Ambiguity? by Gary Rose

Is is 6 or 9? Now, that’s a very good question! Could be either, couldn’t it? This example of ambiguity is inconsequential. Apply ambiguity to eternal matters such as salvation and suddenly it becomes incredibly important. Look around at the “religious” world; common sense will tell you that everyone simply cannot be correct. If everyone is correct, then no one is.

So then, how do we know what is right and what is not? My answer is look to Jesus and follow what HE teaches. This narrows things down a lot. Jesus died for the sins we have committed and rose again from death for us. No Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism or any of a thousand or more ways can say this. Only Jesus. Consider this…

John 14 ( World English Bible )

 ¹  “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me.   ²  In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you.   ³  If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also.   ⁴  Where I go, you know, and you know the way.” 

  ⁵  Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 

  ⁶  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, andthe life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.   (emphasis added)

Want to go to heaven when you die? Jesus points right to himself; HE and HE ALONE is THE way, THE truth and THE life. Period. Accept this and obey the truth of the Gospel and live.

I really don’t care about mundane, unimportant matters such as whether something is a 6 or a 9 (depending on your angle), but I do care about getting to heaven. Jesus is the answer to going there and it is up to all of us to either believe it or not?

Do you?

Bible Reading January 7, 8 by Gary Rose

Bible Reading  January 7, 8 

World  English  Bible

Jan. 7

Genesis 7

Gen 7:1 Yahweh said to Noah, "Come with all of your household into the ship, for I have seen your righteousness before me in this generation.

Gen 7:2 You shall take seven pairs of every clean animal with you, the male and his female. Of the animals that are not clean, take two, the male and his female.

Gen 7:3 Also of the birds of the sky, seven and seven, male and female, to keep seed alive on the surface of all the earth.

Gen 7:4 In seven days, I will cause it to rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights. Every living thing that I have made, I will destroy from the surface of the ground."

Gen 7:5 Noah did everything that Yahweh commanded him.

Gen 7:6 Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters came on the earth.

Gen 7:7 Noah went into the ship with his sons, his wife, and his sons' wives, because of the waters of the flood.

Gen 7:8 Clean animals, animals that are not clean, birds, and everything that creeps on the ground

Gen 7:9 went by pairs to Noah into the ship, male and female, as God commanded Noah.

Gen 7:10 It happened after the seven days, that the waters of the flood came on the earth.

Gen 7:11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on the same day all the fountains of the great deep were burst open, and the sky's windows were opened.

Gen 7:12 The rain was on the earth forty days and forty nights.

Gen 7:13 In the same day Noah, and Shem, Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah's wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, entered into the ship;

Gen 7:14 they, and every animal after its kind, all the livestock after their kind, every creeping thing that creeps on the earth after its kind, and every bird after its kind, every bird of every sort.

Gen 7:15 They went to Noah into the ship, by pairs of all flesh with the breath of life in them.

Gen 7:16 Those who went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God commanded him; and Yahweh shut him in.

Gen 7:17 The flood was forty days on the earth. The waters increased, and lifted up the ship, and it was lifted up above the earth.

Gen 7:18 The waters prevailed, and increased greatly on the earth; and the ship floated on the surface of the waters.

Gen 7:19 The waters prevailed exceedingly on the earth. All the high mountains that were under the whole sky were covered.

Gen 7:20 The waters prevailed fifteen cubits upward, and the mountains were covered.

Gen 7:21 All flesh died that moved on the earth, including birds, livestock, animals, every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, and every man.

Gen 7:22 All in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, of all that was on the dry land, died.

Gen 7:23 Every living thing was destroyed that was on the surface of the ground, including man, livestock, creeping things, and birds of the sky. They were destroyed from the earth. Only Noah was left, and those who were with him in the ship.

Gen 7:24 The waters prevailed on the earth one hundred fifty days.

Jan. 8

Genesis 8

Gen 8:1 God remembered Noah, all the animals, and all the livestock that were with him in the ship; and God made a wind to pass over the earth. The waters subsided.

