Why They Don't Believe

It is written in 2 Peter 3:3-10,

“First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same Word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the Day of Judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is patient with you not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.”


What Scoffers Have Forgotten
A scoffer is someone who not only does not believe in Jesus, but who in his or her unbelief makes fun of belief in Christ. They mock us, because they don’t believe in the Second Coming and impending judgment of the living and the dead. They say, “Where is this coming He promised?”

What is their proof that the second coming is not going to happen? “Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation”, they say. They are Uniformitarians. They believe everything goes on as it always has without interruption. They believe the laws of nature are eternal and unbreakable. They believe that the earth was formed through a series of natural processes, which created life. They believe through years of natural selection that we evolved. Just as it was yesterday, so it will be forever. It has been almost 2000 years since Jesus left, so He must not be coming back. They forget that with the Lord, time is relative and a thousand years are like a day.

It says, they are ignorant on purpose. They deliberately forget the creation story and the story of the judgment of God with the flood. Out of the thousands of people on the earth at the time of the flood, God only saved eight people. Never doubt God’s resolve to destroy the wicked majority and save only a believing few. They forget that a God powerful enough to create the earth is powerful enough to destroy it. A God, who destroyed it by water once, can destroy it by fire later. They have deliberately forgotten God’s Word. They are ignorant on purpose. The Bible plainly tells us of the creation and flood. Why have they forgotten these historic accounts? Why do they ignore God’s revealed Word?


The Real Reason People Don’t Believe
There are many erroneous reasons people give for discounting the Bible. Many people don’t believe the Bible because they have never studied it. Many people, such as C.S. Lewis, who set out to disprove the Bible have came to believe it through their study of the Scriptures. All of the reasons not to believe the Bible can be answered, if you will seek out those answers. But most people don’t seek, so they don’t find. They don’t ask, so they don’t receive. They don’t knock, so the door is not opened.

In the late 1800’s the scoffers destroyed the faith of many by discounting Biblical prophecy. The Old Testament, which consists of 39 books, was written between 1500 to 400 years before Jesus’ birth. In it there are over 300 prophecies of a coming Messiah, who would save mankind from their sins. From Genesis chapter three through Malachi there are hundreds of predictions about the coming Christ. Jesus Christ is known to have fulfilled all of them. So many scoffers, unwilling to accept the Bible as true, tried to say that the Bible was not, in fact, historical. They tried to say that the books of the Old Testament were not written when or by whom they claimed to be. They claimed that the early Christians doctored up the Old Testament to make it look like Jesus’ life had fulfilled the prophecies, but that originally the prophecies had not been there.

The problem with this theory, of course, is that we have copies of the Hebrew Old Testament translated into Greek several hundred years before Jesus’ birth. This translation is called the LXX or Septuagint version. This translation includes each of the prophecies of Christ, just as our Hebrew based Old Testament does today. Also, in the 1947a young shepherd boy discovered the DEAD SEA SCROLLS, which are ancient manuscripts of the Old Testament in Hebrew that pre-date Jesus by a few hundred years. Every Old Testament book except Esther was included in these manuscripts that predate Jesus’ life by hundreds of years. So, when we have 38 ancient books repeatedly making predictions about a coming Savior, of which Jesus fulfills each one, why wouldn’t the scoffers believe?

Since the Old Testament accuracy could not be discredited, they attacked the New Testament. They tried to say the New Testament was not written in the first century by the Apostles. They refused to believe that it was written by those who claimed to have written it and when they claimed to have written it. Of course, overwhelming evidence is against them. There are more than 5,400 complete and fragmented manuscripts of the New Testament. Some of these manuscripts date back to within a hundred or so years of the authors. Some fragments of manuscripts, which date back to the first century are from the very time of the original authors. The New Testament, like the Old, has been proven accurate in its account of actual historical characters, world events, cultural practices, and geographic locations. The New Testament was quoted so much in the late first century and early second century by skeptics and believers alike, that we know it was in existence within the period it claims to be written. There is not one place where the Bible contradicts known history, archeology, or the language practices of the time in which it claimed to be authored. With every test that historians give to verify the authenticity of an ancient book, the Bible passes with flying colors.

Why then do the scoffers mock it? When you read the writings of the scoffers, their general conclusion is that the Biblical account just can’t be authentic because it describes supernatural events. The miracles are what the scoffers can’t believe. They have never seen a miracle, and so falsely conclude that miracles cannot happen. Therefore, the Bible must be false. Historical evidence, archeology, and reason all say the Bible fits, but they won’t accept it, because of the miraculous events described within the pages of the Bible. They believe that “everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” They are Uniformitarians, who cannot accept a book which contains supernatural or miraculous events. It is similar to the Evolutionist who accepts evolution, because the only other option is creation. They refuse to believe in creation no matter how much evidence there is. They are deliberately uninformed about creation, because of their bias against it. Miracles, especially the resurrection of Jesus Christ, will be a stumbling block to them no matter how much proof there is. This is the true reason scoffers mock us. They don’t believe in miracles. They ignore all the evidence because of their unbelief in the
supernatural.

How I Know Miracles Can Happen
Miracles can happen. Though I have never seen someone raised from the dead with my own eyes, I believe that it will happen on the last day. How can I believe this? Well, I believe in God. If there is a God, and there is, then miracles can happen. If a being can create this universe, then he can destroy it. If he can make man from nothing, then he can also raise man from the dead or destroy him in Hell.

While in high school shop class, I made my father a lamp. I know I can destroy the lamp. The creator is always greater than the creation. It takes more knowledge and power to create, than to destroy. I could destroy a car by myself, but I couldn’t create one on my own. It is easier to destroy creation than to make it. If God made this world, he can also destroy it by fire. If God wrote the laws of nature, then He can break the laws of nature. If He set nature into motion, then he can interrupt or guide the motion. If there is an all knowing, all powerful, all wise God, which is what it would take to create this vast universe, then He can raise the dead, heal the sick and do any other miracle he sees fit to do.

