Beau Thibodeaux’s Bible Study- The Word Of Life

 ​"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;" — 1 John 1:1 (KJV)

The Dispensational Context:
Now, look here, cher!

If you want to get the gravy right on this scripture, you got to look at who John is writing to.

He ain't writing to Paul’s crowd.

This is for the Circumcision remnant, the Jewish believers getting tossed around like a pirogue in a hurricane.

John is dropping an anchor for them.

You see that phrase "That which" right there?

Don't let some slick-talking preacher tell you that's an abstract concept, a rulebook, or some floating cloud of spiritual maturity.

No, sir!

Just like over there in 1 Corinthians 13:10, when it talks about "that which is perfect," "that which" is a reference to a Person, not a thing!

John is telling them, "Listen, we didn't just hear a rumor down the bayou.

We saw Him with our own two eyes, stared right at Him, and our very own hands handled Him."

The "Word of life" ain't a philosophy; it’s the Lord Jesus Christ Himself in the flesh, resurrected and real enough to touch.

Socratic Question:
If "that which" is actually a living, breathing Person and not just some inanimate object or a concept you pull out of the air, how does trading a "thing" for a "Someone" change the whole way you look at biblical prophecy and what it means to actually grow up in the faith?

Final Takeaway:
At the end of the day, your faith ain't anchored in a system, a program, or a fancy philosophy.

It is anchored in the physical, historical reality of Jesus Christ.

You ain't waiting on a thing or an event to fix your life; you are waiting on "that which" is perfect—the resurrected Savior Himself, and He's as real as a South Louisiana sunrise.

Love Took It Away (song)

 

The House I Left Behind: A Journey From Islam To Christ book review

Imagine growing up poor in Iran during the 1960’s. Iran was considered an Islamic country even then. In Islam, Allah is the creator of every calamity and the source of all pain. Life for anyone under the principles of the Quran is difficult.

This is exactly where Daniel Shayesteh found himself in the late 1900’s. He lived through and participated in the uprising against the Shah and was present for the rise of Ayatollah Khomeini to power and the implementation of sharia law under Islamic authoritarianism.

In his book The House I Left Behind: A Journey From Islam To Christ he takes you through that historic period of time where Islam extremism took full control of Iran and how the religion actually treats its followers. This book will open your eyes to the firsthand experiences of a Muslim in an Islamic country to a refugee in Turkey to a beloved brother in Christ, and hopefully will help you understand the threat Islam poses, the deceitful tactics it uses to obtain power, and allow you to see the need for salvation among those trapped in that system.

Read The Bible (poem)

Read the Bible at a chosen time each day.
Read the Bible while you may.
Do not start until you pray.
Ask, what does this passage say?
Look for Him who is the way.
Fina a lesson for today.
Pray once more and go your way.

-Stuart Olyott

The Weights Of Life (video sermon)

 

Abuse And How To Handle It

There have been growing reports of abuse in Catholic church and Southern Baptist Convention made against clergy. Just become someone is in a position in the church does not mean they aren't still a sinner.

When a person gets saved, their soul is saved from an eternity in hell, but their body is not saved from the sin nature. This means they are not perfect and they face their share of temptations. Should they choose to indulge in the temptations, they have sinned against God and man- they should not be protected.

There are also reports of church lawyers telling the victims to remain quiet. In no way, shape, or form should this be the guidance given to a victim of assault - whether sexual or physical. A person in an abusive marriage should not remain married and quiet about the situation, or they and their children could up a casualty. It is never safe to stay in an abusive situation!

Some theologians may say that you do not have biblical license to divorce for physical abuse; you should pray and ask the Lord what to do in this situation. I have done a three part study on what they Bible says about Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage, which you can read here. But regardless as to whether you stay married or divorce, you should separate and file charges.

As far as sexual assault goes, there is clear direction in the Bible.

Deuteronomy 22:25-27- But if a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her: then the man only that lay with her shall die: But unto the damsel thou shalt do nothing; there is in the damsel no sin worthy of death: for as when a man riseth against his neighbour, and slayeth him, even so is this matter: For he found her in the field, and the betrothed damsel cried, and there was none to save her.

A rapist is worthy of death.

Leviticus 20:13- If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

Homosexuality is worthy of death, therefore someone who has sodomized another in an assault should be killed.

It doesn't matter what type of rape has occurred, the person who committed the offense should be killed.
Exodus 21:16- And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.

Whether the person is taking a person and selling them as a slave or as a sexual transaction, that person is committing a sin worthy of the death penalty.

Here is an excerpt from an officer who deals with abuse victims. This is how it usually begins.

