Wise Men Worship Him

Readers:
Here in its entirety is an article by E.L.Bynum. Brother Bynum pastored Tabernacle Baptist Church for 44 years. He is still involved in many aspects of the ministry.


Wise Men Worship Him

By E. L. Bynum


"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." Matthew 2:1,2.

It is tragic that human traditions and pagan religious errors have robbed so many of the truths concerning the birth of Jesus Christ. No birth was ever so important to both God and man as this birth. This birth must be a fulfillment of God's promises of the Messiah, beginning with Genesis 3:15. This birth was the only one that could provide a Saviour for lost and fallen man. How important then, that we sweep aside human traditions and pagan errors, and seek the truth as it is to be found in the Bible.

The Time of His Birth

Even the year of His birth cannot be fixed with absolute certainty. Our calendar is off from 4 to 8 years at least. He was born while Herod was king and it is a well established fact that Herod died in 4 B.C.
Certainly He was not born on December 25th. For one thing, it is too cold in December for shepherds to keep their flocks by night in the open fields, as they were doing at the time of His birth. (Luke 2:8). He was born at a time when everyone had to go to their native city to be enrolled for taxation, and this would have been unlikely to have been scheduled in the middle of the winter. The winter was not a time to travel. (Matthew 24:20). December 25th was a pagan holiday long before the birth of Christ. It was established by Babylonian "sun-god" worshipers who looked upon this day as the birthday of the "Sun God." The worship of Baal was of course a part of the same false religion. The winter solstice comes on December 22, and is considered to be the shortest day of the year. As the days begin to lengthen, the "sun-god" worshipers would naturally rejoice. December 25th was a well-established day of revelry and licentious religious worship, long before anyone ever thought of making it Christ's birthday.
It was not until the 3rd Century that some Christians began to celebrate the birth of Christ on this date. It could be that those who established this date for the birth of Christ, really thought they could Christianize this pagan holiday. Needless to say, their efforts have tended to paganize Christianity. In 336 A.D. Emperor Constantine declared December 25th as a Roman holiday, because it was Christ's birthday.
The month and day of the passover, as well as other ancient festival days are well known. Why have we not learned that God has purposely concealed the date of Christ's birth for very good reasons? The reason is, that we might emphasize His death and resurrection. Why else did God allow us to know the month and day of His death and the day of His resurrection? Each Sunday we commemorate His resurrection when we come together to worship Him.
Certainly Santa Claus has nothing to do with the birth of Christ. Even the word "Christmas" is pagan for it is an abbreviated form of "Christ Mass" which came from the Roman Catholic Church.

When Did The Wise Men Worship Him?

Again human traditions have been substituted for the truth of God's Word. Over and over again we have viewed a manger scene showing the shepherds and the wise men worshiping the new born babe. This is contrary to the teaching of the Bible. The shepherds were notified the very day of His birth and they found the babe in a manger. (Luke 2:11-12). The wise men found the young child in a house. (Matthew 2:11). There is quite a difference between a babe in a manger and a young child in a house.
The wise men had seen His star in the east, and it would have taken them a long time to have traveled from Babylon or any other eastern area to Jerusalem. When they talked with Herod, he inquired "diligently what time the star appeared." The word here translated "diligently" means exactly and is elsewhere translated perfect and perfectly. (Matthew 2:7). When Herod ordered the children of Bethlehem slain, in order to kill Jesus, he ordered that all of them be slain, "from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men." (Matthew 2:16). So Jesus could have been anywhere from a few months up to two years of age at the time that the wise men came.
While we do not know the time of His birth, we do know that He was born at the right time. "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law . . ." (Galatians 4:4-5)

I. Wise Men Follow The Light

Men do not seek Jesus until the light of God has shined in their hearts. They did not seek Him who was born King of the Jews, until they had seen His star in the east. Remember that Daniel, Nehemiah and other true men of God had been carried captive into Assyria, Babylon and Persia. These devout Jews were witnesses in high governmental offices. Note that this was true of Daniel and Nehemiah. Daniel was even trained as a wise man among the Babylonians. With their devout testimony, and their Hebrew scriptures, they would have had ample opportunity of creating considerable interest in the prophecies of the coming Messiah.
Balaam had prophesied, "there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel . . ." (Numbers 24:17). Since this portion of the Word was written by Moses, it would have undoubtedly been carried into the captivity. It would be likely that copies of these scriptures so prized by the Jews would find their way into the libraries of the east.
The book of Daniel is rich in Messianic Prophecy and remember that it was written in Babylon. Daniel 9:24-26 gives the time table with absolute certainty for the appearance of "Messiah the Prince." Daniel describes this as 69 weeks or 483 years from the time of the commandment to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem. Since there were at least three such decrees made, the wise men might not have known which decree was meant. But at least they could have known approximately the time of the Messiah.
We hasten to say, that there is no scriptural proof that they knew anything about the prophecies of Balaam and Daniel. But we do believe that they followed the light that God gave them. They saw a star in the east that was different from anything they had seen before. However, seeing a star would not direct them to Jerusalem, unless they knew about the above scriptures or God spoke to them by a special revelation. God did speak to them in a dream after they arrived. (Matthew 2:12)
They did follow the light of God's Word when it was revealed unto them. (Matthew 2:5,6; Micah 5:2). They did follow the light of the star. (Matthew 2:9).
There are many men today with great knowledge, but unless they come to know Christ they will never be "wise men." "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom . . ." (Proverbs 9:10). "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God . . ." (James 1:5). According to James 3:15, there is a wisdom that is earthly, sensual and devilish.
Those who follow the light to Jesus Christ are the only ones who are truly wise.

II. Wise Men Worship Jesus

Many would have been satisfied with a visit with wicked King, Herod, but not these wise men! They inquired as to where the new born King could be found. We do not know how many wise men there were. We do not know from which country they came. But we do know that they would not be satisfied with anyone less than Jesus. They had studied the knowledge of the east. They no doubt had talked with kings and generals, but the greatest audience they ever had, was when they came into the presence of Jesus.
They "fell down, and worshipped Him." Today, men are worshiping the god of science. Others are worshiping the god of material things. Their pursuit of "things" leaves them no time for God. Many are worshiping the god of lust and pleasure. Theories, thrills and things occupy 20th century man, so that he has no time for the true and the living God. But eternity will reveal that they who worship Him, are the true wise men. A poorly educated man who worships Jesus Christ is wiser than an educated genius who rejects Him as Saviour.

III. Wise Men Give To Jesus

They gave Him "gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." These were gifts of great value, and no doubt had a typical meaning. GOLD was a fitting gift for a king, and particularly so in this case, since He is to be King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Frankincense was a fitting gift for a priest, for it was used in connection with sacrifice and priestly service. Since He was God manifest in the flesh, how fitting that they should offer frankincense unto Him. Myrrh was used in the embalming of the dead. (John 19:39). How correct that He who was to die for sin as a sacrifice should receive the myrrh.
Wise men will give their TIME, TALENT and TITHE to the Lord. In giving, it should be remembered that we should "first" give our "own selves to the Lord. "(II Cor. 8:5). God wants us to "present" our "bodies" as a "living sacrifice." (Romans 12:1). If we have done this, we will not mind giving our time and our tithes and offerings unto the Lord.
Many today are busy buying gifts for one another. How different the wise men, they gave to Him. Let us remember the lesson of the wise men, if we are truly wise we will give unto Him.

IV. Wise Men Go Back Another Way

"And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way." (Matthew 2:12). When men come to know Christ, there is a change made in their ways. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (II Cor. 5:17). Paul said that the Thessalonian believers had "turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God." (I Thess. 1:9).
It is sad that so many claim to know Christ, but go back to the same old way of sin and worldliness. Much modern Christianity has no cross, and no separation from the world. Christ came to save us from our sins, but many want to make salvation into a fire escape from hell. How foolish that some think they can have all the sin of this world, and all the salvation of the world to come. Wise men are changed. Wise men go back another way.