I know there is a God and that miracles can happen, because of creation. Romans 1:20 proclaims, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities- his eternal power and divine nature- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” You can see by looking at the world, that it is too grand, intricate, and precise to be an accident. Where there is creation, there is a creator. Where there is design, there is a designer. Where there is order, there is someone who set it in order. And from the scale of creation and the complexity of life, you can see God’s qualities of wisdom, power, strength, love, justice, and limitlessness.

We might find a stone object in a field and know it is man made because it has been formed into an arrowhead. That design took intelligence, skill, and power to make it. Well if we can tell an arrowhead is created and not a natural formation, why can’t we see that this intricate creation that we call earth is the grandest piece of clockwork ever made. Its movements are so exact that we tell time with them. Its laws are so immutable we create many machines with them. The world God has made is grand. It tells of His wonders. Psalms 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” So from creation we see that there had to be a creator. Things don’t just make themselves.

If you set a Chevette in your front yard on blocks for a million years will it evolve into a Corvette or rust back to the root elements from which it was formed? Creation takes design, intelligence, wisdom, power, and force. Imagine the power and wisdom it took to create everything we see and know. These things are signs of a being so great He is beyond our ability to completely fathom.

How I Know The Bible Is True
Therefore, I know the Bible is true. The only substantive reason not to believe the Bible, is if you just refuse to accept the authenticity of the account, because of the nature of the story. The only reason to refuse to accept the Bible, is if you don’t believe in miracles, which logically means you don’t believe in God either. Certainly, if there is a God, then He can do miracles.

Most people believe in a creator, so why don’t they believe the Bible? The problem comes from all of the false information. These people, uneducated on the facts, give false statements that the Bible contradicts itself, history, or science. All these statements are lies. The Bible is made up of 66 books, written over a 1500 year period, in three languages, by forty authors on three continents, yet it never once contradicts itself . People make statements about the Bible that they can’t back up with proof and other people ignorantly accept them as fact without researching the issue. I encourage everyone to seek and find, ask and receive, knock and the door will be opened.

I know the Bible is true, because I can see there must be a creator from creation. My knowledge of God’s divine power and qualities from studying creation, shows me He would have the power to perform miracles, if He so desired. Therefore, the only real excuse to not believe the Bible goes down in flames with the uniformitarian philosophy. Scoffers are willfully uniformed due to their philosophical prejudices. Their philosophical prejudices are based upon their lack of faith in God and their wild assumptions about the origin of the universe.

But creation shows there is a God. This makes the Bible true. Jesus did die for my sins out of love. I can live forever if I come to Christ and remain faithful. There will be a Judgment Day. The earth will be destroyed by fire. 2 Peter 3:11-13 informs us, “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed it’s coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.”

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The Dead Sea Scrolls Prove the Bible Is True

One reader of the Scriptures wrote about the Bible: "The stories DO contradict each other. Ever heard of the Dead Sea Scrolls? But the church heavily edited everything to get their point of view across, and took out the contradictions then."

How did the church "heavily edit" the Old Testament when we have copies that predate the church by hundreds of years but are word for word the same as our Old Testament? To disprove the Bible you refer to one of the greatest supports of the Biblical text in 2000 years. It’s almost funny.

I own a copy of all the translated scrolls from near the Dead Sea. I have read them. I have looked at copies of the originals. I plan on going to Chicago to see them when they tour the U.S. I know all about the Dead Sea Scrolls. The Dead Sea Scrolls do not contradict the Bible.

Unfortunately, this reader has been fed some lies somewhere along the line. Her argument is a 110 year old argument, first originated by German "scholars" (or supposed scholars) at the end of the 19th century. The Old Testament contains over 300 prophecies about a coming Messiah. They tell who his parents would be, the time he would be born, where he would be born, what his names would be, what he would say and do, how he would die and rise again. Jesus fulfilled all these prophecies. Skeptics need a reason not to believe this. So they invented "textual criticism."

According to the Bible, the Old Testament was written between 1500 and 400 years before Jesus was born. Therefore, it is a great cause for faith when over 300 prophecies written between 1500 and 400 hundred years before Jesus was born were fulfilled by him. So the skeptics said, how do we know that the copies of the Old Testament we have are actually what Old Testament authors wrote? The skeptics insisted that the early Christians, right after the time of Jesus, altered the Old Testament texts to make it appear as if Jesus’ life was prophesied in the Old Testament. They said the Old Testament had been altered.

Their teaching is what turned Germany from faith to skepticism, and led to the secular society of Germany that embraced two World Wars and the Nazi regime. The Nazi party was built on Darwinism and Secularism. They taught that the Aryan race was more evolved and superior to the Polish, Africans and Jews. It led to the wholesale slaughter of millions of people because Jews were "inferior species." But I digress.

In 1947 when the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, it blew a hole in the skeptic’s argument. The Dead Sea Scrolls contained all of the Old Testament books except Esther. Esther had no prophecy about the coming Messiah, so the hundreds of prophecies about Jesus are all still there. The Dead Seas Scrolls were buried somewhere around 100 to 200 years before Jesus was born.

The oldest copies of the Old Testament we have were copied some 900 years after Jesus was born. These two copies were separated by over a 1000 years, yet they are word for word the same. They do not present doctrinal or historical facts differently. The only differences were in an obvious clerical mistake such as a letter missing from a word or a misspelling. That is amazing. We have no reason to doubt the authenticity of these copies. They were painstakingly copied by Jewish & Christian scribes.

Now, how did the church "heavily edit" the Old Testament when we have copies that predate the church by hundreds of years but are word for word the same as our Old Testament? The Dead Sea Scrolls prove the Bible!

But don't just take my word for it. Go here to read more

http://www.apologeticspress.org/modules.php?name=Read&cat=1&itemid=266

http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/bibleorg.html

http://www.bibleprobe.org/compare.html

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Who Is Your Real Friend?

I enjoy watching Star Wars Movies. I think a cool plot line to the story is how Anakin Skywalker (who becomes Darth Vader) doesn't like Obi-wan's criticism and ends up thinking he is his enemy. On the other hand, Palpatine was so kind to Anakin but was really Anakin's enemy. Sometimes we get confused over who our real friends are. Sometimes our greatest friends are not kind. Sometimes our greatest foe is the person who is acts the kindest to us. Don't give into the emotions of the darkside! Don't evaluate friendship by how people made you feel. Look deeper.

