With the recent uprising in Egypt, I thought it would be worthwhile to get a little historical context. What better place to go than the Bible? Take a look at this interactive map to see all the places in modern-day Egypt that are mentioned in the Bible.
Why do Bible believers say over and over that you must be born again? Because the Bible tells us that you must be born again. It’s black and white. There is no wiggle room. Either you are born again or you are NOT born again. If you are born again, the Bible promises that you will see the Kingdom of God (John 3:3). If you are NOT born again, the Bible promises that you will see the Lake of Fire (Rev 20:15). The choice is up to you, and you alone. It is not up to your mother, your father, your sister, or your brother. It is not up to your nation, your community, your town, or your church. There is no collective effort or collaboration in this matter. There is no way to cheat or to substitute someone else’s passing grade as your own. I am going to sound like a broken record here because this concept is that important for you to grasp. Why? I don’t want you to end up in Hell like the millions (if not billions) of people who have wound up there before you.
John 3:3 “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
Did you read that? What does that verse say? It says a man must be born again to see the Kingdom of God. Are you born again? Do you even know what it means to be born again? Do you even care enough about your own soul to investigate the question? Do you want to see the Kingdom of God? Do you even know what the Kingdom of God is (Romans 14:17)? Do you love God enough to take five minutes to find out? Have I made you uncomfortable by asking these questions? Why are you uncomfortable? Is it because your conscience is telling you that you are NOT born again? Is it because you have lived your life in defiance of God and not believed on your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? Is it because you think you are such a good person that God will allow you into Heaven based on your works? I have news for you, you are probably NOT born again if you are made uncomfortable by the sentence: “Ye must be born again.”
John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
How about verse seven? What does it say? It says do not marvel at the phrase, “ye must be born again.” I know somebody commented that he does not like the phrase: “born again.” He claims he don’t like the phrase because too many “bad” people claim to be born again. This sounds reasonable, until one understands that all people (including those born again) are fallen sinners in a fallen world. Of course there are “bad” people who are born again as we are all destined to sin, although we must ask the question, are they “bad” in man’s eyes or God’s? While they won’t admit it, the real reason they do not like the phrase because they are NOT born again. Many hypocrites will say that being “born again” is pretentious or over-used by liars, pretenders, fakes. I say, “So what?” Stop the excuses. Those people will have their judgment. The question you must ask is: will you also have yours?
1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
How are you born again? 1 Peter 1:23 tells us directly. We are born again by the word of God. What was that? The word of God? Where can that be found? It can be found in English in the King James Bible. It is your foundation in a world filled with confusion as God promises that his word will live and abide for ever. This promise is re-iterated in Psalm 12:6:7 (pure words, preserved for ever),Matthew 5:8 and Luke 16:7 (till heaven and earth pass, not one tittle will pass from the law). If somebody tries to steal the promises of the English Bible from you by changing 60,000 “archaic” words and thereby confusing scripture, please turn them to 1 Corinthians 14:33 and ask them who is the author of confusion and why they are following him.
So, if we are born again by the word of God, what does the word of God say on being born again? Let’s go back to our starting point: John Chapter 3.
John 3:3-4 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
Nicodemus, one of the most intelligent men who ever lived, asked Jesus Christ how a man could be born again. This is a logical question since it is hard for any of us to mentally conceive of being physically born again as an adult. What was Jesus’ response?
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.
He said that a man must be born of water and of the Spirit. What in the world did he mean by that? Does he mean that you must be born in the ocean? Did he mean that you must be water-baptized? How can we ever figure the answer out? As God is not the author of confusion (1 Cor 14;33) the answer is not that hard to find. Read on to the next verse.
John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
God clarifies John 3:5 with the wording of John 3:6. The Water and Spirit of John 3:5 are the same as the Flesh and Spirit of John 3:6. When Jesus said that you must be born of the water, he was speaking of your literal, physical birth (i.e. when a woman’s water breaks…). However, before you think you can make an easy escape through allegory, the Spirit of verse 5 is still the Spirit of verse 6. This means that regardless of which verse you choose: you still must be born again (of the Spirit).
