THE LIGHTSTREET JOURNAL

Click here to read the bible!

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ..... - 2 Corinthians 11:3

 VOL. VI  NO. I November / December 2008 - Updated last 11.06.08 21:35 Contact information
Believe The Gospel of The Grace of God: 1. God’s Son Jesus Christ died on the cross for all of your sin (past, present and future), He was buried, and gloriously rose again for your justification (1 Cor. 15:1-4)!  2. Not only did Christ die for the debt and penalty of your sin but at the moment you take God The Father at His Word concerning the finished and all-sufficient cross-work of Christ His Son, you take on His (Christ’s) very righteousness (justification) Rom. 3:21-26! 3. As a result of just simply believing the above (1 Cor. 15), God The Holy Spirit tabernacles in you, forever (Eph.1:13) until we die (to be with Christ) or meet Him in the air (1 Thes 4:16-20).  4. No strings attached, no outward expression of faith, no incremental forgiveness since it was taken care of all up front, no kidding!  
Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon

 

 

Acts

 

This book of the bible is frequently and erroneously referred to as the start of "The Church, The Body of Christ". 99.44% of fundamental, bible-believing teachers and pastors embrace this falsity as truth! The fact is, The Book of Acts is primarily about the unbelief of Israel and God's postponement of her program.

 

These books of the bible are where believers in this dispensing of God's grace should go for their day-to-day doctrine on living. These books contain the revelation of the mystery, otherwise known as the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Bible Commentary updated with some regularity....and always new!!!

Click here to contact LMM

Your Text Here

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!  For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.  What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.   

1 Corinthians 9:16-18

 

The Lightstreet Journal 2008 Edition.......

September / October

November / December

REMEMBER, THE FOUR SYNOPTIC GOSPEL ACCOUNTS OF THE EARTHLY MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST WERE WRITTEN TO ISRAEL UNDER THE LAW:

  • Matthew 5:17

  • Mark 7:24-29

  • Luke 18-18-27

  • John1:29-31 (especially verse 31)

SINCE PROPHECY IS SUCH A HOT TOPIC THESE DAYS, DID YOU EVER WONDER WHAT THE TRIBULATION SAINTS WILL STUDY AFTER THE BODY OF CHRIST IS RAPTURED?

Doctrine for The Tribulation Saints after the rapture of the Body of Christ: Here Israel is now back at the forefront under the law against the imminent judgment and earthly return of The Messiah, Jesus Christ.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory - Ephesians 3:1-13

 

 

"IF I MAY SAY"; I wholeheartedly disagree.....

Note To The Reader: This article is dedicated to defending the faith in which we will be specifically addressing comments made by J. Vernon McGee on an October 31st, 2008 broadcast of "Thru The Bible". While I enjoy most of the programs taught by the late teacher and preacher, I did take exception to this broadcast. I have included the archived link from the website and will be addressing each of the comments made. If you click on the McGee image you will be taken to another site and be able to listen to this broadcast by clicking on the "Ephesians 3:1-13 - 10/31/2008 audio clip (sponsored by "one place.com).

"Through The Bible" is an excellent resource to help people through a 5-year bible expository covering the entirety of God's word. The only major downside to this program is that no one on its current staff or Board of Governor's will tamper with Dr. McGee's original teachings...whether he was right or wrong.  It is with this understanding that as eternal bible students (and with all bible expositions) we are to "eat the meat, and spit out the bone"...

 

Ephesians 3 :1-21                         

1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. 14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

 

One thing is for certain, J. Vernon McGee and many other renown bible teachers (...like Ironside, Fuller, or Barnhouse) who stand in the presence of Christ undoubtedly now know the truth concerning the grace of God. Specifically, they now know that while teaching the bible if they did not "rightly divide the word of truth" or hold up Paul's distinctive message of grace as Jesus Christ instructed, they will have to give an account for that friends....just like we will have to give an account for not loving the Body of Christ the way we ought to or by not being good stewards in other areas of our lives here on this planet that God gave us to manage during our humble existence.

