Christian Information Networks

What Happens to a Nation That Has No Fear of God?

2009-03-24T19:42:00.000-07:00

Scripture is filled with warnings and examples of severe judgments which God brings upon a nation that does not fear Him. Here are several examples. I. It will be the victim of its own wickedness. Because there is no fear of God the people decide what is right and what is wrong. Every man does that which is right in his own eyes and the wickedness of immorality abounds. God’s moral standards, however, do not change and He will not be mocked. “For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption” (Galatians 6:8). With the onslaught of a host of venereal diseases and the current economic disaster, the warning of Jeremiah 2:19 is coming to pass in America “Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee; Know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, says the Lord God of hosts.” II. It legal system will become unjust. When men’s hearts are set on doing evil, they will reinterpret existing laws and create new laws to justify greed and wickedness. “But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart, neither say they in their heart, let us now fear the Lord, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge” (Jeremiah 5:23-24, 28). III. Its wealth will be controlled by other nations. When our nation trusted in God, read His Word in our public schools, and taught His moral standards in our classrooms, we were the richest nation in the world. We are now the greatest debtor nation in the world. Scripture is clear that the borrower is servant to the lender. We are not only debtors, but citizens of other nations now own and control significant portions of our land, resources, and companies. “The stranger that is within thee shall get up above thee very high; and thou shall come down very low. He shall lend to thee, and thou shall not lend to him: he shall be the head, and thou shall be the tail” (Deuteronomy 28:43-44). IV. What is God’s cure for a nation that does not fear Him? God’s only remedy for a nation that turns from Him is the active presence of righteous and God fearing people. God would have spared Sodom and Gomorrah had there been only ten righteous people in them. Never before has it been so vital for God’s people to be totally dedicated to Him and living testimonies of the principles of His Word. “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him: (Isaiah 59:19). We will have a strong nation when we have strong churches. We will have strong churches when we have strong families. We will have strong families when we have fathers who know how to be strong spiritual leaders. One of the primary functions of the local church is to teach Christians, the community, and the nation the fear of the Lord. If Satan can hinder the church in carrying out this vital role, He has accomplished a major victory. For this reason pastors are under special attack. Last year in one denomination alone 1,800 pastors left the ministry, most of them because of discouragement. No wonder Scripture exhorts us to pray for our spiritual authorities and to encourage them in every way we can.

How Can We Learn to Fear of the Lord Part Two?

2009-03-23T17:25:00.000-07:00

Believers and unbelievers alike, need to learn to fear the Lord. To the degree we fear the Lord we will obtain His blessings, and to the degree that we do not fear the Lord we will experience His judgments. Scripture states that there are certain things we can do to cause us to learn the fear of the Lord. We need to learn the meaning of the word astonishment. Astonishment relates to the inability to speak in the face of an awesome and overwhelming situation. The Greek word for astonish is (thahm-BEH-oh), meaning to “stupefy.” Our English word comes from the French estoner. This word is derived from the Latin ex meaning “out” and tonare meaning “to thunder.” It literally means, “to be thunderstruck, to be struck dumb.” One who is truly astonished is stunned with sudden fear, wonder, and amazement. When Paul was on the road to Damascus, he was astonished at the appearance of Christ and His message to him. “And he said, who are thou, Lord? And the Lord said I am Jesus who you persecute: it is hard for you to kick against the goads. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? (Acts 9:5-6). Let’s learn how astonishment relates to fearing God. In the presence of the omnipotent (all powerful) and omniscient (all knowing) God, we should hold our tongues in astonishment. God advises us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). We are further warned in Ecclesiastes to hold our tongues when we go into the presence of God, and to be more ready to hear than to speak. “Be not rash with your mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few: (Ecclesiastes 5:2). The next word we need to learn is tremble. Trembling is the physical result of overpowering fear. The English word comes from the Latin tremor, meaning “to shake involuntarily, to quiver, to quake.” A graphic illustration of trembling occurred in the life of Belshazzar. “In the same hour came forth fingers of a man’s hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. Then the king’s countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another and his lords were astonished” (Daniel 5:5-9). Another example of trembling and trepidation is given in the account of the guarding of the tomb of Christ. “His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men” (Matthew 28:3-4). The last word we must learn the meaning of is dread. The word dread expresses more than fear but less than terror and fright. It refers to an intense uneasiness or alarm excited by expected pain, loss or other harm. Also unlike the word terror, dread is less sudden and more sustained. Daniel ascribed the quality of dread to God in his prayer. “And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments” (Daniel 9:4). Isaiah had a dread of his sinful condition in the presence of a Holy God. “Then said I, Woe is me! For I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of as people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts” (Isaiah 6”5). Let’s examine how dread relates to the fear of the Lord. We should have such awe at the power and authority of God that sinning against Him produces a fearful dread of sure judgment. On the other hand, the dread of God should not make us afraid if we are justified by Christ. Job stated of God, “Shall not his Excellency make you afraid? And his dread fall upon you?” (Job 13:11). As for him, he acknowledged his sin: “How many are mine iniquities and sins” make me to know my transgression and my sin” (Job 13:23). However, he also said, “I know that I shall be justified” (Job 13:18). Therefore he prayed, “let not thy dread make me afraid” (Job 13:21). Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

How Can We Learn To Fear the Lord Part One?

2009-03-22T18:44:00.000-07:00

Both Christians and unbelievers must learn to fear the Lord. To the degree that we fear the Lord we will have His blessings, and to the degree that we do not fear the Lord we will experience His judgments. Scripture states that there are certain things we can do to help us learn the fear of the Lord. We must learn the words which God uses to describe the fear which we should have for Him. The first word we must learn is terror. This describes the most extreme degree of fear. It is totally disabling to the one who experiences it, leaving that person with neither physical strength nor mental ability. The root word for terror in the Hebrew language is (ghay-TAHTH). It means “to prostrate by confusion and fear.” The Greek root is (FAW-boss) which means “to terrify with exceeding alarm.” This terror is precisely the experience which the Apostle John had when he looked upon the reality of God. "And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me…And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not” (Revelation 1:12-17). We need to learn how terror relates to the fear of the Lord. The judgments of God are called “terrors” in Scripture. David declared: “Thy fierce wrath goes over me; your terrors have cut me off” (Psalm 88:16). There is no doubt that God’s judgments upon sin do bring terror to those who experience them. These judgments should be spoken of and described especially among God’s people so that even the thought of sin would strike terror in every heart. This concept lies behind the warnings the Apostle Paul gave to the church at Corinth, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he has done, whether it be good or bad” (II Corinthians 5:10). “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” (II Corinthians 5:11). The next word we must know the meaning of is fright. The Greek word for fright is (ekthahm-BEH-oh) which literally means “to shrink or shiver with fear.” It is a sudden violent fear caused by the appearance of danger and is distinguished from fear and dread by its sudden invasion and temporary existence. When Jesus stilled the storm, His disciples experienced fright. “And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, what manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:41). Fright often comes when we encounter a power which is far bigger than we are and which we do not understand. This is consistently demonstrated in Scripture as people witnessed Christ’s supernatural power. When Jesus cured the demoniac, the people feared. “Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear” (luke 8:37). When Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection, they experienced fright. “And as they thus spoke, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and said unto them, peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit” (Luke 24:36-37). The next word we must learn is dismay. Whereas terror and fright immediately affect the physical strength, dismay removes the mental ability of a person. The Hebrew word which is translated dismay describes a condition of being drained of confidence and courage to the point where a person literally faints. Our English word dismay probably came from the Teutonic des, which is a negative, and magen which means” to be strong” or “able.” Thus, to dismay is “to remove the strength or firmness of mind which constitutes courage.” Faced with the presence of God’s power, majesty, and splendor, a person would be dismayed. When God appeared to Daniel in a vision, Daniel testified that there remained no strength in him and he was prostrate before the Lord. There is a great tendency among God’s people to be dismayed at the strength of the wicked. Thus, Scripture gives the command repeatedly, “be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed” (Joshua 1:9). When we see the judgments of God on the children of disobedience, we should be dismayed and have no strength like Daniel. However, when we hear the voice of God giving us reassurance and direction, we should be revived. “Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, and said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me” (Daniel 10:18-19). Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

How is A Healthy Fear of The Lord Different from the Destructive Fear of Satan?

2009-03-21T19:01:00.000-07:00

Most Christians have little or no understanding of the "fear of the Lord." Whenever the phrase comes up in Scripture (which is quite often), it is quickly interpreted as simply a reverential trust in the Lord. This anemic definition fails to open up the power and significance of this concept or to explain the many results and rewards which are described in Scripture for those who have the fear of the Lord. Particularly significant is the following verse which relates the fear of the Lord to the achievement of moral purity "By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil" (Proverbs 16:6). It is significant that the same Hebrew and Greek words are used for both wholesome fear and destructive fear. Therefore, the difference between the two fears is not to be found in the words. The Fear of man or of Satan brings a snare, but the fear of God brings a blessing. The Hebrew root for fear is (yah-RAH). It primarily means, “To frighten, to affright, be (made) afraid, to dread.” It is used in each of the following verses: David said, “My flesh trembled for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments” (Psalm 119:120). We are commanded to “Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling” (Psalm 2:11). “And the covenant that I have made with you ye shall not forget; neither shall ye fear other gods. But the Lord your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies: (II Kings 17:38-39). The Greek word for fear is (FAW-boss). Originally this word had the meaning of “flight” or “that which causes a person to flee in dread and terror.” When Jesus taught His disciples about what to fear and what not to fear, He used the same Greek word for both. “And I say unto you my friends, be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him” (Luke 12:4-5). To fear the Lord goes far beyond the idea of reverential trust. It includes a controlling awe of His power and righteous retribution and a wholesome dread of displeasing Him. Even though the same word is used for the various applications of fear, there are important distinctions: Destructive fear is fearing the thunder instead of the One who made the thunder. The Lord is a God of cause and effect. This is why He can demand obedience to His Law. He knows the outcome if we violate it. It is also for this reason that He continually commands us not to focus our fear on the results of His working but instead on Him and His Law. When the storm overtook the disciples on the sea, they feared the wind and the waves. Jesus instructed them not to fear these things; then He showed His power over the elements by calming the storm. Destructive fear is overcome by dynamic faith. For the Christian, lack of faith produces destructive fear. This is emphasized in Jesus’ statement to the disciples after He calmed the sea: “Master. Careth thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them. Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:38-40). When God tells us to fear Him, He is requiring us to acknowledge an aspect of His character such as His justice, His holiness, or His power. For each one of these attributes, God has a balancing attribute. For His justice, He shows mercy. For His holiness, He gives grace. For His power, He displays loving-kindness. The more we understand, acknowledge, and fear the first set of attributes, the more faith, hope, and confidence we have in the balancing set of qualities. This balance of fear and faith is illustrated throughout Scripture. Paul related his walk of faith and witness to his fear of God’s justice and righteousness in the following Scripture: “For we walk by faith, not by sight…For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God” (II Corinthians 5:7, 10-11). A person with little faith but a great awareness of God’s power, justice, and holiness will be out of balance in his fear of the Lord. In order to have a proper fear of the Lord, a person must increase his faith in the attributes which balance the ones that he fears. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

The Fear of the Lord

2009-03-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honor, and life” (Proverbs 22:4). A good way to define the fear of the Lord is to be continually aware that I am in the presence of a holy, just, and almighty God and that my every thought, word, action, and deed is open before Him. In other words, the assurance that God is watching. If we knew that all of our secret thoughts, words, and actions would be displayed publicly so that everyone could watch them and evaluate them, it would make a profound difference in the way we live. We have an instinctive concern about what others think of us and how they will judge the things we do. This concern constitutes a fear of man. If we have this much concern over what man thinks, how much more we should be concerned about God’s evaluation of our thoughts, words, actions, attitudes, and motives. The fact is that everything we think, say, and do will one day be displayed for the entire world to see and judge. “Thou God seeth me” (Genesis 16:13). “You know my down sitting and mine uprising, thou understands my thoughts afar off” (Psalm 139:4). “Yea, the darkness hides not from thee; but the night shines as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee: (Psalm 139:12). “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3). “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (II Corinthians 5:10). “He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? He that formed the eye, shall he not see?” (Psalm 94:9). “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondered all his goings” (Proverbs 5:21). “For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes” (Jeremiah 16:17). “The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men” (Psalm 11:4). The promise that secrets will be exposed. “For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither anything hid, that shall not be known and come abroad” (Luke 8:17). “Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops” (Luke 12:3). How would the fear of God Change your life? If you live in the daily reality that God is watching and evaluating everything you do, and that He is going to publicly expose and judge every secret sin--what thoughts would change? What words would not be spoken? What actions would cease? What attitudes would be corrected? What motives would be purified? Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Shepherd and Sheep Series-How to Encourage Your Pastor

2009-03-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

Discouragement is a pastor killer. The Lord's Sheep have a wonderful opportunity to be of great encouragement to God’s under shepherds. Your pastor would be encouraged if he knew you were praying for him consistently. Even the Apostle Paul pleaded for the prayers of those to whom he ministered. He also told them how to pray. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:18-19). Your pastor would appreciate help with routine tasks so that he could maintain his God given priorities.” When a pastor is expected to do everything, he has little time for the primary ministry to which God has called him. It was for this reason that Godly assistants were chosen in the early church. Then the apostles could give themselves…continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). Your Pastor is encouraged when people come to church expecting to receive a message from the Lord. Rather than evaluating or critiquing the points of the sermon, a Christian who is hungering and thirsting after God’s Word will be alert for insights and direction through songs, prayers, messages, the reading of the Word, or Scripture which God brings to their mind during the service. Nothing encourages a pastor more than reports of those who were hearers and doers of the messages which God used him to bring. (See II Corinthians 3:1-6). Your Pastor is strengthened by members who work for harmony within the church. Harmony begins by each member being in a right relationship with the Lord. It is strengthened by a friendly smile and a word of encouragement whenever Christians meet together. It is guarded and protected when members refuse to spread gossip. And if broken, it is restored when Christians ask forgiveness when they have been wrong. “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3). Your Pastor is grateful when members offer special assistance prior to a major church event. Often a person whom the pastor was counting on finds that he is unable to carry out a responsibility due to sickness, conflicting responsibilities, or the need for further assistance. One pastor stated, “Whenever a person calls before a major event, I can always thing of several things that he could do that would help me out.” Your pastor is thankful for members who honor the Lord in their finances and give in obedience to His direction. True giving occurs when members dedicate the ownership of all they have to the Lord and live in harmony with His principles. One of these principles involves laying in store as God prospered you during the past week. (See II Corinthians 9:7). A wise pastor knows that those who sow generously will reap generously and those who sow sparingly will reap sparingly. (See II Corinthians 9:6). He is also aware that whatever is given to the ministry of the Lord constitutes eternal treasures which are laid up for the giver in heaven. (See Matthew 6:19-21). Your pastor is challenged by members who have an effective witness in the community and who are leading others to Christ. A healthy church is not only growing by those who receive Christ during the services but by those who are witnessed to during the week. Pastors are overjoyed when they see members bring to the church those to whom they have witnessed during the week. This is what took place in the early church. “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47). Based on these ideas, can you say that you are participating in the action described in Ephesians 4:16? “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” Which one of these could you do right now to encourage your pastor today? Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Shepherd and Sheep Series-Wandering Sheep Can Munch Their Way into Danger

2009-03-18T09:01:00.000-07:00

Someone wisely said “even the Lone Ranger had Tonto." We need each other in the body of Christ. Every believer should become an active part of a Bible believing Church family. Sheep that become independent soon stray away from the safety of the shepherd and the flock. They are actually drawn away by their by their own appetites as they go from one clump of grass to another. Thus, they expose themselves to a multitude of dangers. The sheep’s thick coat of wool can easily be caught in the underbrush of thickets, causing the sheep to be held captive until it dies. A lone sheep is also an open invitation to one of its many predators. Without the protection of the shepherd, a wolf, a lion, or a bear would quickly kill and devour the sheep. Further dangers for sheep involve falling into crevices, picking up parasites, eating poisonous plants, or casting. A wise shepherd is aware of all of these dangers. Therefore, if he sees that one of his sheep is persistent in going its own way, he will resort to administering the pain of discipline. He will lovingly break one of its legs and then nurse the sheep back to health. This close association between shepherd and sheep establishes a special bond which continues after the leg is healed. It was this picture that David had in mind when he wrote the words; “Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice” (Psalm 51:8). It is during times of such discipline that meditation becomes especially cherished and valuable to the Christian. Meditation is a communing with God in the language of His own written Word. "My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes" (Psalm 119:48). Meditation is "talking to the King in the King's own words." “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments” (Psalm 119:176). Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Shepherd and Sheep Series-Balance between Eating and Exercise

2009-03-17T12:26:00.000-07:00

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. On the other hand all play and no work makes Jack a lazy boy. Our God is the God of balance. Satan is the "god" of imbalance. The enemy will climb into the car of life and either tell you to put the pedal to the medal or stomp the brake to the floor. Either choice can wipe you out on the freeway of life. We will see God's desired balance between eating and exercise illustrated in the lives of sheep. If sheep spend too much time eating and ruminating, they will build up layers of fat. Obesity is a dangerous condition, since it is then easy for the sheep to roll over during a time of rumination. Rolling over is called casting. When a sheep is in this condition its center of gravity shifts so that it cannot right itself. Stomach gasses begin to swell the sheep’s stomach. The bloated stomach cuts off circulation to the feet, and the sheep is no longer able to stand upon them. The ultimate consequence of casting is death. God has placed significant warnings in Scripture for us to maintain a balance between the study of the Word and its application. The imbalance caused by study without application is strongly condemned in James 1: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror: For he beholds himself and goes his way, and straightway forgets what manner of man he was. But whoso looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:22-25). Many pastors of local church have affirmed that the two groups of members who cause the most trouble are those who get too little spiritual food and those who get too much spiritual food (knowledge without application). Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Shepherd and Sheep Series-How Memorization Differs From Meditation

2009-03-16T17:37:00.000-07:00

Meditation is that sweet fellowship that comes from worshiping God in Spirit and in truth. "My meditation of him shall be sweet" (Psalm 104:34). Once the steps of memorization have taken place, meditation can begin. In memorization we confirm the interpretation of a passage; in meditation we discover its applications to our lives. There is only one interpretation of Scripture (see II Peter 1:20). However, there are an infinite number of applications. The Holy Spirit guides us to the right interpretation of Scripture as we study the context, the original languages, the historical setting, and the sentence structure of the passage. We are led to correct applications as the Holy Spirit takes the Word and directs it to specific needs and situations. Each application must be in full harmony with the interpretation and must not be contrary to any other Scripture. Paul based sound teaching on Christ’s own words and on that which leads to Christ like living (see I Timothy 6:3). Paul’s teaching is also consistent with the emphasis of Joshua 1:8, “that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein.” Jesus confirmed the need to study the whole Bible when He taught, “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Two other factors must be considered if we are to glean accurate application from meditation: the cleansing of guilt and the removal of bitterness. These two poisons of the soul and spirit will corrupt the Word and cause us to misapply it in daily situations. Great damage is done when Scripture is inaccurately applied. For this reason, we must know the Scriptures, memorizing as much as possible so that when we meditate on them day and night, we can compare spiritual concepts with spiritual realities and enjoy the rewards of spiritual discernment. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Baptist leader speaks out against Obama's pro-death moves

2009-03-15T21:38:00.000-07:00

Associated Press - A Southern Baptist leader who serves on President Barack Obama's Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships opposes Obama's move to fund embryonic stem-cell research. Rev. Frank Page, a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, says he told the White House that he is alarmed at Obama's "consistent pattern of removing any pro-life protections." Page says he wonders sometimes if the president is really listening to his advice and says he is conscious of being a Baptist and evangelical voice on the president's advisory council. "I know that I am representing a huge number of people who are deeply concerned, and as long as I am at the table I have a voice at the table, and I am trying to maintain that and be true to what I feel is a biblically consistent voice," he notes. But after Page objected last week to the removal of conscience protections for medical providers, he says he got a letter from the White House. "Promising me in writing that President Obama would never be a part of forcing anyone to perform an abortion against his or her conscience," he points out. Page says he disagrees with President Obama's move to federally fund embryonic stem-cell research. "I'm just seeing this consistent pattern of removing any pro-life protection, so I am deeply concerned," he admits. "And I have stated that concern and will continue to state it."

Shepherd and Sheep Series-Distinguishing Memorization from Review

2009-03-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

How are you doing in the area of Scripture memorization? Perhaps your answer is "not really all that well!" The fact is, in this area, you are not the Lone Ranger. However, the good news is God has an answer to your problem. Many who have memorized Scripture have become discouraged because they soon forget what they have memorized. This concern is needless and shows lack of understanding of the true nature of meditation. The purpose of memorization is not to see how many chapters we can quote, but rather to prepare us for the daily process of meditation. This process is of paramount importance to God. The principles of this process are clearly pictured in God’s provision of manna: It had to be gathered each day. Yesterday’s manna became stale, a fact which forced the people to depend upon the Lord daily and to live in proper reverence of Him. There is need to review Scriptures so we can have material upon which to meditate and with which to worship the Lord in Spirit and in truth; “for the Father seeks such to worship him” (John 4:23). Simply reviewing chapters may appeal to the sense of accomplishment of our soul and can lead to pride. Actually, there is no loss in forgetting what we have memorized, since there is great value in rememorizing it and getting new insight from it. There is benefit, however, in memorizing as much as possible. The conscious mind may forget a passage; however, the Spirit will bring it to our attention whenever it is needed. Memorized Scripture is like the snow bank described in Isaiah 55:10-11. “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and returns not thither, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Just as snow comes into a cold atmosphere, we may memorize God’s Word with a cold heart and even forget what we have memorized; however, the snow does not go away and when God warms up our hearts, the Word ‘melts” into our consciousness and accomplishes its purposes. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Shepherd and Sheep Series-Sheep Refine Their Food during the First Chewing

2009-03-13T14:54:00.000-07:00

As we study the eating patterns of sheep we learn many principles that apply of our own "grazing" in the Word. Often while grazing, sheep will swallow sticks and stones along with the grass and plants. These larger objects go into the first compartment of the stomach, the rumen. These indigestible items are not allowed to pass through the digestive system but are brought up again during rumination so that they can be expelled. The digestive system of many animals is activated as soon as they swallow food. This is not true of sheep. Sheep will eat and swallow a sufficient portion of food. Most of this food collects in the first of its four stomach compartments called the rumen or paunch, which is designed to hold larger pieces of food. This compartment does not contain any digestive juices. In our studies of Scripture it is easy to add human presuppositions and inaccurate connotations to what God’s Word is really saying. The truth is there are issues of which we have faulty understanding. Wrong teaching or incomplete teaching, can lead to wrong thinking. Therefore, the vital first step in meditation is to bring each thought that we have under the scrutiny of the principles of Scripture and to throw out those ideas which are not consistent with it. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (II Corinthians 10:4-5). Once the indigestible food is removed from the rumen, the remaining food is passed into the second stomach compartment, called the reticulum. Here, the food is turned into soft clumps which are called cuds. Just as sheep take in large amounts of food before they digest it, so Christians should read and memorize large sections of Scripture. By doing this, we will establish an inward resource upon which to meditate, and as we meditate, we will see each verse from its larger perspective. This practice will decrease the danger of misinterpreting a single verse or a Scriptural idea. It will also allow the Holy Spirit to reveal basic principles and their practical applications so that we can rightly divide the Word of truth (see II Timothy 2:15). The application is obvious; after we take in large portions of Scripture, our minds and hearts must be cleansed of evil or wrong presuppositions that defile us. Then we are ready to begin meditating on God’s Word. The Holy Spirit will bring to our conscious minds those things that offend God, and defile our hearts and minds; as we ask Him to do so. After a time of cleansing we will be able to properly “chew on the Scriptures.” Meditation is building your day and night around Scripture. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Contrast between Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin

2009-03-13T10:37:00.000-07:00

Copied: One might pair the lives of the greatest of American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, and that of the most famous and influential philosopher of science, Charles Darwin, as both were born on precisely the same day, February 12, 1809. This year marked the bicentennial of that event (as well as the sesquicentennial of the publication of Darwin’s most famous book, The Origin of Species, in 1859). Though born on precisely the same day, Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin in their beginnings and their legacies could not be more in contrast. Darwin was born in comfortable upper class circumstances in England with prospects for a first-rate education -- with the luxury of changing his focus from medicine (the profession of both his father and grandfather) to religion (for which he was notably unsuited) to amateur naturalist -- and a place in the easy life of English aristocratic society. The other, Lincoln, was the second child of an abjectly poor American pioneer family, the son of an at best semi-literate father and a mother of questionable pedigree. He grew to manhood amidst all the severe disadvantages of the cultural and economic realities of frontier life, and had but small prospects for any kind of education except the most rustic. The panorama of his life held out hope of little beyond an existence of hard and bitter labor in the unforgiving wildness of the frontier. Only a life of unremitting toil seemed to lie ahead; many years of such toil did in fact mark his path from youth to manhood. Both men are buried in prominent memorials, Lincoln in a massive mausoleum in a cemetery in Springfield, Illinois, Darwin in the scientists’ corner of Westminster Abbey, near the markers of such prominent Bible-believing Christians as Isaac Newton, Michael Faraday and Lord Kelvin. Lincoln wrote no books and kept no diaries, but was best known for his speeches -- his debates with Stephen Douglas over the slavery issue in the 1858 Illinois Senate race which brought him national prominence, but particularly his two Inaugural addresses, especially the Second one, and his Gettysburg Address -- the most famous speech of the nineteenth century -- besides some written items such as the Emancipation Proclamation and, inter alia, his letter to the Widow Bixby. Lincoln was an absolute master of English prose. It has been justifiably stated that Darwin’s theory would have never been proposed had the modern knowledge of genetics and inheritance been current in Darwin’s day; they would have simply made his claims untenable. But Gregor Mendel did not begin his experiments until the 1860s, and his results were not published until decades later still; DNA was not discovered until a century after Darwin wrote. Darwin’s legacy is one of progressively intensifying darkness and horror and all that is worst in man. Lincoln’s is that of a conscious dependence on our Creator, Who has revealed Himself to man, and who will hold man accountable for his conduct, particularly his treatment of his fellow man. Darwin’s hypothesis and subsequent worldview is truly a major driving force behind man’s descent -- into the abyss. Lincoln’s worldview sets man in his proper relationship to the Creator, and to his fellow man, “with malice toward none, with charity for all.”

Shepherd and Sheep Series-Sheep Must Be At Rest Before They Can Chew Their Food

2009-03-13T09:49:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed the effect distractions and irritations have on your devotional life? We can learn a great deal about meditation from sheep. Distractions and irritations will stop sheep from ruminating on their food. One source of irritation is insects which are naturally attracted to sheep. Insects are especially bothersome to the head and face of sheep. In order to free his sheep from this damaging distraction, the shepherd will pour a specially prepared oil mixture over the head of the sheep. This mixture contains oil, tar, and herbs. The tar repels insects, while the oil and herbs brings healing to the sheep when they have been scratched by thorns or bitten by insects. There is nothing more damaging or disruptive to the process of meditation than worldly cares and irritating distractions. Our Chief Shepherd has given us the Holy Spirit, Who instructs us not to worry over anything, but to tell God every detail of our needs in earnest and thankful prayer. The peace of God, which transcends human understanding, will then keep guard over our hearts and minds as we rest in Christ Jesus (see Philippians 4:6-7). We need to be preparing for quietness. During the day, get alone in your “prayer closet.” By shutting out the distractions of the world, we can bring up the Word which we have read, studied, and memorized, and use it for prayer, intercession, supplication, and thanksgiving before the Lord. God has promised that those who do this secretly will be rewarded openly. Daniel had major responsibilities as the leading president of a world empire. Yet, three times a day he resorted to his “prayer closet” and worshiped the Lord. The resulting success in Daniel’s life and ministry is a living testimony of the importance of following his example. Further instructions for meditation are contained in Deuteronomy 6:7 “Talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up. In order to meditate we are going to have to become intentional about doing so. Perhaps the most important of these four occasions occurs while you are going to sleep at night. This observation is based upon the fact that God designed the day to begin in the evening. “The evening and the morning were the first day” (Genesis 1:5). Furthermore, the last thoughts on our minds before we go to sleep will be on our subconscious mind throughout the night and will set our mental attitude for the next day, either consciously or unconsciously. It is for this reason God gives special commands to meditate on His Word during this time. “Stand in awe and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed and be still” (Psalm 4:4). One of David’s responses to this command is found in Psalm 63:5-6 “My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise you with joyful lips: When I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the night watches.” Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Shepherd and Sheep Series-Sheep Must Be Protected While They Eat

2009-03-12T12:14:00.000-07:00

In this Shepherd and the Sheep Series, we are studying the subject of meditation. God says if we meditate on the Word we will be wiser than all our enemies. "O how love I your law! It is my meditation all the day. You through your commandments have made me wiser than my enemies: for they are ever with me" (Psalm 119:97-98). Sheep are defenseless. They have no way of protecting themselves. They cannot kick, bite, or hide. In fact, they cannot even run away from the enemies that prey upon them. The normal body temperature of sheep is 103 degrees F. If they run very long, their thick coats of wool will cause their body temperature to rise dangerously, and then they will die. Since sheep have no built-in defense system, they have many who prey upon them. Chief among these are lions, bears, and wolves. These predators stalk the sheep day and night, placing the sheep in need of continuous protection. One of the chief functions of a shepherd is to guard the sheep. God compares Satan to a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (See 1 Peter 5:8). False teachers are pictured a ravenous wolves who creep into flocks and carry away captive the young and the weak. Sometimes they enter under the guise of being sheep themselves. Jesus warned, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15). We need to learn how to spot vicious enemies. Cults are counterfeits of the Christian faith. They often use the Bible in their teachings, but they distort and misapply verses in an attempt to support false conclusions. The Christian who meditates upon God’s Word should be able to detect false cults quickly. However, it is also the responsibility of the shepherd to expose false teachers and to protect the flock from them. Learning how to avoid poisonous foods. Lions, bears, and wolves are not the only danger from which the sheep need to be guarded. They also need protection from poisonous plants which grow among the grass they eat. Sheep will eat any green plants they find, even if they are poisonous. Once eaten, these plants will cause severe damage or death. For this reason, the shepherd must go into a field and prepare it for the sheep by searching out, pulling up, and destroying any poisonous plants. The same precautions are necessary to protect sheep from polluted water. On the way to pure streams, sheep may stop and drink from germ-infested puddles. Here they can pick up various parasites and diseases. This preparation is also the responsibility of the “under-shepherds” of Christ. They must identify worldly philosophies and humanistic presuppositions that so easily creep into teaching materials. Collisions 2:8 warns that we are to let no one deceive us “through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” We are also commanded in II Corinthians 10:5 to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. We must learn to discern what doctrinal heresy is. Just as sheep can eat too much of one thing, such as clover, and become bloated, so a Christian can overemphasize one truth and become heretical and schismatic. Every Biblical truth has a balancing truth: law is balanced with grace; justice is balanced with mercy; work is balanced with rest; love is balanced with truth. Truth out of balance leads to heresy. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Shepherd and Sheep Series-Sheep Must Feed in Pastures Prepared for Them

2009-03-11T13:30:00.000-07:00

Since the habit of sheep is to remain in the same pastures, a wise shepherd will know when to lead them to different fields and how long to keep them there. The skillful shepherd of Psalm 23 led the sheep into green pastures. Green pastures are not common to the dry, semiarid countryside where most sheep flourish. They must be cultivated by the shepherd, and this task requires tremendous work, time, and skill. First, the land must be cleared of rocks, brush, roots, and stumps. It must then be plowed and seeded with special types of grain. Finally, it must be irrigated or watered. Green fields are essential for the sheep if they are to mature properly and to produce offspring. The one to whom you are accountable for meditation must prepare precise sections of Scripture to assign to you. These passages should relate to your present spiritual condition. If there is any hardness in your heart, the area of resistance must be identified and appropriate portions of Scripture assigned. If there are roots of bitterness or spiritual dryness, related Scriptures should be used to remove them. The entire Bible is a rich green pasture in which we must feed. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). The success of meditation comes as we “observe to do according to all that is written therein…” (Joshua 1:8). In another sense, however, the Bible is like a menu of different spiritual food for specific times and needs. Have the one to whom you are accountable select one of the following passages that he or she feels would be most helpful to you at this time then jot down the date by which you should have it memorized. The qualities of a good shepherd are personified in the Lord Jesus Christ. He said, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flees: and the wolf catches them, and scatters the sheep. The hireling flees because he is a hireling, and cares not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine: (John 10:11-14). Based on this description, the one whom you become accountable for meditation should have the following characteristics: He should have a personal commitment to those who are under his care. He should be able to persevere through times of discouragement. He should be able to recognize and drive away hindrances to consistent meditation. He must be sensitive about when to move forward on a new section and when to review what has already been engrafted. God has ordained that pastors be His “under shepherds” to the fathers in their congregations and that the fathers are “shepherds” to those in their own families. God has given to fathers strong protective instincts which, when properly directed, will be tremendously beneficial in helping you to become consistent in memorization and meditation. At this point, your father may not feel that he fully qualifies; however, it would be wise for you to explain to him that you desire to be consistent in meditating on Scripture and that you would like him to keep you accountable for your goals. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Cows-constitution-10 commandments

2009-03-10T21:33:00.000-07:00

Think about this: 1. Cows 2. The Constitution 3. The Ten Commandments COWS Is it just me, or does anyone else find it amazing that during the mad cow epidemic our government could track a single cow, born in Canada almost three years ago, right to the stall where she slept in the state of Washington? And, they tracked her calves to their stalls. But they are unable to locate 11 million illegal aliens wandering around our country. Maybe we should give each of them a cow. THE CONSTITUTION They keep talking about drafting a Constitution for Iraq ... why don't we just give them ours? It was written by a lot of really smart guys, it has worked for over 200 years, and we're not using it anymore. THE 10 COMMANDMENTS The real reason that we can't have the Ten Commandments posted in a courthouse is this -- you cannot post 'Thou Shalt Not Steal' 'Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery' and 'Thou Shall Not Lie' in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians ... it creates a hostile work environment.

