NOW THAT THE DUST HAS SETTLED A FRANK BUT COMPASSIONATE TALK ABOUT RECENT EVENTS BY PAUL JOHNSTON SR. There are those who would label me as an old hater and bigot as a consequence of my stance on the recent gay marriage debate. Neither of these words would be attributes to which I would aspire so it has caused me to do some sincere soul and heart searching to know myself and my true beliefs. About twenty years ago when the world was not so enlightened and many still cruelly referred to homosexuals as “queers”, I had a friend that I had known from high school days who had always been kind, supportive, and respectful toward me ask me to review a paper he had written regarding his struggles with depression for the purpose of gaining benefits based upon his disability. He cautioned me that after reading it I might no longer consider him my friend. In the paper he had written the detailed struggles he had had with depression and revealed that he had both heterosexual and homosexual feelings. His was a sad story of sexual abuse as a child from a close relative through his adult years of dealing with feelings that many at the time considered repugnant. When it was not popular to befriend the gay guy I viewed him with compassion and treated him with the same respect and kindness that I had always shown. I thought to myself if I had been through the hell of a childhood that this man endured perhaps I would not be as sure of my true sexual orientation either. He remained my friend until his death. I did not hate my friend when he revealed his orientation to me. I don't hate homosexuals in general. Most of the ones I've known personally were likable people. I even found myself cheering for a gay couple on “The Amazing Race” one time because they showed more kindness and genuine character than any of their competitors. To me this debate is not about putting other people down. The one good thing I can see coming out of this open dialogue is the fact that people can tell others what they are feeling inside without being made to feel they are second class citizens and I think that is a good thing. I do not have homosexual feelings but I can imagine that living with that secret knowledge eating at you can't be very pleasant. So what do I believe one as a Christian should do if someday your mother or father or brother or sister or child or grandchild or dear friend should come to you and tell you they are gay . I think you should do what you've done everyday, I think you should continue to love them unconditionally. I am a Christian. I have come to the conclusion that I am a sinner who has come short of God's standard of righteousness and that if I remain in such a condition I will be forever separated from God . I have also come to the conclusion that in spite of my sin God loves me and made a wonderful plan to forgive me, cleanse me, and make me worthy of His Heaven and eternal life. I believe in the doctrine of original sin which is that Adam was told by God not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Eve was enticed by Satan who argued that God didn't really say what he meant, there were no dire consequences for her disobedience, and if she wanted to be intelligent she would partake of the forbidden fruit. She took of the tree, ate, and gave her husband Adam of the fruit and he too ate and all God had warned came true. They died spiritually that day and was separated from God and kicked out of the Garden of Eden and the more abundant life that God had planned for them. Yet, in spite of their sin and disobedience God still loved them and went looking for them even though they in fear tried to run away from God and hide from Him. He shed the blood of an innocent animal and made a covering for the shame of their nakedness. The innocent died for the guilty. This picture was repeated at Calvary where a world lost in sin because of the mess up of one man Adam was offered forgiveness of their sins through the death of one innocent man, Jesus. The penalty to be paid for sin per God's law is death. Jesus had no sin having God as His Father and not of Adam's biological paternal line. One man messed up the world and one man offers salvation to the world. I came to the conclusion a long time ago that Jesus was the Son of God and I asked Him to save me having faith that He was who He claimed to be. I do not pretend to be anyone special or perfect or that I have any right to Heaven other than I trusted that Jesus did for me what I could not do for myself. I have also come to the conclusion that the Bible is the Word of God and can be looked to for wisdom and guidance in any situation. I view it as the ultimate authority on how we should live our lives believing its words to be God inspired. Over the past fifty years there have been very few days that I have not read at least some portion of the Word of God. I took literally the admonition to “Study to shew yourself approved unto God”. I feel the greatest benefit of all this reading is the closeness I now feel to God. I understand that there are many people in this world that consider it to be an outdated book of allegories and tall tales with little value in their lives. As an American I defend their right to believe this and I don't find any place in Scripture where God forces a man to do anything against his will. I believe you have freedom to do what you want with the life God has given you. (Ecc 12:13) Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. (Ecc 12:14) For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whetherit be good, or whetherit be evil. Just as God did not come down and smack Eve's hand causing her to drop the fruit before she could eat it, He will not stop you from doing what is in your heart to do. He will give his Word on a subject, He will warn of the dire consequences of disobedience, then he will give you a free will to choose to obey or disobey. Satan will also surely come along and tell you that God didn't mean what He said, he will argue that there are no real consequences for disobeying God's instructions, and he will deceive you if at allpossible seeking to kill your body, steal your joy, and destroy your reputation through his lies. God's free will does not provide you with an exemption from the consequences of your chosen actions. Whether you choose wisely or wrongly a judgment from God follows. Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: Heb 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. If you do not choose Christ as your Savior then you bear your own sin and its consequences for eternity. Hell was not prepared for man but you can find yourself headed there even though this is not God's perfect plan for your life. The choice is yours and yours alone. For the Christian, our wood, hay, and stubble appears on an altar in Heaven before us on the day we give account of our lives to Jesus. Also on that altar is gold, silver, and precious stones the materials of which a crown is fashioned. It specifically states that some will suffer loss and have absolutely nothing in their hand after their works are tried yet they will be saved. I for one would not want to be in Heaven empty handed. It is my understanding that we cast our crowns at the feet of Jesus in an act of worship and humility and gratitude. I do not want to be without a single thing to offer to my Lord on that day to say thank-you. Let me first of all state without qualification the I believe the Bible teaches that God loves every lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender person alive today. Jesus loved them and died for their sins the same as he did for me. His arms are outstretched to all who will accept Him as their Savior. Yet, championing the LGBT cause is a new movement in the church that I believe is not based upon a sound understanding of Bible principles. If Satan is behind a movement you can be sure to spot a lie in it at some point mixed in with the truth. The best liars will give you just enough truth in their statements to sound like they are speaking correctly. For instance Satan told Eve that she would be like God knowing the difference between good and evil if she would just eat the fruit. He spoke the truth but he failed to warn her of the ramifications of her actions. This movement takes a truth that we would all be well advised to heed as Christians and builds upon it. That truth is that many if not most Christians at heart are not very loving. We might go through all the motions of Christianity but as the Apostle Paul warned if we do it without charity (that selfless type of love as shown by God to us) it is all in vain. I believe the way homosexuals have been shunned by the church in the past is wrong. A young person with these feelings could be very reluctant to share their feelings with their pastor due to less than loving statements made from the pulpit. (1Co 10:13) There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bearit. If you are a Christian and you have homosexual temptation in your life then rest assured that you are not alone. Maybe the pastor or some of the respected deacons of the church have also struggled their whole life with the same problem. Temptation is not sin! (Mat 4:1) Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. Clearly Jesus was tempted to sin by Satan yet He remained sinless. There is a truth that I believe is being exploited for purposes not intended by God's Word. (Mat 7:5)Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. It is a truthful fact to state that some Christians take a hypocritical stance of viewing their own sins as no big deal while exaggerating the sins of others. It was that way in the days that Jesus walked the earth and I sincerely doubt things have changed that much. There is often a pride problem with God's people and that is an issue worthy of being examined prayerfully. (Mat 7:1)Judge not, that ye be not judged. The verse above is a favorite with those with the new liberal theological thinking. Seldom do you hear it quoted with the second verse below and never do you hear it quoted with Rev 20:12 (Mat 7:2)For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. (Rev 20:12) And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which isthe book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. Now we're getting to Satan's lie. The argument is that Christians should never judge the actions of others because we have our own sins to worry about and the Bible says we should not judge others. They fail to understand that the Pharisees had their own list of man made rules and traditions that they imposed on others that they judged them by. If we judge by the Word of God we will be judged by the Word of God. But wait a minute, don't we all face judgment after death and isn't it already based on the Word of God? So if God says something is a sin and Christians go to a brother Christian who is taken in a fault and in humility and the right spirit attempt to restore him using the Word of God as their guide, where is the wrongdoing? Are we not commanded to do this very thing? (Gal 6:1) Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. How in the world could you possibly perform the commandment that is clearly given in Gal 6:1 without first making a judgment of the sin in another person's life? It is starting to smell like smoke folks! Saying a Christian should never judge sin is frankly a lie and does not reflect true Bible doctrine as illustrated above and in several other places as well where sin is addressed. It is further argued that when we as Christians point out the sins of others we offend them and drive them away from the church and Jesus. The indication is we should soft pedal preaching on sin. The question is will this assertion hold water when compared with Bible truth? Let us go back to the roots of the church and see how it was done? (Act 2:36) Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. (Act 2:37) Now when they heardthis, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Menand brethren, what shall we do? (Act 2:38) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of youin the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Act 2:39) For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off,even as many as the Lord our God shall call. (Act 2:40) And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. (Act 2:41) Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Now here is a wild idea that might just work. Instead of trying to get the Apostle Peter to change his old fashioned ways so more people might be less offended and might get saved maybe we should listen and learn a thing or two about how to preach! Peter pointed out their sin, they were pricked in their heart and responded and three thousand people who didn't ignore the truth of God's Word got saved that day. Did you catch verse 40. The Apostle Peter had the audacity to criticize the generation of people he was addressing. Remember his preaching was by the power of the Holy Spirit and I challenge any preacher anywhere to show me a more loving representation of God toward the human race than that portrayed by the Holy Spirit as He leads us in kindness and meekness. The Holy Spirit does not inspire preachers to soft pedal sin! There was another preacher who is described as a really good man filled with the Holy Ghost. Here is what he had to say speaking in the power of the Holy Ghost. (Act 7:51) Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. (Act 7:52) Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: (Act 7:53) Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not keptit. (Act 7:54) When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him withtheir teeth. (Act 7:55) But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, (Act 7:56) And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. (Act 7:57) Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, (Act 7:58) And casthim out of the city, and stonedhim: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. Which one of our modern politically correct mega-churches would this fellow be invited to speak to the congregation. He told his congregation that they were murderers and betrayers. Yes, Stephen died for his faith that day but it was a faith worth dying for. God also used it to begin shaping the Apostle Paul into the man of God that he came to be. He also used it to scatter the church and spread the gospel far and wide. How dare these modern “I got a better idea” preachers redefine the Holy Ghost inspired preaching of Stephen as offensive and ineffective!!! Offensive yes, but definitely the way God wanted it said. The Apostle Paul was known to ruffle a few feathers on occasion also. (Act 17:22) Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said,Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. Paul, having seen the idolatry that was rampant in ancient Greece, stood at the center of all activity and said probably the most insulting thing he could have said in the middle of the capital of learning and philosophy for the western world. You're too superstitious. He did not ignore the elephant in the room. He addressed the sin of idolatry that was keeping these people from a knowledge of the one and only true and living God. No matter how good a speaker may be or how wonderful his theory is on how to win people for Christ, if it goes against Bible truth it is not a valid theory. How do you explain then the demonstrable success that some of these new thinking pastors are experiencing in building huge churches with many converts and the latest and greatest in technology and exciting worship services. (2Ti 4:1) I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; (2Ti 4:2) Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. (2Ti 4:3) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; butafter their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (2Ti 4:4) And