Proverbs 27:3-6 says, "Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but provocation by a fool is heavier than both. Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses."

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me. I wish that was true. Sometimes the words of a fool are heavy and hurtful. They can be a burden. They can weigh us down. Words can sometimes hurt but as we deal with that hurt, we need to keep prospective.

Sometimes we need to be hurt by words. Sometimes we need an open rebuke. An open confrontation of our problems by others is better than someone who sees our problems but keeps his concern to himself out of fear. When a friend says something that hurts, it's for our good and we can trust it. What we should really fear is when someone who is not our friend starts pouring on the complements. Watch out. They want something. They don't call it "kissing up" for nothing. When kisses are multiplied and when there is excessive kissing up, watch out. They are playing you to get something.

Sometimes painful words are wonderful gifts and kisses are a betrayal. Jesus was not betrayed with criticism or wounded with words. Jesus was betrayed with a kiss.

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God says some shocking things!

In the spirit of Prof's fun little thought from yesterday, I thought I would comment on Proverbs 26:11. My father once told me, "When preaching, don't use bedroom, bathroom or bugger humor." He has a good point. You can capture people's attention but lose their respect for what you say. If it's just to be funny, I try not to be gross. However, there are times when talking about something gross is crucial to explaining the meaning of a verse. Although with teens, being gross is actually away to gain attention and respect. But I digress.

I was reading through Proverbs chapter 26 today because I always read a chapter of proverbs everyday corresponding to what day it is. Today is the 26th so I read chapter 26. Anyway, I was struck by the overtly shocking language used in verse 11.

Proverbs 26:11 "As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly."

May times in the Bible, God uses shocking and gross analogies to catch our attention. They are things some people might consider gross or impolite to mention. (Some Must See Examples: Isaiah 64:6, Luke 14:35, and Revelation 3:16) But how else can God communicate to us what sin is like unless he compares it to something we can understand that is disgusting?

I remember my dog Angus puking up some Doritos once when I was a kid. I think he gagged on one of the sharp edges. He then proceeded to eat the puked Doritos back up. Yummy!! There is a memory I wish I could erase. (I know you'll never get back the time you have spent reading this)

But this nasty experience illustrates what it is like when you and I repeat our sin. When we return to a foolish mistake of the past and repeat it, to God it is just as disgusting as what Angus did with the Doritos. Hey, it's God's comparison, not mine!

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What Makes God Rejoice

Luke 15:3-7 Then Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine "righteous persons who do not need to repent."

Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost. Jesus didn't come for the healthy but for the sick. What Makes Heaven Rejoice? Is it when the saved sit around enjoying each others company with no regard, care or concern for the lost sheep? Is it righteous people who cause rejoicing in heaven? No, it's when we reach out to the lost sheep and bring them home on our shoulders. It's when we seek and save the lost. It's when we carry people back to the fold who have wondered away. It's when we carry each others burdens, showing grace and mercy. It's when sinners repent that heaven rejoices. It's not fancy programs or quiet devotions. It's not solemn services or time honored traditions. It's not pomp and ceremony nor excited praise with a jubilate band. It's not a chorus of singing, not large financial donations, not quiet meditation. It's sinners brought to repentance that sends heaven in to rejoicing. Focus on the mission. Reach out to the lost. Leave the ninety in search of the lost one. Saving one lost sheep is always more important than pleasing the ninety nine.

Captain's Log - Don't Let Fear Hold You Back

In Mark 10:46 it is written, “Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging.”

Bartimaeus literally translated means, "son of uncleanness." What a name! I'd be like, "Thanks mom and dad for such a lame name." Bartimaeus was considered cursed and looked down upon because of his handicap. Jesus disciples reveal the common prejudice of the day against the handicapped in John 9:1-2 which says, “As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’" Jesus had to explain to them that the blindness was not a result of his or his parent’s sin, but was there to bring glory to God. Sometimes blindness is used for a blessing.

Bartimaeus would have been considered a second class citizen in Jesus day. Remember what the religious leaders said to another blind man that Jesus healed, in John 9:34, "You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!' And they threw him out."

Consider how people looked down on Bartimaeus. Perhaps that is why he was named, son of uncleanness. Maybe he had sinful parents, who people blamed for Bartimaeus blindness. Some would have considered him "steeped in sin" and that his blindness was a result of his own wickedness. In spite all the nasty things others thought of him, he didn't let their negativity influence his point of view. He still trusted in Jesus power and love for him.

Bart heard Jesus passing by and became very excited. Luke 18:36-37 says, “When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” Now imagine all Bart had heard about Jesus. Remember the two blind men healed in Matthew 9:30-31, “…and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, ‘See that no one knows about this.’ But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.” Yes, the news spread everywhere. In fact, Bart used the exact same words the other blind men did in order to get Jesus’ attention. Bart had probably heard how Jesus loved even the blind.

Moved by the hope of restored sight by the power of the Messiah, Bart ignored the prejudice against him and shouted for Jesus as he passed by. Mark 10:47-48 says, “When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!” The fear of crowd is one of the biggest fears people have today. Speaking in public before a crowd is always one of the top fears of Americans when polled. But Bart was more afraid of missing out on what Jesus had to offer, than what others might think of him.

Notice who rebuked Bart and told him to shut up in Luke 18:38-39, “He called out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!” It was those who were trying to lead the way for Jesus who tried to quiet him. When you try to lead Jesus instead of follow Jesus, you will often end up missing the people Jesus wants to reach and heal. How often we, "leaders," do not have the compassion and heart of Jesus for the despised and rejected of this world. May God forgive and change us.

Mark 10:49-50 says, “Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’ So they called to the blind man, ‘Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.' Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.”

Notice that he left everything he had to follow Jesus. His cloak was the only thing to keep him warm at night. His cloak is what he sat on all day while he begged for money. His cloak was what people would throw their lose change into as they passed by and had mercy on him. His cloak was what he sat on at work home and source of income. He didn't have much but he still had to leave it all to find Jesus. Someone could have stolen it. If he wasn't given his sight, he might not be able to find his way back to it. If he remained blind, he would need it to beg again. But in his faith, he left it. He trusted in the love and power of Jesus to heal those the world hated. Bart was a man of great faith, who left all he had to follow Jesus.