​Predators “hook” their prey first. Slowly. Intentionally. Psychologically.

Here’s what the conversations often look like in the real world:

Step 1: Isolation

They work to separate the ​person emotionally from their​ friends and family.

• “Your parents don’t really understand you.”

• “You’re way more mature than they treat you.”

• “Nobody knows you like I do.”

• “You can trust me. Not them.”

The goal is simple: make the ​person feel misunderstood at home and understood by the predator.

Next comes sympathy and emotional dependence.

• “My puppy died and I don’t know how to cope.”

• “My grandma is sick and she’s all I have.”

• “You’re the only person I can talk to.”

Now the ​person feels responsible for the emotional survival of a stranger. That’s a powerful hook for a developing brain.

Step 3: Control Through Fear or Anger

Once emotional leverage exists, pressure begins.

• “If you don’t respond, I’ll be really upset.”

• “If you don’t send this, something bad could happen to your family.”

• “You’ll ruin everything if you tell anyone.”

This is Control 101. It works on adults. Kids stand even less of a chance against it.

Reality Check​- This happens to thousands o​f people. A predator doesn't even need to be physically present anymore; all they need​ is a phone, patience, and psychology.

Officer Gomez

So, what does one do if they find themselves in this situation? If you can get out before anything bad happens, then do so. Ask for help from friends and family to get away from the predator.

Should you find yourself already trapped and being abused, the first step is to verify the accusation. If you are hearing about the crime, you need to verify it before just accusing a person.

Exodus 23:1- Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.

Deuteronomy 1917-19- Then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days; And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother; Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shalt thou put the evil away from among you.

You don't want to just follow a "believe them no matter what" philosophy. That could get you into a lot of trouble. Make certain before you bring an accusation!

If you are the victim, get a rape kit done immediately. These are not pleasant, but they will be able to confirm whether a rape has actually occurred. If there was no protection used, you will also have the DNA of the assailant.

Second step is to file a police report. This can sometimes be done simultaneously with the rape kit.
Do not change your clothes. Do not wash up. Do not remove any evidence.

Make certain you have proof and get a lawyer to file charges. The police should be able to recommend a lawyer who specializes in such cases.

Do not remain silent or you are enabling the predator. The more a criminal gets away with a crime, the more emboldened they are to continue committing it. Your silence could doom another to the same fate.
You are not sinning by turning the person over to local government authority - that's their purpose. It is the government's job to dole out punishment. 

Romans 13:3-4- For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

Should you live in a wicked place, or happen upon an evil judge who sides with the perpetrator. Give it over to God. He can do more than you could ever dream in terms of vengeance.

Once you have followed all these steps, go to God and get comfort. Most of the time the victim sees the incident as being somehow their fault - it's not. There is nothing that you could have done differently. The fact that they are evil and chose you as their victim would not have been changed had you acted differently. Go to God, find a Christian counsellor, and get help.

And, lastly, be a voice for others. Not everyone will get to walk away. There will be some victims who don't have the ability to speak out and ask for help. Keep your eyes open and your ears alert, and speak for those who can't.

I really hope no one who reads this will actually need it. But I am not naïve enough to believe that these things aren't happening. Don't be the person who destroys their own life, or allows the lives of others to be destroyed, because they thought they needed to keep it quiet. God doesn't say anywhere in Scriptures that we are to keep abuse quiet. Handle it like a Christian; but make certain you take care of it.

Multiple Bible Versions And The Gospel Of Christ

 Over the years of discussing the Bible version issue with various people, some of what we discuss are discrepancies in the modern versions, confusion caused by multiple versions, and major doctrines attacked.

After discussing these subjects, I’ve come to several conclusions about individuals who still don’t view modern versions and multiple versions as extremely problematic​:

1. Prior to our conversation, they were never aware of an issue with modern versions.

2. They are dishonest and remain unchanged despite the indisputable evidence presented.

3. They are apathetic concerning the subject.

If you don’t believe there’s a huge problem with a version that removes the blood of Jesus Christ, removes the deity of Jesus Christ, attacks the virgin birth, and makes Jesus a liar, then you’re dishonest and ​are intent to remain willfully ignorant.

1 Corinthians 14:38 KJV
But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

When you think of someone who would correct the ​King James Version Bible and cast doubt on the words of God, you might envision a seminary professor, a Hebrew or Greek scholar, or even a pastor.

However, these Bible correctors aren’t confined to the classroom or the pulpit. The​re are keyboard theologians ​who have emerge​d online behind a spiritual smokescreen, declaring “the mistakes” in the ​KJV text and offering a “better wording​".