they shall turn awaytheir ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2Ti 4:5) But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. The Apostle Paul tells of the coming of a day when people because of their lustful lives will seek preachers who will tell them what they want to hear. They frankly don't want to hear that their lustful lifestyles are wrong. They want uplifting sermons and feel good services. The Apostle Paul however advised Timothy a young preacher to “reprove, rebuke, and exhort”. Two of the three duties he enumerates are negative in nature. They imply corrective preaching. He also advises him to “endure afflictions”. It is the man who tells you the truth who will be afflicted. People don't mind if you tell them how good they are. Those who soft pedal sin are eliminating the first step in the salvation process. Before a person will seek a Savior they must first understand what sin is and how they have failed God. They must understand their need for a Savior in order to seek one. Some may say well we don't want to scare people away or make them feel uncomfortable in our services. If you are not openly preaching on the topic of sin, how are you exhorting your Christians to continue in a Christ honoring life. Yes, the Holy Spirit will bring to their hearts conviction but Paul and the other evangelists of his day taught their people how to live. Even when he wrote letters or epistles to the churches there was great attention to living virtuous lives and producing works worthy of our faith. I would discount the advice of any of these “I've got a better way of building a church” crowd. Their methods are at direct odds with Bible principles as practiced by Peter, Stephen, and the Apostle Paul. Their contention that a Christian has no right to make a judgment about the life of another is contrary to Bible teaching. What appears as a successful church to human beings may be viewed entirely differently by God. (Rev 3:14)And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; (Rev 3:15)I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. (Rev 3:16)So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (Rev 3:17)Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: (Rev 3:18)I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, andthatthe shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. (Rev 3:19)As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. (Rev 3:20)Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. This church that was viewed as so successful by those within it “sickens” God when He looks at it. Jesus has been pushed out of His own church and is shown knocking on the church's door wanting true worshipers to come to Him. He still loves them but calls them to repent of their ways. Just because a church has a huge congregation and large offerings does not make them a good church. (2Ti 3:1) This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2Ti 3:2) For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (2Ti 3:3) Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, (2Ti 3:4) Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; (2Ti 3:5) Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power (of God) is indicative of the last days. When an individual reads his or her Bible and it states that God is not pleased with a behavior and then goes ahead and denies what God has to say about it is valid based on their church's teaching then it is time to change churches and repent. I suppose that most people with homosexual feelings are probably already familiar with the Scriptures that condemn it. It is not my purpose to rub anyone's nose in their sin butfor academic purposes I believe the basis for my beliefs should be given. (Lev 20:13) If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. That is a very harsh statement. This was a capital offense under Old Testament law. Even if you disagree with this verse, can you deny that it is defined in the Bible as a sin? It is called an abomination. It was not viewed as a trivial little matter. Again in the 1st Chapter of the Book of Romans the Apostle Paul condemns homosexual practices. (Rom 1:20) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (Rom 1:21) Because that, when they knew God, they glorifiedhim not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (Rom 1:22) Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, (Rom 1:23) And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. (Rom 1:24) Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: (Rom 1:25) Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. (Rom 1:26) For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: (Rom 1:27) And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. (Rom 1:28) And even as they did not like to retain God intheir knowledge, Godgave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; (Rom 1:29) Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, (Rom 1:30) Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, (Rom 1:31) Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: (Rom 1:32) Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. For the person who has no belief in the Scriptures I would not expect them to bemoved by these words but if you do name the name of Jesus as your Savior and at least give lip service to Christianity how can you teach that homosexual relationships are entirely normal and acceptable and worthy of being elevated to the holy status of matrimony. The Holy Scriptures uses words like “vile affections, against nature, burned in their lust, unseemly, did not like to retain God in their knowledge, reprobate mind, filled with all unrighteousness”. Then for the religious crowd cheering on this movement may I point out verse 32. (Rom 1:32) Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. Now if at this point you are getting really aggravated at me I will ask you the same question that the Apostle Paul asked the Church at Galatia. (Gal 4:16) Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? Consider this, who truly loves their child more, the parent who refuses to yell at their child to turn around when they are heading into dangerous traffic not wanting to upset their child or the parent who sees the tragedy that is about to happen and intervenes to turn the child around to safety? I take no pleasure in pointing out these Scriptures to those who have broken God's law but few people seem to care enough about these people to try to turn them around from what is sure to be a troubled life. There are people that I know and have known that are or were caught up in the homosexual lifestyle. These are people I loved and respected. I would only want the best for their lives. The best that life has to offer is not found in a life of rebellion against God's will for their life. Clearly the blessings of God are not upon these homosexual relationships. This is not a personal judgment, this is an obvious conclusion that cannot be missed by simply reading the Scriptures. For those who have stood on the sidelines cheering on this movement. Would you have stood on the sidelines in the Garden of Eden and as Satan spun his lies to Eve intending to do her harm asking if God really said that she shouldn't eat of that fruit and that it isn't any big deal, you will not surely die; would you have lent your voice to Satan to cheer, “Eat it, eat it, eat it”? The Apostle Paul reiterated the Old Testament law and reminded them that this is a sin worthy of death. My point is not that gays should be executed but that this is not a trivial matter in the eyes of God. Some will say well we all sin and there is no difference in this sin or in the sin of Deacon So and So overeating. That simply is not true. It is Satan's lie with the intended purpose of instigating rebellion against God's instructions. (1Jn 5:16) If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. (1Jn 5:17) All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. Some sins carry more dire penalties than others. Perhaps this has been a sincere belief on your part that God treats all sin alike. No one Scripture should stand alone as a testimony to God's truth. Let's look at a case that had the Apostle Paul plenty disturbed. (1Co 5:1) It is reported commonlythat there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. (1Co 5:2) And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. (1Co 5:3) For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present,concerning him that hath so done this deed, (1Co 5:4) In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, (1Co 5:5) To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. (1Co 5:6) Your gloryingis not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? (1Co 5:7) Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: (1Co 5:8) Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavenedbread of sincerity and truth. (1Co 5:9) I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: (1Co 5:10) Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. (1Co 5:11) But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. (1Co 5:12) For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? (1Co 5:13) But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. You will find that the Old Testament penalty for sleeping with your father's wife is death. The New Testament does not carry that forward as a codified law but clearly those sins with prescribed death penalties in the Old Testament are adifferent class of sin even during the church age and among the Gentiles. Here is the Old Testament reference: (Lev 20:11) And the man that lieth with his father's wife hath uncovered his father's nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their bloodshall be upon them. When this death penalty sin cropped up in the church as an act by a believer in the church Paul said the church should have mourned and put him out of it. Essentially, Paul said that he should be turned over to Satan to kill him so he would go on to Heaven and quit bringing down the church. It cost this man his life to mess around in sin that was deemed “unto death”. Look just two verses farther in Leviticus (Lev 20:13) If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. Homosexual activity is viewed in the same category as lying with one's father's wife. Would you honestly expect the Apostle Paul to say well welcome the unrepentant brother into your group and if he wants to be pastor, teacher, song leader, youth pastor, or deacon we should just love everybody and be inclusive? Much of what is being preached in the name of love is simply a twisting of God's Word to encourage a kind of inclusiveness that if left unchecked would destroy and not add to the church. Jesus gave a new commandment that we should love one another. This commandment is so true but be careful how you apply it. Some say Jesus NEVER talked to sinners harshly only to the religious hypocrites of his day. Please exam the following Scripture for truth. (Joh 5:5) And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. (Joh 5:6) When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him,Wilt thou be made whole? (Joh 5:7) The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. (Joh 5:8) Jesus saith unto him,Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. (Joh 5:9) And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. (Joh 5:10) The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. (Joh 5:11) He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. (Joh 5:12) Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? (Joh 5:13) And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. (Joh 5:14) Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. Now one cannot read the Gospels and see the interaction of Jesus with sinners and not come away without an appreciation for his compassion and kindness toward sinners that other shunned and ridiculed. This is the kind of Savior we serve. Let me remind you though that Jesus is not some glorified Santa Claus that pets everyone on the head and accepts them just as they are. Here Jesus speaks pretty harshly toward this man to whom he has shown love and compassion. He reminds him that he has been an invalid for the last thirty eight years because of his own sin against God and cautions him to change his ways with the threat of a worse future than past if he does not turn from his sins. That won't preach in the “I've Got a Better Idea” mega-churches. Doesn't this kind of fly in the face of the don't you dare judge another person's life and just be inclusive of all sinful behavior? I love kind people. I like to see people champion the underdog. I hate bullying. I hate to see young gay people being bullied. I said before if a close relative or friend came to you and said, “I'm gay”, then my prescription for the situation is just love them. Yet, I would caution you not to lie to them. They need to know that God loves them and He genuinely does. I fully support people who want to provide a soft place to land for those rejected by most of society. It takes a special gift of mercy to do this well and God has gifted some individuals naturally with this ability to reach out in love. That is indeed a noble cause. What isn't noble is twisting the Word of God to say something it doesn't say. Homosexual behavior is a sin. Being tempted to participate in homosexual behavior is not a sin. I had a young man say that he felt so different from other people he knew and he couldn't help his feelings toward other men. I think I can understand that. Each of us has a sin that so easily besets us. That doesn't happen to be mine. That does not make me better than this young man. He is not dirty, he is not weird, and he should not be a target for your ridicule. Being gay, having this temptation in your life, is not a sin, acting on your gay feelings is. If someone in your family came to you and said, “I'm an alcoholic”then I would hope you would continue loving them unconditionally. I would also hope that you wouldn't stand on the sideline shouting chug another one, chug another one, chug another one. Oh go on, it's not a big deal, take that drink. Other people have their faults too just go ahead and have another one. Please also tell the truth that homosexual activities are considered sin by God and all sin will be judged. If a person has fallen and participated in homosexual activities, it is not the unpardonable sin. Jesus died to pay for it and very much wants to be your Savior. The Apostle Paul tells us that his church was made up of people from all kinds of diverse backgrounds who had practiced every sin imaginable with Paul saying he was the chief sinner worse than them all because of his persecution of the church. Yes there were repentant homosexuals in the church who were considered precious indispensable building blocks in their local assembly. They were not second class Christians. Don't wait to come to Jesus until you think you can change. Come to Him just as you are and you will be loved. Take things one day at a time. Pray for strength not to yield to your feelings and for deliverance from sin. I am not going to tell you that things will always be easy and on this side of Heaven there are always sorrows. I leave you with this thought from the Book of Isaiah: (Isa 66:2) For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this will I look,even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. Be honest with God, respect his Word and if He says something is sin don't try to correct Him if you disagree. It is always safe and best to seek God's better will for your life. Accept Jesus as your Savior. Walk with Him one day at a time. When you mess up take it to him and ask for His help in your life. Stay humble and God will make a way for you. One day Jesus will come again and bring us a new body that cannot sin. Know that a better day is out there for all of God's children. Know that you are loved.

