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Saturday, June 3, 2017

UNIFORMITARIANISM

Uniformitarianism

“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.” 2 Pet. 3:4


In Peter’s time, the early Christians were really looking for the Lord’s return, and there have been sporadic periods of prophetic interest in the twenty long centuries since. The far greater part of the world’s population, however, is utterly indifferent to this hope, and even most of those who are working for global change today are working to bring in a world system based on evolutionary humanism rather than looking for God to return to His creation to restore His creation to its original perfection and intent. In fact, most of the world’s people do not even believe in a personal Creator God at all, let alone His divine incarnation in Christ and His great plan of salvation. They are too busy “walking after their own lusts.”

beginning of the creation. The pseudo-scientific rationale for this indifference to the promised consummation of all things when Christ returns is their belief that there was never any real creation of all things in the beginning. The things that continue today, they say, are the things that have always been, and therefore always will be. This is the so-called principle of uniformity. According to this principle, it is assumed that the processes that govern nature today have always been the same in the past, so that the present is the key to the past. Since no creation is occurring today, it never happened in the past either.

All things continue. Not just after creation was finished, but “from the beginning of creation.” Thus, what people have called “creation” was accomplished by the same natural processes that continue to operate today. This means, then, that “creation” has been proceeding so slowly over long ages as to be quite unobservant in the mere few thousand years of human records. This remarkable belief is evolutionary uniformitarianism, and it completely dominates the scientific and educational establishments of every nation in the world today. It has been made the basic premise of origins and meaning, not only in science and history, but also in the social sciences, the humanities, the fine arts and practically every other discipline of study and practice in the world. This indeed is a most remarkable fulfillment of Peter’s prophecy, and surely must indicate that these days really are “the last days,” unless somehow the Lord brings about a great revival of truth in the world’s schools. Global warming fits their agenda to gain a global government to fight the warming caused by man's influence in the environment. A single government is not enough to fight this global phenomenon they say is dominant from their twisted science.
 Uniformitarianism error begins with a twisting of Genesis records. Their shallow thoughts they believe they can account for how our world came into being, and we may determine how it will continue forevermore into the future, purely on the basis of our present observations of nature and its processes. Observational experience which we call empiricism, things which we can learn from our five senses alone. We don't need the Bible. We don't need God's special revelation in Scripture. We can project backward and forward by our own imagination without God's word, the whole story of how the universe got here and how it's going to end on the basis of what we see with our eyes before us today. These are called the scoffers that shall come. The moral problem with these people has just been discussed in the previous verses, they walk after their own lusts and you can be sure no one ever adopted uniformitarianism evolution because the "FACTS" forced them to. The facts get twisted and it is because they don't want God in their life; after his own lusts, self-centered person, not God-centered and not wanting God in his life, not wanting God's interpretation or explanation of the world. He has deliberately excluded God from his world view, from his cosmogony, from His eschatology. No place for God's word on how the world began and how it is going to end and how it must be interpreted and understood today.
These are not pagans from less educated nations but theologians who know what the Bible teaches, but who deny it by twisting it out of recognition. These say, "Where is the promise of the second coming?" The theologies they promote and teach leave out the truth that teach against their stances. They therefore know the Bible teaches the 2nd coming of Christ, but they simply deny that it is to be understood literally. No scientific person of today would take these things seriously today, they would say. We take these as poetic, beautiful thoughts but not literal, historical, prophetical statements. Their proof of a non-literal 2nd coming with global catastrophe is, "All things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation." There has never been any divine intervention ever, everything has basically been as it is, kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall, occasional local catastrophe, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, yes, but no supernatural intervention to completely transform and disrupt the world system, introduce new laws and processes, and relationships between God and man and natural forces. All things basically continue as they were from the beginning. That is the uniformity of nature gone to seed.


continue   One of the big errors of the evolutionary concept is that creation continues, of new things, always everywhere, but gradually appearing through endless ages of time. Genesis says there was a beginning of creation alright, but that there was also an end of it 6 days later, and there has been no creation since, except for the supernatural, miraculous acts of Jesus in the Gospels. Not so with modern science and its evolutionary thought.

Friday, June 2, 2017

GODLINESS SECRET

GODLINESS SECRET

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” 2 Pet. 1:3


Note the repeated references to “all these things” (2 Pet. 1:3, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15). God has provided everything we need for a fruitful Christian life through the marvelous promises of His Word. See 1 Cor. 3:21-23 where all things were gifts from God.
“to glory and virtue.” This phrase can mean, “by His glory and virtue.” The beauty and strength of character seen in Jesus actually draw men to Himself for salvation.

The real secret of godliness is unveiled (Col. 1:26-27). Its source is the imparted life of God in the person of His Son (2 Pet. 1:3). It displays itself in outward conduct but it draws its life from the inner resources of Him who is godliness, like God in every respect because He is God (Col. 2:2). In an earlier epistle Paul places this secret in bold contrast with the godliness of the Old Testament. "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me" (Gal. 2:20 ASV). This secret now made known to men is the greatest fact of the Christian faith.

