Merry Christmas 2012

As you celebrate Christmas this year, please keep in mind these verses from the Gospel of John:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it....He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him. Yet to all who received Him, to those who who believed in His name, he gave the right to become children of God--children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God." John 1:1-5, 10-13.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done
has been done through God." John 3:16-21 NIV

Is the Bible Narrow?

In today's increasingly secular, allegedly post-Christian world it has become fashionable to politely , and sometimes not so politely, mock the Bible as a source of reliable authority. It is viewed by some as irrelevant, intolerant, narrow, or unscientific.
The truth is quite the opposite, at least in terms of a world view*. The Bible addresses virtually every conceivable area of human experience. It not only offers a promise of eternal salvation to every one trusting in Jesus Christ, but it also offers promises to:

· the broken hearted - Psalm 34:18, Psalm 147:3, and Isaiah 61:3.
· the cheerful in heart - Proverbs 15:13, Proverbs 15:15, and Proverbs 17:22.
· the diligent - Proverbs 10:4, Proverbs 12:24, and Proverbs 21:5.
· the discerning - Proverbs 14:6, Proverbs 14:33, and Proverbs 19:25.
· the disciplined - Psalm 94:12, Proverbs 10:17, and Proverbs 12:1.
· the faithful - II Samuel 22:26, Psalm 31:23, and Proverbs 28:20.
· the generous - Psalm 112:5, Proverbs 11:25, and Proverbs 22:9.
· the humble - II Samuel 22:28, Psalm 25:9, and James 4:6.
· the kind - Proverbs 11:16 and Proverbs 11:17.
· the merciful - Proverbs 3:3:4 and Matthew 5:7.
· the oppressed - Psalm 9:9, Psalm 103:6, and Luke 4:18.
· the fatherless and widowed - Deuteronomy 10:18, Psalm 68:5, and Proverbs 15:25.
· the peacemakers - Matthew 5:9 and James 3:18.
· the prudent women - Proverbs 19:14 and Proverbs 31:10-31.
· the pure - Psalm 18:26, Proverbs 22:11, and Matthew 5:8.
· those acting with integrity - I Kings 9:4-5, Proverbs 10:9, and Proverbs 13:6.
· those who are kind to animals - Proverbs 12:10.
· those who are kind to the poor, and have regard for the weak - Psalm 41:1,
Proverbs 14:21, and Proverbs 28:8.
· those who bless Christians and Jews - Genesis 12:3 and Galatians 3:14.
· those who delight in / meditate on the Word of God - Deuteronomy 11:18, Joshua
1:8, and Psalm 1:2-3.
· those who honor their father and mother - Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:2-3.
· those who sacrifice - Proverbs 21:17 and Proverbs 21:20.
· those who seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness - Matthew 6:33.
· those who wait on God - Isaiah 40:31.
· those who listen well - Proverbs 18:13.
· those who serve others - Matthew 23:11, Galatians 6:2, and Ephesians 5:21
· those with positive and pleasant speech - Proverbs 16:21 and Proverbs 16:24.


With over 30,000 verses in the Bible, this is far from a comprehensive list of its beneficiaries. God's Word is the foundation for all wisdom.

BASIC BIBLE FACTS & STATISTICS

OLD TESTAMENT BOOKS

THE PENTATEUCH OR THE LAW (5)
GENESIS, contains 1,530 VERSES, 50 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 50:26.
It is the 2nd longest book in the Bible. Genesis is the book of creation and the book of beginnings, starting with the beginning of creation and ending with the new nation of Israel.

EXODUS, contains 1,213 VERSES, 40 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 40:38.
It is the 7th longest book in the Bible. Exodus is a book of redemption, specifically the
redemption of his chosen people, Israel, from bondage in Egypt.

LEVITICUS, contains 859 VERSES, 27 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 27:34.
It is the 16th longest book in the BIble. Leviticus is the book of instruction for holy living for the Israelites.

NUMBERS, contains 1,288 VERSES, 36 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 36:13.
It is the 5th longest book in the Bible. Numbers is the book of preparation, rebellion, and still more preparation of the Israelites to enter the Promised Land.

DEUTERONOMY, contains 959 VERSES, 34 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 34:12. It is the 12th longest book in the Bible. Deuteronomy is a book reminding the Israelites of God's faithfulness, and then urging them to commit to Him to receive his fullest blessings.


THE HISTORICAL BOOKS (12)
JOSHUA, contains 658 VERSES, 24 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 24:33. It is the 23rd longest book in the Bible. Joshua is the record of the Israelites' conquest and possession of the Promised Land.

JUDGES, contains 618 VERSES, 21 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 21:25. It is the 24th longest book in the Bible. Judges shows that God's judgment against sin is certain.

RUTH, contains 85 VERSES, 4 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 4:22. It is the 50th longest book in the Bible. Ruth is the account of three people who remained faithful to God while the society around them was collapsing.
I SAMUEL, contains 810 VERSES, 31 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 31:13. It is the 19th longest book in the Bible. I Samuel records the life of Samuel, Israel's last judge; the reign and decline of Saul; and the preparation of David, Israel's greatest king.

II SAMUEL, contains 695 VERSES, 24 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 24:25. It is the 21st longest book in the Bible.

I KINGS, contains 813 VERSES, 22 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 22:53. It is the 18th longest book in the Bible.