1 Corinthians 4:1,2 1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

As we read or listen to bible teachers, we need to make sure as Bereans, we digest God's word and draw our own conclusion, especially during doctrinal matters (...and that includes me when you read this!)

3:00 - Starting at about the 3:00 mark. McGee correctly identified the church (The Body) as being a mystery and that it was not revealed in the Old Testament or was it identified as being within Israel.  However, he quickly swerved off the road while explaining two ways of describing the mystery. The first example, he correctly said that his college professor at seminary was wrong when he taught that the church (The Body) could have started back as early as The Garden! But in the second example he coined the phrase "hyper-dispensationalism" (of what I have been called) and erroneously said that these type of believers think that there are several dispensations after Pentecost. Let's stop here for a second. I think McGee and most bible teachers do believe that the dispensation of the Church and the dispensation of grace started at Pentecost and that the next dispensation (Kingdom) is administered by God after he calls His saints out in the air. However, what did Paul mean when he discussed "the dispensation of the fullness of times" in Ephesians 1:10? It means at this future dispensing of God, in this point in time, God would gather together in one, all things in Christ, in heaven and in earth. When I read that verse, it appears that the apostle is describing finality in the overall plan of God...kind of leapfrogging the kingdom dispensation (where God turns His attention back to Israel prior to His arrival on planet earth via the Mt. of Olives). My point is that after "Pentecost", which McGee and most bible teachers wrongly teach as the beginning of The Body of Christ, Paul states that there is another dispensation (Fullness of Times) which is after the Kingdom dispensation.  CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF GOD'S DEALINGS WITH MANKIND (DISPENSATIONS)  So for McGee to reiterate that "hyper-dispensationalists" say there are many, divisions puts words in the mouths of those that simply embrace God's grace for today according to Jesus Christ and the Revelation of the mystery! I think sometimes bible teachers get away with errors because no one usually understands enough to ask the tough questions and when you do, you get a label....

Lastly, I am not a firm believer that we should even call this current dispensation "The Church" because that title attempts to minimize how Jesus Christ is dealing with us today....through His GRACE! Did you ever notice that many teachers refer to this "age" as the age of the church? You often hear of the "church age" and an emphasis of going to the masses over and over again "preaching the gospel" halfway around the world while we don't even know the names of people who live on our same city block! If you are truthfully honest, chances are you don't hear too much about Paul's ministry in the church that you attend right now That's why Paul's message and sarcastic comment / question still rings in the air today when asking: "If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery;" ... Pastors, church leaders and bible teachers usually wrap Paul and his doctrine into other areas of the bible and most haven't heard but we will address this problem shortly as well!

 

8:00 - Starting at around the 8:00 mark, Dr. McGee again makes an erroneous statement when he tells his listeners that while Paul was in Galatia, the message was the same but it was to a different group of people. This reasoning flies in the face of Paul's' distinctive ministry and against what The Risen Christ would have for us under this marvelous dispensing of His grace friends. In fact, if Paul was preaching the very same "gospel" or good news message (as McGee implies) from the start I suppose that Jesus Christ could have simply told Paul to find Peter, James, John or any of His twelve apostles in order to ask them what to preach. Dr. McGee makes the same error as many bible teachers in the belief that the phrase "the gospel" is always the same good news message and makes no distinction between simply believing in Jesus Christ versus trusting in His accomplishments at Calvary! 

9:00 - Starting at a few seconds before the 9:00 mark McGee again fails to clearly describe salvation under The Law and salvation under grace by saying that those under The Law could look forward to the cross. Whether he meant to or not, McGee is implying that the components of the mystery (that he agreed were previously kept secret) were somehow understood by those who took their sacrifices to the altar and that they pointed to Christ (...about the 9:00 to 9:10 mark).

