A&E, “Duck Dynasty,” GQ, & Homosexuality by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=7&article=4776

A&E, “Duck Dynasty,” GQ, & Homosexuality

by	Dave Miller, Ph.D.

In May 2004, 16-year-old Erica Basoria asked her boyfriend, Gerardo Flores, to stomp on her belly, since she did not want to give birth to his twin sons, and her own efforts to kill her babies had been unsuccessful. Flores complied and subsequently was arrested on the basis of Texas’ 2003 Prenatal Protection Act which extends the protections of the entire criminal code to “an unborn child at every stage of gestation from fertilization until birth” (“State Homicide Laws...,” 2006). His lawyer argued that the Texas law used to prosecute was unconstitutional. Nevertheless, Flores received a double capital murder conviction with two concurrent life sentences, making him ineligible for parole for 40 years—a ruling that recently was upheld by the Texas Ninth Court of Appeals (Ertelt, 2007).

Wait a minute. If Flores had been to medical school, he would have been legally free to employ barbaric instruments of torture to butcher the children in the womb. Or he could have pulled the babies’ bodies from his girlfriend’s womb, leaving only their heads, jammed scissors into their skulls to make a hole, and then sucked out their brains with a suction tube (see “Abortion Methods,” n.d.). But, no, young Flores did not have access to such sophisticated “education” and “expertise.” He simply stomped on his girlfriend’s stomach. Now he’s doing time for most of the rest of his life, while hundreds of abortion doctors continue to practice their deadly trade to the tune of 54 million+ babies since 1972—while being paid enormous sums of money (“Abortion in the...,” n.d.).

Such is the moral confusion, hypocrisy, and self-contradiction, or shall we say insanity, that grips America by its spiritual throat, brought on by the forces of political correctness over the last half century. The innocent blood that has been shed in the United States of America cries out for justice and retribution—which one day will surely be meted out (Proverbs 6:17). As Thomas Jefferson declared: “Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep for ever” (1787, Query XVIII). Or as Solomon affirmed: “The violence of the wicked will destroy them, because they refuse to do justice” (Proverbs 21:7). The God of the Bible eventually “administers justice for the fatherless” (Deuteronomy 10:18). “The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed” (Psalm 103:6).

REFERENCES

“Abortion Methods” (no date), [On-line], URL: http://readthetruth.com/abortion-methods.htm.

“Abortion in the United States: Statistics and Trends” (no date), National Right to Life, [On-line], URL: http://www.nrlc.org/abortion/facts/abortionstats.html.

Ertelt, Steven (2007), “Texas Appeals Court Upholds Law Protecting Pregnant Women, Babies,” Life News, January 29, [On-line], URL: http://www.lifenews.com/state2046.html.

Jefferson, Thomas (1787), Notes on the State of Virginia, [On-line], URL: http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/jevifram.htm.

“State Homicide Laws That Recognize Unborn Victims” (2006), National Right to Life, December 30, [On-line], URL: http://www.nrlc.org/Unborn_Victims/Statehomicidelaws092302.html.

Death at Beth Shemesh by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

http://apologeticspress.org/AllegedDiscrepancies.aspx?article=5&b=1%20Samuel

Death at Beth Shemesh

by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

The Philistines wanted no more of the Ark of the Covenant. Ever since they had defeated the Israelites and captured the ark, they suffered immensely. God struck the inhabitants of Ashdod with tumors (1 Samuel 5:6). Next He sent tumors upon the men of Gath (1 Samuel 5:8). Then, in Ekron, “there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there. And the men who did not die were stricken with the tumors” (1 Samuel 5:11-12). The Philistines finally decided to send the once-coveted ark back to Israel on a cart pulled by two cows. Without a driver to direct the way, the cows transporting the ark went straight for the Israelite town of Beth Shemesh. Sadly, not long after the ark reached the town of Beth Shemesh, the men of the town “looked into the ark” and God “struck the people [Israelites] with a great slaughter” (1 Samuel 6:19, emp. added). How many died? 50,070 men (NASB; Hebrew ’elep ch^amishiym ’iysh shib ‘iym).