This is a theme throughout the Gospel of Mark. Simon and Andrew abandoned their nets (Mark 1:18). James and John left their father with the hired servants in the boat (1:20). Levi walked away from his tax office (2:14). Jesus commanded the rich man to sell all his possessions and give to the poor in order to follow (10:21). Peter pointed out that the disciples had left everything to be with Jesus (10:28). Luke 14:33 reminds us, “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.”

Mark 10:51-52 says, "What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked him. The blind man said, ‘Rabbi, I want to see.' 'Go,’ said Jesus, ‘your faith has healed you.’ Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.” Notice, once he was healed, he followed Jesus. He became one of Jesus’ disciples. He became a vocal believer, who praised God for what Jesus had done for him. If only we had more Bartimaeus types today.

Luke 18:43 says, “Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God” Bart was an inspiration. He demonstrated the depths of God's love, the heights of God's power, and the extent of God's grace. His praise of God inspired others to praise God. His faith helped develop other's faith. We all share in this calling. 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

If you have been called out of darkness into the light, declare his praises, so that others who hear you may share your faith. Maybe you are a 2nd class loser like Bart. Maybe the world looks down on you. Maybe some church “leader” has told you to be quiet. Don't let a fear of the crowd keep you from confessing your faith unto salvation. In Proverbs 8:17 God says, “I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.” The son of uncleanness can become a child of God.

Transformers Defeat The Decepticons

2 Corinthians 3:18 "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

2 Corinthians 4:2 "Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God."

Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is— his good, pleasing and perfect will."

How To Spot A Fool (Proverbs 18)

Ephesians 5:15 says, “Be very careful, then, how you live— not as unwise but as wise.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.” Therefore, in order to live as wise we must avoid bad company. But how do we know who is good company and who is bad company? How do you spot a fool? Many times in my life the answer would have been for me to look in the mirror. Sometimes it is not so easy to spot who is bad company. Proverbs 18 gives us several ways to spot a fool. Unfortunately, it doesn't help finding Waldo in a Where's Waldo Game. Go here:http://www.tekzoned.com/waldo/

A Fool Has No Concern For God
In the Bible when it refers to someone’s “name” it refers to their authority. For example, we pray in the “name of Jesus” because we are praying by his authority. Proverbs 18:10 says, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” A fool doesn’t recognize his need for God’s strong tower. He thinks he is good enough on his own and doesn’t run to the authority of forgiveness in Jesus Name. Acts 10:43 says, “All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

The fool, however, does not value the salvation that only comes in the name of Jesus. With a foolish lack of humility, his pride puffs him up so that he has no concern for God. He does not value God in his life or recognize his need for God’s help. The pride of having popularity, wealth or power make him blind to his need for God as a friend. Proverbs 18:24 says, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” We need that friendship from God, but pride in our self-sufficiency blinds us to that need. Proverbs 18:12 says, “Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.” Proverbs 15:33 also teaches, “The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.”

A Fool Has No Concern For Knowledge
Proverbs 18:15 says,” The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.” A fool will be known by his lack of desire for learning. A fool will be characterized by his desire to remain ignorant so that he won’t have to change what he does. Many foolishly think that they will be judged less harshly for their sin, because they kept themselves ignorant of God’s will. They purposely avoided acquiring knowledge so they wouldn’t have to obey what they learned. However, I firmly believe, we will be judged based not only on what we know, but what we could have known but chose not to seek out.

A fool does not enjoy learning about God’s will. Proverbs 18:2 says, “A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.” A fool doesn’t want to learn what the Bible teaches, but would much rather have an open discussion about what he believes. He likes religious discussion to be about his relative “take” on a subject rather than the objective principles of God’s Word. You can always tell wisdom from foolishness by its depth. Proverbs 18:4 “The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.” Bubbling brooks are shallow not deep. They are safe, not dangerous. They are clean water, not dirty. The deep waters of man’s opinions are dangerously deep. They are murky and dark. They are dirty and dangerous. Wisdom is clear, simple and safe. Foolish opinions are complicated and muddied by the selfish motivations of man.


A Fool Has No Concern for What He Says
Because a fool does not fear the judgment of God, he has no fear of what he says. Because he does not seek the knowledge of truth, but only desires to spew his own opinions, the fool will say anything that crosses his mind without listening to wisdom first. Proverbs 18:13 says, “He who answers before listening— that is his folly and his shame.” A lack of concern for careful speech will destroy the fool and all who follow his example.

Proverbs 18:7 explains, “A fool’s mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul.” What we say will directly affect our destiny. We will reap what we sow. Proverbs 18:20-21 teaches, “From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Our tongue will bring us joy or strife, blessings or beatings, a harvest of life or death. Whatever we plant with our tongue, we will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:6 says, “A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.” A fool has no concern about what he says because he doesn’t realize the consequences.

A Fool Has No Concern for Others
Because a fool: does not fear God, has no respect for knowledge, and is flippant in what he says, he naturally has no concern for the consequences of his actions. Not only does he not contemplate the consequence on his own life, but he shows even less regard for the consequences of his actions on others. Proverbs 18:1 says,“An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment.” If a man is not friendly, he is showing that he doesn’t care about others. That is a sure sign of a fool. People who care, take care to be friendly. The wicked fool only shows contempt for others. Proverbs 18:3 says, “When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes disgrace.”

The fool is more concerned with his wealth and power than other’s welfare. He does not take his security from God, knowledge or wise actions. He foolishly places his pride in wealth or possessions. Proverbs 18:11 explains “The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it an unscalable wall.” The fool vainly puts his hope in his wealth to protect himself and thus shows no fear of God, no desire for knowledge, or care for other people. Proverbs 18:23 explains, “A poor man pleads for mercy, but a rich man answers harshly.”

The harsh and unfriendly response of the wicked show that they are fools who do not fear God. Because they don’t care about others or about how what they say, they inevitably say things that hurt others in the form of gossip. Proverbs 18:8 says, “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.” Gossip is an overflow of the heart that exposes the inner corruption of a fool. They have no regard for the destruction caused in others’ lives. They crush others with their foolish words. Proverbs 18:14 says, “A man’s spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?”

