Month: January 2025

NO Bible Ignorance in the Midst of Tragedy! #27

Friday, January 31, 2025

“Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1 KJV).

In light of the recent New Orleans terrorist attack just a few hours away from my home, we are delighted to dispel the associated Bible ignorance….

Undeniably, the Christian life will not operate on the basis of ignorance because it cannot operate on the basis of ignorance! It is therefore not enough “to pray;” we must (MUST!) pray the Pauline way, or prayer will be detrimental rather than beneficial. Pauline prayer changes people (hearts and minds) in the midst of circumstances, not the circumstances themselves. This must be repeated over and over and over again. Let us see how Paul, our Apostle, prayed for us.

“And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9-11). “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;…” (Colossians 1:9-11). How will God work in us with respect to us undergoing hardships or difficulties?

The Pauline epistle of “suffering and comfort” is 2 Corinthians (read especially 1:3-11, 4:8-18, 6:4-10, 11:23-28, and 12:5-10). Such situations were particularly discouraging and depressing for the Apostle—considering the recent “no small stir” (huge commotion, riot, uproar) that exploded about Christianity versus idolatry in Ephesus in Acts 19:23–20:1 (“the trouble in Asia [western Turkey]” of 2 Corinthians 1:8). During this time, Paul our Apostle learned there is a better way to think about suffering. We too should learn it so Bible ignorance can be expelled from us as well….

NO Bible Ignorance in the Midst of Tragedy! #26

Thursday, January 30, 2025

“Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1 KJV).

In light of the recent New Orleans terrorist attack just a few hours away from my home, we are delighted to dispel the associated Bible ignorance….

What is God doing during tragedies as this the Dispensation of Grace is in effect? See what the Bible says. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;…” (Ephesians 3:16). “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth”  (Ephesians 4:28). “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:…” (Philippians 1:6). “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).

Via sound Bible doctrine, God the Holy Spirit works in and through His people—the Church the Body of Christ. As per God the Father’s will, He strengthens them and fills them with the life of God the Son, Jesus Christ. Until Christ physically intervenes by coming back to reign and set all things right, God works via Christians to ease the suffering. If someone needs support or assistance in the midst of tragedy, His words will move believers to aid however they can: not simply handing out material supplies, but making sure sound Bible doctrine (especially the Gospel of Grace of 1 Corinthians 15:3,4) goes out with the donated money, food, clothing, shelter, et cetera.

Prayer changes—not situations and circumstances—but hearts and minds experiencing those situations and circumstances….

NO Bible Ignorance in the Midst of Tragedy! #25

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

“Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1 KJV).

In light of the recent New Orleans terrorist attack just a few hours away from my home, we are delighted to dispel the associated Bible ignorance….

As any Berean Bible student knows, denominationalism (vain church tradition and philosophy) has robbed a great many souls of the ability to understand and enjoy the Holy Scriptures. “Unanswered prayer” is one of the heaviest prices we have paid for failing to use God’s Word, God’s way. For the vast majority, prayer has been reduced to nothing more than an exercise in superstition—say just the right words for God to grant your wish (problems magically disappearing, material blessings raining down from Heaven, and so on). When this fails, the inevitable ignorant questions arise, “Where was God? Did He not care? Why is there still suffering?” Resentment, displeasure, apostasy, agnosticism, and atheism fester and fester and fester. The Bible ignorance becomes reinforced—and it will easily and swiftly escalate into a “personal, lifelong crusade against all forms of religion.” It has happened time and time again throughout history.

Let it be known that, contrary to popular belief, prayer is not like playing a slot machine or sitting on Santa Claus’ lap. Prayer is talking to God in light of His words to us. He must speak first, and then we talk to Him according to what we heard Him say. Praying outside of God’s will is a guaranteed disappointment, for it was unbelief not faith. According to the Bible, Paul is our apostle, Jesus Christ’s “sent one” or messenger to us Gentiles (Romans 11:13; cf. Acts 26:17,18; Ephesians 3:1,2). That means God’s will for us is confined to the Bible Books of Romans through Philemon, Paul’s 13 epistles or formal doctrinal letters, to which the content of our prayers must (MUST! MUST!!) conform. We study the whole Bible, but we also remember, “Study to shew [ourselves] approved unto God, … workm[e]n that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Pauline prayer will get us through all of life’s vicissitudes, every situation and circumstance resulting from living in a fallen world….

