4/21/16

Another Living Fossil by Eric Lyons, M.Min.


http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=9&article=1348

Another Living Fossil

by Eric Lyons, M.Min.
For nearly 100 years (1839-1938), evolutionists were under the impression that fish known as coelacanths were “close ancestors of the first vertebrates to walk on land” (Perkins, 2001, 159[18]:282). Coelacanths allegedly evolved 380 million years ago and became extinct about 70 million years ago (Raven and Johnson, 1989, p. 857). But then, in December 1938, the scientific community was “rocked” when a living coelacanth was caught off the coast of South Africa (“Diver Finds...,” 2006).
In 2006, a team of French scientists found a shrimp-like crustacean (Neoglyphea neocaledonica) in the Coral Sea. It previously was thought to have died out 60 million years ago (“‘Living Fossil’...,” 2006). Its discovery in modern times, as well as the discovery of the coelacanth, is comparable to finding a living dinosaur, which evolutionists believe went extinct 65 million years ago.
The latest “living fossil” caught on tape is the “prehistoric” frilled shark (see “Rare ‘Prehistoric’...,” 2007). Sometimes caught in fishermen’s nets, but rarely seen alive, this creature (named Chlamydoselachus anguineus) supposedly can be traced back 95 million years in the fossil record (Schmiedekampf, 2007)—thus, the designation “pre-historic” shark. The problem is, it is anything but pre-historic. It is a living fossil (see Butt, 2006, 5[7]:28-R). Even though it looks like a terrifying creature from an evolutionary propaganda painting depicting “pre-historic” times, it is as contemporary as iPods and LASIK surgery.
Once again, a “monster” that evolutionists once did not expect to see in modern times is found in modern times. And, once again, another free pass is given to the evolutionary timetable. One wonders what living fossil (if any) could be found to persuade evolutionists to discard their beloved—but flawed—billion-year geologic timetable.
The Bible still says, “For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day” (Exodus 20:11). Truly, frilled sharks, shrimp, and coelacanths are only one day older than man (Genesis 1:20-28).

REFERENCES

Butt, Kyle (2006), “What is a Living Fossil?” Reason & Revelation, 5[7]:28-R, July, [On-line],URL: http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/2975.
“Diver Finds Living Fossil” (2006), Science Now, California Academy of Sciences, [On-line], URL: http://www.calacademy.org/science_now/archive/headline_science/ coelacanth_010601.php.
“‘Living Fossil’ Found in Coral Sea” (2006), The Associated Press, May 19, [On-line], URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12875772/.
Perkins, Sid (2001), “The Latest Pisces of an Evolutionary Puzzle,” Science News Online, 159[18]:282, [On-line], URL: http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20010505/bob13.asp.
“Rare ‘Prehistoric’ Shark Photographed Alive” (2007), National Geographic News, [On-line],URL: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/01/070124-sharks-photo.html.
Raven, Peter H. and George B. Johnson (1989), Biology (St. Louis, MO: Times Mirror/Mosby College Publishing), second edition.
Schmiedekampf, Katrin (2007), “Japanese Marine Biologists Discover a Pre-Historic Shark,”Spiegel Online, January 29, [On-line], URL: http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,462817,00.html.

Are You a Patriot? by Dave Miller, Ph.D.


http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=7&article=2821

Are You a Patriot?