II KINGS, contains 719 VERSES, 25 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 25:30. It is the 20th longest book in the Bible.

I CHRONICLES, contains 941 VERSES, 29 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 29:30. It is the 13th longest book in the Bible.

II CHRONICLES, contains 822 VERSES, 36 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 36:23. It is the 17th longest book in the Bible.

EZRA, contains 280 VERSES, 10 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 10:44. It is the 31st longest book in the Bible.

NEHEMIAH, contains 406 VERSES, 13 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 13:31. It is the 27th longest book in the Bible., LEADERSHIP AND OVERCOMING OPPOSITION AND INTIMIDATION

ESTHER, contains 167 VERSES, 10 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 10:3. It is the 36th longest book in the Bible.


POETICAL BOOKS (5)
JOB, contains 1,070 VERSES, 42 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 42:17. It is the
11th (tied with Acts) longest book in the Bible.

PSALMS, contains 2,461 VERSES, 150 PSALMS, and its LAST VERSE is 150:6. It is the longest book in the Bible.

PROVERBS, contains 915 VERSES, 31 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 31:31. It is the 14th longest book in the Bible.

ECCLESIASTES, contains 222 VERSES, 12 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 12:14. It is the 33rd longest book in the Bible.

SONG OF SONGS, contains 117 VERSES, 8 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 8:14. It is the 41st longest book in the Bible.


PROPHETIC BOOKS (17)
ISAIAH, contains 1,292 VERSES, 66 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 66:24. It is the 4th longest book in the Bible.

JEREMIAH, contains 1,364 VERSES, 52 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 52:34. It is the 3rd longest book in the Bible.

LAMENTATIONS, contains 154 VERSES, 5 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 5:22. It is the 38th longest book in the Bible.

EZEKIAL, contains 1,273 VERSES, 48 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 48:35. It is the 6th longest book in the Bible.

DANIEL, contains 357 VERSES, 12 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 12:13. It is the 29th longest book in the Bible. Daniel was God's prophet to a pagan/ secular land.

HOSEA, contains 197 VERSES , 14 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 14:9. It is the 35th longest book in the Bible.

JOEL, contains 73 VERSES, 3 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 3:21. It is the 52nd longest book in the Bible.

AMOS, contains 146 VERSES, 9 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 9:15. It is the 40th longest book in the Bible. Amos was a layman prophet of judgment.

OBADIAH, contains 21 VERSES, 1 CHAPTER , and its LAST VERSE is 1:21. It is the
64th longest book (tied with Jude and Philemon) in the Bible (and it is the shortest Old Testament book). It shows God's curse against His people's enemies.

JONAH, contains 48 VERSES, 4 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 4:11. It is the 57th longest book in the Bible. The account of God's reluctant prophet.

MICAH, contains 105 VERSES, 7 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 7:20. It is the 46th longest book in the Bible. It is a message about Israel's sin.

NAHUM, contains 47 VERSES, 3 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 3:19. It is the
59th longest book (tied with II Thessalonians and ) in the Bible. The rest of the story about what ultimately happened at Ninevah.

HABAKKUK, contains 56 VERSES, 3 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 3:19. It is the 54th longest book in the Bible. About God's questioning prophet.

ZEPHANIAH, contains 53 VERSES, 3 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 3:30. It is the 56th longest book in the Bible. About God's wrath and hope for Judah.

HAGGAI, contains 38 VERSES, 2 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 2:23. It is the 61st longest book in the BIble. It is a call to rebuild God's temple.

ZECHARIAH, contains 210 VERSES, 14 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 14:21. It is the 34th longest book in the Bible. It speaks of God's deliverance through the Messiah.

MALACHI, contains 55 VERSES, 4 CHAPTERS , and its LAST VERSE is 4:6. It is the 55th longest book in the Bible. God confronts His sinful people.

OLD TESTAMENT SUMMARY
TOTAL OLD TESTAMENT VERSES - 23,137 VERSES
RANKED BY LENGTH (THE TOP 10) - PSALMS (2461), GENESIS (1530), JEREMIAH (1364), ISAIAH (1292) , NUMBERS (1288), EZEKIAL (1273), EXODUS (1213), JOB (1070), DEUTERONOMY (959), I CHRONICLES (941) - 13,391 VERSES OR 57.9% OF THE OLD TESTAMENT



NEW TESTAMENT BOOKS

MATTHEW, contains 1,071 VERSES, 28 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 28:20. It is the 9th longest book in the Bible. The promised Messiah is revealed.

MARK, contains 677 VERSES, 16 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 16:20. It is the 22nd longest book in the Bible. It is the “action gospel.”

LUKE, contains 1,150 VERSES, 24 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 24:53. It is the 8th longest book in the Bible. Jesus, the perfect human and the Son of God.

JOHN, contains 878 VERSES, 21 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 21:25. It is the 15th longest book in the Bible. The Son of God as viewed by the beloved disciple.

ACTS, contains 1,007 VERSES, 28 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE 28:31. It is the
11th longest (tied with Job) book in the Bible. The birth and growth of the church.

ROMANS, contains 433 VERSES, 16 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 16:27. It is the 26th longest book in the Bible. An exposition or treatise on faith.

I CORINTHIANS, contains 437 VERSES, 16 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 16:24. It is the 25th longest book in the Bible. About problems and solutions in an early church.