Gen 8:2 The deep's fountains and the sky's windows were also stopped, and the rain from the sky was restrained.

Gen 8:3 The waters receded from the earth continually. After the end of one hundred fifty days the waters decreased.

Gen 8:4 The ship rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on Ararat's mountains.

Gen 8:5 The waters receded continually until the tenth month. In the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains were seen.

Gen 8:6 It happened at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ship which he had made,

Gen 8:7 and he sent forth a raven. It went back and forth, until the waters were dried up from the earth.

Gen 8:8 He sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from the surface of the ground,

Gen 8:9 but the dove found no place to rest her foot, and she returned to him into the ship; for the waters were on the surface of the whole earth. He put forth his hand, and took her, and brought her to him into the ship.

Gen 8:10 He stayed yet another seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ship.

Gen 8:11 The dove came back to him at evening, and, behold, in her mouth was an olive leaf plucked off. So Noah knew that the waters were abated from the earth.

Gen 8:12 He stayed yet another seven days, and sent forth the dove; and she didn't return to him any more.

Gen 8:13 It happened in the six hundred first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from the earth. Noah removed the covering of the ship, and looked. He saw that the surface of the ground was dried.

Gen 8:14 In the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth was dry.

Gen 8:15 God spoke to Noah, saying,

Gen 8:16 "Go out of the ship, you, and your wife, and your sons, and your sons' wives with you.

Gen 8:17 Bring forth with you every living thing that is with you of all flesh, including birds, livestock, and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply on the earth."

Gen 8:18 Noah went forth, with his sons, his wife, and his sons' wives with him.

Gen 8:19 Every animal, every creeping thing, and every bird, whatever moves on the earth, after their families, went out of the ship.

Gen 8:20 Noah built an altar to Yahweh, and took of every clean animal, and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

Gen 8:21 Yahweh smelled the pleasant aroma. Yahweh said in his heart, "I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake, because the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I ever again strike everything living, as I have done.

Gen 8:22 While the earth remains, seed time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease."

Jan. 7,8

Matthew 4

Mat 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

Mat 4:2 When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry afterward.

Mat 4:3 The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread."

Mat 4:4 But he answered, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.' "

Mat 4:5 Then the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on the pinnacle of the temple,

Mat 4:6 and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, 'He will put his angels in charge of you.' and, 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you don't dash your foot against a stone.' "

Mat 4:7 Jesus said to him, "Again, it is written, 'You shall not test the Lord, your God.' "

Mat 4:8 Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory.

Mat 4:9 He said to him, "I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me."

Mat 4:10 Then Jesus said to him, "Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.' "

Mat 4:11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and served him.

Mat 4:12 Now when Jesus heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee.

Mat 4:13 Leaving Nazareth, he came and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,

Mat 4:14 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,

Mat 4:15 "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,

Mat 4:16 the people who sat in darkness saw a great light, to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, to them light has dawned."

Mat 4:17 From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, "Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand."

Mat 4:18 Walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.

Mat 4:19 He said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers for men."

Mat 4:20 They immediately left their nets and followed him.

Mat 4:21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them.

Mat 4:22 They immediately left the boat and their father, and followed him.

Mat 4:23 Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.

Mat 4:24 The report about him went out into all Syria. They brought to him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases and torments, possessed with demons, epileptics, and paralytics; and he healed them.

Mat 4:25 Great multitudes from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and from beyond the Jordan followed him.

Put your trust in the Lord Psalm 4:5 by Roy Davison

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/trust.html

Put your trust in the Lord
Psalm 4:5

"Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar" (Romans 3:4).