by Dave Miller, Ph.D.
A rather incongruous situation exists among America’s politicians, judges, academicians, and even many of the rank and file Americans. On the one hand, they claim to be true Americans—genuine patriots. On the other hand, they disdain Christianity and live contrary to the moral principles contained within the Christian religion. They literally labor to subvert the influence of Christianity on the nation. Politicians reject Christianity by making laws that contradict the Bible. Judges “legislate from the bench” by insisting that Christianity must not be countenanced in their rulings. Educators have banned Christianity from the classroom, avoiding any mention of Christian morality to students. In short, a sizable segment of American society has bought into the ludicrous notion of “separation of church and state,” consequently excluding anything that smacks of the Christian religion or Christian morality in the execution of their societal responsibilities.
In stark contrast stands the “Father of our country”—George Washington. Not only did he lead the Continental Army to victory over the British, thus enabling the launching of the Republic, he also served as our first President (twice). He was unquestionably a quintessential Founder, a critical cog in the overall scheme of things. Before retiring to private life after a distinguished career of public service, Washington delivered his “Farewell Address” to the nation. In that impressive pronouncement, he articulated the foundational keys to the success of the Republic:
Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them (1796, emp. added).
The Father of our country insisted that the two fundamental pillars on which the Republic is poised are the Christian religion, and the moral principles that are derived there from. These, he said, are the great pillars of human happiness and the firmest props incumbent on citizens. Anyone who does anything to undermine Christianity is no friend of the Republic! He or she is certainly no patriot!
If George Washington were alive today to witness the widespread assault on the Christian religion in government, schools, and public life, he would undoubtedly be aghast, and incredulous that so many would pretend to be good citizens and loyal Americans—while actively pursuing a course that will surely hasten the demise of the Republic.
Set your hearts on all the words which I testify among you today, which you shall command your children to be careful to observe—all the words of this law. For it is not a futile thing for you, because it is your life, and by this word you shall prolong your days in the land (Deuteronomy 32:46-47).

REFERENCES

Washington, George (1796), “Farewell Address,” The Avalon Project at Yale Law School, [On-line], URL: http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/washing.htm.

What Exactly Did God the Father Say at the Baptism of Jesus? by Eric Lyons, M.Min.


http://apologeticspress.org/AllegedDiscrepancies.aspx?article=2808&b=Matthew

What Exactly Did God the Father Say at the Baptism of Jesus?