Many have questioned the 50,070-men figure in 1 Samuel 6:19. How could that many men have looked into the Ark of the Covenant? Could that many men have even been in Beth Shemesh? Did the Bible writer just make a mistake here?

First, no one can be certain how many people were in Beth Shemesh when the Philistines returned the ark. Although the 50,070 figure may sound too high to some, no one knows for sure if such a number was impossible. Unlikely? Perhaps. But “stranger” things have happened. How odd is it that some 200,000 people converge outside the 15,000-person town of Talladega twice a year to watch cars go in circles? How amazing is it that 75 of Abraham’s descendants grew to a family of approximately two to three million people in only 215 years (see Bass, et al., 2001; Exodus 1:5; 12:41; Numbers 1:46). How unlikely was it for King Hezekiah to be delivered from the mighty Assyrian army? Indeed, when it looked like unavoidable defeat for the king of Judah, the Angel of the Lord killed 185,000 Assyrians in one night (2 Kings 19:35). The point is, we must be careful dismissing with the wave of the hand any numbers found in Scripture simply because they may not sound feasible on the surface.

 Second, what about the question regarding the likelihood of 50,000 people peering into the ark? Once again, that which some might call “unlikely” is not equivalent to the “impossible.” Furthermore, there are several things that the text does not indicate. First, we cannot know how long the ark had been in Beth Shemesh prior to God bringing judgment upon the men of the town. It could have been two days, two weeks, or two months. (Recall that the ark had previously been in the Philistines’ possession for seven months—1 Samuel 6:1.) Innumerable people could have seen the ark during this time. Second, the text does not indicate that 50,000 people peered into the ark at the same time. Although, if it is possible for 100,000 people to sit hundreds of feet away and watch a pigskin bounce around on a football field, and if it is possible for one million people to stand in Times Square and watch the New Year’s Eve ball drop, then 50,000 people looking into the ark at virtually the same time is not outside the realm of possibility. Still, the text simply says that the men “looked into the ark” and God “struck the people with a great slaughter” (1 Samuel 6:19). It does not say that they all looked into the ark at the exact same time.

Finally, although it cannot be proven beyond all reasonable doubt that the 50,070 figure is erroneous, there is the very real possibility that either (1) the Hebrew has been misunderstood, or (2) a copyist made an error in the transmission process. The fact is,

[N]owhere else is a figure like 50,070 written in this fashion according to the grammar of biblical Hebrew. Normally the wording would have been either…“seventy man and fifty thousand man” or else in the descending order—which was far more usual…“fifty thousand man and seventy man” (Archer, 1982, p. 169, emp. added).

“The fact that neither of these customary word orders was followed in the received Hebrew text of this passage” could possibly indicate a transmissional error (Archer, p. 169). Some Bible translators (e.g., RSV, NIV), in fact, are so certain that the numerical figure in this passage has been corrupted through scribal transmission that they just use the 70 figure. No doubt, they believe the Hebrew should be understood the way Josephus understood it in the first century (6.1.4), and the way “a few Hebrew manuscripts” have the number—just 70. Others, like Faussett, have explained the number, saying, “God smote in the proportion of 50 out of the 1,000, i.e. one twentieth instead of one tenth of the population…; seventy men in all, out of the population of Bethshemesh, which amounted to 1,400 in this view” (“Bethshemesh,” 1998).

It may be that no one will ever know with certainty this side of eternity whether the 50,000 figure in 1 Samuel 6:19 represents a copyist’s error or a genuine, albeit extraordinary, number of Beth Shemesh inhabitants that actually died at the hand of God. Keep in mind, however, that even if a copyist did introduce an error here, that in no way reflects upon the inerrant, inspired writers. [NOTE: To read our foundational article on copyists’ errors, see Lyons, 2007.]

REFERENCES

Archer, Gleason (1982), Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan).

Bass, Alden, Bert Thompson, and Kyle Butt (2001), “How Long Was the Israelites’ Egyptian Sojourn?” Apologetics Press,http://www.apologeticspress.org/apcontent.aspx?category=6&article=796.

