Disturbing Report

Jesus said in Matthew 7:14 "...narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." He further says in Matthew 11:27, "Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one the Son wills to reveal Him."

With finality...Jesus proclaims in John 14:6, "I am THE way, THE truth, and THE life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

Yet...the following news report from Fox News is very disturbing...

Americans: My Faith Isn't the Only Way to Heaven
Associated Press - Tuesday , June 24, 2008

America remains a nation of believers, but a new survey finds most Americans don't feel their religion is the only way to eternal life — even if their faith tradition teaches otherwise.

The findings, revealed Monday in a survey of 35,000 adults, can either be taken as a positive sign of growing religious tolerance, or disturbing evidence that Americans dismiss or don't know fundamental teachings of their own faiths.

Among the more startling numbers in the survey, conducted last year by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life: 57 percent of evangelical church attenders said they believe many religions can lead to eternal life, in conflict with traditional evangelical teaching.

In all, 70 percent of Americans with a religious affiliation shared that view, and 68 percent said there is more than one true way to interpret the teachings of their own religion.

"The survey shows religion in America is, indeed, 3,000 miles wide and only three inches deep," said D. Michael Lindsay, a Rice University sociologist of religion. "There's a growing pluralistic impulse toward tolerance and that is having theological consequences," he said.

Earlier data from the Pew Forum's U.S. Religious Landscape Survey, released in February, highlighted how often Americans switch religious affiliation. The newly released material looks at religious belief and practice as well as the impact of religion on society, including how faith shapes political views.

The report argues that while relatively few people — 14 percent — cite religious beliefs as the main influence on their political thinking, religion still plays a powerful indirect role.

The study confirmed some well-known political dynamics, including stark divisions over abortion and gay marriage, with the more religiously committed taking conservative views on the issues.

But it also showed support across religious lines for greater governmental aid for the poor, even if it means more debt and stricter environmental laws and regulations.

By many measures, Americans are strongly religious: 92 percent believe in God, 74 percent believe in life after death and 63 percent say their respective scriptures are the word of God.

But deeper investigation found that more than one in four Roman Catholics, mainline Protestants and Orthodox Christians expressed some doubts about God's existence, as did six in ten Jews.

Another finding almost defies explanation: 21 percent of self-identified atheists said they believe in God or a universal spirit, with 8 percent "absolutely certain" of it.

"Look, this shows the limits of a survey approach to religion," said Peter Berger, a theology and sociology professor at Boston University. "What do people really mean when they say that many religions lead to eternal life? It might mean they don't believe their particular truth at all. Others might be saying, 'We believe a truth but respect other people, and they are not necessarily going to hell.'"

Luis Lugo, director of the Pew Forum, said that more research is planned to answer those kinds of questions, but that earlier, smaller surveys found similar results.

Nearly across the board, the majority of religious Americans believe many religions can lead to eternal life: mainline Protestants (83 percent), members of historic black Protestant churches (59 percent), Roman Catholics (79 percent), Jews (82 percent) and Muslims (56 percent).

By similar margins, people in those faith groups believe in multiple interpretations of their own traditions' teachings. Yet 44 percent of the religiously affiliated also said their religion should preserve its traditional beliefs and practices.

"What most people are saying is, 'Hey, we don't have a hammer-lock on God or salvation, and God's bigger than us and we should respect that and respect other people,'" said the Rev. Tom Reese, a senior fellow at the Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University.

"Some people are like butterflies that go from flower to flower, going from religion to religion — and frankly they don't get that deep into any of them," he said.

Beliefs about eternal life vary greatly, even within a religious tradition.

Some Christians hold strongly to Jesus' words as described in John 14:6: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Others emphasize the wideness of God's grace.

The Catholic church teaches that the "one church of Christ ... subsists in the Catholic Church" alone and that Protestant churches, while defective, can be "instruments of salvation."

Roger Oldham, a vice president with the executive committee of the Southern Baptist Convention bristled at using the word "tolerance" in the analysis. "If by tolerance we mean we're willing to engage or embrace a multitude of ways to salvation, that's no longer evangelical belief," he said. "The word 'evangelical' has been stretched so broadly, it's almost an elastic term."

Others welcomed the findings.