A Fool Has No Concern For Relationships
This lack of concern for others naturally flows over into personal relationships. Proverbs 18:22 “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.” A fool has no regard for his or her spouse. He doesn’t view his partner as a gift from God. The fool will see his partner as a burden to carry, a ball and chain to break free from, or a resource to exploit until she no longer serves his purpose. When she no longer meets each and every perceived desire of the fool (which he calls needs), he will throw away his “favor from the Lord” and break his holy covenant like it was nothing.

The fool doesn’t care for other family relationships either. He will have no respect for parents and no love for siblings. Proverbs 18:19 “An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.” He will offend his brother without regard to the fact that family relationships are the hardest to repair. He will forget what Paul said in 1 Timothy 5:8, “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” I once heard someone say that a girl should never marry a man who can’t gently love his mother and a man should never marry a girl who doesn’t respect and submit to her father. I think that is wise advice. The fool shows no concern for his family.

A Fool Has No Concern For Justice
Lastly, because of a lack of fear for God, concern for others, and desire to know and practice the truth, the fool doesn’t care about justice. Because a fool speaks judgment before listening, he makes poor judgments. Proverbs 18:17 says,” The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.” Because fools are poor listeners who hastily speak, they often only hear one side of an issue and make poor judgments. They don’t care about knowledge and hearing the whole truth. In fact, they foolishly avoid it, because they fear where it would lead them. So, they only listen to what they want to hear and cut off all other information. They don’t want justice based on all the truth. They want what they want.

Because fools take pride in their wealth or power, they try to influence the judgments of others through bribery and coercion. Proverbs 18:16 “A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great.” They don’t care about what is fair or just. They just try to manipulate by the use of their money or influence their own will that is based upon their partial and biased judgment. But Proverbs 18:5 warns us,” It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the innocent of justice.”

The fool’s lack of concern for others and relationships makes him indifferent to the suffering of others. He doesn’t care about his own relationships, much less, how his actions destroy others’ relationships. He doesn’t care that a lack of justice destroys a family, a friendship, a company, an organization, a church or even a nation. He doesn’t value justice, mercy or peace. He could help settle disputes, but he doesn’t care. Proverbs 18:18 “Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.” The fool misses the opportunity to do good, because he just doesn’t care.

This general apathy toward God, knowledge, and others comes out in the fool’s work ethic. Justice demands that a person should give an honest days work for an honest days pay, but the fool does not see this matter of justice. Proverbs 18:9 says, “One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.” Because a fool is slack in his work and only does it half-heartedly, the company suffers. How many companies have gone under because leaders, management, or even the general employees are slack in their work? The fool doesn’t care about the justice of earning their pay. The fool doesn’t care about the consequences of his laziness on his own life or the lives of others. He ignores that knowledge. The fool will never care about what is fair or just, nor will he contemplate the consequences of any of his apathy.

You can spot a fool, because he just doesn’t care.

Captain's Log - Who's Your Daddy?

As I watched the funeral of the "Pope" (That is Latin for Father) and saw all the priests in their flowing red robes with tassels and funny hats, I was amazed. As I watched them come out and sit in the special seats and places of honor in order of seniority at the funeral, it looked impressive. They were introduced by the T.V. commentators as "most reverend" and "his holiness." Every channel had a catholic priest on to explain the events to the non-Catholics in the audience. They were referred to as "father" over and over by people who were not their children. And as I watched all this I could not help but think of Jesus rebuking the hypocritical religious leaders in Matthew 23:5-12 which says,

"Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them 'Rabbi.' "But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

Here some ancient carvings of the priests of the god Dagon and a picture of the pope wearing a miter like the dagon priests wore. (It was the temple of Dagon where Samson died)

Fish Heads Fish Heads Rolly Polly Fish Heads!

I Pity The Fool!

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Why Does Jesus Acknowledge Us To The Angels?

Question: I noticed in the article on confession that Jesus said he would confess us before the angels of God. I know why Jesus would need to acknowledge me before God the Father on Judgment Day, but why do I need confessed before the angels?

Answer: For those who may not have read the other article, Jesus said in Luke 12:8-9, "I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men; the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God.” The question is why Jesus needs to acknowledge or confess us to the angels of God.

In the Jewish teaching (and Jesus teaching), it is the angels of God who transport the souls of the dead to Paradise and Hades at death and Heaven and Hell at the final Judgment. So if Jesus did not acknowledge you to the angels they would drag you from his presence and cast you into outer darkness with a weeping and gnashing of teeth, where the worm never dies and the fire never goes out. (See Matthew 13:49-50 and Mark 9:48)

A first century non-Christian Jewish Historian named Flavious Josephus wrote in his book Discourse to the Greeks concerning Hades the following, “But as to the unjust, they are dragged by force to the left hand by the angels allotted for punishment, no longer going with a good-will, but as prisoners driven by violence; to whom are sent the angels appointed over them to reproach them and threaten them with their terrible looks, and to thrust them still downwards. Now those angels that are set over these souls drag them into the neighborhood of hell itself; who, when they are hard by it, continually hear the noise of it, and do not stand clear of the hot vapor itself; but when they have a near view of this spectacle, as of a terrible and exceeding great prospect of fire, they are struck with a fearful expectation of a future judgment, and in effect punished thereby.”

Josephus’ teaching was the common Rabbinical teaching of the day on the afterlife. This was what the Pharisees and most Jews in Jesus’ day believed. And if you read his complete writings on this subject, you will find they match up with Jesus teaching very well. It is one thing the Pharisees seemed to have gotten right. You can read his complete teaching on the afterlife by clicking here: http://www.biblestudytools.net/History/BC/FlaviusJosephus/?book=Hades_1&chapter=1

In in the story of Lazarus and the rich man, Jesus taught that Angels transport us after death. Luke 16:22 says, "The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side.” Not only did Jesus teach that angels transport us after death, but that they will separate us based on our salvation or damnation on the Day of Judgment.

Jesus depicted the role of the angels of God in several parables. For example in one parable Jesus compared Himself to a king giving a wedding banquet. Matthew 22:10-13 says, “So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ The man was speechless. Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” The servants of the king in this parable are obviously representing the angels of God.