V. Wise Men Will Bring Others To Jesus

The Bible does not tell us what happened to these wise men after they went back to their own country. Perhaps eternity will reveal this story, if God be pleased to make it known. However, in the light of God's Holy Word, we know what true wise men should be doing today.
"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and HE THAT WINNETH SOULS IS WISE." (Proverbs 11:30). "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." (Daniel 12:3). Paul said, ". . . I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." (I Cor. 9:22). If you know Christ, may I urge you to use every scriptural means to bring others to know Him. This is wise!

If some unsaved one should read this message, we urge you to repent and turn to Christ in faith. It will be the wisest thing you will ever do. Bow before Him, acknowledge your sin, and trust in His saving grace.

The Day of Your Death

Friend, will you ponder some words of truth, though you be up in years, or yet in your youth? With each passing day your life spins by, Death creeps closer till it's your turn to die. On your bed of death the thought comes to mind - all your dear loved ones you must leave behind. They speak words of comfort and try not to cry, but there is no comfort; it's your turn to die. As you reflect upon many wasted years, your poor heart saddens and your eyes fill with tears. You spent so much time for family and friends, yet so little time being grieved for your sins. You sped through your years consuming worldly pleasures, yet never investing in Heavenly treasures. With these sobering thoughts you begin to grow scared; it's your turn to die, and you have not prepared! Year after year you rejected God's Son; over and over the Gospel you would shun. God's Spirit which spoke to your once tender heart has now been replaced with Satan's stinging dart. Like a tale which is told, your life has flown by, your days are expired, and it's your turn to die. A piercing chill suddenly fills the air while Death enters the room like a strange nightmare. But this is no dream, the time has arrived; you'll die in a moment to never be revived. All loved ones fade as Death closes in; your body lies helpless, and you cannot win. With one final struggle you gasp for your breath to find your soul in the arms of Death! As loved ones gaze upon your lifeless frame, your soul makes its journey to the Land of the Flame. "Why me?" you cry, "I wasn't that bad!" But then you recall all the chances you had. Time and time again God's humble servants came - offering you salvation in Jesus' name. But you cared not for God's holy plan; you despised His servants, and from His truth you ran. Now as your feet sink into the flame, all hope is gone to trust in His name. Deeper you go into the fiery bath, having traded God's mercy for His never-ending wrath. While horror fills your soul and the pain multiplies, your screams simply fade into the smoke-filled skies. As you wade through the flames seeking consolation, those you encounter have the same condemnation. There's no one to help, there's nowhere to turn; refuge has fled, and you're left here to burn! As your loved ones back home in the world above comfort one another with words of love, They're all unaware of your sad plight beneath, of your weeping, your wailing, and your gnashing teeth! They'll soon gently lay your body in the ground, but of your screams below they won't hear a sound. Never again will you see a smiling face, only faces of agony in this damnable place. No children playing with whom to share your love, not another second with your sweetheart above. No food to eat, no water in sight, forever you're a captive to Hell's dark night! Sunsets have vanished, no mountains, no streams, only roaring flames and soul-piercing screams! At last you now see your error so well: when you said "No" to Jesus, you said "Yes" to Hell. By J.H. Melton

The Bridge Builder by Will Dromgoole

THE BRIDGE BUILDER by Will Dromgoole

An old man, going a lone highway,

Came, at the evening, cold and gray,

To a chasm, vast, and deep, and wide,

Through which was flowing a sullen tide.

The old man crossed in the twilight dim;

The sullen stream had no fear for him;

But he turned, when safe on the other side,

And built a bridge to span the tide.

"Old man," said a fellow pilgrim, near,

"You are wasting strength with building here;

Your journey will end with the ending day;

You never again will pass this way;

You've crossed the chasm, deep and wide-

Why build you this bridge at the evening tide?"

The builder lifted his old gray head:

"Good friend, in the path I have come," he said,

"There followeth after me today,

A youth, whose feet must pass this way.

This chasm, that has been naught to me,

To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be.

He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;

Good friend, I am building this bridge for him."

Quoteable Quotes

"When the devil reminds you of your past, just remind him of his future." C.R. Curtman

Book Review by Barry Greer

Dear Blog friends,

Today I have a guest blogger. I have known this dear friend for 15 years. I have watched him through several phases of his life. Through all the ups and downs and ins and outs of life, Barry is an overcomer. He is a do-er and through perseverance of the truth and applying these truths, he is becoming a Christian that rests in the Lord. Barry is on the fast track to being what the Lord wants for his life.

Barry came to me a while ago and told me about the books he was reading. It was all about the classroom of Christ. He seemed more settled. There was an amazing calm over his tempestuous spirit. He was determined to do God's will by applying these practical truths. Here I present his "School of Obedience" recommended reading:

LIVING or EXISTING

Are you living or do you just exist? There is a difference. Jesus said of himself in John 14:6, “I AM…THE LIFE.” As creations made in the likeness of God, we are comprised of 3 parts: Body, Soul, and Spirit. Before salvation, we only utilize our body and soul. These make up the physical (the Son) and eternal (the Father) aspects of our existence. They determine the horizontal relationship between the rest of mankind and us. Since our spirits are dead in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1), we are missing the most important relationship that we can have, a vertical relationship with God. Until our spirit (the Holy Spirit) is made alive in Christ (Romans 6:11, 1 Corinthians 15:22), we just exist. Therefore, we can conclude that a person needs to be saved “to live”.

If not careful, even saints of God may find themselves in an “existing” mode by not fulfilling the very purpose that the Lord has created and saved them for. That is to love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. This writer was saved on Dec.3, 2000, when turning to God from idols to serve the living and true God (1 Thess. 1:9). The quickening of spirit enabled me to live “the Christian life”. Unfortunately, 35 years worth of false philosophy and religion, or should I say “baggage” accompanied me at salvation. Pride and self-sufficiency were sins that were repented of that day, but are sins that need to be mortified on an every day basis (1 Corinth 15:31; Gal 2:20).

Bible preaching, bible reading, and prayer are so vital for us to live like Christ. God promises to conform us in the image of His Son, and will use the tools necessary to show us His will for our lives. The Apostle Paul knew this and incites us to read. The Bible yes, but also spiritual books in which godly men, who in their own right have learned important biblical truths and are giving testimony of them through the written page.

So from the writer to the reader, I would like to encourage you that the abundant life that the Lord speaks of is obtainable by all of us. I recommend the following tools to assist you in finding God’s perfect will for your life. They are “easy reads” (Believe me, I am not an avid reader, nor a “super saint”, only a man seeking God’s perfect will for his life).

If you are frustrated with the roller coaster ride of life, and are willing to take the time to read and apply the truths of these books, I can assure you that the Lord will use them in your life for His glory.

I personally read the books in the order given, and you’ll see why.

In 2 Chron 7:14, God commands us to humble ourselves. We may not understand all that is required in humbling ourselves, or how pride is manifested in our lives.

Book #1: HUMILITY by Andrew Murray. I was bed ridden from back surgery when I read this one. I had a lot of time to contemplate my proud, arrogant heart before a thrice-holy God.

Book #2: HUMILITY by Wayne A. Mack. This brother took a deeper and more personal look at humility and pride. I was so “in awe” of this book that I told my pastor, “It seems like every time that I open my mouth, pride comes out.” He then proceeded to instruct me with what I thought would be a magnificent biblical exegesis, but rather told me kindly to “just keep my mouth shut.” Wow! How humbling! With these two books, I had a better understanding of pride and humility. I now was in a better position for the Lord to show me this “life”.

Book 3: How to Live the Victorious Life by an Unknown Christian. The writer speaks of victory through surrendering all to Christ. But how do I surrender?

Book 4: The Surrendered Life by James H. McConkey. He speaks of how the only way one can be surrendered is through obedience. O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E, as the song states, is the very best way to show that you believe. As Christ learned obedience (Heb 5:8), we also must learn obedience. And where can we learn?

