tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90075357780926302312024-03-12T19:08:05.684-07:00Thoughts On Biblical SubjectsThe primary purpose of this blogsite is to get readers to think about practical matters related to the Bible, which is the Word of God. I am a member of IFCA, International (Independent Fundamental Churches Of America). To learn how to make sure you will go to heaven, go to: http://www.godssimpleplan.org. Then, click on "On-Line e Tracts."Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.comBlogger250125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007535778092630231.post-70295083022328969072013-09-22T14:48:00.003-07:002013-09-22T14:48:59.249-07:00New blog spot: http://biblicalsubjects.wordpress.com/Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007535778092630231.post-29009324169046188832013-08-24T18:37:00.000-07:002013-08-26T14:13:38.087-07:00 "Lordship Salvation" Theology Refuted<div style="text-align: justify;">
By Pastor Bruce K. Oyen</div>
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For many years there has been a debate among Christians about what a non-Christian must do to become a Christian. This has led to an re-examination of what classic evangelistic Biblical statements mean. For example, Acts 16:31 says, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved." Historically this has has been understood to mean, "Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, and you shall be saved." But those who have become known as "Lordship-salvationists" say it means more than that. They say it means, "Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, and dedicate yourself to him without any reservations, and you shall be saved." </div>
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The result of the "Lordship-salvationist" view is that if someone claims to be a Christian but does not seem to be dedicated to the Lord, their profession of faith in Jesus Christ is questioned. Perhaps an example will make this plain. The Bible clearly teaches that after someone has become a Christian, they are to get baptized as a public demonstration of their faith. But does a non-Christian who is considering becoming a Christian need to be told that they must agree to be baptized after their conversion, or they cannot become a Christian? How we answer the question depends on what we think it means to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ in order to be saved.</div>
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The differences between "Lordship-salvation" theology and its opposite are great. Charles Ryrie has written an excellent book refuting "Lordship-salvation." I have read this book 5 times. It is good for personal reading, use by Bible study groups and Sunday school classes, and as a series of sermons. Click on the following link, and look it over. Then, get it, read it, believe it, and tell others about it. The book is called "SO GREAT SALVATION." Here's the link: <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/so-great-salvation-charles-ryrie/9780802478184/pd/78182?product_redirect=1&Ntt=78182&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP">http://www.christianbook.com/so-great-salvation-charles-ryrie/9780802478184/pd/78182?product_redirect=1&Ntt=78182&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP</a></div>
Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007535778092630231.post-38246286780924561912013-06-28T19:38:00.001-07:002013-06-28T19:38:50.066-07:00"GOD'S SIMPLE PLAN OF SALVATION"<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%px;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The following excellent Gospel message was written by Ford Porter many years ago, and updated by his son. If want to learn how to make sure your soul will go to heaven at death, read it and do what it says. Here is a link to the website from which it was taken: <a href="http://www.godssimpleplan.org/">www.godssimpleplan.org</a>. </span></h2>
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God’s Simple Plan of Salvation</h2>
<em><span style="color: red;">My Friend:</span></em> I am asking you the most important question of life. <strong>Your joy or your sorrow for all eternity depends upon your answer.</strong> The question is: <strong>Are you saved?</strong> It is not a question of how good you are, nor if you are a church member, but<strong> are you saved? Are you sure you will go to Heaven when you die?</strong> <br />
God says in order to go to Heaven, you must be born again. In John 3:7, Jesus said to Nicodemus, <span style="color: red;">“Ye must be born again.”</span> <br />
In the Bible God gives us the plan of how <em>to be born again</em> which means <em>to be saved.</em> His plan is simple! You can be <strong>saved</strong> today. How? <br />
First, my friend, you must realize <strong>you are a sinner. <span style="color: red;">“For all have sinned,</span></strong> <span style="color: red;">and come short of the glory of God”</span> (Romans 3:23). <br />
Because you are a sinner, <strong>you are condemned to death.</strong> <span style="color: red;">“For the wages</span> [<em>payment</em>] <span style="color: red;">of sin is death”</span> (Romans 6:23). <strong>This includes eternal separation from God in Hell.</strong> <br />
<span style="color: red;">“ . . . it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment”</span> (Hebrews 9:27). <br />
But God loved you so much <strong>He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, to bear your sin and die in your place. </strong><span style="color: red;">“ . . . He hath made Him </span>[<em>Jesus, Who knew no sin</em>]<span style="color: red;"> <strong>to be sin for us</strong> . . . that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him”</span> (2 Corinthians 5:21). <br />
<strong>Jesus had to shed His blood and die.</strong> <span style="color: red;">“For <strong>the life</strong> of the flesh is <strong>in the blood”</strong></span> (Lev. 17:11). <span style="color: red;">“ . . . without shedding of blood is no remission</span> [<em>pardon</em>]” (Hebrews 9:22). <br />
<span style="color: red;">“ . . . God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, <strong>Christ died for us”</strong></span> (Romans 5:8). <br />
Although we cannot understand how, God said <strong>my sins and your sins</strong> were laid upon Jesus and <strong>He died in our place.</strong> He became <strong>our substitute.</strong> It is true. God cannot lie. <br />
My friend, <span style="color: red;">“God . . . commandeth all men everywhere to <strong>repent”</strong></span> (Acts 17:30). <strong>This repentance</strong> is a change of mind that agrees with God that one is a sinner, and also agrees with what Jesus did for us on the Cross. <br />
In Acts 16:30-31, the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas: <span style="color: red;">“ . . . ‘Sirs, what must <strong>I do to be saved?’</strong> And they said, <strong>‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved . . . .’ ”</strong></span> <br />
Simply believe on Him as <strong>the one who bore your sin, died in your place,</strong> was buried, and whom God resurrected. <strong>His resurrection powerfully assures</strong> that the believer can claim everlasting life when Jesus is received as Savior. <br />
<span style="color: red;">“But as many as received Him, <strong>to them gave He power</strong> to become the sons of God, <em>even</em> to them that believe on His name”</span> (John 1:12). <br />
<span style="color: red;">“For <strong>whosoever</strong> shall call upon the name of the Lord <strong>shall be saved.”</strong></span> (Romans 10:13). <br />
<strong><em>Whosoever</em></strong> includes you. <strong><em>Shall be saved</em></strong> means not maybe, nor can, <strong>but <em>shall be saved.</em></strong> <br />
Surely, you realize you are a sinner. Right now, wherever you are, repenting, lift your heart to God in prayer. <br />
In Luke 18:13, the sinner prayed: <span style="color: red;">“God be merciful to me a sinner.”</span> Just pray: <strong><em>“Oh God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus was my substitute when He died on the Cross. I believe His shed blood, death, burial, and resurrection were for me. I now receive Him as my Savior. I thank You for the forgiveness of my sins, the gift of salvation and everlasting life, because of Your merciful grace. Amen.”</em></strong> <br />
<strong>Just take God at His word</strong> and claim His salvation by faith. <strong>Believe, and you will be saved.</strong> No church, no lodge, no good works can save you. <strong>Remember, God does the saving. All of it!</strong> <br />
<strong>God’s simple plan of salvation is: You are a sinner.</strong> Therefore, unless you believe on Jesus Who died in your place, you will spend eternity in Hell. If you believe on Him as your crucified, buried, and risen Savior, you receive forgiveness for all of your sins and <strong>His gift of eternal salvation by faith.</strong> <br />
You say, “Surely, it cannot be that simple.” Yes, that simple! It is scriptural. It is God’s plan. <strong>My friend, believe on Jesus and receive Him as Savior today.</strong> <br />
If His plan is not perfectly clear, <strong>read this tract over and over, without laying it down, until you understand it.</strong> Your soul is worth more than all the world. <br />
<span style="color: red;">“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world <strong>and lose his own soul?” </strong></span>(Mark 8:36). <br />
Be sure you are saved. If you lose your soul, you miss Heaven and lose all. Please! <strong>Let God save you this very moment.</strong> <br />
<strong>God’s power will save you, keep you saved, and enable you</strong> to live a victorious Christian life. <span style="color: red;">“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it”</span> (1 Corinthians 10:13). <br />
<strong>Do not trust your feelings. They change. Stand on God’s promises. They never change.</strong> After you are saved, there are <strong>three things</strong> to practice daily for spiritual growth:<br />
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<li><strong>Pray</strong> -- you talk to God.
<li><strong>Read your Bible</strong> -- God talks to you.