Millions have entrusted the salvation of their souls to man, rather than placing their trust in God. Millions believe in God, they believe He exists, but they do not place their trust in God.
Many place their trust in the wrong things.
Do not place your trust in weapons.
"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God" (Psalm 20:7).
This world is full of people who place their confidence in guided missiles, fighter planes, bombs, automatic rifles, knives and spears.
Jesus said: "All who take the sword will perish by the sword." (Matthew 26:52). In Revelation we read: "He who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword" (Revelation 13:9). Physical violence is reciprocating and self-perpetuating. You cannot solve your problems with a weapon.
Do not place your trust in riches.
"He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like foliage" (Proverbs 11:28).
You cannot buy eternal life. "Those who trust in their wealth And boast in the multitude of their riches, None of them can by any means redeem his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him ... That he should continue to live eternally, And not see the Pit" (Psalm 49:6-9).
Maybe you think, "Well that doesn't apply to me. I'm not rich." But even a poor man is placing his trust in riches if he thinks money would solve his problems.
Jesus said: "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!" (Mark 10:24).
Paul wrote: "Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy" (1 Timothy 6:17).
We must place our trust in God, not in money.
Do not place your trust in yourself.
Only a proud fool does that. "He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered. He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered" (Proverbs 28:25,26).
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5,6).
Many people place their trust in their own righteousness. But Jesus "spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 'Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, "God, I thank You that I am not like other men -- extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess." And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, "God be merciful to me a sinner!" I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other'" (Luke 18:9-14).
Many trust in their own relative goodness. They think they will be saved just because others are worse. This ignores the consequences of sin. We are all sinners and can only be saved by the grace of God and on His terms.
The folly of trusting our own strength is exposed by death. Paul wrote: "Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead" (2 Corinthians 1:9).
Do not place your trust in man or in governments.
"It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in princes" (Psalm 118:8,9).
All false religion is some form of trusting man rather than God, because true religion comes from God and false religion comes from man. Catholicism focuses on the Pope who claims to be the Holy Father, God's infallible representative on earth. Islam is based on the writings of Mohammed, purported to be visions from God. Calvinism is based on the teachings of Calvin. Lutheranism, on the teachings of Luther. By definition, a denomination is something distinct, something other than the body of Christ. A group is a denomination if it follows written or unwritten rules produced by man, rather than the Word of God.
"Do not put your trust in princes, Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help" (Psalm 146:3).
Some people expect the government or some political system to solve their problems. Any form of government is bad if the people in charge are bad, and most politicians are not known for their goodness. The only resources the government has come from God. Trust in God rather than in governments.
To trust in man is to depart from the Lord: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the Lord. For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, And shall not see when good comes, But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, In a salt land which is not inhabited. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit" (Jeremiah 17:5).
"The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe" (Proverbs 29:25).
Do not place your trust in words of men.
Isaiah's society was similar to ours: "No one calls for justice Nor does any plead for truth. They trust in empty words and speak lies; They conceive evil and bring forth iniquity" (Isaiah 59:4).
Jeremiah warned: "Behold, you trust in lying words that cannot profit" (Jeremiah 7:8).
The world is full of lying words given by the inspiration of the devil. How do I know they are lying words? Because they contradict the Word of God! "Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar" (Romans 3:4).
When the world tells you the lie that there is no God and that intricate life just evolved by chance, believe God, the Creator of all things, who holds man accountable.
When the world tells you the lie that easy divorce is a good solution to marriage conflicts, believe God, who says marriage is for life (Matthew 19:6; Romans 7:2) and that divorce and remarriage is adultery (Mark 10:11,12). Seek a marriage partner who trusts in God.
When the world tells you the lie that homosexuality is an acceptable "alternate life style," believe God, who calls it perversion and an abomination (Leviticus 18:22,23; Romans 1:24-28).
Do not place your trust in weapons, in riches, in yourself, in man, in governments or in the lying words of a godless society.
Put your trust in God.
"Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the Lord" (Psalm 4:5).
You will be blessed if you trust in God.
"Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him" (Psalm 2:12).
"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" (Psalm 34:8).
"O Lord of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You!" (Psalm 84:12).
Place your confidence in the word of God.
"Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him" (Proverbs 30:5).
"He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he" (Proverbs 16:20).
"As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him" (Psalm 18:30).
In times of trouble, place your trust in God.
"The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him" (Nahum 1:7).
"Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us" (Psalm 62:8).
"Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret -- it only causes harm" (Psalm 37:3-8).
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him" (Psalm 28:7).
"In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Psalm 56:11).
"Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You" (Psalm 56:3).
"Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men! You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence From the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion From the strife of tongues" (Psalm 31:19,20).
"How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings" (Psalm 36:7).
To explain the shadow of God's wings, sister Gene E. LittleJohns of Albuquerque, New Mexico told this story: "When I was a little girl we lived on a ranch 100 miles from the nearest town. We raised our own chickens with setting hens. When the chicks hatched, the momma hen kept the little chicks near her as they scratched for food. The baby chicks were special game for the large, hungry blue jays that lived in the trees. When the jays came swooping down for a chick to devour, the momma hen would cover the little babes with her wings, the feathers fluffing up to cover and protect them. As little as I was, I was always amazed at the protection the hen's feathers were for her family."
"Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by" (Psalm 57:1).
"I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings" (Psalm 61:4).
The Lord is merciful to those who place their trust in Him.
"But I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation" (Psalm 13:5).
"Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; But he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him" (Psalm 32:10).
"Let Your mercies come also to me, O Lord -- Your salvation according to Your word. So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word" (Psalm 119:41,42).
Trust in God for the salvation of your soul.
"The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned" (Psalm 34:22).
"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" (Psalm 18:2).
"For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe" (1 Timothy 4:10).
"Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For YAH, the Lord, is my strength and my song; He also has become my salvation" (Isaiah 12:2).
Where do you place your confidence?
"In the Lord I put my trust" (Psalm 11:1).
"Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, Because we have trusted in His holy name" (Psalm 33:20,21).
"Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You" (Psalm 143:8).
"Lord my God, in You I put my trust" (Psalm 7:1).
"You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on you, Because he trusts in You'" (Isaiah 26:3).
"And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You" (Psalm 9:10).
"Those who trust in the Lord Are like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abides forever" (Psalm 125:1).
Do not place your trust in weapons, in riches, in yourself, in man, in governments or in the lying words of a godless society. Put your trust in God.
Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982, Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers.
Permission for reference use has been granted.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