Book 5: The School of Obedience by Andrew Murray.

Beloved, if you seriously desire a change, I beseech you, as Paul to the Romans, to renew your mind and stop thinking that the life you now live is “just the way it goes”, and that “it can’t be better”. My friend, I can assure you, that through Christ alone, you will succeed in living the abundant life. Don’t just exist, apply these “life altering” truths for the glory of God.

For Christ,

Barry Greer

Jer 32:27

Be Reasonable!

I found this vid on the web:
Feel free to comment.

Repentance Blacklist

A great controversy is stirring again in Christianity.

The idea of repentance is not new and neither is the controversy attached to it. Some say it is necessary for salvation, others say salvation is by faith without repentance. When the Pharisees came to John the Baptist to be baptized of him, John told them to bring forth fruit meet for repentance. The Pharisees thought they could join in the religious ritual of baptism to cleanse them from their sins. This is foreign to biblical salvation. We all know baptism does not save a person. I know that salvation is not of the works of righteousness which we have done. I know we are saved by grace. I realize salvation is all of God and not of man. I understand grace is a gift and all I have to do is receive Christ and He does ALL the saving ALL by Himself. Of course I believe we cannot add anything to salvation. Even the good works of repentance. Neither can we take away anything from salvation. Repentance is a work of God in the heart used to bring a person to proper faith in Him. Without repentance we have an empty shell of a “hope so, maybe so” religion that brings about dead works. Faith without works is a dead faith.

The heart of the matter is the heart.

Is repentance just a matter of giving up vices? Many have quit drinking, smoking and pornography without being a Christian. Many have pruned the branches of vice from their life but John the Baptist said, “…now the axe is laid to the root.” No man can produce these good works necessary without the Spirit of God dwelling in him. Repentance is a heart matter. If a man is not willing from the heart to turn, then he is like the man putting forth his hand to the plow and looking back. The Bible says this man is not fit for kingdom work.

I changed my Mind

Repentance is not a work of man. It is a work of God that brings a change of heart and attitude about something. Repentance is simply a change of mind. God repented. Back in the book of Genesis God decided He was going to destroy the man He created. God did not repent of sin. He is Holy. He cannot sin. He changed His mind about the creation of man.

Repentance is a given by God

Repentance is a gift. Man is confronted by God regarding trespasses and sins. When a person is made to realize he has offended God by breaking His law, guilt begins to make that man sorrowful for his wrongs. This guilt must be addressed. It can be suppressed by acts of contrition or self righteousness but these exercise not repentance.

How sorry are you?

There are two kinds of sorrow. Worldly sorrow toward sin is being sorry you got caught in sin. An apprehended criminal that has worldly sorrow will repeat his crimes over and over again without repentance. Contrast that with Godly sorrow which works a change of mind about sins. This Godly sorrow is what leads to true repentance. A repentant sinner will be careful not offend a Holy God. Consider Esau who had sought after repentance without faith. He sought it with tears but could not obtain the heart of repentance God requires for salvation. His was a work of repentance wrought by self and not the true repentance God gives.

2 Cor 7:10

Results of Repentance

Repentance results in a clear view of faith. It is towards God (the One we have offended) and turns to the Lord Jesus Christ by faith. The jailer at Philippi experienced this repentance when he said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Paul experienced this gift of repentance on the road to Damascus when he said,"What wilt thou have me do?" Simon the Sorcerer did not "get it" in Acts 8 because he had other motives than faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He was not repentant. Everyone that comes to Jesus must first come through the gate of repentance.

Repentance BLACKLIST

One well meaning preacher has a skewed understanding of repentance. He has a web site that has a blacklist of some very good men. He goes beyond an honest study and paints with a broad brush all of us who believe this Biblical doctrine as heretics. I tried to understand his position and there are two possible conclusions. He has not studied the Bible doctrine of repentance. He has listened to too many Jack Hyles sermons and opinions of men Another possible conclusion: When he made his profession as a six- year- old he did not understand the Biblical doctrine of repentance. Without a clear understanding of repentance how could a person possibly be saved?

Missed by 12 inches!

The approximate distance from the head to the heart is twelve inches. Now I am not talking about that beating organ in your chest. The heart I am speaking of is the soul of man. If a person has an intellectual knowledge of salvation but not a heart repentance, he is no different than any religious zealot. God is not interested in lip service. He wants the heart.

Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

"Funnymentalism"

Peter Ruckman and UFOS

I have heard a lot over the years about Peter Ruckman but this takes the cake.

From a book review by David Cloud and according to the book "Black Is Beautiful" (1996), Peter Ruckman “…believes that some of the medieval plagues in Europe were caused by UFOs, that a B-52 bomber was downed by a UFO and that aliens disemboweled the crew members, and that a crew member of a US Navy ship was transported into the future. He believes the CIA has implanted brain transmitters in children, old people, blacks, and prisoners(p. 243) and operates underground alien breeding facilities (p. 256). He believes in Atlantis (p. 171) and the Bermuda Triangle, time warps (p. 160), creatures with one eye (p. 173), web footed aliens, blue aliens with blue blood (pp. 85, 86), black aliens with green blood (p. 244), and grey aliens with clear blood (pp. 310-11). He believes that Adam originally had water in his veins instead of blood (p. 185). He believes that the government is involved with UFO animal mutilations (p. 247). He believes that black helicopters carrying UN troops are "circling your homes" with the mission of attacking and imprisoning the populace (p. 233). He believes the U.S. federal government has kidnapped people and kept them alive in "amber liquid" (p. 230). He believes that the CIA flies around in space ships developed from technology gained when the government made a deal with aliens to allow them to kidnap children and use their organs as food and to experiment on U.S. citizens (pp. 291, 295-297).”

Wow! Where is that in the 1611 authorized version? This would be laughable if Dr. Ruckman's followers did not take him so seriously.

Matthew 24:11

Christianity or Christ?

I read this article recently online from Baptist press. 562 baptisms in a parking lot? The dilution of true Christianity is in full swing! The rise of spurious conversions are astounding. My questions to the ministry are:

• "What are the fruits of such converts?"
• "What is the attendance of the church services on Wednesday night prayer meeting?"
• "How about the Sunday School attendance or soul winning nights?"

My questions are not in regard to the number of people getting baptized. My question is more pinpointed, "How many are true conversions to our Lord Jesus Christ?"

In the late 80's, I went to a pastor's school at a famous fundamental Baptist church in the mid-west. It was my first time there and, as an observer, I did not like what I saw. The pastor had over 300 of the bus kids parade across the stage in demonstration of the "conversions" from the previous Sunday. "How many of these do you think are real?" asked the pastor. "Even if 10% were real, I still had more than you had!" he bragged. A bible verse entered my mind. Matthew 23:15: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves."

Twofold the children of hell- that was my immediate thought. 10% saved? That's 30 real conversions, hypothetically. 270 only think they're saved and will rest in a false profession for years, possibly never experiencing true repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. 270 will go to their death with a false hope in Christianity. You read it right. Christianity does not save. Baptism does not save. Church membership does not save. Salvation is in a person. His Name is Jesus Christ. Without a personal appropriation of the shed blood of Jesus Christ for my sins, I am as hopeless as a Hindu. One preacher called this "easy prayer-ism." It is the modern equivalent to the Galatians controversy-preaching another Gospel. They are converting souls to Christianity, not to Christ. They are trying to force conversions as a rabid fundamentalists. This is no different than Mohammedanism or Romanism. It is as damning as childhood conversions. How many do you know who made a profession of faith at three-years-old and who cling to that profession all their lives? The testimony usually goes like this:

"I made a profession at 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 , grew up in the church, then I got away from God in my teen years. I lived a wild life until I was 19 or 20 or 30 , then I "re-dedicated" my life to Christ."