Why the seeming constant failure of those in the Old testament? Paul places this secret in bold contrast with the godliness of the Old Testament. "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me" (Gal. 2:20 ASV). This crucifixion with Christ separates the men from the boys and this secret now made known to men is the greatest fact of the Christian faith.

Thursday, June 1, 2017

AFFLICTION

AFFLICTION

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” 2 Cor. 4:17




The first impression made upon the mind as these words are read is that almost of amazement that Paul could speak of his afflictions as light. He had described them very clearly, as he spoke of himself and of those associated with him in ministry, as "pressed," "perplexed," "pursued," "smitten down," "always bearing about in the body the dying of Jesus," "always delivered unto death." And these were no mere figures of speech. Very literally these things were true. And yet, summing them all up, he described them as "our light affliction." Moreover, be thought of them all, not as foes but as allies of the soul, for he declared that in their totality as affliction, it "works for us." This was the conviction which made him speak of it as light. That to which intended was glory so wonderful that he could only describe it as "an eternal weight of glory." Still further let it be noted that this reference to glory was not merely to the glory of the life beyond. It was a present experience, and a growing one, for said he, affliction "works for us more and more exceedingly." In the process of affliction glory was present, and it grew. That is the real burden of all this teaching. Over against every description of affliction is one of glory, "not straitened," "not unto despair," "not forsaken," "not destroyed," "the life of Jesus . . . manifested in our body," "the life of Jesus . . . manifested in our mortal flesh." These are things of glory, and all the affliction which accompanies service works these things. Thus it always is. Fellowship with the suffering Savior is fellowship in the glory of His triumphs.

CHRISTIAN

CHRISTIAN

“Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” 1 Pet. 4:16



This is one of the very few places in the New Testament where this description of believers is employed. There are only three. In the first, we are told where it originated: "The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch" (Acts 11:26). It would seem that it was given to them by the men of Antioch, and it was not necessarily a term of reproach, but one used to mark the fact that they were followers of Christ. The second is where Agrippa said to Paul, "With but little persuasion thou wouldst fain make me a Christian" (Acts 26:28). This shows that by this time it had probably become a general term. The third and last time is here, where Peter employed it in a sense that shows that in some cases it brought suffering to be known as a Christian. The Apostle says two things in view of that fact. The first is that no shame is attached to such suffering. As he wrote this he was probably remembering the time when he and his fellow-apostles left the council of the Jews, in actual physical agony from the stripes which had been laid on them but "rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name" (Acts 5:41). The second word is an injunction: "Let him glorify God in this name." That is more than glorying in the name. It is so living worthily of all it means as to glorify God. If a man is known as a Christian, and does not live as one, he dishonors God. To bear the name is to take a responsibility, a great and glorious one, but none the less a very solemn one.

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

FINAL WORDS

FINAL WORDS

“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:7, 8, 10



That may be literally translated, “The many-colored grace of God.” This fisherman, this practical soul, this man who stood in perpetual contrast to the dreamers, said one of the most poetic things about grace. The practical man became a poet. Grace made him a poet. When I read this, the word arrested me, and I thought that I remembered that Peter had used it before. At the beginning of the letter I found it. Many-colored temptations. Over against that, at the close of the letter, he put many-colored grace. Now where are my artist friends? I want them to think that out, and tell us all it means. I have seen some wonderful colors shining in and through it. Many-colored temptations. The yellow temptation of jealousy. The red temptation of passion. Many-colored grace. Heavenly blue shining down upon the yellow. Now, let the artists tell us what happens. When the blue falls upon the yellow we have the green of perfect earthly peace. When the heavenly blue shines on the red of earthly passion, what happens? Then appears the purple of priesthood and of royalty. Many-colored grace falling upon many-colored temptations; transmuting the yellow and the red into the green and the purple by the infinite mystic witchery of heaven’s transfiguring love. Grace is the eternal rainbow of hope across all the arching blackness of the darkest day.

