomach ailment. Dysentery was a common problem in Bible times due to a lack of clean water. Wine mixed with water would kill the bacteria that were causing his stomach sicknesses. It is NOT a sin to use alcohol for medicine.

Alcohol Is Addictive

Proverbs 23:35 "They hit me," you will say, "but I'm not hurt! They beat me, but I don't feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?"

Notice it says "when will I wake up so I can find another drink." The person is not even over the ill effects of his last drinking episode and he is longing for more. Addiction has taken over many lives and ruined jobs, families, and marriages.

Christians have liberty to eat and drink anything but not if it controls them or is habit forming. 1 Corinthians 6:12 "Everything is permissible for me" but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me" but I will not be mastered by anything." We have liberty in Christ but not to do things that are unbeneficial or that we will be "mastered" by. Anything that masters our will and controls us should be avoided. Anything addictive should be cut out of our life. Another example of this is tobacco.

The reason addiction is so treacherous is the eternal consequence of the unbroken addiction. A drunkard will not go to heaven unless he repents. God wants to forgive the drunkard. God has mercy on all sinners and longs for them to repent and turn to his grace. We at Jerome Christian Church love all people and would love to help anyone overcome drunkenness and addiction. There are many organizations that can help an alcoholic repent. If you have a drinking problem you need to seek help. Sadly for some, this repentance never comes because their love for the drink is greater than their love for God.

Just a few verses before Paul commands us not to be drunks, he writes in Ephesians 5:15 "Be very careful, then, how you live— not as unwise but as wise." Proverbs has shown us that the wise person will not even look at Alcohol, muchless drink it. The foolish person will. For the above reasons, alcohol should be totally avoided except for limited medicinal purposes.

1 Corinthians 6: 9-10, "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God."

Send your Bible question to scripturist@hotmail.com or post your comments about this topic by clicking on the "comments" link below.

New Brief - 03-24-05 Image of God being destroyed

Psalms 82:1-4 "God presides in the great assembly; he gives judgment among the "gods": "How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked."

No one will defend the weak?
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050324/D891JIBO1.html

Proverbs 14:34 "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people."

Interview with Terri's Sister -Listen here:
http://mfile.akamai.com/6713/wma/glennbeck.download.akamai.com/6713/preview/05/03/interview-sschindler.asx

Why we are not to kill people or let people die?
Genesis 9:6 "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man."

Even a person with brain damage is still in the image of God!

How Do I Deal With My Mormon Friend?

Question: How do I witness to a Mormon? They claim to be Christian, yet the views are so different. I have a close friend that is a Mormon, and I don't want to offend her....

Answer: Wow! That is a tough question. It will be hard to share the facts about the differences between true Christianity and the cult of Mormonism with out being offensive because Mormons views are so radically different from that of New Testament Christianity.

To help you answer this question please read through the following resources.

Remember 1 Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect”

Watch this old school video to see what Mormons really believe: (a must see)
http://www.bible.ca/mormonism-video-god-makers-short-overview.ram

Galatians 1:8 -9 says, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!”

Joseph Smith received his different gospel on Mormonism from an Angel from Heaven. Opps!

This is a great page with answers for Mormons preprogrammed statements to you.
http://www.carm.org/lds/lds_objections.htm

Book of Mormon Contradicts itself and the Bible! (A Must Read)
http://www.bible.ca/mor-contradictions.htm

Difficult Questions for Mormons to answer:
http://www.bible.ca/mor-questions.htm

Overview of Mormon beliefs:
http://www.bible.ca/mor-overview.htm

Man can become equal to God
http://www.bible.ca/mor-adam-god.htm

If the Book of Mormon was inspired by God, why all the changes over the years?
http://www.bible.ca/mor-1830-changes.htm

Witnesses of the Book of Mormon all recanted or were kicked out:
http://www.bible.ca/mor-witness-book.htm

Go here for a very interesting comparison of Mormonism and Islam.
http://www.bible.ca/islam/islamic-mormonism-similarities.htm