It Isn’t Stupid to Believe

When I was a freshman in college my biology professor stated directly to the class that you either have to be superstitious or just plain lacking in intelligence to believe in God. I truly believe that Satan uses secular universities to prevent faith among unbelieving students and derail the faith of college students who come to college believing in God. My understanding is that the church in general has done a miserable job in preparing their young people to survive such attacks. I must admit for about 20 minutes to a half hour my own mind was reeling after hearing this very intelligent and gifted speaker. He made it sound irresponsible to continue believing in God because it produced false hopes of divine help with our problems. His pitch is that we need to be as educated as possible to solve the world’s problems before we destruct ourselves as a society. By the time I reached college I was very well rooted and grounded in the Word of God. I cried out to God in a silent prayer for wisdom because I was outmatched by this mental Goliath. As I attended classes that still small voice would point out fallacies in what was being taught. Little facts that just didn’t fit would come to mind. I truly enjoyed learning science at the collegiate level because I filtered out that I knew to be false and marveled at the complexity of life around me. It actually increased my faith and made God that much more awesome. The more I learned the greater He became.
If you are a Christian student today you have probably encountered this attitude much earlier in your academic career than did I. Your teachers and your teachers’ teachers all probably were subjected to this life view. If you are an atheist or agnostic, trust me I understand. The educated leaders that you respect for their intelligence and look to as role models are all reinforcing a life view that has its appeal. If you are a Christian confused and wavering, I do not blame you. I would simply like to present an alternate life view for you to consider. I do not believe anyone can or should mandate faith. My understanding is that God granted us free will to decide for ourselves what to believe and a wonderful brain and heart for lack of a better word to consider our options.
Most Bible believing churches will tell you that God created the earth and all that is within it in six days according to the Scriptures approximately six thousand years ago. You will then be faced with mounds of scientific information that disputes this view proving the earth is much older. There is an explanation that you may wish to research called the young earth theory of creation. Many of their arguments will cause some serious thinking and consideration. I can’t say they are entirely wrong but personally I believe this view is proposed by scientists that know that God is real and who honor the Word of God. I personally believe their view is skewed by their religious beliefs. If the Bible is erroneous in the origins of the universe, then I too would join the ranks of the atheists and agnostics. I believe the young earth creationist scientists know the theory of evolution and the big bang theory of how the universe began must be false and they have attempted to answer the discrepancies between the date of 6000 years and the much longer evidence presented by science. The problem I see is not in conflicting scientific information but in the acceptance as fact that the Bible teaches that the earth is only 6000 years old. If you are a Christian young person or even a youth pastor please do not dismiss the information I am about to share with you because you may have never heard it. Please keep an open mind and prayerfully search the Scriptures with me for truth. I have full confidence that the Bible is inerrant and can successfully defend itself when studied with an open mind.
Let us now go to the Word and let it instruct us!
Genesis 1:1-31 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (2) And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (3) And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. (4) And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. (5) And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. (6) And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. (7) And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. (8) And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day. (9) And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. (10) And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good. (11) And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. (12) And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. (13) And the evening and the morning were the third day. (14) And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: (15) And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. (16) And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. (17) And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, (18) And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. (19) And the evening and the morning were the fourth day. (20) And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. (21) And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. (22) And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. (23) And the evening and the morning were the fifth day. (24) And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. (25) And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good. (26) And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. (27) So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (28) And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. (29) And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. (30) And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. (31) And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Genesis 2:1-3 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. (2) And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. (3) And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

This is the Genesis account of creation upon which I rest my faith in God as my Creator. Now let us look at why Christians say the earth is only 6000 years old. The Bible does say in the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genealogies are given in the Bible from Adam to Abraham and from Abraham to Jesus. The ages of each generation are given showing that it was about 4000 years from Adam to Jesus. Modern histories trace the time from Jesus to present. Another approximately 2000 years have elapsed from the birth of Christ to present. Roughly speaking 6000 years have elapsed since Adam came to life.
Now that we have read this account lets look back at what we read. Lets make a little chart to make matters easier to understand.
The second day of creation begins in verse 6 with the words “And God said, Let”… and ends in verse 8 with “And the evening and the morning were the second day.”
The third day of creation begins in verse 9 again with the words “And God said, Let” … and ends in verse 13 with “And the evening and the morning were the third day.”
The fourth day of creation begins in verse 14 again with the words “And God said, Let” … and ends in verse 19 with “And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.”
The fifth day of creation begins in verse 20 again with the words “And God said, Let”… and ends in verse 23 with “And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.”
The sixth day of creation begins in verse 24 again with the words “And God said, Let… and ends in verse 31 with “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.”

Let us now turn our attention to an absolutely critical question. This question could have eternal consequences. Where did the first day of creation begin and end and exactly what was made on that first day. Based on the lengthy and somewhat redundant portion of this study that you have just read, how would you guess that the first day of creation would begin and end? Is there a verse at the beginning of Genesis that starts with, “And God said, Let”? Is there also a verse telling that the evening and the morning were the first day? It just so happens there is but it might not be where you would expect to find it.

Genesis 1:3 “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. (4) And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. (5) And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.”

It would be my belief that the Holy Spirit moved the writer of this portion of the Bible to use an unmistakable delineation of each day of creation. The first day of creation clearly begins in verse 3 not verse 1. The appearance of light and the making of day and night were the works of the first day of creation. The heaven and the earth were already created “in the beginning” “The beginning” is an undefined time frame predating the first day of creation. This is not inconsistent with those who believe the young earth theory nor for a matter of fact is it inconsistent with those who subscribe to an old earth theory. The Bible stands on it own merit. What is clearly false is that the dating of the earth at 6000 years. This assertion so commonly accepted without question is in fact predicated on a misunderstanding of the first three verses of the Bible. Let us use an honest approach to Bible study and agree that no Scripture is of any private interpretation. Are there other verses that support this controversial view?

Carefully read and consider the following Scripture.

Isaiah 45:18 For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.

Zero in on the following words, “God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited:”

Clearly this Scripture teaches that when God created the earth he formed it to be a habitable planet.

Lets look again at Genesis 1:2
(2) And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Here the earth exists in total darkness with its surface covered with water.
At this point in time is this a habitable planet like the earth was originally created to be? Clearly the answer to this question is no. Does the Scripture give us any indication as to what might have happened?

Jeremiah 4:23-27 I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light. (24) I beheld the mountains, and, lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly. (25) I beheld, and, lo, there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens were fled. (26) I beheld, and, lo, the fruitful place was a wilderness, and all the cities thereof were broken down at the presence of the LORD, and by his fierce anger. (27) For thus hath the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end.