Jesus told them another parable in Matthew 13: 24-30, "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ ‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’"

Jesus explains the above parable in Matthew 13:37-42 saying, "The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Jesus makes it very clear in Matthew 13:47-50 when he says, "Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

On the Day of Judgment when we all stand before the throne of God and an angel, who is separating the righteous from the wicked, takes hold of you, and says, “Jesus, what do I do with this one?” What do you want Jesus to do? Do you want to Him to acknowledge you or disown you? Do you want him to say, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23) or do you want him to say, “Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth?” (Matthew 22:13) The choice is yours to make now. Your fate will be determined by what you do now, not at Judgment. (See 2 Corinthians 5:10)

Luke 12:8-9 says, "I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men; the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God.”

Why Pay Taxes?

Question: Why should a Christian have to pay taxes? Jesus Kingdom is not of this world. We are citizens of Heaven. Why do I have pay taxes to a corrupt worldly government?

Answer: We pay taxes because the government is God's servant. The government workers perform a service to us and therefore we owe some compensation to them.

Romans 13:1-7 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. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."

Our kingdom is not of this world. The kingdom (the church) will outlive this world. However, we are still in this world though not of the world. We are God's family as the church, but that does not negate our responsibility to our human family (blood relatives). Likewise, we are of a non-worldly kingdom (the church), but that does not negate our responsibilities to the government. God gave first the family (to Adam & Eve), then government (The Law of Moses) and finally the church (Christianity). These three institutions are of divine origin and we must submit to the authorities in all three.

God established the government. To rebel against it would be to rebel against what God has instituted. Government's role is to punish wrongdoers and commend those who do right. Government is God's servant to do us good. Therefore we must support their leadership, not just because we might go to jail but because it is a sin to rebel against paying taxes. The Bible teaches us that we "owe" taxes because the government provides these services.

Now having said that let me admit, I believe our government is foolishly over taxing us. I believe that social services, welfare, and many other government programs are not the role of the government but the family and church. I believe our tax dollars are not spent wisely. Does that give me the right to not pay taxes? NO!

When Romans 13:1-7 was written the government was the Roman Empire. It was far more corrupt, wasteful, and evil than our modern government. Yet, God commanded those in Rome to submit and pay taxes. If early Christians had to pay taxes to that evil government which persecuted believers and tyrannically ruled over the people by violating their basic human rights, how much more we should submit to our government. We are far from a perfect government in America. We have lost a lot of our greatness due to forgetting the wisdom of our founders. Yet still, I would rather live in America than any other country in the world. We should be thankful as we pay our taxes that we are the richest people in the history of the world.

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Do I Have To Confess Jesus To Be Saved?

Question: Do I have to confess Jesus as Lord to be saved? Isn’t confessing Jesus a work? I thought we were saved by grace not by works.

Answer: What we say has eternal consequences, because it shows what is in our hearts. What is in our heart has eternal significance because that is what God looks at to judge us. Jeremiah 11:20 explains, “But, O LORD Almighty, you who judge righteously and test the heart and mind.” God looks into our hearts to see who we are. 1 Samuel 16:7 says, “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." And Jesus teaches that our words flow from what is in our heart. If you will not or do not confess Jesus as Lord, that says something about your heart.

In Matthew 12: 34-37 Jesus said, “You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

By your words you will deny Christ or by your words you will confess Him. By your mouth you will demonstrate your faith or by your speech you will demonstrate your lack of faith. Like repentance and emersion into Christ, your confession and subsequent speech will demonstrate where your heart is before Him. You show your faith by what you do (James 2:18). Your words will deliver you or damn you, as they show what is in your heart.

The essential nature of confessing Jesus before men is not up for debate. Jesus made it plain when in Luke 12:8-9 He warned us, "I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men; the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God.” Again Matthew 10:32-33 says, "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.” If you don’t acknowledge him before men, He will not acknowledge you to the Father or the angels. Confession is more than important, it is essential to salvation. 1 John 2:23 says, “No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.”

Confession of Jesus is not a “work” of obedience to the Law. It is an act of faith along with repentance and baptism that make your faith complete. James 2:20-24 says, “You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.”

Faith is made complete by our actions. Confession was not a “work” of Old Testament law like the Apostle Paul refers to in Romans 3:28 when he says, “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.” Confession is not part of the Law of Moses. Again Paul writes in Romans 3:20 saying, “…because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.” Confession is not one of these “works of the Law.” To apply the above verses about “works of the Law” to confession is to totally misuse and misapply those verses. Rather confession is an act of faith in Jesus’ promises found in Matthew 10:32-33.

Romans 10:9-10 says, “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Paul says here that your confession saves you. Notice your faith and actions are working together in this passage. James said your faith is made complete by what you do. Repentance, confession and baptism are all things we do to demonstrate our faith. They are not “works of the Law” that have nothing to do with salvation. Confession has everything to do with our being saved.

Confession is so important that Philip would not baptize the Ethiopian until he confessed his faith in Christ. Acts 8:36-38 says, “As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ‘Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?’ And Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he answered and said, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith— and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” We are not saved by works of the Old Law. We don’t earn salvation. We accept it through faith. We are not saved by being good and keeping the Ten Commandments. We are saved by a free gift given through our faith. And James 2:26 plainly says, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” Confession, like repentance and baptism, is a deed of faith by which we accept the free gift of salvation that could not be received by obeying the works of the Law.

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Five Characteristics of Wise Speech

Have you ever wondered if what you said was the right thing? Have you ever wondered if you said something in the right way? Am I the only one who struggles with finding the wisest way to communicate? Am I the only one who longs for the wisdom to know how to communicate in a righteous way? Do I say it or do I bite my tongue? Proverbs chapter 12 gives us some great advice about wise speech.

Wise Speech Is Instructive

The chapter starts with Proverbs 12:1 saying, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.” What we say ultimately comes from what is in our hearts (see Matthew 12:34-37). So the wise love discipline, knowledge and correction. Proverbs 10:14 says, “Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.” Remember Jesus taught that what is stored up in our heart comes out of our mouth (Matthew 12:34-37). Proverbs 15:2 says, “The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.” Instruction, advice, and knowledge spring from the overflow of your heart. Proverbs 14:7 warns us, “Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips.”