Here are ten reasons to reject Mormonism I found on one site:
1. Joseph Smith was a con-artist turned prophet who’s own writings show him to be wicked man who created a religion for his own personal gain.
2. There is no room for the Book of Mormon because the Bible itself claims to be all-sufficient, compete and incorruptible and our judge on the last day.
3. The Book of Mormon contradicts the Bible.
4. The Book of Mormon makes many scientifically false statements.
5. Absolutely none of the specific historical content of the Book of Mormon has been verified through Archeological finds.
6. We do not have the Gold Nephi Plates for the world to examine.
7. Although the original 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon was alleged to be inspired in its English translation, there have been thousands of changes, corrections, additions and deletions. Most Mormons have never seen the original 1830 "inspired" edition and would be shocked if they did.
8. Although they claim direct guidance by God, the Mormon Church is among the most divided church in the world with more than 89 different sects who will not cooperate with each other.
9. The book of Doctrines & Covenants is very different depending upon which sect you are talking to.
10. The three witnesses of the B of M were all excommunicated by the Mormon Church and were of less than ideal character.

Send your question about the Bible to: scripturist@hotmail.com

Jesus And Politics

Many today believe Christians should not be involved in politics. Jesus is not a politician, but he is a king. He was not a political scientist, but he is a master teacher. He was not a lawyer, but he is a lawgiver. In the course of Jesus ministry, he dealt with many political issues. I am defining political issues as topics concerning the laws of the land that were controlled by the government.

There were many political hot topics in Jesus day. The nation of Judea was occupied at that time by the Roman Empire, which led to vast political divisions. Some of the issues of the day were: whether or not you should pay taxes to Rome; being conscripted to carry items for Roman soldiers for one mile; what constitutes work on the Sabbath; should children be responsible for their parents in their old age; can you pay the temple tax in Roman currency; and the legalities of divorce. These were divisive issues people were ready to fight and even die for.

If you look at Jesus life and teaching, he dealt with each one of these issues. How could he not? You cannot separate morality from the law. Law must have its roots in a value system or it has no logical justification whatsoever. Law without a moral basis is merely the use of force to impose the tyrannical will of the more powerful on the weak. In contrast, law based on morality provides for the protection of inalienable rights and delivery of justice where those rights are violated. By the very definition, rights are something we deserve, and therefore, it would be wrong to take them from another without just cause. To say we have rights, presumes morality. Law is legislating morality.

Jesus spoke on the morality of politics. Jesus taught his followers to pay their taxes. (Matthew 22:17-21) He taught his followers that when they were unjustly forced to go one mile to go two miles to demonstrate love for their political enemies. (Matthew 5:41) He taught that it was not in violation of the Sabbath law to work on Saturday, if it was to save a life or do good for someone in need. (Matthew 12:12) He taught that laws were created to serve man and man was not made to serve the laws. (Matthew 2:27) Government is there for us, we are not there for the government. (No wonder communists hate Christianity.) Jesus taught it was a child’s responsibility to care for their parents in their old age. (Matthew 7:5-11) Jesus taught that money changers who charged excessive rates in the temple were a “den of robbers.” (Matthew 21:13) And Jesus taught that divorce, except for fornication, was adultery and wrong. (Matthew 5:32)

Jesus was not a politician, but he sure was "politically incorrect." Because of his teachings on law, religion, and the nature of the kingdom of God, he was crucified. The world and its politics are in direct opposition to the plain teachings of Christ. He spoke out about our moral responsibility to government, our attitude toward oppression, the purpose of law, how to care for the poor, social justice, and the nature of marriage.

When making a decision in life, the question is often asked, "What Would Jesus Do?" On issues where morality and government intersect, Jesus spoke out about politics and so should we.

Can A Man Starve His Wife To Death?

Is it right to deprive a person of food and water just because they can't talk and can't swallow? That is the real question in the Terri Shiavo case.

See: http://www.terrisfight.org/documents/talk.pdf

Is it good to feed someone who can't feed themselves? If it is good to preserve life, help the helpless, save the dying to not help Terri would be a sin. Taking a brain dead person off a life support is one thing but withholding food from a person who would otherwise life is murder. See http://www.jewishworldreview.com/0305/schiavo_spero.php3

If a baby was born and the parents said, "I am this child's legal guardian. The child can't talk, can't walk, can't feed it's self. It has a terrible quality of life. As it's parent I know it wouldn't want to live this way. In fact it cries all the time. Therefore I am going to withhold food and water from my baby so it can die with ease and dignity." And then the parent starved the child to death. What would we do? We would arrest them for neglect at least and murder at most.