Monday, May 29, 2017

FAITH HEALINGS

CAN HEALING INSPIRE FAITH

“And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” Luke 16:31


This statement runs counter to most popular human conceptions, and yet is vindicated by persistent human experience. We are constantly in danger of thinking that faith can be compelled by what we describe as the supernatural, and therefore we are forever desirous that something spectacular, weird, out of the common, should happen. We argue that if something transpires which men cannot explain, they will be persuaded to believe. This is what our Lord superlatively denies in these words. He declares that the sacred writings are in themselves as powerful as anything like the delivery of their message by one risen from the dead. The only thing that can inspire faith is truth, and truth is not made more powerful when it is proclaimed in some way which is beyond human explanation. From Him men were always asking signs, which He refused to give, and now you know the reason.
Whereas, stated thus, we may be in doubt as to the correctness of the statement; an appeal to human experience vindicates the truth of the declaration. Under stress of fear or of wonder, produced by such mysterious things, men do experience certain emotions and sensations of the soul which may be mistaken for conviction. But they are transient, and with the passing of the first surprise these things cease and leave no permanent results. It is the Truth which makes free; and the Truth alone is able to inspire living faith.
The purpose of the signs, miracles and wonders were made to the nation of Israel who was awaiting for their Messiah Who was sent to establish the Kingdom of God here on this earth. These signs verified the messenger and his message. The qualifying factor was for the nation as a whole to believe in the Sent One from heaven and one day they shall (Rom. 11:26).
The purpose of a sign is to point. <signs> point Acts 2:43; 2 Cor 12:12; Mark 16:20; Heb. 2:4; John 5:20. Such was the case of all in the Bible. Israel as a whole failed to receive and understand the very apparent signs being performed before their eyes (Rom. 11:8). The blind were made to see, the lame walked, all manner of sicknesses, infirmities and illnesses were eradicated and still the nation sent Him to the cross. In Acts we see the Apostolic age coming to an end with the end of the signs, miracles and wonders. In Acts 5:16 every one of the sick who were brought from various cities to Jerusalem were healed by the apostles. Twenty-five years later we find the greatest of all the apostles being denied his own earnest prayer for a well body (2 Cor. 12:7-9). And as we near the end, we hear him advising Timothy to take a little wine for his often infirmities (1 Tim. 5:23). Still later we learn that he has left another beloved worker sick at Miletim (2 Tim. 4:20).
No witnesses die in early acts. Then Stephen is killed (Acts 7:54-59). A little later James dies by the sword of Herod (Acts 12:1-2).
After Stephen-never again any record of a public miracle in that city called the city of the Great King.
At the beginning and through history of Acts there was special miraculous gifts by which divine revelation was channeled to man; these were named by Paul as knowledge, prophecy, and tongues (1 Cor. 12:8-10); but in the same context he warns that they will cease (1 Cor. 13:8). The permanent things will be faith, hope, and love (1 Cor. 12:13).
There are a few people who argue that such miracles are still present in the life of the Christian community. Some of these are sincere, doubtless, in their determination to see what they wish to see; just as there are other people who are blind to the things they do not wish to see. These are problems for psychological rather than historical investigations.

FAITH HEALING is for those who think faith will command healing. Whatever the label on the package, the product inside is the same old satanic ploy: "The answer is within ourselves.” We can "do it" if we only learn the "laws" and "principles" that apply and put them into operation by "faith." The goal is always to reward "self" in some way. This teaching is spreading that we don't ask God but command Him to give us all that is our Divine right to possess and enjoy. And to whatever extent we seek our own will, pander to our self-centered desires, unwilling to wholly surrender to God's will, is the extent we exalt ourselves to the position of God's.
                To make freedom from suffering contingent wholly upon the exercise of faith and to think God would withhold health for no other reason than the frailty of the sufferer's faith is in my mind to come seriously near to blasphemy.
4 Examples against the modern teaching of faith healing. See James 5:13 for the Biblical method and possibility of healing--the anointing with oil. Remember, Paul was denied.
1). Paul prayed 3 times for a healing but was told that grace was available so that he could endure that which would allow him to stay humble from those things which he had seen. He could not afford to be rid of his cross. He discovered that the very cross he wished to escape was of value and he could not afford to be rid of. He did not say that he endured and bore it but that he took pleasure in it. This was a change from complaint and petition to a song of triumph in its midst. This is something well beyond the experience of a man who is thankful because God helped him bear that which he could not. See 2 Cor 12:7-10.
2). Timothy was told to drink wine for his infirmities because Paul could not heal him. See 1 Tim 5:23.
3). Lazarus was dead and could not exert any faith. See John 11:14.
4). Ten lepers were healed but only one had faith. See Luke 17:17.

NOTE: Signs pointing
Acts 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
2 Cor. 12:12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Heb. 2:4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
John 5:20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that Himself does: and He will show him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

Sunday, May 28, 2017

OIL & HEALING THE SICK

OIL & HEALING THE SICK

“Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” James 5:14


The promise of healing in this passage applies only to the special case of one whose sins have brought about the Lord’s chastening in the form of sickness. The word “sick” in this verse means “ill.” In James 5:13, on the other hand, the word “afflicted” means “suffering trouble” (same as in James 5:10; also, the same as “endure hardness” in 2 Tim. 2:3; see also 2 Tim. 2:9 and 4:5). In such a case of affliction in a believer’s life, assuming it is not clearly a specific chastising because of sin, the admonition is: “Let him pray.” The Lord in such cases will answer in whatever way best serves His greater purpose (note Paul’s testimony in 2 Cor. 12:9). In cases of divinely imposed illness, however, when the sick person has injured the body of Christ by his sin (as in 1 Cor. 11:18-34, especially verses 30-31), he must first confess his sin to God and to those injured, as represented by the elders of the church, asking them to pray for him—the initiative coming from him rather than the elders.

There is nothing magical in the anointing oil, of course. It could well have been used as merely a soothing ointment to alleviate the suffering (note Isa. 1:6; Mark 6:13; Luke 10:34). The oil was merely a spiritual symbol, representing God’s hoped-for anointing of the sick person by the Holy Spirit, in order to bring him back to active service for the Lord. This symbol recalled how priests and kings had been anointed in ancient Israel, symbolizing their divine call to service.