II CORINTHIANS, contains 257 VERSES, 13 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 13:14. It is the 32nd longest book in the Bible. About defending truth and refuting error.

GALATIANS, contains 149 VERSES, 6 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 6:18. It is the 39th longest book in the Bible. Freedom is a key theme.

EPHESIANS, contains 155 VERSES, 6 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 6:24. It is the 37th longest book in the Bible. About the place and role of the church.

PHILIPPIANS, contains 104 VERSES, 4 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 4:23. It is the 47th longest book in the Bible. JOY

COLOSSIANS, contains 95 VERSES, 4 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 4:18. It is the 48th longest book in the Bible. CONFRONT SYNCRETISM WITH SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST

I THESSALONIANS, contains 89 VERSES, 5 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 5:28. It is the 49th longest book in the Bible. STRENGTHEN, ENCOURAGE, CHRIST’S RETURN.

II THESSALONIANS, contains 47 VERSES, 3 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 3:18. It is the 61st longest book in the Bible ( tied with....). CLARIFY 2ND COMING OF CHRIST.

I TIMOTHY, contains 113 VERSES, 6 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 6:21. It is the 42nd longest book in the Bible. , INSTRUCT AND ENCOURAGE TIMOTHY .

II TIMOTHY, contains 83 VERSES, 4 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 4:22. It is the 51st longest book in the Bible. , MORE INSTRUCTION TO TIMOTHY.

TITUS, contains 46 VERSES, 3 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 3:15. It is the 60th longest book in the Bible. , INSTRUCTION TO TITUS ON CRETE.

PHILEMON, contains 25 VERSES, 1 CHAPTER, and its LAST VERSE is 1:25. It is the 64th longest book ( tied with Obadiah and Jude) in the Bible. , FORGIVENESS.

HEBREWS, contains 303 VERSES, 13 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 13:25. It is the 30th longest book in the Bible. SUPERIORITY AND SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST.

JAMES, contains 108 VERSES, 5 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 5:20. It is the
43rd longest book in the Bible. , TRUE FAITH.

I PETER, contains 105 VERSES, 5 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 5:14. It is the 46th longest book (tied with Micah and I John) in the Bible. , LIVING WITH PERSECUTION

II PETER, contains 61 VERSES, 3 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 3:18. It is the 53rd longest book in the Bible. , MATURITY.

I JOHN, contains 105 VERSES, 5 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 5:21. It is the 46th longest book (tied with Micah and I Peter) in the Bible. , WARNINGS ABOUT FALSE TEACHERS

II JOHN, contains 13 VERSES, 1 CHAPTER, and its LAST VERSE is 1:13. It is tied as the shortest book (tied with III John) in the Bible, the 66th longest book. , BASICS OF FAITH & FALSE TEACHINGS

III JOHN, contains 13 VERSES, 1 CHAPTER, and its LAST VERSE is 1:13. It is tied as the shortest book (tied with II John) in the Bible, the 66th longest book. HOSPITALITY TO BELIEVERS.

JUDE, contains 25 VERSES, 1 CHAPTER, and its LAST VERSE is 1:25. It is the 64h longest book (tied with Obadiah and Philemon) in the Bible. VIGILANCE.

REVELATION, contains 404 VERSES, 22 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 22:21. It is the 28th longest book in the Bible. END TIMES, GOD’S WRATH, AND HIS ULTIMATE VICTORY.

7953 TOTAL NT VERSES
RANKED BY LENGTH - LUKE (1150) , MATTHEW (1071), ACTS (1007), JOHN, MARK, 1ST CORINTHIANS, ROMANS, REVELATION, HEBREWS, II CORINTHIANS - 6617 OF VERSES OR 83.2% OF NT


VERSES IN THE BIBLE PER NIV VERSION
31090 TOTAL BIBLE VERSES IN NIV
RANKED BY LENGTH ( TOP 12) - PSALMS (2461 ), GENESIS (1530), JEREMIAH (1364 ), ISAIAH (1292 ) , NUMBERS ( 1288 ), EZEKIEL (1273 ), EXODUS (1213 ), LUKE ( 1150) , MATTHEW ( 1071 ), JOB, ACTS ( 1007 ) , DEUTERONOMY ( 959 )
15678 TOTAL VERSES OR 50.4 % OF BIBLE

NEXT 12 IN LENGTH - ( 13TH-24TH ) - I CHRONICLES, PROVERBS ( 915 ), JOHN, LEVITICUS, II CHRONICLES, I KINGS, I SAMUEL, II KINGS, II SAMUEL, MARK, JOSHUA, JUDGES - 9,405 VERSES OR 30.3 % OF BIBLE

THIRD 12 IN LENGTH - ( 25-36TH )
I CORINTH ( 437 ), ROMANS ( 433 ), NEHEMIAH (406 ), REVELATION ( 404 ),
DANIEL ( 357 ), HEBREWS ( 303 ), EZRA ( 280 ), II CORINTH. ( 257 ), ECCLESIASTES (222 ), ZECHARIAH ( 210), HOSEA ( 197 ), ESTHER ( 167 )
-3678 VERSES OR 11.8 % OF BIBLE