John 3:7-8: Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
This is the consistent testimony of all people who have been born again. Literally, the Spirit of God hits you like a freight train. One moment you are wallowing in your sin, and the next moment you have had a lightening-bolt realization that you are in dire need of a savior. If this freight train hasn’t hit you, it’s because you haven’t allowed it to. You’ve been so busy bobbing and weaving to avoid the truth that you are literally running from God who created you and loves you. Like the backsliding heifer, you refuse to hear (Zechariah 7:11)
John 3:9-10: Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
You, like Nicodemus and every other unsaved person, are probably incredulous by now. How can this be?”, you ask. Jesus’ response to both Nicodemus and all readers cuts straight through our egos. Are you not a self-proclaimed genius? Are you not smarter than the rest? Are you not modern? Are you not living in the 21st Century? Do you not have access to computers, television, phones, and the internet? Have you not navigated the earth, sea, and skies? And yet with all this knowledge, you still ask such a question as basic as: “how can these things be?”
John 3:11-12 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
Jesus cuts straight to the chase. He has told you (and Nicodemus) what he knows to be true and what has been seen, yet you do not believe him. He then asks you a rhetorical question: If you do not believe the miracles, signs, and wonders conducted in our physical reality which he has told you about, how can you possibly expect to believe the unseen things of heaven? This is a logical predicament that most “pew-warmers” find themselves in. They go through the motions of their vain traditions (Matthew 6:7, Romans 1:21) but they find themselves no more enlightened about the things of God than when they started. Their problem lies not in the complexity of God’s word, but in themselves. If they cannot believe the physical miracles of the Bible (The 6-24-hour-day Creation, Garden of Eden, Noah’s Flood, Joshua’s Long Day, Jesus’ walking on water, etc.), they cannot logically expect to believe that Jesus Christ is Lord or that He died for OUR sins.
John 3:13-15 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Here, Jesus tells us something that only God knows. First, until Jesus descended from heaven, no man had (or was going to) ascend up on his own as that is a power reserved for God alone. Second, Jesus explains to us how the Old Testament examples fit the New Testament prophecies: Jesus must be crucified (lifted up on the cross) and also lifted up into Heaven. Third, Jesus tells us why He must be lifted up: So that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. DID YOU READ THAT!!! Do you remember how 1 Peter 1:23 tells us that we’ll be born again by the word of God? Well, you just read the crux of the matter! In fact, God wants you to know the truth so he repeats it in the next verse to try and get it into your hard heart.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
It only took 13 verses, but we’re here! We are to the most famous (and important) verse in the Bible. Yes, you read that correctly. If you take anything from this message, please put John 3:16 to memory. God LOVES the world. He loves you. He loves everyone. In fact, he loves you so much that he gave the life of His only begotten Son to save us all. He doesn’t require any actions or works on your part in return. You don’t have to be good. You don’t have to give to the poor. You don’t have to be sinless. All God asks is that you believe. Did you hear me? You only have to Believe. It’s that simple (but not that easy). Just Believe on your Creator, Lord, and Savior, Jesus Christ and you will have everlasting life.
“Hold on,” you say. I believe in Jesus. In fact, everybody believes in Jesus. All of history attests to the fact that Jesus walked this Earth 2,000 years ago. Does that mean we are all going to Heaven? No. Simply believing that Jesus was a historical figure is not to believe in him unto salvation. If you believe in Jesus in the same way that you believe in Julius Caesar, Genghis Khan, or George Washington, then you are not going to have everlasting life. You are not trusting in Jesus; you are just acknowledging his existence. 1 Peter 3:21 clarifies for us that what saves us is the answer of a good conscience toward God, not a mere intellectual exercise. Romans 10:9 tells us that we can’t merely mouth the words “I believe” like a Harry Potter magic spell, we must believe it in our hearts: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Do you think God is unjust in his methodology of salvation? Jesus pre-empts your unbelieving mind in verse 17 by informing you that he did not send his Son to die in order to condemn the multitudes that are willingly going to go to Hell. Hell was not intended for you. It was intended for the Devil and his fallen angels (Matthew 25:41). You don’t have to go there, but if you do, it is your choice. God sent his Son to die in order that all of us (that is the world), might be saved.
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Acts 2:37 “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Is your heart pricked yet? God made it plain as day in verse 18. A sinner who believes is not condemned. It does not matter if you are a murderer, fornicator, or thief. If you believe, you will not be condemned. Now comes the tough part. Conversely, there is only 1 sin that will condemn us. That sin is unbelief. It doesn’t matter how good of a person you think you are: If you do not believe in the name of Jesus Christ, you are condemned and on your way to Hell.