Shepherd and Sheep Series-Passages to Memorize for Meditation

2009-03-10T10:06:00.000-07:00

The following are some basic Scripture passages to be memorized for meditation. Matthew 5-7, the Sermon on the Mount. This is a summary of Christ’s message during His earthly ministry. It is rich with foundational principles in all aspects of Christian living. Its significance was further emphasized by Paul when he said that he based sound doctrine on two things: Christ’s own words and that which leads to Christ like living. (See 1 Timothy 6:3). Romans 6-8, tell us how to have victory over sinful habits. Romans 6 explains how we are to reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God by entering into our victory in Christ and daily yielding the members of our bodies to God. Romans 7 describe the law of sin which operates much like the law of gravity; however, Romans 8 explains how we can live above the law of sin by the power of the Holy Spirit. Exodus 20-22, gives us the principles of God’s Law. The law is a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, and the righteousness of the law is to be fulfilled in us by the Holy Spirit. This passage summarizes the law and supplies related case studies. It explains the cause-and-effect sequence of the law of the harvest spoken of in Galatians 6:7-10. James 1-5, tell us how to apply faith to practical living. Chapter 1 instructs us how to overcome temptation. Chapter 2 emphasizes the importance of putting our faith to work. Chapter 3 teaches us how to tame our tongue. Chapter 4 explains how to conquer pride and resulting contentions. Chapter 5 gives practical business principles and direction for healing. Hebrews 11:1-6, 12:1-7, 13:1-8, teach us how to understand God’s purposes of chastening. Chapter 11 establishes the absolute importance of faith. Chapter 12 describes the discipline required of us so that we might produce “the peaceable fruit of righteousness,” Chapter 13 lists the vital relationships that Christians must maintain. I Corinthians 13, teaches us how to develop genuine love. This vital chapter defines the love that every Christian must develop by the grace of God. The entire Old Testament is summed up in the command to love the lord and to love our neighbor. By engrafting this chapter and relating it to other sections of Scripture, we will learn how to fulfill the greatest commandment. Romans 12, teaches us how to discover our spiritual gift. Every Christian has a spiritual gift; By using it properly we experience joy, fulfillment, and fruitfulness. This chapter identifies the prerequisites for gifts and the practical use of them in ministering God’s love to others. Romans 13, tells us how to understand and properly respond to authority. Only as we see authority figures in the perspective of this chapter will we be able to respond properly to them and to gain God’s protection and direction through them. Every Christian needs to understand and to apply the essential concepts of power and influence. Ephesians 5-6, tell us how to be equipped for warfare. The first chapters of Ephesians establish our position of victory in Christ. Chapter 5 identifies the works of darkness and the resulting relationships that grow out of being filled with God’s Spirit. Our ability to carry out these relationships depends upon how faithful we are in putting on the whole armor of God listed in chapter 6. 1 Peter 1-5 is teaching on how to suffer victoriously. By engrafting this book, we can be prepared when fiery trials overtake us. We will view them as opportunities to follow in the footsteps of Christ. The practical instruction of this book is essential for every Christian who wants to influence his or her world, since all those who live Godly lives will suffer persecution. Galatians 5:13-6:10, teach us how to experience the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit are both defined and clarified by this passage. It also provides clear instruction on how we can demonstrate the law of love to fellow Christians. Psalms 1,15,19,25,34,37,112,139, instruct us on how to be one after God’s own heart. God called David as man after His own heart. The more the Psalms become ours, the more God can say the same of us. Learning the Psalms will teach Christians to pray, to sing, to rejoice, to praise, and to know the God who cares deeply about every aspect of their lives. Proverbs 3 teaches us how to enjoy the treasures of wisdom. Mastering the entire book of Proverbs is essential for Christians who desire to gain wise counsel for daily decisions. Every effort to memorize in this book will be greatly rewarded. Chapter 3 gives practical instruction on how to “find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.” When you begin meditating (ruminating) on the Word of God you will enjoy success. “This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; but you shall meditate therein day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success” (Joshua 1:8). Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Shepherd and Sheep Series-Sheep and Survival

2009-03-09T17:26:00.000-07:00

Sheep belong to the class of animals called ruminants, because they chew and rechew their food through a process of reingestion. We as God's sheep are to ruminate on the Scriptures. "Meditate upon these things; give yourself wholly to them; that your profiting may appear to all" (1 Timothy 4:15). Analogies between sheep and Christians abound in Scripture. Those who minister to Christians are compared to shepherds: “Feed the flock of God which is among you…” (1 Peter 5:2). Christ is pictured as the Chief Shepherd: “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear…” (1 Peter 5:4). Christians are the sheep of God’s flock: “...We are the sheep of his pasture” (Psalm 100:3). Important aspects of the Christian life are also illustrated by the ways of sheep. Christians are to follow the Lord as sheep follow their shepherd. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Christians wander from truth the same way that sheep go astray. “All we like sheep have gone astray…” (Isaiah 53:6). Sheep do not have the ability to survive on their own. Most people assume that sheep can take care of themselves. Nothing could be further from the truth. Sheep are such creatures of habit that, if left to themselves, they become the victims of their own destruction. They will wander in the same paths and “graze” in the same areas until the pasture is destroyed. Sheep will then pollute the barren ground until it breeds dangerous parasites. When thirsty, untended sheep will drink whatever water is available, even from contaminated sources such as shallow, muddy pools. What are sheep notoriously noted for? They go astray. They get lost easily; sheep are totally dependant on the Shepherd, on Jesus Christ. Of interest are the sheep of the Highlands of Scotland, especially how they are rescued when they wander off and become stranded? The vegetation on those high places is pretty sparse. And yet, down on a narrow cliff about ten or twelve feet below is a little ledge that is grassy. It hasn't been eaten because sheep can't walk down there. But some of them will smell that lush grass and they will go down on that ledge, jumping ten, maybe twelve feet, landing on all fours like a cat and they will eat that lush grass. Well, there's no way to get back up by themselves. Soon their bleating is heard as they try unsuccessfully to return to higher ground. The shepherd does not rush over to rescue him. He lets that sheep stay down there on the ledge for a reason. Why? There's no way he can save him until all the grass is eaten and until the sheep begins to get hungry and thirsty. In time the sheep realizes the food is gone and there is no water down there. Finally the sheep gets so weak that he can't even stand up. It’s at that point, when he's at the bottom of the barrel, when he has run out of his own energy, then the shepherd will lower himself down over the ledge and rescue the sheep. Because the wise Shepherd knows if he comes any sooner, that stupid sheep, will jump over the ledge to its death. This should help us understand why God often waits until we are at the bottom of the barrel. You may be saying I wish He wouldn't wait so long. Maybe you ought to pray that the grass will run out a little sooner. Fear, tension, and aggravation will keep sheep from properly digesting their food. Then, too, the ever-present danger of predators will bring further destruction to sheep who try to make it on their own. No wonder Jesus made the observation of sheep that had no shepherd, “…they fainted, and were scattered abroad…” (Matthew 9:36). This characteristic of sheep explains why most Christians do not meditate on the Word of God. They assume they can do it on their own, but the clear fact of the matter is that they cannot. Their intentions may be sincere, and their motivation may be high. They may even begin a program of memorization, but in a short while they become too busy for it and soon forget about it. If this describes your condition, there is only one remedy—accountability! In order to experience meditation on any kind of consistent basis, you must affirm the following truth and commitment. “Having failed in my own efforts to meditate on a consistent basis, I now purpose to become accountable to another person in order to maintain this vital spiritual discipline." Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Divorce, Obama and down the tubes

2009-03-09T07:06:00.000-07:00

NEW DIVORCE AGREEMENT THIS IS SO INCREDIBLY WELL PUT AND I CAN HARDLY BELIEVE IT'S BY A YOUNG PERSON, A STUDENT!!! OUTSTANDING. Dear American liberals, leftists, social progressives, socialists, Marxists and Obama supporters, et al: We have stuck together since the late 1950's, but the whole of this latest election process has made me realize that I want a divorce. I know we tolerated each other for many years for the sake of future generations, but sadly, this relationship has run its course. Our two ideological sides of America cannot and will not ever agree on what is right so let's just end it on friendly terms. We can smile and chalk it up to irreconcilable differences and go our own way. Here is a model separation agreement: Our two groups can equitably divide up the country by landmass each taking a portion. That will be the difficult part, but I am sure our two sides can come to a friendly agreement. After that, it should be relatively easy! Our respective representatives can effortlessly divide other assets since both sides have such distinct and disparate tastes. We don't like re distributive taxes so you can keep them. You are welcome to the liberal judges and the ACLU. Since you hate guns and war, we'll take our firearms, the cops, the NRA and the military. You can keep Oprah, Michael Moore and Rosie O' Don nell (You are, however, responsible for finding a bio-diesel vehicle big enough to move all three of them). We'll keep the capitalism, greedy corporations, pharmaceutical companies, Wal-Mart and Wall Street. You can have your beloved homeless, homeboys, hippies and illegal aliens. We'll keep the hot Alaskan hockey moms, greedy CEO's and rednecks. We'll keep the Bibles and give you NBC and Hollywood . You can make nice with Iran and Palestine and we'll retain the right to invade and hammer places that threaten us. You can have the peaceniks and war protesters. When our allies or our way of life are under assault, we'll help provide them security. We'll keep our Judeo-Christian values.. You are welcome to Islam, Scientology, Humanism and Shirley McClain. You can also have the U.N.. but we will no longer be paying the bill. We'll keep the SUVs, pickup trucks and oversized luxury cars. You can take every Subaru station wagon you can find. You can give everyone healthcare if you can find any practicing doctors. We'll continue to believe healthcare is a luxury and not a right. We'll keep The Battle Hymn of the Republic and the National Anthem. I'm sure you'll be happy to substitute Imagine, I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing, Kum Ba Ya or We Are the World. We'll practice trickle down economics and you can give trickle up poverty your best shot. Since it often so offends you, we'll keep our history, our name and our flag. Would you agree to this? If so, please pass it along to other like minded liberal and conservative patriots and if you do not agree, just hit delete. In the spirit of friendly parting, I'll bet you ANWAR which one of us will need whose help in 15 years.. Sincerely, John J. Wall Law Student and an American P.S. Also, please take Barbara Streisand & Jane Fonda with you

Satisfaction for the Hungry and Thirsty

2009-03-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6). Food and water are necessities, not luxuries. Our physical life depends on food and water, our spiritual life depends on righteousness. First, we are what we eat. This is not only true of the body but also of the soul. We are basically spiritual beings. We are created in the spiritual likeness of our Creator. The outer man depends upon food and water, the inner man depends on righteousness. The inner man has spiritual appetites that must be satisfied. How many spiritual meals do you miss per week? The inner man has a sense of sight. Paul prayed for the Ephesians that the “eyes of their understanding might be enlightened.” Our Lord lamented that His disciples had eyes, but the saw not. God’s counsel to the church at Laodica was that they anoint their eyes with eye-salve that they might see. For us “salve” is the Word of God applied by the Holy Spirit. The inner man also has a spiritual sense of hearing. “Who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Christ’s sheep hear His voice and they follow Him. They will not follow the voice of a stranger. Immature Christians are “dull of hearing,” because they do not exercise their spiritual senses. There is a spiritual sense of taste. “O taste and see that the Lord is gracious” (1 Peter 2:3). The soul has its hunger and thirst; these desires were built into man at creation. God has put eternity in our hearts, and the temporal cannot satisfy the spiritual. Christ is the answer to the hidden thirst in ones life; Jesus Christ is the bread of life. “I am the bread of life; he that cometh to Me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). Christ came to give life and that in abundance. “Whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst” (John 4:13-14). The presence of hunger and thirst is a good thing. Hunger and thirst are evidences of life. Dead people have no appetites. The kind of appetite we have is an indication of the kind of heart we have. The believer who hungers and thirst after righteousness is giving evidence not only of life but of health. One of the first signs of sickness is loss of appetite. When the infection of unconfessed sin is at work in the life of the disobedient Christian, he loses his appetite for spiritual things. 1 John 2:15-17 warns that our spiritual appetite can never be satisfied by the world (It takes a lot to feed an ego). Christ said “My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work” (John 4:34). Jesus fed on the will of His Father, this is what satisfied Him. If we love the will of God then fulfilling the will of God will bring great pleasure. What are the hungers in your life? If the fleshly appetites are stronger than the spiritual you are a carnal Christian. Second, Jesus tells us that the way to be satisfied is to hunger and thirst. It is a hunger for holiness that fills the soul and satisfies the appetite of the inner man. The people of Israel “lusted exceedingly in the wilderness… and God gave them their request but sent leanness into their soul” (Psalm 106:14, 15). Some became sick and other died as a result of their lusting. We learn in Psalm 81:16 that had Israel listened to God’s word and cultivated an appetite for His will, God would have “fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock.” What is holiness? To the Pharisees, holiness was conformity to rules; it was an external thing that completely overlooked the needs of the inner man. A mere external piety, born of pride and nurtured by the praise of men, is not holiness. If the beatitudes teach us anything, it is that holiness begins in the heart. The words holy and whole belong to the same family. To be holy involves wholeness. Sin divides and destroys. Holiness unites and builds. Holiness is the basic attribute of God. As God’s children we should desire holiness in our lives (1 John 5:1-2). What have you been eating and drinking, spiritually? Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings

The Power of Meekness

2009-03-07T17:10:00.001-08:00

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). Most people have the idea that meekness is weakness. We live in a world that worships power and rejects any evidence of weakness. Meekness is not weakness but power under the control of the Holy Spirit. Nobody could accuse Moses of being a weak, timid man; yet God identified him as the meekest man on the face of the earth. Jesus Christ was the most courageous man ever to walk among men, and yet He said “I am meek and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29). The book of Proverbs shows us the fruit of meekness. (Proverbs 16:32) “He that is slow to anger is better than he that takes a city.” That is power under control. (Proverbs 25:28) “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” That is power out of control. Aristotle said “anyone can become angry. That is easy, but to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way-this is not easy.” What the great philosopher was talking about is meekness. When fire is under control it is our servant, but when fire is out of control, it becomes our master, and the result is destruction. So it is with anger. The Greek word translated meekness was used to describe a soothing medicine. The word was also used to describe a gentle breeze. It was used to describe a colt that had been broken. Medicine, wind, and a colt all have power in common. Power under control is meekness. First, the best way to understand meekness is to see it at work in the lives of people. A. Joseph is a vivid illustration of meekness. 1. He was mistreated by his brothers 2. He was sold as a slave and taken to Egypt. 3. He was lied about by his master’s wife. 4. He ended up in prison. B. One day Joseph was elevated to become the prime minister of Egypt. 1. He had the power to revenge himself on his Master’s wife but he did not do so. 2. Joseph could have punished his brothers when they showed up for food but he did not. 3. He had power over them but he kept his power under control. C. Meekness shows itself when we are right. D. Take the life of King David, note the meekness he displayed. 1. Saul stumbled into the cave where David was hiding and went to sleep. 2. David could have killed Saul but he didn’t. 3. Another episode recorded in II Samuel 16 tells of David’s son Absalom taking over the kingdom and forcing his father to flee into the wilderness. 4. During that difficult time, one of Saul’s men, Shimei, cursed David and threw stones at him. 5. David’s nephew, said to the king, “Let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head. David’s answer was “let him alone, and let him curse.” That is power under the control of the Holy Spirit. 6. Saul would have killed David had he caught him in the cave. The difference between Saul and David was that of power, for both had power. The difference is that David’s power was under control. 7. David used his authority to build up people; Saul used people to build up authority. E. The greatest example is our Lord Jesus Christ. 1. It took more power for Jesus to submit than for Peter to draw out his sword and fight. 2. Peter’s action was natural; what our Lord did was supernatural. 3. The Lord Jesus Christ exercised power under control. He could have summoned legions of angels, but instead he “became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross’ (Philippians 2:8). Second, how can we tell if we are meek? A. The simplest answer is a question: are we exercising self-control? Is our power under the control of the Holy Spirit? We have physical power, mental power, emotional power, and spiritual power. Are we keeping all of this power under control? 1. The best test of meekness is found in the word attitude. a. What is our attitude toward the circumstances of life? b. How do we respond to difficulties of life? c. Far too many people react by fretting. d. The meek man centers his attention and affection on the Lord, not on himself or his adversary. When we find ourselves fretting because of people or circumstances, we have lost our meekness. B. Another test of meekness is what is my attitude toward God’s Word? 1. When Samuel gave Saul God’s message, the King argued with it and tried to excuse himself. a. He blamed the people. b. He even blamed Samuel. 2. Later God gave Saul another chance. a. Instead of slaying the enemy as he was commanded, he kept the best for himself. b. Then he blamed the people. c. Saul was not a meek man; he refused to submit to the Word of God. 3. David was a meek man. a. David’s chaplain Nathan took his life in his hands when he confronted the king with his sin. b. Nathan said “thou art the man and David received God’s word without arguing, making excuses, or defending himself. He was a man after God’s own heart. C. A third test of meekness is what is my attitude toward a brother who sins? 1. Do I receive the news gleefully and start to spread it? 2. Am I pleased that he has sinned, because his fall makes my walk look better (Galatians 6:1)? 3. When a Christian brother had fallen into sin, we have the power to hurt him; but meekness is power under control. I also have the power to help him. 4. Shimei threw stones at David when David was at his weakest physically and politically; yet David proved himself to be the stronger man spiritually. Later when David’s throne was restored, Shimei came to beg forgiveness and David forgave him. 5. The word restore means to set a broken born. A broken bone is a painful thing, and the setting of it can be an even more painful experience than the breaking of it. D. A fourth test of meekness is my attitude toward division in the Church. 1. The Christian who exercises meekness is not interested in taking sides; he is interested in ‘being diligent to preserve the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.” 2. He follows the example of Abraham who said “let there be no strife I pray thee, between me and thee…for we are brethren (Genesis 13:8). Third, how can the believer cultivate this grace of meekness? A. Meekness is not something we manufacture it is the fruit of the Spirit. 1. Moses “the meekest man on earth", became angry and killed an enemy. 2. It was in the school of hard knocks that Moses learned to be meek. 3. Saul never learned meekness, he used an excuse. Billy Sunday said “an excuse is the skin of reason stuffed with a lie.” 4. David profited from the trails of life and in spite of his failures learned to be meek. David said of God “Thy gentleness hath made me great,” 5. Saul of the Old Testament never learned meekness but Saul in the New Testament did. God said to Paul it is hard for you to kick against the goads. Suggesting that Saul was like a wild animal that had never been broken. But God broke him, and there came into his life a spirit of meekness. From the World’s point of view, meekness is the first step toward failure. The answer is to submit to God, let Him be in control. To inherit the earth means to reign as king over yourself and your circumstances through the power of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

How to Have a Spirit Controlled Home

2009-03-06T19:40:00.000-08:00

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself, for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband” (Ephesians 5:18-33). “When home is ruled according to God’s Word,” Said Charles Haddon Spurgeon, “angels might be asked to stay with us, and they would not find themselves out of their element.” The trouble is that many homes are not governed by God’s Word-even homes where the members are professing Christians-and the consequences are tragic. The answer is the Holy Spirit of God. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can walk in harmony as husbands and wives, parents and children. The home can be heaven on earth if each family member is controlled by the Spirit. Note three way in which Spirit control will affect each family member. First, the Spirit filled family member will be joyful (5:19). Joy is one of the fruit of the Spirit. Christian joy is a deep experience of adequacy and confidence in spite of the circumstances around us. This kind of joy is not a thermometer but a thermostat, it determines the spiritual temperature of the home. To illustrate this joy, Paul used the familiar experience of drunkenness (v. 18). The drunk is under the control of another force. The drunk is not ashamed to express himself, nor can he hide what is going on in his life. Transfer this picture to the believer who is filled with the Spirit. God controls his life, and he experiences a deep joy he is not afraid to express to the glory of God. The drunk calls attention to himself, while the Spirit filled believer is a witness for Christ. Second, the Spirit filled family member will be Thankful (5:20). Someone defined the home as “the place where we are treated the best-and complain the most.” A grateful heart promotes harmony in the home. The grateful person realizes that he is enriched because of others. Paul commanded his readers to be thankful for all things at all times. We need the Spirit of God to help us be thankful for suffering, disappointments, and bereavements. When a Christian finds himself in a difficult situation, he should immediately give thanks to the Father to keep his heart from complaining and fretting. The word gratitude comes for the same root word as grace. Thank and think also come for the same root word. If we would think more, we would thank more. Third, the Spirit filled family member will be submissive (5:21-33). The fact that Paul uses Christ and the Church as his illustration is evidence that he has the Christian home in mind. Wives submit yourselves (5:22-24). He gives two reasons for this command. 1. The Lordship of Christ (v. 22). 2. The headship of the man in Christ (v. 23). Husbands love your wives (5:25-33). Paul had much more to say to the Christian husbands than to the wives. 1. He set a very high standard “Love your wives even as Christ also loved the church (v. 25). Paul was lifting married love to the highest level possible. The Christian home is an illustration of the relationship between Christ and the Church (v. 32, 33). 2. God established marriage for many reasons. It meets man’s emotional needs. “It is not good that the man should be alone (v. 31). Marriage has as social purpose in the bearing of children to continue the race. Marriage has a spiritual purpose, as the husband and wife experience the love of Christ. 3. If the husband makes Christ’s love for the Church the pattern for his wife, then he will love her sacrificially (v. 25). 4. The husbands love will be a sanctifying love (vv. 26-27). 5. The husbands love for his wife should be a sastisfying love (vv. 28-30). We must claim the promise of John 7:37-39: “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink!” By faith yield yourself to Christ; by faith ask him for the fullness of the Spirit. By faith receive. When you find yourself joyful, thankful, and submissive, you will know that God has answered. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

HOVIND/IRS/Creation

2009-03-06T08:29:00.000-08:00

Letter from Eric Hovind Dear Friends, As many of you know, the past several years have been a whirlwind of activity for Creation Science Evangelism and the Hovind family. In November of 2006, my dad, Dr. Hovind, was convicted on three federal charges, and in January of 2007 was sentenced to ten years in federal prison. Despite the bad press, and the many misunderstandings, I am convinced that my dad is totally innocent of the charges brought before him. Currently he has served two and one-half years of his ten-year sentence and is in South Carolina at the Edgefield Prison Camp. My mother was also convicted on one charge, and in July of 2007 was sentenced to one year and a day in prison. However, she was granted a stay request pending the outcome of an appeal. On January 1, 2009, I received the notice that the 11th Circuit upheld every decision made by the district court and now my parents are both imprisoned. We took my mother, Jo, to prison on January 20, to begin serving her sentence. Please pray that God will give her strength as she goes through this difficult time. Our attorneys sought to have the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals reexamine the case because the decision appears to legally conflict with previous Supreme Court rulings. However, the 11th Circuit denied hearing the case any further. This recent decision is a huge disappointment for those who realize the many questions of law involved in the case and who have prayed so fervently for the case to be overturned. This appeal would have provided opportunity to present arguments which could have released Dr. Hovind, dismissed Mrs. Hovind's sentence, and rescinded the confiscation of CSE property. With this most recent decision by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, the Court has determined that CSE may be forced to forfeit its property to the government. We are currently in litigation concerning this very issue. We are seeking God's direction in this matter, and we pray that these legal problems will not get the best of this vital ministry. I have no interest in fighting legal battles. I just want to win souls. This is why CSE exists, and I hope that you will join us in praying for God's will concerning this situation. One thing we know for sure, God will glorify Himself, regardless of the outcome. For those interested in a more detailed update, we have arranged a series of conference calls. Click here to view the conference call schedule. Despite the legal battles, our team continues to push forward presenting the creation message in a fresh new way. Thank you for your faithful prayers and support! Letter from Dr. Kent Hovind Dear Friends, The 11th Circuit denied our appeal without addressing many issues. Meanwhile, my wife was ordered to report to prison on January 20, 2009 to serve her one-year-and-one-day sentence. Lindsey Springer is gathering money and support to take this case to the Supreme Court. There are several key issues in our case that, if won, could help scores of churches, ministries, and individuals in the future. Meanwhile, the assistant U.S. attorney continues to attempt to seize the ministry property. The government figured that the "damages" our "structuring" caused was $3,500, yet they want to seize $430,000 from me based on Title 21 drug laws! Because I do not have the money, they want to seize and auction off the ministry property! There are nearly twenty-five people living on the premises that would be displaced. Pray for Eric and the church attorney to have wisdom to stop this. The ministry continues to send out DVDs in twenty-nine languages and reports come in every day of saved souls! If I were the devil, I would hate this outreach and try to stop it as well! Like Joseph (Gen. 40:15), Job (Job 2:3; 27:5; 31:6), and Paul (Acts 25:10), I continue to maintain my innocence and integrity. God will be the final Judge (see Hebrews 9:27)! Be ready for that day! My prison life is easy compared to many in the Bible and in Muslim and communist countries today. I am safe, rested, and in shape, and I have lots of time to read, write, and witness. Of the 490 men here probably one hundred are active in Christian studies and services. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Q: Where are Dr. and Mrs. Hovind? A: Dr. Hovind is being held at a minimum security prison camp in Edgefield, South Carolina. He has been there for the past eighteen months of his incarceration. Jo Hovind is being held at a minimum security prison camp in Marianna, Florida. 2. Q: What were the accusations against Dr. Hovind and what was his defense? A: 1. Failure to withhold employee-related taxes: Explanation: From the start of the ministry, Dr. Hovind sought legal counsel on the proper way to compensate those who would serve with him in the ministry. He was told by several attorneys that as a 508 organization, CSE was not required to withhold taxes and that each person serving would be responsible for paying their own income taxes. For seventeen years the ministry operated without incident, and no notice was ever given to CSE or Dr. Hovind that the IRS wanted any changes made on this issue until the day the charges were brought. 2. Structuring cashing transactions in order to evade bank reporting requirements: Explanation: Up until 2003, CSE withdrew cash in order to compensate those who served at CSE. There was no knowledge of bank secrecy laws and never any intention of evading Internal Revenue Service regulations. 3. Threatening and impeding the investigation of a government agency: Explanation: Because Dr. Hovind filed papers questioning actions of the IRS, which was his legal right, he was charged with "impeding" the agency. They also believed he "threatened agents with bodily harm" by praying for those involved on public radio. Click here to read the entire brief to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. 3. Q: When will Dr. Kent Hovind be released? A: Currently scheduled for release on August 11, 2015. 4. Q: What does this mean for the CSE ministry? A: The United States government has placed leins on CSE property as a substitute for payment of fines imposed upon Kent Hovind. Creation Science Evangelism is currently defending its property against such seizure. It continues under the leadership of Dr. Hovind's son, Eric Hovind, and is fully complying with any requests made to them by the IRS. Creation Science Evangelism remains one of the foremost authorities on science and the Bible, reaching countless people with the Gospel through the creation message. 5. Q: What has CSE done to remedy the situation? A: Creation Science Evangelism is fully complying with requests made by the IRS and believes itself to be in good standing. The ministry is using an employee-leasing agency to withhold employee-related taxes and conform to proper tax laws. It is now represented by a firm of certified public accountants to ensure financial accountability. 6. Q: What is the next legal step? A: On February 25, 2009, a final appeal with the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta was denied. An agency is being used to raise support for an appeal to the United States Supreme Court. Intentions of this appeal must be filed within ninety days of February 25, 2009. 7. Q: Who is handling the appeal? A: So that CSE can remain true to its mission of creation evangelism, we have appointed an outside agency to handle the appeal. For further information, please contact Lindsey Springer at 1-918-748-5539. 8. Q: What is the expected cost to appeal to the United States Supreme Court? A: We anticipate three stages necessary for a complete appeal. The expected costs associated with each stage is 1. Preparation to go before the Supreme Court - $35,000 by April 25, 2009 2. Briefs for review by the Supreme Court - $65,000 3. Argument at the Supreme Court - $150,000 Please direct futher questions to Lindsey Springer at 1-918-748-5539. 9. Q: How can I help? A: Please consider supporting the appeal to the United States Supreme Court. For more information on how you can be involved, join a conference call by Lindsey Springer at 1-916-233-0500 (pin #6921). 1. Thursday, March 5, 7:00 p.m. CST 2. Saturday, March 7, 6:00 p.m. CST 3. Monday, March 9, 7:00 p.m. CST Please check this Web site for future conference call schedules. 10. Q: How will money be dispersed? A: Only monies indicated for the legal fund will be spent on the legal fund. As always, all other donations to Creation Science Evangelism are used for the spreading of the Gospel through the creation message. In the event that excess money is raised through the legal fund, it will be used by Creation Science Evangelism for the furthering of the creation message. 11. Q: Can I visit Dr. and Mrs. Hovind? A: Unfortunately, visitation is limited to close friends and family only. Please feel free to write and encourage Dr. and Mrs. Hovind at the addresses listed below. 12. Q: Can I write to Dr. and Mrs. Hovind? A: Yes, they love to get encouraging letters and testimonies. Please understand that while every letter is read and appreciated, it may not be possible for Dr. and Mrs. Hovind to send a response to each one. * Kent Hovind #06452-017 FPC Edgefield D-2 PO Box 725 Edgefield, SC 29824 * Jo D Hovind #06453-017 FCI Marianna Satellite Camp PO Box 7006 Marianna, FL 32447 13. Q: What can I send to Dr. and Mrs. Hovind? A: Please limit correspondence to letters and postcards only. Unfortunately, books, CDs, and DVDs are not permissible.