FOURTH 11 IN LENGTH ( 37-47TH )
EPHESIANS ( 155 ), LAMENATATIONS ( 154 ), GALATIANS ( 149), AMOS ( 146 ) ,
SONG OF SONGS ( 117 ), I TIMOTHY ( 113), JAMES ( 108), TIE I PETER, I JOHN AND MICAH ( 105 ), PHILIPIANS ( 104 ) - 1361 VERSES OR 4.4 % OF BIBLE

SHORTEST BOOKS OF BIBLE ( UNDER 100 VERSES ) RANKED WITH SHORTEST FIRST ( 48TH- 66TH ) - II JOHN AND III JOHN TIE (13), OBADIAH, PHILEMON AND JUDE TIE ( 25 ), HAGGAI, TITUS, II THESSALONIANS AND NAHUM TIE, JONAH, ZEPHANIAH, MALACHI, HABAKKUK, II PETER, JOEL, II TIMOTHY, RUTH, I THESSALONIANS, COLOSSIANS - 973 VERSES OR 3.1 % OF BIBLE

On the Reality of Hell !!!

Definitely, one of the most politically "incorrect" topics, whether it be in social conversation, on Facebook, or even at church, is concerning the reality of the existence of a literal hell.

Human beings definitely have an aversion to the topic. Some Christians believe a loving God wouldn't send anyone there, Jehovah's Witnesses think the soul just falls asleep at death, and unchurched teenagers find the topic quite "uncool." It is interesting to me why atheists get so upset about a place that they are quite sure doesn't exist.

Anyway, the Bible tells us hell does exist and Jesus Christ mentioned hell numerous times.

I just want to use this post to share SOME verses about hell and its purpose:
*Hell is the "default" destination after death for those who have rejected Jesus Christ (John 3:18-19),
*Hell, aka Sheol, keeps expanding (Proverbs 27:20),
*Those in hell are in intense pain (Luke 16:19-31, Mark 47 and Matthew 5:22),
*There are different places in hell including outer darkness (Matthew 25:30), the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15), places of chains and gloomy darkness reserved for angels (II Peter 2:4), and places of torment and fire (Luke 16:23-24),
*Hell is eternal (Matthew 25:41, 46),
*The Bible indicates that "many" are on the road to destruction but "few" find the road to life (Matthew 7:13-14), which has unpleasant implications for much of humanity, and
*Hell is a place of punishment originally prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41).

I would also recommend the book, "A Divine Revelation of Hell" by Mary K. Baxter and the web site, www.spiritlessons.com. These resources feature the testimonies of people who have visited hell. I have found them to be truthful because they confirm what the Bible says about hell.

Hell can be avoided by repenting of sin and turning to faith in Jesus Christ. In John 3:16, Jesus said, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."

Announcing Daniel O'Hara's Twitter Account.

Daniel O'Hara, the Lion's Den Society's Founder, President and Contract Pastor started his own personal Twitter account recently at lionsden888. The account will not be directly associated with the Lion's Den Society since it is Mr. O'Hara personal account but will feature regular Bible verses of interest (currently from the old Testament book of Proverbs and the Gospel of John), as well as spiritual insights and comments on current events.

A Few Objections to the Bible Answered...

In today's secular American society many don't want to talk religion, i.e. Biblical Christianity that is. "Religion" is typically the code word for true Christianity. Now if you talk about yoga, or you got involved in the latest New Age cult, etc. now that's a different story. Interest in false doctrines draws the attention of the crowds, or the wicked.

In Luke 14:16-24, Jesus told the Parable of the Great Banquet. It was about the excuses that people gave concerning invitations to a banquet--one man just bought some land. He wanted to check it out, roll around on it, or perhaps check out the view, I guess. Another bought some new oxen and perhaps felt he needed to plow a field, and still another had just gotten married.

All were lame excuses in light of the benefit offered. I would submit that all those invited had different priorities, foolish ones.  They didn't "get it" as we might say today. the Parable shows the folly of choosing the temporal over the eternal.

Furthermore, the parable is a lesson showing the perils of making excuses about failing to follow God or to respond to His saving grace because ultimately the invitation will be revoked. In Luke 14:21 the invitation was then offered to "...the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame." And ultimately, in Luke 14:24 the parable ends, Jesus offered this judgment, "I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet."

I once had a discussion with an older Roman Catholic man who used a few of the common modern tricks or excuses of the day to avoid talking about the Bible, or at least to avoid using it as an authoritative resource in a discussion about religion.

The "tricks" he used were:
*I read a verse from the New International Version. He asked which version I was reading because he didn't like what he heard as I read from Matthew 10:34, which is the passage where Jesus says, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." As I read the passage he asked skeptically and nervously, "What version is that?" For the record, the King James version, the New King James version, and the English standard Version would have likely prompted the same objection and nervousness. This objection or more aptly, "red herring" is used by some, typically among certain denominations, who either assert that only one version is inspired or acceptable, and others are not. However, in most situations, differences in Bible versions are minor, and not substantive to understanding a given passage. This objection can also be a cover for someone who doesn't know the Bible; a great way to shut off debate. Besides, having attended Catholic schools myself, I recall the religion teachers saying that difference in most versions are subtle.