John 3:19-21 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Jesus now throws the gauntlet on the table. He puts it about as bluntly as it can be put. The reason you do not believe is because you love darkness as it covers up your evil deeds. You may be able to hide those deeds from men, but you cannot hide them from God. We are told in Matthew 10:26: “…for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.”
You must now ask yourself: “Do I love darkness (and evil), or do I love the light (and truth)?” The Bible tells us that you have a choice in this matter. We are not robots, automatons, or wooden toys like Pinocchio. Proverbs 16:9 tells about our choice: The broad way to Hell (Matthew 7:13) or the narrow way (Matthew 7:14) to Heaven. Either you choose to believe in Jesus Christ, or you choose to reject Jesus Christ. It is that simple. Ye must be born again.
I pray that both your conscience and your heart have been pricked. I pray that you have been convicted to the point of 2 Corinthians 7:10: “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” Please, for the sake of your soul, repent of your unbelief and believe on our Lord Jesus Christ so that you too can be born again. While we will probably never meet in this life, I hope to see you in Heaven.
In 2005, Bobby Henderson wrote a letter to the Kansas State Board of Education expressing his opposition to their recent decisions concerning the teaching of Intelligent Design. He claimed to be a member of a parody religion known as Pastafarianism which worships the Flying Spaghetti Monster. His skillful use of rhetoric and humor turned the idea into an Internet phenomenon – today it has a polished website and 14.6% of the French editors of Wikipedia claim to believe in it. Yet, his own parody easily shows the foolishness of these common anti-creationist arguments.
The argument generally goes that if Intelligent Design or anything else that might be characterized as creationism is allowed to be taught alongside evolution, then every single creation story must be included, no matter how ridiculous it may seem. This argument embodies the perspective that the notion of a creator God is just as silly, imaginary, and unscientific as, well, a Flying Spaghetti Monster (hereafter known as the FSM). One need not provide further evidence to point out the atheistic nature of this line of thinking.
I once pointed out in a discussion with an ardent atheist that belief in evolution requires a belief that such a ridiculous creature could one day evolve. I posited that an octopus could eventually take on characteristics that allow it to fly, giving an air-bound creature the “noodly appendages” that are so emblematic of the FSM. His predictable retort described me as totally ignorant regarding what Darwinism is all about. Little did I know that I’d be vindicated by a project called The Future Is Wild, which includes a documentary and a cartoon series aired on Discovery Kids.
The project is centered around imagining what creatures might be around 5, 100, or even 200 million years from now. Yet, they repeatedly claim that it involves much more than that:
“Every animal and plant in The Future is Wild could really exist. Our science team devised each one as a viable, living organism. Their place in the environment, their life cycle and their place in the food chain are all authentic.”
What’s more, the team involved in the creation is not made up of artists, but 16 scientists that are “experts in fields such as geology, climatology and biology.” To be clear, they are claiming that the processes of biological change originally theorized by Charles Darwin could realistically make their imagined world come to life given the right conditions and enough time. That’s where Squibby comes in.
Squibby is the playful pet of the main characters of the cartoon series. He is a cross between a Gibbon (which resembles a monkey) and a squid (yes, a squid), giving him the proper name, “Squibbon.” The resemblance to the FSM is striking:
Because of their tree-dwelling ancestry, squibbon can “fly” through the trees. The relation to a squid gives it the same “noodly appendages” as the FSM (the Future Squid Monkey?) Really, except for the fact that the squibbon only has one large round body mass instead of two, these two creatures are not decidedly different from one another.
Galatians 6:7 tells us that God s not mocked. Indeed, when vast numbers of people reject their creator, the resulting foolishness is limited only by our imagination. The absurdity of Henderson’s “monster” makes it an effective and humorous parody. As we have seen, atheists themselves must believe such a ridiculous thing could someday exist in order to be consistent in their worldview.
When we read the Bible and come across Moloch, the God to which people offered babies as a sacrifice, we seldom think it has anything to do with people of our time. You’ll be surprised to discover we’re really not all that different.
Recently a friend asked me a question about the reward mentioned in 1 Corinthians 3:14:
If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
He had heard that the promised reward was contingent upon a Christian’s Bible reading and/or spiritual knowledge. My friend is wise to mull over this reward as Colossians 3:2 clearly tells us to “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Comparing scripture with scripture will shed some light on the subject of rewards and works.