NO Bible Ignorance in the Midst of Tragedy! #24

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

“Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1 KJV).

In light of the recent New Orleans terrorist attack just a few hours away from my home, we are delighted to dispel the associated Bible ignorance….

Just because God is not doing what we think He should be doing, does not automatically mean He should not be doing it. Moreover, simply because He is not doing it as fast as we think He should be doing it, does not automatically mean He should be doing it at our preferred speed. It is (sinful) human nature to dictate to God what He ought to do and how to do it. He is God, and we are not, but that does not stop us from sitting in judgment of Him (pretending we are the final authority, the sum of knowledge). Instead of complaining, we can open His Holy Bible and read about His purpose and plan for the ages. Yet, it is far easier to plead ignorance (“I do not know!”) and even easier to plead willful ignorance (“I do not care to know!”).

To the shame of the average church member, pastor or preacher, “Bible” teacher, and seminary professor, no solid answers are given from the Scriptures to impart any spiritual light to the non-Christian public (also languishing in darkness). Since the dispensational layout of the Scriptures is overwhelmingly disregarded, even in a great many “churches” and “Christian” schools, it is extremely easy to understand why God’s plan for the ages is unknown to most. God will punish evil and reconcile all governments of Heaven and Earth to Himself, exactly as Colossians 1:16-20 affirms. For now, He is not punishing sinners—but giving them a chance to come to Him by faith in Christ’s finished crosswork on Calvary. Wrath against sin is on its way, but it will not fall as long as Paul’s ministry operates (and God’s attitude toward the world is “grace and peace,” as stated at the beginning of each Pauline epistle, Romans through Philemon).

Let us see exactly what God is doing today—this very day, this very hour, this very second, this very moment—as He forms the Church the Body of Christ….

NO Bible Ignorance in the Midst of Tragedy! #23

Monday, January 27, 2025

“Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1 KJV).

In light of the recent New Orleans terrorist attack just a few hours away from my home, we are delighted to dispel the associated Bible ignorance….

Read Romans chapter 2: “[3] And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? [4] Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? [5] But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;….” This is God’s “longsuffering” of 2 Peter 3:9,15,16. It was first extended to Saul of Tarsus in Acts chapter 9, and Saul/Paul receiving God’s grace and mercy and peace is the “pattern” for how God deals with this undeserving, Christ-rejecting world now. As God tolerated Saul when he deserved wrath and judgment, so God “long time” puts up with sinners, rebels, unbelievers!

First Timothy chapter 1 is Saul/Paul writing about himself: “[13] Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. [14] And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. [15] This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. [16] Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.”

God’s wrath is coming, but it is delayed—and has been postponed for 2,000 years. Why? As Saul was given opportunity to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour (“Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day;” 1 Corinthians 15:3,4), so anyone and everyone can do likewise and also join the Church the Body of Christ before the wrath falls….

NO Bible Ignorance in the Midst of Tragedy! #22

Sunday, January 26, 2025

“Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1 KJV).

In light of the recent New Orleans terrorist attack just a few hours away from my home, we are delighted to dispel the associated Bible ignorance….

Psalm 2 outlines the prophetic program: “[1] Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? [2] The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, [3] Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. [4] He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. [5] Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. [6] Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.” After Calvary of verses 1-3 (cf. Acts 4:23-28), there would be Divine wrath (verses 4,5) followed by Christ’s reign (verses 6-9). Stephen foresaw that coming of Christ in wrath (Acts 7:55,56), but it never transpired. Why?

The Apostle Peter penned about Christ’s delayed coming in wrath: “[3] Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, [4] And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation…. [9] The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance…. [15] And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; [16] As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:3,4,9,15,16).

God kept a secret—especially a coming of Christ un-prophesied by, or unknown to, the Old Testament. This was the hidden coming of Christ to open the Dispensation of Grace in Acts chapter 9 to save and commission Saul/Paul. Let us hear Paul on the subject….

NO Bible Ignorance in the Midst of Tragedy! #21

Saturday, January 25, 2025

“Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1 KJV).

In light of the recent New Orleans terrorist attack just a few hours away from my home, we are delighted to dispel the associated Bible ignorance….

The pain and misery Saul of Tarsus inflicted during Acts chapters 7–9 parallel the suffering and terror of the Psalmist in today’s Scripture (read especially verses 1-11). Typifying the Antichrist of the ages to come, Saul brutally and fanatically oppressed Israel’s believing remnant.