From the Grave Yard to the Grace Yard

2009-03-05T19:28:00.000-08:00

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:1-10). Having described our spiritual possessions in Christ, Paul turns to a complementary truth: our spiritual position in Christ. First he explains what God did for the Gentiles in particular. The sinner who trusts Christ has been raised and seated on the throne (2:1-10), and believing Jews and Gentiles have been reconciled and set into the temple, that is the body of Christ. What a miracle of God’s grace! We are taken out of the great graveyard of sin and placed into the throne room of glory. We were taken off a patch of disgrace and planted on a patch of amazing grace. Perhaps the easiest way for us to approach this long paragraph is to see in it four specific works. Work number one, sin’s work against us (2:1-3). In these three verses, Paul gives us a full-length picture of the terrible spiritual condition of the unsaved person. He is dead (2:1). His spiritual faculties are not functioning. All lost sinners are dead, and the only difference between one sinner and another is the state of decay. Our world is one vast graveyard, filled with people who are dead while they live. He is disobedient (2:2-3a). This was the beginning of man’s spiritual death. Three forces encourage man in his disobedience-the world, the flesh, and the devil. He is depraved (2:3b). He is incapable of doing anything to merit salvation or meet the high standards of God’s holiness. Jesus said that lost sinners do good to each other, and to their children, but they cannot do anything spiritually good to please God. Some unbelievers have more character and integrity than some believers. He is doomed (2:3c). The sentence has been passed, but God in His mercy is staying the execution of the sentence. Man cannot save himself, but God in His grace steps in to make salvation possible. Work number two, God’s work for us (2:4-9). The focus of attention now is on God, not on sinful man. He loves us (2:4). God has two kinds of attributes: Those that He possesses of Himself (such as life, love and holiness). And those by which he relates to His creation (relative attributes such as faithfulness and justice). Love is one of God’s intrinsic attributes, but when this love is related to sinners, it becomes grace and mercy. He quickened us (2:5). This means He made us alive. This spiritual resurrection puts us in union with Christ. He exalted us (2:6). Our physical position is “in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” We have been called from the grave to sit with Christ and enjoy His fellowship. He keeps us (2:7-9). Grace means that God does it all for Jesus sake. The word "that" in verse 8, in the Greek, is neuter; while faith is feminine. "That" refers to the whole experience of salvation. Work number three, God’s work in us (2:10a). Our conversion is not the end; it is the beginning, the word “workmanship” gives us our English word poem. Christ is equipping us for our walk and our work here on earth. To do this He uses three special tools. The Word of God (I Thessalonians 2:13). Prayer (Ephesians 3:20-21). And suffering (1 Peter 4:11-14). As we read God’s Word the Word goes to work in our lives to cleanse us and nourish us. As we pray, God’s Spirit works in us to release power. As we suffer, the Spirit of God ministers to us. Suffering drives us back to the Word and prayer and the cycle is repeated. God cannot work through us unless He works in us. God spent 40 years working in Moses before He could work through him. Joseph suffered 13 years before God put him on the throne of Egypt. Paul spent three years in Arabia after his conversion. Work number four, God’s work through us (2:10b). The unbeliever walks “according to the course of this world” (Ephesians 2:2), but the believer walks in the good works God has prepared for him. This means God has a will for our lives. We discover God’s will for our lives as the Spirit reveals it to us from the Word. The Word of God is the will of God. God has worked for you; now let Him work in you and through you, that you might have an exciting, creative life to the glory of God. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

God Has a Covenant for You

2009-03-04T19:52:00.000-08:00

“Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called ‘the uncircumcision’ by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the common wealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:11-12). “Peace in our time! Peace with honor!” Those were the words of British Prime minister, Sir Neville Chamberlain, when he returned from conferences in Germany in September 1938. He was sure that he had stopped Adolph Hitler. Yet one year later, Hitler invaded Poland, and on September 3, 1939, Great Britain declared war on Germany. Chamberlain’s great peace mission failed. From 1500 B.C. to A.D. 850 there were 7,500 “eternal covenants” agreed upon among various nations with the hope of bringing peace, no covenant lasted more than two years. The only “eternal covenant” that has lasted—and that will last—is the one made by the eternal God, sealed by the blood of Jesus Christ. It is Christ’s peace mission that Paul explains in the following section. Note three very important words that summarize this great work. First, the word without, this is what the Gentiles were (2:11-22). The one word that best describes the Gentiles is without. They were without Christ (v. 12). The Ephesians worshiped their famous goddess, Diana. Those who claim that pagan religions are acceptable to God will have a problem here. Every unsaved person, Jew, or Gentile, is outside Christ. They were without citizenship (v. 12). God called the Jews and built them into a nation. Israel was God’s nation, in a way that was not true of any Gentile nation. They were without covenants (v. 12). While the blessing of the Gentiles is included in God’s Covenant with Abraham, God did not make any covenants with the Gentile nations. The Gentiles were “aliens” and “strangers”-and the Jews never let them forget it. Every good Pharisee prayed daily “O God, I give thanks that I am a Jew, and not a Gentile.” They were without hope (v. 12). Historians tell us that a great cloud of hopelessness covered the ancient world. Their philosophies were empty and their religions were powerless to help men face either life or death. Only Biblical Christianity can do that. They were without God (v. 12). It has been said that it was easier to find a god than a man in Athens. But the pagans did not know the true God. The first 11 chapters of Genesis; and from chapter 12 on (the call of Abraham), it is the story of the Jews. The Jews were in God’s favor 2,165 year; the Gentiles have been for the last 2,000 years. Second, enmity is the key word in this section (3:13-18). There was enmity between Jews and Gentiles (2:13-15). God had put a difference between Jews and Gentiles so that His purposes in salvation might be accomplished. Once those purposes were accomplished, there was no more difference (v. 14). The cost of destroying the enmity was the blood of Christ (v. 13). In Jesus Christ, Jew and Gentile become one (v. 14). The verb to make in v. 15 means “to create,” The Church, the body of Christ, is God’s new creations. There was enmity between sinners and God (2:16-18). Not only did the Gentiles need to be reconciled to the Jews, but both the Jews and the Gentiles needed to be reconciled to God (v. 16). As the Judge, He could have come to declare war, but in His grace, He came with the message of peace (v. 17, 18). Third, the word one, what Jews and Gentiles are in Christ (2:19-22). Paul gives three pictures that illustrate the unity of believing Jews and Gentiles in the Church. One nation (2:19a). Israel was God’s chosen nation, but they rejected their Redeemer and suffered the consequences. The kingdom was taken from them and given to the Church. In the Old Testament, the nations were reckoned by their descent for Shem, Ham, or Japheth. In Acts we see these three families united in Christ. Acts 8-Ham-Ethioian treasurer. Acts 9-Shem-Saul of Tarsus. Acts 10-Japheth-household of Cornelius. There is one family (2:19b). And one temple (2:20-22). Today God dwells in every believer, we are the temple of God. Have you personally experienced the grace of God? If you are a true believer in Christ, are you helping others to trust Him? Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Are Demons Real in the Church Age

2009-03-04T00:47:00.000-08:00

Please read Mark 5:1-20 see also Matthew 8:28-34 and Luke 8:26-37. A Biblical world view includes understanding there are demons active in our world. The enemy is alive and active on planet earth. Satan has a well thought out plan to destroy your life. We are commanded to teach and know the "whole counsel of God." This includes understanding the work of the enemy. The story of the Gerasene demoniac clearly shows the desire of demons to distort and destroy (if possible) the image of God in man. This is seen in several ways. First, the demoniac was living among the tombs, an unclean area. A sign of being demonized is a preoccupation with death. Second, for a long time he had not lived in a house, and had worn no clothes. Demonized people tend to dress immodestly. Third, no chains (may refer to metal, wood, or leather) could hold him and no one was strong enough to subdue him. Demonized people may display super human strength. The verb tenses indicate repetitive attempts at binding and escaping. Fourth, he was constantly crying our and gashing himself with stones, though there had to have been times when he was quiet enough for people to chain him. Cutting oneself is often a sign of demonetization. Was he engaging in pagan demon worship or trying to kill himself to be rid of his torment? Fifth, and finally, he was 'driven' by the demons to solitary places. The fact that there were many demons ( a "legion" consists of some 6,000 men) in him shows that he is completely under their control. The demoniac sees Jesus from a distance, and the demons drive him to confront Jesus just as He leaves the boat and steps on shore. They know Jesus' name and identity, and, in accordance with magical practices, use it in an unsuccessful attempt to gain control over Him. The "bowing down" indicates respect for His power, but the shouting at the top of the man's voice shows their real attitude. Though knowing Him, the demons do not worship Him, clearly the bowing was a demonic act. They do not want Him to torment them by sending them to the abyss "before their time." The tormentors wish to avoid torment. In the intertestamental literature it was taught that demons had freedom, but only until the judgment day. It is ironic that they implore Him by God-they have no claim to God's name. They do not want to be sent to the abyss. The abyss is used of the place of imprisonment for evil powers, it figures in Hebrew cosmology as the 'watery deep' below the earth to which the seas are connected. Thus, though we cannot be certain the demonic drowning of the pigs in the water may indicate that they did not escape the "abyss." Jesus (continuously) commands them to come out, but they do not do it at once. Rather, they beg to be sent into the herd of pigs, and Jesus consents (sending unclean spirits into unclean animals). Apparently they desire some host to destroy., frustrated in their attempts to destroy the demoniac, they choose the pigs. Even though pigs are good at swimming, they drown (literally, "one after the other they drowned themselves'. Four important questions arise. 1. Why does Jesus ask for the name of the demons? Least likely is the possibility that He needed to know the name to control the demon. It is more possible that He wants the disciples to see that there are many demons. Alternatively, He may be using this to remind the demoniac of who he is (a person infested with demons), which will prepare him for delivery. 2. What is the significance of the name "legion"? It may not indicate a literal 6,000, but the fact that there were many is seen in their ability to destroy 2,000 pigs. To the people of Palestine, "Legion" would imply a Roman army host, and signify "vast numbers, complex organization, invincible strength, and relentless opposition". The word May have been chosen to frighten or discourage Jesus, but to no avail. That "Legion" is given as my name may indicate the rank of the demon speaking to Jesus through the man-he is the demonic "commander" of the many demons inhabiting the man. Demons have rank and power. 3. It there any significance to the demons wanting to remain in the same geographic location? In accordance with the beliefs of the pagan nations, do demons (gods) have more power in certain areas, or are they simply more 'attached' to certain places than others? We do know from the book of Daniel there are territorial spirits who operate in specific locals. 4. Why does Jesus allow them to go into the pigs? He may have wanted everyone (especially the demoniac) to see that the victim was genuinely relieved and that the true mission of demons is to destroy their host. The local populace, unable to understand and being afraid of Jesus' power, ask Him to leave the area (possibly valuing the pigs more than the person), the people of the world may not respond kindly to proof of God's power over demons. In any event, the demoniac is cured. He is sitting, clothed, and in his right mind. Some mental illness is due to demonization. Before he had been restless, naked, and crazy. Out of gratitude, he asks to accompany Jesus, but is told to return to his home and tell others his story. He obeys, becoming a powerful witness of the victory Christ has given him. We see Jesus' authority in dealing with the demons. We also see the satanic attempts to cause people to act as directly against the image of God as they can. God wants you to walk in fellowship with Him. Jesus came to "destroy the works of the devil." Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

The Nature of Temptation

2009-03-04T00:33:00.000-08:00

"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, 'If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.' But he answered, 'It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.' Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, 'If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, He will command his angels concerning you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.' Jesus said to him, 'Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.' Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, 'All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.' Then Jesus said to him, 'Be gone, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.' Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him" (Matthew 4:1-11). Every believer is born again into spiritual conflict which will last his or her life time. This is why we must be aware of the wiles (schemes) of our common enemy. In the account of the first temptation of Jesus we learn that Satan tempts our Lord to carry out his mission in an unfaithful manner by using the powers that He had voluntarily set aside by becoming a man. The temptation sequence was real and not a vision. This temptation takes place immediately after Jesus' baptism and the declaration that He is God's Son. Satan wants Jesus to test (or prove) that declaration.The first temptation is for Jesus to trust Himself rather than God the Father to meet His physical needs. Every believer will be like wise tempted. When times of financial hardship come we must trust the Lord for His provision. Faith is living without scheming. The second temptation is for Jesus to "force" God to save Him. Jesus was wise enough to not put Himself in a place where He was tempting God. This applies to how we drive, how we care for our health needs, and how we use wisdom in protecting our lives. The Devil is the god of recklessness.The third temptation is for Jesus to avoid the cross (note Peters request Matthew 16:22-23). Many times the enemy will tempt us to avoid a painful change in our lives in order to build a better relationship with our mate. He may temp us to cheat (taxes comes to mind) in some way to avoid making financial sacrifice. To every temptation, Jesus responded, not by performing a counter miracle or showing a counter sign, but simply by quoting a relevant passage from the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy. We can clearly see that Jesus had enough of God's Word memorized to refute and protect Himself against Satan's best temptations. In the third temptation, Satan essentially claims the world as his dominion (Luke 4:6). This statement by Satan is neither affirmed or denied by the Lord Jesus. It could a statement not worth commenting on. In tempting Christ, Satan shows Him the kingdoms of the world in their splendor, but, as a liar, hides the sin that would be involved in gaining the kingdom Satan's way. Often Satan will, in type, present an old harlot dressed in a new gown. The evil one sugar coats sin in such a way that one cannot see beyond the "pleasure for a season." He does his best to make us forget" the wages of sin are death. "Satan's power and abilities are evident in that no earthly mountain would have been high enough for him to have shown Jesus the whole world in an instant. Having failed, Satan leaves Jesus, waiting for a more opportune time. This does not mean that he gives up all activity until a much later time. It simply means that he does not give up for good and that he is always looking for the right time to try again. We must be careful to think that that after we win one victory Satan will call off his hounds of hell. After the temptations, angels come and 'minister' to Jesus with food and comfort. Note the sequence 1. Jesus is hungry. 2. Satan's fulfillment is offered and refused. 3 God provides Jesus' needs through angels. 4.Jesus' victory over Satan at this time gives the foundation for His authority over demons in the rest of His ministry. We must be careful to avoid the trap of thinking that Satan's strategies do not change over the course of time and from culture to culture. With that warning in mind, the parallels in the two temptations are worth pointing out. Garden of Eden: 1. Question the content of God command. "Did God really say,"2. Reject the command itself. "You will not die."3. Get Eve to believe that Satan is the one who is really concerned for her. Jesus' Temptation: 1. Trust Himself rather than God to meet His needs. "Turn these rocks into stones."2. To "force" God to save Him. "Jump off the pinnacle of the temple and the angels will catch you."3. To avoid the necessity of the cross. "I will give you the kingdoms of the earth."Common to both: 1. Appeal to physical senses before spiritual ones.2. Twisting God's words.3. Questioning the character of God (testing Him)4. Offering a shortcut. 5. Goal: to break relationships.6. Theater: the mind. As we walk through life, we will be in many ways like wise tempted. We must know enough of the Word to combat the lies of the enemy. The power of Satan is in the lie. Spiritual warfare is confronting the Devil's lies with God's truth. God's Truth will trump Satan's lie every time. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

2009-03-03T21:52:00.000-08:00

Definition of Idolatry! Exodus 22:20 "He who sacrifices to any god, other than to the Lord alone, shall be utterly destroyed. 1 Chron. 16:26 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the Lord made the heavens. Psalm 96:5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the Lord made the heavens. Psa146:5-6 How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, Whose hope is in the Lord his God; Who made heaven and earth, The sea and all that is in them; Who keeps faith forever; Jeremiah 10:11 Thus you shall say to them, "The gods that did not make the heavens and the earth shall perish from the earth and from under the heavens." Rev. 14:7 and he said with a loud voice, "Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters." 1 Cor. 8:5-6 For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, [6] yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him. Exodus 20:23 'You shall not make other gods besides Me; gods of silver or gods of gold, you shall not make for yourselves. Exodus 22:20 "He who sacrifices to any god, other than to the Lord alone, shall be utterly destroyed. Isaiah 2:17-18 And the pride of man will be humbled, And the loftiness of men will be abased, And the Lord alone will be exalted in that day. But the idols will completely vanish. Isaiah 42:8 "I am the Lord, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, Nor My praise to graven images. Deut. 4:16 lest you act corruptly and make a graven image for yourselves in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female, Deut. 13:4 "You shall follow the Lord your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him. Psalm 16:4 The sorrows of those who have bartered for another god will be multiplied; I shall not pour out their libations of blood, Nor shall I take their names upon my lips. Act14:15saying, "Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the gospel to you in order that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that is in them. 1 Cor. 6:9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, Rev. 21:8 "But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." Deut. 4:19 "And beware, lest you lift up your eyes to heaven and see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, and be drawn away and worship them and serve them, those which the Lord your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven. Deut. 5:8-9 'You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. [9] 'You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, and on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, Deut. 8:19 "And it shall come about if you ever forget the Lord your God, and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I testify against you today that you shall surely perish. Deut. 13:6-8 "If your brother, your mother's son, or your son or daughter, or the wife you cherish, or your friend who is as your own soul, entice you secretly, saying, 'Let us go and serve other gods' (whom neither you nor your fathers have known, [7] of the gods of the peoples who are around you, near you or far from you, from one end of the earth to the other end), [8] you shall not yield to him or listen to him; and your eye shall not pity him, nor shall you spare or conceal him. Isaiah 2:17-18 And the pride of man will be humbled, And the loftiness of men will be abased, And the Lord alone will be exalted in that day. But the idols will completely vanish. Jude 1:25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Psalm 73:25 Whom have I in heaven but Thee? And besides Thee, I desire nothing on earth. Matthew 11:11 Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Acts 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved." Clearly it can be seen by the Word of God being stated unequivocal that all forms of worship to any creature created by God is idolatry. To diminish, reduce, lessen the power, influence, and ability of the God who created the heavens and earth in any form is idol worship of the worst form, yet in many ways the church is in denial of some forms of idolatry.. Jesus gave greater glory to John the Baptist than any other human on earth but per scripture John is not a creator of heaven and earth, he is the creation of God therefore not to be worshiped. All humanity except the Only Begotten Son of God Christ Jesus who created the heavens and earth per John 1:1-14. Pastor Don Corcoran

Are You Keeping A Secret?

2009-03-03T18:35:00.000-08:00

“For this reason I, Paul a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you gentiles—assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unreachable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly place. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory” (Ephesians 3:1-13). Twice in this letter, Paul reminds his readers that he is a prisoner, and at the close he calls himself an “ambassador in bonds.” No doubt the Ephesians were asking, why is Paul a prisoner in Rome? Why would God permit such a thing? In this paragraph, Paul explains his situation and, in doing so, also explains one of the greatest truths in this letter, the mystery of the church. In the New Testament, a mystery is not something eerie or inscrutable, but rather “a truth that was hidden by God in times past and is now revealed to those who are in His family.” Paul explains the mystery-the Gentile believers are now united to the Jewish believers in one Body the Church (3:6). Now Paul explains the tremendous impact of this “sacred secret” that had so possessed his own life and ministry. Actually, this explanation is almost a parenthesis in the letter, for, Paul begins this section with the intention of praying for his readers. His use of the words “prisoner” and Gentiles” leads him into this important explanation of the “mystery of the Church” and in this explanation, Paul shows us that the “mystery of the Church” is important to four different groups of persons. First, it was important to Paul (3:1-5). Paul was a prisoner because he believed in God’s new program of uniting believing Jews and Gentiles into one Body, the Church. Because Paul was the “Apostle to the Gentiles,” he was accused of being prejudiced against the Jews (v. 1). Paul was not only a “prisoner” because of “the mystery,” but he was also a “minister,” God gave him a “dispensation (stewardship) that he might go to the Gentiles (v. 2). 1. The word dispensation (house, law). Gives us the English word “economy”. The law of the house or a management like the management of a company. 2. God has different ways of managing His program from age to age. 3. God’s principles do not change over the course of history. However the way He rules his house does. “Distinguish the ages,” wrote St. Augustine, “and the Scriptures harmonize.” Any other method of Bible interpretation leads to an improper understanding of the Bible. Paul was made a steward of “the mystery” with the responsibility of sharing it with the Gentiles (v. 3). 1. This truth had not been revealed in the Old Testament Scriptures (v. 4). God revealed it personally to Paul, and he was responsible to share it with the Gentile believers (v. 5). Second, it was important to the Gentiles (3:6-8). The mystery gives believing Gentiles a new relationship (3:6). The mystery reveals that there is a new power available to us (Ephesians 3:7). This power is illustrated in the life of Paul. Paul is my brother in Christ. The Church exits in two places, on earth and in heaven. There is available to the Gentiles new riches (3:8). The “unfathomable” riches of Christ. 1. These riches are available to every believer. 2. Understanding the deep truths of God’s Word does not give a man a big head; it gives him a broken and contrite heart. Third, it is important to the angels (3:9-10). “The principalities and powers” are also involved in this great secret (3:10). This means both good and fallen angels. The angels learn from the Church the manifold wisdom of God. Paul calls it manifold wisdom, and this word carries the idea of “variegated” or “many-colored.” This suggests the beauty and variety of God’s wisdom in His great plan of salvation. The supreme display of God’s wisdom is found in God’s plan of salvation. What are the evil angels learning from God’s “Mystery”? They learn that their leader, Satan, does not have any wisdom. Verse 9 reads best as follows “And to make all men see what is the stewardship of the mystery.” Now all believers are to be faithful stewards of this great truth. Fourth, it should be important to Christians today (3:11-13). The mystery is the key to what God promised in the Old Testament, what Christ did in the Gospels, what the early church did in the Book of Acts, what Paul and the other writers teach in the Epistles, and what God will do as recorded in the Book of Revelation (v. 11). It is a part of God’s eternal purpose in Christ. When we understand this truth it gives us great confidence and faith (v. 12). It also gives us courage in the difficult circumstances of life (v. 13). God has a “secret”—but God does not want it to be a secret anymore. If you understand your wonderful position in Christ, then live up to it-and share the blessing with others. This “secret” was import to Paul, to the Gentiles, and to the angels-and it ought to be important to you and me today. The Mystery is one secret that God doesn't want us to keep. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

How We Can Claim Our Wealth in Christ

2009-03-02T17:51:00.000-08:00

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you., being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saint what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or thing, according to the power at work within us, to him is glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:14-21). This passage is the second of two prayers recorded in Ephesians. The first prayer is found in Ephesians 1:15-23. In the first prayer, the emphasis is on enlightenment; but in this prayer, the emphasis is on enablement. It is not so much a matter of knowing as being-laying our hands on what God has for us and by faith making it a vital part of our lives. Paul is saying “I want you to get your hands on your wealth, realize how vast it is, and then start using it. Both of these prayers deal with the spiritual condition of the inner man, and not the material needs of the body. Too many of our prayers focus only on physical and material needs and fail to lay hold of the deeper inner needs of the heart. Note the three parts of this great prayer. First, the invocation (3:14-15). The First thing that strikes us is Paul’s posture (v. 14). Whether we actually bow our knees is not the important thing. That we bow our hearts and wills to the Lord and ask Him for what we need is the vital matter. Paul’s prayer was addressed to “The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The word family (v. 15) can be translated “Fatherhood.” God is the Great Original; every other fatherhood is only a copy. As Creator, God is the Father of each man; but as Savior, He is only the Father of those who believe. Second, the petition (3:16-19). There are four requests in Paul’s prayer, but they must not be looked upon as isolated, individual petitions. These four requests are more like four parts to a telescope. One request leads into the next one, and so on. 1. Strength (3:16). The presence of the Holy Spirit in the life is evidence of salvation; but the power of the Spirit is enablement for Christian living. The power of the Spirit is given to us “according to the riches of His glory” (v. 16). This power is available for “the inner man.” The inner man of the lost sinner is dead (Ephesians 2:1), but it becomes alive when Christ is invited to come in. The inner man can see (Psalm 119:18), hear (Matthew 13:9) taste (Psalm 34:8), and feel (Acts 17:27); and must be “exercised” (1 Timothy 4:7-8). He also must be cleansed (Psalm 51:70 and feed (Matthew 4:4). What does it mean to have the Holy Spirit empower the inner man? It means that our spiritual faculties are controlled by God, and we are exercising them and growing in the Word. It is only when we yield to the spirit and let Him control the inner man that we succeed in living to the glory of God. Depth (3:17). Paul uses three pictures to convey this idea of spiritual depth. 1. Dwell-means to settle down and feel at home. Paul is praying for a deeper experience between Christ and His people. Not a surface relationship, but an ever-deepening fellowship. 2. Rooted-the tree must get its roots into the soil if it is to have both nourishment and stability. The Christian must have his spiritual roots deep into the love of God. Two of the most important questions a believer can ask himself is, “from what do I draw my nourishment and where do I get my stability?” 3. Grounded-an architectural term; it refers to the foundations on which we build. In building “if you don’t go deep, you can’t go high. Only the deep experience can sustain during the severe trails of life. Apprehension (3:18-19a). Comprehend and apprehend both mean to grasp. These thoughts come from the Latin word prehendere. A monkey has a prehensile tail. That is its tail is able to grasp a tree limb and hold on. Comprehend-mentally grasping something; apprehend suggests laying hold of it for yourself. It is possible to understand something but not really make it your own. Fullness (3:19b). Nature abhors a vacuum. God wants us to experience His fullness. The means of our fullness is the Holy Spirit (5:18). The measure of our fullness is God Himself; we enjoy only the grace that we apprehend by faith. The resources are all there. All we need to do is accept and enjoy them. Third, the benediction (3:20-21). Why does God share His power with us? That the Church on earth might glorify the Son of God. If our motive is to glorify God by building His church, then God will share His power with us. The power of the Spirit is not as luxury; it is a necessity. The amazing thing is that what we do in His power today will glorify Christ “throughout all ages, world without end" (3:21). Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

You Are a Possibility

2009-03-01T19:48:00.000-08:00

“That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breath and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:16-20). Paul is saying as believers we must be rooted and grounded in love. In other words, to seek God's love in its fullness, we must in some way know and experience that love already in our lives. Just as in real life, we must have a solid base to jump from. We do not jump from nothing to everything. We need a sure foundation before we go on. Paul was most aware of this principle, as seen in the above passage, this is most evident as he is praying for the believers in Ephesus. This was no mere formal prayer but a prayer that would greatly impact their daily lives. Paul knew what a Christian needs for a productive, joy filled life in Christ, and his prayer reflects exactly that. First, the blessings that are possible. God tells us that we have spiritual power available to us (v. 16). The Holy Spirit must be relied on to furnish the power we need for victorious Christian living. Here are a couple of questions to meditate on. How much spiritual power do you need daily? How much are you using now? 1. Noteworthy is the fact that spiritual power is imparted to the inner man. In the New Birth we were given a new inner man (Christ). However we still have our old outer man, which consists of sin habituated flesh. That is why we are exhorted to "put off the old and put on the new". We tend to live out of the outer man more than we would like to admit. The outer man tries to keep the inner man in check. Christ, who is our life, wants to live through us, in order to do so He must break through the outer man. 2. Paul, when asking God to "strengthen us in our inner being", is speaking of the fullness of the Holy Spirit. “Where the Spirit is Lord there is liberty.” 3. This is the Holy Spirit power God desires to give to the meek and humble. We are warned often that “God resists the proud" on the other hand we can rejoice in the fact that "He gives more grace to the humble.” Paul is praying that we might understand the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit (v. 17). This is the result intended from the strengthening of v.16. 1. To "dwell" means to live in, to be at home. We, by the power of the Holy Spirit of God are to make our lives a place where the Lord Jesus can feel at home. Man is the dwelling place of God, we are His temple. 2. We are to invite Christ to be at home in our lives, this is accomplished by faith, as we appropriate the truth of God’s Word and present our lives to His control. Biblical living teaches us that we don’t give in order to get, that is simply an exchange. We are to give because “Christ is worthy.” God desires that we develop stability of character (v. 17). This takes place as we are rooted in love. Then we become securely settled and grounded in Him. This love comes from the Holy Spirit, He is the only one who can produce genuine love in our lives. In doing a quick study of the fruit of the Spirit, we will note that the first three "fruit" affect our emotions, they are love, joy and peace. Paul is praying that we will have an enlarged comprehension (v. 18), "with all Saints", that includes you and me. 1. We can lay hold on God’s love, I may not always be demonstrating the love of God but I always have His love available in me. 2. That love is my permanent possession. A look at God's love will change our lives, because it's Calvary love. We will experience complete and abiding satisfaction (v. 19). Paul wants us to know this is knowledge gained by experience. 1. To be filled with God requires us to be empty of self. The Lord calls us to “Deny self, take up our cross daily and follow Jesus.” 2. To be God filled is to be Master controlled. Our flesh will battle for control because that is the nature of flesh. Flesh will always yield to the cross. Second, the source of power (v. 20). God can do anything, His power is exhaustless. We can be anything that God wants us to be if we are willing to pay the price. The believer can make great requests when he knows he is coming to a Great God “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things” (Romans 8:32)? This verse ought to effect our prayer life. The measure of our receiving is according to the power that works in us (v. 20). The power is unlimited, but we limit the working of God when we do not, by faith, comprehend all He has for us. "Without faith it is impossible to please Him." Third, the measure of God’s giving (v. 16). By the riches of His grace we know His salvation. By grace we can know an even larger measure of His eternal glory. This very clearly speaks about the largeness of knowing Christ's love. Evidently, it speaks of a revealed love greater than we encounter during our time of salvation. The breadth, length, height and depth are the dimensions of Christ's love. No matter the largeness of Christ's love, we should note that we can by God's grace reach a fair comprehension of this love. Knowing Christ is not a mere intellectual knowledge of Christ's love. It is the ultimate experience of experiencing His love. It is as if our eyes are opened, the flood gates of our hearts are totally down, and our heart is surrounded with the very love of Christ. The goal is to be so filled up with Christ that there is no room for anything besides Him. There is no other object or person that would catch our heart's attention. We would be so enraptured with His love that we would be "filled up to all the fullness of God." There is a mystical aspect of Christianity. This is called the deeper life, it is that which brings heaven to the soul. We learn about the deeper life as we abide in Christ and let Him live His life thought us by the Power of the Holy Spirit. As we grow in the Lord we learn that we can have all of Him we want. We get more of Him as we give Him more of ourselves. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Anger Really is a Choice

2009-03-01T17:53:00.000-08:00

“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger. And give no opportunity to the devil” (Ephesians 4:27-27). Anger is an emotional arousal caused by something that displeases us, or the emotion that comes when we feel we have lost control (Ephesians 4:26) Here the word anger is in the Greek imperative, Meaning there are some things we ought to be angry over, however not for long. The command to “sin not” cautions us against overindulgence, even in what may have started as righteous anger. Because of the human tendency to allow personal vindictiveness to permeate anger, the safeguard here suggested is to put definite limitations of time on the exercise of anger. Resentments are not to be harbored beyond the day in which they begin (see Psalm 4:4). Anger which is not curbed lays the person open to irrational and evil suggestions, and Satan is quick to grasp the opportunity. Unrestrained anger allows Satan to work through the “old man” and entice us to sin because so often our anger is not righteous. An emotional outburst escapes the control of the mind, and Spirit which influences it. Ephesians 4:23. In itself, anger is not a sin, because even God can be angry (see Deuteronomy 9:8, 20; Psalm 2:12; Matthew 21:12-13). However when a man’s anger smolders, the Scriptures call this malice. This same anger can suddenly burst forth and destroy, we call this wrath. The fire or anger, if not quenched by loving forgiveness, will spread, defile and destroy the work of God. According to Jesus, anger is the first step toward murder (Matthew 5:21-16), because anger gives the devil a foothold in our lives, and Satan is a murderer. Horace said “anger is momentary insanity.” Our Lord’s anger never lead to sin, because His emotions were kept under perfect control. Passionate feelings against people or their actions are not to be kept long, lest they break down the love that seeks to bring good out of evil. Anger may progress to unforgiving attitudes and on to bitterness, the two most formidable walls to reconciliation. If not torn down, they will form an impassable barrier to loving unity. (See Proverbs 12:16). “The wrath of man works not the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). We must make Christ like adjustments to the irritating circumstances in our lives. We must realize we never need to be in control, because God is in control. We read in Ephesians 4:27 “Don’t make a habit of giving place to Satan.” In 1 Peter 2:1, 2 we are told plainly to lay aside our hostilities if we are to grow as Christians. God’s method of erasing hostility is forgiveness; this involves dying to the need to avenge. It is easy to hold a grudge against someone who has offended, but God expects us to rid our minds of our anger feelings before they have a chance to be repressed. Proverbs 22:24 says “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shall not go.” Proverbs 19:11 says “The discretion of a man deferrers his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. Three main sources of sinful (inappropriate) anger: 1. Anger that results when one’s selfish demands are not being met. The more selfish, the angrier. 2. Anger that results when one’s perfectionist demand for control is not being satisfied. 3. Anger that results from suspiciousness. Six groups of people who are often the object of anger. 1. Parents. 2. Ourselves. 3. Repressed anger toward God. 4. Our mate. 5. Those in authority over us. 6. Others, peers when we were young. It’s time to leave all vengeance with God. Never try to get even with anyone, including yourself. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Bible Doctrine Series-The Original Status of Man