by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

Immediately following Jesus’ baptism, Matthew, Mark, and Luke record how God the Father spoke from heaven. Most Bible students are familiar with the words, “My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” However, it may have never dawned on some that Mark and Luke’s accounts differ from Matthew’s in that they record God speaking directly to Jesus (“You are My beloved Son”—Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22, emp. added), while Matthew records the Father speaking to others, saying, “This is My beloved Son” (3:17, emp. added). Does this represent a legitimate Bible contradiction as some contend (cf. Wells, 2009; Ehrman, 2009, pp. 39-40), or is there a reasonable explanation to the different wordings?
First, it is possible that God made both statements. Similar to how someone officiating a wedding might say to the bride and groom, “I now pronounce you husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs…,” and then a moment later say to the audience something like, “I present to you Mr. and Mrs…husband and wife,” God could very well have spoken to Jesus at one moment and then to John the Baptizer (and others) at the next. It is unwise to think that every similar statement recorded by the gospel writers must refer to the exact same moment in time. Consider, for example, the difference in the wording of the accounts of Peter’s denials of Jesus and the rooster crowing. It could be that Jesus first said, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times” (Matthew 26:34). Then, after Peter declared that he would not stumble (Mark 14:29), Jesus could have repeated His first statement and added another detail, saying: “[E]ven this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times” (Mark 14:30, emp. added; cf. Lyons, 2004). Similarly, it is very possible that just after Jesus’ baptism, the Father directed the same truth at two different times to two (or more) different people.
Second, one must keep in mind that the message Matthew, Mark, and Luke recorded was one that literally came down from Heaven. The gospel writers were referring to a marvelous, miraculous event. It is very possible that the omniscient, omnipotent Father God spoke from heaven once: Jesus hearing, “You are my beloved Son” (Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22, emp. added) and John the Baptizer (and others) hearing, “This is My beloved Son” (3:17, emp. added). This suggestion should not seem absurd for at least two reasons: (1) The infinitely powerful God was the One speaking (and if He desires that two or more individuals hear different things at the same time, He certainly could make that happen); and (2) Scripture records other instances of people hearing different things (at the same time) when God spoke from heaven. When Jesus spoke to Paul on the road to Damascus, Paul clearly understood the Lord’s voice (Acts 9:4-6), while those around him heard a sound (Acts 6:7), but did not understand what Jesus said (Acts 22:9; cf. Lyons, 2009). Similarly, following Jesus’ statement, “Father, glorify Your name” (John 12:28), God spoke from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again” (12:28). Interestingly, the apostle John indicated: “[T]he people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, ‘An angel has spoken to Him’” (12:29). Given (1) Who God is, and (2) references to other occasions when by-standers heard two or more different things when God spoke from heaven, it should not be surprising why Matthew, Mark, and Luke’s accounts of God speaking at Jesus’ baptism are slightly different.
A final reason why this small difference exists among the synoptic writers may be the same reason why there are several other differences among their accounts: the writers’ purpose was to record precisely what the Holy Spirit deemed necessary (cf. John 16:13), but not necessarily exactly what someone said. That is, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21), one writer may summarize a person’s (e.g., Jesus’) words, while another writer may quote theexact words. Consider again the accounts of Peter’s denials and the rooster crowing. The differences may very well be the result of Mark quoting the exact words of Jesus, while the other writers (under the guidance of the Holy Spirit) saw fit to employ the less definite style to indicate the same time of night—“the crowing of the rooster” (Mark 13:35; McGarvey, 1875, p. 355).
Consider the variation in notes taken by honest, intelligent college students in the same class on the Civil War. At the close of the class, when the notes of the students are compared and contrasted (as the gospel accounts are) differences are evident. If one student recorded that the teacher said Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address “in November of 1863 to honor those who died in the American Civil War Battle of Gettysburg,” and another student wrote that Lincoln’s speech was delivered “on November 19, 1863 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania,” their notes would never be considered contradictory. Though there are slight differences in what the students indicate the teacher said, they both are faithful testimonies of what the teacher taught—one student simply chose a less definite style of note-taking (i.e., not mentioning the precise day on which the Gettysburg Address was given).
Throughout the gospel accounts, we find accurate statements that the Father, Jesus, and others made, but not necessarily the exact quotations. Inspired summaries or paraphrases of what someone said do not take away from the sacredness of the God-given Scriptures, nor our ability to apply those Scriptures to our lives. What’s more, differences among statements recorded in the gospel accounts also may be the result of the statements being made at different times. Or, as in the case of God speaking directly from heaven, it may be that one or more heard one message (or noise), while others heard something different. In whichever category a difference among the gospel accounts falls, Bible students can be confident of the Scripture’s reliability.

 

REFERENCES

Ehrman, Bart (2009), Jesus, Interrupted (New York: HarperCollins).
Lyons, Eric (2004), “Cock-a-doodle-do...Twice?” http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/573.
Lyons, Eric (2009), "What Did Saul's Companions See and Hear on the Road to Damascus?" http://apologeticspress.org/AllegedDiscrepancies.aspx?article=997.
McGarvey, J.W. (1875), Commentary on Matthew and Mark (Delight AR: Gospel Light).
Wells, Steve (2009), Skeptic’s Annotated Bible, http://www.Skepticsannotatedbible.com.

Questions and Answers: Why is the Book of Esther in the Bible? by Kyle Butt, M.Div.


http://apologeticspress.org/AllegedDiscrepancies.aspx?article=89&b=Esther

Questions and Answers: Why is the Book of Esther in the Bible?

by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

Q.
Why is the book of Esther in the Bible, since it does not mention God? (cf. Wells).

A.