Wisdom’s love of discipline, knowledge, and correction cause a wise man to seek and give advice. Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.” The fool will not heed the instruction of the wise. Proverbs 24:6 says, “for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers.” The wise man listens to the advice of many advisors not just one in order to hear every side of a matter. Proverbs 18:17 says, “The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.” The wise man has listened to the advice of many and then gives advice from the knowledge he has stored up within him.

The fool never takes advice he only gives bad advice. Proverbs 12:5 explains that, “The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.” You can tell the wisdom of good advice because it plans things that are righteous. When the advice is deceitful and crafty, it is not wise. Proverbs 12:2 says, “A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a crafty man.” Wise speech instructs us with knowledge, advice, correction and discipline.

Wise Speech Is Truthful

It is plain and simple. The wicked lie. The righteous tell the truth. Proverbs 12:17 says, A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies.” Wise speech is always honest and truthful. God is not neutral on the matter either. Proverbs 12:22 say, “The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.” The consequences of our speech are serious. Proverbs 12:19 warns us, “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.” It could not be plainer and should be taken seriously. The fool does not take honesty seriously. Proverbs 19:28 says, “A corrupt witness mocks at justice…” The wise person is diligent to tell the truth. Revelation 21:8 proclaims, “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.” Wise speech is truthful and honest at all times.

Wise Speech Is Wholesome

What is in our heart comes out in our speech. Proverbs 12:20 says, “There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace.” If we have evil motives in our heart, it will come out in deceptive speech. In contrast, those with pure hearts find joy as their speech promotes peace rather than harm. Only the wise know the joy of peace produced by wise speech.

We reap what we sow. Proverbs 12:14 teaches, “From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.” Just as the work of our hands produces a harvest, so each word we say is like planting seeds that will eventually produce a harvest of righteousness and life or a harvest of wickedness and destruction. Our speech controls our destiny. Proverbs 12:13 warns, “An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble.” Filthy, deceitful, or malicious talk will trap you. Wholesome speech will free you and lead to peaceful joy.

Wise Speech Is Graceful

Our speech should be full of grace. Grace is an underserved gift given to those in need. Grace gives us what we need, not what we deserve. Proverbs 12:6 points out that, “The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.” The wicked use words to trap people, condemn people, and destroy people. When you point out someone’s faults or mistakes is it because you are “out for blood,” or is it because you want to rescue the lost? Your motives and what is in your heart will determine what you say and how you say it. Proverbs 12:16 tells us, “A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.” What is in your heart, anger and annoyance or grace that overlooks peoples insults? Ecclesiastes 10:12 reminds us, “Words from a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips.”

And our speech has powerful consequences not only for us, but also in other’s lives. Proverbs 12:25 says, “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” We have the power to heal hearts, encourage the downcast, and cheer up the grieving with our speech. Proverbs15:1 explains that “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” With our words we can turn away anger or stir it up. With our words we can cheer or depress, lift up or tear down, inspire or discourage. Our grace-filled words are powerful. Proverbs 15:23 reads, “A man finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!” Proverbs 25:11 adds, “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Graceful speech is a valuable gift from the wise.

Wise Speech Is Careful

Not everyone thinks the same. There are differences between personalities, cultural back grounds and between the way men and women relate and communicate. So when we talk, we need to be careful that we communicate in a way that is constructive not destructive. We have to use care to share grace. Proverbs 12:18 says, “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” We can’t be reckless and cavalier in our speech. We need to show caution in how we relate to others. Proverbs 12:26 warns, “A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”

Hasty words spoken in a moment of anger or spoken without consideration of how the other person will receive it, demonstrates a lack of wisdom. Thought is given to the words of the wise. James 1:19 says, “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” We should think before we speak. We can’t just blurt things out without thinking first and expect not to reap the reward of the foolish. Proverbs 12:23 points out, “A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly.” Just because it is true and we know it, does not mean we should share it. Some things don’t need to be shared. Some things should remain unspoken, because to share them breaks a confidence or constitutes gossip. We should never lie, but we don’t have to share every thing we know. It is often wise to listen to what another knows before deciding to share what you know. Wise speech is always cautious and careful.

Conclusion

So are you wise in how you talk? From the above five elements of wise speech I can see I have often spoken like a fool. May God forgive us! We should now make every effort to become wise in how we talk. To do that, we must change our heart. Are you instructing in knowledge? Are you truthful in all honesty? Are you wholesome and pure? Are you graceful and seeking peace? Are you careful and considerate of how others will receive what you have to say? Are you wise in how you talk?

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Why Is The Word For Peace Different In The New Testament?

Question: I have a question. I have been online looking at some lexicons researching peace. I have found that most of the references of peace occur in the old testament and refer to the word "shalom." The references in the new testament for peace all stem from the word "eirene." I know it's not coincidence. So what is the difference between these two words, and why is one in the old testament, and the other is in the new testament?

Answer: Good Question. The answer is fairly simple. "Shalom" is the Hebrew word for peace. Most of the Old Testament was written in Hebrew except for some of Daniel (and Esther I think) which was written in Aramaic. All (100%) of the New Testament was written in Greek. So "eirene" was the Greek word for peace. This explains why eirene only appears in the NT and Shalom only appears in the OT.

As far as difference in meaning, there is not too much of a difference. In fact the Hebrew word shalom was translated as eirene when the Hebrew OT was translated in to Greek in a OT translation called the LXX or Seventy (It was named after the 70 Hebrew scholars who translated it in Alexandria Egypt about 300 years before Jesus was born). Go here for more info on the LXX: http://students.cua.edu/16kalvesmaki/lxx/

To find out more about the similarities and differences between the meaning of the Hebrew word for peace and the Greek word for peace go here: http://www.preceptaustin.org/jehovah_shalom_the_lord_is_peace.htm#HEBREW%20FOR%20PEACE%20-%20SHALOM


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Captain's Log - Follow Me

Echoing across the years and resounding in God’s word is Jesus calling, “Come, follow me!" It was Jesus himself who said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). And again Jesus affirmed, “…anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27).