2009-02-25T15:24:00.000-08:00

The Original Status of Man. A. His Moral Nature. 1. Man was created positively holy. This is sometimes called unconfirmed creaturely holiness. He had a holy nature but not a holy character. A holy character comes by experience or the exercise of choice. 2. Man was not created neutral. Man was not created neither sinful nor holy. Nor was he ignorant of the difference between good and evil. He had a head discernment or descriptive knowledge, but not experiential knowledge. B. His Mental Endowment. 1. Man had an intellect totally free from the debilitating effects of sin that have come from the fall (Romans 8:7; Ephesians 2:3). 2. Man had the ability to perceive the innate characteristics and traits of animals and give them names accordingly (Genesis 2:19). Adam named all the kinds of air breathing land animals in a matter of hours on Day 6 of creation. 3. Man had a language system and a vocabulary that enabled him to communicate with God and his fellow man—Genesis 2:15. C. His Dominion over Creation. Genesis 1:28; Psalm 8:1-9. 1. Man’s original dominion was based on his superior and unfallen intellect, his qualitative distinction from the rest of creation (as a result of the image of God), and the natural docility of nature prior to the fall. 2. Man’s original dominion was ruined by the fall. Hebrews 2:9 shows the present state of affairs. 3. Man’s present dominion is based on a God-placed, instinctive fear of man in the animals—Genesis 9:2. 4. Man’s original dominion will be restored in the Millennium—Isaiah 11:6-9. Millennial conditions are a good illustration of what the original arrangement was. D. His Responsibilities. 1. Fill the Earth—Genesis 1:28. 2. Subdue the Earth—Genesis 1:28. 3. Rule Over the Animals—Genesis 1:28. 4. Cultivate the Garden—Genesis 2:15. 5. Have a Vegetable Diet—Genesis 1:29-30. 6. Abstain From the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil—Genesis 2:17. E. His Diet. Genesis 1:29-30. Originally man (and the animals) was vegetarian. His source of food consisted of “every herb bearing seed” and fruit trees. Since there was no death of any form, man did not eat meat. Animals, for that matter, did not become carnivorous until after the fall. Not until after the Flood was man officially permitted to eat meat (Genesis 9:3). F. His Purpose (true today also)—Isaiah 43:7. The fall of man into Sin—Genesis 3:1-24. A. The Test. 1. The Nature of the Test. a. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17; 3:6-7) was an ordinary, literal tree without any magical powers in its fruit. The tree did not bring about the knowledge of good and evil and cause death through any physiological effects inherent in its fruit. b. The power of the tree rested with God, and the damage came through disobedience. Yet the tree was necessary in the arrangement. They had to partake of that particular tree in order to violate God’s will. c. An experiential knowledge between good and evil would result from eating the tree. Adam and Eve had descriptive knowledge from God. But God wanted them to have this knowledge by experience, as He has it (cf. Genesis 3:5, 22). d. An experiential knowledge of good and evil could come by obeying and doing right (as God always does), or by disobeying. Satan was formally correct in 3:5. What he failed to say was that by disobeying they would receive this knowledge from a depraved and spiritually dead standpoint. 2. The Purpose of God. a. The purpose was to gain the experiential knowledge between good and evil by obeying and thus develop a holy character. God wanted to develop their holy nature into a holy character, and this comes by experience. b. Note the formula: Adam and Eve were able not to sin because of their natures. God wanted them to be not able to sin—confirmed in holiness. After the test, man is not able not to sin. c. If Adam and Eve would have passed the test, presumably God would have permitted them to eat the tree of life and they would have been confirmed in holiness and in physical life forever. 3. The Time of the Test. a. The Bible does not indicate how long after their creation this episode occurred to Adam and Eve. b. It could have been anywhere from two days to over 100 years after their creation. 1) Adam and Eve (who were created on Day 6) must have lived through the 7th day because God blessed it. It is unlikely that God would have blessed it and cursed the rest of the world on the same day. So the fall could have happened on Day 8 of earth history at the earliest. 2) Adam was 130 when Seth was born (Genesis 5:3). Seth was born after Cain killed Abel. Cain killed Abel after Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden. Assuming Cain and Abel were in their teens or early twenties, nearly 110 years could have elapsed before the fall occurred. (This also assumes that Seth was born within a year or so after Abel’s death.) B. The Temptation. Genesis 3:1-7. 1. The Method. a. Satan’s method was to employ an ordinary serpent, then the most “subtle” (crafty, cunning) of the animals. b. Satan’s method was also to employ: 1) Doubt—3:1. “Yea, hath God said?” 2) Distortion—3:1. “…Every (lit., any) tree” Cf. 3:3 “Neither shall ye touch it”. God had not prohibited “touching.” 3) Denial—3:4. “Ye shall not surely die” c. Satan himself must have sinned against God and was expelled from the 3rd heaven sometime between chapters 2 and 3 of Genesis (cf. Ezekiel 28:12-16). 2. The Means. Satan used a three-fold means on Eve. He used the same means later on Jesus, and uses it today on all believers. 1 John 2; 16; Matthew 4:1-11; Genesis 3:6. a. Lust of the flesh—“good for food”—stones into bread. An appeal to physical appetite. b. Lust of the eyes—“Pleasant to the eyes”—kingdoms of the world. An appeal to the aesthetic. c. Pride of life—“desired to make one wise”—pinnacle of the temple. The social appeal. 3. The Advantages of Adam and Eve. a. A clear, uncomplicated command from God. b. Abundant evidence of God’s love and goodness in the Garden. c. A talking animal (should have aroused suspicion). C. The Effects. Genesis 3:8-21. 1. On Adam and Eve. a. Spiritual death—separation from God. b. Physical death—the seeds of mortality were sown in their bodies. This includes the death-bringing toil that their labor became. c. Expulsion from the Garden—so they would not eat of the tree of life and be confirmed in an unsaved, depraved physical condition forever. d. Loss of dominion. e. Change in anatomy—Eve seems to have had a structural change in her body that resulted in severely painful childbirth. 2. On the Serpent. The serpent also underwent a structural change, going from an apparently upright creature to one that crawls on its belly, in this; it was cursed “away from” the rest of the animals (3:14—not “above” or “more than”). 3. On the Animal Kingdom. Carnivorous instincts arose. 4. On the Plant Kingdom. Thistles and thorns were introduced. 5. On Creation As a Whole—the bondage of corruption (Romans 8:19-22). 6. On the Human Race. a. Sin (corruption, depravity)—Romans 5:12, 19. This is passed on by inheritance. b. Condemnation—Romans 5:16, 18. This is passed on by imputation. c. Death (physical, spiritual, eternal)—Romans 5:12, 15, 17; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22. This is passed on by inheritance and imputation. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Bible Doctrine Series-The Doctrine of Man

2009-02-25T13:05:00.000-08:00

The doctrine of man is important because of its relationship to other major Christian doctrines. The doctrine of man is also important because it is a point where the biblical revelation and human concerns converge. The doctrine of man is particularly significant in our day because of the large amount of attention given to man by the various intellectual disciplines. The doctrine of man is important because of the present crisis in man’s self-understanding. And the doctrine of man is important because it affects how we minister. The Origin of Man. A. The First Man (Adam) was Created Supernaturally and Directly. Genesis 1:26-27; 2:7; Matthew 19:14. 1. Adam’s Body was created from previously existing inorganic matter. a. The “dust” is simply ordinary ground, earth or dirt. It cannot mean some kind of animal ancestry (cf. Genesis 3:19). b. Although God used previously existing material, the act was no less “creative,” direct and supernatural than those acts which were “exnihilo” (out of nothing). The verbs for creation are used interchangeably and synonymously in the creation account (cf. Genesis 1:26, 27, 2:7, 22). 2. Adam’s Spirit was created by a direct in breathing of Life from God. The “breath of life” was more than air rushing into Adam’s lungs; it was the image of God being infused into him. 3. Adam’s Soul resulted from the Union of His Body and Spirit. a. It was not until the spirit joined the body that Adam had any kind of existence. Before then he was nothing; he had no evolution or any kind of history prior to that. b. “Living soul” (2:7) means “living person” or “living being.” The soul in the Old Testament commonly stands for the person. Man is soul as well as has a soul in Biblical thought. B. The first woman (Eve) was also created supernaturally and directly. Genesis 2:21-22. 1. The creation of Woman also contradicts evolution. The theory of organic evolution cannot account for the female counterpart of anything, much less woman. 2. The Woman is a helper—Genesis 2:20. The word “help” has the idea of “helper.” The word “meet” means corresponding, suitable, adequate, complementing and appropriate. No animal could fulfill this role. 3. Lessons from the creation of woman. a. The unity of the race—physically and spiritually. b. The true dignity of Womanhood. C. The Entire Human Race descended from Adam and Eve. Genesis 3:20; 9:19: Acts 17:26. 1. The descent is by natural procreation. 2. The exception: Jesus—who came from heaven but made of a woman (1 Corinthians 15:47; Galatians 4:4). The Image of God in Man. A. The definition of the Image of God. The image of God in man is Man’s resemblance to God. It is synonymous to “likeness”—Genesis 1:26, 27. B. The delineation of the Image of God. 1. It refers Primarily to Mans’ Spiritual Resemblance to God. a. Man is a personal being. This includes factors such as self-consciousness, intellect, emotion, will, freedom, rationality, world-consciousness and the use of language. In Adam it included his original dominion over the animals. b. Man is a Spiritual being. This incorporates man’s capacity for fellowship with God, worship, and eternal life. In Adam it included original holiness (Ephesians 4:24). c. Man is a Moral Being. Man has powers which fit him for right or wrong action—a sense of “oughtness.” In Adam it included his original righteousness (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10). 2. It May Include a Physical Resemblance. God made man’s body after the archetypal form in His own mind, the pattern which He Himself had designed for His own corporeal and visible expression (i.e., in Jesus). Cf. Hebrews 10:5. 3. It is What Makes Man qualitatively different from Animals. 4. It was Marred at the fall but not Obliterated—Genesis 9:6; James 3:9. The Composition of Man. A. Generally, Man has a spiritual and a physical part—Matthew 10:28. B. Specifically, Man is a three part being—1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 4:12. 1. Body (no need to elaborate). 2. Soul (nephesh in Hebrew; psuche in Greek). a. Soul sometimes stands for the person. 1) The inner man as distinguished from his flesh—Isaiah 10:18. 2) The whole man as a living being—Genesis 2:7. 3) The self or the person—Genesis 49:6; Psalm 25:13. b. Soul is the seat of the emotions, appetites and passions. Hunger—Psalm 107:9. Thirst—Proverbs 25:25. Desire—Deuteronomy 12:20. Sorrow—Isaiah 19:10. Joy—Psalm 35:9. Hatred—Jeremiah 6:8. Love—Song of Solomon 1:7. Loathing—Leviticus 26:11. c. Soul includes life in the abstract sense—conscious life or the animating life principle (Exodus 21:23). The seat of the soul in this sense is the blood (Leviticus 17:11). d. Animals are said to have souls (Genesis 1:20, 24; Leviticus 17:11). The soul of an animal is simply its life principle which is related to the body. The soul of man is related to his spirit. There is no real comparison. e. The soul leaves the body at death (Genesis 35:18) and survives in the intermediate state (Psalm 16:10). 3. Spirit. a. The spirit is basically the image of God. It is what makes man moral, rational and spiritual. It is that point at which he has closest resemblance to God who is Spirit (John 4:24). It is the source of personality. b. The spirit is the seat of the intelligence—man’s mental endowment. 1 Corinthians 2:11; Proverbs 20:27; Romans 8:16. c. The spirit is the source of the disposition. Proverbs 16:18; Psalm 51:17. d. There is some overlapping of soul and spirit. Some powers and activities ascribed to soul are also ascribed to spirit. 1) Emotions—Judges 8:3; Genesis 26:35. 2) Life—Genesis 45:27; Ecclesiastics 12:7. C. The Propagation of the Soul and Spirit. (3 views) 1. Creationism. This teaches that the body is procreated by the parents and the soul and spirit are directly created by God and paced in the body 2. Pre-existence. This holds that the soul and spirit exist prior to birth and are placed in the procreated body. All souls and spirits were created in the beginning and are united with the body at procreation. 3. Traducianism. This view holds that the parents procreate the whole child; body, soul and spirit are transmitted from the parents. This is supported by the Biblical teaching that man is given the ability to produce offspring in his image and likeness. Genesis 5:3; Acts 17:26; Hebrews 7:9-10. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Bible Doctrine Series-The Holy Spirit

2009-02-24T15:53:00.000-08:00

There are several reasons why the study of the Holy Spirit is of special significance for the believer. One is that the Holy Spirit is the point at which the Trinity becomes personal to the believer. A second reason why the study of the Holy Spirit is especially important is that we live in the period in which the Holy Spirit’s work is more prominent than that of the other members of the Trinity. A third reason for the importance of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit is that current culture stresses the experiential, and it is primarily through him that we experience God. The Personality of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a person. He is not just power or energy in the abstract—cf. Zechariah 4:6. A. Properties of Personality. (“Energy” does not possess these properties.) 1. Intelligence—1 Corinthians 12:8. 2. Will—1 Corinthians 12:11. 3. Power—Romans 15:13, 19. 4. Knowledge—1 Corinthians 2:10-12. 5. Love—Romans 15:30. 6. Life—Romans 8:2; John 7:37-38. B. Personal Pronouns. The noun for Holy Spirit in the Greek is neuter, yet whenever a pronoun is used in its place, the pronoun is always masculine. John 14:16, 17, 26. C. Acts of Personality. 1. Speaking—Acts 13:2. 2. Interceding—Romans 8:26. 3. Testifying—John 15:26. (Bear Witness) 4. Commanding—Acts 8:29; 16:6, 7. 5. Overseeing—Acts 20:28. 6. Guiding—John 16:13. (Especially applicable to the Apostles.) 7. Teaching—John 14:26. (Especially applicable to the Apostles.) D. Personal Reactions. 1. Grieved—Ephesians 4:30. 2. Tested—Acts 5:9. 3. Resisted—Acts 7:51. 4. Blasphemed—Mark 3; 29, 30. E. Personal Relationships. (One cannot substitute “energy” or “power” for these relationships.) 1. With God the Father—2 Corinthians 13:14. 2. With Jesus Christ—John 16:14. Note: The above two show equality of personality. 3. With Christians—Acts 15:28. The Holy Spirit is thus related to other personalities yet is distinct from them. The Deity of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Sprit is co-equal, co-existent and co-eternal with the Father and Son. A. He is identified with the God of the Old Testament. Compare Hebrews 10:14, 15, and 16 with Jeremiah 31:33. Acts 28:25 with Isaiah 6:1-13. B. He is called God. Sixteen times in the New Testament the Holy Spirit is related by name to the other two members of the Godhead. 1 Corinthians 6:11 (Spirit of God); cf. Acts 5:3, 4. Acts 16:7 (Spirit of Jesus). C. He has the Attributes of God. 1. Omnipotence—Luke 1:35. 2. Omniscience—1 Corinthians 2:10-12. 3. Omnipresence—Psalm 139:7. 4. Eternity—Hebrews 9:14. 5. Love—Romans 15:30. 6. Holiness—Ephesians 4:30. (“Holy” Spirit) 7. Truth—1 John 5:6. D. He Performs the Works of God. 1. Creation—Genesis 1:1, 2; Psalm 104:30. 2. Regeneration—John 3:3, 5-8. 3. Resurrection—Romans 8:11. 4. Sanctification—2 Thess. 2:13. Note: Many more works could be listed. L. S. Chafer lists 17 in his Systematic Theology (Vol VI, pp. 26-46). Many works overlap with other aspects of the doctrine. E. His Associations with God. The Holy Spirit is associated with God in such a way that He is considered equal. Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Corinthians 13:14. The procession of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit’s relation to the Father and the Son is such that the Spirit “proceeds” from the Father and the Son. The Spirit is subordinate to the Father and the Son in His work; He is the “third” person in function only. John 15:26; Galatians 4:6; John 16:7; Psalm 104:30. The Work of the Holy Spirit. A. The Holy Spirit and the Old Testament. (His relationship to man) 1. Regeneration. Deuteronomy 5:29; John 3:3, 10. Regeneration is assumed to take place in contexts which stress works under the Law—Micah 6; 8; Jeremiah 22:16; Daniel 4:27. 2. Indwelling Believers. Proverbs 1:23; Genesis 41:48; Numbers 27:18. 3. Enablement for Service. Exodus 31:3 ff. 4. Theocratic Anointing (the ability to lead the Kingdom of God—the nation Israel). Numbers 11:17, 25; Deuteronomy 34:9; 1 Samuel 16:13, 14. Cf. Matthew 3:16 with Isaiah 11:2. 5. Dispensational Ruling (during Dispensation of Conscience). Genesis 6:3. B. The Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ. 1. The Birth of Christ—Luke 1:35. The Holy Spirit conceived the human nature of Jesus in Mary. Jesus was always a person; but with the conception of the human nature, the God-man came into existence. 2. The Life and Ministry of Christ. a. Anointed Him—Luke 4:18. b. Filled Him—Luke 4:1. c. Empowered Him—Matthew 12:28. Note: Jesus voluntarily limited Himself and gave up the independent use of His attributes (Philippians 2:7). He became dependent on the will of the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit. At His baptism a special ministry of the Holy Spirit was given to Him. This was the theocratic anointing that was necessary to do the work of the Messiah, and was given to enable Him to function as the king in the Kingdom of God on David’s throne. 3. The Death of Christ. Just as the Holy Spirit enabled and sustained Him in life, so He did in the sufferings and death. Hebrews 9:14. 4. The Resurrection of Christ. Romans 1:4 (some debate as to whether this is the Holy Spirit) 8:11 (may not teach directly that the Spirit raised Christ, but the substance of the idea is there) C. The Holy Spirit and the world. 1. Conviction of Sin. The Holy Spirit convicts (convinces, proves guilty) the world of (1) the sin of unbelief, (2) the righteousness of God and the righteousness of Christ available to sinners, and (3) the judgment of Satan at the Cross of Calvary. John 16:8-11. 2. Restraint of Sin--2 Thess. 2:7. 3. Bestowal of Common Blessings. Matthew 5:44-45; Acts 14:17; 17:25, 27; Luke 6:35. D. The Holy Spirit and the Church. 1. The Constitution of the Church—Spirit Baptism. a. References to the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 1:5; 11:16; 1 Corinthians 12:13. b. Characteristics of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. 1) It is Limited to This Age—1 Corinthians 12:13. It first occurred at Pentecost (Acts 1:5; cf. 11:15-17) and ends at the rapture. It is not mentioned in relation either to the tribulation or millennium. 2) It is Universal among Believers of This Age. 1 Corinthians 12:13 “all” Ephesians 4:5 “one baptism” 3) It occurs at Regeneration and Is Not Repeated. 1 Corinthians 12:13. 4) It Is Non-experimental. It is not based on or derived from experience. It is judicial in nature—a placing of one in the Body of Christ. c. Results of the Baptism. 1) Membership in the Body of Christ—1 Corinthians 12:13. 2) Union with Christ—Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27. 2. The Administration of the Church. Acts 20:28; 13:2. The Holy Spirit and the Christian. 1. Regeneration. Definition—Regeneration is the impartation of eternal, spiritual life to the spiritually dead; it is the new birth. John 1:12-13; 3:3, 5; Titus 3:5. 2. Indwelling. Definition—the indwelling of the Spirit is the permanent abode of the Holy Spirit in all believers; it is a result of regeneration. Romans 8:9 (universal) 1 Corinthians 3:16 (indwelling) 6:19; John 14:16 (forever) (the Holy Spirit is a gift) Acts 5:32; Romans 5:5. 3. Sealing. Definition—the seal of the Holy Spirit is the divine ownership of the believer and the divine guarantee of eternal security because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit Himself is the seal. 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13 (“having also believed”—causal not chronological) 4:30. 4. Earnest. Definition—the earnest of the Spirit is the pledge or token that guarantees the final consummation of the Holy Spirit’s work in salvation. The Spirit Himself is the earnest. Ephesians 1:4; 2 Corinthians 1:23; 5:5; Romans 8:23 (called first fruits) Note: The final consummation of salvation includes the resurrection and glorification of the believer. 5. Filling. a. Definition—to be filled with the Holy Spirit is to be controlled by the Spirit. C.f. Luke 6:11—to be filled with fury means that they were controlled by it. Ephesians 5:18. Note: The fullness of the Spirit is not the same as instant spiritual maturity and growth. The distinction is comparable to the difference between good health and physical development. b. Steps to Spirit Control. 1) Yieldedness—1 Thessalonians 5:19. Not quenching the Spirit means not opposing or suppressing the will of the Spirit. 2) Confession of sin—Ephesians 4:30. Not grieving the Spirit means not allowing anything contrary to His holiness. 3) Appropriation of power—Galatians 5:16. 6. Fruit of the Spirit. Definition—the fruit of the Spirit is the evidence of the Spirit’s control which is manifested in the Christian’s life and service. Colossians 1:10; Romans 6:22; Galatians 5:22-23; John 15:16. 7. Gifts of the Spirit. Definition—a spiritual gift is a sovereign, God-given, Holy Spirit-energized ability, whether natural or supernatural, temporary or permanent, given for service within the outreach of the local church. Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, 28-31; Ephesians 4:7-11. Note 1: God has curtailed the use of supernatural gifts today. These were temporary and were given to launch the New Testament church. Note 2: Every Christian has some God-given, natural ability to be used in the local church. This is given at the time of Spirit baptism, but may be cultivated for use in the church. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Bible Doctrine Series-The Resurrection and Ascension of Christ

2009-02-24T09:42:00.000-08:00

A. The Importance of the Resurrection of Christ. 1. It was the Qualification of an Apostle—Acts 1:21-22. 2. It was the Subject of Apostolic Preaching. Acts 13:30; 17:18; 23:6. 3. It was Essential to the Gospel—1 Corinthians 15:1-4. 4. R.A. Torrey said the resurrection of Jesus was the cornerstone of Christian Doctrine, the Gibraltar of Christian Evidences, and the Waterloo of Infidelity. B. The Biblical Proof of the Resurrection of Christ. 1. Prophecies. Psalm 16:10; cf. Acts 2:25-31; Jonah 1:17; cf. Matthew 12:40. 2. The Claims of Jesus. Matthew 16:21; 17:23; John 11:25. 3. Attested by all the New Testament Authors—Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, Peter, James, Jude. C. The Nature of the Resurrection of Christ. 1. It was a Miracle. It is the greatest single demonstration of God’s power in all time. Ephesians 1:19-20; Philippians 3:10. 2. It was Bodily. Jesus did not have a “spiritual” resurrection (whatever that may be). John 19:38-42; cf. 20:1-10; Luke 24:39, 46; 1 Corinthians 15:4-7. D. The Necessity of the Resurrection of Christ. 1. Necessary for the Three Phases of Salvation. a. To validate His death for sin. b. To enable His present intercession. c. To enable His second coming. 2. Necessary for Gospel Preaching—1 Corinthians 15:14-15. 3. Necessary For Saving Faith—1 Corinthians 15:16-17. 4. Necessary for Present and Future Hope—1 Corinthians 15:18-19. A. The Fact of the Ascension. 1. Anticipated. John 7:33; 8:21; 14:28-29; 16:5. 2. Reported. Mark 16:19-20; Luke 24:50-51; Acts 1:9. 3. Confirmed. Acts 7:55-56 (Stephen); 9:3-5 (Paul); Revelation 4:1; 5:6 (John). B. The Nature of the Ascension—Bodily. Acts 1:9-11. C. The Results of the Ascension. 1. It confirmed Christ’s Truthfulness—Matthew 26:63-64. 2. It gives believers an Advocate with God. Hebrews 7:25; 9:24. 3. It gives believers access to God—Hebrews 4:14-16. 4. It guarantees an enlarged ministry for believers—John 14:12. 5. It guarantees an entrance into heaven for believers—Hebrews 6:20. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

A New Look at God's Covenant

2009-02-24T07:10:00.000-08:00

“Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive. Therefore not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood. For when every commandment of the law had been declared by Moses to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, saying. This is the blood of the covenant that God commanded for you. And in the same way he sprinkled with the blood both the tent and all the vessels used in worship. Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him (Hebrews 9:15-28). What a remarkable, essential book is Hebrews! More than any other in Scripture, it repeatedly affirms and underscores the superiority of Christ. It continually brings us back to the solid meat of Christianity, refusing to let us stay in the shadows looking for fulfillment in externals. Not even the Law represents God’s major message to humanity, as helpful and important is it may have once been. The Law brings to us the awareness of our need, but it does nothing to solve our deepest and most dreaded disease: sin. That takes blood…a certain kind of blood. And, as we will see in this passage, along with that blood comes an entirely new arrangement between God and humanity. This new arrangement is far superior to the rituals, regulations, and commandments of the Law. It is a “grace connection,” signed, sealed, and delivered in blood. First, look back. As we proceed, let’s keep in mind three things about the book of Hebrews. These will help us maintain a proper perspective. A. Its theme is the superiority of Jesus Christ. B. Its concern is that we rely on Christ’s finished work. C. Its emphasis is that we operate under a new arrangement. Second, a look at the blood (9:15:28). Offensive as it may sound to some; this is a blood-related subject. Note vv. 13-14. The blood relates to three things: the covenant, forgiveness, and salvation. We will consider each. A. As it relates to the Covenant (vv. 15-21). The term covenant is used no less than six times in this passage. In some instances it conveys the idea of “arrangement’; in other instances it conveys the idea of “will,” as in “last will and testament,” Under the terms of God’s plan, this will or new arrangement was signed, sealed, and delivered in blood. Leviticus 17:11. The old arrangement was preempted by something similar, but permanent: Christ’s blood and covenant. B. As it relates to forgiveness (v.22). This verse says two things. First, sin is a terrible offense. It is so offensive that it has blocked man from God; no other aspect of life leads to such separation. Second, forgiveness is a costly commodity. The proof of the awfulness of sin is God’s requirement that blood be shed for its cleansing. No blood, no forgiveness! B. As it relates to salvation (vv. 23-28). The first word in this passage is the beautiful connection therefore. Up until now, the writer has had us in a history lesson of blood, as well as giving us interesting contrasts between the old and new covenants. He presents two strong contrasts between the old days and the new days. First, Christ didn’t enter a holy place made with hands, but rather entered heaven itself (v. 24). Second, Christ did not offer Himself often, but rather, offered Himself once) (v. 25). In verses 27 and 28, in light of all he has presented, the writer offers a word of warning and a word of encouragement. The Greeks of the ancient world said, “Eat, drink, and be merry: for tomorrow you die.” Marcus Aurelius, a Roman, taught, “When one dies, his spark goes back and all that is left is dirt, ashes, bones and stench.” The writer of Hebrews says, “…It is appointed for men to die once, and after this comes judgment…” His word of warning is severe. God doesn’t care how religious or energetic we may be, how kind or good we are in attitude or action: He’s concerned that our hearts are washed in the blood of His Son. The reality of judgment awaits the person without Christ. In contrast, a word of encouragement is offered to the one who has become personally related to Christ. His judgment is behind him and his “salvation” (v.28) awaits him. He can therefore live and walk without fear. Third, a look at two abiding truths. A. Today’s sin is forgivable. B. Tomorrow’s judgment is escapable. Dr. Ken Copey is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Bible Doctrine Series-The Death of Christ

2009-02-24T05:33:00.000-08:00

The death of Christ is the heart of the Gospel and in a sense is the central theme of Scripture. The Fact of the Death of Christ. 1. In Types and symbols. a. The Old testament sacrificial system—Romans 3:21. b. The coats of skin—Genesis 3:21. c. Abel’s lamb—Genesis 4:4. d. The offering of Isaac—Genesis 22. e. The brazen serpent—Numbers 21; cf. John 3:14-15. f. The Passover lamb—Exodus 12; cf. John 1:29. 2. In Prophecies. a. The seed of the woman—Genesis 3:15. b. The Sufferer of Psalm 22. c. The Sufferer of Psalm 69. d. The suffering servant—Isaiah 52:13-53:12. e. The cut-off Messiah—Daniel 9:24-26. f. The smitten shepherd—Zechariah 13:7. 3. In the Preaching of John the Baptist—John 1:29. 4. In the Teaching of Christ Himself. For the first two years or so of Jesus’ ministry He stressed the Kingdom of God and the need to prepare for that great era (Mark 1:14-15). The emphasis of His ministry then was not so much on His death as on His role in the Kingdom. However, there are allusions to the cross (John 2:18-22; 3:14-15; 6:51-56). It was at Casearea Philippi that He first began openly to teach and proclaim His death (Matthew 16:21). This was because the rejection of the Kingdom by Israel and its postponement were inevitable, and Jesus began to prepare His followers for His death and absence. It has been said that “Christ came, not so much to preach the Gospel of His own death, but in order that there might be such a Gospel to preach.” 5. In the Preaching of the Apostles. Acts 2:23; 3:14-15. The Necessity of the Death of Christ. Jesus expressed a compelling need to go to the cross (Matthew 16:21; Mark 8:31). This was not a necessity or fate since Jesus went voluntarily (John 10:14-18; Ephesians 5:2). Nor was it simply an earnest but erroneous way to induce the coming of the Kingdom (as says Albert Schweitzer). Not the Biblical reasons for the death of Christ. 1. To Fulfill His Own Eternal Purpose. John 12:27; Revelation 13:8; 1 Peter 1:19-20. 2. To Be Obedient To the Will of God the Father. Matthew 26:38-39, 42, 44; Hebrews 10:5-7, 10. Note: Was God under obligation to send Jesus to the cross? God was not under obligation to save sinners; He could have given all the just deserts of sin. But God in grace chose to provide salvation from sin, and thus arose the necessity of accomplishing this purpose through the death of His own Son. It was impossible for even God to save sinners apart from vicarious sacrifice once the decision was made to save sinners. So Jesus died in obedience to God’s will. 3. To Fulfill Prophecy. Matthew 26:52-54; Luke 24:44-46. 4. To Share His Own Eternal Life With Men. John 3:14-15; 12:20-24. The Nature of the Death of Christ. 1. Death in Scripture carries the idea of separation. There are basically two kinds of death; both mean separation and both are the result of sin. Physical death—the separation of the soul and spirit from the body. Spiritual death—the separation of the person from God; the second death is a permanent and final confirmation in spiritual death. Spiritual death is a result of sin and physical death is a result of spiritual death. When Jesus was “made sin” (2 Corinthians 5:21), He experienced both kinds of death. 2. Jesus was separated from God—Matthew 27:46. When Jesus was “made sin,” that is, judicially accounted with our sins (He was not personally polluted with sin), God, as the Righteous Judge, turned His face from Jesus. 3. Jesus’ spirit was separated from His body—Matthew 27:50. The order is first abandonment by the Father, then physical death. Jesus’ literal blood was shed on the cross (John 19:33-34). Although one is not saved by touching the molecules of Christ’s literal blood (if it was even possible), it is not wise or Scriptural to deprecate the literal blood of Jesus (as R. B. Thieme does, for example). The Meaning of the Death of Christ. The meaning of Christ’s death is found in the word “atonement.” Atonement means basically to cover. Sin is covered by the blood of Christ. But what does this mean? Note several factors. 1. The foundations of the Atonement. a. Satisfaction-Romans 3:25-26. God’s perfect and absolute holiness sets up a perfect and absolute standard of right which in turn demands perfect conformity (in motive, disposition, word, thought, deed, etc.) to the standard. Sin is nonconformity or a violation of God’s perfections, and creates guilt that must justly be punished. God’s holy demands are satisfied in this retribution or punishment. This is in the judicial or penal realm (not the emotional). Jesus’ death was the penal satisfaction of God’s wrath on the guilt of sin. b. Substitution. By substitutionary atonement is meant the death of Christ in the place of the sinner. It is sometimes called vicarious atonement. God demands that a sinner pay for his sin (Romans 3:23); He demands satisfaction for sin. Jesus has voluntarily become a substitute for sinners and has suffered the punishment of sin in their stead. Isaiah 53:5-6; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18. 2. The Categories of the Atonement. a. Sacrifice—Hebrews 9:26. Sacrifice presupposes guilt. It is an Old Testament idea (based on the sin offering and the entire Levitical sacrificial system), but actually the Old Testament sacrifices were patterned after the yet future sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 9:23). Sacrifice brought final expiation of sin. b. Redemption—Ephesians 1:7; Matthew 20:28. (Also has the idea of Ransom). Redemption presupposes bondage. To redeem means to buy out of slavery by the payment of a ransom price. Christ’s death redeems sinners out of the slave market of sin. c. Propitiation—1 John 2:2. Propitiation presupposes wrath. It means to placate, appease or pacify. God’s hold wrath against sinners is pacified by the perfect death of His Son. God’s wrath is based on His holiness and is administered by His justice. Jesus took the just deserts of sin and placated God’s righteous anger. It is not that God’s wrath turns into love. But His wrath having been propitiated, there is a basis or channel for His live (cf. 1 John 4:10). d. Reconciliation—2 Corinthians 5:19. Reconciliation presupposes alienation or enmity. It means that the alienation has been removed and peace and harmony established. Reconciliation affects both God (Matthew 5:23, 24) and man (Romans 5:10). The death of Christ accomplished this reconciliation; it is something that must be received (Romans 5:11). 3. The Efficacy of the Atonement. What gives efficacy to the blood of Christ so that it can satisfy God’s holy demands in the areas of guilt, bondage, wrath and enmity? In other words, what unifies and gives cohesion to the atonement? The answer is obedience. The obedience of Christ is what enables His blood to cleanse from all sin (1 John 1:9). God reckons Christ’s obedience to our account of disobedience. a. Active Obedience. This is the title given by theologians to Christ’s obedience to His Father’s perfect will during His lifetime—Hebrews 5:8. b. Passive Obedience. This is the name given to Christ’s obedience in yielding up His life in death as a satisfaction for sin—Philippians 2:8; Mark 14:36. 4. The Extent of the Atonement. a. It’s Universality. 1) Being infinite, the atonement is sufficient for the sins of the world. John 1:29; 2 Corinthians 5:14; Hebrews 2:9. 2) The atonement made salvation and its blessings available to all. Revelation 22:17. 3) The atonement exerts drawing power on all (commonly called the “general call”). John 12:32; Acts 17:25-27. 4) The atonement brings restraint on sin for all and enables all to do some measure of right and honesty (usually called “common grace”). Matthew 5:45. b. It’s Limitation. There are certain benefits of the atonement that are limited to the elect; i.e., to believers. These are the benefits that are redemptive in nature (or saving in nature). 1) The atonement is efficient only to those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:10. 2) The elect are effectually summoned from death to life (termed the “effectual call”). 1 Corinthians 1:24; John 5:25; Romans 8:28. 3) The elect are efficaciously brought to faith and repentance upon hearing the Word of God (called “efficacious grace”). 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5; 1 Corinthians 1:18. Note: These particular benefits of the atonement do not relieve man’s freedom and responsibility –2 Peter 1:10; Hebrews 12:25. 4) Believers have the certainty of final salvation because of the atonement of Christ. Romans 8:31-39. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

The price of children

2009-02-23T21:47:00.000-08:00

Here is something absolutely positive for a change. I have repeatedly seen the breakdown of the cost of raising a child,but this is the first time I have seen the rewards listed this way. The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with $160,140.00 for a middle income family. Talk about price shock! That doesn't even touch college tuition. But $160,140.00 isn't so bad if you break it down. It translates into: * $8,896.66 a year, * $741.38 a month, * $171.08 a week. * A mere $24.24 a day! * Just over a dollar an hour. Still, you might think the best financial advice is: don't have children if you want to be 'rich.' Actually, it is just the opposite. What do you get for your $160,140.00? * Naming rights. First, middle, and last! * Glimpses of God every day. * Giggles under the covers every night. * More love than your heart can hold. * Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs. * Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies. * A hand to hold usually covered with jelly or chocolate. * A partner for blowing bubbles and flying kites. * Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the boss said or how your stocks performed that day. For $160,140.00, you never have to grow up. You get to: * finger-paint, * carve pumpkins, * play hide-and-seek, * catch lightning bugs, * never stop believing in Santa Claus. You have an excuse to: * keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh, * watch Saturday morning cartoons, * go to Disney movies, and * wish on stars. You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets and collect spray painted noodlewreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day, and cards with backward letters for Father's Day. For a mere $24.24 a day, there is no greater bang for your buck. You get to be a hero just for: * retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof, * taking the training wheels off a bike, * removing a splinter, * filling a wading pool, * coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and * coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream regardless. You get a front row seat in history to witness the:* First step, * First word, * First bra, * First date, * First time behind the wheel. You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great- grandchildren. You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match.. In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God. You have all the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away the monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them without limits, so one day they will, like you, love without counting the cost. That is quite a deal for the price!!!!!!! Love & enjoy your children & grandchildren & great-grandchildren!!!!!!! It's the best investment you'll ever make!!!!!!!!!