Consider this:
Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

First of all note the uncanny similarity of Jeremiah 4:23-27 to Genesis 1:2.
Second, at what point in history since the creation of Adam is it possible that the events of Jeremiah Chapter four could have taken place. When could God who sees every place not have seen a single man still alive? Not even Noah’s flood fits this situation as eight people survived on earth. Have you ever read that at the time of Noah or any other time since Adam that the heavens had “no light”. When could God have looked into the skies and not seen a single bird. The description here indicates the entire destruction of all life on earth. Note though the final words of verse 27. “Yet will I not make a full end.” Something came after this picture of earth.
Does the Bible ever tell us that God has become angry enough with man to destroy us all?
Genesis 6:5-8 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. (6) And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. (7) And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. (8) But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

Exodus 32:9-10 And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: (10) Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.

Given these two verses is it so far removed from possibility that a past civilization of human-like beings angered God so thoroughly by their sin that they were totally destroyed by a flood on the earth sometime between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2 and the description in Jeremiah Chapter 4 refers to this total destruction of the earth with the remaking of the earth into a once again habitable planet in six days as described starting with Genesis 1:3.

Note:

Genesis 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

If this verse is an accurate translation which I believe it to be then why was the word replenish chosen. If you were at church and the weekly church program said that donations were needed to replenish the food pantry would you assume that they were just now starting a food pantry or would it mean they were re-supplying the food pantry? To replenish the earth would not simply mean to fill it with people but in fact to refill it with people. If there is a doubt about the meaning this is the same instruction given to Noah and his family after the world population had been reduced to eight people. They also had a world to refill and the exact same Hebrew words were used in both places.

Imagine if these pre-Adam people were slightly different in their skeletal structure what science would say if they found an ancient skeleton. Why just look how we have evolved from early man. There is no evolution here it was a slightly varied species of man from an earlier creation.



For more on my belief as to why this civilization was destroyed simply read my mini-book on the Insignificance of Satan. This reading is free and located as an earlier post on this site.

When it can be shown that the earth is not just 6000 years old per the Bible, then all of the scientific proof that is thrown at Christians in the classroom is a moot point. You as a Christian do not have to defend a false assumption based on a misunderstanding of Scripture. You simply believe that God created the earth and everything in the universe. You have the upper hand since creation assumes the unlimited power of an all knowing God used his intellect to design life. The evolutionists must then defend their theories that life arose by accident rather than intelligent design. Given the complexity of DNA alone, how likely is it that a strand of DNA just happened. If you want to really blow someone’s mind ask the question as to how sexual reproduction evolved. How did the first male and first female develop at exactly the same time and find themselves within the same territory so as to mate. What are the odds of that happening? Ask also about placental types. If memory serves me the type of placenta found in cows more closely resemble the placenta of a mouse than that of another large barnyard animal. One would not expect this departure if the animals truly followed an evolutionary chain. Perhaps the similarity of design doesn’t point to a common ancestor after all. Perhaps it points to the same architect.

If I disassembled my computer and took all the parts and placed them in a large bag and started shaking it, how long would it take before all the parts would come together perfectly by chance and my computer would start functioning? My logic tells me that at the end of one year I would have a bag of parts, at the end of ten years same difference, at the end of a hundred years I would be no closer to having a functioning computer. If it were possible to shake it for one hundred million years it would still be a non-functioning bag of parts because each random shake brings me no closer to my goal. Without intelligent design things tend to disorder not order. If you agree that intelligent design is a plausible idea considering the complexity of life, then you are very close to believing, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

In conclusion, it does matter the age that the Bible places on the earth. I have no desire to subject a Christian student to ridicule if he tries to defend a position that has no defense. The reason it has no defense is that the Bible doesn’t say it! The idea that there was a destruction of a civilization before Adam is not new. It is not a knee jerk reaction to the teaching of evolution in the schools as some claim. This teaching dates back hundreds of years. More recently the Scofield Reference Bible advocates this view in its second edition which came out approximately a decade before the Scopes trial in the 1920’s that popularized the teaching of evolution in schools.

Christian students take heart. You are not stupid for believing in God and creation. My dear atheist or agnostic friend, God loves you even when you are far away from him. Please don’t risk your eternal soul on the words of some science professor parroting a line he was taught to say. Be intelligent enough and brave enough to seek the truth. If you would like to believe that there is meaning to life, there is life after death, the maker of this universe wishes to adopt you as his son or daughter, and rid this world of poverty, death, and disease then share your thoughts with him. Be honest and share your doubt about Him as well. Simply ask for wisdom to understand and tell him you would like to get to know Him if in fact he exists. Ask that your eyes might be opened to the truth. Prayer is not some formal church ritual it is simply calling on God and talking to him like you would a parent or a teacher. Be respectful and be honest about your doubts and fears. He promises to respect a prayer for wisdom. If you would like to know more about approaching God please read my earlier blog on Finding Meaning in Life.

I hope this will help to strengthen my younger sisters and brothers in the Lord as they face adversity in higher education. I hope it will also give some food for thought to those who have considered God as just a myth or superstition. I trust him with the care of my eternal soul. I hope you will give some thought to eternal matters as well. If you follow your current path and are wrong then you have missed the whole point of living. My life has not always been easy because this in not heaven yet. I will tell you honestly I would not trade the knowledge I have of God for all the money of the richest man in the world. There is a peace in knowing Him that passes all understanding and satisfies in a way I cannot explain with words. I beg you to search for this peace in your life. Thanks for reading and please come back often.

Finding Meaning in Life

I have witnessed a sad phenomenon. Consider our Hollywood stars. So many of these bright attractive wealthy young folks who have obtained so much of what the rest of the world seeks are absolutely miserable. Over the years many have become so depressed that they have ended their own lives. Still others have destroyed their lives with alcohol and drug addiction to the point that many have died far before their normal time. It is so tragic that those who have so much to give end life in depression and misery. All the things we are told that will bring happiness proved empty and meaningless to these unfortunate young people.

There is not a person on the face of the earth that doesn’t desire love and acceptance. There is a hunger for love, a thirst for acceptance. I do not believe it is there by accident. Elsewhere in my blog I have shared my academic background. I graduated in the top 5% of my university class in a state secular institution. In spite of my academic success many of my professors considered me a fool. Likewise, I considered them fools as well.

As a zoology (biology) major I was taught that the universe exists as a result of a whole series of cosmic accidents. A great primordial soup covered the earth and one day a lightening strike produced amino acids that combined to form the first spark of life. That initial life replicated and changed over the years to produce all the wonders of nature. We are nothing but an accident. We have just a short time on earth and our place will be forgotten and replaced by a new generation. We have no moral rules because there is no one higher than man to whom we must answer. We are alone in the universe. When things get rough, there is no higher power to turn to, just our own intellect.

Certainly I do respect the views of others and their right to decide for themselves what they believe. Yet, these folks need to have all the facts to make an informed decision. Our last couple of generations has been taught from childhood that evolution is the fact of our existence. In the absence of any other information, this is all we know. Yet when I was researching the theory taught as fact I came across an interesting fact uncovered by an atheistic team of Russian scientists. In replicating the experiment using an electric spark to produce amino acids, the major component produced under laboratory controlled conditions was not amino acids it was tar. It was calculated that for life to have originated in the manner described above, the amino acids could certainly have been produced but had they been produced in sufficient quantity to account for life, under optimal conditions the earth would have been covered by tar several miles thick. There is no several miles thick band of tar covering the earth. Their conclusion was that this theory taught as fact is false. These were not men of faith; they were scientists just checking the facts.

The universe left unattended tends toward disorganization not organization. Have you ever known of a tornado building a house? This leads me to one of the most compelling yet simple illustrations I have ever heard. I had the opportunity to hear a young missionary, Mark Tolson, present his burden for the country of China. Mark told of his encounter with a Chinese fellow living in the United States. He was telling him of God’s love for him and about the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross. The young man listened respectfully, but stated that all that meant nothing to him because he was an atheist. Mark asked him to follow him outside. He pointed to the building where they had their conversation. Mark stated, “Certainly logic tells you that this building did not just appear. There was a builder who worked from a design to construct it. What about that tree over there? It is alive and much more complex than this building. Don’t you think it is possible that that tree also had a designer and builder? How likely is it that it just appeared?” Whether you are a believer or an atheist, either way you must believe that something has always existed, matter and energy or just energy. Why is the Christian so unscientific for believing that energy has always existed? We simply call it God and believe that God has intelligence and can direct his power to accomplish a planned work. Intelligent design versus haphazard luck makes more sense to me. The famous Einstein formula E=MCsquared gives us a clue to creation. The same formula that tells us how much energy is produced by the breaking down of mass gives us a way of understanding how much energy is required to create. Note also the C squared portion of the formula relates to the speed of light in centimeters squared. Isn’t it strange that Jesus who the scriptures teach was instrumental in creation before his incarnation referred to himself as light? Thus, energy and light are both present in the Biblical account.

The real problem in changing the mind of the atheist or agnostic who has been taught all his or her life that we evolved and God does not exist, is that to recognize the existence of God is to entertain a frightening thought. For we know that the laws of God often run contrary to our human desires. We have broken his moral laws and find ourselves standing in our guilt before him. This is truly not a pleasant thought. The Biblical account shows our first father Adam after having sinned against God also ran away and hid from God. Fortunately for mankind, God is a good, merciful, and forgiving God. He came looking for Adam and brought with him a solution for his sinful dilemma. He covered the shame of Adam’s nakedness with a coat of skins. This meant that an innocent animal that did nothing wrong lost its life to cover the shame that resulted from Adam’s sin. This was a picture of God’s plan for all mankind. The Biblical account places the blame for all of mankind’s problems squarely on the shoulders of Adam.

Romans 5:12 says, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"

Here is God’s mathematics. If one man through his sin could foul up the whole world, then it would take only one man, Jesus, to undo the mess. Like the little innocent animal that had to be killed to cover Adams sin and shame, so Jesus who did nothing wrong took upon himself the sin of the world and died paying our penalty for us.