"It shows increased religious security. People are comfortable with other traditions even if they're different," said the Rev. C. Welton Gaddy, president of the Interfaith Alliance. "It indicates a level of humility about religion that would be of great benefit to everyone."

More than most groups, Catholics break with their church, and not just on issues like abortion and homosexuality. Only six in 10 Catholics described God as "a person with whom people can have a relationship" — which the church teaches — while three in 10 described God as an "impersonal force."

"The statistics show, more than anything else, that many who describe themselves as Catholics do not know or understand the teachings of their church," said Denver Roman Catholic Archbishop Charles Chaput. "Being Catholic means believing what the Catholic church teaches. It is a communion of faith, not simply of ancestry and family tradition. It also means that the church ought to work harder at evangelizing its own members."

Ahh...These Lead to The Dark Side

By Brian L. Baker

Ok…I admit it…I am a Star Wars fan. I get mesmerized watching Jedi-knights swinging light sabers at one another. Yes, I think the Millennium-Falcon is the coolest ship ever. This past month I happened to catch of the Star Wars movies and the little green wise-guy, Yoda caught my attention.

Yoda makes this statement, “"Beware of the dark side. Anger...fear...aggression. The dark side of the Force are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight."

Now…I don’t believe in the force, but I do believe that evil exists and sin is a real issue in our lives. Further, Jesus, the really all-powerful ruler of the universe, addresses the same issues throughout his ministry. Take a look…

• Matthew 5:5 – “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth”


• Matthew 5:22 – “But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of judgment.


• Matthew 6:34 – “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.”

When we become angry…when we seek our own fulfillment…when we constantly worry, then we put ourselves in a position to be disobedient in our walk with the Lord.

Let’s look at what it means to be MEEK. The dictionary defines MEEK as “humbly patient or docile, as under provocation from others.” It is easy to let gossip become a provoking stimulus in our lives. We get worked up and upset when we let negative thoughts invade our lives. Being meek in the church means to be humble and patient, even times of adversity. Even when times are rough we must remain calm.

Then there is the issue of ANGER. It is easy to get upset. In fact anger can feel good, especially when we think we are right. However, we should be cautious about our anger. It is easy to get angry in a church full of people with different ideas, hopes, and wants. It is easy to find disagreement. It is easy to dwell on it.

Yet, we are warned about anger. When ANGER becomes the prevailing emotion in our lives, we lose sight of what God can do and what He is doing. Add WORRY to the mix and you will find another stumbling block. There is no doubt that WORRY leads to ANGER and the loss of self control. We let emotions begin to rule our lives rather than the Word of God.

Christians must understand that we will go through difficult times and that the Christian walk is not a joyous, euphoric ride down the yellow-brick road. There will always be monkey’s chasing you. For examples and references see Jacob, David, Solomon, Isaiah, Job, Hosea, and Jonah.

Now…think about this…

In March we had the largest free-will giving month in our church’s history. In a time where we saw dire situations arising, God provide our every need and then some. Look over the past year, and even in adversity God has provided at every turn.

Yet, I heard someone say, “Well, what about the next time we hit a rough spot?” Or better yet, I heard another person say, “The same problems just plague us.”

Welcome to LIFE folks. Why worry about the next time? Jesus warns us about worry…and reminds us that he takes care of the birds of the air and the flowers of the field AND He will take care of our every need. We simply must remain faithful.

Yep, the same problems exist generation after generation. It is funny to hear someone say that because God faced the same complaints from the Israelites time and time again. To paraphrase Ecclesiastes, “there is nothing new under the sun.” Yes, we will face hard times again JUST LIKE we have faced them in the past. Yet, each time God has provided…and His will has been done.

We are called to do only one thing…be faithful. This is easy to do when things are going good. However, when things get tough what do we do? We quit being meek and we embrace worry, which leads to anger, which leads to complaining. Then we are just like the Israelites asking Moses to take us back to Egypt where we were much better off being slaves.

Oh, my friends and family…my brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us strive to shake the bonds of worry and anger. Let us strive to be like Job, faithful and committed to God even in difficult times.

Yes, it may look like we are losing ground. Maybe you feel from time to time that some of the church ministries are falling and crumbling. However, remember Job. Just when it all seemed to end, God provided and did so more abundantly than before.