When we passed laws to make neglect of babies illegal, congressmen were not then saying, "but this is a private family matter that the state should not be getting involved with." So why do we say that about poor Terri? Because too many today do not value human life created in God's image.

So what is Terri does have the mind of a child? So what if she can't speak? So what if she has to be helped to be feed? Does that make her non-human? Does that give us the right to starve her to death?

If starving a baby is wrong so is starving Terri Schiavo.

Or what about my wife's cousin, Eli. He was born with a multiple handicaps-caps. He has never been able to walk, talk, or do anything but smile and make noises. Yet, anyone who would spend some time with him would see he cares, he feels, and he loves. He can't feed himself, dress himself, or use the restroom on his own. Should my wife's uncle just starve him to death because he thinks maybe Eli wouldn't want to live that way. NO! It would be neglect and murder.

James 4:17 says, "Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins."

Terri is conscious (or was before they took her food & water away). Go here and see that she is not brain dead. http://www.blogsforterri.com/video/ConversationWithTerri.wmv She was awake. She would smile for loved ones. She may improve with therapy which her husband has denied her for years. One nurse even testified that she could swallow food and water if spoon fed but that her husband insists on a feeding tube.

Some say it's a matter of "choice." Ahh the same old stuff we here in the abortion debate. For those who think her husband has the "right to choose" I encourage you to read http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=43398

Michael Schiavo says that if his wife, Terri could talk she would say "I want my feeding tube removed."

But considering that Michael has been cheating on Terri for years now, has had multiple children out of wedlock with his live-in lover and been living off the money won in a malpractice law suit that was supposed to be used to pay for Terri's rehabilitation, my guess is if she could talk right now she would say, "I want a divorce!"

For more information on her case go here: http://www.blogsforterri.com/

Captain's Log - The Triumph of Rest

It’s strange how the nights seem darker
Shadows more foreboding when the wind howls
Rather than caresses
When the clouds cover stars and veil
The sea of illumination in a mist of doubt
Like vaporous stresses

Its strange how ugly and empty
The night becomes when you stray from
Your conscience’s calling
When one moment eclipses all reason
And floods of emotion highjack you
Like autumn leaves falling

Come quickly you gathering light,
you hope of redemption
the purchase from death
come quickly you giver of gifts
ancient wisdom of life
the worker of rest

Its strange how perfect the misdeeds
And sins of indiscretion lead to demise
Like rust on steel
But when you turn to love’s purpose
Like the crash of a tide changing chorus
You see what is real

Its strange how the wheels spin slowly
So perfect and complete
by ancient design
When you look back at the chaos
Patterns develop in relation to choices
And grace makes them align

Come quickly you mounting messiah
You steed of protection
You conqueror of death
come quickly you army of angels
Trumpet of jubilation
The triumph of rest

Why Take Communion Every Sunday?

Question: Why does your church take the Lord’s Supper each week and not quarterly or semi-annually like other congregations?

Answer: This is a good question that I hear very often. We at the Christian church take the Lord’s Supper each week, while many congregations relegate communion to a semi-annual or quarterly event. The simplest answer to that question is that the apostles along with the very first Christians took it each Sunday and we are commanded to follow their example in Scripture.

We are to imitate the “traditions” of the early Christians. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 11:1-2 “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. Now I praise you because you remember me in everything, and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you.” We should hold firmly to the traditions and teachings of the early church. It was their practice to take the Lord’s Supper every Sunday and only on Sunday.

There are literally hundreds of denominations of churches with various doctrines. How are we to know which is true? How are we to ever come to unity as Christians? Unity can only come by looking back to the New Testament and seeing what the early Christians did, and imitating it just as Paul commanded us to. We must look to the word of God. It is the truth.

Every kind of Church has traditions. We need to make sure our churches follow the New Testament Christians traditions as taught by the apostles and prophets, not the opinions of uninspired men. Ephesians 2:20 says the church is to be “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” And Ephesians 3:5 says the mystery of the gospel was “…not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.” Let us build on the Apostles foundation laid in the New Testament.