John 3:16-21 says,” For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

If the story above is true, as I believe it to be, then we have an avenue to achieve everlasting life. We do not have to face the dismal thought that what we have here on earth for perhaps 70, 80, or even 90 years is all there is. We have the pleasant thought that there is goodness and strength in the universe beyond ourselves and we have a glorious forever in which to enjoy it. We have a God who is reaching out to us with forgiveness. Jesus didn’t come to condemn us, he came to save us. God loves us.
If this is all new to you, or if it’s the first time you have ever wondered, can this be true, please keep an open mind. Contrary to the griping of self proclaimed intelligent professors, you are not a fool to think for yourself! Prayer is not some formal process, if you are wondering about these things, God likes honesty. Tell him that you don’t know what to think but if He exists, if He loves you, you would like to get to know Him. Ask Him to open your eyes to the truth. He will respect that prayer and will lead you.
Just in case this is all new to you and no one has ever taken the time to share this message with you, I’m going to explain a little more. If you know the story of the crucifixion you know that Jesus called out to his father asking that even those who were killing and mocking him be forgiven. I frankly don’t understand a love like that. I could not be that forgiving, but God is. If you believing that God doesn’t exist have lived a life contrary to the laws of God, go to Him with it. You need not fear his wrath if you will only trust Jesus to be your savior.

Those who refuse to accept Him are still under condemnation. A passage from the book of Hebrews asked the most compelling question that you are likely to ever be asked:

Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation? If God has truly cared about you so much that he allowed his own Son to take on the form of a man, live a perfect life free of sin, suffer for your sin, and die an agonizing death in your place to provide himself a substitute to pay the penalty that His sense of justice demands from you; what do you think his reaction would be if you thumb your nose at it and go your merry way? I don’t think God will be impressed to be told, well Gee Whiz I thought you were just a myth made up by superstitious people. At least that’s what my professor told me. Now is the time to truly sort out in your own mind what you believe. I can’t tell you what to believe. Hopefully you understand that I do believe the Biblical account and I care enough about you to urge you to give some time and attention to sorting this out. It is the biggest decision you can ever make.
Perhaps you have made fun of this message and others like me who have tried to tell it to you. That’s ok and that’s forgivable. On the cross next to Jesus was a thief. Actually on both sides of him was a thief. Both of these men started out ridiculing him, making fun of Jesus. We don’t know what he said but whatever it was touched the heart of one of these men. It could have been when Jesus cried out to his Father to forgive even those who had stripped, beaten, mocked, and crucified him. Perhaps he saw hope for forgiveness for an old good for nothing thief. Looking at Jesus beaten, bleeding, crucified, and near death, he said something very amazing. Looking at him with eyes of faith he said,“Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus said something equally amazing back to him, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” Earlier the thief admitted to being deserving of the death penalty. He was not an innocent man falsely accused. He was guilty and he knew it. He saw a need in his life and got his eyes open to whom Jesus was. When he reached out to Jesus, Jesus reached back. He did not throw up his past sins to him nor did He heal him and tell him to come down off the cross and live a good life. He forgave him just as he was and made provision for him to be totally forgiven and for him to be with Him for eternity. Forgiveness is a good thing. Don’t be afraid of the fact that God exists.

“Perfect love casts out all fear”.

I believe in each heart there exists a God shaped depression. It is a hole that needs to be filled. People try to fill it with money, alcohol, drugs, sex, power and fame. Nothing quite fits. Only God can satisfy. You will remain hungry and thirsty for something missing in your life until you find that which was meant to fill it. Without God all you have is the depression. If you have questions feel free to place them in comments. If you understand your need, ask Jesus. The thief on the cross simply said a nine word prayer to Jesus that changed his eternal destiny. Simply confess to him that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. There are no magic words or secret ritual. If you have come to believe in your heart that Jesus was truly the sinless Son of God, If you know you need a savior and you believe Jesus died, was buried, and rose again the third day proving he was God then simply turn to him. Ask him to be your Savior. This precious gift of forgiveness was purchased for you by Jesus and God graciously wants you to have it.It is given freely by God's grace. You too can look forward to a clean new forgiven life and God’s Spirit within to guide you. You will become a new creation in Christ. You will have a new nature that seeks to honor your Lord and Savior.The Christian life is not always easy, but you will find a joy that exists nowhere else. I would suggest you check out www.intouch.org. I have no affiliation with the “in touch” organization, but believe it may be helpful to check out the teachings. Dr. Charles Stanley has a way of teaching that makes the difficult plain and simple. Thanks for reading this brief editorial, I hope it will inspire some sincere thinking. Please realize that this essay was inspired by love and not a "holier than thou" attitude. I only want you to find the peace, joy, and happiness that I have found. You are being wise and not foolish to challenge the ideas presented at so many institutions of higher learning. There are unseen wonders in this world that can’t be put in a test tube and analyzed.

A Mini-Book - The Insignificance of Satan

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The Insignificance of Satan

Why it seems sometimes that God doesn’t care

By Paul Johnston Sr.

FORWARD

I have searched the Scriptures for truth for about forty-five years now. When I was twelve years old my family had been out of church for about six years. One day I was playing with a toy pistol. I was playing cops and robbers in my imagination and I was not on the good side of this imaginary event. I had just knocked over a bank and had lots of money. The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and convicted me of the sin of covetousness. I knew there was something missing in my life. I was forgetting about God and his ways. I needed a church. I missed going to church and felt I needed to be there. A few weeks earlier my dad had taken me fishing on a Sunday morning and I saw the people coming home from church that day as we drove home from fishing and I just felt really bad on the inside. There was an empty feeling like something was missing. I began to pray that God would get us back in church. Within two weeks God answered my prayer and led us to a little country church with a twenty two year old pastor who knew the Bible better than most men three times his age. My love for God’s Word and a life long habit of searching the Scriptures for truth began when I was twelve years old. As a forward to this book I would like to take this opportunity to state in print my thanks to several individuals most of whom are now in heaven who were and are an inspiration to me.

Grover Craft – A Detroit auto worker who answered God’s call and left behind him a good paying job, a nice home and car to return to poverty in the hills of Eastern Kentucky to preach the gospel. His faithfulness to the Lord led to the salvation of my mom and dad and my brother and sisters.

Laura Craft – Grover’s wife who taught me John 3:16 in Sunday school when I was six years old and told me of my need of a Savior. This Sunday school lesson led to my asking my dad about being saved. One evening more than fifty years ago as we waited for my brother and sisters to get out of a Saturday evening young peoples meeting at church, I bowed my head and asked Jesus to be my Savior. Thanks Laura for standing behind your husband and not fighting his calling. You and your family suffered financial hardship as a result, but I can only imagine the reward in Heaven where you are now for your faithfulness.

Ron Buchanan – Brother Ron was my hero. He was just 10 years older than me when he began his first pastorate at age twenty two. He came from California by way of Bible College in Florida to a little church that met in the Elk Creek Grange Hall west of Middletown, Ohio. Brother Ron could not be accused of being greedy of money. He was paid just $25 per week salary in 1964 as a full time pastor. He lived in a sleeping room at the YMCA and had to depend on the good graces of the church people to feed him a home cooked meal on occasion to keep from going hungry. Once when his car was broken down he hiked probably about six miles round trip to visit my dad in the hospital. I saw him preach a sermon once while running a 102 degree fever. He taught my dad how to study his Bible and I sat in the pew like a little sponge learning the basics of a lifelong faith.

Ken Duff – Ken was a well known local real estate developer who when he heard God’s call gave up his real estate business and pursued the job of full time pastor. Ken chose the shyest most backward young man in his youth department and encouraged him to serve the Lord as a substitute Sunday school teacher, youth speaker, and even gave him his own pulpit one Sunday night to preach to the congregation. Ken has gone on to be with the Lord so I guess I will never know why he chose me to do these things contrary to outward appearance. I learned to serve the Lord by God’s strength and talent, not my own. Later in life I had the courage because of this early training to teach our church’s children for fourteen years.

Joe Johnston – Brother Joe was of no known relationship to me other than a brother in Christ. He was a jolly but often misunderstood individual. He was a World War II veteran that saw things in that war no human being should have ever seen. He never knew the love of a mother. His mother died when he was too young to remember her. He and his older brother ran away from an orphanage and had to kill and eat sparrows to survive. It is a wonder to me that the man could even laugh given his lot in life. This man stood for God’s Word. When the denomination of the church he was pastoring went so liberal that its beliefs conflicted with the Bible, he led the church out of the denomination to an independent non-denominational status. When the deacons tried to starve him out by ending his salary he continued on doing the church’s janitorial work for free and preaching without a penny of remuneration for his duties. The world can talk all they want about preachers just being in it for the money, but this man was the real deal! He remains an inspiration to me and an example of preaching the Word even out of season when it is not wanted by certain elements in a congregation. When he stood behind the pulpit he was as sound and good a Bible teacher as the world has seen. He was not a highly educated individual, but like the unlearned Apostles of old it was evident that he had been with Jesus.

Mike Gray – For the last thirty two years Brother Mike has been my pastor. Thankfully he is a pastor that does not try to convince the congregation that he is head and shoulders above them in the area of spirituality. His honest approach to presenting God’s Word and his sense of humility regarding his own struggles in the Lord presents lessons that truly grow his flock. When tempted to sin I can hear his voice warning of Satan’s devices of painting pretty pictures that never come true. He is a Godly man that I am proud to call Pastor. He too is an inspirational figure in my life. He continues to stand for the truth in an era that looks down on these traditional Christian beliefs.