<li><strong>Witness</strong> -- you talk for God. </li>
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<strong>You should be baptized</strong> in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ <strong>as a public testimony of your salvation,</strong> and then unite with a Bible-believing church without delay. <strong><span style="color: red;">“Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord . . . .”</span></strong> (2 Timothy 1:8) <br />
<span style="color: red;">“Whosoever therefore shall confess</span> [<em>testify of</em>] <span style="color: red;">Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven”</span> (Matthew 10:32). </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#0c0533"> </td><td> </td><td><br /><strong>Copyright:</strong> Robert Ford Porter, 1991</td></tr>
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Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007535778092630231.post-34973138451437339692013-06-28T19:10:00.000-07:002013-08-19T16:30:29.769-07:00"The Final Drama: 14 Keys To Understanding The Prophetic Scriptures"<em>By Pastor Bruce K. Oyen and Dr. John F. Walvoord</em><br />
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<span class="BVRRReviewText"> Bible prophecy is interesting and important. To understand it, we need help from prophecy experts. Such an expert was the late Dr. John Walvoord, who wrote many good books, including "The Final Drama: 14 Keys To Understanding The Prophetic Scriptures." </span></div>
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<span class="BVRRReviewText"> Having carefully read this book by John Walvoord, I highly recommend it to others. It is good reading for anyone interested in Biblical prophecy from a dispensationalist perspective. But as a pastor I recommend it for a series of sermons or Bible studies. It covers 14 prophetic themes in a well-organized, thorough, yet concise manner.It would be excellemt for use in a Bible institute.Get it! Read it! Enjoy it! Share it!</span></div>
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<span class="BVRRReviewText"> Below is a link to one source for it. If you click on the link, you see its cover, and look at its chapter titles and other features.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/final-drama-fourteen-understanding-prophetic-scriptures/john-walvoord/9780825439711/pd/3971X?item_code=WW&netp_id=104544&event=ESRCG&view=details">http://www.christianbook.com/final-drama-fourteen-understanding-prophetic-scriptures/john-walvoord/9780825439711/pd/3971X?item_code=WW&netp_id=104544&event=ESRCG&view=details</a>Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007535778092630231.post-55157822526072890022013-06-28T17:09:00.000-07:002013-06-28T17:12:18.561-07:00"How We Got The Bible"<em>By Pastor Bruce K. Oyen and Dr. Neil R. Lightfoot</em><br />
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You might have noticed that the title to this posting is in quotation marks. That is because "How We Got The Bible" is the title of an excellent book by Dr. Neil R. Lightfoot. His book, though only 224 pages long, is a goldmine of information and inspiration about how we got the Bible. One of its many virtues is that the questions at the end of each chapter make it a ready-made book for Bible study classes and Bible institute classes.</div>
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Here is one of many good statements by the author:<span style="color: red;"> "The <em>claims</em> of the Bible, plus the <em>contents</em> of the Bible equal a <em>convincing case</em> for the Bible as the inspired Word of God."</span></div>
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I encourage you to get it, read it, and tell others about it. Below is a link to one source for it. If you click on the link, you can then look at the cover, the Table of Contents, and other features.</div>
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<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/how-got-the-bible-third-edition/neil-lightfoot/9780801072611/pd/072611?product_redirect=1&Ntt=072611&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP">http://www.christianbook.com/how-got-the-bible-third-edition/neil-lightfoot/9780801072611/pd/072611?product_redirect=1&Ntt=072611&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP</a>Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007535778092630231.post-79626566801331304072013-06-25T19:23:00.000-07:002013-07-09T18:57:25.608-07:00The King James Version And The Texts Upon Which It Is Based<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>By Pastor Bruce K. Oyen</em></div>
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<strong>The theme of this posting</strong></div>
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My theme is "<em>The King James Version And The Texts Upon Which It Is Based</em>." Most readers of the English Bible are at least somewhat familiar with the King James Version. The King James Version's Old Testament is mostly based upon the Hebrew Masoretic text, and its New Testament is mostly based on the Greek Received Text<br />
<strong>My goal in this posting. </strong><br />
My goal in this posting is to point out that there are significant differences between the King James Version and the texts upon which it is based. These differences prove we cannot say the translators always followed the Masoretic text or the Received text.<br />
<strong>Proof the translators did not always follow the Masoretic text or the Received text</strong></div>
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We can see many of the differences between the King James Version and its textual base by paying close attention to the use of italicised words in this translation. The italicised words prove it does not always follow its textual base. Some examples are given below. I have put the key verses in <span style="color: red;">in red</span>. Sometimes I copied the verses from this website: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/">www.biblegateway.com</a>. Sometimes I copied them from my own King James Version.</div>
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<strong>2 Samuel 21:19 </strong><br />
One example is 2 Samule 21:19, given here in its context: <span class="text 2Sam-21-15" id="en-AKJV-8596"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"15 </span></sup>Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint. </span><span class="text 2Sam-21-16" id="en-AKJV-8597"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">16 </span></sup>And Ishbi-benob, which <i>was</i> of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear <i>weighed</i> three hundred <i>shekels</i> of brass in weight, he being girded with a new <i>sword</i>, thought to have slain David. </span><span class="text 2Sam-21-17" id="en-AKJV-8598"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">17 </span></sup>But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel. </span><span class="text 2Sam-21-18" id="en-AKJV-8599"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">18 </span></sup>And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which <i>was</i> of the sons of the giant. </span><span class="text 2Sam-21-19" id="en-AKJV-8600"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">19 </span></sup>And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim, a Beth-lehemite, slew <i>the brother of</i> Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear <i>was</i> like a weaver’s beam.</span> </span><span class="text 2Sam-21-20" id="en-AKJV-8601"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">20 </span></sup>And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of <i>great</i> stature, that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant. </span><span class="text 2Sam-21-21" id="en-AKJV-8602"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">21 </span></sup>And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him. </span><span class="text 2Sam-21-22" id="en-AKJV-8603"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">22 </span></sup>These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants."</span></div>
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<span class="text 2Sam-21-22"> Note that verse 19 has three words in italics (<em>the brother of</em> <em>)</em> because they were not in the text from which the translation was made. These words seem to have been borrowed from 1 Chronicles 20:5, in which verse they are not in italics. If the King James Version's translators had translated the text just as it is, the verse would say Elhanan slew Goliath. But we know from 1 Samuel 17:1 - 54 that David slew him. Therefore, this defect in the Masoretic text was dealt in this way by the translators.</span><br />
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<strong>Matthew 12:31</strong> </div>
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Another example is Matthew 12:31, which says this: <span style="color: red;">"All <em>manner of</em> sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the <em>Holy</em> Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men."</span> Note the italicised word "<em>Holy</em>" in this verse. It was added by the translators because the verse would seem very strange if it referred to "blasphemy against the Ghost," so they added the word "Holy" to make it sound better. Therefore, it says "blasphemy against the<em> Holy</em> Ghost." But, instead of adding the word "Holy," they could have done what they did with the Greek word for "Ghost" in many other verses in the King James Version New Testament. That is, they could have translated it as "Spirit." This was done, for example, in Mark 1:12, which says "And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness." The verse would then read this way: "but the blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven unto men." He is "the Holy Ghost" or "the Holy Spirit," but that is not what the Greek text of this verse says. It simply calls him "the Spirit." </div>
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<strong>1 John 2:23</strong><br />
Another example is 1 John 2:23, given here in its context. It says this: <span class="text 1John-2-22" id="en-AKJV-28262"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"22 </span></sup>Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. </span><span class="text 1John-2-23" id="en-AKJV-28263"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">23 </span></sup><span style="color: red;">Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: <i>[but] he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also</i>.</span> </span><span class="text 1John-2-24" id="en-AKJV-28264"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">24 </span></sup>Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. </span><span class="text 1John-2-25" id="en-AKJV-28265"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">25 </span></sup>And this is the promise that he hath promised us, <i>even</i> eternal life."</span></div>
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The ten italicised words in verse 23 were not in the text from which the King James Version was made. But the translators felt they had compelling reasons to add them to their translation. It is not my intention to question the italicised words. Rather, it is to give an example of the fact that the King James Version New Testament sometimes departs from its textual base. If the translators had felt the Received Greek text was just as it should be, they would not have added the words in italics.</div>
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<strong>2 Peter 1:21.</strong> <br />
Another example is 2 Peter 1:21. The verse says this:<span style="color: red;"> "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake <em>as they were</em> moved by the Holy Ghost."</span></div>
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This verse is an important proof text for the doctrine of the divine origin of the Bible. It relates to 2 Timothy 3:16, which tells us that "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God." These verses and others teach us that we should believe that the Bible is the Word of God.</div>
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But what I want to point out is that in 2 Peter 1:21, the Received Text of the New Testament does not say those men were "holy men of God." It simply says they were "men of God" who spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. No doubt, they were holy men. But the Greek text does not say that. If one looks up the word "holy" for this verse in the Strongest Strong's Concordance, it says "NIG, which means "Not in Greek." The Greek Received Text itself proves it does not say the men were "holy men of God," but simply "men of God." Here is the verse from this Greek text: οὐ γὰρ θελήματι ἀνθρώπου ἠνέχθη ποτέ προφητεία ἀλλ' ὑπὸ πνεύματος ἁγίου φερόμενοι ἐλάλησαν οἱ ἅγιοι θεοῦ ἄνθρωποι. (This quote from the Received Text was taken from this website: <a href="http://biblehub.com/tr/matthew/1.htm">http://biblehub.com/tr/matthew/1.htm</a>. It is the same as my own copy of this text. ) For some unknown reason, the added word, "holy," was not italicised in the King James Version to indicate it was not in the Greek text.</div>
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<strong>What, then, is a good view of the King James Version, and of the texts from which it was made?</strong> </div>
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The facts above prove that the King James Version sometimes differs from the Hebrew and Greek texts from which it was made. What, then, is a good view of these facts about these Hebrew and Greek texts? It is that they are generally reliable texts. What, then, is a good view of the King James Version itself? It is that it is a generally reliable translation. There are weaknesses in both the texts and the translation, but they are generally reliable. In spite of any weaknesses, both the texts behind the King James Version, and this version itself, are the Word of God.</div>
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<strong>What did King James and the translators think of most Bible translations? Of their own translation? </strong></div>
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What follows in <span style="color: red;">red</span> is taken from the preface of the 1611 KJV. The whole preface is also available online at <span style="color: #0068cf;"><a href="http://www.bible-researcher.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0068cf;">www.bible-researcher.com</span></a></span>. It is proof that King James and his translators did not believe anything but the original writings of the Bible were perfect. It also is proof that they did not think a translation had to be perfect for it to be considered the Word of God. Read carefully the first and last sentences. </div>
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<u><span style="color: red;">"An Answer to the Imputations of Our Adversaries"</span></u></div>
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<span style="color: red;">"Now to the latter we answer; that we do not deny, nay we affirm and avow, that the very meanest translation of the Bible in English, set forth by men of our profession, (for we have seen none of theirs of the whole Bible as yet) containeth the word of God, nay, is the word of God. As the King's speech, which he uttereth in Parliament, being translated into French, Dutch, Italian, and Latin, is still the King's speech, though it be not interpreted by every Translator with the like grace, nor peradventure so fitly for phrase, nor so expressly for sense, everywhere. For it is confessed, that things are to take their denomination of the greater part; and a natural man could say, <i><i>Verum</i> ubi multa nitent in carmine, non ego paucis offendor maculis, etc.</i> A man may be counted a virtuous man, though he have made many slips in his life, (else, there were none virtuous, for <i>in many things we offend all</i>) [James 3:2] also a comely man and lovely, though he have some warts upon his hand, yea, not only freckles upon his face, but also scars. No cause therefore why the word translated should be denied to be the word, or forbidden to be current, notwithstanding that some imperfections and blemishes may be noted in the setting forth of it. For what ever was perfect under the Sun, where Apostles or Apostolic men, that is, men endued with an extraordinary measure of God's spirit, and privileged with the privilege of infallibility, had not their hand?"</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong>Statements by E. F. Hills about the King James Version</strong> (added after the original posting was made)</span><br />