One major problem with this approach is that the standard for truth shifts from the scriptures to a private interpretation. The individual who corrects the scriptures has effectively set himself up as the final authority, implying that God made a mistake in the preservation process. If the words and wording of scripture is fluid, they no longer remain an objective standard of truth.

Job 12:2 KJV
No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you.

Romans 3:4 KJV
God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

Recently someone commented, “multiple faithful translations can help clarify meaning rather than confusion.”

Faithful translations? By this they meant accurate scholarly translations by evangelical Christians, who affirm the inspiration and inerrancy of scripture. Examples. ESV , NASB , CSB, NIV .

Now​, I will provide just a few examples to prove his statement is ABSOLUTELY False, and prove by just comparing 2 versions- the KJV and another version- that multiple versions cause confusion and not clarity.

The words in BOLD PRINT will prove differences that are contrary and cause confusion.

Psalm 10:5 KJV
His ways are always GRIEVOUS ; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them.

Psalm 10:5 NIV - His ways PROSPER at all times; your judgments are on high, out of his sight; as for all his foes, he puffs at them.

Ephesians 5:9 KJV
(For the fruit of the SPIRIT is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

Ephesians 5:9 - NASB - For the fruit of the LIGHT​ consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth),

Jeremiah 10:5 KJV
They are upright as the PALM TREE but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.

Jeremiah 10:5 - NIV Their idols are like SCARECROWS in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good."

1 Timothy 3:16 KJV
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: GOD was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

1 Timothy 3:16 NIV - Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: HE was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

This verse should be highly considered before making arbitrary claims without providing evidence.

Proverbs 25:8 KJV
Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

How many times have you heard someone say, ​"I don’t argue about the Bible , I just preach the gospel. Arguing with someone is a waste of time and no one is going to get saved because of an argument, God just wants us to preach the gospel.​"

What they may not realize is that they are actually arguing while they claim arguments are a waste of time. This is a self refuting statement.

While we are commanded to preach the gospel,​ that doesn’t relieve us from the responsibility of having intellectual conversations and arguments for the faith.

Paul’s pattern was not only proclamation, but also persuasion.​ Biblical Christianity isn’t merely about blind faith​; Believers should be able to set forth good evidence for why we believe what we believe​.

When Paul proclaimed the resurrection of Christ in 1 Corinthians 15, he didn’t say believe that Christ died and was buried and rose again just because the scriptures prove it.

He gives good reasons to believe the resurrection, he names specific eyewitness​es, he mentions over 500 people at once saw the risen Christ​. He says most of them are still alive​ at the time of his writing so they can be questioned if ​one would like, and he mentions his testimony that he is a changed man by God’s grace​. His final point was if Christ didn’t rise from the dead Christianity crumbles.

Christians don't just preach the gospel as a shield from intellectual discourse.​ 

​Philippians 1:10 KJV

​That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

​Paul took time to tell people not only what they should believe, but why they should believe it! And we are to follow his example.

Acts 26:25-28 KJV
But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

-Brant Zeller

What Do You Do When God Re-Writes Your Expected Story (video sermon)

 

Depression Era Chocolate Cake recipe

 Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups white sugar
• 8 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups water

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350*.

1. Mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together in an 9x13-inch ungreased pan. Make 3 depressions in flour mixture; pour oil into one, vinegar into second, and vanilla into third. Pour water over all, then whisk until well blended and resembling cake batter.
   Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 30 to 40 minutes.
   You can top the cake with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or your favorite chocolate frosting.

Ode To The iPhone (poem)

 Oh iPhone, my iPhone! I love thee to date,
We’ve spent so much time together of late.
You’ve opened my eyes to the ways of the world,
To manifold things, that never grow old!
When I awake you’re the first thing I see,
As you’re always there, right next to me.

Whenever I want, I can tap into you’re power,
At any time of the day, or hour.
You’re ready always to make sure that I see,
The many temptations waiting for me.
Daily you grant me to indulge in the lust,
Of the lascivious things you place in my trust;
And the covetous spirit, that excites within,
Takes hold on my mind as I fall into sin.

Oh iPhone, my iPhone!
You’re as wondrous as can be!
You’ve carried my heart to the depths of depravity.
Depravity I say….but it’s not a sin;
For the Prince of the Air, has comforted me within,
To ensure that my flesh is at ease in this state;
With it’s natural inclines, who can debate?

Each day as my flesh grows stronger with you,
I have no need of the Spirit life I once knew.
That Spirit life which fades day by day,
And sometimes I wonder if I’ve lost my way.
But there you are, to distract my mind,
Lest I should fall back into faithful inclines.
Those old ways, I’ve lost patience for,
And communing with family has become such a bore.