God operates in many different ways. In the book of Exodus, for example, we read about God working through Moses to part the Red Sea, and to turn a shepherd’s rod into a serpent. During New Testament times, God gave Jesus power to heal all manner of sickness, cure blindness, and even raise the dead.
But miracles were only one way in which God worked. He also worked (and continues to work) through providence, which means that He uses natural laws to accomplish His varied purposes. For instance, in Acts 14:17, the apostle Paul explained to his listeners that God gave them “rain from heaven and fruitful seasons,” thereby filling their hearts “with food and gladness.” How had God given them such blessings? Did He miraculously drop apples out of the sky or turn stones to bread? No, He used the natural forces of this world to accomplish His purposes. God always is at work “behind the scenes” to make sure that His ultimate will is accomplished.
When we study the book of Esther, it is true that we never read God’s name. But many of the things that occurred in the book could not have been “just luck.” Take, for instance, the time that King Ahasuerus could not sleep, and his servant “just happened” to read the records of the time that Mordecai had saved the king’s life (Esther 6:1-3). In fact, the entire book of Esther shows that God’s guiding hand was working behind the scenes to save the Jewish nation. Esther’s guardian, Mordecai, once said to her: “Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). His statement shows that he was seeing God’s possible plan for Esther.
Today, no person has been given the power to raise the dead or turn sticks into snakes, but God still is at work through His guiding hand of providence. The book of Esther serves to remind us that we do not need to see God (or even read His name) to know that He is “not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27).

REFERENCE

Wells, Steve, "Esther for Skeptics," http://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/est/intro.html.