Sam Harris Myths (5) by Jim McGuiggan

https://web.archive.org/web/20160426090820/http://jimmcguiggan.com/nonbelievers2.asp?id=72

Sam Harris Myths (5)

A friend wrote me not too long ago complaining about the tone of one of my pieces. This is a gentle soul that nevertheless holds strong convictions without apology and in that respect—his gentlemanly way—he has outgrown me. I mention this to make the point that the blunt speech of people like Harris and Dawkins and company doesn't get my back up; in dealing with views that I strongly oppose I'm sometimes very blunt. And, certainly, I know religious writers that embarrass me with their crudeness and harshness; you know the kind I mean, those that simply delight in the thought that atheists and their ilk will "ROAST INHELL!!!" Compared with some of these people Dawkins is a mild mannered "suggester" of views. It happens (by chance and NS, he tells us) that Dawkins is a thrusting and insulting bag of bio-chemicals hard-wired to think, feel and speak as he does. So be it.

 But I don't get the impression from Dennett, Harris or Dawkins that they love us and only want a better world for us. They have no hell to roast us in but they are obviously eager to thrust us down into some intellectual Alcatraz for the stupid, the obscene, the gutless wonders, the destroyers of rich life, and the immoral wretches that feed on a maggot-ridden piece of literary trash called the Bible.

I say they don't "love" us because there's little attempt to persuade us—it's all raw and cutting. "Hey stupid! You've no idea how ridiculous you are; you illiterate, brainless moron that knows no better than to stand in the way of progress offered to the world by me and people who agree with me!" Sam Schulman's Wall Street Journal piece puts it better as he hits the same nail. Take a look and see if you don't think he's right on target. I know Dennett tells us differently but when he creates a community for atheists to band together and it's called Brights you can't help but wonder if Freud would have nodded knowingly; especially when Dennett goes on describe himself and them with evangelistic pride as atheists who are "the moral backbone" of America, people who have jettisoned belief in "black magic and life after death." Harris complained that atheists are seen as arrogant. Some of them are--I wonder why?