 

2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

 

Continuing on he correctly calls Paul's message distinctive but contradicts himself by calling out the evil hyper-dispensationalists for believing that on the basis of the scripture just above, we could have the audacity to think that  what Paul received from Christ was to him and him alone...imagine that! Later on and closer to the 10:00 mark, Dr. McGee sarcastically mentions that he hasn't heard from any of these hyper-extremists (...those like me that magnify the accomplishments of Jesus Christ) but expected that to change and that he would be "straightened out". Folks, the message of grace is Jesus Christ's message (to us) and if there is any straightening out or making things right, He will do it! In fact...it's been done since 12/1/1988 and I believe Dr. McGee is in heaven now saying to those that would embrace Paul's distinctive ministry  "preach it!

Let's see what the word of God has to say about whether or not Paul's message was secret:

Colossians 1:21-29 - 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; 24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: 25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil (complete) the word of God; 26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

 

Romans 15:20 - 20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:

 

Friends, let me appeal to your logic for a minute or two:

  • How could Paul's letters and his distinctive ministry even be called "a mystery" if all of the apostles and saints prior to His ordainment by Christ were already aware of it?
  • Additionally, if they (the 12) were aware of it, why didn't they preach the mystery?
  • Jesus Christ upbraided "the 11 of them" in Mark 16:14 for "their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen". Why then would readers believe the 11 (or 12 counting Mathias) would now understand "the mystery"?

Our "Through The Bible" ambassador made a comment about Peter and Paul both preaching a similar good news message and that it was only different in that it was preached and taught to two distinct audiences....let's see what the scriptures say about that. Read the scriptures under Peter and then under Paul (CONCERNING SALVATION: AS AN EXAMPLE...)and decide if they are saying the same thing. Please remember that when reading Peter's teachings in the book of Acts, Paul had not yet come onto the scene.

Peter:

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

Acts 3:19,20 - 19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

Acts 5:29-31 - 29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

 

COMPARE

 

Paul:

Acts 13:37-39 - 37 But he (Christ), whom God raised again, saw no corruption. 38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

Romans 3:24-31 - 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

Romans 5:1 - 1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Romans 5:7-11 - 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Friends, I have heard McGee on other broadcasts especially during his expository in Romans and I know he would agree with the above scripture. But, why he didn't think that what Paul had to say was a different "good news" message when comparing doctrinal verses with Peter (as illustrated above) makes my head hurt...I just don't understand how this could be missed. The above verses are clearly two different "good news" messages to two different factions!

 

Please Go To The Next Column to continue (see May I Say...)


 

4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. - Galatians 4:4-6

BIBLE - Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.......

Today's World News

Obama vs. McCain: When in doubt, choose life!

Something for your consideration before heading out to the polls on November 4th and to keep with us afterwards........

If you are like me, you have had just about enough of the mud-slinging, attacks and antics from each side of the political platform in lieu of Election Day. Or, you may be very convicted about a candidate or a particular party...that's fine, that is what Tuesday November 4th is for. But I wanted to share what Jesus Christ told Paul to tell us concerning governmental matters that will help us with our decision process:

Romans 13:1-14 - 1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

We must demonstrate a spirit of obedience to those that are elected.....even if we do not agree with them. The bible tells us that there is no power but God Himself and that any power put into place (from town Mayor to President) is ordained by Him who loves us! If any of us resist (to battle against) that power (magistrate's or officials) we are in actuality battling against God (verse 2).

3 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: 4 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.

I have noticed a disturbing trend over the last 35 years. There has been a greater and greater amount of disrespect for public leaders and I have to blame a good portion of it on the various mediums of communication in print and over the air waves. It's understandable to disagree with political viewpoints and an entirely different thing to blame, insult, accuse and use caustic words in the process. Interestingly, there is more effort expounded on the negative rather than discussing rationale solutions. With the above considered, rulers are not a terror to good works but instead they are a terror to those who would do evil. Our responsibility?...Do Good!   If you don't, be afraid for he is the minister of God to execute wrath.