Before getting into the main passage, let’s sidetrack to a similar subject presented in the Gospels. The Bible tells us in Matthew 6:20 that we should not lay up treasures on earth, but treasures in heaven. What are these treasures? Is it possible they are related to the reward in 1 Corinthians 3:14? We are not given any direct connection between the two verses, but Matthew 6:20 gives scriptural support to the idea that treasures (rewards) in Heaven are a biblical idea and not a lone, misunderstood verse.
Again in the Gospels, consider Mathew 25:20-30. Here we read the parable of servants and talents which clearly indicates a possibility of authority and/or rule over things to come based on what we do here with our resources in this life. God seems to be telling us that our faithfulness will be rewarded when we see him again. Again, no direct connection is given to the verses above, but we do have further support that all may not be equal in Heaven. This would correspond much more to a capitalistic class system rather than a socialistic or communistic approach where all are theoretically given equal privileges.
In ,light of this, what does the reward in 1 Cor 3:14 refer to? Are we rewarded according to the level of our Bible reading, spiritual knowledge, or something else? Reading this verse within the broader context of verses 1-15 will lead us to the answer.
Paul begins Chapter 3 by informing us that he is dealing with carnal Christians who are mere babes in Christ. He continues in verse 2 by elaborating that Christians must begin their studies drinking spiritual milk before they are ready for spiritual meat. Paul then proceeds to denounce divisions (i.e. modern denominations) that in his day were centered on Paul and Apollos (similar to Calvin, Luther, et. al.). Paul explains in verse 6-7 that man can plant spiritual seeds and water but God brings the increase.
1 Cor 3:6-7 is a scriptural continuation of the harvest verses of Matthew 9:37-38, Luke 10:2,John 4:35 and the sower parable of Matthew 13:3 and Luke 8:5. Verse 8 elaborates that the planter and waterer are one (as in the body of Christ), but even so, each individual Christian will receive a reward according to their own labor. Verse 9 tells us that we labor with God as both his husbandry (workers) and that we are his building built on the foundation of Jesus Christ (verses 10-11).
Now the clear message begins to come to light. Paul proceeds to tell us in 1 Cor 3:12 that Christians can build precious things or worthless stubble on their spiritual foundation of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, in verses 13-15; God will make this work manifest by trying it with fire. Any man’s work that survives this fiery purge will be given to him as a reward, while any man’s work that burns shall be a loss. This is very important to read for two reasons. First, it is clear that our actions on this earth have an impact on our heavenly reward. Second, it gives rock-solid support for the doctrine of eternal security!
Now, having read 1 Corinthians 3:14 within the context of 1 Corinthians 1-15, we should have a better understanding of the reward we will receive. As can be seen by the verses in context, the reward Paul discusses is first mentioned in 1 Corinthians 8. 1 Corinthians 8 clearly attributes the reward to the same Christians mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6-7. These Christians are not earning this reward through regular bible study or spiritual knowledge but through earnest attempts at evangelism and witnessing to the lost. What does this mean for us? It means we need to stop using bible studies and prayer meetings as excuses to avoid what we are called to do: witness to the lost.
In order to properly finish this biblical analysis, I must end it on a caveat. God knows your heart (Acts 1:24, Acts 15:8, Romans 8:27). If you read this article and go running off to witness based solely on a desire for God’s rewards: you are falling into a similar error as that of Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:21). Conversely, if you are spiritually lazy, do not use the pretence of not seeking rewards as an excuse to not witness (Matthew 25:26, Hebrews 6:12, Ephesians 6:6). I pray that you will seek the spiritual middle ground and witness for the same reason that we obey God in any other facet of our lives – solely because it pleases him (1 Corinthians 1:21, 2 Timothy 2:4).
I’ve been out shopping for cars recently, and it has reminded me of one of the shortcomings I’ve noticed among Christian websites I tend to visit. As usual, I intend to fill this gap through our efforts at SoulLiberty.com. Let me explain.
Something I appreciate about car websites is that they put a lot of effort into showing you the main features of each model. I can see the inside and outside, and often do a 360-degree tour. In each view, I can see certain areas featured; click on them and find out more details, see a video, etc. Of course, a lot of this is designed to dazzle the buyer into an emotional state where he simply must have that car becuause “it’s just so cool!”
