(Don & Joy Veinot – Midwest Christian Outreach) We are a week away from the annual celebration of the incarnation, and the Christmas season is in full swing on all fronts. The Christmas story of the birth of Jesus is very often recounted by churches in pageant form, with children “acting” as various biblical characters. Our home church put on just such a pageant last Sunday. It was simply adorable, as are most Christmas Pageants featuring children as Angels, Shepherds, Mary and Joseph, and the babe in the manger…not to forget the two sheep and a donkey, also played by children who hee-hawed and Baaed at the appointed time. And of course, we must mention the star of Bethlehem, happily bopping about on the stage – with what looked like legs and even a face. Whether or not the “star” also had hands, our somewhat ancient memories cannot supply that information at the moment, but we certainly cannot deny that possibility either. Continue reading →

28 For as they regarded not to acknowledge God, even so God delivered them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient, 29 Being full of all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, full of envy, of murder, of debate, of deceit, taking all things in the evil part, whisperers…Romans 1:28-31 (1599 Geneva Bible) Read verses 30-31 on the site.

We have been looking at unbelief and the utter foolishness it begets. Also, I have been in discussion with several of you about the trials you are currently going through that are, for the most part, oppression resulting in despair as you are dealing with others who either claim to be Christian, but prove they aren’t by their reprobate lifestyles or they claim to be superior in knowledge about nearly everything and so attack those who profess to be Christian in an attempt to disavow the gospel, the atonement, our desperate need for redemption, and that Jesus Christ came to fulfill that role…. Continue reading →

14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the Law, but under grace. 15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the Law, but under grace? God forbid. Romans 6:14-15 (1599 Geneva Bible) 

Most of the formative years of my Christian walk were spent in one church from February 1987 through February 2000.  During that time we had three pastors.  I was in some form of teaching for most of that time. One of the things that always came up when we studied the Old Testament was Romans 6:14-15. It was as if someone always had to make sure that we were not being legalistic. They cast the law as far from them and our church as the East is from the West. Is that how we are to treat God’s Law? Continue reading →

14 But God forbid that I should rejoice, but in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, whereby the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace shall be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From henceforth let no man put me to business: for I bear, in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Galatians 6:14-17 (1599 Geneva Bible) 

The Apostle Paul did indeed bear the marks of persecution on his body. He had been found to be worthy to suffer shame for the name as had Peter and John (Acts 5:17-42). Paul had been stoned, beaten, imprisoned, run out of town, and would die as a martyr. Why were they persecuted so?… Continue reading →

16 Behold, I send you as sheep in the midst of the wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and innocent as doves.17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to the Councils, and will scourge you in their Synagogues. 18 And ye shall be brought to the governors and kings for my sake, in witness to them, and to the Gentiles.19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that hour, what ye shall say. Matthew 10:16-19 (1599 Geneva Bible) 

If we listen to the common message from the vast majority of “Christian” leaders these days we will not receive one of eternal focus, power, or value. Instead, if we hear a message that tells us that God desires for all of His people to have it their way, to have their best life now, to live any way they choose all the while seeing that the point of Christianity is to be blessed here and now…. Continue reading →

20 And Daniel answered and said, The Name of God be praised forever and ever: for wisdom and strength are his. 21 And he changeth the times and seasons: he taketh away kings: he setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and understanding to those that understand. 22 He discovereth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. 23 I thank thee and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, that thou hast given me wisdom and strength, and hast showed me now the thing that we desired of thee: for thou hast declared unto us the king’s matter.  Daniel 2:20-23 (1599 Geneva Bible)

Over time, Daniel became a very important person in the Kingdom of Babylon. However, as we look at Chapter 2 we find Daniel still a young man among the King’s counselors. The events in this chapter take place shortly after the promotion of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah from the ranks of the trainees that we looked at in yesterday’s post. In this chapter God uses a pagan King and a faithful servant to give us a prophetic picture of world kingdoms and a glimpse into the coming Kingdom of God. Continue reading →

1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, came Nebuchadnezzar King of Babel unto Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand with part of the vessels of the house of God, which he carried into the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and he brought the vessels into his god’s treasury. 3 And the King spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his Eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, of the King’s seed, and of the princes: Daniel 1:1-7 (1599 Geneva Bible) Read verses 4-7 on the site.