Where is that found in the Bible? John the Baptist told those coming to his baptism, "Bring forth fruits meet for repentance." The Pharisees in Jesus day gave tithes and prayed and went to temple. In reference to these hypocrites, Jesus asked His disciples, "What do ye more than others?" I heard of a man that adamantly claims to be a Christian. He makes his claim to Christianity as a result of a profession of faith he made over fifteen years ago. He has a date and time to prove it. He became a Christian and embraced "Christianity." He is cantankerous and mean. He has a bad testimony in the workplace and now his family is laying in ruins. Is this man saved? Maybe he just needs to re-dedicate his life to Jesus? I trow not.

The proof of the Christian life is Christian fruit. Is Christ living in you, producing the fruit only He can bring forth? Does the Spirit of God live in you? Are you sure you are saved? Do you read the Bible daily? Do you have a consistent prayer life? If I asked your wife or husband or mother or father, brother, sister, co-worker, or your boss if they thought you were a Christian, what would they answer? If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

Christianity is more than creed and catechism. It is living daily by the Saviour's side. It is Christ living in me and me living for Christ.

We need converts to Christ, not to Christianity.

In the Beginning, GOD

Former Atheist Darwinian Philosopher Explains his ‘Conversion’ in a New Book

By Hilary White

LONDON, November 2, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Former Darwinian atheist philosopher Antony Flew has published a new book, “There Is a God: How the World's Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind,” to explain his move from being one of the world’s leading exponents of the pure materialist Darwinian philosophy to belief in the existence of a personal deity who created the universe.

Flew, an Oxford educated philosopher described by some as “legendary”, first announced his discovery of “a god” in 2004. Flew had been one of the 20th century’s leading proponents of the pure atheistic Darwinian doctrines that categorically reject any possibility of a creative divine being. His ideas paved the way for thinkers such as Richard Dawkins, the UK’s most virulent opponent of religious belief.

The Darwinian view is embraced by most of the scientific and philosophical community and was recently declared the only acceptable viewpoint for Europeans by the European Council.

Flew has emphasized that his “discovery” of a god who created life was a result of relentlessly “following the evidence”. “It was empirical evidence,” he told an interviewer, “the evidence uncovered by the sciences. But it was a philosophical inference drawn from the evidence.”

Flew told Dr. Benjamin Wiker that two factors in particular “were decisive”. “One was my growing empathy,” he said, “with the insight of Einstein and other noted scientists that there had to be an Intelligence behind the integrated complexity of the physical Universe. The second was my own insight that the integrated complexity of life itself – which is far more complex than the physical Universe – can only be explained in terms of an Intelligent Source.”

More akin to the “watchmaker” god of the 18th century Deist philosophy, Flew’s god is not the God of Abraham, Isaac and St. Thomas Aquinas. Flew described the deity he believes exists as “the god of Aristotle.” He has inched further towards belief in the personal God of Christianity and Judaism, however, describing his god as “a person but not the sort of person with whom you can have a talk. It is the ultimate being, the Creator of the Universe.”

He told Wiker, “I believe that the origin of life and reproduction simply cannot be explained from a biological standpoint despite numerous efforts to do so. With every passing year, the more that was discovered about the richness and inherent intelligence of life, the less it seemed likely that a chemical soup could magically generate the genetic code.”

Flew answered Richard Dawkins’ argument that “the origin of life can be attributed to a ‘lucky chance.’” He said, “If that's the best argument you have, then the game is over.” Flew said, “I would add that Dawkins is selective to the point of dishonesty when he cites the views of scientists on the philosophical implications of the scientific data.”

Emphasizng that he remains a Deist, not a Christian, he told Wiker that he does not “accept any claim of divine revelation” but is continuing to study them, particularly those of Christianity.

The One-Eyed Monster

A few months ago I announced to the family I was going to do an experiment.
"We are going to cancel the satellite TV subscriptions", I said.

I have to admit, part of it was economical because the cost was around $80 a month. So I phoned the dish company and told them we are taking a hiatus from TV. The withdrawls were heavy at first. The Yankees were in a winning season, I love the Military Channel, and all those cheesy movies were on. We were missing all the talking heads on Fox, the presidential debates were heating up and now the NFL season is on! We were missing all those re-runs of Law and Order too. So you see what we were giving up?

When friends came over the other night for fellowship, I had to apologize because their team was playing in the American League playoffs and guess what? I could not get the game on TV. So with a laptop and MLB.com we were able to catch the score and see my friends team lose. Sorry Josh.

The addiction was heavy at first. Then the sway of that medium began to fade. It was like a breath of fresh air to us as a family again. We actually sat in the living room and talked for a while.
We played games and read books. We play 20 questions and talk about our dreams. And my daughter plays the piano for us. We sing and actually interact. We have the internet. We write blogs and stories. My wife and I started a part time home based business that netted us a nice paycheck the first couple of months. We study and research important topics of our day. We spend time on each other rather than staring at the tube then going to bed bleary eyed. Oh, I must admit we do check out a movie now and then. The library has a bunch of old TV series we like. We just have to be careful of the content and theme of the show.

Years ago when we were a young family we did not have TV. We would rent a video back then. It used to be we had to have our parent's permission to watch TV. Now kids plop in front of the big screen high definition and watch till their hearts content. If that wasn't enough some put the tube in the kids bedroom. There they watch TV or play video games until 2 or 3 in the morning. Is it any wonder Johnny can't spell or perform well in school? Read this article on TV and kids.

Well, I am not down on TV here. I like it. A lot. Maybe too much. It can be good if you are alone and shut in. It can be OK with reasonable guidelines. But how many families have guidelines for TV today? What about all those channels one has to surf through before he can settle on a show? How about the MTV crowd or VH1 or Comedy Central? All these shows mock and ridicule everything a Christian stands for right and decency. What if your child "accidently" sees an R-rated movie and watches all the dirt and filth the world has to offer? I am bothered when I hear a 9 year old say their favorite movie is Gladiator. Gladiator? Not Cinderella or Anne of Green Gables but Gladiator. I am speechless.


I do not think it is a sin to own a TV. Even if you have a big screen high definition set. It is a sin if you cannot control your family with one or you cannot control yourself. The results of my experiment indicate we do better without it.

Readers: Please Comment

The following is a post in response to my atheist article below. I will keep the author anonymous. The reader asks:

"So how does a Christian answer the question? Is it right for the parents of a little girl who has been raped and abducted to believe that an all-powerful and all loving God is looking over and watching her? (Emphasis placed on all powerful.) The question was never answered. I don't think the tone that Mr Harris uses is the issue, the question he asks is the issue. "

Please comment in comments section. I will post the relevant comments. Thank you.

The Problem with Suffering

Not long ago, the question came up in a debate concerning the subject of suffering.
"If God is good, why is there so much suffering in the world?" That's an excellent question. Sam Harris, noted spokesman for the atheist religion, proposes this question in his search of the truth.

He asks, "Consider the suffering of the millions of unfortunate people who happen to live in sub-Saharan Africa. The wars in this part of the world are interminable. AIDS is epidemic there, killing around 3-million people each year. It is almost impossible to exaggerate how bad your luck is if you are born today in a country like Sudan. The question is, how does religion affect this problem?"

Good question. Although Mr. Harris suffers from a misunderstanding of what is real Christianity, he asks a reasonable question. I think the better question here is: "What political ideology or perversion of religion caused this suffering in the first place?"

Here is another hypothetical from Harris:
"Somewhere in the world a man has abducted a little girl. Soon he will rape, torture, and kill her. If an atrocity of this kind is not occurring at precisely this moment, it will happen in a few hours, or days at most. Such is the confidence we can draw from the statistical laws that govern the lives of six billion human beings. The same statistics also suggest that this girl's parents believe -- at this very moment -- that an all-powerful and all-loving God is watching over them and their family. Are they right to believe this? Is it good that they believe this? " Harris answers the question for the reader. He says, "No."