HIGH SCHOOL -- 1959 vs 2009

2009-02-23T21:22:00.000-08:00

Scenario 1: Jack goes quail hunting before school and then pulls into the school parking lot with his shotgun in his truck's gun rack. 1959 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack. 2009 - School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and neve r sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers. ****************************************************************************************************** Scenario 2: Johnny and Mark get into a fist fight after school. 1959 20 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins, Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies. 2009 - Police called and SWAT team arrives -- they arrest both Johnny and Mark. They are both charged with assault and both expelled even though Johnny started it. ****************************************************************************************************** Scenario 3: Jeffrey will not be still in class, he disrupts other students... 1959 - Jeffrey sent to the Principal's office and given a good paddling by the Principal. He then returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again. 2009 - Jeffrey is given huge doses of Ritalin. He becomes a zombie. He is then tested for ADD. The school gets extra money from the sta te because Jeffrey has a disability. ****************************************************************************************************** Scenario 4: Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt. 1959 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college and becomes a successful businessman. 2009 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy is removed to foster care and joins a gang. The state psychologist is told by Billy' s sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has an affair wit h the psychologist. ****************************************************************************************************** Scenario 5: Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school. 1959 - Mark shares his aspirin with the Principal out on the smoking dock. 2009 - The police are called and Mark is expelled from school for drug violations. His car is then searched for drugs and weapons. ****************************************************************************************************** Scenario 6: Pedro fails high school English. 1959 - Pedro goes to summer school, passes English and goes to college. 2009 - Pedro's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against the state school system and Pedro's English teacher. English is then banned from core curriculum. Pedro is given his diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English. ****************************************************************************************************** Scenario 7: Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from the Fourth of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle and blows up a red ant bed. 1959 - Ants die. 2009- ATF, Homeland Security and the FBI are all called. Johnny is charged with domestic terrorism. The FBI investigates his parents -- and all siblings are removed from their home and all computers are confiscated. Johnny's dad is placed on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again. ****************************************************************************************************** Scenario 8: Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him. 1959 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing. 2009 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy

Bible Doctrine Series-The Incarnation

2009-02-23T17:07:00.000-08:00

The incarnation has nothing to do with the origin or beginning of Christ because He is eternal. It has to do with His coming into the world, His entrance into human life. Many descriptions depict this fact. Note some of these: 1. He came—Matthew 20:28. 2. He came down from heaven—John 6:51. 3. He was sent into the world—John 3:17. 4. He was manifested—1 John 3:5. 5. He was made of a woman—Galatians 4:4. 6. He was given a body—Hebrews 10:5. 7. He was made flesh--John 1:14. 8. He partook of flesh and blood—-Hebrews 2:14. 9. He was made of the seed of David—-Romans 1:3. 10. He took the form of a servant—-Philippians 2:7. The Manner of the Incarnation—the Virgin Birth. The prophecies of the Virgin Birth. Isaiah 7:14; 66:7; 53:2 (a symbol). Genesis 3:15 (an intimation). Testimonies to the Virgin Birth. Matthew 1:16—“of whom” is feminine, referring to Mary. 1:18-25. Luke 1:27; 3:23—this verse could better be put: “And Jesus Himself was beginning (His ministry) about thirty years (of age), being a son, as was supposed of Joseph, of Heli.” Paul—Galatians 4:4, cf. vv. 23, 29. In this chapter Jesus is said to have been “made” (ginomai) of a woman while others were “born” (gennao). This shows a distinction in Jesus’ entrance into the world although it doesn’t strictly prove a virgin birth. Jesus (indirectly)—Luke 2:48, 49. Jesus’ Enemies (indirectly)—John 8:41, 48. Note: The virgin birth is essential to our Lord’s sinlessness and thus to His Saviourhood. If He was not preserved from sin when He became a man, He could not redeem sinful men because He Himself would then need a Savior. That which is born through the normal union of flesh physically is also corrupted flesh morally and spiritually (cf. John 3:6). But Luke 1:35 suggests that Christ’s sinlessness is related to His miraculous conception and birth. He was holy because the Holy Spirit wrought conception in Mary. The Purposes of the Incarnation. To Provide an Everlasting Revelation of the Invisible God in Visible Form. John 18; 14:9; Colossians 1:15. To Die for Sinners and to Save From Sin. 1 John 3:5; Hebrews 2:9; 10:4,5; 8-10; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. God, as pure Spirit, could not die for sin; but God incarnate could and did thus die. The goal of the incarnation was death for sin (Hebrews 2:9). One cannot be saved merely by the preaching of the manger, it must include the cross (1 Corinthians 1:18). The Give Men His Own Eternal Life. John 10:10, 11; 6:51. To Provide the Redeemed with a High Priest Who Knew Life by Experience. Hebrews 2:17-18. To provide the Best Judge of Man by Knowing Human Life by Experience. John 5:22, 27. The Father gave Jesus authority to judge “because he is the Son of Man” (v. 27). The Greek has no article before Son, stressing the quality of the human being; Jesus is the best possible judge of sinners. It is not because He is any wiser than the other persons of the Trinity. To Provide an Ideal and Perfect Example to Believers. An example of What Believers should be now. 1 John 2:6; 1 Peter 2:21. An example of What Believer will be hereafter. 1 John 3:2; Hebrews 2:6, 9. The permanence of the Incarnation. Hebrews 13:8; Colossians 1:15; Revelation 22:16. When Jesus became incarnate there were some changes made: --in His dwelling place (from heaven to earth) (John 6:51). --in His possessions (from riches to poverty) (2 Corinthians 8:9; Luke 9:58). --in His glory (from glory to obscurity) (John 17:5). --in His position (from equality with God to a servant) (Philippians 2:6-7). --in His form (from the form of God to the form of a servant) (Philippians 2:6-7). The first four changes were temporary; the last was permanent. Practical Lessons of the Incarnation. It shows that human life and existence is worth while; it does have intrinsic sacredness and dignity. It proves that physical life is not inherently sinful because Jesus was sinless. Cf. the excuse, “We’re all human!” It assures us of a God who knows human life by personal experience. The Person of Christ. The person of Christ is the great touchstone of orthodoxy and separation (cf. 1 John 4:2; 2 John 9-11). It is also one of the greatest and most profound mysteries of the Bible (1 Timothy 3:16). A proper heart attitude and relationship toward men and God is necessary so that a reverent and humble approach can be made to this great doctrine (Colossians 2:1-3). The Human Nature of Christ. Jesus was perfectly and completely human. Sin is not a necessary ingredient in humanity. Human ascriptions. 1 Timothy 2:5; Luke 2:12, 43; Acts 2:30. Human Elements. Body-John 2:21; Soul—John 12:27; Spirit—Luke 23:46. Note sometimes “flesh” or “flesh and blood” are used to refer to His total human nature rather than to the body only. Cf. John 1:3; 3:6; Hebrews 2A:14. Human attributes or characteristics. Birth—Luke 2:5, 12. Growth and development—Luke 2:40, 52. Note: Development does not imply imperfection. Jesus was perfect at every stage of His growth. Emotions—Mark 3:5; John 11:35; 12:27. Appetites—Matthew 4:2 (hunger); John 19:28 (thirst). Limitations—John 4:6 (weariness); Matthew 8:24 (sleep); Matthew 26:29 and Mark 11:13 (knowledge). Appearances—John 4:9 (a Jew); 20:15 (a Gardner). Suffering and death—John 19:30, 34. The Divine Nature of Christ, This is the deity of Christ, The Bible teaches that God in Christ took on humanity, not that a human Jesus took on divinity. Divine Attributes. Self-existent life. John 1:4; 14:6. Eternal. John 8:35; 1 John 1:2. Unchangeable—Hebrews 13:8. Omnipresence. Matthew 18:20; 28:20. Note: The Bible does not teach the omnipresence of the body of Jesus, as some Lutherans and others hold (so that His presence is “in, with and under” the communion wafer). Omniscience. Colossians 2:3; John 16:30; 21:17. Note: Matthew 24:36 says Christ knew not the time of His own coming again to earth. In this case Jesus’ knowledge was self limited. He knew all things but willed not to recall all He knew. Omnipotence. Matthew 28:18; Philippians 3:20-21. Note: Mark 6:5 says he could do no mighty work because of unbelief. Here Jesus self limited His power to the faith of certain people. A mark of true power is when one has power over his power. Incomprehensibility—Ephesians 3:19. Infinity—Ephesians 3:8. Holiness—Acts 3:14; 1 John 3:5. Truth—Revelation 3:7. Love—1 John 3:16. Righteousness—1 John 2:1. Faithfulness—Revelation 19:11. Mercy—Jude 21. Divine Works. Creation—John 1:3. Preservation—Hebrews 1:3. Control of history—Hebrews 1:2; cf. Isaiah 9:6. Forgiveness of sin and impartation of eternal life. Mark 2:5,7, 12; John 10:28. Building of the Church—Matthew 16:18. Answering prayer—John 14:14. Resurrection of the dead. John 5:21, 28-29; 11:24-25. Judging of the world—Acts 10:42. Divine Names (see section on the names of God). Diving Worship is accorded to Christ. He accepted worship—Matthew 28:9-10. He demanded worship—John 5:23. Worship of Him is commanded—Hebrews 1; 6. Worship of Him will be universal—Philippians 2:10-11. Divine Claims. He claimed authority over the laws and institutions of God. Temple—Matthew 12:6. Sabbath—Matthew 12:8. Law of Moses—Matthew 5:31-34. He claimed to be the object of saving faith. Matthew 11:28; John 14:1, 6. He claimed to be equal with God. John 5:18; 19:7. Prophecies of His Deity. Psalm 110:11; cf. Matthew 22:41-46. (The argument is that David’s Son is also David’s God). Isaiah 7:14—Immanuel, God with us. Isaiah 9:6—mighty God. The union of the Two Natures in Christ. The two natures remain distinct for each other although united in the one person. Romans 1:3-4; 9:5. By means of this union, the divine nature can impart some of its powers and values to the human nature without passing over into its essence. John 2:19-21; 6:51. By means of this union, certain human experiences are possible for the divine nature. Hebrews 2:14; 1 Corinthians 2:8; Matthew 24:36. The union of the two natures is eternally permanent. Hebrews 7:24. Note: There is considerable debate over whether Jesus had one or two wills. It is actually a debate over whether self-determination resides in the nature or in the personality. It is best to say that Jesus had one will as an indivisible person. He had only one direction in moral decisions—to do His Father’s will (Hebrews 10:7)—and this arose out of His person as the God-man. The Indivisibility of the Person of Christ. Jesus was “very God of very God and very man of very man.” He was truly God and truly man in one indivisible person. Strictly speaking, He was not God and man, but he was the God-man. 1. Jesus always considered Himself as one personality. Jesus distinguished Himself from other men (John 8:23), from God the Father (John 8:18), and from the Holy Spirit (John 16:7); but He never distinguished the natures in His own person. He did not single out either of His natures and attribute certain activities to it alone. 2. The various attributes and functions of the two natures are applied without distinction to the one person of Jesus Christ. Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 2:8. 3. Many manifestations of Christ’s natures appear side by side, yet are all ascribed to the one person. Matthew 8:24-26 (Asleep; calmed the storm). Mark 11:1-6, 12-13 (knew about the colt; was hungry). John 11:35, 38, 43, 44 (wept; raised the dead). Note: It is not correct to divide the activities of Jesus and ascribe some purely to His human nature and some to His divine nature. The historic formula of Bible believers concerning these matters is: “Neither divide the person nor confound the natures.” Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings

Bible Doctrine Series-God and the World

2009-02-23T14:45:00.000-08:00

By the world, means, the entire universe. God’s relationship to the world is divided into four headings: purpose, creation, preservation and providence. These can be further divided into two broad subjects: God’s purpose and the carrying out of that purpose. God’s Purpose or Plan (this has to do with decrees). God has a single, all-inclusive and comprehensive plan; i.e., His will. Ephesians 1:11. God’s plan is eternal; it is not subject to change. Ephesians 3:11. God does not have alternative plans in case something goes wrong with His original plan. God’s plan was freely made. Psalm 135:6. This harmonizes with His freedom; God is self-determined. God’s plan includes all things. Ephesians 1:11. The only alternative is sheer chance. Some of the things included in the plan are: a. The boundaries of nations—Acts 17:26. b. The length of one’s life—Job 14:5 c. The manner of one’s death—John 21:19. d. The evil deed of men—Genesis 50:20; Acts 4:27-28. God’s plan is realized in and through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:4, 5; 3:11. God’s plan does not relieve man of responsibility. Predestination does not compel; man can make choices without feeling coerced or compelled. He is responsible for his decisions. Luke 22:22; Matthew 18:7. Many speak of God’s permissive and His directive will; or His desired will and His decreed will. This may help to explain how God can be sovereign and man can be responsible. The Creation of the World. The world had a definite beginning (Matter is not eternal). Psalm 90:2; Genesis 1:1. Creation was the work of the entire Godhead. God the Father, the originator—1 Corinthians 8:6. God the Son, the mediator—1 Corinthians 8:6; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16. The emphasis in Scripture is on the Son. God the Holy Spirit, the executor—Genesis 1:2. To employ the figure of constructing a building, God was the architect (and owner), the Son was the superintendent of construction, and the Spirit was the worker. The purpose of creation is to bring glory to God—Psalm 19:1. The Characteristics of the original creation. Genesis 1-2. Creation was supernatural and instantaneous—“Let there be…and it was so.” No process (of evolution) occurred. Creation was “after its kind;"--Genesis 1:11, 12, et al. 1) Impassable genetic boundaries are established. 2) Organisms capable of accomplishing true fertilization constitute a “kind.” 3) There were many created “kinds” as proposed to the evolutionary “family tree” concept of origins. 4) Great variation is possible within the created kinds. 5) No new kinds have appeared since Creation; many have become extinct. Creation had the appearance of age. 1) Fruit trees were created fully grown, bearing fruit with seeds within—Genesis 1:12. 2) Animals were created mature—Genesis 1:20-25. 3) Adam and Eve were created as adults—Genesis 1:26-30; 2:7, 20-25. 4) Stars were created with light already shining on the earth—Genesis 1:15-17. Creation was perfect at the end of the creative week—Genesis 1:31. God’s Word of Preservation. Definition—Preservation is the work of the triune God, accomplished through the Son, whereby He upholds the entire universe with all its laws, properties, powers and processes. Biblical Proof. God upholds the universe. Nehemiah 9:6; Hebrews 1:3; Psalm 104 (entire chapter) (cf. especially v. 14). Accomplished through the Son. Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3. God’s Work of Providence. Definition—Providence is God’s power in bringing the movement of the universe to its predetermined goal. It is the outworking of God’s plan. Biblical Proof. God exercises this control generally through secondary causes—Psalm 148:8. Sometimes God has used miracles (a direct application of His power) to accomplish His plan. However, God does not perform great, public miracles as He did in Bible times. His miracles today are veiled in providence so that men do not recognize them. See Acts 4:16 for a Biblical miracle; it was spectacular, undeniable and verifiable. The new birth is a miracle that God regularly performs today. The Names and Titles of Christ. In the Old Testament 1. Shiloh—Genesis 49:10. 2. Branch—Isaiah 11:1. 3. Immanuel—Isaiah 7:14. 4. The series in Isaiah 9:6. 5. Servant of Jehovah—Isaiah 42:1; 52:13ff. 6. Jehovah—Zechariah 12:10; Jeremiah 23:5-6. 7. The Angel of the Lord. He is Jesus for the following reasons: The Angel is the Lord--Genesis 16:13, 22:11, 15, 18. The Angel is a distinct person for God the Father—Genesis 24:7, 40. The Angel logically points to Christ. 1) Only Christ is visible in the Trinity—John 1:8. 2) The Angel of the Lord no longer appears after Christ comes. 3) Both the Angel and Christ are sent by God the Father. In The New Testament. Jesus. This is the given name of the Lord; His human name. This name stresses the Saviourhood of Christ—Matthew 1:21. It comes from the Old Testament word meaning Jehovah saves (Joshua). While it was a common name in Jesus’ day, He invested the name with far richer significance. One cannot make a great distinction between Jesus and Christ such as the Liberals do when they speak of the Jesus of history and the Christ of faith. Christ. This is the official title of the Lord. The name means Anointed One—Luke 2:26; Acts 2:36. It gathers in all the ideas of “the Coming One” of the Old Testament thought. Three offices were anointed in the Old Testament, and Christ fulfills all three (prophet, priest and king). 1) Christ is a Prophet—Acts 3:22, 23. 2) Christ is a Priest—Hebrews 4:14-15; 6:20. 3) Christ is a King—Luke 1:31-33 (although the Kingdom is not here as yet). All three of these anointed offices will be functioning at the same time in the millennial Kingdom. Messiah. This is the Hebrew form of the word Christ; it means Anointed One—John 1:41; 4:25. The word comes from a verb meaning to smear (with olive oil), hence the idea of anointing. Lord. This name denotes the idea of authority and ownership. The word comes from the Hebrew name Adonai which means Master, Ruler or owner. Christ is the believer’s Master and Owner—Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 4:1 (same Greek word as Lord). No one can be saved without taking Christ as his Lord (Romans 10:9), and no one can make Christ the Lord of his life apart from a work of the Holy Spirit in his heart (1 Corinthians 12:3). I AM. This name is based on the Old Testament word Jehovah—Exodus 3:13, 14; cf. John 8:58; 18:4-6. Son of God. The idea of “son” stems from the Hebrew concept which means one who partakes of the qualities or has the characteristics of whatever one is said to be a son. E.g., Judas—John 17:12; Barnabas—Acts 4:36. Son of God. The idea of “son” means that Jesus has the qualities and characteristics of God. It speaks of His deity—Luke 1:35. While Christians are called sons of God (Romans 8:14) and angels are called sons of God (Job 38:7), they are not sons in the same sense as Jesus. Other doctrines make this clear (sinlessness of Jesus; depravity of man, etc.). Jesus as the Son of God is a “given” in the Bible. He appears always as the Son; He does not “become” the Son at some point in His life. He is eternally the Son—Hebrews 1:8. False theories place the Sonship as coming on Jesus at His (1) birth, (2) baptism, (3) resurrection, or (4) exaltation. Son of Man. This name stresses the humanity of Jesus—Luke 9:58. The name comes from Daniel 7:13. It is the millennial title of Christ. In the New Testament this name is used only of Christ (except in Acts 7:56) and it always has reference to Himself. Son of Abraham. This name places Jesus as a member of the Chosen Race (a Jew) which began with Abraham—Matthew 1:1. Son of David. This is a royal title of Jesus, placing him in the “seed of David” (2 Samuel 7:12; Psalm 89:3, 4) with the right to rule in the Davidic Kingdom (the Millennium). Jesus received His royal blood from Mary who was a descendant of David through a son Nathan (Luke 3:31). He received the legal title to the throne from Joseph who was the offspring of David through Solomon (Matthew 1:1, 6). Second Man/Last Adam. Both Adam and Christ acted in a representative way. The world is divided under these two headships. Christ was the second and last one to act in a representative way—1 Corinthians 15:45, 47; Romans 5:12-21. The Word. This name stems from the Hebrew concept of the “word” of God being His divine revelation and the efficacious expression of Himself, many times revealed and expressed in deeds—Psalm 147:15; Isaiah 55:11. Jesus is the expression of God in His person, attributes and activity—John 1:1, 2. Greek philosophy said the Word (logos) was the all pervading Energy of the universe, and this Energy could not dwell directly in as person but had to go through a long, abstract series of intermediary steps down to the person. Savior. The name denotes the deliverance from sin and all that is tainted by sin that comes through Jesus—Luke 2:11. Master. This name is not synonymous with Lord. It is used in the sense of Teacher or Instructor—Matthew 9:11. Liberals hold Jesus to be merely a Teacher and an Example; but “you cannot be saved by learning lessons from the life of Jesus you must be saved by receiving life from the death of Jesus.” Firstborn/First begotten. To the firstborn went (1) priority and authority in the family and (2) the dignity of the inheritance (double portion)—Genesis 49:3; Deuteronomy 21:17; 33:17. Jesus is the Firstborn among brethren—Romans 8:29; Hebrews 1:6. This means that He has first rank and complete authority among men. Jesus is the Firstborn of every creature—Colossians 1:15. This means that He has sovereign authority over all creation. It does not teach that Jesus was created. Jesus is the Firstborn from the dead—Colossians 1:18; Revelation 1:5. This means that by His resurrection He has complete mastery over death, and hold priority in resurrection. The Church is called the Firstborn because it has the highest privileges of all bodies of saints and is the highest and greatest masterpiece of God’s saving grace—Hebrews 12:23; Ephesians 2:7, 8, 10; 3:21. But Jesus outranks the Church as the Firstborn of God. Only Begotten Son. This name does not mean that Jesus was God’s only son, for He has many sons (Hebrews 2:10). It does not mean He was the first to be a son of God; i.e., chronology is not the factor (cf. Hebrews 11:17). The name refers to the uniqueness of Jesus; He is God’s unique Son in His deity, eternity, and all those things which set Him in a class of His own. The Preexistence of Christ. Most biographies of Christ begin with His birth. The Bible goes back to His eternal preexistence. Preexistence Taught by Direct Assertion. In the New Testament. By John the Baptist. John 1:15; 3:31. By Christ Himself. John 6:38, 51; 8:58; 17; 5, 24. By Paul. Philippians 2:5-7—He was in the “form” of God. Form means those characterizing qualities that make something exactly what it is. (E.g., an animal that is the form of a cow). Paul is saying that Jesus existed as God before He existed as a servant on earth. Colossians 1:17. In the Old Testament—the Angel of the Lord. Preexistence Taught by the Doctrine of Christ’s Eternity. In the Old Testament. Isaiah 9:6; Micah 5:2. In the New Testament. John 1:1; Ephesians 1:4; Revelation 1:11. The Incarnation of Christ. The word “incarnation” comes for the Latin meaning to embody in flesh or enfleshment. In Bible doctrine the incarnation is the enfleshment of God; the act whereby the second person of the Trinity is embodies in human nature, flesh and form. The incarnation is a foundational doctrine of Christianity. It goes back to the even more fundamental doctrine of Christianity—the Trinity. There could be no incarnation without the Trinity, and there could be no salvation without the incarnation. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Bible Doctine Series-The Attribute of Greatness

2009-02-23T10:46:00.000-08:00

The attributes of God are the qualities, characteristics or properties which are inherent in and manifest the being or essence of God. They are sometimes called the “perfections” or the “excellencies” of God. The Attribute of Greatness. The self-existence of God (sometimes called His aseity). Definition—the ground or source of God’s existence is in Himself; He is independent of all things external to Himself. God is uncaused (man is caused). The only alternative is the eternity of Matter. Biblical Proof of the Self Existence of God. John 5:26; Psalm 36:9; Exodus 3:14. The Infinity of God. Definition—God is without limitations. He has only the self-imposed limits of His nature and will. Biblical Proof. Psalm 147:5; 40:5; 1 Kings 8:27; Romans 11:33. The Omnipotence of God. Definition—By His exhaustless power, God can do all things consistent with His character and will. God can do all that He wills, but He will not do all that He can. He can make children of Abraham from stones, but He will not, Matthew 3:9). God cannot make a past event not to have happened; He cannot make a stone too great for Him to move; He cannot make a shorter than a straight line between two points, and other such nonsensical things. Self-restraint is a mark of true power. God was not under internal or external necessity to limit Himself; i.e., He has power over His power. Biblical Proof. Genesis 17:1; Jeremiah 32:17; Job 42:2; Isaiah 40:28; Revelation 19:6. The Manifestations of Omnipotence. 1) The material world—Psalm 147:4. 2) The animal world—Matthew 10:29. 3) The spirits of the dead—Job 26:6. 4) The world of mankind—Matthew 6:8; Psalm 139:21; Acts 1:24. 5) Past and future events—Isaiah 46:9-11. 6) All possibilities—Matthew 11:21, 23; 1 Samuel 23:11, 12. The Nature of God’s Omniscience. 1) It is perfect—Job 37:16. 2) It is complete—Hebrews 4:13. 3) It has moral purpose—Proverbs 15:3; Malachi 3:16; Hosea 7:2. God’s knowledge is not just like as computer; He knows how to put His knowledge to good ends. The Omnipresence of God. Definition—God is in the universe, everywhere present at the same time, and fills every part of it with His whole being. Biblical Proof. Psalm 139:7-10; Jeremiah 23:24. Explanation. 1) This does not mean that God is everything and everything is God. 2) This does not mean that part of God is in one place and part of Him is in another. He is everywhere present in His whole being. 3). this does not mean that God is everywhere present in the same sense. He does not dwell on earth as he does in heaven; He is not in animals as He is in man; He is not in the wicked as He is in the saved, etc. Manifestations of God’s Omnipresence. God has chosen to manifest Himself permanently in heaven (1 Kings 8:30), but He also manifests Himself at certain other times and places. His presence is everywhere, but He does not manifest Himself everywhere. Values of God’s Omnipresence. 1) God is always near at hand. 2) God can live in our hearts by His Spirit—John 14:23. The All-Wisdom of God (Omni-sapience). Definition—God applies His knowledge in such a way that the best means are employed to achieve the highest ends in order to glorify Him the most. Biblical Proof. Romans 16:27; 11:33. Manifestations of God’s Wisdom. 1). in creation—Psalm 104:24. 2). in providence—Romans 8:28. 3). in redemption—Ephesians 3:10. Time is marked by succession of events, movements, etc. God is above time in that sense. Man is above time in a feeble sense; he can aspire, remember, etc. Biblical Proof. Psalm 90:2; Deuteronomy 33:27; Hebrews 1:2; Job 36:26; Isaiah 57:15. The Immutability of God. Definition—God is changeless in His person, attributes and purposes; and He is incapable of growth or decay in any respect. God has not learned anything, has not changed His mind about anything, and has not lost any power. He is neither more nor less merciful, loving, wise, truthful, etc., than He ever was. Biblical Proof. James 1:17; Ezekiel 24:14; Malachi 3:6; Psalm 102:27. Problems—texts which speak of God “repenting” (1 Samuel 15:10-11; Exodus 32:14; 2 Samuel 24:16, etc). Answer: God’s immutability does not mean immobility. God changes His dealings with changeable men in order to remain changeless in Himself. E.g., God treats the righteous differently than the wicked. A good illustration would be of one bicycling against and with the wind. Practical Values. 1) It guarantees to the believer that God cannot fail. 2) It guarantees to the believer that God keeps His promises—Malachi 3:6. 3) It is a stern warning to the unsaved that their rejection will bring inevitable judgment. The Incomprehensibility of God. Definition—God cannot be completely known by a finite mind. Biblical Proof. Psalm 145:3; 147:5; Job 11:7-9; Isaiah 55:9. Clarification. This does not mean that God is unknowable as Neo-orthodoxy teaches. A finite mind can know absolute truth about God, and he can have absolute knowledge of God Himself, but he cannot know all the absolute truth there is about God. The Attributes of Goodness. The love of God. Definition—that in God which moves Him to give Himself and His gifts spontaneously, voluntarily and righteously for the good of personal beings regardless of their merit or response. God is eternally moved to self-communication. Biblical Proof. (The Bible is the only source of God’s love; it can’t be found in nature). John 3:16; 1 John 4:8. The Character of God’s Love. 1) Voluntary—1 John 4:10. It is under no compulsion and does not wait for as response from its object. 2) Righteous—John 3:16. It does not condone sin; it always acts according to right. 3) Eternal—1 Corinthians 13:8. God is eternally self-giving, although not always to the same objects. The Objects of God’s Love. God loves personal beings. He does not love the “rocks and the rills.” Although God is tender toward animals, He does not love animals. 1) Jesus Christ His Son-John 17:24. God loves Jesus because His character is perfectly reproduced in Jesus. 2) Believers; those who love His Son—John 16:27. God loves believers because His character is manifested (even though imperfectly) in them. 3) Israel—Jeremiah 31:34. God loves Israel because His character will be manifested in them, particularly in the end times. 4) Sinners—John 3:16. God loves sinners because they are persons in His image. Manifestations of God’s Love. 1) In His benevolence toward all men—Matthew 5:43-48. 2) In the gift of His Son for sin—1 John 4:9. 3) In making believers His children—1 John 3:1. 4) In chastening His children—Hebrews 12:5-8. 5) In His election of believers to eternal life—1 Thessalonians 1:4. Practical Values. 1) It demands a response of love from Christians—1 John 4:11, 19. 2) God’s love producing love in us is an evidence of the new birth—1 John 2:10; 3:14; 4:7. The Holiness of God. Definition—Holiness means being set apart, or simply the idea of separation or apartness. God’s holiness is seen in two realms: (1) His apartness from all that is earthly or created; and (2) His apartness from all that is morally unclean—His moral purity. Explanation. The Biblical idea of holiness originally meant set apart from common use (qodesh in Hebrew) and had no moral connotations. For example, the word for harlot (qedeshash—Genesis 38:21) comes for the word meaning set apart. In this case the person was set apart for immoral purposes. Objects in the tabernacle were set apart (Exodus 40:11); houses and fields could be set apart (Leviticus 29:14, 16). From this idea the transition was made to the idea of separation from uncleanness, or the idea of moral purity. Biblical Proof. 1) God’s apartness from that which is earthly—Psalm 99:1-3; Isaiah 55; 15. 2) God’s apartness form moral uncleanness—Isaiah 6:1-5; 1 Peter 1:15-16. Holiness is God’s Fundamental Moral Attribute. 1) The Bible makes holiness basic. Isaiah 6:1-3; 57:15; Psalm 47:8. 2) All God’s acts are acts of holiness. Revelation 4:3, 8; Psalm 47:8. The Relation of God’s Holiness to Love. God’s holiness conditions His love. Holiness is God’s self affirmation. God eternally wills His own moral purity; it is not delegated to Him. Love is His self-giving. Before God can give there must be something to give. God’s love is basically His desire to give holiness. The Manifestations of God’s Holiness. 1) In His works—Ephesians 4:24 (Creation); Psalm 145:17. 2) In His laws (morality)—10 Commandments; cf. Rom. 2:14-15. 3) In His hatred for sin—Habakkuk 1:13. 4) In His love of righteousness—Hebrews 1:9. 5) In the Cross of Christ—Psalm 22:1; Isaiah 55:10a. Practical Values. 1) It makes us aware of our sin—Isaiah 6:5. 2) It demands holiness in God’s people—1 Peter 1:16. 3) It forms the background to divine judgment—Revelation 20:11. The Righteousness of God (including His justice). Definition—God’s righteousness is that phase of His holiness by which He demands conformity to perfect right; it is His demand for moral perfection. Righteous come from the Hebrew word having the idea of straight (tsadiq). God’s justice is that phase of His holiness by which He rewards such conformity and punishes non-conformity. Biblical Proof. Psalm 92:15; 11:7; 145:15; Deuteronomy 32:4. The Manifestations of God’s Righteousness and Justice. 1) In His requirements for men—Leviticus 19:35-36. 2) In punishing the unrighteous—Revelation 16:4-7. 3) In rewarding the righteous—Hebrews 6:10. 4) In chastening His people—Daniel 9:14. 5) In the cross of Christ—Romans 3:25. 6) In the forgiveness of sins—1 John 1:9. The Truth of God. Definition and Biblical Proof—the truth (trueness) of God is seen in three dimensions: 1) God is the only true or genuine God—John 17:3. He alone is all that God should be. 2) God is the truthful God in that the knowledge, declarations and representations of God eternally conform to His being—Psalm 19:9; John 17:17. 3) God is the source and basis of all truth—Psalm 31:5. The Faithfulness of God. Definition—God’s faithfulness is His transitive truth; His trustworthiness to act or perform in accordance with His promise. The words for faithfulness in the Bible (aman; pistos) mean to be firm; hence steadfast, reliable, dependable, trustworthy. The idea is that if God is true in Himself, He is faithful to others. Biblical Proof. Lamentations 3:23; Psalm 119:90; Deuteronomy 7:9; 1 Corinthians 10:13. The Manifestations of God’s Faithfulness. 1) In keeping His promises—Hebrews 10:23. 2) In preserving His people in temptation—1 Corinthians 10:13. 3) In forgiving sin—1 John 1:9. 4) In answering prayer—Psalm 143:1. The Grace of God. Definition—Grace comes from the Old Testament idea of stoop or bend; i.e., condescending favor. God’s grace is the undeserved, unearned, unrecompensed and unwanted favor of God toward guilty sinners. Biblical Proof. Ephesians 1:7; Romans 5:17. Manifestations of God’s Grace. 1) In justification—Romans 3:23, 24. 2) In regeneration—Ephesians 2:8, 9. 3) In the formation of the New Testament Church—Ephesians 2:8; 3:7, 8. The Church is the highest display of the grace of God—the greatest trophy of grace ever. This is because of the ministry of Christ (John 1:17) and the union with Him produced by Spirit baptism. 4) In sanctification—Titus 2:11, 12. Note the contrast with sanctification by Law; one cannot be made holy by Law-keeping (Galatians 1:6; 3:3). The principle of Grace is that it acts on the basis of prior blessings received (1 John 4:11, 19). Law says, “This do and you will live” (Leviticus 18:5). The Mercy of God. Definition—God’s mercy is His compassion, pity sand gentleness toward miserable sinners. Biblical Proof. (80% of texts on mercy are in the Old Testament; the New Testament is full of the idea of mercy). Deuteronomy 4:31; 2 Corinthians 1:3; Psalm 86:5. The difference between God’s Mercy and Love. Mercy is the outworking of God’s love in the practical realm. Love is what God is, mercy is what He does. Cf. Ephesians 2:4-6. The difference between Mercy and Grace. Grace is God’s attitude of favor toward the guilty or the law breakers; it is in the judicial realm. Mercy is God’s attitude of pity toward the miserable or those in distress; it is in the practical realm. The Manifestations of God’s Mercy. 1) In saving lost sinners—Ephesians 2:4-8; 1 Timothy 1:13. 2) In caring for His creatures—Psalm 145:9, 15-16. 3) In helping His people—Nehemiah 9:17-21, 27-32. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Common Men who had Uncommon Faith