Friends, I know that the above my seem contrary to what appears to be really going on in this world today but Paul did not precede these instructions that he received from Jesus Christ with any conditions attached to them!  In the end, we along with Jesus Christ will judge all things with the Lord as Our Vindicator for the current evil that is before us 

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. - Romans 12:18,19

 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Pay Your Taxes! - Use every legal way to pay less taxes mind you, but pay your taxes. I remember about 15 years ago in this area there was a Christian movement to not pay taxes in the name of the Lord. I didn't ever understand that; especially since Jesus Christ Himself during His earthly ministry instructed Peter to pay taxes and did so via the mouth of a fish!

24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? 25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? 26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. 27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee. - Matthew 17:24-27

8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

Watch your horizontal relationships - Friends, if I had this (verse 8)  right I would be giving much love to my fellow man! But notice that Paul does not tell us to "keep the law" here in these next set of verses (9 and 10). Instead they are what I call "horizontal' laws that we should obey and perform through the Holy Spirit in order to deal with mankind in a just and loving way....."for love works no ill to his neighbor" and love completes the law.

9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Let us not make a provision for the flesh but instead "put on" the Lord Jesus Christ by walking in honesty, in sobriety, without strife or inordinate desires and excess. The bible talks here of "chambering" which is bed-hoping if you catch my drift. Don't do it...I am afraid that many a Christian has lost His testimony and brought confusion to this world by not obeying Paul's words on this issue.

Choose Life!

I am not convinced that any political candidate will be able to solve our current economic mess. Taxes may stay stable for a bit but eventually they will increase. As long as man is involved, this life will be a struggle until we are called home. Unless of course you are in a unique financial circumstance...God bless you for that if that's the case!

With the above being established, I believe any of your potential candidates' in congress, the senate, mayoral, the presidency, or whatever are almost always in a dead heat, even, a draw....with one exception. What is their value on life?  

5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. - Jeremiah 1:5

17 Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee: - Jeremiah 32:17

15 Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb? - Job 31:15

8 Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about; yet thou dost destroy me. 9 Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again? 10 Hast thou not poured me out as milk, and curdled me like cheese? 11 Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and hast fenced me with bones and sinews. 12 Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit. - Job 10:8-12

7 But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: 8 Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. 9 Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this? 10 In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. - Job 12:7-10

15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: - Galatians 1:15,16

The debate of this century seems to revolve around the origin of life; whether it be through man's belief in evolution or through Divine creation as explained in God's word. In addition, many debate on whether or not life begins at conception. For if life does not begin at conception then extinguishing this partially formed "fetus" is a more common approach.  The above verses point to the fact that life does begin at conception because of the many instances it refers to human development in the mother's womb! The verse in Jeremiah 1:5 is especially pointed in that God in His plan and purpose knew Jeremiah. He knew the prophet to be either in the womb before he was finished being formed OR he knew him before conception being that He (God) is all knowing (omniscience). As far as God was concerned, Jeremiah was "known" thus giving us a blueprint to follow concerning the sanctity of life. This one verse alone when mixed with logic gives ample proof to when life truly starts. If life starts at conception and a child is aborted, it now becomes murder. Please refer to the other scripture verses in Job and Galatians too....

Let's approach this from another principle of God:

22 If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. 23 And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, 24 Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe. -- Exodus 21:22-25

Friends, this ministry is a grace-centered ministry which preaches the gospel of the grace of God according to the Pauline epistles. Although the passages above are from The Law, do you believe that God has changed his stance on killing a baby today if under The Law it was punishable by death to kill a baby by mistake???

Under grace, God would want His children to judge righteously, to judge for those that cannot speak for themselves. Roe vs. Wade was passed on the "What If" platform. What if rape, what if incest, what if the health of the mother and now the "WHAT IF" has grown into "what if" the mother just mentally doesn't want to be a mother.... What are the percentages of abortions performed on rape and incest victims you might ask? About 1-3%!!  Does this justify the reported 40,000,000 babies murdered since 1972?