<strong> </strong>E. F. Hills was a dedicated and well-educated Chrsitian man who was a strong advocate of the King James Version. He wrote a book called, "The King James Version Defended," which I have read very carefully. I have also carefully read his book called "Believing Bible Study." In it, Hills covers some of the same material as in the book "The King James Version Defended." What follows (<span style="color: red;">in red</span>) are some quotes from the third edition of this book, published in 1979 by The Christian Research Press. They support what was stated previously in this posting. An online edition of the book can be read at <a href="http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/kjvdef.htm">http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/kjvdef.htm</a>. <br />
On page 216, Hills wrote: <span style="color: red;">"As the marginal notes indicate, the King James translators did not regard their work as perfect or inspired, but they did consider it to be a trustworthy reproduction of God's holy Word, and as such they commended it to their Christian readers."</span><br />
On page 217, Hills wrote: <span style="color: red;">"Two editions of the King James Version were published in 1611. The first is distinguished from the second by a unique misprint, namely, <em>Judas</em> instead of <em>Jesus </em>in Matthew 26:36. The second edition corrected this mistake and also in other respects was more carefully done. Other editions followed in 1612, 1613, 1616, 1617, and frequently thereafter. In 1629 and 1638 the text was subjected to two minor revisions. In the 18th century the spelling and punctuation of the King James Version were modernized, and many obsolte words were changed to their modern equivalents. The two scholars responsible for these alterations were Dr. Thoams Paris (1762), of Cambridge, and Dr. Benjamin Blayney (1769), of Oxford, and it is to their efforts that the generally current form of the King James Version is due."</span><br />
On page 220, after giving the textual sources of the King James Version's New Testament, Hills wrote: <span style="color: red;">"Hence the King James Version ought to be regarded not merely as a translation of the Textus Receptus but also as an independent variety of the Textus Receptus."</span><br />
On page 221, Hills wrote: <span style="color: red;">"Sometimes the translators forsook the printed Greek text and united with the earlier Englsih versions in following the Latin Vulgate." </span><br />
On page 221, Hills wrote: <span style="color: red;">"Similarly, at 1 John 2:23, the King James translators followed the Great Bible and the Bishop's Bible in adding the clause, <em>he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also</em>, and in placing the the clause in italics, thus indicating that it was not found in the majority of Greek manuscripts or in the earlier editions of the Textus Receptus."</span><br />
On page 221, Hills wrote: <span style="color: red;">"The differences between the various editions of the Textus Receptus have been carefully lissted by Scrivener (1884) and Hoskier (1885)." </span><br />
On page 224, Hills wrote: <span style="color: red;">"Also, as we have seen, sometimes the several editions of the Textus Receptus differ from each other and from the King James Version. And, as we have just observed, the case is the same with the Old Testament text. Here it is hard at times to decide between the <em>kethibh</em> and the <em>keri </em>and between the Hebrew text and the Septuagint and Latin Vulgate Versions. Also, there has been a controvery concerning the headings of the Psalms. In other words, God does not reveal every truth with equal clarity. In Biblical textual criticism, as in every other department of knowledge, there are still some details in regard to which we must be content to remain uncertain."</span></div>
Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007535778092630231.post-6256986236131694422013-06-20T18:27:00.001-07:002013-08-19T16:29:24.098-07:00The New Covenant Applies To The Nation Israel And To Church-Age Christians<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>By Pastor Bruce K. Oyen</em></div>
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<strong>The purpose of this posting</strong></div>
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<em> </em>Some Christians believe the New Covenant applies only to the nation Israel, and, therefore, does not apply to church-age Christians. The purpose of this posting is to give evidence from the Bible and from Bible study helps that the New Covenant does, in fact, apply to church-age Christians. But we first must consider some practical information about the New Covenant.</div>
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<strong>Who predicted the New Covenant?</strong></div>
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The New Covenant was predicted by the prophet Jeremiah, long before Jesus Christ walked throughout the land of Israel. <em>The Zondervan KJV Study Bible</em> (that is its exact name, and not to be confused with other study Bibles with similar names) says this: "Jeremiah's prophetic ministry began in 626 B. C. and ended sometime after 586." The one-volume <em>MacArthur Bible Commentary</em> has a helpful chart called "The Progress of Revelation," in which are given the approximate dates when the Bible's books and epistles (letters) were written. It It gives this date for the book of Jeremiah: 586 - 570 B. C. Jeremiah wrote about the New Covenant in chapter 31, verses 31 - 34, of his book. Here ( <span style="color: red;">in red</span>) are these verses, quoted from the King James Version:</div>
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<span class="text Jer-31-31" id="en-KJV-19723"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">31 </span></sup>Behold, the days come, saith the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-31-32" id="en-KJV-19724"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">32 </span></sup>Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>:</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-31-33" id="en-KJV-19725"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">33 </span></sup>But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-31-34" id="en-KJV-19726"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">34 </span></sup>And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. </span></span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-31-34"><span style="color: red;"> <span style="color: black;">(All further quotes from the Bible are from the King James Version, unless otherwise indicated. They are taken from this website:</span> <a href="http://www.biblegateway,com/">www.biblegateway,com</a>)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><strong>With whom was the New Covenant made?</strong></span></div>
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It is clear from verse 31 that God said this: "<span style="color: red;">I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:" </span><span style="color: black;">And verse 33 says God said this: "</span><span style="color: red;">But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel;" </span><span style="color: black;">So, we cannot debate this point. What is debated is whether or not this covenant applies to Christians, whether they are Jews or Gentiles, in this church age. As stated in my first paragraph, the purpose of this posting is to give evidence from the Bible and Bible study helps that the New Covenant does, in fact, apply to church-age Christians. This evidence will be given later.</span></div>
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<strong>When was the New Covenant instituted, and by whom?</strong></div>
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It was instituted in the first century A. D. by Jesus Christ. It was done symbolically shortly before his death when he instituted the Lord's supper. And it was done literally when his blood was shed on the cross.</div>
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The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke give us the details of the institution of the New Covenant, as does Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. Here is a quote from Matthew 26: 26 - 28:</div>
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<span class="text Matt-26-26" id="en-KJV-24081"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">26 </span></sup>And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-26-27" id="en-KJV-24082"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">27 </span></sup>And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-26-28" id="en-KJV-24083"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">28 </span></sup>For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-26-28"><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: black;">Verse 28 makes it very clear that his shed blood was/is the basis for the New Covenant/Testament. When he said those words to those men, they understood that he was referring to Jeremiah 31, quoted above. What Jeremiah had predicted some hundreds of years before was being brought to pass in their lifetime. </span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-26-28"><strong>Is there Biblcal evidence that the New Covenant applies to anyone but the nation of Israel?</strong></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-26-28"> My answer to this question is short and simple: YES! While its primary application is to Israel, that is not its only application. Consider some Biblical evidence for this claim.</span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-26-28"><strong> Evidence from 1 Corinthians 11:23 - 26.</strong> In his letters to the Corinthian, the apostle Paul wrote to a church composed of Jews and Gentiles who had become Christians. From the subjects Paul addressed in these letters, it seems that the majority of those converts to Christ were Gentiles. And the historical background, found in Acts 18, concerning the founding of the Corinthian church also indicates the majority were Gentile converts. But even if the majority were Jews, it still was a church made up of Jews and Gentiles. And it was to such a church that Paul wrote the following things in chapter 11, verses 23 - 26: </span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-11-23" id="en-KJV-28624"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"23 </span></sup>For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:</span></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-11-24" id="en-KJV-28625"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">24 </span></sup>And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-11-25" id="en-KJV-28626"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">25 </span></sup>After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-11-26" id="en-KJV-28627"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">26 </span></sup>For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come."</span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-26-28"><span class="text 1Cor-11-26"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span><span class="text Matt-26-28"><span class="text 1Cor-11-26"><span style="color: black;"> Now, a careful reading of these verses reveals that Paul applied to a church composed of Jews and Gentiles what both Jeremiah and Jesus called the New Covenant/Testament. It was to this mixed church that Paul made this comment: <span class="text 1Cor-11-26" id="en-KJV-28627"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">26 </span></sup>For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come."</span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="text Matt-26-28"><span class="text 1Cor-11-26"><span style="color: black;"> The cup to which Paul referred was the cup of the New Covenant. If the New Covenant had no application to Gentiles, Paul would have not have made such a statement.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-26-28"><span class="text 1Cor-11-26"><span style="color: black;"><span class="text Matt-26-28"><span class="text 1Cor-11-26"> <strong>Evidence from 2 Corinthians 3:4 - 6.</strong> One of the subjects Paul brought to the attention of the Corinthians was some differences between the Old and New Covenants. He also defended himself because of criticisms from his opponents who sought to undermine his apostolic ministry. One of his defenses is found in 2 Cor. 3:1 - 6, which says this: <span style="color: red;">Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text 2Cor-3-2" id="en-KJV-28844"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2 </span></sup>Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:</span></span></div>
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<span class="text 2Cor-3-3" id="en-KJV-28845"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">3 </span></sup>Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text 2Cor-3-4" id="en-KJV-28846"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">4 </span></sup>And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:</span></span></div>
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<span class="text 2Cor-3-5" id="en-KJV-28847"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">5 </span></sup>Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;</span></span></div>
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<span class="text 2Cor-3-6" id="en-KJV-28848"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">6 </span></sup>Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text 2Cor-3-6"><span style="color: red;"> <span style="color: black;">It is very important to note what Paul said in verse 6:</span> "Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." </span><span style="color: black;">If the New Testament/Covenant had no application to anyone but the nation of Israel, Paul would not have said God had made him and others who ministered to Gentiles and Jews who had become Christians, able ministers of it. They had been made able minsiters of the New Covenant in order to build up the church, not the kingdom of Israel.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text 2Cor-3-6"><strong>Do any commentaries or study Bibles say that the New Covenant applies to the church?</strong></span></div>
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<span class="text 2Cor-3-6"> The answer is an enthusiastic "Yes!" Consider a few of many that could be cited. Bible scholar, Gleason L. Archer, wrote a book called "<strong><em>Encyclopedia Of Bible Difficulties.</em></strong> What follows is part of Archer's first paragraph of his lengthy answer to a question on Jeremiah 31:31. The question was this: "Does this prophecy refer only to the New Testament church, or does it await fulfillment in the days when Israel will be converted to faith in Christ on a national level?" Archer said this: "This remarkable prediction very clearly found its first fulfillment in the raising up of the New Testament church in the days of the apostles, beginning with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the 120 believers at the Feast of Pentecost, after the bodily resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ." Here is the complete concluding paragraph of his answer to the foregoing question: "Here, then, we have a clear case of two-stage fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy: Jeremiah 31:31 - 33 has been fulfilled in the New Testament church; and it will be consummated in the last days when there shall be a major national awakening among the Jewish people, and they turn to the Lord Jesus as their true Messiah and Savior (Zech. 12:10)." </span></div>
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<span class="text 2Cor-3-6"> Here is some of what "<em><strong>The Believer's Bible Commentary</strong></em>," by William MacDonald and Art Farstad, says on Jeremiah 31: "God made the new covenant primarily with Israel and Judah (v. 31).......It will not become effective for Israel as a nation until Christ's Second Coming. In the meantime, however, individual believers enjoy some of its benefits........" </span></div>