A Snap or a Reel, a Tok or a Gram,
All that you show me, is everything I am!
The walls of my room have enclosed this domain,
As my parents sit back and scorn with disdain.
But they don’t understand how my needs have changed,
As they ponder the cause and seek whom to blame.
It’s just a new world, with new ways you see,
And I think there’s a scripture that calls it, “Laodicia-e…?”

We had a good time, when I was a child,
But now I just wish they’d let me sit idle;
That I may enjoy my communing with thee,
Oh iPhone, my iPhone, it’s you I seek to please!
I dedicate my time and devotion to you,
As you’re always there to tell me what’s true.
Truth as far as the world is concerned;
But that’s what I long for, that’s what I yearn.

There once was a truth, that I used to adore,
But that has also become such a bore;
And I have no desire to seek it anymore.
Oh iPhone, my iPhone! I’m so glad that we met!
Before you came along, I used to regret,
The things in my life that weren’t quite right;
But now I indulge, with my conscience aright,
And I feel no need to put up a fight!

Of this I can attest is absolute bliss!
(What was that….did I just hear a hiss?)
Oh, never mind, as it matters not,
It’s time to indulge in the things that are not;
And get to myself yet another blot.

Oh iPhone, my iPhone!
I have no greater need,
Than to pay full attention, to the things that you heed.
I’ll do what you say, and say what you do,
I’m always ready and willing to make my defense of you;
To prove to those people who don’t understand,
How great you can be, while their lives are so bland!

Oh iPhone, my iPhone! I bid you goodnight,
My parents are waiting and growing uptight.
They want me to come and kiss them goodnight;
But what I really want, is to hold you tight,
And to embrace your wonders, all through the night.
And when the day breaks, in the early Dawn,
When I awake with a dramatic yawn;
Again will I gaze into your blackish screen,
With a slumbering grip, I’ll press all your keys,
And will delight to start my day with thee!

-Dina Keough

I've Found A Faithful Friend (song)

 

Extraterrestrial Aliens

There is something that the world seems to be gearing up to accept- aliens from another planet. This sentiment has been on the fringe of our society for a while, but now it seems to be getting mainstream attention.

As a Christian, I view everything through the lens of Scripture. But, are aliens in the Bible? And are Christians warned against them?

First, let's look at what most people believe aliens are.

The majority of people would refer to these beings as extra terrestrial entities, meaning they are from a planet other than our own. They are sometimes referred to as "little green men" or "greys" and they are small with large heads and big black eyes. They fly around in flying saucers, also called UFO's or UAP's, and they have advanced technological capabilities.

There are a few other factions that believe there are a few different species of aliens- the main ones being Blondes (tall blonde human like creatures), Greys (the aliens described above), and Reptilians (very tall amphibian type creatures that walk around on two legs like humans).

Look as hard as you may and you won't find extraterrestrials mentioned as such in the Bible, though many Christians believe they exist. This has some scholars believing that the Bible's silence on these creatures implies their irrelevance to human salvation, rather than their non-existence.

I, however, think the Bible does give us a small insight into these beings.

There is something similar to a UFO in Ezekiel 1.

Ezekiel 1:15-20- Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with his four faces. The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the colour of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel.

 When they went, they went upon their four sides: and they turned not when they went. As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four. And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them: and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up. Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

This "wheel within a wheel" sounds an awful lot like a typical flying saucer, and the "rings being full of eyes" kind of sounds like windows or port holes in the machine.

Whatever, exactly, this was that Ezekiel saw, it is most certainly connected with spiritual beings.

Another verse that comes to mind is the one that describes Nephilim.

Genesis 6:1-4- And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.

 The Bible mentions giants as a byproduct of the union of fallen angels and humanity. But, what if there were other mutant creations that came from them as well. We know that Scripture doesn't always give us ALL of the details, but it does give us the most important ones- like only naming 3 of Adam and Eve's children.

The creatures that came from the fallen angels are described as being mighty and evil.

One verse that always made me wonder was in Psalm 8 where David is ascribing God as Creator.

Psalm 8:8- The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.

What, other than fish, would be passing through the paths of the seas.

Paul and John both kind of give us a little hint that there is something beneath the oceans.

Philippians 2:10-11- That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Revelation 5:13- And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

Why are they talking about things under the earth? John differentiates between things in the sea and things under the earth.

Paul makes mention that we fight against spiritual beings.

Ephesians 6:12- For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

There is a propensity for Christians to view this verse as if these are non-corporeal spirits, but the Bible doesn't say that. It never tells us that spirits can't have or use a corporeal form!