God has given us so much…

Last August we entered into a time of prayer for our church, school, and ministries. We had a need to reach 165 students to meet financial needs and accreditation needs. God answered that prayer with 7 foreign exchange students.

Then, we needed our Christian school sports program to do well. This past year our football program saw more fans and more financial gain than the previous year.

Our church and school helped organize the annual auction and put together a Rock-A-Thon event. That even raised the funds needed to meet specific needs at that time. Further, in that same we moved into our new auditorium.

In the fall, during our spiritual emphasis week, we say children and adults come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

During the last year we saw the Heartland orchestra and choir grow. Have you noticed that on recent Sunday’s, the choir loft is all-but-full? Plus, the past year saw the development of the Heartland Jazz Band. Recently, the their benefit concert raised over $3,000 profit.

Time and time again, God has provided our every need. Why worry about the next problem? Let us rejoice in the blessings and victories God has provided right now. Our God warns us NOT to worry. He knows that worry leads to anger. He knows that anger leads to division.

Do you know what happens when God is good? The devil gets mad and starts poking around. He is looking to create worry. He is looking for something to get angry about. Don’t let the devil tag you. Trust the Lord…even in the hard times. After that great giving in March…that is when some new complaining began. “What about next time” or “This always happens” or “We can’t seem to have it smooth” are all comments I have heard. I say to you "why worry?" Remember that not even the Son of God had a place to rest His head. Yet, God provided His need. He provided the disciples needs. He provides for the birds of the air. He provides for the flowers of the field. He will provide for us!

God is doing great things in our church. The devil is going to try to attack that and bring worry and anxiousness into our midst. Get ready…it always happens.

Keep your eye on Christ…trust Him…and He will direct your path. Stay away from worry and anger. Amidst adversity, embrace a meek heart and serve each other with gladness. Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice. He is here and He is working.

Mark 12:41-44

41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts.

42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.

43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.

44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."

Remember...be faithful to the Lord in your giving...

Even the World Gives

by Brian L. Baker

As I travel the state...working in the Missouri legislature...it is amazing to me to see the millions and millions of dollars given to political candidates. One lobbyist is reported to have established nearly 100 Political Action Committees. He uses each committee to distribute hundreds-of-thousands of dollars to candidates.

Just this month, Governor Blunt announced he was not seeking re-election. His campaign alone had amassed over $6 million. His political party has access to several million dollars more.

The fact is...people in this world give money to things they are passionate about. Believe it or not...they give a lot. So this begs the question…

What are we, as Christians, passionate about?

Paul shares his passion in Philippians 1:21 when he says, “For me living is Christ and dying is gain.” His passion was Christ. His life...his all was for Christ.

Paul also gives us instructions a few verses later in Philippians 1:27 when he says, “Just one thing: live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

What is our passion? Are we living in a manner that is worthy of the Gospel. Are we giving what we can to further the ministry of Jesus Christ? Are we giving our all?

Jesus expressed this passion. In Mark 12:41-44 we see the story of the Widow’s Gift. Jesus tells us that “she out of her poverty has put in everything she possessed—all she had to live on.” Her life, her passion was the Lord.

We may never raise $6 million. We may not have big donors like politicians. However, if we give...as the widow gave...giving all we have...we can do greater things. Let our passion be Christ. Let us give more than the world by giving all we have to serve our Lord and Savior.

Encourage one another. Strive to be faithful in giving...be faithful with your time by being in Bible study and worship. In doing this...we will see God’s blessings.

God bless you all!

Seven Good Reasons Christians Should Not Drink

By Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D. (Edited by Brian L. Baker - 2007)
©1989 & February 2002 David L. Brown

"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." Proverbs 20:1

My heart aches for the family that lost their only two children in an auto accident recently. A drunk driver crossed the median and plowed into their car. The five-month old and, their four year old were killed. Their children wiped out. But, there is more. This tragic scene is repeated every 33 minutes. That’s right. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration a person dies every 33 minutes in an alcohol related accident. And that’s not all. An estimated 310,000 persons were injured in crashes each year where police reported that alcohol was present. That’s an average of one person injured approximately every 2 minutes.