Paul also wrote in 2 Thessalonians 2:15, “So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.” The instructions Paul gave were for us to follow their written commands (The New Testament) and to follow what they taught by “word of mouth.” Now, how are we supposed to obey what Paul taught by “word of mouth” when we were not there? The answer is that what they taught by “word of mouth” is played out in their example. The example of their lives is recorded for us in the book of Acts. The birth and growth of the church is recorded for us in specific detail in the book of Acts. It lays for us a foundational example of what we should be like as churches. The book of Acts is not just a bunch of stories to help fill our Sunday school hour. It is a road map. It is the guidebook for the church. The book of Acts is not just a history book; it’s an example, which God commands us to follow.

So what does the book of Acts tell us about when to take the Lord’s Supper? Acts 20:7 says, “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread.” Why did they meet on Sunday? The whole reason they came together was “to break bread.” The verse that tells us when the early Christians met tells us why they met. Ask all most any preacher why we have church on Sunday and he will tell you that is the day Jesus rose from the dead and that’s when the early Christians met to have church. There are two ways he knows this. Number one, we have the writings of early Christians from the first and second century who say that is when they met. Number two we have the record in Acts 20:7 which says that is when they met. But remember, the only verse that tells us when they met tells us why they met. Early Christians met each Sunday to take the Lord’s Supper. And Paul commanded us to follow their example.

Some may suggest that this was not a pattern of behavior for all churches. But church history confirms early Christians met each week to take the Lord’s Supper. There was a pattern to their behavior. And we are commanded in Philippians 3:17, “Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.” Once again, Paul is commanded Christians to follow the “pattern” and “example” of himself and the early churches.

Some may suggest that what Paul did in Acts 20 at the church in Ephesus was different than what he did in other churches. However, that is just not true. Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 4:17 “For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church.” Paul’s teaching and example were consistent. He taught the same traditions everywhere.

Some argue that if we take the Lord’s Supper each week, it would become to commonplace and lose its freshness. I have noticed that preachers who say this do not apply that teaching to coming to church or singing praise to God and especially not to taking up an offering each week. Charles Spurgeon, after defending weekly communion, answered the objection that it would be to commonplace if observed to often by saying, “You may have more and more and more of everything Christ instituted and ordained, especially more and more of Himself, and the more you have the more freshness there will be.” Let us freshen our relationship with Christ by following the early Christians example of weekly communion.

Pray For Terri Schiavo!

To find out why you need to pray read here:

Terri's scream to live. (a must read)
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2005/3/18/174428.shtml

Terri's Dad tells her story
http://www.apfn.org/apfn/terri_story.htm

Congress tries to help
http://news.yahoo.com/fc?tmpl=fc&cid=34&in=US&cat=Assisted_Suicide

Senator Frist Threatens Jail for Judge who defied them and pulled Terri's feeding tube
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2005/3/19/104732.shtml
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2005/3/18/181719.shtml

Support the Incapacitated Persons Legal Protection Act by emailing congress
http://www.terrisfight.org/
http://www.house.gov/writerep/
http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/

Husband Blocks Bone Scan Showing Possible Abuse of Terri Schiavo
http://www.lifenews.com/bio146.html
and
http://www.lifenews.com/bio766.html

attorney Urges Hillary Clinton to Help Starve Terri http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2005/3/19/121450.shtml

Should A Christian Fight In A War?

Question: “Should a Christian be in the military? Is it right for a Christian to fight in a war? Didn’t Jesus say to ‘love our enemies”?

Answer: The question of whether a Christian should go to war is an often-asked question because of what seem like contradictory statements in the Bible. However, with a careful look we will find that these statements are not contradictory but are teachings given to different people in different roles. We will find that serving in the Military is not only honorable but a service for God himself.

On a personal level Jesus taught us in Matthew 5:38-45, "You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. "You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.”

In this chapter Jesus is going through and quoting all the maxims of the religious teachers of his day and refuting them. Here he is refuting personally taking vengeance. It was a common misinterpretation of Scripture in Jesus day to take verses written as commandments to judges and government officials and apply them to the individual.