So when I hear Frank Lautenberg tell me in his campaign television ads how he helps children in New Jersey, my head hurts while thinking how fortunate these New Jersey kids in the advertisement are to be alive because they weren't aborted while under his watch. In addition, you should also know that in 2003, Gov. Jon Corzine and Sen. Frank Lautenberg voted "NO" to a ban on partial-birth abortion. Englewood, NJ performs 1,500 of these yearly and I'll spare you the horrors on what this "procedure" does to tiny newborns. I've never heard of a "medical procedure" that kills people.....

So when you go to the polls or ponder future elections please consider the fact that there is much more at stake then our pocketbooks, our stock portfolios and our retirement funds. There is an issue much more important; and that issue is voting on behalf of those that cannot vote or speak for themselves

2 Timothy 3:1-5 - 1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 

 

 

For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. -1 John 5:7

 

May I Say...(continued comparison listing verses taught by Paul....)

 

Along the same topic, on of my favorite stories is about a young man named Apollos who was mighty in the scriptures. The bible tells us that he was fervent in the Spirit and he diligently taught the things of the Lord KNOWING ONLY THE BAPTISM OF JOHN. What does the rest of the passage say in Acts 18 Friends? "And he (Apollos) began to speak boldly in the synagogue...and when Aquilla and Priscilla heard him, they didn't say a word because he was preaching the same gospel message... NO!!!! The bible says that they took him and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly!  Of course those that reject the evil "hyper-dispensationalist" viewpoint will draw their own conclusion on what Apollos was preaching and how Aquilla and Priscilla expounded more perfectly the things of God, but you cannot ignore the fact that there is an implication of two good news messages spoken of here....

Acts 18: 24-26 - 24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

Lastly (on this topic) the Acts 15 Council recognized that Paul's message was a different good news proclamation, it's one of the reasons why they met to begin with!

During the airtime of 12:00 to 16:00 minutes McGee makes some good points and some bad points in discussing the mystery. However, his main error comes into play while specifically discussing when the mystery was revealed. Apostles and prophets in their context can mean something different and be referring to men from today or those in times past. As an example if the word "prophet" is discussed in the Pauline epistles, is he referring to Old Testament men of God all the time?

I think this would be a good time to continue this article next edition and I would like to calibrate Dr. McGee's typical sign off by saying: "May we realize how much God has richly blessed us my beloved".....

GOD BLESSED AMERICA....AT THE CROSS

 

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. - Titus 3:4-6

 

 

COFFEE CORNERR

"Jane Roe" in Roe v. Wade Now Pro-life, Urges Pro-life Vote in Election Ad

By Kathleen Gilbert

November 4, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Norma McCorvey, formerly known as the "Jane Roe" of Roe v. Wade, has released a video with the Catholic News Agency asking American voters to support the presidential candidate who would appoint pro-life Supreme Court justices.

McCorvey, whose Supreme Court victory legalized abortion and became the cornerstone of "abortion rights," experienced a conversion in 1995 and now battles to reverse the decision as a pro-life Catholic.

"On November 4th, we will have the last chance in a generation to reverse Roe," says McCorvey. "One vote, your vote, could determine who the next Supreme Court justice will be."

In the event of a vacancy in the Supreme Court, McCorvey explains, the next president could appoint a pro-life judge - creating a pro-life majority in the Supreme Court that could strike down Roe v. Wade. However, the possibility depends on whether the candidate elected to office is for or against the cause of life.

McCorvey therefore urges voters to study the records of this year's presidential candidates on abortion before casting their vote, and to sign a pledge to legislators available at justonejudge.com.

"We each have one vote: will yours be the one to end Roe?" she asks.

To see the Catholic News Agency video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTUEeiIXsJA&eurl=http://w...