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<span class="text 2Cor-3-6"> Here is some of what <strong><em>The</em></strong> <em><strong>New Scofield Bible</strong></em> says on the Jeremiah passage: "Although certain features of this covenant have been fulfilled for believers in the present Church Age.....the covenant remains to be realized for Israel according to the explicit statement of v. 31."</span></div>
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<span class="text 2Cor-3-6"> Here is some of what <em><strong>The King James Study Bible</strong></em>, by Thomas Nelson Publishers, says on the Jeremiah passage: "Although the New Covenant is now operative.........and is attended by the ministry of the Holy Spirit who is resident in believers' lives........, the full realization of the new covenant, as the capstone of all the covenants, awaits the second coming of Christ. He will give to Israel the promises distinctive to that nation, and will rule over the earth in an unprecedented period of universal peace......, prosperity......, and the full knowledge (v. 34) of the abiding presence of God....."</span></div>
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Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007535778092630231.post-27756250822744740612013-06-13T22:46:00.000-07:002013-06-13T22:46:44.925-07:00An Important And Helpful Website For Bible Study<em>By Pastor Bruce K. Oyen</em><br />
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I want to recommend an important and helpful website for Bible study. It is produced by my good friend, Dr. Jim Steel. Before giving the link to the website, consider some facts about Dr. Steel:<br />
<ul>
<li>He has been a church planter.</li>
<li>He has been a pastor. </li>
<li>He has been a member of mission boards.</li>
<li>He was for many years President of Cornerstone Bible Institute in Hot Springs, SD.</li>
<li>He is currently busy with an itinerant Bible conference ministry.</li>
<li>He believes in the importance of the local church.</li>
<li>He is a solid Bible-believer in doctrine and practice.</li>
<li>He is a dispensationalist. </li>
<li>He has a growing internet ministry.</li>
<li>He is a friend to and helper of pastors.</li>
<li>He is actively involved in spreading the Gospel of Christ.</li>
</ul>
Here is the link to one of his websites: <a href="http://www.mynewcovenantlife.com/">http://www.mynewcovenantlife.com/</a><br />
Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007535778092630231.post-71986893580630085152013-06-08T11:53:00.000-07:002013-06-08T18:42:55.670-07:00Christians Should Not Be Freemasons<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>By Pastor Bruce K. Oyen and Dr. Donald Prout</em></div>
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Email: <a href="mailto:bk_oyen@hotmail.com">bk_oyen@hotmail.com</a></div>
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Many good and likeable persons are Freemasons. But they have been drawn into an organization and religion that, when it is compared to historic, orthodox Christianity that is based on the Bible, it is seen to oppose some fundamental teachings of the Bible. Therefore, Christians should not be Freemasons.</div>
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In his fine publication called "<em>The Biblical Evangelist</em>," Dr. Robert L. Sumner has printed a good article by Dr. Donald Prout on Freemasonry. What follows is a link to it. Please read it with an open mind. </div>
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Here's the link: <a href="http://www.biblicalevangelist.org/index.php?id=1373&view=Articles+of+Interest">http://www.biblicalevangelist.org/index.php?id=1373&view=Articles+of+Interest</a></div>
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Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007535778092630231.post-26994401010157782522013-06-04T14:05:00.000-07:002013-06-05T08:28:45.979-07:00Practical Lessons From Corrupt Politicians<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>By Pastor Bruce K. Oyen</em></div>
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Email: <a href="mailto:bk_oyen@hotmail.com">bk_oyen@hotmail.com</a></div>
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My theme is "practical lessons from corrupt politicians." "Which ones?," you might ask. Well, you be the judge. Corruption in politicians is so common that one need not look far to find it. And what is true of many politicians is true of a lot of others, too. </div>
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What lessons might we learn from corrupt persons, whether they be politicians or something else?</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Always tell the truth, no matter how personally painful or embarrassing it might be. It is human nature to try and make ourselves look better than we are, and we resort to lying to do so. But we should always tell the truth.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
We dig ourselves into a hole by dishonesty, and it gets deeper and deeper the longer the dishonesty continues. It doesn't take long before we are in a hole over our heads. </div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
The only way out of the hole we have dug by dishonesty is by telling the truth. Sometimes that requires revealing who else, by joining in the dishonesty, has helped us dig the hole we are in. We might not want to get others in trouble, but sometimes honesty compels us to do so. </div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Never forsake moral principles to advance an agenda or get ahead. We Christians believe the Bible to be God's Word. And as such, it gives us absolute moral standards by which to guide our lives. But we have to be careful to not allow ourselves to forsake the Bible's moral absolutes in order to make more money, to get a better job, to advance an agenda. or to be elected to a political office.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
We need to remember that, even if we go to the grave without getting caught in our dishonesty, God will hold us accountable after death, and on a day of final judgment. Just read Revelation chapter 20 to learn about the comng day of reckoning before God. </div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
The Bible says in Deuteronomy 32:4 that God is "A God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he." That is why he expects us to be truthful persons. </div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
The Bible says in Ephesians 4:15 that we are to speak the truth in love. </div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
If we Christians do something or say something dishonest, we need to straighten it out with those with whom we have been dishonest. But we need also confess it to God, for the Bible says in 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."</div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
If you are not a Christian and want to learn how to bcome one, click on the following link to an excellent, brief article that will tell you what you need to know: <a href="http://www.godssimpleplan.org/gsps-english.html">http://www.godssimpleplan.org/gsps-english.html</a></div>
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Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007535778092630231.post-52553592448999216222013-06-02T15:00:00.000-07:002013-06-03T13:53:39.212-07:00What A Respected Bible Scholar Says About Wine In Bible TimesBy Pastor Bruce Oyen and Pastor David Brumbelow<br />
Email: <a href="mailto:bk_oyen@hotmail.com">bk_oyen@hotmail.com</a><br />
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Some Bible scholars point out that the Bible's references to wine do not always mean that the wine had alcohol in it. But when we Americans hear of wine, or speak of wine, we usually mean alcoholic wine. The result of our view of wine has caused us to assume that when the Bible refers to wine, it refers to alcoholic wine. But this is a big mistake. </div>
Southern Baptist pastor, David Brumbelow, has provided a good quote on this subject from a respected Bible scholar. It can be read on Pastor Brumbelow's blog spot. I hope you will read it with an open mind. Here is a link to it<br />
<a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2013/05/john-kitto-on-wine-in-bible-times-and.html">http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2013/05/john-kitto-on-wine-in-bible-times-and.html</a>Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007535778092630231.post-21700546503793159832013-06-02T14:45:00.000-07:002013-06-02T14:45:16.859-07:00Jesus Christ Turned Water Into Non-alcoholic WineBy Pastor Bruce Oyen and Pastor David Brumbelow<br />
Email: <a href="mailto:bk_oyen@hotmail.com">bk_oyen@hotmail.com</a> <br />
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It might shock some of you to read the title to this posting. After all, does not the Bible say that Jesus Christ turned water into wine? And does not wine always contain alcohol?<br />
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Yes, the Bible does say the Lord turned water into wine. You can read it yourself by reading the second chapter of John's Gospel. But, the little-known fact is that wine does not always contain alcohol. It doesn't always contain it NOW, and it didn't always contain it BACK IN ANCIENT BIBLE TIMES. </div>
Pastor David Brumbelow has a good posting about this subject on his blog spot. I hope you will read it with an open mind. Here is a link to it:<br />
<a href="http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2013/04/jesus-turned-water-to-wine-not-alcohol.html">http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2013/04/jesus-turned-water-to-wine-not-alcohol.html</a>Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007535778092630231.post-83114866424416810532013-05-26T16:48:00.000-07:002013-05-26T16:48:47.966-07:00What Should We Think About?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>By Pastor Bruce K. Oyen</em></div>
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Email: <a href="mailto:bk_oyen@hotmail.com">bk_oyen@hotmail.com</a></div>
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<em> </em>My theme for this posting is simple: <strong>"What should we think about?"</strong> We all know the impact that our thoughts have on our conduct. Here is only one example of many that could be given: after the somewhat- recent terrorist bombings during the Boston marathon, it was discovered that the killers had been feeding their minds with radical Islamic anti-American ideas. Eventually they did what they had been thinking about.</div>
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The opposite is also true. That is, if we put good things into our minds it will influence us to do good things. Many of us have seen on TV the touching reports of individuals who have helped others after a disaster such as a tornado, and we have been inspired to help others in their time of need. Perhaps it motivated you to send money to help them, or to volunter to go to where the help was needed.</div>
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Yes, what we put into our minds has great impact on our lives, for good or evil. The apostle Paul understood this principle and brought it to the attention of the Christians in the city of Philippi. In the eighth verse of the fourth chapter of his letter to the Philippians he made this statement: "<span style="color: red;"><strong>Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things</strong></span><span style="color: black;"><strong>." </strong>This verse is from the King James Version, and is taken from this website that has many Bible translations on it: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/">www.biblegateway.com</a>. </span></div>
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<strong> </strong>In this one verse we find eight characteristics that should be true of the things we think about:</div>
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<strong><span style="color: red;">whatsoever things are true, </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: red;">whatsoever things are honest, </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: red;">whatsoever things are just, </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: red;">whatsoever things are pure, </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: red;">whatsoever things are lovely, </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: red;">whatsoever things are of good report; </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: red;">if there be any virtue, </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: red;">and if there be any praise, think on these things.</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><strong> </strong></span><span style="color: black;">This is important Biblical guidance for our thought-life. As has been said, "Garbage in, garbage out. Good in, good out."</span></div>
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Perhaps you will profit from what Albert Barnes wrote about these statements by Paul. Albert Barnes was a Bible-believing Presbyterian scholar who lived in the 1800's. He wrote very practical commentaries on many books of the Bible, and they are still in print. Here are his notes on Philippians 4:8, taken from this website: <a href="http://www.studylight.org/">www.studylight.org</a>. </div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span class="emphasis"><strong>"Whatsoever things are true</strong> - </span>In this exhortation the apostle assumes that there were certain things admitted to be true, and pure, and good, in the world, which had not been directly revealed, or which were commonly regarded as such by the people of the world, and his object is to show them that such things ought to be exhibited by the Christian. Everything that was honest and just toward God and toward people was to be practiced by them, and they were in all things to be examples of the highest kind of morality. They were not to exhibit partial virtues; not to perform one set of duties to the neglect or exclusion of others; not to be faithful in their duties to God, and to neglect their duty to people, not to be punctual in their religious rites, and neglectful of the comment laws of morality; but they were to do everything that could be regarded as the fair subject of commendation, and that was implied in the highest moral character. The word true refers here to everything that was the reverse of falsehood. They were to be true to their engagements; true to their promises; true in their statements; and true in their friendships. They were to maintain the truth about God; about eternity; about the judgment; and about every man‘s character. Truth is a representation of things as they are; and they were constantly to live under the correct impression of objects. A man who is false to his engagements, or false in his statements and promises, is one who will always disgrace religion. </span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red;"><span class="emphasis"><strong>Whatsoever things are honest</strong> - </span><span class="greek_text">σεμνὰ </span></span><span class="translit"><span style="color: red;">semna Properly, venerable, reverend; then honorable, reputable. The word was originally used in relation to the gods, and to the things that pertained to them, as being worthy of honor or veneration - Passow. As applied to people, it commonly means grave, dignified, worthy of veneration or regard. In the New Testament it is rendered “grave” in <span class="scriptRef clickable" jquery1710020877716127947532="161" ref="1ti+3:8" tooltip="<div class='refTitle'>Verse Reference</div><div class='refBody'><div class='refBody'><b>8</b> Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, </div></div>" tooltipenable="true" translation="">1 Timothy 3:8</span>, <span class="scriptRef clickable" jquery1710020877716127947532="162" ref="1ti+3:11" tooltip="<div class='refTitle'>Verse Reference</div><div class='refBody'><div class='refBody'><b>11</b> Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. </div></div>" tooltipenable="true" translation="">1 Timothy 3:11</span>, and <span class="scriptRef clickable" jquery1710020877716127947532="163" ref="tit+2:2" tooltip="<div class='refTitle'>Verse Reference</div><div