From Roy Davison... Angels in Revelation


http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/angels.html
Angels in Revelation
Revelation describes actions of angels.
The great lesson of Revelation is the same vision Elisha's servant saw: "And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, 'Alas, my master! What shall we do?' So he answered, 'Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.' And Elisha prayed, and said, 'Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.' Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha" (2 Kings 6:15-17).
Although we are few and forces of evil appear to be overwhelming, Revelation opens our eyes to the mighty host of angels fighting for good and vanquishing evil.
John expands on what is said about angels in other parts of Scripture. The following passages help us understand what angels do in Revelation.
Jesus Christ "has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him" (1 Peter 3:22).
"But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels" (Hebrews 12:22).
"Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14). "There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:10).
Jesus promised: "Whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God" (Luke 12:8). "He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels" (Revelation 3:5).
"When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats" (Matthew 25:31,32).
"For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works" (Matthew 16:27).
In the parable of the tares, Jesus explains: "The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire" (Matthew 13:39-42).
"So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire'' (Matthew 13:49,50).
"And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other" (Matthew 24:31 // Mark 13:27).
"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17).
"Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thessalonians 1:6-8).
Angels are subject to Christ. Believers are in fellowship with Christ and His angels who are ministering spirits, sent to help the heirs of salvation. The angels rejoice over each sinner who repents and Christ will confess the faithful before His Father and His angels.
All the angels will accompany Christ when He returns to judge the world. He will send them out with the sound of a trumpet and they will remove the wicked and cast them into the furnace of fire. They will assemble all of God's elect from every quarter. The dead in Christ will rise first, then the living faithful will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the sky to be with Him forever.
This background information helps us understand what angels do in Revelation.
Revelation speaks of rebellious angels.
This is also taught in other passages.
Jesus said that on the day of Judgment He would say to those on the left hand, "Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41).
"And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own habitation, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day" (Jude 6).
God's angels are victorious.
"And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. ... Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time" (Revelation 12:7-9,12).
What activities of angels are described in Revelation?
1. An angel gave the Revelation to John (Revelation 1:1,2).
John received a 'little book' from an angel who told him: "You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings" (Revelation 10:1-11).
At the close of Revelation we are told: "And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place" (Revelation 22:6). "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches" (Revelation 22:16).
2. Angels worship God.
"Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!'' (Revelation 5:11,12).
"And all the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: 'Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen' '' (Revelation 7:11,12).
3. Angels support the preaching of the gospel.
"Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people saying with a loud voice, 'Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water' " (Revelation 14:6,7).
4. Angels help the servants of God.
"Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, 'Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads' " (Revelation 7:2,3).
"Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. And he was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand" (Revelation 8:3,4).
5. Angels bring God's judgment on the earth.
This is the most prominent activity of angels in Revelation.
Seven angels blow seven trumpets of partial destruction.
At the sound of these warning trumpets 'a third' is destroyed, but the peoples of the earth do not repent (Revelation 9:20,21).
The first angel: "a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up" (Revelation 8:7).
The second angel: "a third of the sea became blood; and a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed" (Revelation 8:8,9).
The third angel: "And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water; and the name of the star is Wormwood; and a third of the waters became wormwood; and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter" (Revelation 8:10,11).
The forth angel: "And a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened; and a third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night" (Revelation 8:12).
The fifth angel: "he opened the bottomless pit" (Revelation 9:2). The locusts that come up from the bottomless pit have "as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon" (Revelation 9:11). These names mean 'destruction' (compare with Exodus 12:23; Job 26:6; 28:22; Proverbs 15:11; Ezekiel 7:25).
The sixth angel: He released "the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates" ... "to kill a third of mankind" (Revelation 9:14,15).
The seventh angel: "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" (Revelation 11:15). The seventh trumpet announces the coming judgment (Revelation 11:18). Jesus had said: "Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself" (John 12:31,32).
Seven angels bring judgment.
The call to begin the final judgment is given by seven angels in chapter fourteen.
The first: "Another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel" (Revelation 14:6) "for the hour of His judgment has come" (Revelation 14:7).
The second: "Another angel followed, saying, 'Babylon is fallen'" (Revelation 14:8).
The third: "A third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, 'If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. And he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone" (Revelation 14:9,10).
The fourth: "And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, 'Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.' So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped" (Revelation 14:15,16).
The fifth: "Then another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle" (Revelation 14:17).
The sixth: "And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire, and he cried with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, 'Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe'" (Revelation 14:18).
The seventh (the same as the fifth): "So the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God" (Revelation 14:19).
Seven angels pour out the seven last plagues: seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God.
Now that the harvest has begun and the vines are thrown into the winepress of the wrath of God, seven bowls of the wrath of God are poured out on the earth by seven angels. The seven bowls are similar to the seven trumpets, but in this case the devastation is complete, and still the peoples of the earth do not repent.
"Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete" (Revelation 15:1).
"And out of the temple came the seven angels having the seven plagues, clothed in pure bright linen, and having their chests girded with golden bands. Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever. The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one was able to enter the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed" (Revelation 15:6-8).
"Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, 'Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth'" (Revelation 16:1).
The first: "A foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image" (Revelation 16:2).
The second: The sea "became blood as of a dead man; and every living creature in the sea died" (Revelation 16:3).
The third: "The rivers and springs of water" became blood (Revelation 16:4).
The forth: The sun scorches men with fire, yet they do not repent (Revelation 16:8- 11).
The fifth: The kingdom of the beast becomes full of darkness, yet they do not repent (Revelation 16:10,11).
The sixth: The Euphrates dries up (Revelation 16:12).
The seventh: "It is finished!'' (Revelation 16:17).
One of the angels with the seven bowls, explains the meaning of the great harlot.
"Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, 'Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters'" (Revelation 17:1).
"But the angel said to me, 'Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns'" (Revelation 17:7).
"After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, 'Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen'" (Revelation 18:1,2).
"Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, 'Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore'" (Revelation 18:21).
"Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, 'Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great'" (Revelation 19:17,18)
An angel binds Satan for a thousand years.
"Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years" (Revelation 20:1,2). After the thousand years, the devil is vanquished and thrown into the lake of fire, the dead are raised and all must appear before the judgment throne of God. Those whose names are not found in the book of life are also thrown into the lake of fire.
One of the angels with the seven bowls shows John the bride of the Lamb.
For the righteous there is a new heavens and a new earth and an angel shows John the Lamb's bride.
"Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, 'Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife.' And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. And her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal" (Revelation 21:9-11).
The Angel who brought the message warned John not to worship angels but to worship God.
"Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. Then he said to me, 'See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God' " (Revelation 22:8,9 // 19:10).
Revelation describes actions of God's angels.
There are also rebellious angels, but the angels of God are victorious. An angel gave the Revelation to John. Angels worship God. They support the preaching of the gospel. They help the servants of God. They bring judgment on the earth. Seven angels blow seven warning trumpets of partial destruction. Seven angels bring judgment. Seven angels pour out the seven last plagues: seven bowls full of the wrath of God. One of these angels explains the meaning of the great harlot. An angel binds Satan for a thousand years. An angel shows John the bride of the Lamb. The Angel who brought the message warned John not to worship angels but to worship God.
Understanding what the angels do in Revelation, helps us understand Revelation. Although we are few and forces of evil appear to be overwhelming, Revelation opens our eyes to the mighty host of angels fighting for good and vanquishing evil. And we are assured that if we remain faithful until death we will share in the victory of Christ and the heavenly host.
Roy Davison
The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982,
Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise.
Permission for reference use has been granted.
Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