To sign the pledge: http://www.justonejudge.com

 



 

 

 

TRUE THANKSGIVING
by Cornelius R. Stam
 

Many people entertain only vague notions about thanksgiving, just as they do about faith. They confuse faith with optimism, will power, presumption, imagination, and all sorts of other things. A doctor tells his patient that but for his faith, he never would have come through his illness. Somehow the patient was "just sure" he would recover. A smiling mother encourages her married daughter to "have faith, that everything will turn out all right." But faith in God is believing God; believing what He has said. True faith is based on the written Word of God (See Rom. 10:17).
But unregenerate men have vague ideas about thanksgiving. A man escapes some great harm and thanks his "lucky stars." Another says: "I'm grateful for a healthy body," but to whom is he grateful? He doesn't say. In many cases it doesn't even occur to him to ask. He's "just thankful"!
How refreshing, then, it is to open our Bibles, especially to the Epistles of Paul, the chief of sinners, saved by grace, and to see him giving thanks for specific blessings, and to a specific Person -- God!
 

  • "Giving thanks unto the Father, who hath made us meet [fit] to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son" (Col. 1:12,13).

  • "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift!" (II Cor. 9:15).

  • "Thanks be unto God, who giveth us the victory!" (I Cor. 15:57).

  • "Thanks be unto God, who always causeth us to triumph!" (II Cor. 2:14).

It is our prayer for all our readers that this Thanksgiving season, and always, you may be especially thankful for "the gift of God [which] is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord" (Rom. 6:23).
 


 Science vs. God    by Gary Goodell
Vs

'Let me explain the problem science has with Jesus Christ.' The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand......

'You're a Christian, aren't you, son?'
'Yes sir,' the student says.

'So you believe in God?'
'Absolutely.'

'Is God good?'
'Sure! God's good.'

'Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?'
'Yes.'

'Are you good or evil?'
'The Bible says I'm evil.'

The professor grins knowingly. 'Aha! The Bible!' He considers for a moment.

'Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?'

'Yes sir, I would.'

'So you're good...!'
'I wouldn't say that.'

'But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't.'

The student does not answer, so the professor continues. 'He doesn't, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?'

The student remains silent.

'No, you can't, can you?' the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.

'Let's start again, young fella Is God good?'
'Err...yes,' the student says.

'Is Satan good?'
The student doesn't hesitate on this one. 'No.'

'Then where does Satan come from?'
The student: 'from...God...'

'That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?'
'Yes, sir.'

'Evil's everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?'
'Yes.'

'So who created evil?' The professor continued, 'If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil.'

Without allowing the student to answer, the professor continues: 'is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?'
The student: 'Yes.'

'So who created them?'

The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question. 'Who created them? There is still no answer. Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized.

'Tell me,' he continues onto another student. 'Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?'

The student's voice is confident: 'Yes, professor, I do.'

The old man stops pacing. 'Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?'
'No sir. I've never seen Him'

'Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?'
'No, sir, I have not.'

'Have you ever actually felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?'
'No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't.'

'Yet you still believe in him?'
'Yes.'

'According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?'

'Nothing,' the student replies. 'I only have my faith.'

'Yes, faith,' the professor repeats. 'And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith.'

The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of his own. 'Professor, is there such thing as heat?'
'Yes,' the professor replies. 'There's heat.'

'And is there such a thing as cold?'
'Yes, son, there's cold too.'

'No sir, there isn't.'
The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain.

'You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We can hit up to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.'

Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.

'What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?'

'Yes,' the professor replies without hesitation. 'What is night if it isn't darkness?'

'You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word. In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?'

The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be a good semester. 'So what point are you making, young man?'

'Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed.'

The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time. 'Flawed? Can you explain how?'

'You are working on the premise of duality,' the student explains. 'You argue that there is life and then there's death; a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it.'

'Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?'

'If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do'

'Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?'

The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed.

'Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?'

The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided.

'To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student let me give you an example of what I mean.'

The student looks around the room. 'Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?' The class breaks out into laughter.

'Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt the professor's brain, touched or smelled