The northern Kingdom of Israel was in one form of apostasy or another during its entire existence. It’s first king, Jeroboam, did not want his people going back to Jerusalem to worship God at the Temple. So, he created golden calves in Bethel and Dan…. Continue reading →

Nor has the eye seen a God besides You, Who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him. Isaiah 64:4 (LSB) 

Definition from the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary:

Main Entry: ec·u·men·i·cal

Pronunciation: \ˌe-kyə-ˈme-ni-kəl, -kyü-\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Late Latin oecumenicus, from Late Greek oikoumenikos, from Greek oikoumenē the inhabited world, from feminine of oikoumenos, present passive participle of oikein to inhabit, from oikos house

Date: circa 1587 Continue reading →

6 I will keep my righteousness, and will not forsake it: mine heart shall not reprove me of my days. 7 Mine enemy shall be as the wicked, and he that riseth against me, as the unrighteous. 8 For what hope hath the hypocrite when he hath heaped up riches, if God take away his soul? 9 Will God hear his cry, when trouble cometh upon him? 10 Will he set his delight on the Almighty? will he call upon God at all times? Job 27:6-10 (1599 Geneva Bible) 

One of the easiest accusations that Christians can hurl at one another is the epitaph “Hypocrite!” I probably receive at least half a dozen emails or comments a week with that accusation firmly pointed at me. Most of those never make it through the spam process. What is a hypocrite?… Continue reading →

“Rightness with God comes only by believing on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior not by knowing about God and the Law.”

10 Wherefore, brethren, give rather diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. 2 Peter 1:10 (1599 Geneva Bible) 

How can we know if we are truly in Christ? Or you may ask, “What is the fruit which genuine believers bear?” If true salvation is as impacting on a believer’s life as we contend then there should be verifiable evidence or fruit manifested in that life. The problem is in knowing what evidence really prove the presence of God in a person’s life and those that do not…. Continue reading →

21 Also he said unto them, Cometh the candle in, to be put under a bushel, or under the bed, and not to be put in a candlestick? 22 For there is nothing hid, that shall not be opened, neither is there a secret, but that it shall come to light. 23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. Mark 4:21-23 (1599 Geneva Bible) 

18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess: but be fulfilled with the Spirit, Ephesians 5:18 (1599 Geneva Bible) 

In Ephesians 5:18 Christians are commanded to continually be filled with the Holy Spirit instead of being filled with the desires of the flesh. This filling by the Holy Spirit is best understood in two ways. The first is the Christian being driven into God’s will by the Holy Spirit filling his or her spiritual sails….

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¹⁰ Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you, ‘Give me to drink,’ you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.” (John 4:10 translated from the NA28 Greek text to English)

Sacred Scripture clearly teaches us that those who are saved by God believe in the Lord Jesus, that is, they believe the Gospel or Good News. It is good news because it comes to those who realize they are helpless to justify themselves before God who is Holy, Righteous, and Just and also know for certain that their own righteousness is as filthy rags, that is, worthless…. Continue reading →

6 Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature, a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are being abolished. 7 But we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the wisdom which has been hidden, which God predestined before the ages to our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But just as it is written, “THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.” 10 But to us God revealed them through the Spirit, for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 (LSB) 

I’m sure the title of this post struck some of you in a way hard to explain. When I first started this study, I could not help but think back on an investigation I did many years ago into some false teachings by a man who claimed that his ministry was based entirely “in the deep things of God.”… Continue reading →

17 Therefore this I say, and testify in the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in their mind, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart. 19 And they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. Ephesians 4:17-19 (LSB) 

The vast majority of professing Christians in the United States and in other countries, whose churches are patterned after American churches, are enslaved to their flesh. Why? The trend that I have witnessed in our churches for at least the last 40 years or so is a de-emphasis of discipleship. Evangelism or outreach has crowded out in-reach and Bible study. Why?… Continue reading →

12 There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12 (LSB) 

Several years ago I posted “Is there a war going on between God and His forces on one side and Satan and his forces on the other?” In that post I mentioned a link sent to me by a friend to a post on another blog called The Emergent Village. On that blog I could not help noticing a link to another post by another writer there titled “The Bible is NOT the WORD OF GOD: a polemic against Christendom“. What that fellow had to say is the centerpiece of “Christian Liberalism.” Denying The Bible as the Word of God, a gift from God to His people is the first step into apostasy. Once that step is taken all other truths are no longer held as absolute. Continue reading →