My Parents, Linvel D. and Anna Lucille Johnston – How can you thank your parents for rearing you in a Christian home? I saw my dad hold the Bible in such reverence that he would literally study for thirty hours to bring a thirty minute Sunday school lesson. He was reared in a home that taught salvation by good works and baptismal regeneration. At age forty he was shown Scriptures that contradicted his life long teaching. He was honest enough to want to know the truth and set out to read for himself the Scriptures and to study each subject thoroughly. He never wanted to be guilty of teaching anything that was false. Mom was a lady of quiet faith. She used to pray every time she planted a seed. She sure had beautiful flowers and vegetables. She gave me good advice from my childhood through my adult years. She used to tell me during times of trouble, “Paul, just take Jesus by the hand and go on!” Writing this book is a little scary, but I can do so only by taking Jesus by the hand and just going on. I cannot point to a list of impressive theological degrees. I am going to point to Jesus Christ and a fifty plus year walk with him and a sincere love for his Word. Here is my offering to my Savior with my hope that it may be helpful to someone else out there struggling to understand life and what it all means.

CHAPTER 1 – “LOOK WHAT HE DID”

This is a Bible based study that attempts to answer the world’s complaints about God. To understand answers to these complaints we need to find the source. Most Christians if asked where Satan is today would probably say well he must be overseeing things down in hell. The truth would probably shock many people. Satan walks the earth observing as a predator lion “seeking whom he may devour”. He then bounces up to heaven as he did in the days of Job accusing God’s children who foolishly listened to his lies. Contrary to popular opinion, neither Satan nor his angels have as of this point in time been banned from heaven. This banning and forcible removal from heaven is a future event prophesied in the book of Revelation.

Revelation 12:7-12 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, (8) And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. (9) And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (10) And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (11) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (12) Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

Please reread verse 10 and just let it sink in. Satan’s twenty four /seven job has been as an accuser. I would submit to you the theory based upon observations and the Bible that not only has Satan been occupied in heaven with accusing the brethren to their God, he has also been occupied with accusing God to his children on earth and the world in general.

Job 1:6-12 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. (7) And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. (8) And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? (9) Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? (10) Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. (11) But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. (12) And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

We all know the story of what happened next. All that Job owned was destroyed and stolen in one day and all his children died. This was by Satan’s hand, not God’s. He was left only his wife and his life. Even Job’s good health was eventually taken from him. Job’s response was not to curse God to his face.

Job 1:20-22 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, (21) And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. (22) In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

Job’s natural inclination was not to blame God and curse him. Job ran to God and worshipped him in spite of his circumstances. We now find the hand of Satan stirring the proverbial pot.

Job 2:1-10 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. (2) And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. (3) And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. (4) And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. (5) But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. (6) And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. (7) So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. (8) And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes. (9) Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. (10) But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

We see in both of these exchanges between God and Satan that Satan tried to move God to take a wicked action against his child. God refused but allowed Satan the power to bring evil into Job’s life. Even the wife whose life Satan spared became a co-conspirator with Satan to try to get Job to curse God. Now let’s look at what God thought of Job. God was well pleased with Job. He stood out from the crowd of his day and time. God loved him. It was Satan who had the idea to send evil into his life. Satan in heaven falsely accused Job of only loving God for what he could get out of Him. Job loved God for who he was, not for his material benefits. Satan on earth tried to convince Job that God was the cause of all his troubles and he should curse Him. Thus, Satan is the accuser of the brethren in heaven and the accuser of God to the brethren and mankind in general on the earth.

One of the most heart wrenching stories I know occurred a number of years ago when a youngster at our church contracted brain cancer. He was only about eleven or twelve years old when diagnosed and if memory serves me correctly about thirteen when he went home to be with the Lord. He was one of our bus kids. His father was not saved. The little fellow never questioned why he had to suffer and die. He was a model of young faith and an inspiration to many seasoned Christians in our church’s youth department. Sometimes a death in a family will cause family members to think on eternal matters and will lead to salvation. In this case, the death of a child led to increased bitterness. Satan absolutely convinced the unsaved father that God was to blame. He was so angry with God he would stop his ears and would not listen. He hated God. The truth of the matter is this. The wages of sin is death. Sin comes from Satan not God. Death is the enemy of God the Father and Jesus. Death is the final enemy that Jesus puts under his feet. In the perfect future in the New Jerusalem there are no more tears, sickness, or death. Satan, not God was the cause of his son’s death. It is a tragedy that Satan can cause such misdirected anger toward God.

Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (11) Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

We Christians are all engaged in a very real battle. Our enemies are not primarily of the earth. We battle against unseen forces of wickedness arising from Satan and his angels. We cannot stand in our own strength but must put on the whole armor of God.

Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

I am not a formidable foe in the eyes of Satan. I choose to humble myself before the Lord and allow him to fight this battle for me. I know that Satan is more intelligent and far more powerful than I and I have to admit being a little intimidated at the thoughts of writing this expose regarding Satan and his limitations. I know he will hate this book. I ask that the Holy Spirit give me wisdom regarding its content and hopefully He will use it to the glory of God and the strengthening of the saints. I pray for God’s mighty hand of protection on me as I write these pages. Let’s see through Satan’s devices and let us take comfort in his final defeat.

CHAPTER 2 – THE ANOINTED CHERUB

I believe it is important to know our enemy. Most Christians will tell you that Satan is a fallen angel. This is not exactly accurate. The fact is he was more. He was the anointed cherub that covered the throne of God.

Ezekiel 28:11-19 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, (12) Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. (13) Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. (14) Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. (15) Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. (16) By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. (17) Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. (18) Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. (19) All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.

The fact that this passage is not referring to an earthly king is clear from verse 13. “Thou hast been in Eden, the garden of God. “ God himself was in Eden. Adam was there as was Eve. Only one other creature that could still be alive in the days of Ezekiel was there. That was Satan. This passage of scripture tells us about Satan’s original grandeur. He was the “anointed cherub that covereth”. A cherub was a created being.

Exo 25:18 And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.

Exo 25:19 And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof.

Exo 25:20 And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.

Exo 25:21 And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.

Exo 25:22 And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

If one assumes the mercy seat above the Ark of the Covenant represents the throne of God, then the cherubims stood next to God’s throne with their wings outstretched above the throne covering the throne of God in heaven. These creatures were perfect in beauty and adorned with gold and all manner of precious jewels. Satan represented God’s finest work. Intellectually he was full of wisdom and outwardly perfect in beauty. At some point in time it would appear that Satan’s job changed. In those days he was known as Lucifer.

Isaiah 14:7-21 The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing. (8) Yea, the fir trees rejoice at thee, and the cedars of Lebanon, saying, Since thou art laid down, no feller is come up against us. (9) Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations. (10) All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us? (11) Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. (12) How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! (13) For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: (14) I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. (15) Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. (16) They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; (17) That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? (18) All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house. (19) But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet. (20) Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned. (21) Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquity of their fathers; that they do not rise, nor possess the land, nor fill the face of the world with cities.

At this point Lucifer appears to be a king at a place somewhere beneath heaven. He had a throne and presumably subject followers whom he ruled and would have to ascend above the stars of God to become like the most high. Although it is somewhat controversial this writer believes that Dr. Scofield was correct in his notes for Genesis. I fully believe in the creation of the earth and that God was the Creator. I reject any belief in evolution or that God created the world then walked away. I do however believe that considerable time elapsed between Gen 1:1 and Gen 1:2. I also accept Larkin’s vision of events as shown in his drawings in the book Dispensational Truth. Let us examine the Scriptures to understand the background leading to the current conflict of unseen forces.

Genesis 1:1-2 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (2) And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Please note the period at the end of verse one. It is a whole thought complete on its own. Verse two does not necessarily immediately follow chronologically verse one. Note in verse two that the earth is not in a habitable condition.

Isaiah 45:18 For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.

There is a very important and thought provoking question that should be asked. If the Lord formed the earth to be inhabited when he created it then why is it dark and covered by water in Genesis 1:2? Could the answer be found in the following passages?

Jeremiah 4:23-27 I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light. (24) I beheld the mountains, and, lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly. (25) I beheld, and, lo, there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens were fled. (26) I beheld, and, lo, the fruitful place was a wilderness, and all the cities thereof were broken down at the presence of the LORD, and by his fierce anger. (27) For thus hath the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end.

Note the uncanny similarity between Jeremiah 4:23 and Genesis 1:2. Verse 25 proves this is not talking about the world after Noah’s flood. Surely at that time the Lord would have seen eight people alive. Verse 26 tells us that this destruction came about by the Lord’s fierce anger. Only sin could anger the Lord to this degree. Verse twenty seven shows it is not God’s will to make a full end.

Genesis 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

Here Adam and Eve are told to replenish the earth. This is the same words in the Hebrew that are used when God told Noah and his family to also replenish the earth after a destruction of the existing civilization. Another very interesting passage in Genesis appears below and deserves some analytical thinking.

Genesis 6:3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

Why is the word “also” used in this passage of Scripture regarding God’s plan to destroy the wicked civilization of Noah’s day. Who else was there that provoked God to destroy their civilization?

Tying this all together here is my theory. Lucifer was the anointed cherub. He was second to God only and was the supreme best of God’s creation. He stood next to God’s throne as a creature of beauty and of beautiful music. He was beautiful and equipped with great intellect. He was rewarded with a kingdom of his own. His kingdom was here on the earth. The beginning of this kingdom was wonderful, it was a joyous occasion.