2009-02-21T20:20:00.000-08:00

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible; by faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and he rewards those who seek him. By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith” (Hebrews 11:1-7). With the sensationalism normally connected with teachings on faith, it is easy to think that faith is limited to an elite corps of God’s choicest saints. Easily overlooked are the masses of simple, plain, ordinary folks who, away from the limelight, modeled the “faith-life.” These are people with whom we have little trouble identifying. The passage we will be studying mentions three such men: a shepherd, a preacher, and a builder. Through their lives we learn about three aspects of faith. First, let look at a brief, simple analysis of faith (v.1). “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” What it is and isn’t. Faith is confidence in God, the firm conviction that He is at work and will come through on our behalf. Faith is not a blind leap into the dark, nor is it wishful positive thinking or presumption. Let's learn how faith works and why. A look at verse 6 gives us the thought that perhaps faith was originally easy for man to exercise, but we’ve made it difficult. Verse 6 gives three easy steps to follow. 1. We come to God, in humble absolute dependence. 2. We believe He’s there, this gives us assurance rather than doubt. 3. We count on Him to keep His word. His character is at stake. He makes things happen. Second, note three plain, common examples of faith. It is easy to trust God in theory, but when a situation is upon us, doubt competes for first place. A shepherd named Abel (v.4). A preacher named Enoch (v. 5). Jude 14-15 tells us that in his public life, Enoch proclaimed a message of judgment which his generation both resented and resisted. Genesis 5:21-14 we learn of his private life. For example take Noah, the builder (v.7). Noah lives 500 miles from the sea. Imagine the mockery Noah endured in his day. Third, let's examine three relevant applications of faith. By faith Abel came God’s way. By faith Enoch proclaimed God’s Word. By faith Noah revered God’s will. Each of these men was common and simple, but each lived by faith. The message is not complicated. Relative question, How about you? If faith were the topic of conversation in your neighborhood, would your name be included? What would happen if Hebrews 11 were to be updated in heaven? Would your name be on the list? Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Time to Quit Fretting

2009-02-21T15:57:00.000-08:00

Please read Psalm 37:1-40 Psalm 37:1-9 form comforting thoughts, characterized by exhortations to trust and assurances of victory. David cautions us not to worry about the prosperity of the wicked. He writes: Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. . . . Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way. . . . Do not fret—it only causes harm. (vv. 1, 7-8). The tendency to murmur when the wicked flaunt their wrong doing must be repressed if we are going to develop trust in the Lord. The question is why should our hearts burn with (righteous?) indignation when so much hotter a glow will burn up the cut grass? Let it (the wicked) wave in brief glory, without interference, the scythe and the sunshine will soon make an end of their wicked, miserable lives. Jesus includes this point in the Sermon on the Mount, telling us not to worry about our life, our food and clothing, and the troubles of tomorrow (Matthew 6:25-34). The Lord says calm down! Don’t get all worked up over it! The blessed results of trust and active holiness are stable dwelling in the land, and nourishment that only comes from God. We who take God as our portion will always have a safe place to live. The fact is no man will commit his way to the Lord unless he delights in Him. When we fully commit our ways to His sovereignty we can then find absolute rest in the Lord. For us to delight in the Lord is to possess our hearts delight, and find fulfilled in Him our desires and abiding joys. “Commit your way unto Him” (v. 5), or roll it upon Him, this is the exercise of trust, and, He will do all that is desired. We find in walking with the Lord that faith and trust are two sides of the same coin. As our faith in the Lord grows, so does our trust. We must “walk by faith and not by sight,” for we do not see all that He sees, and we certainly don’t know all that He knows. Our Sovereign Master has it all under His control. David describes the character of the wicked: The wicked plots against the just, and gnashes at him with his teeth. . . . The wicked have drawn the sword and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, to slay those who are of upright conduct. . . . The wicked borrows and does not repay. . . . The wicked watches the righteous, and seeks to slay him. (Verses 12, 14, 21, 32. These portions of Scripture sketch in vivid detail the fury of “the wicked” toward “the Just” and the grim retribution that turns their own weapons into agents of the wicked’s self destruction. Their evil is obvious to all, especially God. We can be certain that the wicked have not fooled Him. For in essence He is the One they are sinning against. David contrasts the character of the wicked to the righteous: But the righteous shows mercy and gives. . . . He is ever merciful, and lends; and his descendants are blessed. . . . The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice. The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. (Verses 21, 26, 30-31). Silently, the Goodman sits wrapped in his faith. All around are raging, armed foes. Above, the laughter of God rolls thunderous, and from the throne the obedient “day” is winging its flight like an eagle with lightning bolts in its claws. The difference in their characters is sharply defined, and we can rest assured that character is what dictates the outcome of our lives. David shows the end of the wicked: [Evildoers] shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. . . . For evildoers shall be cut off. . . . For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; indeed, you will look diligently for his place, but it shall be no more. . . . The Lord laughs at him, for He sees that his day is coming. . . . But the wicked shall perish; and the enemies of the Lord, like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish. Into smoke they shall vanish away. . . . The descendants of the wicked shall be cut off. . . . I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a native green tree, yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more; indeed I sought him, but he could not be found. . . . But the transgressors shall be destroyed together; the future of the wicked shall be cut off. (Verses 2, 9-10, 13, 20, 28, 35-36, 38). Here the destruction of those who plot evil and the vindications of the righteous are contrasted. Those who wait on the Lord are promised the sight of the destruction of the wicked. Divine judgments minister occasion for praise from the purest hearts before the throne of God. We can know for certain that the unrighteous will get what is coming to them. God always gives the correct punishment at exactly the right time. It is out of our hands, so we need not concern ourselves over it. If we were as wise, loving, and all knowing as God, we would mete out the exact punishment, at the exact time, as He will. David proclaims the reward of the upright: He shall give you the desires of your heart. . . He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. . . . But those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. . . . But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. . . . Their inheritance shall be forever. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time, and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. . . . For those who are blessed by Him shall inherit the earth. . . . They are preserved forever. . . . The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell in it forever. . . . He shall exalt you to inherit the land. . . . But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord. (Verses 4, 6, 9, 11, 18-19, 22, 28-29, 34, 39). If God is on our side, we have nothing to fear from the wicked, and we can look forward to blessings beyond anything we could ever imagine (Ephesians 3:20)! David explains that we can expect these blessings and rewards, not because we are innately wonderful and good, but because God is faithful: The Lord upholds the righteous. The Lord knows the days of the upright. . . . The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholds him with His hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread. . . . For the Lord loves justice, and does not forsake His saints. . . . The Lord will not leave [the righteous] in [the wicked's] hand, nor condemn him when he is judged. . . . He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him. (Verses 17-18, 23-25, 28, 33, 39-40). The picture in verse 24 is very comforting. David describes God as a Father, holding His child by the hand. The child has just learned to walk and is not very steady. When he stumbles—and he will—he does not fall completely because the Father pulls him back upright. God perfectly fulfills all the obligations He placed on Himself to do on our behalf. This is another reason we have no need to fear or worry. Lastly, David provides us with solutions to this dilemma: Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord. . . . Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. . . . Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. . . . Depart from evil, and do well; and dwell forevermore. . . . Wait on the Lord, and keep His way. . . . Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; for the future of that man is peace. (Verses 3-8, 27, 34, 37). Trouble will come into our lives, but God will provide for us a fortress home, and out of it He will save us. These are David's instructions on how we should handle our envy of the wicked man's prosperity: Do good, trust God, and do not worry! If we patiently continue doing the things that God has commanded us to do—focusing on our own character, rather than complaining about another's—the scales of justice will come into their proper balance in God's time. “He makes all things beautiful in His time.” Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Bible Doctrine Series-The Triunity of God

2009-02-19T06:18:00.000-08:00

The Triunity of God. Trinity is, of course not a biblical word. Neither are triunity, trine, trinal, subsistence, nor essence. Yet we employ them, and often helpfully, in trying to express this doctrine which is so fraught with difficulties. Furthermore, this is a doctrine which in the New Testament is not explicit even though is is often said that is is implicit in the Old and explicit in the New. But explicit means "characterized by full, clear expression," an adjective hard to apply to this doctrine. Nevertheless, the doctrine grows out of the Scriptures, so it is a biblical teaching. Not only is it biblical teaching but it is one of the most fundamental doctrines concerning God. Without the triunity of God there could be no incarnation. Thus there could be no redemption accomplished by the Son and no redemption applied by the Spirit of God. In the doctrine of the Trinity, we encounter one of the truly distinctive doctrines of Christianity. Among the religions of the world, the Christian faith is unique in making the claim that God is one and yet there are three who are God. In so doing, it presents what seems on the surface to be a self-contradictory doctrine. Furthermore, this doctrine is not overtly or explicitly stated in Scripture. Nevertheless, devout minds have been led to it as they sought to do justice to the witness of Scripture. A. The Explanation of the Triunity of God. God is the Three in One—three persons in one essence. He is not three in one in the same sense. B. False Ideas of the Trinity. 1. Tri-theism—the belief that there are three gods. 2. Modalism—the belief that there is only one person but three modes or manifestations of God. 3. Unitarianism—the belief that only God the Father is eternal and divine. The Son and the Spirit are created beings. C. Illustrations of the Trinity. No illustration can possibly capture all that is involved in the biblical revelation of the Trinity Most are at best only parallels of a "three-in-one" idea. A common diagram attempts to picture the Godhead as one, yet showing each Person as God and also distinct. Water may serve as a "three-in-one" illustration since it retains its chemical activity whether in solid, gas, or liquid state. There is also a triple point for water, a condition under which ice, steam, and liquid water can coexist in equilibrium. All are water, yet distinct from each other. The sun, its light, and its power may help illustrate the Trinity. No one has actually seen the sun just as no one has seen the Father. Yet we learn a great deal about the sun by studying the sunlight just as we learn about the Father through Jesus Christ the Son who is the radiance of His glory (Hebrews 1:3). We see the power of the sun as it is involved in the growth of seeds and trees and plants, and when asked what makes things grow, we say the sun does. The Holy Spirit is like the power of the sun and He is God. Whatever usefulness or limitations illustrations have, we say again that we are faced with a mystery. D. Biblical Proof. 1. In the Old Testament (not a developed doctrine in the Old Testament). a. Suggestions of plurality in the Godhead. Genesis 1:1 Elohim is a plural noun. 1; 26 “our” image 3:22. Psalm 110:1 God’s name is applied to more than one person in the same text. Jeremiah 23:3-5. b. Scriptural statements. Isaiah 48:16; 61:1. 2. In the New Testament. a. The baptism of Christ—Matthew 3:16, 17. b. The baptismal formula—Matthew 28:19. c. The apostolic benediction—2 Corinthians 13; 14. d. Personal distinctions in the Godhead. 1) The Father and the Son are distinct persons. John 5:26; 3:16; Galatians 4:4. 2) The Father and the Son are distinct from the Spirit. John 14:16, 17. The Unity of God. A. The Explanation of the Unity of God. There is but one essence in the Godhead, and this one essence pervades each of the three persons without division of multiplication. B. Biblical Proof. 1. Scriptural statements. Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-30; Romans 3:29-30; James 2:19. 2. Each of the three persons is recognized as God. a. The Father is God—John 6:27. b. The Son is God—Hebrews 1:8. c. The Spirit is God—Acts 5:3-4. 3. These three persons are one God. a. The Father and the Son are one. John 5;18; 14:10,11; 17:22 Cf. the implications of John 5:22 b. The Father and the Spirit are one—1 Corinthians 3:16. c. The Son and the Spirit are one—Romans 8:9. d. The Father, Son and Spirit are one—John 14:16, 18, 23. 4. These three persons have distinctions in their function (the “economical Trinity”). a. In the work of the Godhead the Father is first, the Son is second and the Spirit is third. 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 2:18 Note the prepositions: “Of” the Father (ek)—source. “Through” the Son (dia)—channel. “By” the Spirit (en)—agent. “Unto” the Father (pros)—goal. b. In the work of the Godhead the Son is subordinate to the Father, and the Spirit is subordinate to the Father and the Son. I John 4:10, The Father sends the Son. John 14:26, The Father sends the Spirit. John 15:26, The Son sends the Spirit. Romans 8:9, Summary—Spirit of God/Spirit of Christ. Some Practical Ramifications: The richness of the concept of the Trinity overflows into several areas of theology. The doctrine of redemption is an obvious example, for all Persons of the Godhead are involved in that great work (John 3:6, 16; Rev. 13:8). The doctrine of revelation serves as another example, the Son and Spirit both being involved in communicating God's truth (John 1:18; 16:13). Fellowship and love within the Godhead is only possible in a trinitarian concept of God, and that fellowship is akin to the believer's fellowship with Christ (14:17). Priority without inferiority as seen in the Trinity is the basis for proper relationships between men and women (1 Corinthians 11:3). Prayer is practiced in a trinitarian way. Though we may address any Person of the Trinity, ordinarily, according to the biblical precedent, we address the Father in the name of Christ as the Spirit direct us (John 14:14; Ephesians 1:6; 2:18; 6:18). Dr,. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Bible Doctrine Series-The Spirituality of God

2009-02-19T05:31:00.000-08:00

God’s spirituality is basic to His personality. The attributes of personality arise out of the spirit. God is a spiritual being. A. Biblical Proof. John 4:24; Romans 1:20; 1 Timothy 1:17; Colossians 1:15 B. The meaning of Spirituality. 1. Spirit is the invisible source of personality, Spirit can: Perceive—Mark 2:8 Purpose—Acts 19:21 Speak—Matthew 10:20 Rejoice—Luke 1:47 Love—Romans 15:30 Pray—Romans 8:26 Think—Romans 8:27 Fellowship—Philippians 2:1 Worship—John 4:24 The source of personality is not the brain although personality functions through the brain. Spirit is not a synonym for personality; it is the metaphysical source. God, then, is the very essence of personality. 2. Spirit has no necessary connection with matter; it cannot be apprehended by physical means (i.e., by empiricism) (Luke 24:39). 3. However, God has chosen to manifest Himself in various ways (John 1:32—dove; Exodus 3:2-6—burning bush; etc.). He has chosen to manifest Himself permanently in Jesus (John 14:9; Acts 7:56). 4. The Bible speaks of God having bodily parts (called anthropomorphism's) (parts such as eyes, arms, feet, hands, etc.) only to aid finite minds in understanding the infinite God. God is the very essence of personality because He is pure spirit. Personality is a group (or cluster) of functions (or characteristics) that arise from spirit. A. Life--God is living. 1 Timothy 4:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; John 5:26; Jeremiah 20:10. Life means that God is able to do things; He has within Himself the source of being and activity (potential energy or activity). B. Intelligence. (Comprised of knowledge, understanding and wisdom) Proverbs 3:19-20; Romans 11:33. Knowledge is the perception of facts. Understanding is the insight into the meaning of the facts. Wisdom is the ability to put the facts together for good ends (Nazi Germany had the first two but not the last). C. Purpose. Ephesians 3:11. Purpose is reacting to a future goal as if it was already present. D. Action. Genesis 1:1; John 5:17. God is active. He not only can do things (life), He does them. E. Freedom. Job 23:13; Daniel 4:35; Ephesians 1:11. God is wholly self-determined; He is not bound by anything outside of Himself. He can do anything consistent with His nature. His actions are determined by His own will and pleasure. F. Self-consciousness. Exodus 3:14; 1 Corinthians 2:10b, 11b. Only God knows Himself completely. G. Emotion. Jeremiah 31:2; Genesis 6:6; Proverbs 6:16. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Bible Doctrine Series-Jehovah-Tsidkenu

2009-02-18T16:53:00.000-08:00

Jehovah-Tsidkenu—“the Lord our righteousness’ (Jeremiah 23:6). The Hebrew word Tsidkenu means “righteousness, or rightness.” Jehovah-tsidkenu is given in Jeremiah 23:5-6 “’Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord, ‘When I shall raise up for David a righteous Branch; and He will reign as king and act wisely and do justice and righteousness in the land. In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely; and this is His name by which He will be called, ‘The Lord our righteousness,’” Throughout the Bible we see the provision of a just God for the sins of mankind. God did not save Noah because he was sinless. Noah and his family were delivered because he refused to walk in the wickedness of the world; instead he walked with God. Can two walk together except they be agreed? There is no particular goodness noted in Abram when the Lord called him from his country and relatives to a new land to make him a great nation, to bless him, or to become his God. It was not until he was promised an offspring of his own and believed God that the Lord accounted his faith as righteousness. This has been the way of the Lord down through the ages—without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6); whatever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14; 23). Our righteous God who establishes truth has proclaimed that the Lord Jesus is our righteousness; apart from Him we can do nothing. The New Testament shows us that eternal life is the free gift of God given through the Lord Jesus (Romans 6:23). The only response He asks is our exercise of faith to what we have heard from the word of Christ. Jehovah-tsidkenu is the Lord our righteousness. God expects us to live out the righteousness we have been given at salvation; it must take root in our souls and bodies. Paul sums it up nicely in Romans 6:11-13 “Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God." Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Bible Doctrine Series-Jehovah-Shammah

2009-02-18T15:39:00.000-08:00

Jehovah-Shammah—“the Lord is there (Ezekiel 48:35). The Hebrew word shammah is defined as “there, in that place, therein.” Jehovah-shammah means “The Lord is there.” This was the name given in description of the New Jerusalem envisioned by Ezekiel (Ezekiel 48:35). This city will be measured and built meticulously; being apportioned and assigned for the people of God. In the book of John, Jesus culminated His talk with His disciples during His final Passover feast. He had told them of His upcoming betrayal, the necessity of His leaving them, and their need to love one another as He had loved them. To encourage their troubled hearts and give them an eternal view toward which to hope, He left them (and us) with this promise: John 14:2-3 “In my Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare as place for you. And If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” When Jesus left His disciples, He told them He was going to prepare as place for them in order that they may, at a later time, join Him. During the interim, all of us as His disciples must be prepared through the work of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:17 sheds this light “But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.” As believers we have been born-again with a new spirit, birthed by His spirit, sinless and unable to sin. Now He is in the process of saving our souls—teaching us to renew our mind, working in us to will and to do His good pleasure. He is educating us on how to correctly use our emotions, just as we might learn to read the gauges and lights on our car to alert us to any problems in the making. He will make evident what He has accomplished in our inner man by saving our body, eventually transforming it into a flawless, spiritual dwelling place. This salvation process is not just individual, it is collective. We are not independent of one another. We are parts of a whole, essential to each other; our own well being depends upon the health of every other member in the body of Christ. Because He is holy, his bride must also be holy. He gave Himself for His bride to save her, sanctifying and cleansing her with His Word, so He might receive her unto Himself without spot or wrinkle. At the marriage supper of the Lamb, His bride, the Church, will be clothed in fine linen, which is the righteous acts of the saints. Jehovah-shammah is the God who is there; He delights to be where His people are. When the marriage feast is over the millennial honeymoon is complete; when the enemy, his armies and followers have been judged and sentenced, God will make a new heaven and a new earth. This is the consummation of God’s timeless plan for us. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Bible Doctrine Series-Jehovah-Shalom

2009-02-18T15:14:00.000-08:00

Jehovah-Shalom—“the Lord our peace” (Judges 6:24). The specific name Jehovah-shalom is used only once in Scripture. Gideon experienced the peace of God when his circumstances told him there was no peace available. The sons of Israel had not obeyed God. As a result, He allowed Midian to oppress them for seven years. During this time, the Midianites fought against Israel, destroying their crops and their animals. The Midianites brought their own livestock with them, allowing them to overgraze the land to help devastate it. The Midianite oppression was so severe that the sons of Israel had to live in dens and caves in the surrounding mountains. This fierce oppression caused the sons of Israel to cry out to the Lord. He heard their cry and sent them a prophet to remind them that it was He who had brought them out of bondage from Egypt, and that they were not to fear their oppressors. One day Gideon was working to save a portion of the wheat crop from the marauding Midianites. Little did he realize that not far away was the angel of the Lord, observing. The angel spoke to Gideon assuring him the Lord was with him; the he called Gideon a valiant warrior. Gideon’s response was classic. He asked a question that we may have asked when things are not going as we would like. His words are recorded in Judges 6:13 “Oh my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.” The angel did not answer Gideon’s question. God’s prophet had already delivered the answer: they had not obeyed the Lord their God. Then the angel told Gideon he would be the one to deliver Israel from the Midianites. Gideon was concerned about the insignificance of his ancestry and that he was the youngest in the family. This did not seem to concern his heavenly visitor; He would accompany the valiant warrior who would defeat Midian. Gideon was not as confident as was his caller, and asked for a sign and prepared an offering. Once prepared, Gideon presented it to the angel of God who had him lay the meat and the bread on a rock and pour out the broth. The angel touched it with his staff; fire sprang us from the rock consuming the sacrifice. The angel then silently vanished from Gideon’s sight. By this time, Gideon—convinced he had been speaking to the angel of the Lord—became very fearful that he would die. The Lord must have known what he was thinking because He said, “Peace to you, do not fear; you shall not die” (v, 23). That was good enough for Gideon. He proceeded to build an altar to the Lord and named it “The Lord is Peace.” He called the alter “Jehovah-shalom” (Judges 6:24). That night the Lord told Gideon to tear down the altar of Baal and to cut down the Asherah; the wood was to be used to offer a burnt offering. Because of his great fear, Gideon took ten of his servants with him to do what the Lord had instructed. The men of the city were furious when they discovered what had happened and tried to get his father, Joash, to release Gideon to them. His father wisely responded; “If Baal is god, let him contend for himself.” Meanwhile the Midianites and the Amalekites were preparing to return to the land to remove everything of value and destroy the rest. Before that came about, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon, for the purpose of rallying the people. Gideon must have been unsure of himself; he twice asked for a sign in order to ascertain that he was doing the right thing. The Lord, however, honored his requests. As Gideon and his followers rallied, the Lord told him he had too many men; they could have boasted in their own ability and strength. Therefore, the Lord cut his army from 32, -- down to a mere 300! At that point, their newly appointed leader probably felt he had a legitimate reason to be afraid! That night God gave him even further confirmation that he was doing the right thing. Therefore, Gideon took his small army to confront the enemy. Gideon’s army was not heavily armed as normally they would be. Instead, they were equipped with the armament of God: trumpets, and pitchers with flaming torches inside! At Gideon’s signal they blew the trumpets, broke their pitchers, and said, “For the Lord and for Gideon.” Now don’t you just know that would bring tremendous fear to the enemy! Can you imagine the Midianites and the Amalekites being overly alarmed by hearing the sound of trumpets, breaking pitchers, and the sight of 300 torches burning in the night? Normally, that would not send any great enemy reeling. This time was different, however. As Gideon and his men were obedient to God, “the Lord set the sword of one against another even throughout the whole army; and the army fled” (Judges 7:22). Remember the situation. In his own eyes, Gideon was nobody. God heard the sons of Israel crying out because of their oppressors. He approached Gideon and told him to go fight an innumerable enemy. Once Gideon received his commission to confront the enemy, he built an altar to the Lord and called it Jehovah-shalom meaning, “The Lord is Peace.” The angel of the Lord had not come to Gideon during a long reign of peace; he came during a time of national crisis. This angel had required something of Gideon that no military leader in his right mind would ever consider as a plan of military action: He used the unlikely tools that God had given him—trumpets, pitchers, and torches—yet he won the war. The heavenly messenger had helped Gideon work through his doubts and fears, using him in a way that Gideon himself had never thought possible. Jehovah-shalom: the Lord my peace, Philippians 4:5-7 says, “…The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” We need that message in our day as well. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Bible Doctrine Series-Jehovah-Sabaoth

2009-02-18T12:44:00.000-08:00

Jehovah-Sabaoth—“the Lord of hosts” (I Samuel 1:3). The Hebrew word Sabaoth is defined as “an army, soldiers; warriors who stand and fight against an enemy.” Jehovah-sabaoth is Lord of hosts; He is the captain of our salvation. Jehovah-sabaoth has been actively delivering His people from their enemies since the time He first called Abram to become the father of a people unto Himself. But it was not until they were ready to enter the Promised Land as a nation that He was called by this name. He appeared to Joshua standing before the city of Jericho, identifying Himself as the captain of the host of the Lord. Joshua bowed his face to the earth in submission, removing his sandals in the presence of holiness. Hannah prayed in great sorrow and distress to Jehovah-sabaoth to deliver her from great affliction she suffered from childlessness. Listen to her prayer in 1 Samuel 1:11 “And she made a vow and said, ‘O Lord of hosts, if Thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of Thy maid servant and remember me, and not forget Thy maidservant, but wilt give Thy maidservant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and a razor shall never come on his head.” The Lord remembered Hannah’s request and the vow she had made and gave her a son. She named him Samuel; he later became a judge over Israel. There is neither situation too insignificant— nor any opposing force too great—for our Lord of hosts to become involved. We must, however, be ever watchful lest we presume upon the Lord’s promises as Saul did. We must never believe the ways which seem right to us are better than obedience to the Lord of hosts. The enemy may fill our minds with fear as we stand in overwhelming situations, but we must look to Him who is greater than any circumstance we could see in this world. Elisha prayed that the Lord would open his servant’s eyes to see the spiritual battle then in progress. If we desire to see the reality of that battle, we must also keep in mind the Source of our victory. Zechariah 4:6 “….’Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.” As we learned in the previous chapter, our warfare is in the spiritual realm. We must not allow the enemy to focus our warfare on people or circumstances; these are merely used as opportunities for the enemy to distract us from the true battle. The real war is fought in our spirit as we are led by the Spirit of God to stand strong in the Lord Jesus, His ways, His truth, and His life. In Him we have authority over every name named. In Him we are not simply survivors, we are more than conquerors. We are the children of God, joint-heirs with the Lord Jesus Christ who is Head of the church and the mighty hosts of heaven. As we walk obediently in the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, we are set free from destructive deceptions planted deep and built strong within our flesh. In that freedom we have the potential of becoming part of the mighty army led by Jehovah-sabaoth, destroying the works of the enemy in our own lives and in the lives of those around us. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Contrasting two kinds of Believers