“Bethshemesh” (1998), Fausset’s Bible Dictionary (Electronic Database: Biblesoft).

Josephus, Flavius (1987 edition), Antiquities of the Jews, trans. William Whiston (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson).

Lyons, Eric (2007), “Inspired Writers and Competent Copyists,” Apologetics Press,http://www.apologeticspress.org/apcontent.aspx?category=6&article=2093.

From Roy Davison... Jesus called them sons of thunder

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/024-sonsofthunder.html

Jesus called them sons of thunder

What would you expect from two brothers who were called ‘sons of thunder’?
“Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons: Simon, to whom He gave the name Peter; James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, ‘Sons of Thunder’” (Mark 3:14-17).
The following incident might indicate why Jesus called them sons of thunder. “When the days were approaching for His ascension, He was determined to go to Jerusalem; and He sent messengers on ahead of Him, and they went and entered a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him. But they did not receive Him, because He was traveling toward Jerusalem. When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, ‘Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?’ But He turned and rebuked them, and said, ‘You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.’ And they went on to another village” (Luke 9:51-56 NASV).
These sons of thunder, James and John, wanted to call down fire from heaven to destroy those people who had refused hospitality to Jesus.
Through the ages many have destroyed others in the name of religion. During the crusades people who falsely claimed to be Christians murdered thousands of Moslems. In the middle ages the Catholic church murdered Protestants who dared to reject the authority of the Pope. Some Protestants murdered other Protestants they considered to be heretics.
Much grief is caused in the world today by this same godless attitude. Deceived, warped souls blow themselves up along with innocent men, women and children in the name of their religion.
Followers of Christ are of a different spirit, “For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” Jesus rebuked James and John. They still had much to learn.
They also showed that they did not yet understand the spirit of the Messianic reign when they wanted to rule at the right and left hand of Jesus.
“Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, ‘Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.’ And He said to them, ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ They said to Him, ‘Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.’ But Jesus said to them, ‘You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?’ They said to Him, ‘We are able.’ So Jesus said to them, ‘You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.’ And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, ‘You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many’” (Mark 10:35-45).
What do we know about James and John? With their father, Zebedee, they were fishermen who worked together with Peter and Andrew (Matthew 4:18, 21; Luke 5:10). Their mother, Salome, was a witness of the crucifixion and visited the tomb (Mark 15:40; Matthew 27:56; Mark 16:1).
James and John, along with Peter, were with Jesus when He raised the daughter of Jairus from the dead (Mark 5:37) and also when He was transfigured on the mountain (Mark 9:2). Peter, James, John and Andrew asked Jesus privately for clarification about the destruction of the temple (Mark 13:3, 4). In Gethsemane Jesus took Peter, James and John with him when He went farther into the garden to pray (Mark 14:32, 33). After Jesus was arrested, John went with Him into the courtyard of the high priest (John 18:15).
No details are known about the activities of James in the early church, but he must have served prominently since he was the first martyr among the apostles. He was killed with the sword by Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:2). This was probably about ten years after the church was established.
John and Peter are often mentioned together in the early days of the church (Acts 3:1, 3, 4, 11; 4:13, 19; 8:14; Galatians 2:9).
John lived to an old age. According to tradition he was the only apostle who was not martyred. He served churches in Asia Minor (currently Turkey) and for a time was exiled to the island of Patmos (Revelation 1:9) 
John penned the Gospel of John, the three Letters of John and the Revelation, which are the later books of the New Testament. He wrote the most New Testament books other than Paul.
This ‘son of thunder’ who at one time wanted to call fire down from heaven to destroy people, is now known as the apostle of love because He emphasizes love in his writings. “For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another” (1 John 3:11). He calls himself “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23; 20:2; 21:7, 20) and he admonishes his fellow believers, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:11).
Are we improving as followers of Christ? Are we becoming more like Him? Are we growing up in all things unto Him? (Ephesians 4:15). Are we growing up to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ? (Ephesians 4:13). Are we farther along than we were a year ago?
Do we know what kind of spirit we have?
Through the influence of Christ, two sons of thunder learned to have a different spirit: a “spirit of faith” (2 Corinthians 4:13), “a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1), a “spirit of wisdom” (Ephesians 1:17), “a gentle and quiet spirit” (1 Peter 3:4).
Following their example, let us learn to have “the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16): a spirit of faith, gentleness, wisdom and love. Amen.
Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982, Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers.
Permission for reference use has been granted.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