Zechariah speaks with the Lord regarding a flying roll (UFO?) and some creatures that come from it.

Zechariah 5:1-11- Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll. And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying roll; the length thereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits. Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it. I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof. Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth. And I said, What is it? And he said, This is an ephah that goeth forth. He said moreover, This is their resemblance through all the earth. And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this is a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah. And he said, This is wickedness. And he cast it into the midst of the ephah; and he cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof. Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven. Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah? And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base.

According to Zechariah's vision, there's a flying object that brings a curse to the earth. Going forth from this object, or with this object, are women with stork wings- sounds an awful lot like the description people believe to be angels- who establish something in the land of Shinar. I'm guessing that would be like a base of operations in modern day Iraq. But, God is very quick to tell Zechariah that this is wickedness!

Paul warns us that there will be a strong delusion from Satan during the Tribulation to get them to believe a lie.

II Thessalonians 2:7-12- For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

When the Antichrist shows up, he comes with 10 mutant kings to rule the earth according to Daniel. It is possible that these are "extraterrestrial" or "interdimensional" aliens. Why do I say this? Because in Revelation there is a big focus on accepting God as the creator.

Revelation 4:16-17- And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

It's possible that these mutant kings come as advanced aliens from another planet that claim to have created our world.This theory originally brought to light by Carl Sagan is already ingraining itself in our media. We already see this theory in many movies that are coming out. Almost like they are trying to plant the thought so that people will readily accept it.

Now, with former intelligence officials and the government coming out with all this "classified information" being made available to the public, it appears that the time for this deception is drawing near.

Paul already warned us that part of a degenerate course is to view the created being as more worthy of worship than the one who created it.

Romans 1:25- Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

My theory is that what we call aliens have been on earth for a very long time, possibly since before the flood. These beings are not "extraterrestrial" as many think but rather "interterrestrial" as in they live under our oceans, and that's why there's reference to things being under the seas in the Bible. They have been slowly showing themselves to mankind so that when they finally show up they will be accepted as benevolent helpers of humanity instead of the wicked deceitful workers of Satan.

Satan told Eve back in the beginning of creation that disobeying God's command would give her knowledge to become like God. I believe he's just repackaging this age old lie into a new, modern one. The "aliens" will bring advancement to our race to help us eliminate disease and aging! A promise to make us more like God who doesn't get sick or die. But, it will come with a painful price!

Revelation 13:16- And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

Revelation 16:2- And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.

Revelation 14:11- And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

When Paul gave his warning about another gospel, perhaps he was warning against something more than a messed up denomination of Christianity.

Galatians 1:8- But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

Maybe he was warning that a fallen angel would bring beings that claimed to come from heaven and they would preach their own message about worshipping a beast and accepting his mark in their body for "salvation".

In a time when many will be "looking to the stars", the wise will be looking to Scripture to avoid deception which will lead to damnation.

The King James Bible

 This lesson was created with the help of The King James Bible Course by James L. Melton.

Psalms 12:6-7- The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

There are professing Christians out there who think that God could not preserve His word. They say that the originals were inspired, but that there is no translation available today that isn't infallible.

How could an Almighty God not be able to preserve His word as an infallible book? And, if there is an infallible translation available today, which one is it?

First, we need to take a closer look at inspiration. According to Webster's 1828 dictionary, inspiration is the act of drawing air into the lungs; the inhaling of air; a branch of respiration, and opposed to expiration. Isn't that interesting. We think of inspiration as something that causes a creative spark, but it's connected to breathing.

2 Timothy 3:16-17- All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

God inspired His word. He literally breathed it. You know something else that has God's breath in it? You!

Genesis 2:7- And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

When God made man, He breathed into him the breath of life. He only had to do this once. This life giving breath has been passed down to each subsequent human born. If His breath has been preserved with living creation, why can't it work that way with Scripture?

2 Peter 1:21- For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

God told the writers of Scripture what to write. If He is the author, then He should also be able to preserve His words since He is eternal. He promised that His word would be here forever.

Matthew 24:35- Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

So, if God has preserved the Scriptures, then which version would it be? It can't be all of them, because each translation is different. Sometimes they even contradict each other and God is not the author of confusion (I Corinthians 14:33).

If we say that all translations are God's word, even though they differ, we are now faced with the opportunity for less scrupulous men to tell us which of these readings are more accurate, and that would move a man into the position of authority, rather than God.

This is a bad position to be in because mankind is fickle and sinful.

Psalms 39:5- Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.

Romans 3:23- For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

So, let's look at a few reasons why the King James Version is the infallible, inspired word of God.