28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, whereof the holy Ghost hath made you Overseers to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with that his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Moreover of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things, to draw disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn everyone, both night and day with tears. Acts 20:28-31 (1599 Geneva Bible) 

True Christianity is exclusive. It is not a smorgasbord or buffet of options from which men may take what they like while rejecting the rest and still call themselves Christians. While a statement like that may not be popular in this post-modern 21^st Century culture which advocates tolerance that is sort of a give and take “conversation” in which people with opposing views find a middle ground, it is still the truth.

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41 Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41 (LSB) 

38 Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:38 (LSB) 

45 And when He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow, 46 and said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise up and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” Luke 22:45-46 (LSB) 

Temptation: Temptation is any thing, state, way or condition that, upon any account whatsoever, has a force or power to seduce, to draw the mind and heart of a man or woman from his or her obedience, which God requires of them, into any sin, in any degree of it whatsoever. Continue reading →

1 Then one of the seven angels who have the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, “Come here, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth committed sexual immorality, and those who dwell on the earth were made drunk with the wine of her sexual immorality.” Revelation 17:1-2 (LSB) 

John the Baptist was the one who was sent to make the way straight, to prepare the way for the one who was to come. Of course the one who was to come is our Lord Jesus Christ the long-awaited Messiah of the Jews…. Continue reading →

11 Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:11-14 (LSB) 

Apostasy: [Middle English apostasie, from Old French, from Late Latin apostasia, defection, from Late Greek apostasi, from Greek apostasis, revolt, from aphistanai, aposta-, to revolt : apo-, apo- + histanai, to stand, place; see st- in Indo-European roots.]  Noun pl -sies abandonment of one’s religious faith, political party, or cause [Greek apostasis desertion] from: Collins Essential English Dictionary 2nd Edition 2006 © HarperCollins Publishers 2004, 2006

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20 And the one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the one who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. Matthew 13:20-22 (LSB)

The Bible very clearly teaches that Christians should examine themselves quite often in order to see what their spiritual condition is. Genuine Christians are not perfect people. Neither are they always full of happiness, in perfect health while having plenty of money in the bank. No, the fact that all believers are called to be humble, poor in spirit, meek, pure in heart and many other things that are growing in their character means that they will spend much of their time in the fires of sanctification. Continue reading →

Since Possessing the Treasure has existed I would say that a very large percentage of the “debate” we have dealt with here has been whether the Bible is God’s Word or simply another book. Of course, related to that, would be the doctrine of Sola Scriptura. The genuine Christian does accept the Bible as Sacred Scripture and a huge part of God’s revelation of Himself to them. Those professing Christians who decry this, however, insist that knowledge of God must be derived from non-communicative ‘encounters’ with Him, that is, through experiences of one kind or another. The problem with this should be obvious. If we hold to the truth that God’s revelation of Himself to us is primarily through the Bible as His verbal self-testimony then we are dependent upon it as unchanging and complete truth. However, if we hold that God communicates to us primarily via experience then there is no foundation. Truth becomes arbitrary and subjective. Continue reading →

13 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 14 It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 (LSB) 

So many Christians are afraid to use the term “election” or to refer to the Body of Christ as “the elect.” The Bible does not have this problem. To “elect” means to select or choose. The Bible clearly says that before creation God selected from the human race those whom he would redeem, justify, sanctify, and glorify in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:28-39; Ephesians 1:3-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 14; 2 Timothy 1:9, 10)…. Continue reading →

1 Now we ask you, brothers, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, 2 that you not be quickly shaken in your mind or be alarmed whether by a spirit or a word or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. 3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it has not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the sanctuary of God, exhibiting himself as being God. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 (LSB) Read verses 5-12 on the site.

Part of my daily devotions is the reading from a book that takes a Greek word and shows how it is used in the Bible and then how it is understood and/or misunderstood in the visible Church. I am in a section of the book right now that focuses on the Greek words that describe worship. It just breaks my heart how the focus in our churches has become so self-focused instead of God focused…. Continue reading →