Forgetting the science and the philosophy for the moment; as a matter of simple pedagogy wouldn't you think these people would know better than to "Christian bash" if they wanted to redeem us from darkness? Sam Harris tells us he has completed some psychology courses (he's working toward a real science degree, he says) but his courses don't seem to have done him much good. If a man's mad at you, even kids know, you have to change his mood before you can hope to change his mind. Make him mad and he won't hear you well and Harris and company come savaging not only religious leaders and teachers, you understand, but every Christian in the world. "Hey, yeah you, stupid; you parents who are abusing your children by teaching them to be Christians." They're going to get voted into the White House with this kind of pedagogy? Did I hear somebody mention the word "stupid"?

This leads me to think these people aren't writing to persuade anyone. Well, maybe that's an overstatement. Dennett has classes filled with impressionable youths maybe he's practicing what Dawkins accuses Christian parents of—"child abuse".

I don't know how well paid scientists and philosophy professors are but I have heard that book royalties are magnificent. I suppose you could make a career out of promoting atheism (as you can out of promoting religion). Maybe that's what's happening. Bland books and articles don't sell and maybe this new wrecking-crew of atheists is bearing that in mind.

And it would be a mistake to think that only religious people are charlatans or brutal self-serving bigots. If you want your eyes opened about what scientists can do to other scientists that don't toe their line, read Peter Duesberg's riveting book: INVENTING THE AIDS VIRUS or Alfred DeGrazia's THE VELIKOVSKY AFFAIR. It doesn't matter that you might not agree with Duesberg or Velikovskian views; it's the cruelty with which scientific dissenters are treated at times that shows us that not all scientists are passionate seekers of truth.

At an increasing number of sites the whistle is being blown on the gross mistreatment of the vulnerable by powerful scientific establishment figures. The general public is being shown how vulnerable scientists are refused research grants, are shut out from speaking appointments or influential teaching positions if they aren't part of the "in crowd". You'd think to hear Harris (who one of these days will be able to say he's a scientist when he gets his degree from fellow-atheist scientists) that the scientific fraternity is where integrity and virtue has made its home. What naïve drivel! It isn't "austere truth" some of these people are after. I don't say an atheist can't seek truth—far from it. Though in many ways he was a severe critic of religion and of some religious leaders Thomas H Huxley strikes me as a man who was a self-confessed agnostic because he felt he had no intellectual alternative. His blunt response to "Soapy" Sam Wilberforce, a bishop, shocked society, but even there I can't help being pleased because Wilberforce asked for it. But Huxley had no patience with the ignorant, like Harris and Dawkins, who dabble in the Bible and dismiss the entire OT as useless. Huxley thought it was profoundly influential for good.

Sam Schulman is right, of course, you can read these modern atheists from morn till night and you'll not find a new thought. Their arguments are the same tired old mouthings and life has a way of exposing them. You'll probably remember the donkey that wrapped itself up in a lion skin and went around "roaring". But everybody knew braying when they heard it and they saw the ass's rear end sticking out at the back so they smiled and went on their way unafraid.

THE TRUTH ABOUT GOD’S TRUTH by Alfred Shannon Jr.

https://biblicalproof.wordpress.com/2011/07/page/2/

THE TRUTH ABOUT GOD’S TRUTH

The truth about the truth of God, is that His truth never changes. The same gospel that saved the apostles, and early day Christians, will save us today. They heard it, believed it, confessed it, repented of their sins, and were baptized. It was good enough for them, and it is good enough for us today. Trust in the gospel of Christ, for it has been certified, proven, and abides forever, and it shall judge us in the last day.

1 Cor 15:1-4; Rom 10:17; Rom 10:10; Acts 2:38; Rev 2:10; Gal 1:11,12; Acts 9:22; Rom 12:2; 1 Pet 1:25; Jn 12:48

The Devils favorite tool – Temptation (part 2) (By Ben Fronczek)

http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?p=1377

The Devil’s favorite Tool

The Devils favorite tool – Temptation   (part 2) 

(By Ben Fronczek)

What is your favorite tool. Every trade requires using different tools. As a teacher and preacher is tools of my trade are pens, books and my computer. Farmer have tractors, plows, and milking machines. Hairdressers use combs and scissors. We all have our favorite tools.