The term Jesus refutes about taking an “eye for an eye” is from God himself. It can be found in Exodus 21:24, Leviticus 24:20 and Deuteronomy 19:21. In each of these passages, it is talking about what a judge and a court are to do. It gives requirements for witnesses, and other legalities. This command of taking an “eye for an eye” was a command for the civil court system not the individual.

The teachers in Jesus day were abusing the above passages by applying them to personal circumstances. The courts were to give justice not the individual. As individuals, we are to give mercy and not take vengeance ourselves.

The Apostle Paul instructs us in Romans 12:19-20, “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."

So the instruction for the individual Christian is to never take vengeance because that is God’s department. For instance, if someone were to murder your loved one, it would be wrong for you to kill him or her. Vengeance belongs to God. Leave room for Him to do his job. Instead we should love our enemies just as Christ loved us when were his enemy by our many sins.

So how does God take vengeance? We know it belongs to Him. How does he execute his justice and vengeance up on the evildoer? God’s word goes on to explain right after Romans 12 where it says not to “take vengeance”, who his “agent of wrath” is in Romans 13.

Romans 13:1-4 plainly teaches, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.”

So Romans 12 gives us the rule for the individual. We are not to take vengeance or an “eye for an eye” but we are to forgive and love our enemies. Romans 13 teaches that God takes vengeance on the “evildoer.” And to do this God has established “governing authorities.”

Notice Romans 13:4 says that the government “does not bear the sword for nothing.” Swords were not used in Paul’s day to tickle people with. They were used to kill people. The government is established by God and has the right and the responsibility to kill evildoers.

This God given role of government is why the Christian should support both the military and the civil justices system in executing justice against the wicked. Government is God’s “servant” and His “agent of wrath.” To not support them or thwart their work is to thwart God’s justice.

In Jesus day the teachers took instructions to judges and courts in the Law and abused them by misapplying them to the individual. The ironic thing is, that today, many teachers take Jesus teachings to the individual and abuse them by misapplying them to the government, military or court system.

We should support our courts and military, as long as their actions are justly applied against those who do evil. They are God’s servants to give us justice and punish the evildoer. Our military personnel are God’s servants to give us justice and they deserve our honor and respect.

Send your Bible Question to scripturist@hotmail.com

Captain's Log - Random Thoughts

You can't do it all. You can't please them all. You can't have it all. You can't enjoy it all. But you can lose it all trying to do the impossible things listed above.

People are looking for hope but are often let down because they look for it in the wrong place.

Faithfulness brings hardship and then deliverance in due time.
Unfaithfulness brings comfort and ease and then destruction in due time.

Sin is not worth the price and repentance is a limited time offer.

I have always longed to be someone great, to do great things, accomplish great goals and be remembered and respected. Ahh, are these not the seeds of pride?

We all need to sacrifice ambition to the will and purposes of God. Even ambitions to do great things for God that may not be his will must be sacrificed. Who's glory are we truly interested in? His or ours?

Peace only comes to us when we are selfless, which makes it hard to find when we want it for selfish reasons. Peace can only be enjoyed when it is the byproduct of living selflessly in pursuit of God's will. When finding peace is our goal rather than doing God's will, peace will never be found.

Submit a Bible Question at scripturist@hotmail.com

From The News Desk March 18, 2005

Today is the day the are going to start starving Terri Schiavo to death. Don't forget to pray for her, that God may deliver her. She faces excruciating pain as she dies of starvation at the will of her husband as of 1pm today (E.S.T.)

Prayers for Terri: http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2005/3/14/220042.shtml
House Panel Seeks to Keep Schiavo Alive : http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2005/3/18/65623.shtml
Fla. House OKs Bill to Keep Schiavo Alive: http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2005/3/17/135415.shtml
Terri's Story: http://www.terrisfight.org/

Have you read the story of Ashley Smith who gently talked the armed suspect in Atlanta's courthouse slayings to put down his gun and let her go? Before he let her go she advised him to surrender, which he did. Ashley's faith is what gave her the courage to offer her captor hope and point to a purpose for his life. "I believe God brought him to my door," She said.