But aren’t certain things about the Bible just “so cool?” I happen to think so. Then, why not present things in such a way that conveys that feeling to the new or maturing Christian student? If a storytelling professor can make statistics look like the most interesting thing in the world, can’t geeky web designers do the same with the most epic and fascinating story of all time?
Guttenberg invented the printing press for one big reason: to distribute the Bible to as many people as possible. That was a time when Christians were the master of new technology intended to carry out God’s calling. Today, the most high-tech ideas are motivated by material gain or fulfilling other carnal lusts. How can we begin to turn this back around?
One place to start is by implementing today’s technology to aid in teaching Biblical ideas. Yes, churches and ministries are always adopting new tools, but they were new to the world 5-10 years ago. One of my 2011 goals is to bring the Bible itself into a tool that is barely over a month old. That’s the future. Right now, we have some catching up to do.
Go back to the car example: our website applied that years-old idea to the Ark of the Covenant. While a clip from Indiana Jones might invoke the “that’s so cool” thoughts, I felt it would be better to make something different. What we have now is a 3-D model of the Ark that can be explored from the exterior and interior. You can click on icons to learn about key features, just like that Corvette you’ve been drooling over. It’s interesting, informative, and biblical. It links yesterday to today through technology and by linking the Ark’s symbolism to our daily Christian walk.
What I am not advocating here is a wordly approach to evangelism with focus groups, high-pressure marketing campaigns, and so on. There’s nothing wrong with advertising, however. Isn’t that what evangelism is anyway – advertising the Gospel far and wide? I’m also not arguing that putting a little more glitz into a website will have a direct impact on the visitor’s journey to salvation. I’m simply pleading for a higher standard. Give God your best each and every day in everything you do, and it will eventually rub off on others.
God’s Word has more to say about political and economic issues than we may realize. This segment of Godonomics explains the biblical basis for lesser government and what happens when we set up men rather than God as our Lord and King.
This outline is the beginning of a series of articles that, Lord Willing, will become a book on the subject of Soul Liberty. This compilation has been three years in the making and could possibly take more. It is the result of much Bible study, much prayer, and much debate. The thesis of this outline has rocked the very soul of its author who until this year was determined to resist its conclusion. The thesis can be summed up as follows:
Jeremiah 18:7-10: “At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.”
Key points to consider for all who love Jesus Christ:
Matthew 9:37-38: “Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”
An eye-opening description of what life is like for the inhabitants of war-torn Southern Sudan. Peter Hammond and Frontline Fellowship are inspiring in their efforts to smuggle Bibles into one of the most hostile places on Earth.
All Christians need to pray for discernment on the subject of vaccination. Ask yourself: “Does God’s medicine include injecting people with tissue from an aborted baby, embalming fluid, mercury, or anti-freeze?” According to the product inserts, some vaccines contain exactly those chemicals. Watch this doctor’s testimony to make an informed decision.
In this day of rapid change, when many Christians have suddenly started using one of the many modern English translations of the Bible (NASB, NIV, NEB, NRSV, NKJV, etc.), abandoning the long-used King James Version read and loved by English-speaking people of all ages and walks of life for over ten generations, it may be appropriate to review a few of the reasons why many creationists, including this writer, still prefer to use the latter.
The Bible teaches the only true NON-racist version of human history. We are all descendants of Adam. We are all genetically related. Contrast this with the racist theory of Evolution that promotes the ideas that those who are more evolved or superior.
The Discovery Institute takes a hard-hitting look at the falsifications and pseudo-science that make up modern scientific practice. As thorough as they are, we must add the most important detail: identification of the Designer as our Lord Jesus Christ.
Regardless of what you think about Brother Ruckman’s politically incorrect ideas, his chalk talk on Hell is worth watching. It outlines the 5 surprises that almost all of your family, friends, and associates will learn the hard way when they end up in Hell for NOT BELIEVING on Jesus Christ.
Watch Five Surprises in Hell in Faith & Spirituality | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
According to his detractors, Peter Ruckman is guilty of: plural marriages, being mean-spirited, stealing money from gullible followers, racism, Nazism, and an attempted assassination plot. Whatever the personal sins of this man, his true crime in the eyes of the world is that he openly professes to believe the King James Bible word-for-word. Watch how one Christian man responds to this topic in a fresh way.