Consider these additional statistics from the United States Justice Department: Nearly 4 in 10 violent victimizations involve use of alcohol. Also, victim reports show, on average each year about 183,000 rapes and sexual assaults involve alcohol use by the offender, as do just over 197,000 robberies, about 661,000 aggravated assaults, and nearly 1.7 million simple assaults.

The Scripture is true! "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." Proverbs 20:1. It is at the root of all kinds of problems in our country today and it has been for hundreds of years. Proverbs 23:31-32 is a powerful injunction against drinking alcoholic beverages. It says, . 31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.

There is clear evidence in the Scriptures that believers should not drink alcoholic beverages. In this report I list 7 Good Reasons Why Christians Should Not Drink Alcoholic Beverages. However, before we do that, we are going to look at the words translated wine, drink or drinking.

A LOOK AT THE WORDS
There are 637 references to wine, drink and drinking in the King James Version of the Bible. Most people think in today’s terms, believing that when wine is mentioned it refers to alcoholic wine. Actually, that is not necessarily true. Thirteen different words are translated "wine" in the King James Version of the Bible. The word wine has a wide range of meaning in the Bible, covering everything from grape juice, to concentrated grape syrup to alcoholic wine. To understand what the Bible has to say about drinking, we need to look at several of these words.

OLD TESTAMENT HEBREW WORDS FOR WINE
"yayin" -- It is a general term for grape beverages and includes all classes of wine, non-alcoholic or alcoholic; unfermented, in the process of fermentation and fermented. (Proverbs 31:4) The context will show whether it is alcoholic wine or not. Yayin, when used properly was always diluted with water.

"shekar" -- It is the word for strong drink, unmixed wine. The 1901 edition of THE JEWISH ENCYCLOPEDIA says, "Yakin, wine, is to be distinguished from Shekar, or strong drink. The former is diluted with water; the later is undiluted." Shekar was not diluted with water." (see Numbers 28:7)

"Tirosh" -- This word refers to fresh grape juice. It is referred to often as new wine or sweet wine. (see Proverbs 3:10; Deuteronomy 7:13)

NEW TESTAMENT GREEK WORDS FOR WINE
"oinos" is the counterpart to the Old Testament word yayin. It is a general term for grape beverages and includes all classes of wine, non-alcoholic or alcoholic; fermented or unfermented. The context has to be used to determine whether the drink was intoxicating or not. (Luke 10:34; Ephesians 5:18). Oinos, when used properly was always diluted with water.

"sikera" is the counterpart to the Old Testament word shekar. It is the word for strong drink, unmixed wine. (Luke 1:15)

"gleukos" is the counterpart to the Old Testament word tirosh. Dr. Paul Dixon says "It refers to fresh wine, a new wine" or freshly squeezed grape juice.
Now, why believers should abstain from drinking...???

1. DRINKING LEADS TO DRUNKENNESS
In the April 24, 1965 issue of Christianity Today, the article, on page 25 says, "People must be informed that the use of alcohol is not unlike Russian roulette: every tenth person becomes automatically hooked. the only solution is total abstinence." These statistics are supported by the American Medical Association.

DRUNKENNESS IS CONDEMNED IN THE BIBLE

Isaiah 5:11-- "Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!"

Proverbs 23:20-- "Be not among winebibbers;" The word means to drink so much that you become tipsy or drunk.

Romans 13:13 -- "Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting (drunken partying) and drunkenness (general drunken-ness)..."

Galatians 5:19a & 21 -- "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these...drunkenness..."

Ephesians 5:18 -- "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;"

DRUNKARDS ARE AMONG THE LIST OF THOSE WHO WILL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
I Corinthians 6:9-11 (key verse 10) - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: …drunkards…, shall inherit the kingdom of God."

You can’t get around it, and in fact, all godly men agree that the Bible condemns drunkenness. Drunkenness is a serious matter.

2. THE BIBLE CONDEMNS STRONG DRINK ALSO
Proverbs 20:1 "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."

NOTE again, Isaiah 5:11 -- "Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!"

Proverbs 23:29-31 -- "Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? (30) They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.(a mixture of wine and spices) (31) Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright."

WHAT WAS "STRONG DRINK" IN BIBLE TIMES? Distillation was not discovered until about 1500 A.D. Strong drink and unmixed wine in Bible times was from 3% to 11% alcohol. Dr. John MacArthur says "...since anybody in biblical times who drank unmixed wine (9-11% alcohol) was definitely considered a barbarian, then we don’t even need to discuss whether a Christian should drink hard liquor--that is apparent!"