Check it out: http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/news/nat_world/031405_APnat_hostage.html

"Empty Car Starts Up, Crashes Into House" This could only happen in Indiana.
http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=3086004&nav=0Ra7XZER

Blogger In The White House. And finally I submit this tidbit to show the growing power of bloggers.
Go here: http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050308/ap_on_go_pr_wh/white_house_blogger_4

Three Things That Tear Down a Home

Proverbs 14:1 says, “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.”

We control the fate of our families and homes. A woman (or man for that matter) can build her house or tear her house down based on what is in her heart and what comes out in her actions. Proverbs 14:11 says, “The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.” So, where is your heart? Is it tearing your house down or building it up?

Destroyer #1 - Deceit
If there is anything that will tear a house down it is deception. Lying, conniving, deceit, and devious manipulation will destroy a relationship and tear down a house. Proverbs 14:2 says, “He whose walk is upright fears the LORD, but he whose ways are devious despises him.” It is disrespect for God and a lack of fear for his justice that foolishly deceives people into becoming deceitful themselves. They think they won’t get caught or that God won’t punish their deceit.

If you are wise you will think about it and realize God can’t bless a house built on deceit. Proverbs 14:8 says, “The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.” A lack of careful thought to the realities and consequences of your actions leads you to lie to yourself and then deceive others as well. The biggest lies liars tell are to themselves. 2 Timothy 3:13 says, “While evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”

It is ironic that deceivers don’t give thought to the lies they are telling themselves in order to justify their deceiving of others. Proverbs 14:15 says, “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.” A way to determine the purity of your motives is your unwillingness to deceive. Proverbs 14:5 says, “A truthful witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.”

This willingness to use deception and trickery to manipulate people ultimately leads people away from God and salvation. Liars who won’t repent, can’t go to Heaven. Revelation 21:8 plainly states, “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars— their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Deceiving others and using half-truth to manipulate situations leads us to tear down our house. Proverbs 14:22 says, “Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.” What are you plotting or planning?

Destroyer #2 – Temper
Just as no one likes a deceitful person, no one likes a hot headed person who is quickly angered. Proverbs 14:17 “A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.” We have already learned that a wise man who builds his house gives thought to his ways. Giving thought to the realities of life removes a quick temper. Sometimes when fools believe lies, they will think they are trapped and resort to deceit to achieve an escape from their situation. Others, when feeling trapped by life’s circumstances just fill with anger and rage. They don’t consider their ways, nor consider God’s deliverance. And out of a lack of patience to wait for God’s deliverance and salvation, they turn to out bursts of anger. Proverbs 14:29 says, “A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.” The lack of faith of the quick tempered man is on display.

A Temper shows a lack of understanding of the victory that is inevitable for those who serve Christ. They think they are losing when in Christ they could be winning. So they get angry. It’s the people who feel like they are losing who get angry. It’s the people who are not getting what they want who get mad. Like the deceiver who thinks there are no consequences for evil behavior, the hothead doubts the justice of God and so feels he has to dole out his own justice against others. If he feared God, he would patiently wait on God’s justice. Proverbs 14:16 says, “A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.”

Destroyer #3 – Despising
Every one of us has sinned. Every one of us is spiritually needy. Every one of us is indebted to others and especially God. Every one of us needs mercy for our sins. So how is it we come to the point we don’t offer or revel in the fountain of grace? How is it we come to despise and resent others? Proverbs 14:21 says, “He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.” Notice that this verse doesn’t excuse us if our neighbor sins against us. Their sin against us is a given. All neighbors at some time sin against each other. At some point we are all needy. The blessed people meet each others needs.

To build up your house, you must offer the undeserved gift of forgiveness, that is grace. When you oppress those who are in need of your gifts of grace, you show contempt for God, who made them, loves them, and died for them. If you wish to glorify God you must walk in his path of forgiveness at all times seeking to make amends. Proverbs 14:31 says, “He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”

Forgiveness is a Godly virtue we must all share in. The world mocks forgiveness and doesn’t respect it, but those who are righteous have good will. Proverbs 14:9 says, “Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.” Have you ever tried to make up with someone and they just walk away. They say your motives are impure. They have no trust or compassion. They offer no forgiveness and show no repentance. Theirs is the choice of a fool who mocks at restoring relationship and making amends.