First, it was translated under a king by a group of highly educated men. That matters.

Ecclesiastes 8:4a- Where the word of a king is, there is power:

The new versions have been translated by committees, not a monarch. God's form of government is a theocratic monarchy- this is how Christ will rule during the millennium. In fact, four books of the Bible are written about kings ruling their kingdom.

"James" is the English word for "Jacob". Remember that God renamed Jacob in the Old Testament to "Israel" and that is the name His people are known by. So, why not name His Words following the same idea?

The translators of the King James Bible believed they were handling the very words of God. They weren't in this for money. Their scholarship far exceeded that of modern version translators, yet they remained humble and allowed God to use them. They didn't set out to "correct" the Scriptures, their sole purpose was to translate God's word for the English speaking people.

How did they go about this task? The men were divided into six companies (2 at Westminster, 2 at Oxford, and 2 at Cambridge).Each member of the company made his own translation first. The members would then meet to compare one another's work. When each group completed a book, it was sent to the other five groups for their independent assessment.

When the complete Bible was translated, it came before a select committee of 12 men, who met daily for nine months. The complete process ensured that each passage was scrutinized a minimum of fourteen times!

Now, let's take a look at just a few of the men who were chosen to translate:

John Boise could read Hebrew at 5 years old. At 14, he became a student at St. Johns College. While there, he was well known for corresponding with his superiors in Greek. 

Lancelot Andrews possessed knowledge of Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Chaldean, Syriac, and Arabic. He was conversant in fifteen languages. He was called a "walking library" and was said to be covetous of nothing but books. 

John Reynolds entered Oxford at 13. It was said that he was most prodigiously seen in all kinds of learning and most excellent in all tongues.

That's just three of the 47 men who from 1604 to 1611 made it their life's work to translate the Scriptures. All of the men chosen were academically excellent in many different areas of knowledge.

These men made certain that they translated honestly. There are some who make a big deal out of the italicized words in the King James Bible. You can look at any new version and see there are no italicized words. So, why does the KJV have them?

The italic words in the King James Bible are there to shown when the translators added to the text. This is necessary when translating from one language to another so that the context of the translation makes sense. They put these in even when there was enough evidence that it wasn't needed.

Example:

2 Samuel 21:19- And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam.

I Chronicles 20:5- And there was war again with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear staff was like a weaver's beam.

In the passage in 2 Samuel, the translators added "the brother of" because it wasn't in the originals. It would have created confusion had they left these important words out because everyone knows that David killed Goliath. The words are present in the original story as told in I Chronicles. They didn't need to italicize those words because they were present in another portion of Scripture that was a retelling of the same story. However, because they were honest, they wanted to show that they had added these words. 

They even included the apocrypha in the original version. Note that apocrypha means "doubtful writings". No one in any other part of the Bible ever quotes anything in the apocrypha. The apocryphal books aren't written in Hebrew like the rest of the Old Testament, excluding Daniel. And, they contained statements which contradicted other Scriptures.

The King James Bible translators primarily used the Hebrew Masoretic Text for the Old Testament, the Greek Textus Receptus for the New Testament, and the Greek Septuagint for the Apocrypha. They also consulted other manuscripts in various languages, previously translated works, and Scriptural commentaries during their translation process.

When people find new portions of Scripture, like the Dead Sea scrolls, they agree with the King James translation showing even more proof that God was behind their endeavor.

The King James Bible has no copyright. No one will get in trouble for printing, reciting, or using this translation. The new versions all have a copyright, and it's not God who gets the royalties.

Some people will say that the original version had a crown copyright of the 1611, but it was only copyrighted then for the purpose of allowing the printer to finance the publication. They were not making merchandise off God's words.

There are some King James Version Bibles today that hold copyrights, but that does not include the words. Those copyrights are on the publisher's maps and notes. No one needs to request permission or pay royalties to another for the Scripture text of a King James Version Bible.

The King James Bible has benefits that the original Greek and Hebrew did not have. First, it's all compiled together in one volume! The originals were multiple scrolls or letters that had to be copied meticulously to keep from being destroyed through use.

Next, God isn't against translations. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew, with the exception of Daniel, which was written in Aramaic. The New Testament was written in Greek. There are many passages in the New Testament that are quotes from the Old Testament, but these quotes have been translated into Greek. 

Why, then, did God not choose to use on of the English Bibles translated prior to 1611? I can't give a definitive answer, but we can make an educated guess. 

The English language was still being developed prior to the 17th Century. And, being unstable would have made it difficult to get an accurate translation. God chose English because He knew it would become the next universal language due to the expansion of the British Empire.