Harris goes on in his indictment of God:
"Consider the destruction that Hurricane Katrina leveled on New Orleans. More than a thousand people died, tens of thousands lost all their earthly possessions, and nearly a million were displaced. It is safe to say that almost every person living in New Orleans at the moment Katrina struck believed in an omnipotent, omniscient, and compassionate God. But what was God doing while a hurricane laid waste to their city? Surely he heard the prayers of those elderly men and women who fled the rising waters for the safety of their attics, only to be slowly drowned there. These were people of faith. These were good men and women who had prayed throughout their lives. Only the atheist has the courage to admit the obvious: These poor people died talking to an imaginary friend. "

These were honest questions posed in a disingenuous way. An unbeliever is blinded by his own arrogance. Bishop G. Bromley Oxnam had the same problem. He called the God of the Old Testament a "dirty bully" because he felt the suffering of the world was unjust. It is the same for everyone who rejects this attribute of God's Holiness. Without the understanding of who God is, we cannot understand suffering.

OK, so let's answer these questions honestly.

Why do bad things happen to good people? Why is there suffering in the world? What is the meaning of all the evil in the world? These are honest questions. If the questions are asked from an honest heart, the answers are simple. They are not easy, but they are simple.
The Book of Job asked these very questions. God answered Job's questions out of the whirlwind. Jesus addressed the suffering issue in Luke 13:4. There was a tower in Jesus' time that fell and slew eighteen souls. The question among those who witnessed it was, "Why did they suffer?" Jesus answered, "Think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? " Jesus does not address "why." He simply exhorts the hearers to repent lest they also perish. God is sovereign, that is the short answer. God does what pleases Him. He does not answer to anyone because He is the Supreme Potentate of the Universe.

The answer to these questions is voluminous. I will give a few simple answers. You apply them as you see fit.

1. Suffering comes because God ordained it to be so. Consider the examples of Job, Joseph, the children of Israel in bondage in Egypt, Paul and Silas in jail, and Jesus on the cross. These are all examples of God-ordained suffering. This does not impugn His justice or Holiness. It shows He is Sovereign. Through suffering we grow stronger. This fact is shown in nature. A devastating wildfire reseeds a forest to come back stronger. A strong wind or hurricane, as devastating as it seems, actually creates new shorelines and inlets of water that can be beneficial to the overall ecosystem. The earth is in a constant state of renewal all caused by suffering winds and erosion. An acorn must actually die before it grows into a mighty oak. This process brings about a forest of mighty trees all because one seed suffered and died.
Suffering also shows God's strength and our frailties. We are dependent upon God. Without Him,we can do nothing. We need God to help us through this journey called life.
Suffering also brings out God's plan for the ages. Through suffering I learn lessons that teach me God's plan and grant me wisdom for my life. Read the biographies of great men and women and you will find suffering along with the great conquerors in life.


2. Suffering comes from Sin
Rape, incest murder, greed, gluttony, wars, thefts, and the list goes on-and-on, all describe the depravity and wickedness of the heart of man. God is not the author of evil. Remember, God is Holy. He has put roadblocks to evil by codifying His laws to prevent evil. The indictment is handed down against man and the verdict is GUILTY. Some renegades are still in the denial stage. They deny their sin condition and miss the conviction that God uses to bring about repentance in the heart.

3. Sometimes suffering is self-inflicted. Oftentimes, we suffer because we get ourselves in debt, fail to plan for the future, make wrong decisions, and fail to seek the leadership of God in our lives. Soon, the laws of sowing and reaping begin to take effect. We sow to the wind and reap the whirlwind. We sow ungodliness and pray for a crop failure. Many suffer today for this very reason.

Suffering is meant to make us aware of our mortality. It is used to make us aware of our duty to our fellow man by aiding suffering and alleviating the causes of suffering. Those of us that have been born into God's kingdom by the Spirit of God understand this.

Questions for Atheists

I recently read Joseph Farrah's Whisleblower Magazine entitled "The Rise of Atheism in America." What an eyeopener! Farrah is a brilliant man that takes on Christopher Hitchens, Dawkins, and Sam Harris. I am amazed that such intelligent men would try to argue against God. I am pleased to know that such arguments are held in derision by our Holy God. In my research and study of atheism and agnosticism, I find many flaws and inconsistencies. I see it in the arguments and in the character of the proponents of the religion of atheism. Within the soul of atheism I see the essence of rebellion. The arguments are tired and musty. It was at the Scopes trial where Darrow put the Bible on trial. The Word of God has been on trial since the Garden of Eden when the slithery serpent asked, "hath God said?"

Now I have some questions for Atheists. A reasonable person can plainly see that it takes as much faith to worship at the altar of Atheism as it does to worship at the cross of Jesus Christ. One major difference is that at the Cross there is redemption. Here are some questions to consider:

1. How can the universe explode into an organized system of complexity from nothing?

2. How does the second law of thermodynamics, that is everything tends to entropy, apply to everything except the Big Bang?

3. Where is evolution in process right now in the universe?

4. How could man allow such gross injustice and evil into a world of suffering?

5. Where does all of the incredibly complex information come from that is stored within DNA? Information doesn’t just appear by itself. Someone has to put it there.

6. Why does humanity seem to have an innate desire and need to worship something or someone? Why is there such a universal religious sense within humanity?

7. Isn’t it a bit extreme to assert, "God does not exist"? To make such a statement, you would have to have complete knowledge and to have been everywhere in the universe. Maybe God dwells somewhere in the universe you don’t know of or have not been to? Is that possible?

8. What about the evidence of design in all of creation? It's obvious that anything that is designed has to have an intelligent creator. For example, a computer never came about by mere accident, but had to have been thought out and planned by an intelligent designer. It is the same with creation, and more so, as the natural world is far more complicated than anything humanity can create.

9. How do you explain the changed lives of millions of people throughout history who testify to a life changing experience with Jesus Christ?

10. How do we account for the historical Person of Jesus Christ? He has made such an impact upon history that we even measure our calendar by Him. 2000 years on and millions still follow Him.

11. Are you seriously interested in discovering the truth or are you more interested in ridiculing religion in general and Christianity specifically?

12. Are you neglecting your duty to God by denying He exists?

13. The most important question you must consider is, "Where will you spend eternity?"

The problem with Suffering

Not long ago, the question came up in a debate concerning the subject of suffering.
"If God is good, why is there so much suffering in the world?" That is an excellent question. Sam Harris, noted spokesman for the atheist religion, posits this question in his search of the truth.

He asks, "Consider the suffering of the millions of unfortunate people who happen to live in sub-Saharan Africa. The wars in this part of the world are interminable. AIDS is epidemic there, killing around 3 million people each year. It is almost impossible to exaggerate how bad your luck is if you are born today in a country like Sudan. The question is, how does religion affect this problem?"

Good question. Although Mr. Harris suffers from a misunderstanding of what is real Christianity, he asks a reasonable question. I think the better question here is this: "What political ideology or perversion of religion caused this suffering in the first place?"

Here is another hypothetical from Harris:
"Somewhere in the world a man has abducted a little girl. Soon he will rape, torture, and kill her. If an atrocity of this kind is not occurring at precisely this moment, it will happen in a few hours, or days at most. Such is the confidence we can draw from the statistical laws that govern the lives of six billion human beings. The same statistics also suggest that this girl's parents believe -- at this very moment -- that an all-powerful and all-loving God is watching over them and their family. Are they right to believe this? Is it good that they believe this? " Harris answers the question for the reader. He says, "no".

Harris goes on in his indictment of God:
"Consider the destruction that Hurricane Katrina leveled on New Orleans. More than a thousand people died, tens of thousands lost all their earthly possessions, and nearly a million were displaced. It is safe to say that almost every person living in New Orleans at the moment Katrina struck believed in an omnipotent, omniscient and compassionate God. But what was God doing while a hurricane laid waste to their city? Surely he heard the prayers of those elderly men and women who fled the rising waters for the safety of their attics, only to be slowly drowned there. These were people of faith. These were good men and women who had prayed throughout their lives. Only the atheist has the courage to admit the obvious: These poor people died talking to an imaginary friend. "

Here is an honest question posed in a disingenuous way. This could be a problem with an unbeliever. He is blinded by his own arrogance. Bishop G. Bromley Oxnam had the same problem. He called the God of the Old Testament a "dirty bully" because he felt the suffering of the world was unjust. It is the same for everyone who rejects this attribute of God's Holiness. Without the understanding of who God is, we cannot understand suffering.