CHRISTIANS SHOULD NOT DRINK STRONG DRINK! Since wine has 9 to 11% alcohol and one brand 20% alcohol, you should not drink that. Brandy contains 15 to 20% alcohol, so that’s out! Hard liquor has 40 to 50% alcohol (80 to 100 proof), and that is obviously excluded!
Someone will say, "since beer is only 4% alcohol, IT’S OK FOR A BELIEVER TO DRINK BEER, RIGHT?" The answer is NO! Here’s why...

3. IN BIBLE TIMES WHAT CHRISTIANS DRANK WS SUB-ALCOHOLIC, “BASICALLY” PURIFIED WATER
Remember the Hebrew word "yayin" and the Greek word "oinos" that we looked at earlier? These were the companion words for wine whether fermented or unfermented. In fact, whether fermented or not, it was MIXED WITH WATER.

Norman Geisler, former Dean of Liberty Center for Christian Scholarship, Liberty University, has written: "Many wine drinking Christians today mistakenly assume that what the New Testament meant by wine is identical to wine used today. This, however, is false. In fact, today’s wine is by Biblical definition strong drink, and hence forbidden by the Bible. What the Bible frequently meant by wine was basically purified water," purified by adding some alcoholic wine. The Holman Bible dictionary says, wine was also used as a medicine and disinfectant.

Geisler goes on to say, "Therefore, Christians ought not to drink wine, beer, or other alcoholic beverages for they are actually strong drink forbidden in Scripture. Even ancient pagans did not drink what some Christians drink today."

All alcoholic beverages used in our culture fall under the biblical classification of STRONG DRINK and are therefore forbidden. The least ratio of water to wine mixture used in Bible times was 3 parts water to 1 wine. That produced a sub-alcoholic drink that was 2.5% to 2.75% alcohol. Normally, the ratio was even higher, up to 20 to 1. Their is NO BIBLICAL SUPPORT FOR CHRISTIANS DRINKING THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OF OUR DAY! What early believers drank was sub-alcoholic by today’s standards. Pastors and deacons were cautioned to steer around even the sub-alcoholic stuff (I Timothy 3:3 & 8).

The right choice is to abstain! What is your choice?

4. IT WILL CAUSE OTHERS TO STUMBLE
Romans 14:21 says "It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to "to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak."

Innumerable Christians claim their "Christian Liberty" when it comes to social drinking. In order to do that, they must turn their backs on this passage of Scripture. "Sipping Saints" have given multitudes of people an excuse to drink. More than once, I have heard a believer say "there is nothing wrong with drinking in moderation. Pastor so and so even says it is OK."

The problem is, drinking often sets off a chain reaction of influences that are like tipping over the first domino. Drinking causes some to stumble, others to be offended, and many to be weakened. Studies support my statement.

According to a survey done by the Daily Journal newspaper, October 26, 1988, one of the top five reasons teenagers drink is because their parents drink. This has proven true time and time again.

Let me take it one step further. Parents, you must remember that whatever you do in moderation your child will likely do in excess.

The Bible clearly defines drinking as an activity that is to be foregone because it causes others to stumble and makes them weak (fall into sin).

There is yet another reason believers should not drink...

5. IT HARMS OUR BODIES WHICH ARE THE LORD’S
I Corinthians 6:19-20 "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

I Corinthians 3:16-17 "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."

The first effect of alcohol on the brain is to dull the capacity for self-criticism and the sense of caution. A lessening of care and anxiety follows this. The checks on irresponsibility and unreasonable behavior are also curtailed. Actions follow the impulses, which is dangerous. Reaction time become slower; coordination is disturbed; drowsiness follows.

Proverbs 23:29-33 gives clear testimony to the above description of alcohol on the brain. "Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things."

How many of you reading this report had high school or college biology? I did, and it was great. There were several girls in my high school biology class and I must say that I especially enjoyed the fit some of girls had when we dissected frogs. But what was really disgusting, even for me, was the day we had to walk up to the big barrel filled with formaldehyde and reach in and pull out a cat to work on. That day there were several of the girls that left class and as I recall a guy or two. To this day, I remember the disgusting aroma of the formaldehyde used to pickle frogs and cats.