From Gary... Compassion, action and love


Even without the title, everyone would understand what this mere dog is doing- Consoling someone in need of a little understanding (and obviously, a lot of love). When I saw this picture, I thought of the following  chapter from the gospel of John...

John, Chapter 11 (WEB)

  1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus from Bethany, of the village of Mary and her sister, Martha.  2 It was that Mary who had anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother, Lazarus, was sick.  3 The sisters therefore sent to him, saying, “Lord, behold, he for whom you have great affection is sick.”  4 But when Jesus heard it, he said, “This sickness is not to death, but for the glory of God, that God’s Son may be glorified by it.”   5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.  6 When therefore he heard that he was sick, he stayed two days in the place where he was.  7 Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let’s go into Judea again.” 

  8  The disciples told him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just trying to stone you, and are you going there again?” 

  9  Jesus answered, “Aren’t there twelve hours of daylight? If a man walks in the day, he doesn’t stumble, because he sees the light of this world.   10  But if a man walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light isn’t in him.”   11 He said these things, and after that, he said to them, “Our friend, Lazarus, has fallen asleep, but I am going so that I may awake him out of sleep.” 

  12  The disciples therefore said, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” 

  13  Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he spoke of taking rest in sleep.  14 So Jesus said to them plainly then, “Lazarus is dead.   15  I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe. Nevertheless, let’s go to him.” 

  16  Thomas therefore, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, “Let’s go also, that we may die with him.” 

  17  So when Jesus came, he found that he had been in the tomb four days already.  18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen stadia away.  19 Many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to console them concerning their brother.  20 Then when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary stayed in the house.  21 Therefore Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you would have been here, my brother wouldn’t have died.  22 Even now I know that, whatever you ask of God, God will give you.”  23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 

  24  Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 

  25  Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies.   26  Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 

  27  She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, God’s Son, he who comes into the world.” 

  28  When she had said this, she went away, and called Mary, her sister, secretly, saying, “The Teacher is here, and is calling you.” 

  29  When she heard this, she arose quickly, and went to him.  30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was in the place where Martha met him.  31 Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and were consoling her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, “She is going to the tomb to weep there.” 32 Therefore when Mary came to where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you would have been here, my brother wouldn’t have died.” 

  33  When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews weeping who came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,  34 and said, “Where have you laid him?” 

They told him, “Lord, come and see.” 

  35  Jesus wept. 

  36  The Jews therefore said, “See how much affection he had for him!”  37 Some of them said, “Couldn’t this man, who opened the eyes of him who was blind, have also kept this man from dying?” 

  38  Jesus therefore, again groaning in himself, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone lay against it.  39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” 

Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.”

  40  Jesus said to her, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed, you would see God’s glory?” 

  41  So they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said,“Father, I thank you that you listened to me.   42  I know that you always listen to me, but because of the multitude that stands around I said this, that they may believe that you sent me.”   43 When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice,“Lazarus, come out!” 