Mockers are a jaded, skeptical and cynical lot. Because they mock the path of forgiveness and recoil at the thought of reconciliation, they find none. They have a pride that justifies their alienation of the sinner, because they feel superior. Mockers don’t experience the blessed life of those who are kind to those in need. They are not at peace. They live in the shadowlands of doubt, anger and self pity. Always blaming and never forgiving, they swing back and forth between deceit and anger. Always looking out and never looking inward, they never fix the real problem which is in their heart not in their neighbor. They don’t have what the blessed have and become jealous of other’s peace. Their health suffers. They are constantly feeling depressed, sick and struggling with health problems. Proverbs 14:30 says, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Peace and wisdom elude them, because they mock the wisdom of forgiveness and mercy.

Ever seeking, but never finding, a foolish lack of respect for God leads to a lack of respect for others and thus a lack of wisdom. The truth escapes them and they deceive to get their way. They mock the truth of justice and impatiently turn to a quick temper. They claim to seek wisdom in their clinical, cynical, scientific approach, but mocking mercy and despising others leaves them vainly foolish and devoid of wisdom. Proverbs 14:6 “The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.”

Proverbs 14:1 says, “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.” There are three things fools use to tear down their house, relationships, physical health, and spiritual growth. They use deceitfulness, a temper and despising others.

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Why Go To Church?

Question: Why do some people believe you need to go to church to worship God? Can’t I worship God just as well out in his creation on my boat fishing? I can worship God just as well there as at church right?

Answer: You are right when you say that you can worship God anywhere. However, you cannot obey God without going to church. Or maybe it would be more accurately stated by saying you can’t obey God without being an active and connected part of the church.

Worship is something we should do every day, not just when we are with other Christians. Worship is more than singing, praising God and being thankful for His great works, though it does include those things. The Apostle Paul describes our duty to worship when he says in Romans 12:1, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.”

Worship should be service and sacrifice to God. You can worship God anywhere and any time. However, you need to be in the church, in order to serve him by serving others. The way we serve God is by serving others. Jesus said in Matthew 25:40 “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

What we do for others, we do for Jesus. Therefore you cannot worship God completely without serving others. If our worship is merely us admiring God’s creation and spending some time alone with him in thankful prayer on a boat then we are only tasting a small sliver of the good things God has for us. Serving God is done by serving others. That is why we need to be in church. We need to be there to serve and be served.

The early Christians were devoted to being part of the church. Acts 2:42 says of the early Christians, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” They were devoted to fellowship. That means they were devoted to spending time at church. We should follow their example.

Remember the word church in the Bible never refers to a building but a congregation or group of people who are the church. The word translated as “church” in the New Testament is: ekklhsia which means, “an assembly of people” The church is not made of wood and stone but of faithful believers united in service to Christ. Romans 12:10 says, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” If you don’t go to church you can’t obey this verse.

There are other Christians who need our service. There are lost souls who need us to minister to them by supporting the out reach of the church programs. But instead we are tempted to go fishing, sleep in, go to a ball game, or enjoy some other activity which feeds our selfish desires but is not a sacrifice for others. That kind of self serving worship is not what God calls us to in the Holy Word.

That is why God commands us to be in the assembly. Hebrews 10: 24-27 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.”

Don’t give up meeting together. We need to spur one another on to love and good deeds. We need encouragement. It’s easy to get sidetracked and pulled into this world’s depression and sin. We need the combined strength, wisdom and encouragement of the body of Christ to remain strong in the faith. Others need us and we need others. If you skip church and don’t fellowship with God and the believers, you cheat the body of Christ of the gifts God gave you to offer to others. Not only that, the things you need from others you never receive and your faith and family suffer for this disobedience to God. Don’t cheat yourself of what you need. Don’t cheat others of what you have to offer. Be in the assembly this week.

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We Answer Bible Questions!

Do You have a question about a topic from the Bible? Feel free to email us with your questions at scripturist@hotmail.com Romans 10:17 says, "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." It is our desire to build people up in the faith by constant use of the scriptures to thoroughly equip us for every good work. 1 Peter 2:2 "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation" Our desire is help people mature in their faith. Whether you need milk or meat, we hope to have something for you. Hebrews 5:14 says, "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." So if you have a question and would like to know what the Bible has to say, please drop us an email . 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

What Is A Scripturist?