OK, so let's answer these questions honestly.

Why do bad things happen to "good" people? Why is there suffering in the world? What is the meaning of all the evil in the world? These are honest questions. If the questions are asked from an honest heart, the answers are simple. The answers are not easy but they are simple.
The Book of Job asked these very questions. God answered out of the whirlwind. Jesus addressed the suffering issue in Luke 13:4. There was a tower in Jesus' time that fell and slew eighteen souls. The question is:, "Why did they suffer?" Were those that perished more sinners above everyone else? Jesus does not address "why". He simply exhorts the hearers to make their relationship with God right. The short answer is this: God is sovereign and does what pleases Him. He does not answer to anyone because He is the Supreme Potentate of the Universe. It is the natural revelation of God's existence that proves Him as Supreme.


The answer to these questions is voluminous. I will give a few simple answers. You apply them as you see fit.

1.Suffering comes because God ordained it to be so. Consider the example of Job, Joseph, the children of Israel in bondage in Egypt, Paul and Silas in jail, and Jesus on the cross are all examples of God ordained suffering. This does not impugn His justice or Holiness. It shows He is Sovereign.
Through suffering we grow stronger. It is shown in nature. A devastating wildfire reseeds a forest to come back stronger. A strong wind or hurricane, as devastating as it seems actually creates new shorelines and inlets of water that can be beneficial to the overall ecosystem. The earth is a constant state of renewal all caused by suffering winds and erosion. An acorn must actually die before it grows into a mighty oak. This process brings about the a forest of mighty oaks all because one seed suffered and died.
Suffering also shows God's strength and our frailties. We are dependant on God. Without Him I can do nothing. We need God to help us through this journey we call life.
Suffering also brings out God's plan for the ages. Through suffering I am made conformable to God's plan and wisdom for my life. Read the biographies of great men and women and you will find suffering and great conqourers in life.


2. Because we have broken God's laws.
Rape, incest murder, greed, gluttony, wars, thefts and on and on all describe the depravity and wickedness of the heart of man. God does not author any of evil. He cannot do evil. Remember God is Holy. He has put roadblocks to evil by codifying His laws to prevent evil. The indictment is handed down against man and the verdict is GUILTY. Some renegades are still in the denial stage. They deny their sin condition and miss the conviction that God uses to perform repentance in the heart.

3. Sometimes suffering is self inflicted. Sometimes we suffer because we get ourselves in debt, fail to plan for the future, make wrong decisions, and fail to seek the leadership of God in our lives. The laws of sowing and reaping begin to take effect. We sow to the wind and reap the whirlwind. We sow ungodliness and pray for a crop failure.

Suffering is meant to make us aware of our mortality. It is used to make us aware of our duty to our fellow man by aiding suffering and alleviating the causes.

I know it is still early but here is a candidate for president I could support:



Google Ron Paul

Farewell Israel?

There is a new film out called "Farewell Israel, Bush, Iran and the Revolt of Islam".
It is a stunning and provocative documentary by Joel Gilbert on the rise of Islam and the prophetic, cataclysmic defeat of Israel. It is a highly charged film that portrays the age old war between Isaac and Ishmael.
The director presents several slants to the truth. Consider the following quote from the Q and A section of the web site:

"In reality, "Western Peace" between Israel and Islam is unattainable. Peace can only be achieved in Islamic terms - "Peace with Justice" - which requires the elimination of Israel as a Jewish state."

Here is a blatant admission by Islam that peace is their way or the highway. The Muslim dialog is like dealing with one note Charlie. He plays one tune. He has been hanging with Bob Dylan too long. With that nasal twang he produces one note. That song goes like this: "Death to Israel, death to anyone that gets in the way of our agenda. (This includes you, USA)". There is no negotiated settlement. There is no room for getting along with your fellow man. There is no golden rule in Islam. There is no "love one another" in Islam.

Then Gilbert blames the west for the 9/11 attacks. Consider this quote from his Q&A:

What do you mean by "The Revolt of Islam"?

There is no such thing as "Radical Islam." Islamism is not a war against the West, it is an internal struggle for the revival of Islamic society - a "revolt" against their failed secular governments. The attacks of 9/11 are completely misunderstood by the West. In fact, 9/11 was only a provocation by a small group of Islamists, hoping to use the West's response to inspire the masses in Islam's internal struggle. The 9/11 attacks were successful only because George Bush played into the hands of the Al-Qaeda, by adopting Al-Qaeda's agenda for government reform across the Middle East - helping to pave the way for Islamist parties to come to power.

So rather than win their converts with the love of Allah, they start World War III by provoking a sleeping giant. It is an old trick. It was perpetuated by Japan at Pearl Harbor and now in the World Trade Centers attack. I smell world domination here.

I tell you that Islam and Israel are on a collision course. The outcome is written in Holy Writ. Oh, now the good news-Israel comes through alright. Jerusalem is restored to Israel. All of it. The LORD Messiah Jesus comes and takes vengence on those that have rejected HIM and destroys all of those that perpetuate this everlasting hatred.

Psalms 83:4-8 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee: The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes; Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah.

Ezekiel 35:3-9 And say unto it, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O mount Seir, I am against thee, and I will stretch out mine hand against thee, and I will make thee most desolate. I will lay thy cities waste, and thou shalt be desolate, and thou shalt know that I am the LORD. Because thou hast had a perpetual hatred, and hast shed the blood of the children of Israel by the force of the sword in the time of their calamity, in the time that their iniquity had an end: Therefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will prepare thee unto blood, and blood shall pursue thee: sith thou hast not hated blood, even blood shall pursue thee. Thus will I make mount Seir most desolate, and cut off from it him that passeth out and him that returneth. And I will fill his mountains with his slain men: in thy hills, and in thy valleys, and in all thy rivers, shall they fall that are slain with the sword. I will make thee perpetual desolations, and thy cities shall not return: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

A Single and an Evil Eye by Charles G. Finney

LECTURE XXIII.

December 2, 1840

A SINGLE AND AN EVIL EYE

by the Rev. Charles G. Finney

TEXT--Mat. 6:22, 23: 'The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light; but if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness.'

In this discussion I will show:

I. What is implied in singleness of eye.

II. What is implied in an evil eye.

III. That singleness of eye will insure a knowledge of truth and duty.

IV. An evil eye will insure darkness and delusion, both in regard to doctrine and duty.

I. What is implied in singleness of eye.

This language is of course figurative. By a single and an evil eye, we are to understand the Savior as representing a state of mind. "The light of the body," He says, "is the eye: If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light." It is a matter of common knowledge, that the eye sometimes becomes so disordered as to discover objects double, and in a manner so obscure or fallacious, as naturally to deceive and mislead the person who possesses it. By a single eye, then, is meant, an eye in its perfect state, when it sees objects as they are, with such distinctness as to give the mind correct information with respect to the objects of vision.

When this figure is applied to the mind, it must represent the supreme and ultimate intention of the mind. When the ultimate end or intention of the mind is single, and just as it ought to be, the eye of the mind may then be said to be single. For the mind has its eye upon but one great absorbing object. This state of mind implies:

1. Supreme love to God. Of course, if the mind has but one great absorbing object or end in view, and that end is right, the end must be supremely to honor, please, and glorify God. This certainly implies supreme love to God.

2. It implies disinterested love to Him. Unless this love be disinterested; that is, unless God is loved for what He is, for his own sake, and not for the sake of making ourselves happy; to honor Him is not a supreme or ultimate end; but our own happiness is the end, and the love and service of God merely a means for the promotion of that end.