In our last lesson I mentioned that the devil wants to rob you and me.  I believe he want to rob you of any kind of good relationship we have with God, he wants to rob you of a good relationship with others,  and he want to steal from you peace of mind.

But how will he attempt to rob us of those precious things?  Well the devil has his own special tools; like the use of lies, fear, doubt and more. As I am sure you know, one of the most devilish methods he uses to hurt us and ultimately rob these things from us is through tempting us to do things that may seem appealing at first, yet in the end they are not really appropriate or in our best interest.

Every one of us is bombarded by temptations every day; young and old, wise and foolish, educated and illiterate… without exception, all will be tempted.

A little boy is at the grocery store with his mom. He asks her, “Mommy, will you buy me a treat?” She answers to his dismay, “No, not today.”     But as she checks out, he stares at the candy rack right in front of him. He stares, and stares, and then reaches out and takes a candy bar and put it in his pocket.   We all face temptations.

If you could carefully examine your self and count how many times you are tempted to do something in one day I think you would be shocked how often you are tempted in some way or another. Some things we act on, some we do not. Some temptations may lead to sin, some do not.

This morning I would like to talk to you about temptation in light of the temptation that Jesus experienced after His baptism.  Read Matthew 4:1-11 “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a]by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”    Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you,     and they will lift you up in their hands,  so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

There are a few observations that I’ve made while reading this that I would like to share you this morning.

First, the reality that all of us will be tempted, there are not exceptions. If you are human and if you are breathing, you are going to be tempted in some way at some time, and probably more often than you realize.

Sometimes we may even be disturbed, even full of guilt when we realize that within our heart lurks all kinds of desires that we know are wrong, especially when we indulge in them.

– Like when we have a desire to get stuff;  to get more and more.

– Or like when we desire to lash out in anger and rage.

– Or when we desire to mock, insult, or put someone down

– Or when we desire to make excuses, or even sidestep the truth

– Or even if we hunger for food, power, wealth or even sex

And sometimes we feel, oh so guilty for having such thoughts in the back of our mind, or even sometimes in the front of our mind. We may even think God is mad at us for having such thoughts

Out of guilt, some may think we would not be tempted with such thoughts…   …if we were a better Christian…  If we prayed more, …If we read the Bible more… If we isolated ourselves from all the bad influence out there like TV, bad music, the internet, bad people and the like…. Then I wouldn’t be tempted…. WRONG!

Take Jesus for example, He had just been baptized.. The Heavenly Father personally testified as to who He was… His Son, and then He was endowed with the Holy Spirit.

And the very next thing we read is this story about how Jesus was being tempted.  And when the devil leaves Him,  in Luke’s account, in 4:13 it says that he (the devil) departed until a more opportune time…. In other words, Satan wasn’t done with Jesus yet.

The point I’m trying to make is this, Jesus is the most spiritual, the most morally correct and perfect person who ever walked the earth, yet He was tempted. So just because you are tempted to say or do, or think something, that does not make you some kind of  moral degenerate. Rather it proves that you are human and alive.

So we have to be careful not to beat our self up just because we think something or are tempted. Just realize that temptations are just part of this life, and the devil’s primary tool to mess us up.

And it’s only sinful if we give into something that is contrary to God’s will and way.

The Second observation I see here based on this text regarding temptation is the fact that they usually come when we are weak, tire, sick, lonely, or depressed.

Consider when the devil tried to tempt Jesus.  I wasn’t when He was at His physical peak, but only after He had fasted 40 days.

It wasn’t when He was surrounded by those who loved Him, His family, friends or disciples. Rather, it was when He was all alone in the wilderness.

Many times the same thing happens to us. When we are feeling good, and healthy, when we are surrounded by loved ones, when we are serving God and enjoying it…. We’ve too busy or feeling too good to be tempted.