2009-02-18T10:53:00.000-08:00

“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ and again, ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised ‘For, yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.’ But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls” (Hebrews 10:26-39). Throughout Scripture, God’s truth is clearly communicated. Occasionally, a biblical writer will use a particular turn of phrase or style of expression to emphasize a specific truth. One such approach is the use of contrast: placing two scenes, reactions, or people side by side to highlight how different they are. The text we are about to consider places two contrasting groups of people alongside each other for the purpose of emphasis. The first group is featured in vv. 26-31, while the opposite group is set forth in vv. 32-38. V. 39 form a fitting summary, and again use a contrast for clarification: those who shrink back as opposed to those who have faith. These are Christians in contrast to one another. Can you find yourself on this page of God’s Word? First, let’s do a needed review. All true prophets had at least two things in common: they were faithful to comfort the afflicted, and they were faithful to afflict the comfortable. Let’s put this statement in a nutshell. The stern, tough, prophetic warning is this “enter…but come clean.” This place is found within each believer’s spirit, where the Lord Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit, permanently resides. Note the structure of the passage. Hebrews 10: 26-39 breaks down into an outline. A serious warning aimed at the hearer (vv. 26-31). “For if….” An Appeal (vv. 32-38). “But remember…therefore. A Summary of what has been taught (v. 39). : We are not…but….” Second, a contrast that is note worthy to consider (10:26-39). “For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain terrifying expectation of judgment….” There is the question of identity (vv. 26-27). Who are the “we” spoken of here? This applies to believers who are fleshly or backslidden. Note the characteristics (v. 29). The analogy moves from lesser to greater. First, those who shrink, trample under foot the Son of God. Second they profane the blood of the covenant. Third, they insult the Spirit of grace. What do these individuals need (v. 26)? They need repentance, and they need to stop their wrong behavior before they go any deeper into the carnal life-style. Those who stand are commended (vv. 32-38). There are a number of Christians who dance on the borderline of defection. To these the writer says, “Pay attention!” The beautiful part of this chapter is that the author doesn’t stop with the somber scene he’s just portrayed: he switches his focus from those who shrink to those who stand. Let’s take a look at this second group. 1. Identity (vv. 32-35). These are Christians who suffer mistreatment and, although they may get shaky, still stand in the faith. 2. Characteristics. First, these people are familiar with hardship and pain (vv. 32-33). Second, they have concern for others in need, (v. 34). Third, they are free from materialism (v. 34). And fourth, they are confident in God (vv. 34-35). When writing to this group the writer comforts the afflicted. 3. The need (v. 36). In contrast to the former group consisting of people who had a need of repentance, this group needs endurance. This term means “to abide under.” It is so easy for us to lose the “abide under” determination when the going gets tough. A summary of this material is in order (v.39). This chapter ends on a strong, positive note: “But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.” Third, let’s ask a few necessary questions. One can’t read this tenth chapter of Hebrews without asking some tough personal questions. A. Where am I going in my spiritual life? Am I shrinking or standing? B. What if I don’t alter my course? C. When would be a better time than now for either repentance or endurance? Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Bible Doctrine Series-Immanuel

2009-02-18T08:40:00.000-08:00

The Hebrew word Immanuel, meaning “God with us,” is used specifically only twice in the Old Testament, and transliterated into Greek only once in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul, in Galatians 4:4-5 says “But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, in order that He might receive the adoption as sons.” It was God’s Son, Immanuel, of which it is spoken in Matthew 1:23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.” This verse is, of course, referring to the Lord Jesus Christ. The author of the letter to the Hebrews, speaking of the Lord Jesus Christ, tells us He is God (Hebrews 1:8). He was born of as virgin as prophesied by Isaiah. Speaking about this same Jesus, John 1:3, 12, 14 says “All things came into being by Him; and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” The Lord Jesus spent a mere 33 years on earth, of which a little over 3 years were spent in public ministry, teaching and making disciples. He healed the sick, raised the dead, cleansed lepers, and cast out demons. He was tempted by Satan-tempted in all things as we are-yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). When Immanuel came to this earth He didn’t come for a visit to see how things were going. He came with a mission: He knew the blood of goats and bulls could not take away sins (Hebrews 10:14), therefore, He became a sacrifice for us, taking all our sins upon Himself. 1 Peter 2:24 says “And He himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” Although He knew the shame and suffering to come, Immanuel was willing to submit to His Father’s will. Men despised and rejected Him, yet He willingly gave His own life by dying on the cross to enable mankind to inherit eternal life. Death, however, knew victory for only three days; then God raised the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead (Acts 2:24). Since our Immanuel is the source of eternal life, death could hold Him no longer. By His resurrection, the Lord Jesus rendered the devil, who had the power of death, powerless. His resurrection provides indisputable evidence of our justification. The book of Romans 4:25 say “He was delivered up because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.” Merrill c. Tenney defines Justification as “That judicial act of God, by which, on the basis of the meritorious work of Christ, imputed to the sinner and received by him through faith, He declares the sinner absolved from his sin, released from its penalty, and restored as righteous.” In other words, because of the Lord Jesus Christ’s death on the cross, God considers those who in faith receive His Son as being free from the consequences or penalties of sin. That person is then considered righteous. The reason? The Lord Jesus Christ paid the full price for the sin of the world. The Lord Jesus came to this earth, lived, and worked among us... He came to purchase our redemption and enable us to become the children of God. He told His disciples it would be better for them if He left—only then would the Holy Spirit come. Jesus had one body and was limited to being in one place at one time. The Holy Spirit, on the other hand, has no such limitations. He would live in each believer. Truly the Lord Jesus is Immanuel—God with us. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Bible Doctrine Series-El-Roi

2009-02-18T08:28:00.000-08:00

El Roi-Roi comes from the Hebrew root meaning “to see, to perceive, understand and know.” El Roi is the God who sees. A Christian working in real estate told of a man he’d met from a different denomination who has been visiting one of the houses of prostitution in Nevada. The Christian asked if he wasn’t concerned that God would see what he was doing. The man replied, “Oh, no. God is in His temple, and I’m in Nevada. There is no way He’s going to see me.” Do we think that God does not see us and know what we are doing on a moment-to-moment basis? Do we think He doesn’t care what we are doing? As we come to better understand each of God’s names, we more clearly comprehend His character. This named attribute describes His ability to not only see, but to understand everything. We can see this attribute even in creation. God saw each thing He created and saw that it was good. As the years passed, however, God saw that man’s thoughts and actions were evil. Not only did He see the physical man, he also saw the inward man. David, in Psalm 139:1,2,7, describes this attribute of God, “O Lord, Thou hast searched me and known me. Thou doest know when I sit down and when I rise up; Thou doest understand my though from afar. where can I go from Thy Spirit? Or where can I flee from Thy presence?” David went on to say that it didn’t matter if he were in heaven, Sheol, or the remotest part of the sea; God would be there to lead him. Scripture continually reveals God as seeing and knowing all. The Scriptures tell us how God saw the oppression of His people in Egypt and raised up Moses to deliver them from their suffering. Man, however, is often deceived. Pharaoh, just like the real estate man’s friend thought God was not around. Man’s complacent attitude is exposed in Psalm 10:11 “He says to himself, ‘God has forgotten; He has hidden His face; He will never see it.’” Not only does El Roi see, but He endows His children with the ability to see from His perspective. Jesus gave sight to blind physical eyes; but He also told Nicodemus that a man must be born-again before he is able to see the kingdom of God. The Lord Jesus validates the importance of seeing things from God’s perspective in John 5:19 we read, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.” This is the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus which sets us free from the law of sin and death—doing only what the Father shows us to do. Consider the work the Lord Jesus Christ was sent to earth to do; that He might destroy the works of the devil. In the same way the Father sent Him, He sends us with this promise in John 14:12 “Truly, truly, I say to you he who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to the Father.” We can only do the works that our Father prepared for us by exercising spiritual eyes given by El Roi—by seeing circumstances from His perspective. This is seeing things hoped for, giving substance to things unseen; this is the life of faith walked out in obedience. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Bible Doctrine Series-El-Shaddai

2009-02-18T07:32:00.000-08:00

El Shaddai—the almighty God” (Genesis 17:1; 28:3). The Hebrew word Shaddai means “most powerful in strength, omnipotent.” El Shaddai is translated either “God Almighty” or “Almighty God.” Early in Genesis, the Lord told Abram to leave his country and his family and go to a place He would show him. Before Abram and Sarai ever had children, the Lord promised to make Abram a great nation with so many descendants they could not be counted. Later the Lord came to Abram in a vision and told him he would have a son. Abram believed, thus He considered Abram as righteous due to his faith. The Lord made a covenant with Abram; He would give the land of Canaan to his descendants. Something happened in Abram’s life that we often find happening in our own lives as we stand on the promises of God: Time passed! A great deal of time passed. To Abram and Sarai it no doubt seemed like the Lord had forgotten His promise to give them a child of their own. With the intention of helping out, Sarai gave her Egyptian maid, Hagar, to Abram as his wife. When Abram was 86 years of age, Hagar conceived. She bore a son and Abram was content, but this was not the son that had been promised. Ishmael was the product of the will of man and the will of the flesh; the result of Abram and Sarai trying to assist the Lord. I get into a heap of trouble when I try to assist Him. Thirteen more years passed after Ishmael was born, Abraham had yet to see the promise of God. Then El Shaddai spoke these words in Genesis 17: 1-2, Abram was ninety-nine years old. “I am God Almighty (El Shaddai); walk before Me, and be blameless. And I will establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly.” The Lord, as El Shaddai, told Abram that He would establish His covenant with Abram. To establish means “to make, to build or to bring into being.” The Lord made the covenant, but it was God as El Shaddai that would make it happen. To emphasize what He was doing, He changed Abram’s name, meaning “exalted father,” to Abraham, meaning “father of a great number.” Again He told Abraham that his wife Sarah (Sarai) would conceive his child. How did Abraham respond to the news? He laughed at the prospect that he and Sarah would have a child at the ages of 100 and 90; it was humanly impossible. The covenant that the Lord made was established and brought into being by El Shaddai. The fulfillment of this promise is recorded in Genesis 21: 1-2. “Then the Lord took note of Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time of which God had spoken to him.” Abraham and Sarah could not produce the promise by the works of the flesh. The bodies of both had to come to the point they could no longer produce naturally to make them realize it was all of God. In God’s first revelation of Himself as El Shaddai, we see that He is almighty, all powerful, and able to accomplish what is impossible in the physical realm. That is the meaning of the first part of the name, El. The word Shaddai is translated “Almighty.” This word is used in connection with judging, chastening and purging. This is shown to be true in the book of Job where the name El Shaddai is used 31 of its 48 occurrences; the book of Job is the story of a man learning to know El Shaddai. Because of the circumstances in Job’s life he argued with El Shaddai while other smeared Him with lies (Job 13:3, 4). Rather than taking responsibility for his own hostile attitude to what was happening in his life, Job accused the Almighty of embittering his soul (Job 27:2). Job acknowledged El Shaddai should do these things to the unjust that perform iniquity, but proceeded to proclaim his own innocence, inferring God was indeed guilty of injustice (31:2-40). Finally, Job went so far as to label El Shaddai his adversary, calling Him to answer for the indictment which had been written against him (31:35). The Lord’s response to Job is given in Chapter 40:2 “Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who reproves God answer it.” When Job heard God ask that question, he wisely concluded that he should say no more. Ryrie makes this comment about God’s response to Job: “When Job criticized God’s ways, he was in effect trying to usurp God’s position as governor of the world. In this paragraph full of irony, God asks if Job can really perform those things which only God can do.” After the Lord finished His verbal reprimand, Job repented. Ryrie’ comment is significant: “Job repents of his pride and rebellion and finds contentment in the knowledge that he has God’s fellowship. This is the great lesson of the book; if we know God, we do not need to know why He allows us to experience what we do. He is not only in control of the universe and all its facets but also of our lives; and He loves us. Though His ways are sometimes beyond our comprehension, we should not criticize Him for His dealings with us or with others. God is always in control of all things, even when He appears not to be.” The ways of El Shaddai as listed below give us a clear picture of a God who is faithful to keep His covenants with His people. --When El Shaddai concludes a work in our life, we will delight in Him (Job 22:25). --When He completes a work in our life, we will have understanding (Job 32:8). --El Shaddai gives life. John 10:10 tells us that the Lord Jesus Christ came that we might have an abundant life. Job had life but El Shaddai wanted him to experience life abundantly. After taking Job through his ordeal, Job’s fellowship was restored, along with his fortunes; all he had increased twofold (Job 42:10). The life Job lived after El Shaddai had taken him through his tribulation was more abundant. A person can experience life even while imprisoned by an enemy. Once that person escapes or is released from his prison and experiences freedom, he’ll live life more abundantly. El Shaddai wants us out of our bondage from the world, the flesh, and the devil. --El Shaddai does not treat us wrongly (Job 34:10). --El Shaddai will not pervert justice (Job 34:12). --El Shaddai will not heed nor give regard to an empty cry (Job 35:13). He is not moved by pity parties. --El Shaddai finds us, we don’t find Him. He is exalted in power. He will not do violence to justice or abundant righteousness. The worldly wisdom of men does not impress Him (Job 37:23-24). --El Shaddai brings destruction (Isaiah 13:6). Since He does not treat us wrongly nor pervert justice, El Shaddai brings destruction to our fleshly, worldly, demonic ways. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Bible Doctrine Series-El-Olam

2009-02-18T07:26:00.000-08:00

El Olam—“the everlasting God” (Genesis 21:33). Olam means “eternal, perpetual, from before time began to beyond the end of future time.” El Olam is the Everlasting God, the God of Ages, and the God of Eternity. Because He is the God of eternity, what He does transcends what we call “time.” His actions rise above and go beyond the limits of time. Webster defines eternity as "infinite time; endless. It is duration without beginning or end." Look at some of what God does with His eye beholding eternity. --He establishes everlasting covenants (Genesis 9:16). --What He gives to His people, He gives as an everlasting possession (Genesis 17:8). --His anointing qualified priests to minister through a perpetual (eternal) priesthood (Exodus 40:15). Believers are "Kings and Priests." Jesus Christ is our High Priest. --He is our eternal, safe refuge (Deuteronomy 33:27). --He established the righteous with an everlasting foundation in the passing storm (Proverbs 10:25). --He provides Israel with everlasting salvation (Isaiah 45:17). --He shames and brings everlasting disgrace to our persecutors (Jeremiah 20:11). --He loves us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). --His kingdom and dominion is everlasting (Daniel 4:3). --His ways are everlasting (Habakkuk 3:6). --He gives all men the opportunity to inherit eternal life, because of His great love (John 3:16). --He deals out retribution to those who don’t know God. Their penalty will be eternal destruction away from the presence, glory, and power of the Lord (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9). He provides believers with eternal comfort and hope by His grace (2 Thessalonians 2:16. His reproach is everlasting as well. He had kept rebellious angels in eternal chains under darkness for His judgment (Jude 6). His enemies can look forward only to everlasting fire, punishment, and destruction. El Olam is truly the Eternal God. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Bible Doctrine Series-El-Elyon

2009-02-18T07:11:00.000-08:00

El Elyon—“the most high God” (Genesis 14:18; Numbers 24:16; cf. Philippians 2:9). El is the singular form of Elohim. Elyon means “the Supreme, Highest, all others are below Him.” He is sovereign over all. El, like in El Shaddai, means might or power. Thus the word “Elyon,” or “Most High,” here applied to God, reveals, that, though He is the “Highest,” there are others below Him, endowed by Him with like natures, and therefore in some way related to Him; but that, because He is the “Highest,” He has the power to rule and He may do with them as He pleases should they be disobedient or seek to exalt themselves against Him. An example of this comes from the archives of heaven itself. Recorded in Isaiah 14:12 “How have you fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, you who have weakened the nations. 14:13 “But you said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, and I will sit on the mount of the assembly in the recesses of the north. 14:14 ‘I will ascent above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High (El Elyon).’ 14:15 “Nevertheless you will be thrust down to Sheol, to the recesses of the pit.” These verses are spoken to the King of Babylon but they also refer to Satan. Satan was created Lucifer, the shining one, the bright star of the heavens. The seal of perfection—both in wisdom and beauty was upon him. God placed him on the holy mountain of God, blameless from the day he was created. Then with only six words, Scripture tells us how Lucifer fell from his high position of anointed cherub. The last phrase in Ezekiel 28 gives us the sad commentary: “You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, until unrighteousness was found in you.” Unrighteousness was found in Lucifer. What was this unrighteousness? Charles Ryrie gives some insight on Isaiah 14:13-14, believed to describe Satan’s fall. “Five phrases beginning with I will describe Satan’s sin. He wished to occupy heaven, the abode of God Himself. To exalt his throne above the stars of God may refer to his desire to rule all the angelic creatures, or it may simply be another way to indicate his self-exaltation. North, in heathen literature, indicated the abode of the gods; thus Satan was ambitious to govern the universe as the council (assembly) of Babylonian gods supposedly did. He wanted the glory that belonged to God alone and his entire goal was to be like the Most High (Hebrew, Elyon).” Satan became unrighteous and was cast from the mountain of God (Ezekiel 28:16) and was thrown down to the earth with his followers (Revelation 12:7-9). El Elyon will have no other gods before Him; this is His first commandment. Daniel was told that the saints of the Highest One would receive the Kingdom and possess it forever (Daniel 7:27). Jesus, the son of the Most High, provided entrance to the kingdom of heaven. We receive all that pertains to the kingdom of God by faith walked out in obedience to Him. The Lord Jesus Christ has given us an example of faithfulness and humility to the Most High God by His submissive obedience. As a result He is set over every name, named. Our victory in warfare can only be accomplished with the same submissiveness, tearing down every thought within our mind which lifts itself in opposition to the Truth, the Most High God. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Bible Doctrine Series-Jehovah-Rohi

2009-02-18T06:49:00.000-08:00

Jehovah-Rohi. The Hebrew word rohi is from the root meaning “to tend as one cares for sheep.” Inclusive in this definition is feeding, governing, guarding, nurturing, healing, and delighting in all that is in one’s care; this is Jehovah-rohi—the Lord, our Shepherd. Isaiah foresaw the time when the Lord God Himself would come like a mighty shepherd to tend His flock; He would gather His lambs into His arms, nurture, and carry them close to Himself (40:10-11). The gospel of John records the words of the Lord Jesus Christ who said…”I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” Jesus called Himself the good shepherd who guards the sheep with His life; He does not flee in the face of the enemy. He knows each of His sheep intimately, caring for their well-being, speaking to them until they are familiar with His voice and will safely follow His direction. If one of His flock strays, He does not abandon it to its own wanderings but searches it out, cleansing, and restoring it. The 23rd Psalm is a beautiful word-picture, drawn to help us understand the character of our Shepherd 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.” As our Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ wants the best for us. It is His desire, therefore, that we die to our own way of doing things. When we choose to honor Jesus Christ as Lord, we will follow Him wherever He leads. When we choose to honor Him as Jehovah-rohi, we are acknowledging Him as our shepherd. As Shepherd, He leads us by the way of death to the flesh; only then is His life expressed from our soul/spirit to be exhibited through our body. As we live the crucified life, God receives the glory. We know that Satan purposefully comes as an angel of light in order to deceive us. He also wants to steal glory that belongs to God. That is accomplished as he controls our lives in anyway. Demonic forces want to prevent us from practicing Godly principles; when they succeed their efforts are honored. Should we act upon that which evil forces interject into our minds, we manifest their evil schemes. If they can achieve any level of influence, they, rather than God, are glorified by the believer. It is one thing to choose to receive the Lord Jesus as Savior. That step transfers us into eternal life. However once we have the life of the Lord in us, He desires that we make Him Lord by choosing to obey Him in everything. We learn to be obedient, as we come unquestionably under His leadership as Shepherd. A shepherd will lead his sheep into areas of pasture that are best for them; our Shepherd does the same, He knows our every need. In our journey, He will lead us in ways that will bring death to our own fleshly desires and ambitions, so He can be the controlling factor in our lives. He wants to exchange His life for ours, thereby living His life through us. Our enemy wants us to think that is as horrible, frightful way to go. The devil says "you will loose control!" God says we begin to live the abundant life when He is in control. The truth of the matter is we frequently allow other people to be the controlling factor in our lives. An example might be when we fly with a commercial airline. We board an aircraft and allow the pilot and crew, whom we have probably never personally met, to take control of our destiny for several hours. It may be foggy, cloudy, or snowy yet we will literally trust them with our lives, and expect them to deliver us safely to our destination. Satan and demons do not care if we trust the aircraft’s pilot to deliver us to our destination. However, they become highly irate anytime we decide to trust Christ as the Pilot of our life and let Him lead us as Shepard. We must learn to keep our eyes upon Him and listen for His voice. He is our Jehovah-rohi who has our welfare at heart. He is our supply of every need. He feeds us with rich, life sustaining truth in the quietness of His peace. He restores us by guiding us into all righteousness for His glory. He, who is our eternal life, removes all fear of death with His comforting presence. In the face of our enemies we may feast on every spiritual blessing in security, anointed, and overflowing. His goodness and loving kindness continually surround us, for our life is hid with Him in God. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Bible Doctrine Series-Jehovah-M'Kaddesh

2009-02-18T06:43:00.000-08:00

Jehovah-M’Kaddesh. The Hebrew word m’kaddesh means “to purify, cleanse, set apart as sacred; to declare holy and consecrated to God.” Jehovah-M’kaddesh is the Lord who makes us holy. Repeatedly in Scripture we are reminded of the awesomeness of our God. Moses was instructed to remove his shoes in the presence of a holy God. Only the high priest could enter into God’s holy presence once as year, and then, he was required to be covered with a blood sacrifice for his sin. David declares the holiness of his God. Psalm 103:1 “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name.” Merrill C. Tenney says this about holiness: “Holiness is first applied to God, and is early associated with ideas of purity and righteousness….Holiness means the pure, loving nature of God, separate from evil.” In the Old Testament, people were instructed to offer something to God. In the New Testament, we are to be that living, holy, and acceptable sacrifice offered to God. Paul concluded that such action on the part of a believer was reasonable. In Christ we were not only accepted, but made acceptable. We were made the very righteousness of God in Him, born-again as a new species with the character and nature of God’s holiness. We are now to work out what is true within. Note: In many cases the Jehovah of the Old Testament is none other than the Jesus of the New Testament. Cf. Isaiah 40:3 with Matthew 3:5; Numbers 21:5-6 with 1 Corinthians 10:9. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Bible Doctrine Series-Jehovah-Nissi

2009-02-18T06:35:00.000-08:00

Jehovah-Nissi—“the Lord our banner” (Exodus 17:15). The Hebrew word Nissi comes from a root meaning “something lifted up, a token to be seen far off; in particular it is a banner set up on a high place in case of invasion, showing the people where to assemble.” Jehovah Nissi is the Lord My Banner. After the children of Israel left Egypt, a new situation emerged. Pharaoh and his army had come to take them back into captivity; the Lord, however, delivered them without their having to fight. They simply passed through the Red Sea to freedom; God fought their enemies as the people remained silent. There was nothing for them to do except cross over into the wilderness. The symbolism is of a slave crossing the line of demarcation from a state of being in bondage to the state of being free. There is no work involved—we are saved by grace, not by works (Ephesians 2:8, 9). Our part is to simply believe and receive the truth of the Gospel. When a person passes from death into life, he is delivered from the domain of darkness and is transferred into the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:13), but he, too, enters the wilderness spiritually. While there, he may find himself in situations where he is forced to learn to trust God to supply his physical needs and may choose to grumble and complain against God, as did the children of Israel. In the wilderness, a new crisis arose: Israel found them under attack by Amalek. This time there was not as hint of Moses telling the people to stand by and watch the salvation of the Lord; He would not fight for them as He did at the Red Sea. Instead, Moses instructed Joshua to pick some able-bodied men to defend them physically from Amalek. As Joshua fought against Amalek, Moses held up the staff of God in his hand. As he did, Israel prevailed in the battle. When Moses became tired and lowered the staff, Amalek prevailed. Victory was theirs only when the staff was raised; and the staff remained raised only when Aaron and Hur rallied round to support Moses as he held the staff. After Amalek’s defeat the Lord told Moses His plans: He would blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven. How did Moses respond to the victory that had just been won? Exodus 17:15-16 tells us “And Moses built an altar and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi: For he said, because the Lord hath sworn that the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” The NASB tells us that Moses built an altar and called it “The Lord is My Banner.” When Moses lifted high the staff of God, Israel prevailed because God was at work in the place where they had assembled. Today that is representative of us as we engage in our battles against the world, the flesh, and the devil. As long as we remain under the upheld banner of God, we will prevail—as did Moses and the children of Israel. Being a Christian does not automatically keep us under His banner. To remain under God’s banner, we must be practicing obedience. Disobedience destroys our fellowship with God which forces us to operate in our own resources. When we do, our rebellion allows the enemy to prevail. This is clearly seen in Numbers chapters 13-14. Moses had sent 12 spies to investigate the Promised Land. Although they were highly impressed with the land itself, only two of them—Caleb and Joshua—were willing to take possession of the land. The others gave such as negative report that the whole congregation was ready to stone any would-be conquerors, including Moses and Aaron. The Lord told Moses that everyone from age 20 and older who grumbled against God would die in the wilderness because of their unbelief. The next morning, however, Moses’ listeners acknowledged they had sinned but were now ready to forcefully conquer the land. Moses assured them the Lord would not go with them; they would be going up against the enemy under their own banner and in their own strength. Instead of listening to their leader, they went into battle and were defeated. Moses reviewed all that had happened in the lives of the children of Israel since Kasdesh-barnea, and their attitudes turned to one of bereavement. There is a lesion in this for us. If we want to be victorious over the world, the flesh and the devil, we must enter the battle under God’s direction and banner. It is there we will experience supernatural power to accomplish His desires. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Bible Doctrine Series-Jehovah-Jireh

2009-02-18T06:28:00.000-08:00

Jehovah-Jireh—“the Lord will provide” (Genesis 22:14). Jehovah-jireh is one of many names compounded with Jehovah. Most of these compound names of God arise out of some historic incident, and portray Jehovah in some aspect of His character as meeting human need. The Hebrew root of the word jireh means “to have regard for the one seen, to see to their every need with provision and care. Jehovah-jireh is the Lord who provides. The name Jehovah-jireh was first used by Abraham in memorial to his mountain top experience of testing. After Abraham and Sarah had received their promised son, Isaac, God sent Abraham to Moriah to offer the lad as a burnt offering. Abraham obeyed without question, believing the promise of God that this very son would still become a great nation in spite of His request. Once Isaac and his father arrived at the alter site, Abraham built an altar. Prior to their arrival, Isaac has seen the wood and fire; he inquired about the missing lamb needed for the offering. His father gave this answer: “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son” (Genesis 22:8). He then arranged the wood, bound his son, and placed him on top of the wood. As he picked up the knife to slay Isaac, the angel of the Lord interceded, telling Abraham not to harm the boy. Looking up, Abraham saw a ram caught in a thicket by his horns. God had provided! Abraham gladly made the substitution and sacrificed the ram instead of his son. That day father and son both saw the provision of God. Genesis 22:14 says “And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day. In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.” We worship the same God that Abraham did, and He is just as willing to provide for our needs today. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Bible Doctrine Series-Adonai

2009-02-18T06:17:00.000-08:00

Adonai (used 340 times in the Old Testament). This name denotes the master-owner idea of God. He is the owner and sovereign of each member of the human race (Genesis 15:1-2). Adonai is a plural Hebrew word usually written as “Lord” in most translations, means “Master or Lord”; it denotes ownership. Adonai is the one who must be obeyed. The Septuagint, a Greek Old Testament used during the days that the Lord Jesus Christ walked the earth, used the word kurios for it’s translation of Adonai—the same word the New Testament used in reference to the Lord Jesus Christ; it denotes not only the possessor and owner of all things but the absolute ruler over every other rank and relationship. The name implies that all those who submit to Him can enter Christ’s perfect rest, expecting to receive God’s direction, supervision, and provision. David was a man after God’s own heart. Though his life was not always above reproach, his heart was always tender before God and easily broken over his sin. His trust was firm and unshakable in his Lord. He respected the authorities the Lord established and though they threatened his life, his faith remained firm in his Lord as avenger. In adversity and in triumph, in pain and in pleasure, in understanding and in perplexity, in flight and in pursuit, in positions of submission and authority David’s praise pours forth in the Psalms to Adonai, his Lord.  His hope was placed in Adonai as he waited for Him (Psalm 39:7).  He saw Adonai as the sustainer of his soul—as the One to whom David looked to keep his soul from giving way when under trial or affliction (Psalm 54:4).  He saw Adonai as the source of his hope and confidence (Psalm 73:28).  He trusted Adonai to make his soul glad (Psalm 86:4).  He saw Adonai as good and ready to forgive. He saw Him as abundant in loving kindness (Psalm 86:5).  He chose to glorify Adonai forever (Psalm 86:12).  He saw Adonai as merciful, gracious, slow to anger, yet abundant in loving kindness and truth (Psalm 86:15).  He saw his Adonai as the strength of his salvation (Psalm 140:7). Isaiah saw Adonai sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted (Isaiah 6:1). The prophet heard Adonai asking for volunteers to speak to His people and answered the call (Isaiah 6:8). Ezekiel informs us of Israel’s permissive attitude in defiance of Adonai when they said, ‘The way of the Lord is not right’ (Ezekiel 18:25). How many in the church today live as though the information in Ezekiel’s statement about Israel were true, and look at the values of our society for verification? The Scriptures reveal part of the reason the church is lacking in spiritual power. Listen to Adonai’s response in the same verse to the people’s statement. Ezekiel 18:25 “Hear now, O house of Israel! Is my way not right? Is it not your ways that are not right?” The Lord Jesus in striking similarity asked this question in Luke 6:46 “And why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” It is essential that we recognize Adonai as absolute ruler over every authority in rank and relationship. It is He who is master over all. It is He who has established “right.” In a society filled with demands about individual rights, we can become deceived into thinking that those perceived rights overrule His ways that are right. Should we fall into that trap, we would be as wrong as were the people of Ezekiel’s day. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Bible Doctrine Series-Jehovah

2009-02-18T05:55:00.000-08:00

Jehovah is (used over 6,800 times in the Old Testament). Yahweh is a Hebrew verb form meaning “I Am.” Yahweh is the active, self-existent One. Jehovah—the English rendering of the Hebrew tetragram (a word that is written with four letters, i.e. "YHWH," in an alphebetic writing system)—is written “Lord” in most translations. Yahweh, or Jehovah, means much more than self-existence. It is like an unfinished statement to which we may provide the ending with our need of Him. He Himself has told us many times who He is for His people. You might not have thought of Jehovah in this way as you studied the Bible, but from now on you may want to keep your eyes open for His revelation of Himself as His provision for your every need. In Genesis 1, God tells us that Elohim created everything, including man, and that He loved His creation. In the next chapter we are introduced to Jehovah. The first words that Jehovah spoke to man are recorded in Genesis 2:16-17 "And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, 'from any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you shall die.'" Jehovah gave Adam specific instructions concerning his provisions telling him what would happen if he disobeyed. Then, when the serpent arrived on the scene with Adam and Eve, it was their responsibility to make a choice to either believe Jehovah or to believe the serpent. Unfortunately they chose to go along with the serpent’s program. Nathan Stone tells of the attributes of Jehovah: “It is as Jehovah that God places man under moral obligations with a warning of punishment for disobedience….God is revealed as righteousness and true holiness in Ephesians 4:24…Jehovah…is righteous in all His works (Daniel 9:1)….His first requirement of those who should be His witnesses is ‘Ye shall be holy: for I Jehovah your Elohim, am holy’ (Leviticus 19:2)….And a righteous Jehovah whose holiness is thus violated and outraged must condemn unrighteousness and punish it. So it is Jehovah who pronounces judgment and metes out punishment.” That is exactly what Jehovah did with Adam and Eve. He listened to their excuses and then pronounced judgment, first on the serpent, then on Eve, and lastly on Adam. Jehovah then clothed both of them and sent them out of the garden. It was Jehovah that had seen the oppression of His people and commissioned Moses and Aaron to take the sons of Israel out of Egypt. How were His people to know who had commissioned Moses? God answered Moses’ inquiry in Exodus 3:14-15 “And God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM;’ and He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you,’” And God, furthermore, said to Moses, ‘Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations.” His name is the same forever because He is the same forever. James 1:17 informs us that He is the giver of everything good; there is no variation in Him. The prophet Malachi tells us that the Lord does not change (Malachi 3:6). His consistency is our security. The same thing was said of His Son in Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.” Jehovah revealed Himself to His people; looking briefly at the gospel of John, we find it to be filled with Jesus’ Jehovah-statements of Himself: --I AM He—the Messiah (John 4:25, 26). --I AM the bread of life (John 6:35). --I AM the light of the world (John 8:12). --I AM the Son of Man (John 8:28). --I AM before Abraham was born (John 8:58). --I AM the door—of salvation (John 10:9). --I AM the good shepherd (John 10:11). --I AM the Son of God (John 10:36). --I AM the resurrection and the life (John 11:25). --I AM the teacher and Lord (John 13:13). --I AM the way, and the truth, and the life (John 14:6). --I AM the true vine (John 15:1). 1. This name is translated GOD or LORD in the KJV, NASV. 2. This name denotes the eternal self-existence of God—the I AM (Exodus 3:13-14; cf. 6:3). It is built off the Hebrew verb “to be”, and is more correctly written Yahweh. 3. This name is commonly associated with the Covenant keeping and Redeemer relationships of God to Israel (Exodus 34:5-7). 4. This word is used only of the true God. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Bible Doctrine Series-Elohim