3. It implies a state of entire consecration. That Christ intended to be understood, by a single eye, to mean a state of entire consecration to God, is evident from what follows the text. He says-- "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and Mammon." It is very plain, that the mind's eye is not right, unless the soul is supremely and only devoted to the love and service of God. Nothing less than a state of entire consecration to God can be intended by a single eye.

II. What is intended by an evil eye.

An evil eye is that which has more than one object before it, or sees objects double. When this figure is applied to the mind it means, that state of mind in which objects are seen through a selfish medium, or when the mind has two objects in view, a legal intention to serve God, but an ultimate intention to serve self. By a legal intention to serve God I mean, not that intention which is founded in supreme, disinterested love to God, which aims at honoring and glorifying Him, as an ultimate end; but an intention to serve God as the means of our own happiness, the ultimate intention being self-interest, and the intention to serve God, being a subordinate end.

III. Singleness of eye will insure a knowledge of truth and duty.

1. This is plainly taught in the text: "If thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light." Light means knowledge, truth. Now when Christ says, if your eye be single your whole body shall be full of light, what less can He mean than that the soul that has a single eye, shall be rightly instructed in all that is essential for it to know.

2. This will be the natural result of singleness of eye:

(1.) Because it will beget honest inquiry.

(2.) It will beget earnest, diligent inquiry.

(3.) It will secure the right and the best use of the necessary means of knowledge.

(4.) It will beget unfailing perseverance in the acquisition of knowledge.

(5.) The state of the will, will not prevent the perception of truth and evidence.

(6.) But the state of the will, will be such as to favor the perception, and insure the reception of evidence, when it is within its reach.

(7.) In this state of mind, the Spirit will not be resisted and quenched; but on the contrary, his influences will be sought and devoutly cherished.

(8.) His instructions will be obeyed, his slightest motions heeded, and the whole soul will be delivered up to his guidance.

(9.) Being in the same state of mind in which God, and Christ, and the inspired writers were, he will naturally understand them. If you have the same end in view, deeply sympathize with God, and are in the same state of mind in which He is, the language in which He expresses his own state of mind, will be to you the most intelligible language possible. Who does not know that persons possessing the same spirit, not only adopt the same or similar language, to express their ideas and feelings, but naturally understand each other's language perfectly? To each other they are perfectly intelligible, while to those in a different state of mind, they are unintelligible, in precise proportion to the diversity of their states of mind. Hence, the Bible is a very unintelligible and uninteresting book to an impenitent sinner. To a Christian of but little experience, who has but little religion, the Bible is in a great measure unintelligible, and he takes comparatively little interest in it; while to the Christian who lives in a state of entire consecration to God, it is not only one of the most intelligible, but altogether the most interesting book in the universe.

(10.) In this state of mind your experiences will be such as to make the teachings of the Bible, and especially the most spiritual portions of the Bible, plain to you. Whenever you are addressed upon a subject upon which you have experience, and in a manner and language that accords with your experience, you understand the speaker or writer with great ease and perfection; but in just as far as he departs from your experience, he is unintelligible to you, in the same manner and for the same reason, as if he spake to you in an unknown tongue. Because, you do not understand language, any farther than it accords with your experience. Words are only signs of ideas; and suppose words are used which are signs of ideas that are not in your mind, you do not get, and cannot possibly get any information from such teaching as this. For to you it is no teaching at all.

(11.) This state of mind will insure great communion and great power with God. The soul that lives in a state of entire consecration to God, can come to Him with as much confidence, and with indescribably more assurance than ever a child came to an earthly parent. This, if you have ever been in this state, you know from your own experience. When you live all the time in a state of such deep communion with God, you feel the strong confidence and assurance, that you know how He feels, by your own experience. Thus you know how Christ feels, from what motives and feelings He gave his life for sinners; and are conscious, that you are willing yourselves to make up in your bodies the sufferings that remain, and to lay down your lives for the world, and for the Church of God. In this state of mind, I say, you will naturally and certainly have great power with God, and will prevail.

IV. An evil eye will insure darkness and delusion, both in regard to doctrine and duty.

1. This is expressly taught in the text: "If thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness." Mark--the whole body shall be full of darkness. Darkness means error and delusion. Now by such language as this the Savior must have intended to teach, that a selfish mind would be, and should be, full of error and delusion, on great questions of doctrine and duty. And by a selfish mind, in this connection, is intended, one that is not in a state of entire consecration to God; but is influenced by selfish considerations.

2. Darkness and delusion will be the natural and inevitable results of this state of mind:

(1.) Because selfishness will prevent inquiry; especially honest, diligent, and persevering inquiry.

(2.) Because the state of the will, will prevent the perception and reception of evidence. Few persons seem to be aware of the extent of the influence of the will, over the decisions of the understanding. I have, for many years, been so circumstanced as to have an opportunity, almost continually, to observe the developments of mind, in this respect; and have often been astonished to see, to what an extent the will influences human opinion. Almost every one has observed, that under circumstances of strong excitement, it is of little or no use to reason with a man, against his prejudices. I have had repeated opportunities to observe, with pain, that prejudice, a committed state of mind, and many other considerations, and things, will so influence the will, as wholly to exclude the light of truth from the understanding. On many subjects, it seems next to impossible to convince a man, against his will; while, on the other hand, a man will believe almost any thing which he is disposed to believe. And the credulity of mankind, on subjects that accord with the state of their will, and in regard to doctrines and things which they are strongly disposed to believe, is as surprising as their incredulity upon subjects opposed to their will. It is amazing to hear infidels and sceptics contend, that human belief is involuntary, and that men necessarily believe what they do, when the real palpable voluntariness of human opinion and belief, on almost every subject, is as striking and apparent to a considerate observer, as almost any fact of human history.

3. A man under the influence of an evil eye, or in other words, a selfish heart, will not practice the truth, and therefore he cannot teach it. There are multitudes of truths, which can be seen and understood no farther than other truths are first seen and understood. And multitudes of truths are never understood, any further than they are experienced. Take, for example, the subject of temperance. Suppose you preach strictly temperance principles to a man who has always been in the habit of drinking ardent spirits freely. Now there are certain things which you can make him understand. If he has been a habitual drunkard, by describing to him the feelings of a drunkard, he can understand you; because upon this subject he has experience. Words are signs of ideas; and to him they will mean nothing more, than the idea represented by the word in his mind. You can therefore make him understand something of the evil of drunkenness; and yet, if he has always been in habits of intoxication, from his earliest recollection, you cannot, in any language whatever, so contrast the experience, follies, and health of a drunkard, with those of a strictly temperate man, as to make him understand you. He knows not what temperance is. He knows not what health is. He knows not what that state of mind is, which is the natural result of temperance and good health. Peradventure, you can fasten conviction upon him, of the great evils of intemperance, from the fact, that he has experience upon that part of the subject; and in this way you can get so much light in upon his mind, as to break him off from his cups. Now in proportion as he becomes a sober man, temperate, and healthy, his experience will enable you so to contrast temperance with intemperance, as fully to impress his mind with both sides of the question; and thus lodge in his mind the full weight of the momentous considerations in favor of temperance. But in all this process, it is easy to see that he must necessarily begin with the A, B, C of both the doctrines and the experience of temperance. Break him off from ardent spirits, and after a time he is better prepared to see and feel the indispensable necessity of universal temperance. Break him off from every thing that intoxicates, and his experience will soon enable him to understand the importance and necessity of breaking off from all innutritious stimulants in diet. When he has abandoned all these, his experience will, in a little while, enable him to understand the importance of selecting the most bland unstimulating kinds of food. This experience will naturally prepare his mind to understand the importance of universal cleanliness and chastity, the strictest subjection of the appetites and propensities, to the great and universal law of temperance. And in short, as he goes from step to step in reform, and no farther than he does so, is he in circumstance, to see, feel, understand, and appreciate arguments in favor of farther reformation.