In 1 Peter 5:8, Peter wrote that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. In the wild, lions don’t usually attack the strongest and largest prey in a herd, but rather they look for those who are the weakest. (Not to say that the devil does not ever try to tempt those who are strong.)  .

And the Third thing I see in this text that I would like to share, is how the temptations so often seem like the most logical, or the easiest and most pleasing way to go.

Satan is not going tempt you to do or say something that is totally repulsive or impractical for you. It would not be a temptation for you then.

2 Corinthians 11:14 Paul wrote that he (the devil) disguises himself as an angel of light. He appears to shed light on things and comes around to show you the easiest way out or around something. His advice may seem to make sense, it may even seem logical, at least up to a point; especially if you are in some kind of pain and you want the pain or hurt to go away.

Consider our text and what is taking place in it with Jesus.

It seemed reasonable to make bread. The text says that Jesus was hungry.

And why not perform a great sign in Jerusalem at the Temple where all the Jews could see Him. If angels had carried Him down to the court yard in front of the priests and other Jews there, He would have had instant recognition as the Messiah.

And what about immediate rule of all the kingdoms of the world?

But Jesus knew and later taught, one has to count the costs of what his or her actions are. He knew that if He took these short cuts it would have far reaching consequences. They probably would not have crucified Him.

This is something we often forget or do not consider when we make our choices; the consequences.

This is a lesson we have to learn when a temptation comes our way. We have to consider the consequences no matter how logical or pleasing the temptation may seem at the time.

For example: Anger and rage can lead to argument, fights, battles and even war. Giving in to the temptation to buy stuff can result in debt. Adultery can lead to heart ache, crumpled families, a bad reputation and more…etc.

So how do you fight temptation?

First of all expect to be tempted as long as you are alive… it a given.

Then prepare. I heard it said that the best defense is a good offence.

In other words, prepare your mind and heart and spirit for these attacks. Even prepare your physical body. Get the rest you need, eat right, get enough sleep. Just like an athletic team, or an athlete preparing to meet an opposing team, prepare and get in good shape mentally, spiritually, and physically.

God has given us everything we need to stand up strong and to face to these temptations when they come our way, just like Jesus did.

But you are not going to have much luck if you are exhausted, and weak, and down trodden and ill equipped.

In Ephesians 6 Paul tells those early Christian to get ready and prepare. He said

– Put on the belt of truth: be honest even if it hurts (one lie can lead to many)

– Put on the breastplate of righteousness: that is always choosing to do the right thing.

– Know and stand firm in the Gospel which brings peace.  Use and depend on your faith and trust in God like a shield to extinguish those questionable temptations and doubts.

– Trust in your salvation in also in the word of God which you can use to overcome your enemy.

You are in control of the choices you make, no one else. Choose Jesus and His way and you will always be safe. And remember, no matter what, God loves you…. Even if you mess up.

For more lessons click on the following link: http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?page_id=566

All comments can be emailed to: bfronzek@gmail.com

The God Who Forgives by Trevor Bowen

http://insearchoftruth.org/articles/forgives.html

The God Who Forgives

"Why should I be a Christian?" The very posing of this question implies that some people believe reasons exists why one should not be a Christian. Let us think about why someone would not want to become a Christian. Sometimes, a person hesitates in becoming a Christian because he believes that he is too wicked for God to forgive him. Often this person might feel like if he has not already, then some day he will inevitably go so far that God will not forgive him. The hesitant student is not the only person that fears this fate. Sometime even Christians wonder about God’s continuing capacity to forgive, so let us consider what the Bible has to say about the God who forgives.

GOD DOES NOT WANT ANYONE TO BE LOST

Often people feel like God is a ferocious and cruel god, who longingly waits to instantly punish any man caught in sin. However, the Bible paints a different picture of God.

"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." II Peter 3:9

God does not want anybody to be lost. In fact, he is patient with us so that we might not be lost. Being longsuffering, God mercifully provides frequent opportunities to repent. Although it is clear that God wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (I Timothy 2:4), we still may wonder why God does not want people to be lost.