The previous versions were generally translated by just one man- Tyndale, Luther, etc. And these translations sometimes had doctrinal or personal opinion associated with them. God wanted His words to be without man's opinion.

2 Peter 1:20- Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

A final point, the King James Translators used "old" English because it was the only way to to maintain precise grammatical distinctions. This was not contemporary speech in the 17th Century. The "old" English was able to show the formal difference between the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd person.

Example:

1st person- I write
2nd person- Thou writest
3rd person- He writeth

There are other words in the "old" English that show when an audience is being addressed or whether a person is being addressed. Thou, thy, and thee are singular and indicate one person being addressed, whereas ye, you, and yours are plural and indicated more than one person is being addressed.

Example:

John 3:7- Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus- thee (singular).

But what He says next is for everyone- ye (plural).

In our modern English we would have translated both as "you" and we would have lost the distinction.

God has a reason for everything! And the above shows us His reason for choosing the language and the time period of the King James Version for His words to be translated for us today.

It's About The Cross (song)

 

Believer's Heritage- Daniel Shayesteh

 

Arise, My Soul, Arise (poem)

 Arise, my soul, arise!

​Shake off thy guilty fears;

The bleeding Sacrifice

 ​In my behalf appears.

Before the throne my Surety stands;

My name is written on His hands.

He ever lives above

For me to intercede,

His all-redeeming love,

His precious blood to plead.

His blood was shed for all our race,

And sprinkles now the throne of grace.

Five bleeding wounds He bears,

Received on Calvary;

They pour effectual prayers;

They strongly speak for me.

Forgive him, O forgive, they cry,

Nor let that ransomed sinner die!

The Father hears Him pray,

His dear anointed One;

He cannot turn away

The presence of His Son.

His Spirit answers to the blood,

And tells me I am born of God.

To God I’m reconciled,

His pardoning voice I hear;

He owns me for His child,

I can no longer fear.

With confidence I now draw nigh,

And Father, Abba, Father, cry.

​-Charles Wesley

Keep It Stupid, Simple (video sermon)

 

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

 In I Corinthians 15, we have a lot going on. The first part, however, is Paul addressing the issue of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This one element is a fundamental doctrine in the Christian faith, because everything else that we believe really hinges on the fact that there was a resurrection of Jesus Christ.

There is a worldview which excludes the very concept of a resurrection. They find it ludicrous. They believe in the idea of science as a closed system, and matter is all that is of significance. So, if you can't see it, touch it, hear it, smell it, or taste it, then it's just not real. They believe that the only way we know things is through our senses and through observation of that which is in nature, which means that by definition there is no supernatural.

I Corinthians 15:1-2- Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

Paul is pointing out that you are saved by the gospel, and if you don't believe the gospel then your faith in Christ is futile. And, what is the gospel that Paul was preaching?

I Corinthians 15:3-4- For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

People of Paul's day were also questioning whether this was an actual event or a myth that had grown to grandiose proportions. Paul is giving arguments to prove that this is an actual event.

They want to separate the Jesus of history from the Jesus of Biblical  narrative. They want to hold Jesus in high esteem as a moral, historical figure, but not as the Son of God. They will honor and revere Him as prophet, a wonderful man, a wise teacher, but not as the resurrected redeemer of mankind.

 

Christians today deal with the same arguments that Paul was dealing with right there in Corinth. The resurrection of Jesus Christ was prophesied in the Old Testament along with the prophecy of His birth, many times in the same passage of Scripture. 

Paul is saying that if you believe the gospel as he has preached it, the death and burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, then you are saved, but if you are believing anything else then you are lost. If you are believing something more or something less than the gospel, boiled down to those 3 points, then your faith is in vain- it's pointless.

Let's say, for example, that when I am sitting in a chair, and when I stand up to deliver my message someone behind me removed the chair without me realizing it while I was standing. I finish my lecture and take a step back to sit in that chair. Now, here's the question, "do I believe with every fiber of my being that that chair is there?" Yes, I do. Will my belief catch me?  No, because the object of my belief is gone. 

Your faith is only meaningful if the object of your faith is meaningful. If the object of your faith no longer exists, Jesus crucified and risen from the dead, then your faith is futile. 

When you deny the essential doctrines of the Christian faith, you are not a Christian. It's belief in the gospel that saves your soul. Paul gives you the gospel here which includes the death, burial, and resurrection, and tells you in Romans 10 that you must believe and confess it to be saved. 

Romans 10:9- That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Your confession is empty vanity if you don't believe it. What is it that you are putting your faith in if Christ didn't raise from the dead?