  44  He who was dead came out, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. 

Jesus said to them, “Free him, and let him go.” 

  45  Therefore many of the Jews, who came to Mary and saw what Jesus did, believed in him. 


Jesus loved Lazarus and that love was reflected in the tears that he shed for him. Jesus loved Lazarus so much that he raised him from the dead and as a result many people believed in the Son of God! Jesus loved Lazarus while he dwelt in this world and loves us now from his throne in heaven!!! Jesus loves ME, because he went to the cross to save me and everyone else who will believe in him. 

Jesus wept for Lazarus when he saw his condition and it makes me wonder- when Jesus sees all those who will not believe in him, does he weep for them? And if everyone could see those tears would they still disbelieve?

Just sayin...

4/20/16

From Mark Copeland... "THE SECOND EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY" Chapter Four 


                    "THE SECOND EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY"

                              Chapter Four

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To see the need for diligence in preaching the word of God

2) To note the satisfaction Paul had in looking back over his service 
   to Christ, and the confidence he possessed as he looked forward to
   the Judgment Day and the heavenly kingdom

SUMMARY

The final chapter begins with a charge for Timothy to preach the word
at all times.  The time was coming when people would not listen to
sound doctrine, but instead follow teachers who would tell what they
wanted to hear.  Timothy was therefore to be watchful, to endure what
afflictions might come his way, and to do the work as an evangelist as
he fulfilled his ministry (1-5).

Knowing that his own end was near, Paul expresses personal satisfaction
that he has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the 
faith.  He is confident that there is laid up for him that crown of 
righteousness which the Lord will give to all who have loved His 
appearing (6-8).

Timothy is then told to be diligent to come quickly.  Only Luke is with
Paul as he writes, for Demas has forsaken him and others have left to 
go to other places.  Requests are made, one related to getting Mark and
bringing him along, followed by a warning about Alexander the 
coppersmith.  A reference is made concerning those who forsook Paul at 
his first defense, for whom Paul prays it might not be charged against 
them.  During that time the Lord stood by Paul, and he is confident 
that the Lord would deliver him from every evil work and preserve him
for the heavenly kingdom (9-18).

Timothy is then asked to relay greetings to Paul's dear friends.  Brief
references are made to Erastus and Trophimus, followed by a plea for 
Timothy to come before winter.  Finally, Paul sends greetings from 
various brethren and closes the letter with a prayer that the Lord will
be with Timothy (19-22).

OUTLINE

I. EXHORTATION TO PREACH THE WORD (1-5)

   A. A SOLEMN CHARGE (1-2)
      1. Before God and the Lord Jesus Christ (1)
         a. Who will judge the living and the dead
         b. At His appearing and His kingdom
      2. To preach the word! (2)
         a. Be ready in season and out of season
         b. Convince, rebuke, exhort
         c. With all longsuffering and teaching

   B. THE REASON FOR THIS CHARGE (3-4)
      1. The time is coming when people will not endure sound doctrine
         (3)
         a. According to their own desires they will heap up for 
            themselves teachers
         b. For they will have itching ears
      2. They will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned
         aside to fables (4)

   C. RELATED EXHORTATIONS (5)
      1. Be watchful in all things
      2. Endure afflictions
      3. Do the work of an evangelist
      4. Fulfill your ministry

II. EXHORTATION TO COME QUICKLY (6-18)

   A. HIS TIME IS COMING TO AN END (6-8)
      1. Already being poured out like a drink offering, his departure
         is at hand (6)
      2. Expressions of his faithfulness (7)
         a. He has fought the good fight
         b. He has finished the race
         c. He has kept the faith
      3. His confidence concerning the future (8)
         a. A crown of righteousness is laid up for him
         b. Which will be given by the Lord, the righteous Judge
            1) Given to him on that Day (of judgment)
            2) Given to all who have loved His appearing