class='refBody'><div class='refBody'><b>2</b> Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. </div></div>" tooltipenable="true" translation="">Titus 2:2</span>, the only places where the word occurs except this; and the noun (<span class="greek_text"> σεμνότης </span></span><span class="translit"><span style="color: red;">semnotēs) is rendered “honesty” in <span class="scriptRef clickable" jquery1710020877716127947532="164" ref="1ti+2:2" timers="null" tooltip="<div class='refTitle'>Verse Reference</div><div class='refBody'><div class='refBody'><b>2</b> for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. </div></div>" tooltipenable="true" translation="">1 Timothy 2:2</span>, and “gravity” in <span class="scriptRef clickable" jquery1710020877716127947532="165" ref="1ti+3:4" tooltip="<div class='refTitle'>Verse Reference</div><div class='refBody'><div class='refBody'><b>4</b> He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity </div></div>" tooltipenable="true" translation="">1 Timothy 3:4</span>, and <span class="scriptRef clickable" jquery1710020877716127947532="166" ref="tit+2:7" tooltip="<div class='refTitle'>Verse Reference</div><div class='refBody'><div class='refBody'><b>7</b> in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, </div></div>" tooltipenable="true" translation="">Titus 2:7</span>. It occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. The word, therefore, does not express precisely what the word “honest” does with us, as confined to dealings or business transactions, but rather has reference to what was regarded as worthy of reputation or honor; what there was in the customs of society, in the respect due to age and rank, and in the contact of the world, that deserved respect or esteem. It includes indeed what is right in the transaction of business, but it embraces also much more, and means that the Christian is to show respect to all the venerable and proper customs of society, when they did not violate conscience or interfere with the law of God; compare <span class="scriptRef clickable" jquery1710020877716127947532="167" ref="1ti+3:7" tooltip="<div class='refTitle'>Verse Reference</div><div class='refBody'><div class='refBody'><b>7</b> And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. </div></div>" tooltipenable="true" translation="">1 Timothy 3:7</span>. </span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red;"><span class="emphasis"><strong>Whatsoever things are just</strong> - </span>The things which are right between man and man. A Christian should be just in all his dealings. His religion does not exempt him from the strict laws which bind people to the exercise of this virtue, and there is no way by which a professor of religion can do more injury perhaps than by injustice and dishonesty in his dealings. It is to be remembered that the people of the world, in estimating a person‘s character, affix much more importance to the virtues of justice and honesty than they do to regularity in observing the ordinances of religion; and therefore if a Christian would make an impression on his fellow-men favorable to religion, it is indispensable that he manifest uncorrupted integrity in his dealings. </span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red;"><span class="emphasis"><strong>Whatsoever things are pure</strong> - </span>Chaste - in thought, in feeling, and in the conversation between the sexes; compare the notes at <span class="scriptRef clickable" jquery1710020877716127947532="168" ref="1ti+5:2" tooltip="<div class='refTitle'>Verse Reference</div><div class='refBody'><div class='refBody'><b>2</b> the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity. </div></div>" tooltipenable="true" translation="">1 Timothy 5:2</span>. </span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red;"><span class="emphasis"><strong>Whatsoever things are lovely -</strong> </span>The word used here means properly what is dear to anyone; then what is pleasing. Here it means what is amiable - such a temper of mind that one can love it; or such as to be agreeable to others. A Christian should not be sour, crabby, or irritable in his temper - for nothing almost tends so much to injure the cause of religion as a temper always chafed; a brow morose and stern; an eye that is severe and unkind, and a disposition to find fault with everything. And yet it is to be regretted that there are many persons who make no pretensions to piety, who far surpass many professors of religion in the virtue here commended. A sour and crabby temper in a professor of religion will undo all the good that he attempts to do. </span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red;"><span class="emphasis"><strong>Whatsoever things are of good report</strong> - </span>That is, whatsoever is truly reputable in the world at large. There are actions which all people agree in commending, and which in all ages and countries are regarded as virtues. courtesy, urbanity, kindness, respect for parents, purity between brothers and sisters, are among those virtues, and the Christian should be a pattern and an example in them all. His usefulness depends much more on the cultivation of these virtues than is commonly supposed. </span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red;"><span class="emphasis"><strong>If there be any virtue</strong> - </span>If there is anything truly virtuous. Paul did not suppose that he had given a full catalogue of the virtues which he would have cultivated. He, therefore, adds, that if there was anything else that had the nature of true virtue in it, they should be careful to cultivate that also. The Christian should be a pattern and an example of every virtue. </span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red;"><span class="emphasis"><strong>And if there be any praise</strong> - </span>Anything worthy of praise, or that ought to be praised. </span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red;"><span class="emphasis"><strong>Think on these things</strong> - </span>Let them be the object of your careful attention and study, so as to practice them. Think what they are; think on the obligation to observe them; think on the influence which they would have on the world around you."</span></div>
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Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007535778092630231.post-54242014057339490592013-05-04T13:22:00.000-07:002013-05-04T14:33:23.512-07:00 Looking At Life When Facing Death<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>By Pastor Bruce K. Oyen</em></div>
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Email: <a href="mailto:bk_oyen@hotmail.com">bk_oyen@hotmail.com</a></div>
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<strong>Age is partly a state of mind</strong></div>
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There is truth to the saying that age is partly a state of mind. We all know individuals who, though young, act and feel old. We know individuals who, though old, act and feel young. It seems it has to do with one's perspective on life in general.</div>
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<strong>The 100 year old lady </strong></div>
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We new one dear Christian lady who lived to be over 100 years old. She could not see well, hear well, or walk well, but she kept a good perspective on life, in spite of all her ailments.This was largely due to her faith in the grace and goodness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Her daughter held an open house for her 100th birthday. We and many others went to celebrate with her. When it was time to leave, I told her we would be back for her 200th birthday. She said, "Don't wait that long to come back for a visit!" She hadn't let her health problems completely rob her of the ability to have a good time. But even though she had lived a very long life, it still seemed short.</div>
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<strong>A famous king's reflections on the brevity of life </strong></div>
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It was that way with a famous king, who, though he died at the much younger age of 70, looked back on his life and said it seemed short. I am referring to Israel's favorite leader of long ago, King David. Most know him as the writer of some the Old Testament's book of Psalms. He wrote maybe 73 of the 150 Psalms in that favorite part of the Bible. Some of his writings and sayings are found in other books of the Old Testament, as well as in the Psalms. Some are found in the New Testament. One example from the Old Testament is found in 2 Chronicles 29, a lengthy part of which is quoted at the end of this posting. In that quote, verse 15 has been put in <strong>bold</strong> print.</div>
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<strong>Some thoughts on 2 Chronicles 29:15</strong></div>
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I want give some thoughts on 2 Chronicles 29:15, which says this: "<span style="color: red;">For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding</span>."</div>
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It is striking what was on David's mind in his last days. He said, "<span style="color: red;">our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding</span>." Certainly this refers to King's David's sense of the brevity of life. Read it again: "<span style="color: red;">our days on the earth are as a shadow.............</span>" </div>
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It is common for individuals to look back on their lives and say to themselves and to others, "The years have gone by so fast!" King David also wrote Psalm 37. Part of verse 25 says, "<span style="color: red;">I have been young, and now am old.</span>" I assume he felt he the years had flown by.</div>
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<strong>Since life is short and unpredictable, we must make sure that we will go to heaven at death.</strong> </div>
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God wants everyone to go to heaven, but we have to do our part to make sure we will get there. Death ends all further opportunity to make reservations for heaven. To find out what we must do to get to heaven, read the first five chapters of the apostle Paul's letter to the Roman Christians, and also the Book of Acts. These are found in the New Testament portion of the Bible. You can also click on the following link and read an excellent salvation article: <a href="http://www.godssimpleplan.org/gsps-english.html">http://www.godssimpleplan.org/gsps-english.html</a>. Acts 16:31 says, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved."</div>
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<strong>Other important matters.</strong> </div>
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Now, since it is true that life is short even when it is long, we should concentrate on other important matters. Making reservations for heaven is the most important we can do, but other things are important. It is a sad thing to come to the end of one's life and have to admit that what was really important was neglected for things of much lesser importance. Many subjects deserve our attention, but consider just a few of them.</div>
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<strong>We should take time for regular Bible reading</strong>. The Bible is God's Word. What a shame to come to the end of life and not know what God says about many important subjects. An unknown author wrote this about the Bible: "<span style="color: red;">The Bible reveals the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are unchangeable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveller's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of Hell disclosed. CHRIST is its Grand Subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully, It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened in the Judgment, and will be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifle with its holy contents</span>."</div>
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<strong>We should take time for prayer</strong>. True prayer is directed to God the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is God's appointed means for us to tell him what is on our hearts. It is the means by which we worship, praise, and adore him. It is the means by which we bring our needs to him, and the needs of others. It is the means by which we confess our sins to him, and receive his forgiveness. Of course, we can also pray directly to the Lord Jesus Christ in his name.</div>
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<strong>We should take time for regular church attendance</strong>. Regularly attending a church that believes the Bible to be God's Word, and that preaches and teaches it, is one of the most important things we can do if we want to live for Jesus Christ. Church attendance opens up doors for us to get involved in the work of the church. It also gives us opportunity to develop friendships with other Christians who can help us live for the Lord.</div>
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<strong>We should take time for wholesome personal relationships with family and friends</strong>. Jobs, careers, and hobbies are not nearly as important as relationships with family and friends. Many workaholics come to the end of life and regret that they have neglected their spouses, children, and friends. They might have made a fortune by all their hard work, and risen to the top in business, but learn that they are poverty-stricken when it comes to personal relationships. It has wisely been said that no one comes to the end of life and wishes he or she had spent more time at work.</div>
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<h3 class="heading passage-class-0" style="text-align: justify;">
1 Chronicles 29 </h3>
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(King James Version)</div>
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<span class="text 1Chr-29-1" id="en-KJV-11166"><span class="chapternum"> </span><span style="color: red;">Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> God.</span></span></div>
<div class="passage version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text 1Chr-29-2" id="en-KJV-11167"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2 </span></sup>Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.</span></span></div>
<div class="passage version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text 1Chr-29-3" id="en-KJV-11168"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">3 </span></sup>Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house.</span></span></div>
<div class="passage version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text 1Chr-29-4" id="en-KJV-11169"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">4 </span></sup>Even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal:</span></span></div>
<div class="passage version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text 1Chr-29-5" id="en-KJV-11170"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">5 </span></sup>The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>?</span></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Chr-29-6" id="en-KJV-11171"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">6 </span></sup>Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king's work, offered willingly,</span></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Chr-29-7" id="en-KJV-11172"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">7 </span></sup>And gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron.</span></span></div>
<div class="passage version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text 1Chr-29-8" id="en-KJV-11173"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">8 </span></sup>And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.</span></span></div>
<div class="passage version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text 1Chr-29-9" id="en-KJV-11174"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">9 </span></sup>Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.</span></span></div>
<div class="passage version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text 1Chr-29-10" id="en-KJV-11175"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">10 </span></sup>Wherefore David blessed the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.</span></span></div>