So, what does that have to do with alcohol? Dr. Robert Haas, M.D. will fill you in. He is a former president of the American College of Sports Nutrition. He said, "Beer, wine and hard liquor form toxic substances called aldehydes that can destroy the liver, kidney and brain cells. Aldehydes serve a useful function in preserving or ‘pickling’ dead animal tissue, but they serve no beneficial purpose in people. Alcohol dehydrates (robs) your body of its precious water supply, and along with the water go vital nutrients such as B Vitamins, calcium, magnesium and potassium."

According to Good Housekeeping, "Even in moderate amounts alcohol has noticeable effects on the body. Because it enters the blood stream it touches almost every organ, and its effects on feelings and behavior are well known."

Alcohol has adverse affects on your esophagus, stomach & intestines, bloodstream, pancreas, liver, heart, bladder, kidneys, glands and your brain.

"The most drastic and noticed effect of alcohol is the brain. It depresses brain centers, progressively produces un-coordination, confusion, disorientation, stupor, anesthesia, coma, death. Alcohol kills brain cells, and brain damage is permanent" (From-Office of Highway Safety, Madison, WI)

As believers, our body belongs to the Lord. We should not knowingly do anything that would harm it. Alcohol harms the body and therefore we should not drink alcohol.

There is a further reason you should not drink...

6. ALCOHOL IS ADDICTIVE
I Corinthians 6:12 tells us that we are not to "be brought under the power" or to be controlled by anything. The only exception is the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18)

Alcohol is clearly a powerful substance (Proverbs 23:35). Because alcohol is addictive, we should choose not to drink alcoholic beverages.

The final reason we will consider for not drinking alcoholic beverages is...

7. BELIEVERS ARE KINGS AND PRIESTS SEPARATED UNTO GOD
"The prophets, the kings, the Nazarites, the leaders -- those who were special in the plan of God were total abstainers" says Dr. Paul Dixon, and he is correct. Kings and public officials were not to drink (Proverbs 31:4-5). Further Dr. Dixon says "the priests of the Old Testament were to abstain totally." The Aaronic priests were not to drink because they ministered in the tabernacle before the Lord (Leviticus 10:9)

The application: Believers are a "royal" or kingly priesthood (I Peter 2:9). We are the temple of God (I Peter 2:5). We are God’s special children and should choose total abstinence.

Drinking, even social drinking, cannot be legitimately supported by the Bible. Every drink that is available today, even beer, falls into the category of unmixed or strong drink. Clearly, Christians should not drink alcoholic beverages. Drinking socially is a worldly activity and in light of the fact that believers are neither to be conformed to the world (Romans 12:2) nor love the world(I John 2:15) our choice should be clear. We ARE to be SEPARATE FROM the world (II Corinthians 6:17) and LIGHT TO the world (Ephesians 5:8; Phillipians 2:15). Perhaps social drinking has enhanced the acceptability of Christians in society, but it has not advanced the cause of Christ, and it does not glorify God! Social drinking is simply a means which the devil uses to blunt our testimony for Christ and squeeze us into his mold. There are at least SEVEN GOOD REASONS A BELIEVER SHOULD NOT DRINK. One should be enough.

The Osteen International Version...

The Osteen Bible
by Rev Michael Bresciani

This was sent to me by a pastor-friend, David Krueger of FBC Linn, Missouri. It is a very interesting read.

The word apostasy is derived from the Greek word apostasis which literally means “desertion.” In the last few years of time as we know it the Bible clearly promises there will be a falling away or apostasy in the church and in long held theological principles.

If you need to ask if an apostasy or a desertion is occurring today you probably don’t own a radio or a television set. Long held beliefs are being questioned, set aside and abandoned altogether with alarming frequency. Here are some prime examples.

On January 5, 2008 a CBN newswomen Kristi Watts interviewing mega pastor Joel Osteen posed the question “What about the s-word, the d-word and the h-word.” Osteen acknowledged that he understood that the interviewer was referring to the words sin, devil and hell.

He quickly admitted that those were words he did not use in his messages because they tended to promote a negative approach to things. With more than 1300 clear references to the devil, sin and hell throughout the bible Osteen raised more questions than he answered.