2009-02-18T05:46:00.000-08:00

Elohim (used 2570 times in the Old Testament). This name denotes the Creator-Sustainer God, the One who puts forth His power and strength (Genesis 1:1). Elohim, a plural Hebrew word usually written as God in most translations, means “the strong, faithful One—the only true God.” In the beginning, Elohim created the heavens and the earth. Everything created was brought into being by Elohim. He created man in His own image. Whatever Elohim spoke came to pass. Everything created was brought into being and pronounced as being good by Elohim. He created man in His own image and enjoyed fellowship with him in the garden. He observed as Adam named all the creatures that He had made. It was Elohim who saw that it was not good for Adam to be alone and took a rib from Adam’s side and formed it into a suitable mate to help him. After Adam and Eve were driven from the garden, the earth’s population began to grow. All the earth became corrupt in the sight of Elohim the Creator; therefore, He determined to destroy it. However, one man had found favor with Elohim. That man was Noah. Elohim told Noah to build an ark, and to fill it with two of every kind of animal. Elohim then destroyed His corrupted creation with flood waters that covered the whole earth; it was Elohim who remembered Noah and the animals in the ark. It was Elohim who caused the wind to pass over the earth and to dry the waters. It was Elohim who told Noah and his family when to leave the ark and release the animals. It was Elohim who blessed Noah and his sons, who told them to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth. It was Elohim who accomplished all things by His Word. Abram fell on his face before Elohim, who promised to be his God and to establish an everlasting covenant with him and his descendants. It was Elohim who remembered Abraham and sent Lot from the midst of Sodom and Gomorrah before He destroyed them. It was Elohim who tested Abraham’s faith in the proposed sacrifice of his only son, providing a substitute sacrifice at just the right moment. Elohim gave Jacob a new name and formed a nation through him, a people called by His name. He purposed through Joseph to lead them into Egypt. There He made them strong through adversity, then delivered them into the wilderness. He kept them, fed them, and clothed them in their wilderness journey until they learned His character and ways. Then Elohim brought them into a land of promise—the land filled with milk and honey. Elohim did not forsake His people, though they did not remain faithful to Him. Over and over He disciplined them until, after many years in captivity, they learned to have no other gods before Him. Elohim, who sent Moses to deliver His people, promised that He would rise up a prophet from Israel. This One would establish an eternal kingdom for God’s people. This One came as promised and was crucified. But He was also raised from the dead and seated at the right hand of God where He ever lives as our God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Basic Bible Doctrine Series--the Doctrine of God

2009-02-17T07:26:00.000-08:00

“Theology” means the study of God. In general usage the word covers all Bible doctrine, but specifically theology proper is the study of the person and work of God. God is the perfect and infinite Spirit. I. The Existence of God. The Bible begins and ends with the unproven assertion and assumption of God’s existence (Genesis 1:1). It simply declares to man what he already knows in his heart—that God is. The Bible has no formal arguments or “proofs” for God’s existence. Therefore this study will omit the philosophical approach. People know that there is a God and they are born hating Him. A. Reasons for the Inadequacy of the Rational “Proofs.” 1. They fail to lead to the God of the Bible, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2. They assert no more than the existence of a powerful Being who is greater than the universe. 3. They assert no more than the “probable” existence of God. 4. They still require a rational “leap” to God. They leave one with the necessity of faith, except that the faith is grounded on the proof and not on the Bible. B. False Ideas about God. 1. Deism—the belief that God created and wound up the universe like a clock and then left. It denies any present relationship of God to the world. 2. Atheism—the belief that there is no God. 3. Skepticism—the belief that one cannot be sure about the existence of God. 4. Agnosticism—the belief that one cannot know if there is a God. 5. Pantheism—the belief that everything is God and God is everything. All that appears is only a manifestation of God. 6. Polytheism—the belief in many gods. 7. Monotheism—the belief in one God. 8. Henotheism—the worship of one god among the many gods. 9. Fetishism—the worship of an inanimate object thought to hold the spirit of a god. 10. Animism—the belief that all nature is alive with spirits. 11. Dynamism—the belief in some kind of all pervading energy that can be tapped for good or evil purposes. II. The Self-Revelation of God. A. In the Created Universe (the material and animal creation). 1. Biblical Proof. Psalm 19:1-4 (God’s glory) “the heavens declare the glory of God.” Romans 1:19-20 (God’s power and deity) Acts 14:17 (God’s goodness) 2. Limitations. a. It is accessible to all but actually received by none because of inbred sin (Romans 1:18). b. It does not lead anyone to be saved because it does not show God’s love or anything about Christ, faith and repentance. It is condemnatory in function (to render men “without excuse”). Romans 1:20 B. In Man (his nature and constitution). 1. Biblical Proof. Genesis 1:26-27 (the image of God) (The image of God is what makes man personal, rational, moral and spiritual. Only man can say “I am; I know; I ought; I will.”) Romans 2:15-conscience, all men have conscience Acts 17:28-29 2. Limitation—the image of God in man is marred (though not obliterated) by sin and thus this revelation is obscured. C. By Direct Revelation. 1. Biblical Proof. Genesis 6:13 “God said to…” 3000 such references in the Old Testament. 2. Limitations. a. It was only partial—Hebrews 1:1 b. The tradition of the revelation became corrupted. c. It was not available to all. Note: God does not speak directly today to men. Claims of visions and revelations are not Biblical. God has closed His revelatory process for this dispensation (Revelation 22:18-19). Otherwise, who would know who had the latest word from God? D. In God’s mighty acts (His miraculous and providential works). 1. Biblical Proof. Exodus 5:1-2 (the miracles in Egypt) Numbers 14:11 (the signs to Israel) Joshua 4:23-24 (crossing the Jordan) 2. Limitations. The revelation was accessible only to those who saw the mighty acts or read the record. God’s mighty acts needed an infallible interpreter present; without him the miracles were always misinterpreted (cf. John 12:28-29). E. In the lives of God’s people. 1. Biblical Proof. 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 and 4:6-11 1 Peter 2:9 This avenue reveals the personality of God, as well as His love and something of His character. 2. Limitations—Christians misrepresent God many times. F. In the Bible. The Bible assumes the existence of God. The idea is that if God has spoken then He exists. 1. Biblical Proof. John 5:39 Romans 1:2 Hebrews 1:1 2. Limitations. a. It doesn’t tell everything there is about God. However, it does reveal many, many things—enough to enable man to know Him personally. b. It is limited to those who can read or at least understand the Bible. G. In Jesus Christ. 1. Biblical Proof. Matthew 1:23 John 1:18 and 12:45 2. The Nature of this Revelation. a. Complete—Colossians 2:9. b. Perfect—Hebrews 1:2-3. c. Final—John 14:8-9. Believers will know more of God when they see Christ, but they will never learn more of God apart from Jesus (cf. Revelation 22:4—“they shall see his face”). God is still incomprehensible (He cannot be fully known by a finite mind) even when revealed in Jesus. This is why eternity (an infinite amount of time) will be needed to learn of the infinite God in the face of Jesus. 3. The values of this Revelation. a. It makes god concrete and real to man. Note the Old Testament desire—Isaiah 64:1. b. It guards against lopsided views of God. c. It gives us assurance that we really know the true God—I John 5:20. 4. The Present Status of this Revelation. Ultimately all revelation is through Jesus Christ. He created the universe, He made man, He spoke to men, He appeared to men, etc. Cf. John 1:1. But until Christ comes again, the Bible is the highest form of God’s revelation—for several reasons: a. It includes the revelation from all the other sources. b. It gives the correct interpretation of the revelation from all the other sources. c. It presents the only authentic disclosure of Jesus. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

What will happen when the King Returns

2009-02-16T14:26:00.000-08:00

“As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. He said therefore, ‘A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, (pounds) and said to them; engage in business until I come. But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, we do not want this man to reign over us. When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. The first came before him, saying, Lord, your mina has made ten minas more. And he said to him, well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities. And the second came, saying, Lord, your mina has made five minas. And he said to him, and you are to be over five cities. Then another came, saying, Lord here is your mina, which I kept lay away in a handkerchief; for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow. He said to him, I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was as severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest. And he said to those who stood by, take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas. And they said to him, Lord he has ten minas! I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not; even what he has will be taken away. But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me” (Luke 19:11-17). The setting of this account takes place after Archeiaus, son of Herod the Great became Tetrach of Judah and Samaria. As Jesus and His followers neared Jerusalem, rumors began to circulate. Some were whispering “He plans to overthrow Rome.” It was to silence these dangerous ideas that the Lord gave this parable. He would one day establish His kingdom, but He would first have to go away. You and I are living in the time period between the King’s ascension and His return, and He has given us a job to do. We do not know when He shall return, but we know that when He does He will deal with three kinds of persons found in this parable. He will deal with the faithful servants, the unfaithful servant, and the rebellious citizens. First, note the faithful servants (19:15-19). This parable is about service, not salvation. We know three facts about the faithful servants. They knew their responsibility (v. 13). Jesus said “do business until I come.” This was the nobleman’s commandment. Each servant had the same amount of money. The pound or mina represents the gospel message. This is not the parable of the talents. Each believer individually has the great responsibility of “doing business” with the gospel. Paul often referred to the “stewardship of the gospel.” We must invest it so that it will save many. They did their job faithfully. The nobleman did not promise his servants anything. He simply told them to get busy. They could have given many excuses. “This is not a great sum of money. Why worry about trying to put it to work.” “What will I get out of it?” Jesus has given us many promises. “How do I know he will ever come back?” “How do we know that Caesar will grant Him the kingdom?” God will grant Christ the kingdom because Jesus is King. The faithful servants were rewarded for their faithfulness. The reward for work is more work. The work we do today is preparation for the work He has planned tomorrow. Faithfulness is the secret of growth. If we faithfully use the “little” that He gives us, He will give us more (v. 17). What we do not use, we may very well lose. David was faithful to take care of his fathers’ sheep, in time God entrusted him with a nation. Joshua was a faithful servant, God made him Moses’ successor. Timothy assisted Paul in his ministry and in a few years was called to take Paul’s place in the churches. Second, let's consider the unfaithful servant (19:20-26). He knew his job but did not do his job (v. 20). He wrapped the money in a cloth that was traditionally used for wiping perspiration. We must realize unfaithfulness is sin. The greatest ability is dependability. He was unfaithful because his heart was not right with his master. He believed his Master was coming back, but he did not live what he believed. He did not love, but rather feared the master (v. 21). Love for Christ will not paralyze, but rather mobilize us. To say our Lord is austere (stern, harsh) is to lie. This man was so afraid of life he would take no risks. The Scriptures tell us that Jesus is “meek and humble in heart.” His unfaithfulness cost him his reward. The master used the man’s own words to indict him. If you really believed these things you should have worked harder. An excuse is the skin of reason stuffed with a lie. People who are good at excuses are rarely good at anything else. What did the servant lose? He lost his opportunity. The future is today. What we do with today determines what will be done with tomorrow. He lost his pound. His pound was given to the servant who proved he could be trusted. He lost his reward. This man could not be trusted with any additional work. He had not been faithful over a few things, so the master could not make him ruler over many things. Third, note the rebellious citizens (19:14, 27). Jesus did not come to change Israel’s politics; He came to change men’s hearts. He presented Himself as a humble King, not a violent conqueror. When He returns He will punish those who have not bowed before Him. This world belongs to God, and the people in the world are citizens who must depend on God, whether they know it or not. The Word tells us “He gives to all life, and breath, and all things” (Acts 17:25-26). Jesus gave His life for His enemies. This is not a day of judgment, it is a day of grace, and any rebellious citizen can be saved. There are three kinds of people. Let's look again at the faithful servants who do well, the unfaithful servants who do nothing, and the rebellious citizens who do evil. Which group are you in: the faithful, the unfaithful, or the rebellious? Are you investing the gospel so that it is producing dividends in your life? Do you live in the light of Christ’s soon return? Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Where is Home

2009-02-16T14:23:00.000-08:00

“And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets-who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured. Refusing to accept release, so that the might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, and they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated-of whom the world was not worthy-wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect” (Hebrews 11:32-40). As we look at the end of this grand chapter, we feel a crescendo of compassion for these great men and women of God. Although the writer admits that time does not allow him to name all their exploits of courage, these nine verses do much to convince us that each one deserves our highest respect. Imagine yourself in their place? The subject here is endurance in both triumph and tragedy. Note several things about the triumphs and tragedies of the faithful. First, there are erroneous ideas about the Christian life. There are at least four wrong conclusions regarding Christians that have been drawn over time and must be dismissed from our minds. Regarding passivity: “Christians are followers of Jesus, so they are meek, mild, and passive people.” Let's examine the subject of persistence: “Because Christians are people of faith; therefore, they never doubt or become discouraged.” Regarding perfection: “Christians, because they are Christians, are perfect-free from the marks of imperfection.” Regarding protection: “Christians know God, so they are shielded from hardship, calamity, and tragedy.” 1. Jesus was not passive, He stood firm against His critics. 2. Christians, being human do teeter on the fence of uncertainty at times. Defectors have been found within the ranks of Christianity throughout all generations. 4. Christians can and do experience such things as financial disaster, mistreatment, trips through the deepest valleys imaginable. Second, note some actual examples of endurance. The writer attempts to stir up endurance in his readers. Here he gives a sampling of those who have already endured. Several historic names and roles are noteworthy (v.32). Not one of these people was perfect, passive, persistent or protected. They were people who experienced the full spectrum of life’s offerings: both its triumphs and its tragedies. Let’s examine two extremes (vv. 33-38). Triumphs: (vv. 33-35a). 2. Tragedies: (vv 35b-38). Tragedy does not happen only to the wayward, the unkind, the hypocritical, the ungodly; it happens to mature, sensitive, obedient, and concerned believers as well. In this generation, an illusion is spreading: that people of true faith experience only wealth, health, and happiness. Scripture does not support such a superficial teaching. Effect then and now (vv. 39-40). All these magnificent folk of the past who experienced and endured both triumphs and tragedies brought honor to God because of their faith. Through their faith they gained approval. The person of Messiah, the promise of God, under laid each heroic act of faith. Third, note the practical impact of this teaching today. Several unavoidable conclusions must make their way into our thoughts if we are going to see life as God sees it. Undeserving and sinful Christians often rejoice in unexpected triumphs. Godly and great Christians often suffer through unexpected tragedies. Both extremes link us with an uninterrupted history: a history we call “God’s plan” (v.40). How do you respond when you see sinful Christians experiencing triumphs? What type of response does the Scripture teach us? How do you respond when godly Christians suffer tragedy? What type of response does the Bible teach us? Have you personally experienced either of these conditions? Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

There are Pretenders Among Us

2009-02-16T14:21:00.001-08:00

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God.” (I John 3:1-10). The U. S. Treasury Dept. has a special group of men whose job it is to track down counterfeiters. How do these men learn to identify fake bills? They learn by studying the real ones. They can become so familiar with authentic bills they can spot a counterfeit by looking at it or simply by feeling it. This is the approach in I John 3, which warns us that in today’s world there are counterfeit Christians, , children of the devil,” (v.10). The Scripture gives us a clear description of God’s children. The contrast between the two is obvious. It is clear that no Christian is sinless, but God expects a true believer to sin less, not to sin habitually. An unsaved person lives a life of habitual sin. Sin, especially the sin of unbelief is the normal thing in his life. Because the true Christian knows God, he lives a life of obedience and he does not practice sin. John gives three reasons for living a holy life. The first reason for living a holy life is because God the Father loves us (3:1-3). The whole wonderful plan of salvation begins with the love of God, (John 3:16). Verse one of I John 3, tells us what we shall be. God’s love continues throughout our lives and takes us right up to the return of Jesus Christ. When Jesus appears, all true believers will become like Him. In the same passage verse three tells us what we should be. In view of the return of the Lord we should keep our lives clean. The unbeliever sins against law; the believer sins against love. The second reason for living a holy life is because the Son of God died for us (3:4-8). John turns here from the future appearing of Jesus to His past appearing. John gives two reasons why Jesus came and died. He died to take away our sins (vv. 4-6). Sin is basically a matter of the will. We sin when we assert our will against God’s will, this is called rebellion. The child of God cannot practice lawlessness. John’s epistle defines sin as lawlessness, defilement, and here he views it as defiance. The emphasis is on sin (singular). Sin is the root of which sins are the fruit. He identified with the sinless Christ. Jesus died to take away our sins. The whole work of the cross is denied when a professed Christian practices deliberate sin. The Cross broke the power of the sin principle in our lives (see Romans 6: and Galatians 2:20). Christ appeared to destroy the works of the devil (3:7-8). The logic here is clear, if a man knows God he will obey God; if he belongs to the devil, he will obey the devil. John accepts the reality of a personal devil. The word “destroy” means to rob of power. After World War II, Japanese troops were discovered hiding in caves and in the jungles of the Pacific Islands. When they were told the war was over, they quickly surrendered. Satan may win a few battles, but he has already lost the war. The Christian has no desire to obey Satan and live like a rebel. The person who can live in deliberate sin and doesn’t feel convicted had better examine himself to see whether or not he is really born of God. The third reason we are to live a holy life, is the Holy Spirit of God lives in us (3:9-10). Salvation brings tremendous spiritual changes. There is a new standing-justification. We have a new position-sanctification. We experience regeneration-a new nature, God’s nature. In the natural world, physical life produces physical life. In the spiritual world, spiritual life produces spiritual life. Let’s compare the outer man with the inner man. The outer man needs food, the inner man need the Word of God. The outer man needs cleansing; the inner man needs examination, confession and repentance. The outer man needs exercise, the inner man exercises by sharing Christ, Christian service, and building others up in the body of Christ. There were false teachers who taught that only the body sinned and in no way affected the spirit. In reality the body is neutral. Do I have the diving nature within me or am I merely pretending to be a Christian? Do I purposely cultivate this divine nature by daily Bible reading and prayer? Has any unconfessed sin defiled my inner man? Do I allow my old habits to control my thoughts and desires? When temptation comes do I “play with it” or flee from it? Do I immediately yield to the diving nature within me? The life that is real is honest with God about these vital issues. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Who Really is the King

2009-02-16T14:18:00.000-08:00

I invite your attention to the New Testament Book of Matthew Chapters one and two. If a man suddenly appears and claims to be a king, the public immediately asks for proof. What is his background? Who pays homage to him? What credentials can he present? Anticipating these important questions, Matthew opened his book with a careful account of the birth of Jesus Christ and the events that accompanied it. Mary and Joseph were in the one year waiting period when Mary was found to be with child. Matthew presented four facts about the King. Fact number one, the heredity of the King proves He came from royal lineage (1:1-12). Since royalty depends on heredity, it was important for Jesus to establish His right to David’s throne. The opening verse connected Christ to two great covenants, the Davidic, found in II Samuel 7, and the Abrahamic found in Genesis 12:15. Note Jesus human heredity (1:1-17). Genealogies were very important to the Jews, without them they could not prove their tribal memberships or rights to inheritances. Anyone claiming to be “the Son of David” had to prove it. Matthew gave Christ’s family tree through Joseph, Luke gave Mary’s linage. The list of names show that Christ is part of history. His divine heredity is spelled out (1:18-25). Jesus was born of an earthly mother without the need of an earthly father (v. 18). The Messiah would be born of a woman, of the seed of Abraham, through the tribe of Judah, and of the family of David. Jesus is the only Jew alive who can prove His claims to the throne of David. All other records were destroyed in 70 A.D. His birth fulfilled Isaiah 7:14 “Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” The King, then, was a Jewish male who was also the divine Son of God. But, did anybody acknowledge His Kingship? Yes, the Magi from the East came and worshipped him. We find in v.16 the “of whom” is a feminine relative pronoun, clearly indicating that Jesus was the physical child of Mary but not of Joseph. Fact number two, the homage give to the King (2:1-12). The wise men were specialists in astronomy. There were enough of them to trouble all of Jerusalem (2:3). The wise men were Gentiles. Jesus came to be the Savior of the world. They were scholars. No scholarly person who follows the light that God gives can miss worshipping at the feet of Jesus. Many feel the Magi reflected a knowledge of Balaam’s prophecy concerning the “star” that would come out of Jacob (see Numbers 24:17). The Magi were seeking the king; Herod was opposing the king, and the Jewish priests were ignoring the King. Herod the great was a ruthless murderer. He killed his wife and her two brothers. He wanted to kill Jesus because he bore the title King of the Jews. Also, Herod was a descendant of Esau. He knew if someone was a rightful king, it could cost him his throne. Herod understood that the King was Christ (see Matthew 2:4). Matthew cites a second fulfilled prophecy (2:5). How, He was born of a virgin, and where He was born, Bethlehem. Bethlehem means “house of bread.” This is where the “Bread of Life” came to earth. Bethlehem in the Old Testament was associated with David who was a type of Christ in his suffering and glory. Fact number three, the hostility against the King (2:13-18). Of interest is, stars typically travel east to west, this one went north to south. A person is identified by his friends, and by his enemies. Herod pretended that he wanted to worship the King (2:8). God warned Joseph to flee to Egypt. This fulfilled another prophecy (see Hosea 11:1), “I called My Son out of Egypt.” The gift of the Magi paid their expenses. Herod’s anger was evidence of his pride (2:16). Herod killed the body babies two years of age and under. Bethlehem is very small, about 20 babies died. Satan is a liar and a murderer. Herod lied to the Magi and murdered the babies. This fulfilled Jeremiah 31:15 “Rachel weeping for her children because they were not.” The first mention of Bethlehem was the death of Rachel. She named her son Benoni “Son of my sorrow.” Jacob renamed him Benjamin “Son of my right hand.” Both titles relate to Jesus. Rachel’s grave is near Bethlehem. Jeremiah’s prophecy was given about 600 years before Christ. Very few think of Bethlehem as a burial place, we think of it as a birth place of Jesus Christ. Fact number four, the humility of the King (2:19-23). After a period of time in Egypt God spoke to Joseph in a dream, and he took his wife and her Son to Nazareth (2:19-20). Even this act fulfilled prophecy (v. 23). The term Nazarene was one of reproach. “Can there by any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Many Old Testament prophecies speak of the Messiah’s lowly life of rejection. Our Lord grew up in Nazareth. Who ever heard of a King being born in a humble village and growing up in a despised city? The humility of the King is certainly something to admire and imitate. Nazareth housed the Roman garrison for Northern regions of Galilee. Most Jews would not associate with that city. This is one reason Jesus was despised. Don’t be surprised that as you follow the King, you will also be despised. However “great is our reward in heaven.” Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

The Super Test of Super Tests

2009-02-16T14:15:00.000-08:00

“By faith Abraham, when has was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, ‘Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.’ He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back” (Hebrews 11: 17-19). Perhaps you have notices life is marked by tests. Some are major, most are minor; some linger, most leave about as quickly as they arrive. In the process of growth toward maturity, trouble plays an essential role: it puts faith on the line. Note several factors involved in testing. First, there are several levels of testing. We read in II Corinthians 4:8-9, about four levels of stress. The levels of testing or stress are indicated by the following terms: the first level of stress is found in the word afflicted. This is the lowest level of testing. It is mild or moderate. The word in the Greek means pressure. This type of stress comes from people, deadlines, interruptions, and delays. It is easily forgotten but it attacks us on a daily basis. The second level of stress is found in the word perplexed. The Greek word means “without a way” and conveys the idea of not knowing where to go or to whom one can turn. This kind of testing would include not knowing how to handle unfair treatment from unfair people. The third level of stress is found in the word persecuted. This is an extreme level of testing. It can be either emotional or physical. This form of irritation or stress does not pass quickly. And the fourth level of stress is found in the word struck down. This is the ultimate testing, maximum stress. It can include the loss of someone or something near and dear to you: the loss of a spouse to divorce; a mate to death, a child, or friend; something you considered valuable; a dream. For Abraham, it was the potential loss of his “only begotten son” (Hebrews 11:17). Second, we find the ultimate level of testing. The Scriptures reveal the story of Abraham and Isaac in both telescopic (Hebrews 11) and microscopic (Genesis 22) fashions. Note an overview found in Hebrews 11: 17-19. Our usual response to life’s ultimate tests is “I can’t believe it!” We reason, “How can a good God bring such a test? It’s unfair!” An analysis of Genesis 22 is in order. The God who told Abraham to leave Ur, who gave Abraham the promise of a nation, and who opened Sarah’s womb in her old age, told Abraham to sacrifice his son. Please note Abraham’s words found in Genesis 22:3-10. “We will worship, we will return.” How could Abraham have done this? The answer is found in Hebrews 11:19, he brought God into his reasoning. Third, our lives today: a personal examination. In reviewing Hebrews 11:17-19, there are at least four applications we can draw for our own lives. God’s will always require obedience (v. 17a). The plan is never fully understood (v. 17b). Ultimate tests initially seem contradictory (v. 18). Our response invariably reveals our theology (v. 19). Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Solving the Mystery of Melchizedek

2009-02-16T14:11:00.000-08:00

“For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever. See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, though these also are descended from Abraham. But this man who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. In the one case tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case, by one of whom it is tested that he lives. One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. For it is witnessed of him, ‘You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.’ On the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect) but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.” In Hebrews 7 we see the development of the central truth of this letter: the superiority of Jesus Christ. In Him alone is sufficient power to handle life. The writer of this letter labors to convince his readers that Christ is completely different in His priestly role. Unlike Aaron and the Levitical priesthood, Christ follows the pattern of a maverick priest who once ministered to Abraham. His name was Melchizedek. What makes the book of Hebrews so difficult to understand? Perhaps because we are coming from as different place than they were. They were very familiar with name like Moses, Aaron, David, Joshua, Abraham, and Melchizedek. Let’s examine the current problem they were facing. Among the intended recipients of this letter were those who had chosen to no longer bow to the name of Christ. Because of suffering and disillusionment, these people had returned to a life centered on the Mosaic Law and the Levitical priesthood. The writer set out to prove to them that Jesus Christ, not the priests, was the solution to their problem. Our hope is found in the Person of Jesus Christ (7:1-19). The letter says “If you want a rather unusual measure of peace in the rather unusual time in which you live, you’ll find it only in Jesus Christ. The best introduction to Jesus is Melchizedek.” Jesus and Melchizedek: a comparison (vv. 1-8). Who was Melchizedek? (vv. 1-2). He was king in Salem, reigning over what we know today as Jerusalem. He was, at the same time, a priest of the Most High God. Abraham was one of his contemporaries. What was his background? (v. 3). The Bible gives no record of Melchizedek’s birth, mother, father, genealogy, or death. Why was he great? (vv. 4-8). First, he collected a tithe from Abraham (vv. 4-6a). Second he blessed the one who had promises from God (v. 6b). Third, he was declared superior to Abraham (vv. 8-10). Jesus and Moses: A contrast (vv. 11-19). In this portion of the text, the writer turns to the time of Moses and the Levitical priesthood and asks, “what need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek and not be designated according to the order of Aaron?” Because Melchizedek represents something that the priests of Moses could never produce. Both the priesthood and the law were imperfect. Perfect in this passage means completed, fulfilled, only in Christ is there security, and only in Him is there purpose and meaning in life. Only through Him can we draw near to God. Jesus and me, (vv. 18-19). The writer of the letter to the Hebrews has shown us that we don’t need a religion that brags about its genealogy. We don’t need a priest with as pedigree. What we need is the life that’s indestructible, a priest who is permanent. We need Jesus Christ, our high priest. Jesus not only knows where we’re coming from, but more importantly, where we’re going. Jesus not only cares where our head is, but more importantly, where our heart is. Jesus not only tells us that we are weak and empty in ourselves, but more importantly, that we are strong and complete in Him. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Faith for the Family

2009-02-16T14:08:00.000-08:00

“By faith Isaac invoked future blessing on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones” (Hebrews 11:20-23). Moving faith from theory to reality is an essential, yet tough, assignment. It’s so much easier to talk it than walk it! If we decide to implement faith, it’s not long before it begins to impact the roots of our existence: our homes. Note three realms of faith. First, there is faith for living and dying. We fight faith constantly. By nature, we resist trusting God. We would rather walk by sight, since that’s a lot more predictable. The problem is that walking by sight doesn’t please God. Faith is to be an everyday companion, not a weekend guest (II Corinthians 4:16-18; 5:7). The best place to exercise faith is in the home with the family. Second, the faith found in four homes (11:20-23). These verses give us four keyholes through which we can watch faith in progress. As we observe these examples, we need to pay attention to how the lines of faith were kept strong. The example found in Isaac’s faith (v.20). Isaac was dependent on the faith relationship that had been modeled for him by his father, Abraham, how he continued and preserved it in his relationship with his own sons, Jacob and Esau. The faith found in Jacob’s (v.21). This faith relationship here is grandfather to grandson. The example illustrated in Joseph’s faith (v.22). This faith relationship is from a brother to brothers. Moses’ parents’ faith (v.23). Also note (Exodus 2:10; 3:10). Third, faith exercised where we live. Since faith was never meant to remain a theoretical study, and since it is best learned within the home in conjunction with family relationships, there are two things we can do: Think of our homes as training bases, not holding tanks. Develop in our homes a contagious confidence in God, not a demoralizing determination to endure. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

There is a Faith Worth Duplicating

2009-02-16T14:04:00.000-08:00

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations whose designer and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city” Hebrews 11:8-16. The writer of this letter, being a realist, refuses to let us simply put faith into our mental files. He turns to flesh-and-blood people who made faith a thing to live by, a principle to practice, a daily way of life. Here we take a look at Abraham, another common man who was hard pressed to explain how and when things would work out. Note four things about the faith life. First, what it takes to please God (11:6). Faith fits into the fabric of life just as clothes fit on our backs and shoes fit on our feet. Faith requires that we come to God. Faith requires that we believe God is there. Faith requires that we trust Him to keep His word. This means that I must trust Him to reward and honor my attitudes of dependence and availability. Second, how it occurred in two ancient lives (11:8-12). Abraham (vv. 8-10), when he was called, he obeyed. Sarah (vv. 11-12), in Old Testament times, a Jewess was considered cursed if she was barren. But by faith, Sarah was able to miraculously conceive. Third, there are principles that continue to this day (vv. 13-16). The following name the ingredients we must integrate into our lives if we are to walk by faith. We must have vision, hope, that looks beyond the restrictions of the present (v. 13). There is pursuit: the determination to cultivate identity with God (v. 14). Total abandonment: the willingness to release all earthly ties (v. 15). And desire: yearning for a godly life-style (v. 16). We are told regarding those who walked and died in faith, that “God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.” Fourth, why is the faith-life rare? If it is so great and rewarded so richly, why are examples of the faith-life so seldom found? There are at least two reasons for this. Most people would do anything rather than exercise risk. Those who walk by faith do nothing to publicize it. Let's ask a few questions. Would your life be characterized as one of vision? Is your life one of pursuit? Are you a person characterized by abandonment? Is your mind filled with the right sorts of desires? Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

The Believer's True Riches

2009-02-16T13:57:00.000-08:00

True Riches “The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes” (Jeremiah 5:31)? Let’s contrast the false religion prorogated by the false priests of Jeremiah’s day to the true faith God’s children found in the book of Acts. The Christians in the book of Acts weren’t rich, perfect, or even culturally acceptable, but they exhibited a vitality of faith that stirs my heart. Please note four characteristics of their faith. First, they were preoccupied with Jesus. He had ascended to heaven, after which He returned to empower them, John 16:7. His presence was real enough to take them through anything. Remember how real God’s presence was when you first surrendered your life to Him. He only wanted it to get better from there. Second, their community had reality. Unity and heartfelt love was the earmark of the early church. They sacrificed for each other’s needs. Someone’s weakness became an opportunity for someone else to serve, not judge or gossip. What a contrast to the backbiting and political infighting found in some churches today. Third, their ministry had power. I Corinthians 2:4, 5. Christianity was God active in His creation to redeem people. The early church healed the sick and liberated people held captive by the enemy. Today we comfort the sick, and bereaved and argue about the existence of demons. Fourth, they were willing to sacrifice. They followed Jesus because He is Lord. They understood the abundant life was not about temporal comfort but a living in the fullness of Jesus’ presence. What God has offered us is better than some of us are living. We can know the same reality of the resurrected Jesus, the closeness of brotherly love, the power of supernatural ministry, and a joy far deeper than the lures of this life. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.