<div class="passage version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text 1Chr-29-11" id="en-KJV-11176"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">11 </span></sup>Thine, O <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, and thou art exalted as head above all.</span></span></div>
<div class="passage version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text 1Chr-29-12" id="en-KJV-11177"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">12 </span></sup>Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.</span></span></div>
<div class="passage version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text 1Chr-29-13" id="en-KJV-11178"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">13 </span></sup>Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.</span></span></div>
<div class="passage version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text 1Chr-29-14" id="en-KJV-11179"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">14 </span></sup>But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.</span></span></div>
<div class="passage version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text 1Chr-29-15" id="en-KJV-11180"><span style="color: red;"><strong><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">15 </span></sup>For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.</strong></span></span></div>
<div class="passage version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text 1Chr-29-16" id="en-KJV-11181"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">16 </span></sup>O <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.</span></span></div>
<div class="passage version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text 1Chr-29-17" id="en-KJV-11182"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">17 </span></sup>I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.</span></span></div>
<div class="passage version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text 1Chr-29-18" id="en-KJV-11183"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">18 </span></sup>O <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee:</span></span></div>
<div class="passage version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text 1Chr-29-19" id="en-KJV-11184"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">19 </span></sup>And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.</span></span></div>
<div class="passage version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text 1Chr-29-20" id="en-KJV-11185"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">20 </span></sup>And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God. And all the congregation blessed the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, and the king.</span></span></div>
<div class="passage version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="text-align: justify;">
(This quote from 2 Chronicles was taken from this website: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/">http://www.biblegateway.com/</a>. Those who struggle with the old English of the King James Version should consider reading the New King James Version, which is in modern English.)</div>
Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007535778092630231.post-4162369508381368222013-04-05T20:12:00.000-07:002013-04-05T20:12:18.484-07:00Fooling The People About Alcoholic BeveragesFor an interesting article by an M. D. about the negative affects of alcoholic beverages, click on this link to it: <a href="http://www.biblicalevangelist.org/index.php?id=310&issue=Volume">http://www.biblicalevangelist.org/index.php?id=310&issue=Volume</a> 36, Number 3Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007535778092630231.post-29501761314208995682013-04-05T16:40:00.000-07:002013-04-05T16:40:16.491-07:00Some Thoughts About Evangelism<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>By Pastor Bruce K. Oyen</em></div>
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Email: <a href="mailto:bk_oyen@hotmail.com">bk_oyen@hotmail.com</a></div>
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I have written on this subject before, but it is good to be reminded of it from time-to-time.</div>
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<strong>What <u>isn't </u>evangelism?</strong></div>
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We need to know what evangelism is. Perhaps telling what it <u>isn't</u> will help us know what it <u>is.</u> Evangelism is not converting others to our political views. It is not convincing others to join our our local church. It is not arguing for the supposed superiority of our denomination. It is not telling someone to quit drinking alcoholic beverages, to quit smoking tobacco (or something else), to quit gambling, to quit using profanity, or to quit some other bad habit.</div>
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<strong>What <u>is </u>evangelism?</strong></div>
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Evangelism is making known to others the good news that Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, died on the cross in our place in order to pay the penalty of our sins. It involves telling them that the Lord was raised again from the dead. It involves telling them that he offers full and free forgiveness of sins to anyone who will believe on him as Savior and Lord. It involves telling them that no one can merit salvation by being good. It involves telling that this life is the only opportunity they have to be saved, and that death ends all further opportunity to believe in Jesus Christ. It involves telling them that if they die without having first believed in him, they will spend eternity in a horrible place called hell.</div>
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<strong>Evangelism in the Book Of Acts </strong></div>
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The points just made can be verified by carefully reading the New Testament's <em>Book Of Acts</em>. That book is a record of the evangelistic efforts of the Christians of the first century A. D. It can be verified, also, by reading other parts of the New Testament. But the Book Of Acts is key to the subject because it is a record of the theology behind evangelism worked out in the lives of others. In other words, it tells us of Christians being evangelistic.</div>
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Consider a few examples. We read in Acts 8 that Philip the evangelist had opportunity to evangelize people in a certain location, and it says in verse 5 that he "preached Christ unto them." Later in Acts 8, we read that Philip had opportunity to evangelize one man.We are told that in doing so he "preached unto him Jesus." One more example: We read in Acts 16 that a man asked two Christians (Paul and Silas) what he needed to do to be saved. Their answer was simple: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved......"</div>
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<strong>Pastors should be evangelistic</strong></div>
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<strong> </strong>Even though pastors might not be gifted to be evangelists, they should be evangelistic. They can and should make the Gospel known through their sermons and Bible studies. They can and should at those times give non-Christians an opportunity to act on the Gospel message by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior, And those persons should be given opportunity to make it known at once that they have accepted him as their Savior.</div>
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Pastors can and and should try and reach others with the Gospel outside of the church services. This can be done in a variety of ways and settings. But it can and should be done. Pastors should challenge their congregations to be involved in reaching others with the Gospel, and should set an example of doing so themselves.</div>
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<strong>Christians in general should be evangelistic</strong>.</div>
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Evangelism is not just the privilege and responsibility of pastors and evangelists. Every Christian should make effort to win others to faith in Jesus Christ. This can be done in a variety of ways. Here are a few examples: by speaking to others about salvation, by giving away Gospel tracts, by inviting non-Christians to church services and home Bible studies, at which they can hear the Gospel.</div>
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<strong>Living a good Christian life is not enough</strong></div>
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Every Christian should seek to live a good Christian life, and with God's help we can do so. But non-Christians need more than good examples to follow. They need the Gospel message to believe. A good example can prepare the way for non-Christians to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. But we must not stop with a good example. We must give them the Gospel message.</div>
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<strong>Perhaps you are not a Christian</strong></div>
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Perhaps you are not a Christian, but want to learn more about becoming one. If so, please click on the following link. It will tell you what you need to know. <a href="http://www.godssimpleplan.org/gsps-english.html">http://www.godssimpleplan.org/gsps-english.html</a></div>
Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007535778092630231.post-16458657916304153602013-04-05T13:12:00.000-07:002013-04-05T13:12:23.361-07:00Why Is There Now So Much Acceptance Of Homosexuality?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>By Pastor Bruce K. Oyen</em></div>
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Email: <a href="mailto:bk_oyen@hotmail.com">bk_oyen@hotmail.com</a></div>
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<strong>Homosexuality becoming more common</strong></div>
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Quite regularly, it seems, we hear of another well-known person announcing he or she is a homosexual, or is a homosexual who is getting or gotten married. A weather man on a major TV network did so earlier this year (2013). And, we also regularly hear of other influential persons coming out in defense of gay marriage. President Obama is an example.</div>
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<strong>Common acceptance of moral relativism</strong></div>
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This has led to a question: why is there now so much acceptance of homosexuality, even by those who reject for themselves? The answer is simple: it is because there is wide spread acceptance of moral relativism. More and more persons live by the principle that there are few moral absolutes that apply to all persons in all times and under all circumstances. However, they generally have not thrown all moral absolutes to the winds. They have enough sense to know that if that is done, they will have to accept murder, rape, theft, lying, and all other behavior as acceptable, too. So, they pick and choose which behavior to accept and which to reject. At this point in history, moral relativists say murder is wrong, but homosexuality is right for those who like it.</div>
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<strong>Christians believe in moral absolutes </strong></div>
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But if we had a set of moral standards that apply to all persons, in all times, and under all circumstances, how differently we would live our lives! Well, the fact is that Christians do have such a set of standards. And Christians do not consider these moral standards to have been dreamed up by one person. or by many persons, who then have attempted to govern the world by them. Rather, Christians believe these moral standards have been set by Almighty God, who has made them known to us in the pages of one book, the Bible, which they consider to be God's infallible Word in written form. And it just so happens that the Bible clearly condemns homosexuality a number of times. The Bible addresses this subject, as it does many subjects, in a way that it is beyond justifiable dispute that God considers homosexuality to be wrong for all persons, in all times, and under all circumstances.</div>
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<strong>Moral relativists will dismiss this view of homosexuality and the Bible</strong>. </div>
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But for those of us who know the Bible is the Word of, we must accept what it says on this and any other subject subject. The Bible is the Christian's moral standard. We might not always live up to it, but we believe it is always right.</div>
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<strong>Read what the Bible says about homosexuality</strong></div>
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Those who want to read for themselves what the Bible says about homosexuality should start with the first chapter of Paul's letter to the Romans. He discusses the matter in verses 18 - 32. If you are new to the Bible, the index will help you locate this letter by Paul.</div>
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Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007535778092630231.post-55066903573897917852013-04-04T10:18:00.001-07:002013-04-04T10:18:55.898-07:00Bible Documentaries Are Not A Good Substitute For Reading The Bible<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>By Pastor Bruce K. Oyen</em></div>
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Email: <a href="mailto:bk_oyen@hotmail.com">bk_oyen@hotmail.com</a></div>
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<img border="0" height="116" src="http://www.timshen.truepath.com/christian/Reading_bible.gif" width="128" /></div>
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On a recent TV news program, the point was made that there is always widespread interest in any new documentary about the Bible because people have an ongoing interest in its contents. They might not believe what is in the Bible, but they are always curious about it. Therefore, they watch the documentaries.</div>
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What came to mind abut this public fascination with the Bible is that so few seem to realize they can discover its contents for themselves by simply reading it. We don't need a new documentary every few years. We just need to read the Bible, and we need to read for what it is: the Word of God.</div>
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This does not mean that documentaries about the Bible are a bad thing. Most of us learn from visual presentation of any subject. Bible documentaries can be good or bad, or good and bad all in one. It all depends on whether or not the documentary is true to the Bible itself. They must be done in such a way as to not misrepresent or distort the Bible's contents by what is left out or added.</div>
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So, back to my main point: We don't need a new documentary every few years. We just need to read the Bible, and we need to read it as the Word of God. But we must read and re-read it to master its contents. The Bible is not a big book, unless it is in giant print and has a lot of explanatory footnotes. However, it still needs numerous readings for us to get really familiar with its contents. </div>
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We can read through it once a year by reading four chapters a day. New-comers to the Bible might do well to start by reading the New Testament portion of it. The table of contents will tell you what page that starts on. Once the New Testament has been read through, go to the beginning and read its first book, called "Genesis." The New Testament makes frequent reference to Genesis. Then continue on from there.</div>
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It is important to not get bogged down by all the details in the Bible. Just do what is called survey reading the first time through it. Have the goal to read it through in a year, and it will get done. You might enjoy it so much that you will read it all in six months or less.</div>