The first question might be “who commissioned him to re-write the bible. A second more important question might be what did Christ die for? Up to now we thought he died for the sins of the world. The third question is derived from the bibles own answer to the second question and is inevitable. What’s the point of the rest of the bible if that’s not true, or important?

Recent interviews with Larry King, Glenn Beck and others have proven that Osteen is a charming uplifting communicator who is hard not to like. His messages are always positive and are not unlike those of any motivational speaker or self esteem guru but he is working under the title of “pastor” and that’s were the doubt is raised.

Osteen is far from the first person to remove the parts of the bible he didn’t like. Thomas Jefferson used a jackknife to cut out all references to hell and eternal punishment from the bible. Jefferson was a “deist” and that is a common belief among all deists. One major difference between Jefferson and Osteen is that Jefferson never called himself a pastor.

The biggest question is about timing. As churches slide away from biblical tenants and secularism creeps into the church all over the world isn’t the very timing of this new “happy feel good ultra positive gospel” just part and parcel to the promised apostasy? Millions think it is!

Many of the sermons Osteen preaches are on how to deal with critics. It seems that 44,000 weekly participants in his church services and 7 million viewers of the weekly televised broadcasts are getting some flak along with him. In a success worshipping, big is better society in this country not even that kind of success can curb the doubt of many people who have only to read their bibles to see that Osteen is leaving out a big part of the story; many would say the very heart of the story.

In Canada ministers of both Catholic and protestant churches are being prosecuted, imprisoned, fined and censured for quoting verses of the bible that condemn the gay lifestyle. A movement in Canada has begun in the legislature to begin taxing church properties like Sunday school rooms, kitchens, parking lots and anything not directly used as a sanctuary for worship. Severe limitations are being considered on the building of new church buildings.

Leaders like Tristan Emmanuel an ordained Presbyterian pastor, speaker and activist who prepares Christians for leadership and service in the public square warn that America is on the same slippery slope as Canada. It may not be long before American ministers will have to answer for saying what the bible says about gays, same gender marriages, pre-marital relations and other currently not politically correct long held beliefs derived from the bible.

Europe has demonstrated that it is far ahead of either Canada or the United States in secular progressive ideas and actual legislation.

In Spain during the last week of December 2007 almost two million Spaniards took to the streets of Madrid and filled up Madrid’s famous Colon Plaza in a powerful show of unity. The Spanish were calling for an end to Spain’s socialist governments attack on the institution of marriage. The Catholics were joined by representatives of the Episcopal and other protestant churches but were all snubbed by Spain’s ruling socialist party.

Cardinal Archbishop Antonio Canizares of Toledo lambasted the socialist government and said that “Spain's family is threatened by unjust and evil laws." The ruling socialist party of Spain snuffed its nose at the Pope, Cardinal Canizares and the demonstrators with a statement that read “we won’t take a single step back” The new more tolerant government of Spain will not tolerate over a thousand years of traditional and biblically derived beliefs about marriage and the family.

The ruling party touting a more tolerant society wasn’t the least bit tolerant with the Catholic and protestant believers of Spain and concluded their response with "We will continue working to ensure that Spanish citizens are freer and have more rights, and so that, at the same time, that our society is increasingly more respectful and tolerant," referring to its "gay marriage" policy.

Apostasy is inevitable and it is the byproduct of a world that is being turned upside down and where previously held values are scoffed at sometimes just because a minority might be slightly offended. Many of the charges brought against Canadian ministers were lodged not because someone was physically accosted, libeled or maligned but only because they were “hurt.” Many are left wondering who may be “hurt” next. Perhaps convicted murders, rapists, pedophiles and burglars are hurt because we have put them in jail.

The twisted view of political correctness will continue to pervert the most established traditions and beliefs known to man until the world will be changed for good; but no good will come of it. The topsy turvy effect of the tolerance and multicultural movement is gaining exponentially in spite of warnings and bible teachings to the contrary.

Writer Ray C. Stedman said in his book “Gods Loving Word” “As a society, we have our values upside down. Our government creates entire bureaucracies to monitor minute amounts of suspected carcinogens in our food, air, and water---yet it also pays subsidies to farmers for producing one of the worst, most highly cancer-causing substances around: tobacco. We are told we must save the whales, yet we allow unborn babies to be slaughtered at a rate of 3,000 abortions per day. School teachers are allowed to teach witchcraft and New Age philosophy in our public schools, yet the Bible, prayer, and the Ten Commandments are banned. We sentence peaceful pro-life activists to prison and we turn convicted repeat killers and rapists loose on society."