A good indication of an individual’s devotion to Jesus is the level to which they imitate his lifestyle. It was Jesus himself who said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). And again Jesus said, “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me” (John 12:26).

I would encourage each of you to imitate Jesus’ lifestyle. Look at the areas of Jesus life and follow him! Let us consider five ways in which we could follow him.

Jesus Prayed often. Jesus prayed alone and with others. Jesus prayed for long periods of time. Luke 6:12 says, “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.” We need to follow Jesus in prayer. That is why 1 Thessalonians 5:17 commands, “pray continually” You can answer the call of Jesus by praying each day. If you are not praying, you are not following Jesus.

Jesus read God’s word. He memorized it and could quote it. Luke 4:16 says of Jesus, “He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read.” You can answer the call of Jesus to follow him by reading God’s word. If you don’t read and memorize God’s word you are not following Jesus.

Jesus went to Public worship every week. As Luke 4:16 confirms, going to public worship each week was Jesus “custom.” That is why Hebrews 10:25 commands, “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.” You can answer the call of Jesus to follow him by going to church each Sunday. If you forsake the gathering each week you are not following Jesus.

Jesus was a servant to others. He healed people, fed people, taught people and comforted people. Jesus said, in John 13:15 after he washed the disciples feet, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” You can answer the call of Jesus to follow him by serving others and doing random acts of kindness. If you neglect to serve “the least of these” then you are not following Jesus.

Jesus also worked one on one with a few close friends. He had the twelve disciples whom he taught to pray, to teach, to serve, and to obey. These twelve in turn went and trained others who did the same. This changed the world. This is Jesus model of leadership. You can answer the call of Jesus to follow him by taking someone and teaching them to follow Jesus so that they can go and do the same for others. If you are not helping anyone else in growing in his or her Christian walk, you are not following Jesus.

1 John 2:6 confirms, “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.”

Captain's Log - Here Comes The Storm

Proverbs 10:25 says, "When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever."

One thing the wise and wicked have in common is the "storms" of life. Matthew 5:45 says that God "causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." We all have our share of sunny days and storm filled days. Like a tree, we need both to grow and produce good fruit. We need days of joy and peace to grow in Christ. We need days of trial and sorrow to mature in Christ. God sends them both.

The righteous are firmly planted and able to stand the storms of life. Psalms 1:1-3 says, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers."

During storms of life, we are firmly planted in Christ. During times of drought, we are planted near the River of Life. Our fruit comes in due season and our leaves do not wither. We are rooted in Christ and fed by the Living Water.

The consequences of being righteous or wicked are not the temporary blessings or the passing trials of this life. The difference is their ultimate destiny. In this life we will all know our share of sunshine and rain. We will all feel joy and taste the bitter pain of sorrow. We will all endure our storms, but only the righteous will survive the ultimate storm of Judgment.

The wicked may have some short-term successes. They may know blessings and prosperity for a short time, but this life is fleeting and the wealth of this world rots. Proverbs 10:2 says, "Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death." The righteous may be poor and know sorrow for a fleeting moment. However, their ultimate destiny is eternal life and joy.

When making an investment, it is wise to think long term. Many today invest their lives only thinking of the moment without considering the outcome of their way of life. The Bible has much to say about the ultimate destiny of the righteous and wicked. Proverbs 10:9 says, “The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.” You can't hide who you are. God knows and at the Judgment it will be declared. There is security for the man of integrity, but the man who is crooked in his speech and life will be found out. It will affect your eternal destiny.

Proverbs 10:11 says, "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked." What we say will have an effect on our eternal destiny. Your actions today determine your eternal destiny. Proverbs 10:21 says, "The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment." Jesus said in Matthew 12:36, “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken”

We know that the wages of sin are death (Romans 6:23). Proverbs 10:16 says, "The wages of the righteous bring them life, but the income of the wicked brings them punishment." What will your paycheck be? Will your paycheck be life by the grace of Christ or punishment by faithless rejection of His Gospel?

What is the focus of your life? Are you planted by streams of life with roots deep in Christ Word? The storm is coming. Are you ready? Are you nourished by the wisdom of the Word? Are you easily uprooted and far from the waters of life found in the wisdom of the Word? Proverbs 10:29-30 says, "The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do evil. The righteous will never be uprooted, but the wicked will not remain in the land."

Right now God sends sunshine and rain to both the righteous and wicked. In the future, however, a storm is coming called Judgment day. It is like no storm you have ever seen. On that day, wisdom will pay off and folly will destroy you. Each of us will leave a legacy of righteousness or wickedness. We will reap life or destruction. Proverbs 10:7 says "The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot."

You have an eternal destiny that awaits you. What it will be is your choice. You can choose righteousness or wickedness. You can choose repentance or rebellion. You can choose wisdom or foolishness. Proverbs 10:28 says, "The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing." What will your fate be? Proverbs 10:24 tells us, "What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desire will be granted."

Stop looking at today alone. Stop thinking short-term. Look long-term. You may have blessings now. You may experience short-term problems, but those are but fleeting memories quickly left in the distant past. The real question is, are you righteous by the grace of Christ or will you be eternally damned by Christ for your stubborn refusal to turn from sin to his mercy and grace?

Proverbs chapter 10 warns us to be wise and think long-term, because the storm is coming and only the righteous will survive.

How To Handle Difficult Conversations

I. Pray for Inner Peace
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”
(Philippians 4:6)

II. Don’t Assume Their Motivation
“The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out”
(Proverbs 20:5)

III. Deal with the Problem Quickly
“Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry”
(Ephesians 4:26)

IV. Deal with the Problem Privately
“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you”
(Matthew 18:15)

V. Listen Before Answering
“Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” (James 1:19)

VI. Tame Your Tongue
“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18)

VII. Ignore Petty Insults
“A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult” (Proverbs 12:16)

VIII. Seek a Win-Win Solution
“Look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4)

IX. Try Forgiveness
“Forgive, and you will be forgiven”
(Luke 6:37)

X. Repay Evil with Good
“Bless those who persecute you…overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:14, 21)

This was emailed to me by a friend. I don't know who wrote it. If you know, please email so I can give them credit for it.

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