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What follows is brief information about some respected Bible translations. </div>
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The King James Version (old English).</div>
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The New King James Version (modern English).</div>
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The New American Standard Bible (updated in 1995, modern English).</div>
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The English Standard Version (modern English).</div>
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The Holman Christian Standard Bible (modern English).</div>
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The New International Version( 1984 edition, modern English).</div>
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What follows are brief warnings about two "Bibles":</div>
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The New World Translation (This produced by the so-called Jehovah's Witnesses. It is in modern English, but reliable Bible scholars reject it because it deliberately distorts the Bible in many places to support the false teaching of the Jehovah's Witnesses.)</div>
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The Message (modern English, and better than The New World Translation. But it distorts too much of the Bible to make it appealing to modern readers. Earlier in 2013 I made a posting about this paraphrase of the Bible. If you want to read it, look for this title: "The Message Is Not The Bible.")</div>
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In conclusion, remember that documentaries are not a good substitute for reading the Bible. </div>
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Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007535778092630231.post-63829973177664609722013-04-03T15:36:00.000-07:002013-04-03T15:36:14.032-07:00Is The Bible An Allegorical Book?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>By Pastor Bruce K. Oyen</em></div>
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Email: <a href="mailto:bk_oyen@hotmail.com">bk_oyen@hotmail.com</a></div>
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Is the Bible an allegorical book? This subject came to mind this winter (2013) when watching the Bill O'Reilly TV program. Although he is right on many subjects, he was wrong when he said the Bible is an allegorical book. If he had simply said the Bible contains many figures of speech, he would have been correct. But he clearly said it is an allegorical book. That is false. I can say this from firsthand knowledge of the Bible, having read it numerous times. I know what an allegory is, and the Bible is not an allegorical book. </div>
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But what is an allegory? Here (<span style="color: red;">in red</span>) is what an old Funk And Wagnall's dictionary says an allegory is: "<span style="color: red;">1.The setting forth of a subject or the telling of a story in figurative or symbolic language requiring interpretation; especially a narrative veiling a moral by symbolic devices, such as personification, metaphor, etc. 2. Any subject or story so presented; loosely, any symbolic presentation in literature or art; an emblem</span>."</div>
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Here (<span style="color: red;">in red</span>) is what the same dictionary also says right after that definition: "<span style="color: red;"><em>Synonyms</em>: fable, illustration, metaphor, parable simile, story. <em>Antonyms</em>: chronicle, fact, history, narrative, record</span>."</div>
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A famous example of an allegorical book is John Bunyan's "The pilgrim's Progress." It was written as an allegory, and must be read as one. </div>
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I'm not sure why Bill O'Reilly says the Bible is an allegorical book, but I do know that some readers say that because they do not want to accept its controversial contents as "<span style="color: red;">chronicle, fact, history, narrative, record." </span><span style="color: black;">So, they say it is to be interpreted to mean something different than what it says. This allows them to accept the theory of evolution, and to reject the Biblical account of the divine and miraculous origin of all things, just as we read in Genesis chapters 1 and 2 and many other places in the Bible. This allows them to say the story of the prophet Jonah being swallowed by a large fish (sometimes referred to as a "whale"), and then being vomited out alive by that fish, and then telling others about the ordeal, could not be literal, historical narrative. They say those things could not have really happened, and so the story must be an allegory from which we are to learn certain lessons. </span></div>
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But it is quite significant that the Biblical account of creation and of the story of Jonah were both referred to as fact by none other than Jesus Christ himself. You can read his affirming references to these controversial subjects in the 12th and 19th chapters of Matthew's Gospel. Those of us who believe that Jesus Christ is the Lord of heaven and earth, the Savior of sinners, the wisest man who ever walked this planet, the one who physically rose again from the dead, unhesitatingly say that we believe the Bible's presentation of these controversial subjects are historically accurate because we believe Jesus Christ knew what he was talking about. As has been said, he was either the Lord. a liar, or a lunatic. We know he was/is the Lord. Therefore, he was/is always right.</div>
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It is true that the Bible uses a variety of symbolic language. But it is primarily "<span style="color: red;">chronicle, fact, history, narrative, record." </span><span style="color: black;">A</span><span style="color: black;">nd it is usually easy to tell what is presented as symbolic language, and what is not.</span></div>
Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007535778092630231.post-53140415876751855262013-04-02T16:49:00.000-07:002013-04-02T16:49:05.430-07:00Learning People Skills<div style="text-align: justify;">
The following excellent article was written by Earl Brubaker, and is published in the March/April 2013 issue of VOICE magazine. This is a publication of <em>Independent Fundamental Churches Of America, International</em>. It is posted here with permission. Mr. Brubaker sent it to me for use on my blog spot, and it has a few differences from how it reads in VOICE magazine. It is posted here exactly as he sent it to me, with a few formatting changes: I put the title on the left side, put his name under the title, and put the title in <strong>bold print</strong> to differentiate it from the rest of this posting. It has also been justified on both sides, as it is in the VOICE magazine. I also used the phrases from the VOICE article that identify subject matter. They are in <strong>bold print</strong>, too. </div>
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Here is the biographical information about Mr. Brubaker as found at the beginning of the VOICE article: "Earl Brubaker is a veteran church planting missionary in the NW United States. He was General Director of Northwest Independent Church Extension located in Tacoma, WA and now is president of IFCA Board OF Directors."</div>
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<strong><u>Learning People Skills</u></strong></div>
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By Earl Brubaker</div>
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During the afternoon of an IFCA Regional Conference, several regional leaders interviewed two young men who were preparing for ordination. Since I knew the young men and had recently been through that same process, I ask Dick how the interview went. Dick Schwab was a man 25 years my senior, a long-time IFCA member, and a member of the founding board of Northwest Independent Church Extension (NICE) with which I served. He loved details, and ardently but graciously defended the faith. He chose his words carefully. </div>
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“I have observed,” he began in answer to my question, “That many more men fail in ministry for lack of people skills than for lack of theological training.” </div>
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I have long since forgotten the remainder of Dick’s comments in that conversation, but I often recall his assessment of the importance of people skills. Over a period of years I observed Dick defending his convictions about such often debated issues as cessationism, eschatology, and dispensationalism. I appreciated his scholarship as well as his commitment to the truth. It was his defense of those views without alienating those who disagreed, however, for which I most remember him. </div>
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<strong>My Background</strong></div>
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I grew up with four brothers. We loved to argue. Our father was a skeptical, suspicious, often bitter man who did not join our arguments but whose attitudes fueled them. Since people skills did not come naturally, I have sought to learn them by observing and emulating people like Dick. I have also watched and sought to avoid the ways of those whose caustic, abrasive words offend others. Dick is with the Lord now, as are each of the people who are mentioned by name in this account. </div>
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My course in people skills began in earnest when, just out of Bible College, I served as a Pastor in Training in a Northern California sawmill town of about 250. A troubled church, it closed two years later when the sawmill burned down and many people moved away. </div>
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Bessie, an author, pianist, song writer, Bible teacher, church treasurer, and retired school teacher, was the church matriarch. Her talent was rare; her commitment admirable. It was easy, however, for even a novice such as me to see the control she exerted in the church. I also learned that she had a reputation for being caustic, unbending, and using her writing skills to author what some described as “poison pen” letters. Almost inevitably, it was not long until something I did earned her ire. </div>
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One afternoon on the way home from a neighboring town, I made a quick stop as I often did at Frank and Bessie’s home. On this day, my reception was icy. Without inviting me to be seated, Bessie assailed me for being dishonest, lying, two-faced, uncaring, and therefore unfit for pastoral ministry. Any response I attempted was drowned in a continued torrent of words. Stunned, I beat a hasty retreat. The point of contention was my appointment of a Sunday school teacher for two pre-school age girls, the only children in the church. When Bessie objected to my choice, I agreed to present the matter to the next church business meeting. When not even one person showed up for the meeting, I assumed they just did not care. I proceeded with the appointment. </div>
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Driving home from the encounter, I began to prepare my defense. I knew that people rarely won a showdown with Bessie, but my motives were right, I reasoned, and teaching two little girls who had no Bible background was important. Besides, Bessie had hurt too many people already. I told myself I would win this, not for me but for the health and reputation of the church. </div>
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Slowly, however, the spotlight of conviction turned to my own heart. I had said I would present the matter at the business meeting. However justified I felt my actions to be because nobody cared enough to come to the meeting, I had violated that commitment. Did I genuinely care for people or was I merely concerned to use this training time to validate my ministry? Would it be right to be as ruthless as my attacker in order to win a battle? Was there any response that would restore our relationship and strengthen the church at the same time? </div>
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With Paul’s words to Timothy running through my mind --“But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient.” (2 Tim 2:23-24) – I returned to Bessie and asked her forgiveness for reneging on my word. I did the same at a church business meeting, and then together we worked through the issue. The church confirmed my appointment, but more importantly, Bessie became our friend and continued to serve faithfully in the church. Winning disputes, especially with caustic words and attitudes, alienates people and destroys ministry. The principle that Paul taught Timothy so many years ago is still important.</div>
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<strong>A Second Lesson </strong></div>
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On another occasion, Henry’s wisdom and Omar’s insight taught me to wait for God to change hearts and attitudes rather than to rely on my own position or persuasiveness. Henry was </div>
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a hard driving, demanding, young business man who later became a much loved pastor and the first Director of NICE. Omar Glass, a former pastor, was chairman of the church board </div>
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Columbia View Bible Church was a small congregation in the heart of an established residential neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. After several of years of decline, we were experiencing growth once again. One of the problems the church leaders identified was that previous pastors had not lived in the community in which the church was located because rentals were few and expensive. When they extended a call to us to serve there they stipulated that we live in the community. The high cost of renting made purchase of a home very attractive, and such a move would ensure the pastor’s continued presence in the community. After months of informal discussion, I proposed to the church board that we purchase a home to serve as a parsonage or facilitate such a purchase by the pastor. </div>
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Three of the four board members immediately objected. Though the church had begun to grow and this proposal addressed a problem they had identified, they were unwilling to consider anything that would tap their quite comfortable cash reserves. The silence of Omar, the most influential man in the church, was most troubling. During the months of informal discussion he agreed with the need to make the purchase. I was certain that he and I together could have answered the objections. He did not object, but without his support the proposal died. I was crushed. How long could I serve a church that said they wanted to reach their community but were unwilling to do what they all agreed was needed to make that a reality? </div>
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Pastor Henry Boyd, having retired from his responsibility of Director of NICE, was serving an interim position in a small town nearby. I went to visit him to talk about what had happened and how it surprised and discouraged me. Henry had two bits of counsel for me: drop the matter of purchasing property for a while and teach scriptural principles that would help people grow in their trust that God is at work. </div>
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Henry assured me that if the need to purchase a home was genuine and the proposal sound, it was very likely to resurface later as somebody else’s idea. He urged me not to be miffed when that happened, but to rejoice that God was at work. He also warned me that scriptural principles needed to be taught for the purpose of changing lives, not for the purpose of changing votes. If the board members perceived that the aim of my teaching was to make them change their minds it would galvanize their opposition. </div>