*If an Old Testament verse is used as support, then the objection, "That's Old Testament" or "That's of the law; I'm under grace" is often raised. Now, if a "nice verse" like one in the Psalms or Proverbs or another "positive" Old Testament passage is read, then that "objection" seems not to be raised. Psalm 23:1, for example, "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want" typically is viewed as harmless, at least among professing Christians. Again, this is typically used by someone who doesn't know the Bible, hasn't studied the Bible to realize that challenging passages can be reconciled, or who may not believe in the validlity, let alone infallibility of the Bible. The bottom line is, according to II Timothy 3:16 NIV, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for training in righteousness..."

*A final obection arose in my itneraction with this older man. It was "You can be a good person without the Bible." This is very deceptive. It is possible to be saved like the thief on the cross just before death. However, often the Bible is preached, which brings about such an immediate conversion. This argument illustrates the danger inherent in the "religious holiness" found in the Roman Catholic Church or other churches or religions that have a long history, beautiful buildings, and an "aura" of holiness. A form of godliness (II Timothy 3:5) or "holiness" can be mastered in such an environment. People like this man who claimed to go to Mass often, perhaps even daily, but asserted that it was possible to be good without the Bible are deceived indeed. Jesus warned the Pharisees of His day about similar behavior. Furthermore, if a person goes to any Mass then he would hear a reading from the Old Testament, a reading from the New Testament, a Psalm, and a Gospel reading. Indeed, the Mass commemorates the biblical account of Jesus' sacrifice recorded in the Bible. Sadly, many religious people may go to church their whole life without putting the Word into practice in their life as Jesus commanded in Matthew 7:24-25. Jesus is the Bible according to John 1:1 NKJV, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." It is impossible to separate the Bible from Jesus Christ, the Savior of all mankind. Furthermore, Jesus adds in John 8:31-32 NKJV, "If you abide in My word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth , and the truth shall make you free."

A storm is brewing....

After settling down early this year, the European debt crisis appears to be rearing its ugly head again and its effects are spreading to this side of "the pond", as it were.

A few recent events:
*A Greek candidate caused stock markets' fear when he suggested repudiating prior austerity agreements,
*French voters, weary of austerity, threw out Pres. Sarkozy,
*Greek savers are running on banks,
*Moody's downgraded over a dozen Spanish banks today,
*And today the U.S. stock market has dropped for the 11th day out of the last 12,
These signs are just a few showing the crisis in Greece is getting worse and the "contagion" is spreading in severity throughout Europe and affecting the US stock market as well.

The U.S. stock market has given back much of the gains achieved in the first quarter of 2012 in May. Today, gold and silver, traditional safe havens, spiked higher after having a recent lull. The market dropped over 150 points today with the Dow Jones average just over 12440 after being over 13000 earlier this year.

Recently, I asked the Lord to lead me (Proverbs 3:5-6) to a good photo to view on my digital photo frame and I was led to one showing the streets of New York City after the Crash of 1929. I hope I am mistaken but again the signs are ominous:
*Bank runs in Greece,
*Spanish banks downgraded,
*A sputtering U.S. recovery. U.S. corporations have had strong earnings recently but headwinds are growing.
*A so-called "fiscal cliff" looms in the USA due to the expiring Bush tax cuts and coming federal government spending cuts which will have an adverse impact on economic growth, in the eyes of many. Anti-business government policies and uncertainty about ObamaCare add to the risks ahead.

Even if this is just a temporary "pull back" in the market, it is important to keep in mind broader issues. On a spiritual level, it is important to remember history. The USA was founded on biblical principles. The Puritans sought religious freedom in the New World as Christians honoring a Judeo-Christian.

Yet today, we see our President sticking "his elbow in God's eye" by expressing his approval for homosexual marriage, the height of honoring what God calls an "abomination". The hostility I see toward "religion" (aka, true Bible-based Christianity) in this nation is sometimes shocking. Many cry, "God Bless America" but our President and many other Americans curse Israel and true Christians with treachery, irrational hostility, trampled religious freedom, etc.

Under the backdrop of "in your face"scriptures like Hosea 9:7, Genesis 12:3, Psalm 9:17, the book of Habakkuk, and Proverbs 1:20-33, it is hard to see how America will not escape God's judgment as Israel did in biblical times and as Europe is now. 

The Bible tells us:
"The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
but the simple go on and suffer for it." Proverbs 22:3 ESV

I am confident this verse is applicable to these times.

Also, Proverbs 11:28 notes, "Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf." 

In a time of judgment, God will mock the wicked per Proverbs 1:26, "I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you like a storm." But to those who heed God's word of warning and rebuke, Proverbs 1:33 notes, "...but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster."

Malice..it's not just for the heathen anymore!

Malice. The word is rarely used, it seems these days. However, in 21st Century America, malice is nonetheless common. It is defined as, "a desire to harm others or to see others suffer." The Bible offers powerful insight into malice, one of the manifestations of the fundamentally flawed and evil nature of mankind.

Malice is quite common even in today's America's church. Name the church or denomination and it can be present. It is a spirit marked by traits noted in II Timothy 3:1-5. Among the traits noted are:

*False accusation. Accusations based in a standard of morality not based in the Bible so the "rebukes" are counterfeit. It magnifies negatives...valid criticism of immoral behavior becomes "hate". Good faith decisions made based on the best available information become a lie, if the information turns out to be wrong. It is often based in a completely biased perspective. An example is much of the reporting in the mainstream news media today that treats liberal and non-Judeo Christian religions positively or negative events with "kid gloves" with slanting the exact opposite direction for Judeo-Christian and politically conservative perspectives. Proverbs 11:1 notes, "The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight." On a more personal or individual level, sneering accusations or comments made about even the most innocuous of things like leaving a dish in the sink or perhaps about the neighbor's lawn getting a "wee bit" long also manifest a spirit of malice.