Job 38:4-7 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. (5) Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? (6) Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; (7) When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Prior to the creation of the earth the “sons of God” were already in existence. These are presumably the angels. I believe a race of human-like beings was made to be residents of earth under Lucifer’s rule. It is their bones that are sometimes found and because they are not exactly like us it gives rise to the belief that humans have evolved from a more primitive state into our current state. I believe these people were not made in the image of God as a three part being. I believe they were only body and spirit, not body, soul, and spirit. This would explain a question that few dare to ask. Where did the demons come from and why do they desire to enter into human beings to possess them? Demons do not appear to be fallen angels. The one third of angels that Satan takes with him still has access to heaven and will not be kicked out of heaven until the time of the great tribulation. Note the earlier quoted passage from the book of Revelation. Further angels are always seen as having their own body. They are often mistaken for men. It is possible for human beings to entertain angels unaware. Jacob wrestled with an angel if my memory doesn’t fail me. Angels can be mighty warriors with one destroying a mighty army single handedly in one night. This does not fit with the demons cast out of the maniac in the graveyard. They desired to enter into a heard of swine because they desired a body of some kind. It is clear that the demons are disembodied spirits. There are described in the Scriptures angels who left their first estate. This is also a deep and controversial subject beyond the scope of this current study. Suffice to say that these angels are held in chains of darkness reserved to judgment. So if the fallen angels are not yet fallen and the angels who left their first estate are bound in chains of darkness awaiting judgment and as imprisoned beings would not be out creating havoc in the world, who are the demons that help in Satan’s earthly work. Could the demons have been these pre-Adam individuals whose bodies were destroyed in a great flood and whose spirits were turned loose to wander in darkness? Do they still hate God and owe their allegiance to Lucifer their former king? Do they wish to enter into human bodies because at one time they lived in a similar house of flesh? Satan is a great counterfeiter and this would give him representation much like God’s church with followers in heaven and in earth. Make no mistake things in heaven are done God’s way but at some future point there is a prophesied war in heaven. The power of Satan should not be overlooked. He deceives one third of the angels and incite them to rebellion against God even though they know him face to face.

Revelation 12:3-4 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. (4) And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

Later in this same chapter we learn of the angels being cast out of heaven with Satan. It would appear that he deceives one third of the angels and pulls them over to his side during the tribulation.

Job 4:17-19 Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker? (18) Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly: (19) How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, which are crushed before the moth?

Men and angels alike are prone to be disobedient. If angels can sin, why do men who dwell in houses of clay believe they are just? Lucifer’s pride caused him to lose his kingdom and his world to be destroyed. He believed he was wiser than God. He felt things should be done his way. He could do a better job being God than God was doing. This was the height of pride and arrogance. I believe it was the rebellion against God of Lucifer that so angered God that when we open the book of Genesis we find a world created to be inhabited to be seen in a state of total destruction. The earth was without form and void and darkness was upon the face of the deep. How long the earth stood in this condition is unknown. It could well have stood vacant for millions of years with Lucifer contemplating the results of his rebellion. The next time we see him he is in the Garden of Eden attempting to mess up mankind.

CHAPTER 3 – THE EXASPERATING MUD PIE

God made man from the dust of the earth. Who could imagine a more humble beginning? Further our natural bodies are destined to return to dust. The natural man could be likened in his lineage to a descendant of a mud pie. I wish to put forth a theory. Man is absolutely exasperating to Satan. Those who he fails to deceive are destined to rule with Christ as a son of God and a joint heir of Jesus. A mud pie will be elevated to the lofty positions in heaven that he once enjoyed. This must be a severe blow to his over inflated ego. Worse yet, those whom he deceives will go on to ridicule him throughout eternity in hell. Human beings actually become a part of his punishment. This explains why he hates the human race so fiercely.

Genesis 3:13-14 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. (14) And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:

I believe that this sentence was pronounced six thousand years ago but has yet to be carried out. Satan is pictured as a dragon and as a roaring lion, not as the helpless being on his belly eating dust. It is my opinion that the Scriptures show strong support for Satan’s eventual punishment is to be relegated to a position of total insignificance. He will be turned into a tiny little worm writhing in agony in the flames of hell while the human beings that he was able to deceive taunt him for eternity. Let’s look again at the passage we quoted earlier from the book of Isaiah.

Isaiah 14:11-19 Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. (12) How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! (13) For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: (14) I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. (15) Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. (16) They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; (17) That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? (18) All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house. (19) But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet.

Here we find Lucifer who once was so proud cut down to the ground, with worms underneath him and worms covering him, and people looking down their noses at him asking the question, “is this the man who caused all the trouble?”

Mark 9:42-48 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. (43) And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: (44) Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (45) And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: (46) Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (47) And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: (48) Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Three times in this passage the unquenchable fire of hell is verified and in each of the three descriptions of hell the unusual statement “Where their worm dieth not” is used. Have you ever asked yourself the question, “Who is their worm”? The original Greek word for worm means a grub, a maggot, or an earthworm. Couple this with the fact that Satan was to be cut down to the ground and crawl on his belly and the picture of a totally humiliated former anointed cherub that covered the throne of God appears. He is placed in the body of a maggot. He is a specifically identifiable maggot in a pile of other maggots presumably the hierarchy of evil that currently rules over the present darkness of this world.

A very unusual ritual is revealed in Scripture that will take place on the new earth for eternity. Here is the disturbing image.

Isaiah 66:22-24 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. (23) And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD. (24) And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.

If I understand this passage correctly, then throughout eternity each week plus once a month all flesh shall go forth and look into hell. Here the Hebrew term for worm is more specific. It is a red grub. I believe Satan will appear as a red maggot among a pile of white maggots. Knowing that God is a God of love and is not sadistic, we must presume that the reason for this strange ritual is preventative in nature. Never again will a heavenly being be tempted to rebel as Lucifer. Never again will the pain, sorrow, and suffering caused by Satan be repeated in God’s universe.

I don’t know about you but I can’t help feeling just a little sorry for Satan. I certainly don’t condone his actions, his rebellion, his evil. Yet to see any being so devastated is a sorrowful sight. I believe God in his love probably feels the same way. The question comes to my mind, “Did it have to be this way?” I had never thought about it until preparing this manuscript but do you realize that the curse was not pronounced on Satan until after his temptation of Eve and the fall of man in the Garden of Eden? Perhaps a very important point has been missed in the story of Eden. Perhaps Adam and Eve were not the only ones faced with a decision of eternal consequence whether to obey or disobey God.

I certainly cannot preach this for doctrine but it fits Biblical patterns. We know that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I have to believe that God loved his created being Lucifer. We have the picture of God the father shown by Jesus to us in the story of the prodigal son. The father waits in love with open arms and forgiveness for his wayward son to return home. We have recorded in Scriptures the story of David and his rebellious son, Absalom. Would not David have totally forgiven Absalom for his rebellion and attempt to take over his throne had Absalom simply repented? Assume if you will that I am correct about the civilization on earth before Adam. Jeremiah chapter 4 said that God would not make a total end. Let’s suppose that Lucifer and the disembodied spirits of his followers were forced to remain in the darkness and destruction described in Genesis 1:2.

Jude 1:13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

In light of the above Scripture from the book of Jude this does not seem that far fetched. They had ample time to reflect upon their sin of rebellion. God did not destroy Lucifer at the very moment of his sin. Was God offering him a path for forgiveness and redemption? The first act of what most people call the six days of creation was not the making of the earth but the bringing of light. If you follow my thinking that Lucifer and the disembodied spirits of his followers were present in the darkness and destruction, then one day Lucifer and the spirits see light again. Soon the earth is again habitable. The birds have returned to the skies. The animals are playing on earth. If my belief is true, then they had to be feeling pretty good about their future around this time. Then on the sixth and final day God makes his mud pie. Man is created on the earth. Adam is made the new king of earth. Lucifer and the spirits could have repented and yielded to God’s will for this new earth. Had Lucifer humbled himself, admitted he was wrong to have rebelled, and became a helper to Adam the new king it is possible that his past sins could have been forgiven and the spirits could have been given the resurrected bodies they so longed for and become Adam’s subjects in a new and perfect world. The world remade for Adam did not have to be a battleground of evil. Lucifer chose to continue to hate God and rebel. One can picture him assembling his former subjects and plotting against earth’s new king. Thus began the war against spiritual wickedness in high places that we now find ourselves fighting. Adam and Eve listening to the deceit of Satan also rebelled against God and the rest is history. Satan’s temptation of Adam may well have sealed his own fate.

Many people have trouble with the concept of a Holy God who can allow a world with Satan and his evil to exist in it. It is important to note that Lucifer is not the creature that God made. He chose to become an evil being. God does not dictate to man, angels, or even cherubims what he must do. He gave us all free will. Satan chose his own path. Fortunately, God has quarantined Satan’s influence to the earth.

Psalms 115:16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD'S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.

I believe it is possible that the eyes of the universe are on the earth as all creation views the messes made by Satan trying to play God. We have suffering, crying, death, and wars. All of these horrors are unknown in God’s perfect will. They come about through sin and Satan.

Check out this little gem from God’s Word. Science and science fiction have long asked the question, “Are we alone in the universe or is there intelligent life elsewhere in the universe?” Let’s look again at the passage of Scripture telling about the casting out of Satan and the angels from heaven for our answer.

Revelation 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

2 Corinthians 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

Looking at these last three quoted verses we can put forth an interesting proposition. “The heaven even the heavens are the Lord’s.” The Bible recognizes three heavens. The first heaven is where the birds fly, the second heaven is where the sun, moon, and stars are located, the third heaven is out beyond the stars and is where God resides. When Satan is cast out from heaven with his angels there is rejoicing among the inhabitants of the heavens. Note the word “heavens” is plural. It is not just the residents of the third heaven that is rejoicing. It is the residents of both the second and third heaven. I would consider any being that rejoices over Satan being cast down to earth and approaching his final doom as intelligent life. Therefore comparing Scripture with Scripture I conclude that there is intelligent life elsewhere in the universe. Perhaps there are planets around some of the stars we can see where other of God’s children dwells. One thing for sure, they are created beings living in the will of God and not atheistic evolved creatures.