"But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions which he has committed shall be remembered against him; because of the righteousness which he has done, he shall live. Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?" says the Lord GOD, "and not that he should turn from his ways and live?" Ezekiel 18:21-23

From these verses we learn that God takes no pleasure in the destruction of the wicked. He does not enjoy their death because He loves them. This love was the reason why Jesus died on the cross for the whole world (John 3:16-17). How can a God who loves us and desires us to be saved not forgive the repentant who humbles himself before God?

EXTREME EXAMPLES OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS

The extent of God’s forgiveness can be seen in extreme examples from the Bible. One of the single-most extreme examples is that of the Judean king, Manasseh. Late in the history of the divided kingdom, King Manasseh proved himself to be one of the most wicked kings that Israel had seen.

"Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. But he did evil in the sight of the LORD, according to the abominations of the nations whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel. ... Also he caused his sons to pass through the fire in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom; he practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft and sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke Him to anger. ... So Manasseh seduced Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to do more evil than the nations whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel. And the LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they would not listen." II Chronicles 33:1-10

Although we see this stubborn king being more wicked than any before him, notice how he responds when he is punished by the Lord.

"Therefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the army of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh with hooks, bound him with bronze fetters, and carried him off to Babylon. Now when he was in affliction, he implored the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, and prayed to Him; and He received his entreaty, heard his supplication, and brought him back to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God." II Chronicles 33:11-13

The text continues, mentioning how the penitent Manasseh destroyed all of the idols upon his return, repaired the Lord’s altar, sacrificed peace and thanksgiving offerings, and commanded the people to worship God. This man was able to turn back to God, and God was willing to receive him back. How can we do more wickedly than this king, who among other evils sacrificed his own children to idols?

Among other examples, the apostle Paul could be mentioned who persecuted and killed Christians, but eventually repented and became one of the most well-known and influential servants of the Lord (Acts 9:1-22). The Corinthian church was filled with once worldly people, who committed grievous sins.

"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 homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." I Corinthians 6:9-11

Friend, there is not much that God has not forgiven. From murder (II Samuel 12:7-14) to the sacrificing of children (II Chronicles 33:1-13), we have record of God forgiving the most horrific sins. Even though we have examined these compelling examples, one more extreme example of God’s forgiveness exists that we need to study.

US

We are all extreme examples of God’s forgiveness. No man can boast that he is deserving of heaven because he earned it, or even because he sinned less than others. Sin is a terrible thing that separates all of us from God (Romans 3:23), condemning all of us to hell (Romans 6:23), even if someone committed only a single sin (James 2:10-13). Sin is just that bad.

Even though each of us would have stood without hope before God, the gospel reveals that God loved us before we loved Him (I John 4:9-19). Jesus came and died in our place for us, not as though we were deserving, but while we were ungodly (Romans 5:6-8). Though God requires that we respond to his gospel plea (Matthew 7:21-23; James 2:14-26), the Bible teaches that we have been saved by grace, not by meritorious works (Ephesians 2:1-10). Consequently, no man can boast of his salvation as if it was accomplished by his own merit. Therefore, each one of us is an extreme example of God’s forgiveness to one who was undeserving.

CONCLUSION

Although sin and the temptations of the world may lure us into believing that we are too wicked for God to forgive, the Bible teaches that God does not want anyone to be lost. He desires that all men should be saved. The examples of King Manasseh, Kind David, the apostle Paul, the Corinthians, and many more illustrate God’s capacity to forgive even the most wicked sinners. Finally, God extends his mercy to each one of us. We are equally in need of God’s mercy. No one can boast in himself. Therefore, just as God has forgiven every previous convert, He will also graciously accept your repentance, if you are willing to humble yourself before the God who forgives.

May we assist you in accomplishing your desire to be saved? You may read more material on what the Bible says about the requirements for salvation, e-mail any of our local contacts, or complete one of our on-line Bible studies to learn more about your role in God’s salvation for you.

Author: Trevor Bowen