From Gary... When water becomes air, I will understand

For the longest time I just didn't "GET" this picture. How could a bird fly beneath the water? So, I left it alone, thinking that I would understand it later. And in my thoughts, I remembered singing this song when I worshiped at the Troy church of Christ. The congregation was a small one, but we sang with gusto. And I grew to love this song...

From Public Domain...

Now, some things in the scriptures are in fact, very difficult to comprehend. I chose that last word very carefully, because we may intellectually understand something, we don't fully comprehend it until we have lived it and felt it to the essence of our being.  Today, some people will try to twist the Scriptures to their own ends, but the fact is that God has given us everything we need to attain to life and godliness through his WORD. More even than that, God sent Jesus and that is enough!!!

2 Peter, Chapter 3 (WEB)

14  Therefore, beloved, seeing that you look for these things, be diligent to be found in peace, without defect and blameless in his sight. 15 Regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote to you;  16 as also in all of his letters, speaking in them of these things. In those, there are some things that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unsettled twist, as they also do to the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.  17 You therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware, lest being carried away with the error of the wicked, you fall from your own steadfastness.  18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

2 Peter, Chapter 1 (WEB)

 1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:  2 Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,  3 seeing that his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and virtue;

2 Timothy, Chapter 3 (WEB)

 14 But you remain in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them.  15 From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus.  16 Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness,  17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 

Hebrews, Chapter 1 (WEB)

 1 God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,  2 has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds.  3 His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;  4 having become so much better than the angels, as he has inherited a more excellent name than they have.  5 For to which of the angels did he say at any time, 

“You are my Son.
Today have I become your father?"

I understand these things, but will only fully, completely comprehend them when I meet Jesus. In the meantime, I will come to know all that I can and rejoice in the fact that Jesus loves me, this I know- but wait, that is a song for a different day!!!

Oh, yes- And when water becomes air, then, I will understand how that bird can fly!!!

From Mark Copeland... "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW" Chapter Twenty

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

                             Chapter Twenty

Continuing His reply to Peter’s question ("what shall we have?"), Jesus
told the parable of the laborers (1-16), then predicted His death and
resurrection a third time as they headed toward Jerusalem (17-19).  When
the mother of James and John requested a special place for her sons in
the kingdom, Jesus said it was not His to give.  He used the occasion to
teach all His apostles the principle of greatness through service
(20-28).  Leaving Jericho, Jesus gave sight to two blind men who would
not let the crowds deter them (29-34).

POINTS TO PONDER

   *  Should one delay in their obedience to the gospel?

   *  The danger of a mercenary spirit

   *  The importance of humble service

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - The parable of the laborers - Mt 20:1-16
   - Jesus predicts His death and resurrection a third time 

      - Mt 20:17-19
   - Greatness and serving in the kingdom - Mt 20:20-28
   - Jesus heals two blind men - Mt 20:29-34

2) Whose question had prompted the telling of the parable of the
   laborers? (1)
   - Peter’s, cf. Mt 19:27

3) What should not be deduced from this parable?  Why? (1-10)
   - That it is alright to put off obeying the invitation to obeying the
     gospel
   - Those who started later responded as soon as they were given
     opportunity, Mt 20:6-7

4) What is the main point of the parable of the laborers? (11-16)
   - One should not begrudge others for receiving the same reward for
     less service

6) List the three passages in which Jesus foretold His death and
   resurrection
   - Mt 16:21; 17:22-23; 20:19-20

7) Who asked Jesus for a privileged position in His kingdom? (20-21)
   - The mother of Zebedee’s sons (James and John) in their behalf