I Corinthians 15:5-8- And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

Next, Paul is saying that you don't just have to take his word for it. There were others that saw Christ in His resurrected body. Not just the apostles, but over 500 others, many of whom were still alive at the time of Paul's writing. Paul is telling them to go talk to these people and verify what he is saying.

Just a note, some people might argue that Christ couldn't have appeared to the twelve disciples like Paul is testifying because Judas was dead. Their point is true, but they need to look further in the Scriptures for the answer. Yes, Judas hanged himself before Christ was raised from the dead. But, if you read Acts 1 you will see Judas was replaced by Matthias. 

Acts 1:15-26- And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Matthias had to have been with Jesus and the disciples from the beginning- the baptism of John, and also had to have witnessed the resurrected Jesus to be able to take the place of Judas. When Paul met with the disciples in Jerusalem, it was with Matthias in attendance. So, Paul is referencing the 12 apostles with Matthias as one of the 12.

So Paul is giving the Corinthians the gospel, which includes the resurrection, and then he's telling them to go check it out because there are eyewitnesses who can testify to the fact.

I Corinthians 15:12-19-Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

Paul goes on to preach a little sermon outline here. He is saying if you don't believe the resurrection then the following points apply to you:

1) There's no point in being called a Christian because it's just another religion that will lead to nothing substantial. It's a bunch of rules and regulations that might make your life a little better, but with all the persecution the church was facing at that time it would have been quite doubtful.

2) Preaching is pointless. The foundation of our preaching the gospel is the resurrection of Christ. Your soul doesn't have to spend eternity in hell for sin because Christ paid it all- death proved He was human and the resurrection proved He was God.

3) Your faith is vain because the object of your faith is non-existent. If you don't believe in a resurrected Christ, then you have nothing to believe in as far as Christianity goes.

4) We are misrepresenting God. We are telling people that God sent His only begotten Son to pay our sin debt and that He raised Christ from the dead as proof of His divinity when that never happened.

5) We are charlatans. There really is logically no other option, because that is what he is preaching, and if you insist it didn't happen then you are by default calling him a liar.

6) You are still in your sins. Your sin couldn't have been paid because Jesus was just a good man who died a inconsequential death. You are still under the wrath of God and awaiting the judgment of God.

7) Your dead loved ones are gone with no hope of ever seeing them again.

I Corinthians 15:20- But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, and because He lives so will you if you accept His gift of salvation. He's the firstfruits, meaning there will come more after Him.

I Corinthians 15:49- And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

Paul concludes this chapter with the greatest description of the rapture that is in the Bible. He tells us we can look forward to eternity in a new, glorified body in heaven because Jesus Christ was raised, and we will also be raised.

Romans 1:16- For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

We believe the gospel, which includes the resurrection, because it is the power of God unto salvation. And, it is available to whosoever will accept it.

 

Joseph in Archaeology

A Thorn In The Flesh (video sermon)

The Horrors Of Hell (poem)

These are facts,
That are true.
Could this little poem-
Be meant for you?

Read a little, 

And you will see

What Satan has for

you and me.

A pretty picture he will show.

The ugly part he'll hide.

You'll never see, my precious friend, 

What's on the other side.

He'll tell you to live it up,

You're young and full of life.

But never turn your back on him,

Cause friend, he'll pull a knife.

Before too long, He's got our soul; 

To hell, with it, he'll go.

There'll be no mercy there, my friend,

No rock to make you roll.

Weird noses will be heard,

You'll think you've lost your mind.

Wild and crazy sounds you'll hear,

Won't be AC DC this time.

The preacher warned me of this place,

How hot the flames would be:

I laughed it off, and continued on,

My God, now look at me.

My laughter stopped, the fun is gone.

My soul cries out in pain;

Jesus, please have mercy,

I promise I will change.

But then a voice, so cruel and loud, 

Began to laugh at me;

"The mercy ceased, the love is gone.

With God you'll never be."

"You had your chance to make it right,

And live above sin.

But you refused to walk with God

Or let the Savior in."

"You did just what I told you to.

Now with me you'll ever be.

You'll burn with fire; You'll cry with pain

Throughout eternity."

There'll be no drugs to make you high,

No rock to make you roll.

No friends, no movies, no cards or dance,

I'll be in control."

"Ha ha! I'll laugh

When you begin to scream.

The pain you'll feel

Is beyond your wildest dreams."

"Suicide? Forget it!

Down here you cannot die.

A holy life you should've chose,

But you chose to live a lie."

"You could've walked on streets of gold,

A mansion to behold.

On earth you thought of many things,

But never once your soul!"

-Attributed to Danny Castle