Where does it end? That’s easy to answer; it ends with the physical and imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ to the earth to remove forever the reins of government from the hands of men. In the mean time believers can only continue with what they know to be right according to the bible…the whole bible; with the s-word, d-word and h-word included.

Believers who know what Christ has commanded can say what Peter said after being released from prison where he was sent for preaching the gospel. When the rulers asked Peter why he kept on preaching the gospel after they had commanded him to stop he replied with “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29

Be still...

by Brian L. Baker

Long lines...gift wrapping paper...screaming kids in line..."mom, I want that toy..." or "Mister, please go...it is a green light!" or... "Hey, I am in this lane...use your mirrors...!" These are a few of our culture's favorite things.

It is so easy to find ourselves engulfed with the hustle and bustle of life during the Christmas season. People stress and worry while trying to see every relative so that no one is offended that we did not stop by their home. There is always a worry that we will have forgotten someone in our Christmas card list.

Stop for a moment...but do not meditate or seek some quite place. Do not try to calm yourself and seek your own relief...just stop and consider the request of your God in Pslam 46!

Psalms 46:10 says, "Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth."

Most devotionals would tell you to find that you can find some inner-fulfillment...or find some inner-quiet. Some devotionals would give you long diatribes on avoiding worry or anxiousness. Others devotionals would seek to empower you to overcome your "negative spirit" and be the better "you" now.

However...I believe Psalms 46:10 says it all. "Cease striving and know that I am God." Other translations say "be still." However, it is not just the still part that is important...it is the "knowing God" part that is essential.

Yes...we should not worry. Jesus teaches about worry and anxiousness in Matthew 6. However, that second part of Psalm 46:10 is essential to this verse. KNOW that He is God. The verse does not say that He will solve your problems. The verse does not promise some extravagant prosperity. It simply says "know that I am God" and know that "He will be exalted."

Amidst all you face in this life, recognize your position before a holy God today! Know that amidst all things HE IS GOD. Further, know that amidst all you face in your daily life "He will be exalted among nations." Know that he will be "exalted in the earth."

He is God.

What is even more exciting is that all of Psalms 46 revolves around this idea. Verse 1 says, "God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble." The Psalm goes on to say in the second verse, "Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and thought the mountains slip into the heart of the sea."

It is clear...even when we know that bad things are going to happen...He is God. He will be magnified. He is our refuge. Pslams 46 makes it clear that bad things will happen. We will face tough times. There is no guarantee of prosperity or a problem free life for the Christian. Even when we know there will be long lines, crazy drivers, and screaming kids...He is God. Even when we worry about that financial mountain that may crash us into the sea, we can know that He is God. For the Christian, knowing that He is God...should be enough for us. It should remind us that if He provides for the flowers of the field and the birds of the air...He will provide our needs, even in times of trouble. But even in His provision, there may still be times of trouble. Our peace should be found in KNOWING He is God.

Psalm 46 does not promise that when we are still...and quiet...things will get better. It does not promise that we will not face heartache or pain. It does not promise that we will never face struggles in this life. In fact, Psalm 46 is clear that we will face difficult times. All it declares is that God is our refuge...our strength...our help and that He will be exalted.

He is there for us. He will guide us. He will direct us. He will care for us. Yet, even then...we may still face trials and tribulations. We must simply know that He is God and He will provide for our every need.

Often times we think that if we will just recognize God, that somehow He will just reward us. We have the "dog bone" mentality. We are so pround of ourselves when we roll-over or sit-up for God.

We are called to be obedient to God NO MATTER WHAT - regardless of the result. We don't get treats for doing what we are supposed to do anyway. As Christians, saved by His grace and mercy, we are called to be obedient. If we truly know Him, we will seek to be obedient no matter the circumstances. We will not be obedient in hopes of getting something.

For the Christian, we have already been given something. That gift is eternal LIFE. That should be enough...it should be enough to simply know He is God!

Today...be still...and simply know that "He is God!"