Often, a malicious self-righteousness can be concealed. Proverbs 26:23 declares, "Like a coating of glaze over earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart." Proverbs 26:24-26 adds, "A malicious man disguises himself with his lips...His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly."

*Despisers of those that are good. This seems confusing! Why would anyone despise those that are good? The answer is in the wickedness of the human heart, according to Jeremiah 17:9, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" Personally, I have had my integrity questioned while taking a stand against homosexuality, even being lectured, condemned, or ridiculed by people claiming to be "born again" Christians. While working for a traditional marriage amendment, I received unexpected resistance from Christians, perhaps manifesting the true condition of their heart. The refrain sometimes heard was, "We don't want to close the door on talking to people about Jesus" or "We just need to love on people, not judge." This sounds quite spiritual, on first hearing, but if someone is truly repentant then the truth should be welcome, not offensive. Also, while seeking petitions for an amendment defending traditional marriage, one man asked me, "Is that what Jesus would do?" Apparently, he thought a little guilt would work; he may have felt I would be easily manipulated by appealing to the "nice Christian" stereotype. However, in Matthew 5:13 Jesus said believers are "...the salt of the earth..." We should take a stand and be bold for righteousness (Proverbs 28:1 and Matthew 5:10) and realize that love rejoices in the truth (I Corinthians 13:6) and not in what is "positive."

*Having a form of godliness but denying its power. In other words, a religious spirit. This is the same self-righteousness found among the Pharisees in Jesus' day. They made doctrine of the traditions of men while ignoring the commands of God (Mark 7:8). The same thing can happen in Christian denominations today, making the denomination, church or ministry's vision more important than the Bible and the person of Jesus Christ. And, making up "new" human commands that stray from the Word of God; a list of "dos" and "don'ts" that elaborate on one aspect of the truth but ignore another. Today, many churches, organizations or even governments are attempting to develop a false righteousness based on church attendance, "getting along" with others, social justice, preventing "climate change," multi-culturalism, or universal health care to name a few "virtues".

These traits and others also noted in II Timothy 3:1-5 are the breeding ground for a malicious attitude.

Malice manifests specifically in a few different forms:
*It can be what the psychologists call "passive-aggressive" behavior, or intentionally stonewalling or procrastinating to get even for past misdeeds.
*Christians can maintain, "I don't have a malicious bone in my body" but sin is present in all of us. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..." according to Romans 3:23.
*Malice often rises to the surface when one person's misfortune knocks at the door of a "friend" or family member who is at ease (Job 12:5). In such a situation, when relations were more "equal" there may have been something said or done that was mildly offensive (perhaps an unpopular political belief or religious doctrine was raised or even a favorite football team was knocked). Nothing was said but over time such a conversation may have festered. Now, the "offender" of the past has become the one in need. My experience tells me that malice can manifest in the form of weak excuses such as "we don't know each other that well" or "...can you try the church before you ask me for help", etc.
*Such rationalizations are often invented to avoid having to help. Also, in such times a "morally superior" person may feel the need to "teach a lesson", as it were.
Sometimes, such a person may feel the need to "pay back" on behalf of another. The "offender" may have made what was deemed to be an "unloving" comment, actually the sort of blunt truth that Jesus used when he called the Pharisees, "whitewashed tombs." Nonetheless, it may be deemed appropriate for the "offender" to be "punished" with a withheld favor or request because of an offended sibling, cousin, friend, child or spouse, etc.
*Or perhaps a job or character reference is sought. In reply such a malicious person may feign that he does not know the person "all that well". Perhaps the language would be something like, "...After reading the character reference questionnaire, I felt that they needed someone's responses that reflect a deeper understanding and knowledge of the "John Doe" that I do not know..." In actuality, all that might be required is a short conversation to gain that "knowledge". More than likely, the organization asking for the reference may not be asking for such in-depth knowledge at all. Such a person is using another "trumped-up" rationalization to avoid action.

A few other examples of malice manifested in daily life:
*At a person's "high point" in life like at a marriage, graduation, the purchase of a new car, or on a vacation the envy of another can reflect a malicious spirit. Comments like "wasn't that expensive", "do you think you should take the time off...", "...where were you" can all reflect a snotty, malicious tone or heart.
*At other times, dirty looks or glares can be given at similar good fortune. The good fortune of a righteous man or his righteous behavior can be despised as noted in II Timothy 3:1-5, "despisers of those that are good."
*Finally, malice can be manifested by assigning something wrong or immoral to what is righteous. A person who offers to pray for another may be viewed as a flake; an act of kindness is viewed with nasty suspicion, even if a clear record of prior kind deeds have been shown; or an offer to help may be given with sly intent. Actually, there may be a desire to confront, castigate, or browbeat the one seeking help and a "meeting" would truly be used for this purpose, and not to help.