Now what is true on the subject of temperance, holds true on nearly every practical question; and especially is this true on subjects that pertain to personal holiness. If a man will not practice he cannot learn. Talk to an impenitent sinner of entire sanctification. Holiness is so entirely opposite to his experience, that he does not at all understand you. Talk with him about his sins, and his convictions, his fears, misgivings, and on every subject that is with him a matter of experience, and so far he will understand you; but talk to him of entire sanctification, and he gets no idea of what you mean. Therefore, the only possible way to deal with him is, to begin upon those subjects upon which he has experience, and bring him to see and to feel, that it is an evil and bitter thing to sin against God. This will lead him to see, admit, and experience the doctrine of repentance. Now proceed, from step to step, lead him forward, and as his experience enlarges, his capacity of understanding about sanctification, its desirableness, its indispensable necessity, will be perceived and felt by him. But no farther than he practices can he properly learn. When he stops and refuses to follow truth any farther in practice, right there the clouds of darkness will shut down, round about him. And it is only as he goes forward, from step to step, practicing or experiencing one truth after another, as it is presented, that he can, by any possibility, come to an understanding and knowledge of the truth. Let it be ever remembered, therefore, that he who will not practice will not learn. In other words, unless his eye be single, his whole body will be full of darkness.

4. Selfishness must render the Bible unintelligible to him who has an evil eye. To him it is a sealed book. It is uninteresting, enigmatical, self-contradictory, and any thing and every thing, but interesting and intelligible. The fact is, its Author and the inspired writers, were in states of mind the direct opposite of selfishness. To a selfish mind they must, therefore, of necessity, speak in an unknown tongue.

5. A selfish mind will not only find the Bible unintelligible, but in a great many instances, will naturally understand it as meaning the direct opposite of what it does mean. Nor is the fault at all in the Bible, or in its Author, but arises necessarily out of a selfish state of mind. For example--when God speaks of being angry with his enemies, as the sinner has never experienced any thing but a selfish anger, he naturally understands God's anger to be like his own. And whenever God speaks of having any state of mind, or doing any thing, sinners naturally interpret this language by their own experience. And thus it comes to pass, as God says, "Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such a one as thyself." Interpreting, as they naturally will, the language of the Bible by their own experience, they ascribe the same motives, affections, and passions to God, which they, themselves have experienced--not understanding at all, that all these states of mind in God are truly and infinitely benevolent.

It is a familiar and a true saying, that men judge others by themselves. To a truly holy mind, the Bible is not only the most interesting, but the most intelligible book in the world; while infidels exclaim, that it is blasphemy to ascribe such feelings and conduct to God; and therefore, that the Bible must be a libel upon his character. Now for this there can be no remedy, only as they become benevolent. If they will but begin to do the truth, so far as they can understand it, and practice one truth after another, until they come into the state of mind, in which the inspired writers were, they will then understand the Bible, and not till then.

6. A man who has an evil eye, will not have the Spirit of God to enlighten his mind in regard to truth, and will, therefore, never understand it.

REMARKS.

1. A selfish minister is a blind leader of the blind. This is the mildest language that truth or inspiration can use, in regard to an ambitious, a temporizing, a man-fearing, and, in short, a selfish minister. His eye is evil. His whole body, as Christ is true, or in other words, his whole mind, is full of darkness on spiritual subjects.

2. Such a minister will certainly, in many things, mislead his flock. He sees no truth spiritually, and therefore cannot safely be trusted as a spiritual guide. Nay, to trust him is ruin and death.

3. Selfish minds are very willing to be led, by selfish ministers, as they naturally see eye to eye. Having similar experiences, they will naturally understand each other. And a carnal church will naturally be pleased with a carnal minister. And a carnal minister will not see the defects of a carnal church. And thus they will be able to walk together, because they are agreed.

4. The doctrine of the text applies to the preparation and delivery of sermons. If a minister's eye is single he will naturally select those subjects of discourse that are suited to the state of his people. He will naturally discuss them in a way, and deliver them in a manner, that will be edifying to the people; simply because that is the object at which he aims. Having his eye single to the holiness of the Church, and the glory of God, it will be perfectly natural for him, in the preparation and delivery of sermons, to do every thing in a manner that will tend to edify and sanctify the people. But if, on the contrary, his object be to secure his salary, play the orator, or promote any selfish interest whatever, he will naturally, and of course, select subjects, prepare, and deliver them, in a manner suited to the end he has in view. If his eye be single, his whole mind will be full of light, in regard to the manner of doing his work. If his eye be evil, his whole mind will be full of darkness, and he will do any thing else, rather than edify and sanctify his people.

5. This doctrine applies to the decision of every question of duty. In selecting fields of labor, courses of life, a companion for life, or any other question of interest and duty, if the eye is single, the whole mind will be full of light. Those considerations only will be taken into the account, and suffered to have weight, that ought to influence the decision of the question. On the other hand, if the eye be evil, the whole body will be full of darkness; and the decision of the question will certainly turn upon considerations that ought to have no influence in deciding the question.

6. If you are not conscious of a single eye, you cannot safely go forward in any thing. If you have already made up your mind upon a question of doctrine or duty, and have not made it up under the influence of a single eye, you may be, and probably are, in some important respects, entirely wrong. If in selecting a course of life, a field of labor, a kind of business, a location; if you have made a bargain, or done any thing else, with a selfish intention, or under the influence of an evil eye; as certain as Christ is true, your whole body was full of darkness. The whole must be reviewed.

Perhaps it may be objected to this, that many individuals are very much enlightened, and hold true opinions, and are very orthodox, who are yet under the influence of selfishness. To this I answer both from my own experience and the word of God--that they hold the truth only in words. They know not what they say, nor whereof they affirm. They are deceived, and you who make the objection are deceived in respect to them, if you think they know the truth.

7. From this subject, it is easy to see why the Church and the ministry are so divided in their opinions. It is because they are so sectarian and selfish in their spirit. It is selfishness, and nothing but selfishness, that divides the Church. When the Church shall come to have a single eye, her watchmen and her members will then see eye to eye; because her body will then be full of light.

8. From this subject you can see the only true way of promoting real Christian Union. It is in vain to talk of destroying sectarianism by destroying creeds. Creeds may perpetuate, but they are not the cause of sectarianism. Selfishness, and nothing but selfishness is its cause. Let universal love and a single eye prevail, and sectarianism is no more. Destroy a sectarian spirit, let it be supplanted by love, and Christians would then be in a state of mind to examine their differences of opinion with candor--to come to such mutual explanations, and so honestly and thoroughly to weigh each others opinions and arguments, as to almost entirely coincide in opinion. But should there still be discrepancy of views, in relation to any points, it would be as far as possible from their thoughts, to withdraw from communion with each other, and to divide into sects and separate departments.

9. From this subject it is easy to see, why ministers feel as if they could not preach--feel as if they had nothing to say--are at a loss to know what to preach--no subject has any such interest as to enable them to preach upon it. When they have fallen into a selfish state of mind their whole body is full of darkness.

10. How infinitely important it is, that this truth should be continually remembered, that an evil eye, or selfish intention, invariably and necessarily brings the mind into great darkness. How many there are, even in the Christian Church, to whom the Bible is a sealed book, who are in great darkness in respect to truth, doctrine, and duty; whose minds resemble an ocean of darkness.

11. How many there are, who have great confidence in their own opinions, who are ready to hazard their souls upon the truth of them, who have made up their minds on the most important and solemn subjects, while under the influence of selfishness--have entered the Christian Church--are hugging their delusions--are following the guidance and instruction of those who are perhaps as much under the dominion of an evil eye, as they are themselves, and whose mind is as full of darkness as their own. And thus they go on, unsuspectingly, while Christ assures them in the most solemn manner, that if their eye is evil, their whole body is full of darkness. Still they believe it not. They have the highest confidence in their own opinions, and in the safety of their state; and thus rush on, with a kind of mad assurance, to the depths of hell!

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