8) What quality is considered great in the kingdom? (25-28)
   - Serving others, even as Jesus came to this earth to serve

9) What commendable spirit did the two blind men manifest? (30-31)
   - Persistence in their request for mercy

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2015

 

From Mark Copeland... "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW" Chapter Nineteen

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

                            Chapter Nineteen

In response to another test by the Pharisees, Jesus spoke on the issues
of marriage, divorce and celibacy (1-12).  Little children were brought
to Him, whom He blessed (13-15).  When a rich young ruler questioned Him
concerning eternal life (16-22), Jesus used the occasion to teach His
disciples about possessions in relation to the kingdom of God (23-30).

POINTS TO PONDER

   *  Jesus’ teachings related to marriage, divorce, and celibacy

   *  Possessions and rewards in reference to the kingdom of God

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Marriage, divorce and celibacy - Mt 19:1-12
   - Jesus blesses the little children - Mt 19:13-15
   - The rich young ruler - Mt 19:16-22
   - Possessions and the kingdom - Mt 19:23-30

2) Who is it that joins a man and woman in marriage? (6)
   - God, not the state (government)

3) What exception does Jesus allow for divorce? Otherwise, what occurs?
   (9)
   - Sexual immorality; adultery, cf. Mt 5:32

4) What price might be necessary for some to enter the kingdom of
   heaven? (12)
   - To make themselves eunuchs (i.e., to remain in an unmarried state)

5) What did Jesus say about little children? (14)
   - "Let the little children come to Me . . .for of such is the kingdom
     of heaven."

6) What did Jesus counsel the rich young ruler? (17,21)
   - For eternal life, to keep the commandments (of Moses, still in
     force at that time)
   - To be perfect, sell all and give to the poor, and follow Him

7) What did Jesus say about being rich and the kingdom of heaven?
   (23-24)
   - It is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom
   - It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle

8) What did Jesus promise to His apostles who left all to follow Him?
   (27-28)
   - To sit on thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel in the
     regeneration

9) What did Jesus promise to all willing to leave much to follow Him
   (29-30)
   - A hundredfold blessings in this life; in the life to come eternal
     life, cf. Mk 10:29-30

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2015

 

From Mark Copeland... "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW" Chapter Eighteen

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

                            Chapter Eighteen

Answering a question by His disciples, Jesus taught the need for
child-like humility and the danger of offenses to others and to self
(1-9), followed with the parable of the lost sheep (10-14).  Further
instructions included how to deal with a sinning brother (15-20) and the
need for a forgiving heart illustrated by the parable of the unforgiving
servant (21-35).

POINTS TO PONDER

   *  The need for humility, and concern for others in the kingdom

   *  Dealing with a sinning brother, and the importance of forgiveness

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Kingdom greatness and the danger of offenses - Mt 18:1-9
   - The parable of the lost sheep - Mt 18:10-14
   - Discipline and prayer - Mt 18:15-20
   - The parable of the unforgiving servant - Mt 18:21-35

2) Who will be greatest in the kingdom of heaven? (1-5)
   - Those who are converted and humble themselves like a little child

3) How old was the little child that Jesus used as an example? (6)
   - Old enough to believe, old enough to sin

4) What types of offenses does Jesus warn against? (6-9)
   - Being an offense to believing children, and letting personal
     weakness cause you to sin

5) What parable illustrates the Father’s concern for the lost? (12-14)
   - The parable of the lost sheep

6) In dealing with a sinning brother, what steps should be taken?
   (15-18)
   - Go and tell the brother his fault between you and him alone
   - If that doesn’t work, take one or two more with you to serve as
     witnesses
   - If that doesn’t work, tell it to the church
   - If that doesn’t work, then no longer associate with him

7) What increases the likelihood that God will answer prayer? (19-20)
   - When two or three pray together

8) How many times should we be willing to forgive a brother? (21-22)
   - Up to seventy times seven (490); cf. seven times in one day, 

     Lk 17:3-4

9) What grave warning is in the parable of the unforgiving servant? (33)
   - "So My heavenly Father also will do to you..."

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2015