These are all the hallmarks of a malicious spirit that again is similar to the spirit found among the religious leaders of Jesus' day who repaid Jesus by turning him over to the secular, Roman authorities of the time. Matthew 26:3 notes, "Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they plotted to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill him."

A time of progress or a time of a curse?

Days before Christmas, offering a slap in the face to true Christians who believe the truth of the Bible, Obama declared this was a "time of progress" due to the sad fact that Congress had overturned the ban on homosexuals serving openly in the military. The strongest opposing argument I heard against lifting the ban was given by former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum when he said it would basically marginalize "people of faith" more. I agree. Sadly, most of the opposition on the Republican side has been to ask for more time for the military to study the matter.

Now given the fact that Christian military chaplains have had difficulty being allowed to "serve openly" in the military by being forbidden from praying in Jesus' name, one would think that should lead people who claim to know their God to become troubled, you'd think, or perhaps indignant, or be moved to action per Daniel 11:32. On the contrary, it seems a number of Republicans and Christians have embraced or ignored lifting the ban. They want to be magnanimous or gracious or they just wanted to be appeasers I guess. Even conservatives seem to think that "gays in the military" is a minor issue. They are sadly mistaken. The issue goes to the heart of the nation's founding as a place for freedom of worship. The federal government has flunked the test in God's eyes.

Sadly, this misguided magnanimous, "loving" approach is shared my many Christians as they fall over themselves talking about God's love. Blah, blah, blah, blah. What nonsense! Many American Christians think God is loving and gracious and He will just go on blessing America because, well you know "God is just that way", they think. Their sloppy "God is love" theology forgets that I Corinthians 13:6 NIV notes that "...love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth." I can almost see the "love" I would get from many Christians if I quoted such a verse, such as the Methodists or United Church of Christ folks.

Surprisingly, many Christians who know better would often likewise turn surly or lecture a bold Christian for getting upset about an issue like "gays" in the military. However, the same "loving", self controlled Christian would get upset if someone didn't spay/neuter their cat, or if they didn't get an iPad for Christmas, or about another "pressing" issue like allowing wolves to be reintroduced into Yellowstone Park because it might affect their elk hunting results. Still others might get offended if someone doesn't continue attending their "clique" church or small group after a few visits because of the superficial faith or lack of true love. But to be offended that morality is being turned on its head in the USA, what's the big deal? "Manage your anger" or "calm down" they hypocritically advise. God loves gays too right? The attitude seems to be, "Don't bother me with that". Actually this reflects an Americanized dumbed-down theology based in soft virtues like love and mercy and compassion and devoid of the fear of the Lord, the basis of wisdom per Proverbs 1:7. Only, those virtues only seem to apply selectively, if at all. For example, if one is an eagerly compliant member of the "churchy" clique too often found in American churches. The Bible says in Psalm 106:29 that Israel "...provoked the Lord to anger by their wicked deeds." A word search on wicked and angry shows that God does get angry at wickedness. His mercy is not to be presumed upon, as a given, glossing over sin. It is received after sincere repentance for sin.

The USA is begging God for His judgment on this once great nation. Obama is leading, no "progressing", in his words, this nation right over a cliff. Perhaps, Republicans voting for the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" wanted to get invited to Obama's next state dinner? Judgment isn't a nice topic for many Americans and American "Christians" to consider, especially if they're the ones being judged. However, Proverbs 18:5 notes that "It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the innocent of justice." The U.S. military is now doing both. If Americans would take off their rose-colored politically correct glasses and studied for parallels in the Bible such as Sodom and Gomorrah the future doesn't look bright.

Has American forgotten God? A lot more people are saying "Merry Christmas" this year but it seems this "faith" is superficial because if it were sincere then there would be sincere national outrage at the favoritism shown to the wicked after lifting "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", which was hardly an onerous burden on homosexuals anyway. Psalm 9:17 notes, "The wicked return to the grave;all the nations that forget God."

Is Islam Subject to Examination?

The following post is about the religion (or some may say the ideology) of Islam.

The growth of Islam is a trend that will likely affect many now and into the future. Furthermore, there is a peculiar trend in the West.

It seems Islam is often given a "pass" when there are glaring problems (vicious intolerance and bigotry, deceit, anti-Semitism, terrorism, and violence to name a few)with the so-called religion of peace. So, I guess this posting is also about "equal time." The news media, politicians, and religious leaders aren't telling the whole story. Some may call this posting bigoted, "Islamophobic," hateful, etc. etc. I would call it integrity and telling the truth. That seems to be a bit out of fashion these days. If the same folks wish to call their own critiques of Christianity and Christian leaders bigoted or "Christophobic" or "truthophobic" then I might be willing to listen to their glaring "double standard."

Christianity is often given a "rectal exam" on all fronts on rather petty, "out of context," Old Testament issues that aren't practiced by any modern denomination of Christians or Jews, for that matter, such as slavery or stoning of sinners. However, to my knowledge those two practices can be found in the Islamic world. Also, I don't recall seeing coverage recently of a Christian leader like Pat Robertson, the Pope, or any pastor sponsoring a terrorist attack on innocent women and children. Also, it seems Muslims are allowed to practice their religion quite freely in the USA, Canada, or Europe. However, again, we seem to have a little intolerance issue over in the Islamic world toward Christians and Jews.

So this posting endeavors to pose some tough questions for Islam. Perhaps, Muslims and misguided secularists and Christians might consider those before looking foolish in their critique of the absolute truth of the Bible and the divinity of Jesus Christ.