   B. A PLEA TO COME QUICKLY (9-16)
      1. For Demas has forsaken him, having loved this present world
         (9-10a)
      2. Crescens and Titus have left, having gone to various places
         (10b)
      3. Only Luke is with him (11a)
      4. Bring Mark, for he is useful to Paul for ministry (11b)
      5. Tychicus has been sent to Ephesus (12)
      6. Bring the cloak and the books, especially the parchments (13)
      7. A warning against Alexander the coppersmith (14-15)
      8. He was forsaken at his first defense, but prays it will not be
         charged against them (16)

   C. THE FAITHFULNESS OF THE LORD (17-18)
      1. The Lord stood with him and strengthened him (17)
         a. So that the message was preached fully by him to the 
            Gentiles
         b. And he was delivered out of the mouth of the lion
      2. The Lord will deliver and preserve him (18)
         a. Deliver him from every evil work
         b. Preserve him for His heavenly kingdom
         -- For which glory belongs to the Lord!

III. CONCLUDING REMARKS (19-22)

   A. MISCELLANEOUS GREETINGS AND FINAL INSTRUCTIONS (19-21)
      1. Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus (19)
      2. Erastus stayed in Corinth, Trophimus was left sick in Miletus
         (20)
      3. Timothy is to do his best to come before winter (21a)
      4. Greetings from Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the 
         brethren (21b)

   B. BENEDICTION (22)
      1. The Lord Jesus Christ be with his spirit
      2. Grace be with him. Amen.

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Exhortation to preach the word (1-5)
   - Exhortation to come quickly (6-18)
   - Concluding remarks (19-22)

2) When will Jesus judge the living and the dead? (1)
   - At His appearing and His kingdom

3) How was Timothy to carry out the charge to preach the word? (2)
   - Be ready at all times
   - Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching

4) What would some people not endure?  What will they do instead? (3)
   - Sound doctrine
   - According to their own desires they will heap up for themselves
     teachers

5) What will they turn away from?  What will they be turned aside to?
   (4)
   - The truth
   - Fables

6) What four-fold exhortation is given to Timothy in view of such 
   things to come? (5)
   - Be watchful in all things
   - Endure afflictions
   - Do the work of an evangelist
   - Fulfill his ministry

7) What did Paul know was drawing near? (6)
   - The time of his departure

8) What three phrases does Paul use to describe his life as a 
   Christian? (7)
   - I have fought the good fight
   - I have finished the race
   - I have kept the faith

9) What did Paul expect to receive from the Lord?  Who else would 
   receive it? (8)
   - The crown of righteousness
   - All who have loved His appearing

10) What does Paul ask of Timothy? (9)
   - Come to him quickly

11) Who had forsaken Paul, and why? (10)
   - Demas, because he loved this present world

12) Who alone was with Paul when he wrote this epistle? (11)
   - Luke

13) Why did Paul want Timothy to get Mark and bring him with him? (11)
   - He was useful to Paul for service

14) What else did Paul want Timothy to bring? (13)
   - A cloak left at Troas, some books and parchments

15) Of whom did Paul warn Timothy to beware? (14-15)
   - Alexander the coppersmith

16) What did Paul desire for those who had forsook him at his first
    defense? (16)
   - That it not be charged against them

17) Who stood with Paul during his first defense and strengthened him?
    (17)
   - The Lord

18) What two things was Paul confident the Lord would do for him? (18)
   - Deliver him from every evil work
   - Preserve him for His heavenly kingdom

19) Who did Paul want Timothy to greet for him? (19)
   - Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus

20) When did Paul want Timothy to come? (21)
   - Before winter

21) Who sent greetings to Timothy by way of Paul? (21)
   - Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren

22) What did Paul pray for in behalf of Timothy as he closed this 
    letter? (22)
   - The Lord Jesus Christ be with his spirit
   - Grace be with him


Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2015

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