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The proposal of property purchase vanished from the radar screen. We mobilized a group of eager college students to initiate an outreach ministry for children in our community. I taught principles of faith to help us persist with this ministry when it began slowly but became fruitful through perseverance. Several months passed. Then one night at a church board meeting Omar quietly said, “When are we going to go ahead and purchase that property we need?” </div>
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Almost without discussion, the other board members agreed. Very shortly thereafter we purchased a home near the church. The home had an oversized, detached garage nearly as large as the house. The garage became a meeting place for the children’s ministry we had launched. </div>
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<strong>A Third Lesson</strong></div>
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On another occasion, in what could have been a major church crisis, Ray and Goff taught me to respond with compassion and understanding to the negative reactions we sometimes face. Ray, one of the church trustees, taught in our Christian Day School. Goff, the church treasurer, was a retired Los Angeles County fireman. </div>
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I sat in my study that Monday morning with a heavy heart reflecting on a Sunday evening congregational meeting that turned ugly. No violence, no overt threats, just ugly. Midway through a building expansion, we discovered that an additional piece of property was available. Most folks saw it as a great opportunity to complete the block of property already owned by the church. Others thought adding that final corner to our property was a merely cosmetic, large, unnecessary expense. The discussion got heated, voices raised. Charges of waste, deceit, and trying to control the church through private negotiations were all aired in the tense exchange. In the end, calm prevailed and the congregation voted by a large majority to complete the purchase. </div>
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Now as I reviewed these events and contemplated the impact they might have on our building project, Goff, who was among those opposing the purchase, entered my study. Sitting down, he took a deep breath, and got directly to the point. </div>
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“Pastor, I am not exactly proud of what I just did,” he began, “But I don’t know any other way to make my point about how serious this is.” </div>
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He went on to tell me that he had just written himself a sizeable check from the church building fund to pay off a loan he had made to the church for the expansion project. We both knew that the effect of this was to put a stop-work order on the project. Words like obstinacy, dishonesty, theft, and fraud leapt to my mind. I wondered how this man who was a strong supporter of our Christian Day School could so callously stop progress on the facilities the school desperately needed. Remembering my first lesson in pastoral people skills, I held my tongue as he rambled on about how terrible last night’s decision had been. </div>
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Late in the evening of that same day I related these events to a hastily called meeting of church Elders and Trustees. Ray broke the stunned silence when he said, “I know Goff well. He is an honest man, and I think there must be something more behind this. May I have your permission to go and talk to him and see how we might solve this?” We readily agreed, and after a time of prayer went our separate ways. </div>
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Goff had not cashed the check. The loan he had made to the church, Ray learned, was from his retirement fund. With health issues looming, Goff feared he might not have enough to meet his own needs. The church set up an accelerated payment schedule, and Goff voided the check. This was soon followed by adoption of new financial policies to ensure that such an incident would not recur. Goff resigned as treasurer, but remained a faithful participant in the church and volunteered hundreds of man hours working on the project he almost derailed. It was Ray’s willingness to take the time to understand Goff’s concern that deterred this faithful man from completing an action that he would have regretted. Ray’s quiet response also kept the church leaders from taking quick, decisive action that may have threatened the progress of the church. </div>
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<strong>One Final Lesson</strong></div>
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Arnold Wall, another faithful IFCA pastor and NICE Board member taught me one of the most simple and most effective people skills that I use often. </div>
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“Pause,” he told me. He went on to explain that a pause before answering a question says the question was important. A pause before responding to an accusation indicates humility of spirit. A pause gives you time to weigh your words carefully. Sometimes a pause is needed just to think of a meaningful response. </div>
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I am still learning. I do not always speak wisely and carefully. Even wise, careful words and actions do not guarantee that the results will always be positive as the incidents I have related. My list of such encounters, both positive and negative, could be lengthy. But I have learned that people skills are the practical application of godly character clothed with humility, faith, and patience. That should occupy my attention until the day God calls me home. </div>
Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007535778092630231.post-90525374993777542152013-03-09T19:51:00.002-08:002013-03-09T19:51:59.301-08:00God Has A Great Future Planned For The Nation Israel<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>By Pastor Bruce K. Oyen and Dr. James A Scudder</em></div>
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Email: <a href="mailto:bk_oyen@hotmail.com">bk_oyen@hotmail.com</a> </div>
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Those who have read the Bible many times know that much of it has to do with the nation Israel. It speaks of that nation's past, present, and future. Unfortunately, many well-meaning Christians think that the Christian Church has taken the place of Israel in God's plan. But Dr. James A. Scudder, President of Dayspring Bible College And Semminary, challenges that idea in the following brief article. It is posted here with permission. Here is a link to the college and seminary: <a href="http://www.dbc.edu/">www.dbc.edu</a>. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif;">Has the Church Replaced Israel</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif;">?</span></strong></span><b><br /></b></div>
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<strong>By Dr. James A. Scudder </strong></div>
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<br /><span style="color: black;">As I wing my way home from our latest Israel trip, I am amazed by three things - the incredible speed of airliners, the incredible shrinkage of airline seats, and the incredible Jewish people.<br /><br />Our annual tours to Israel show people a wonderful land - a land truly flowing with milk and honey; a land where modernity meets ancient history. But the land is only half of the story. It is the land of God's people. The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob have brought us so much - the Scriptures, the Savior, and through Him, salvation.<br /><br />If this is true, then why are the Jews hated so? Why have so many, from Haman to Hitler, tried to annihilate them? Why does the president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, call the Holocaust, where 6 million Jews were exterminated like vermin, a myth? There can only be two explanations - the Jews are a unique people that God chose to use in a unique way, and there is a Devil who hates God and God's chosen people.<br /><br />Israel may not be in the land today in belief, but they will one day be saved in a day (Romans 11:26; Joel 2:32). Their return to the land that God promised them unconditionally and eternally is a true miracle. Never before in history have we seen a people be dispersed to the four corners of the earth and return after 2,000 years (Ezekiel 20:34). Even Hebrew, a dead language, was revived.<br /><br />Romans 9-11 clearly teaches that God is not done with Israel. There is one more week (7 years) of Daniel's prophecy of 70 weeks yet to be fulfilled. And all 70 weeks are exclusively Jewish. The Jewish people are the apple of His eye (Zechariah 2:8). Who is stupid enough to poke God in the eye? And yet most countries in the United Nations vote against little Israel. Most church denominations even believe the Church has replaced Israel. But not me or Dayspring Bible College and Seminary. We believe there is a blessing to those who bless Israel (Genesis 12:3).<br /><br />So even though the land is beautiful and the Bible sites amazing, these trips are more about showing love and solidarity with a much-maligned people. The Church is special to God. But so are the Jewish people. Has the Church replaced Israel? Not in 1,000 years. But that's another article. Shalom. </span></div>
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Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007535778092630231.post-8186411490170760132013-02-22T22:26:00.001-08:002013-02-22T22:26:38.253-08:00Jesus Christ Is Coming Back Again! He Will Return!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>By Pastor Bruce K. Oyen and Evangelist Robert L. Sumner</em></div>
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Email: <a href="mailto:bk_oyen@hotmail.com">bk_oyen@hotmail.com</a></div>
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Christmas is a time when many Christians look back and rejoice about the time when the Lord Jesus Christ came into the world as a baby, having been miraculously conceived in the womb of the virgin Mary. He came into the world that time in fulfillment of Biblical predictions. He came into the world that time with the purpose of being put to death on a cross in payment for the sins of humanity. By his death, he provided forgiveness and salvation for all of us. These blessings and many more are given to anyone who will believe on him as Lord and Savior. </div>
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Yes, Jesus Christ came into the world long, long ago, and we rejoice that he did so. Some days after his resurrection for death, he returned to heaven and took his place at God the Father's right hand. But he will not stay there forever! He will return! This is a thrilling teaching of God's infallible Word, the Bible.</div>
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Evangelist Robert L. Sumner has produced a good sermon on this subject. A link to it is given below. Dr. Sumner, now 90 years old, has spent a lifetime preaching and teaching the Word of God to both non-Christians and Christians. He also has written many books and pamphlets with them in mind. He also has long been the editor of a publication called "The Biblical Evangelist." </div>
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Here is the link to Dr. Sumner's sermon on the Christian's blessed hope, which is the return of the Lord Jesus Christ from heaven:</div>
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<a href="http://www.biblicalevangelist.org/index.php?id=1142&issue=Volume+42%2C+Number+2">http://www.biblicalevangelist.org/index.php?id=1142&issue=Volume+42%2C+Number+2</a></div>
Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007535778092630231.post-83782209268453900812013-02-22T20:23:00.000-08:002013-02-22T20:23:06.614-08:00How To Come To Jesus: A Short And Simple Sermon On Salvation<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>By Pastor Bruce K. Oyen And Evangelist John R. Rice</em></div>
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Email: <a href="mailto:bk_oyen@hotmail.com">bk_oyen@hotmail.com</a></div>
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Evangelist John R. Rice, now deceased, was greatly used by God to win many non-Christians to salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. Many of his sermons were put in print, and continue to reach others for the Lord, long after they were first preached. He also preached many sermons and wrote many books and pamphlets to help converts grow in their Christian walk. Many of them are still in print.</div>
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What follows is a link to one of Evangelist Rice's sermons to non-Christians. It is called "How To Come To Jesus: A Short And Simple Sermon On Salvation." Here is the link:</div>
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<a href="http://www.gotothebible.com/HTML/howtocometoJesus.html">http://www.gotothebible.com/HTML/howtocometoJesus.html</a></div>
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Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007535778092630231.post-59880897431081313762013-02-22T16:50:00.001-08:002013-02-22T16:50:36.942-08:00"True Christian Union, And The Devil's Countefeit"<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>By Pastor Bruce K. Oyen and Evangelist R. A. Torrey</em></div>
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Email: <a href="mailto:bk_oyen@hotmail.com">bk_oyen@hotmail.com</a></div>
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The acceptance of all religious beliefs as equal is much in demand these days. According to many persons, it makes no difference if one is a Christian, a Hindu, a Muslim, or something else. These persons say we all worship the same God, just in different ways, and that we all are going to the same place, just taking different paths to get there.</div>
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Among those claiming to be Christians is the popular idea that all who claim to be Christians should be accepted as such, and that different doctrinal beliefs should not get in the way of Christian fellowship and unity. </div>
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But for those of us who believe the Bible to be the infallible Word of God, we ask a question: is that the basis for real Christian unity? Evangelist and Bible scholar, R. A. Torrey addressed this matter in his day in the early 20th century. What follows is a link to one of his sermons on the subject. It deserves careful consideration, for it gives clear Biblical guidance on this vital matter. His sermon is called "True Christian Union, And The Devil's Counterfeit." Here's the link:</div>
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<a href="http://ratorrey.webs.com/True%20Christian%20Union%20and%20the%20Devil's%20Counterfeit.htm">http://ratorrey.webs.com/True%20Christian%20Union%20and%20the%20Devil's%20Counterfeit.htm</a></div>
Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007535778092630231.post-41265258670173392292013-02-22T16:34:00.000-08:002013-02-22T16:34:16.010-08:00Confronting The Problem Of Pornography<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>By Pastor Bruce K. Oyen</em></div>
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Email: <a href="mailto:bk_oyen@hotmail.com">bk_oyen@hotmail.com</a></div>
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Pornography has been around for a long time. But it has become a greater problem in recent years for a number of reasons, one of which is its accessibility on the internet.</div>
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We Christians are not immune to this moral plague. Those caught up in it, whether Christians or not, need help in overcoming it, or help to avoid starting down its path of destruction. No doubt there are many programs and ministries that offer the needed help. What follows is a link to one of them that deals with the matter from a Biblical and Christian perspective. The link takes you to a news item about it on the Baptist Press website. Baptist Press is a Southern Baptist news source.</div>
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Here's the link: <a href="http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=39752">http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=39752</a></div>
Bruce Oyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452003337660080930noreply@blogger.com0