Some of the following questions have been answered extensively and others less so. This posting has been adapted from a letter to the editor I wrote back in 2003.

In the highly charged days since 9/11/01 a curious development is occurring. While our nation's Christian heritage is being eroded by secular humanism, false religions, apostate Christianity, and gross immorality, Islam is treated with "kid gloves." While Muslims clearly have the right to practice their religion(it should be noted Christians often don't in Islamic nations), I would like to ask some difficult questions about Islam and the prevailing misguided ecumenical approach to religion:
Why, in these times of increased terrorism in which the perpetrators are largely Muslim, is there not a greater scrutiny of the beliefs of this allegedly great religion? If it is the truth then it should withstand objective examination.

Are Islam and Christianity basically alike? This belief may feed "feel-good" secular values but that claim is nonsense. The Bible and the Koran are fundamentally different even though there may be superficial similarities. Islam radically and falsely claims Jesus was not even crucified, let alone risen from the dead and it further claims that Allah (not the true God) has not begotten a Son. Islam makes the false and blasphemous claim that Allah is the God of all human beings. Islam also "rejects the idea of trinity or such a unity of God which implies more than one God in one." According to my research, Allah is the moon god. In a televised teaching, Dr. Pat Robertson, noted that it seems that Allah resembles the false god, Baal that the Philistines worshipped in Old Testament times. I concur with Robertson. So there you go, even Islamic adherents recognize the inherent difference in the religions. They can't both be right! It's appalling that most Americans who claim to be Christian cave in the face of the false claims of Islam. I am confident that the god of this world, Satan, is ultimately behind this phenomenon.

Isn't Islam diametrically opposed to Christianity or antichrist? Despite the deceit by some Muslims and secular liberals about Christians, Jews, and Muslims being "people of the book" they are fundamentally at odds. As noted previously, Islam brazenly denies the Trinity. To deny the Trinity is to deny the divinity of Jesus Christ. I John 2:22-23 NIV declares, "Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist--he denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Sone has the Father also." I am confident that the final antichrist will hail from an Islamic nation. According to my understanding of the book of Daniel, it seems he will come from Syria or a nation in that vicinity.

Is Islam truly inclusive, tolerant, and a religion of peace? The objective evidence responds with a resounding "No". Some American teens might say "whad ever". In Islamic countries it is a crime in many cases, for a Muslim to convert to another religion. Christians and Jews are treated like 2nd class citizens in these places. In the nation of Saudi Arabia, Christians and Jews are not even allowed in the supposedly holy city of Mecca. Also, in my personal experience, I was arrogantly rebuffed when I inquired about offering biblically-based consulting services in Saudi Arabia.

Is Islam being taught in some schools and universities while the mere mention of
Jesus makes many people uncomfortable? I would submit that the fundamental reason is that some liberals and secularists in the USA, as well as in other western nations, are truly "brothers of antichrist" under the skin with misguided Muslims. Is it possible that Osama bin Laden represents the true Islam? That seems obvious. But what about so-called moderate Muslims. In my own personal experience with a Muslim of Kurdish origin (a man many would describe as a moderate Muslim), I found a similar intolerance to truth. I invited this man to a Easter Sunday service years ago. This gentle, low-key man became visibly irritated. He said that Jesus did not even die on a cross. That reflects the true belief of Islam. I would say he is a "lukewarm" Muslim like many "lukewarm" Christians because he barely knew the Koran (couldn't point to one favorite verse). He further boasted that back in his native Kurdish Iraq his people often celebrated with Christians. However, you only had to scratch the surface to reveal his true colors. He became angry when I suggested that Allah was the moon god. I pointed out the fact that many Islamic nations had a moon on their flags. He couldn't respond except to get angry at me and accuse me of harassment.

Why can't an Islamic nation sustain democracy and liberty? I may stand corrected here. Turkey was doing it but it seems to be the exception, and definitely not the rule. Recently, even Turkey as adopted a fundamentalist Islamic approach. I have a theory about Turkey. My belief is that Islamic countries are under the tyranny of Islam, and ultimately Satan. I feel for these poor people. The Bible notes in II Corinthians 3:17 NIV, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." There is not freedom in Islamic countries because they restrict the true religion, Christianity.

Was Mohammed a pedophile and a bit of a terrorist himself? Did he deal deceitfully with his own tribe? According to my research, this is the case. I would encourage those who have the courage to accept the truth to research that one themselves.
If Islam is such a peaceful religion why hasn't there been an Islamic outcry against the suicide bombings against Israel and America? The short answer seems to be fear. Muslims, who know better, are afraid to speak out. Christians and Jews are infidels, at least when they aren't trying to deceive gullible American liberals with the "people of the book" nonsense. As the world is heading toward the final return of Jesus Christ, many will be hardened in their unbelief. The man of sin or the antichrist will precede Jesus' return, arriving as a counterfeit Messiah. Many Muslims may consider him their Messiah, or Mahdi. Again, this shows that Islam and Christianity are diametrically opposed. II Thessalonians 2:912 NIV notes, "The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness." Therefore, the antichrist will be God's judgment on an unbelieving world. Many in the western world who have rejected the freedom and truth of Jesus will be punished through the Antichrist.