“And Saul was consenting unto [Stephen’s] death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles…. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling [dragging] men and women committed them to prison” (Acts 8:1,3). “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem…. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:…” (Acts 9:1,2,13).

“And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him” (Acts 22:19,20). “I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities” (Acts 26:9-11). “For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:…” (Galatians 1:13).

Saul received a “rude awakening….”

NO Bible Ignorance in the Midst of Tragedy! #20

Friday, January 24, 2025

“Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1 KJV).

In light of the recent New Orleans terrorist attack just a few hours away from my home, we are delighted to dispel the associated Bible ignorance….

The Lord Jesus Christ cautioned Israel in Matthew 12:31,32 and Mark 3:28-30 that blasphemy against Him would be forgiven them but blasphemy against the Holy Ghost would never be forgiven them. The culmination of their speaking against the Son of Man was their crucifixion of Him, yet Father forgave them for His Son’s sake (Luke 23:34) and sent the Holy Spirit to minister to Israel during early Acts (chapter 2 onward). Following the three years of unbelief during Christ’s earthly ministry, Israel had a one-year extension of mercy to repent (change the mind) and believe Jesus was Christ (see Luke 13:6-9). The one year covered Acts chapters 1–7.

During those opening chapters of Acts, apostate Israel kept resisting the Holy Spirit working through the Little Flock or Israel’s believing remnant (ministries of the 12 Apostles, Stephen, et cetera). At the end of that one year was Acts chapter 7: “[55] But he [Stephen], being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, [56] And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. [57] Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, [58] And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. [59] And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. [60] And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”

As per Psalm 10:12, Psalm 68:1, Psalm 110:1, and others, God’s wrath against His enemies would be poured out when Christ would rise from His right hand. Stephen advised Israel of this as they plotted his murder. Overseeing Stephen’s death, leading Israel’s rebellion against Jesus Christ, and blaspheming the Holy Spirit, was a lost Pharisee named Saul of Tarsus….

NO Bible Ignorance in the Midst of Tragedy! #19

Thursday, January 23, 2025

“Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1 KJV).

In light of the recent New Orleans terrorist attack just a few hours away from my home, we are delighted to dispel the associated Bible ignorance….

Continue reading Psalm 10, the context of today’s Scripture: “[12] Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up thine hand: forget not the humble. [13] Wherefore doth the wicked contemn [despise with mockery, show contempt or disrespect toward] God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it. [14] Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless. [15] Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till thou find none. [16] The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land. [17] LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear: [18] To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.”

The Psalm takes on the form of an imprecatory prayer, with the Psalmist asking God to rise and take vengeance on the evildoers who are so abusing His people. Psalm 68:1,2 supplements: “Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.” “The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool [defeat the unbelievers or rebels!]” (Psalm 110:1). These prophecies look toward Jesus Christ’s Second Coming, as in 2 Thessalonians 2:8: “And then shall that Wicked [Man of Sin, Son of Perdition, the Antichrist; see verse 3] be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:….”

This glorious, fiery Second Coming was anticipated in early Acts, as the Apostle Peter preached in Acts 2:34,35. Yet, some 20 (!) centuries (!) later (!), Christ has still not returned….

NO Bible Ignorance in the Midst of Tragedy! #18

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

“Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1 KJV).

In light of the recent New Orleans terrorist attack just a few hours away from my home, we are delighted to dispel the associated Bible ignorance….

Romans 1:25 summarizes Satan’s policy of evil: “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” Read verses 18-32, how sinful mankind decided to do things his own way (present world)—God having given him up and over to what he (man) desired. Lucifer’s five-point plan in Isaiah 14:12-14 emphasized, “I will… I will… I will… I will… I will….” This infatuation with self is sin, for sin is failing to meet God’s standard of righteousness. If not done the Creator’s way, it is done the creature’s way—the creature replacing the Creator. Man chose to participate in this wickedness. Satan’s policy of evil will not climax until one human becomes its personification: a devilish man will reign in Israel and be worshipped as though he were God Himself!

Commonly known as “the Antichrist,” one who stands in opposition to Jesus Christ by counterfeiting Him, this diabolical man is in Daniel 11:36,37: “And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.” Also, 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4: “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”

See Matthew 10:16-42 and Revelation chapter 13. Christ’s Olivet Discourse of Matthew chapters 24–25, Mark chapter 13, and Luke chapter 21, also delineate the terrible conditions under the Antichrist’s regime. The Psalmist of today’s Scripture describes living through such horrors….