Definition:
scrip"tur*ist\ N. One who is strongly attached to, or versed in, the Scriptures, or who endeavors to regulate his life by them.

The Puritan was a Scripturist with all his heart, if as yet with imperfect intelligence . . . He cherished the scheme of looking to the Word of God as his sole and universal directory. --Palfrey.

In The News March 15th, 2005

And now and up date from across the fruited plain.

Here is an article on Creationism VS. Evolution.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1802&e=5&u=/washpost/a32444_2005mar13

Justice Scalia talks about how the constitution is being destroyed and the Liberal Surpreme Court Judges are abusing their power.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=558&e=7&u=/ap/scalia

Gay Marriage Fight Heats Up in California
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2005/3/15/102930.shtml

And this is a website for a friend of mine who has a talk radio show in Kokomo. Check out the Peter Heck Show Website. http://www.peterheck.com/

Check out the Federalist and see why it's the Internet's most subscribed e-journal at http://www.federalist.com/ Subscribe today!

Captain's Log - The heart of Jesus

Luke 19:41-46 says, "As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace— but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you." Then he entered the temple area and began driving out those who were selling. "It is written," he said to them, "‘My house will be a house of prayer’; but you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’"

Jesus was a man of many emotions. Notice the emotion he has at the triumphal entry. When everyone is singing his praises as he enters into Jerusalem on that donkey, He does not share their Joy because he knows their hearts and what will happen in the next week. He sees the lack of faith and his imminent rejection and crucifixion. He sees 40 years into the future. He foresees and the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD. He hurts for the lost souls and the destruction of the wicked.

Do we have Jesus heart? Do we, through the eyes of faith, see the fate of all who reject Christ? Do we weep for the inevitable damnation of those who reject the peace Jesus offers? Do we ache for the souls and the eternal destiny of the lost that surround us every day?

Jesus was also angered by how the temple was turned into a "den of robbers." They turned what was to be a "house of prayer" into a place to make a profit. The corruption of the purpose of God's temple angered Jesus, and motivated him to run everyone out. Are we ever willing to drive some people out, in order to maintain the integrity of God's temple? Do we have the compassion for the lost, and zeal for God's purposes that Jesus had?

Jesus cared for the lost souls who would not listen. Listen to how he pined for them in Luke 13:34, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!"

Have you "longed" for the lost and rebellious as Jesus did? Do you cry over the people who won't listen? Do you have a passion that is willing to drive people out of the temple who corrupt its purpose? Does your heart break for the spiritual condition of our nation? Do you weep for America's sin and rebellion? Do you have a zeal for the house of God and demonstrate a steely resolve to cleanse the church of people who will not follow the purpose of the church? Does your zeal for the lost consume you?

Do you have the broken heart of Jesus?

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Captain's Log - Away or Through

So many times I want God to take away my problems. I want him to take away the painful, scary or unpleasant things. But in His wisdom he often doesn't take them away but takes me through them. When I was young I wanted God to take away the problem of my parents divorce. But instead he took me through it. Some how, by his power and grace, I came through.

In college I wanted God to take away my loneliness and hurt. But instead he took me through it. There have been times I wanted him to remove temptation but instead he delivered me from it by taking me through it until I grew past it. So many times I have begged for him to take away problems that are causing me heart ache but instead He takes me through it. Evidently, His grace is sufficient for me.

When Moses and the people of Israel were pinned in by mountains and a sea and Pharaohs army was bearing down on them, God didn't take the problem away, He opened the sea and took them through it. When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego faced the fiery furnace, they would have liked the problem to go away but instead God took them through it. When Daniel faced the lions den, I am sure he wanted the problem to go away but instead God took him through it.

When in the garden then night before he died, Jesus was grieved and sweat drops blood as he faced the cross. In Luke 22:42 Jesus said, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." Jesus would have liked for the cross to be taken away but he wanted even more to do the will of His Father in Heaven. And the Father didn't take the cross away. He took Jesus through it and raised Him up on the third day.

Thank God he died because it saved us all from our sin.

So what problem are you facing? What would you like God to take away from you? Sometimes it may be better for you and for others if God doesn't take your problem away but instead takes you through it.

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