Job 7:17-18 What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him? (18) And that thou shouldest visit him every morning, and try him every moment?

Don’t you love the thought that God loves us even though we were made from dust? It is a blessed thought that our salvation comes to us by doing exactly the opposite of what Lucifer tried to do. When we try by our own efforts to become like God we fail miserably. When we admit our sins and inability to save ourselves and reach out to Jesus as a little child reaches to his parent to be saved, then we are made fit for heaven through no effort of our own. Understanding the story of Lucifer helps us to understand why salvation is by grace.

Psalms 103:8-14 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. (9) He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. (10) He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. (11) For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. (12) As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. (13) Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. (14) For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

May all of God’s little mud pies be truly appreciative of his grace, mercy, and love for them. Amen.

CHAPTER 4 – SATAN’S METHODS, IF IT AIN’T BROKE DON’T FIX IT!

The student of the Bible and history soon learns that Satan has used the same methods and arguments to mess up human beings of all generations. He apparently believes fully in the old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” It might prove beneficial to check out Satan’s devices and arguments that he uses so successfully.

Genesis 3:1-6 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? (2) And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: (3) But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. (4) And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: (5) For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. (6) And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

When Satan approaches Eve he first attacks by trying to get her to doubt the Word of God. “Yea, hath God said?” Did he really say that? Are you sure you heard that right? That doesn’t make sense, that doesn’t sound right to me? Eve then messes up by both subtracting and adding to God’s Word. She left out the fact that they could freely eat and added to the Word by saying, “neither shall ye touch it”. Satan pulls out his old “don’t pay any attention to that”speech and accused God of lying about it. “ye shall not surely die”. Satan then indicates that God really doesn’t have her best interests at heart he just wants to deprive you of being knowledgeable like him. “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of life all kicked in and Eve sinned and brought Adam into the sin as well.

How many homes have been broken and lives shattered because one day Satan whispered into the ear of one of God’s children that he or she should not take the Bible and this church stuff so seriously. God just doesn’t want you to experience all this life has to offer. Your spouse doesn’t really care all that much about you. He then paints pretty pictures of how life could be if you would just loosen up on some of your old fashioned ideas. Pretty soon he has the child of God imagining how much better life would be, how much more fun things would be if he or she would just break away from those Christian hang ups, God doesn’t really mean what he says; He is just a party pooper. After all this is the twenty first century and life’s not the same as it was hundreds or thousands of years ago. Get with the times, everyone else is doing what they want. You’re just missing out. The child of God plays out Satan’s suggestions first in his or her mind and then in real life. Things never turn out the way Satan paints them. Sin always brings sorrow and eventually ends in death. The Bible teaches that there is a sin unto death. The story of the sin of King David should still be a powerful warning to all those who love God. Never feel that you are so good that you could not fall. David is acknowledged in the Scriptures as a man after God’s own heart. Walk humbly before God, stay in his Word, always take his Word seriously, and keep the communications with God open by an active prayer life. God, not Satan, is the one who loves you and wants the best for you. You can never go wrong praying for God to direct your steps and thoughts. Confess sin early as you find it creeping into your life. Do not return to it in your thoughts. If this is a problem area be honest with God and seek his help. Learn to say, “get thee behind me Satan, the Lord rebuke you”. Go in God’s strength not your own. You are no match for Satan. He will outwit you every time. Rest in the fact that the Christian has God’s Holy Spirit living inside him or her to help and direct. Just let these verses from the Word of God speak to your heart.

1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

1 John 1:8-10 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (10) If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Remember what our sins cost our Lord Jesus. Forgiveness is freely given but it was purchased with a dear price. There is a day coming when we must stand before our Lord and give account of our life. Rewards will be given. I want to have something in my hand to give to my Savior in appreciation of all he gave for me. I can never repay the debt to him I owe, but I for one would like him to know that I appreciated Him. Contrast our loving savior with the unsavory character of Satan tempting God’s children to sin then running up to God in heaven to tell him all the shameful details. Who should we listen to?

CHAPTER 5 – THE FUTURE

Acts 1:9-11 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. (10) And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; (11) Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

The future is not about Satan, it isn’t even about you and me. The future is about Jesus and the greatest event of the future is the return of Jesus. In his first appearance on earth he was a helpless little baby who grew into a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. He was despised and rejected of men. He was stripped, beaten, and humiliated. He died an agonizing death on the cross. He was buried. But unlike any before him, he rose from the dead through his own power as God. He lives! His resurrection gives his children a great hope of eternal life in a new and perfect body. When Jesus returns he will not be coming back as the meek servant but as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The saved of all the ages will return with him. Among born again believers there is some controversy as to exactly the order of events for the future. I feel comfortable in my own mind that I have a proper view of the basics. Let me share with you what I believe on the subject and why I believe it. We will then come back to our study of Satan and see his final chapters as the days wind down to his final destruction.

Based upon the above passage from Acts chapter one, I declare with no second thoughts that one day Jesus will return physically to the earth. I frequently listen to Steve Brown on the radio. Steve has salvation nailed and I agree with him doctrinally the vast majority of the time. So if you don’t agree with what I am about to say it doesn’t make you my enemy. I say God speed to Steve Brown because he tells people of their need of salvation and he points to faith in the sacrifice of Jesus as the only remedy for sin. Steve simply does not agree with my viewpoint on the next great event on the horizon. I am one hundred percent convinced of the legitimacy of the doctrine of the rapture of the church. Let’s see what the Bible says on the subject. Please note that the Bible does not use the term “rapture” but I submit it does describe the event.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (15) For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. (16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: (17) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (18) Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

The Apostle Paul provides to the church at Corinth and thankfully to our churches today a message of great comfort for those Christians who face the deaths of their saved loved ones. We have a wonderful hope that the world does not have that we will see them again some day. John 11:25 says, “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” Paul expands upon this doctrine and adds enlightening details. Paul tells of a day when Jesus comes back with the souls of the saints in heaven. First these saints will have their physical bodies brought back to life. When this event occurs there will be living members of God’s family here on earth. Our deceased brothers and sisters will get their bodies first; then those who are living at the time will also get new bodies. We will all be caught up together and meet Jesus in the air. This is a scene reminiscent of when Jesus ascended also up into the clouds when he left earth in his resurrected body as described in the first chapter of Acts that we read earlier. We will be with Jesus from this point on throughout eternity.

1 Corinthians 15:47-58 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. (48) As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. (49) And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. (50) Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. (51) Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (52) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (53) For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (54) So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. (55) O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (56) The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. (57) But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (58) Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

The body that we are given will not be the same as our earthly body. It will be a heavenly one. Sometimes this is referred to as the glorified body. It will be capable of living and lasting an eternity. This Scripture describes a mysterious event where living human beings will have their bodies changed instantaneously. The corruptible is putting on incorruption. The rotting decaying remains of our physical bodies in the grave will be resurrected into an incorruptible body and those in living mortal bodies subject to dying will receive an eternal body not subject to death. This is the final victory. Through Jesus sin and death will be totally conquered.

Matthew 24:32-51 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: (33) So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. (34) Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. (35) Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. (36) But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (37) But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (38) For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, (39) And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (40) Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. (41) Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. (42) Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. (43) But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. (44) Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. (45) Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? (46) Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. (47) Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. (48) But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; (49) And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; (50) The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, (51) And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

From this Scripture we learn that there exists a specific date in time known only to our heavenly Father when the Son of man (Jesus) will come again. This adds an element not illuminated by the Apostle Paul. We have already seen living human being who trusted Jesus as their savior will instantaneously receive a new eternal body. What if their co-worker standing by their side is a lost man or woman? The unsaved do not receive this new body. They do not have eternal life. They will exist for eternity but not in the same kind of glorified body. When the child of God is called up into the clouds as previously described, their lost co-worker will remain standing there on the job.

1 Corinthians 3:9-15 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. (10) According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. (11) For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (12) Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; (13) Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. (14) If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. (15) If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

When we get to heaven, we will all face a judgment. This is not a judgment to see whether or not we belong there, but a judgment of our works as a Christian. The various works good and bad will be represented by common materials. Our wrong works or right works done with wrong motives will be represented as wood, hay, and stubble. Those righteous acts done for the right reasons will be represented by gold, silver, and precious stones. In other passages the Bible speaks of different crowns that can be obtained. Gold, silver, and precious stones are used to make crowns.

Revelation 4:8-11 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. (9) And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, (10) The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, (11) Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

This Scripture indicates what we do with our crowns. When the leadership in heaven stands before the Lord they cast their crowns before the throne. Just imagine seeing Jesus with your own two eyes. The indication in Scripture is that he will retain his nail scarred hands and spear pierced side. Imagine the reality of all the promises made have been fulfilled by God. Wouldn’t you want something in your hand to give to Jesus just to say thank you in a tangible manner? Imagine the deep sadness one would have should he or she come through the judgment only to see all of the deeds from this life turned to ashes. Imagine being empty handed on that day. According to Matthew 24:48-51 that servant that gets so caught up with his own pleasure and business that he neglects what he is supposed to be doing for his master will be surprised at his master’s arrival. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. How bitter the tears of regret will be for the selfish Christian! Perhaps you question tears in heaven. I would remind you that all tears are not wiped away until after the judgment of the lost often referred to as the white throne judgment described in Revelation 20. This occurs more than a thousand years after the saints’ judgment for rewards. This tells us part of what we will be doing in heaven after we are given a new body, caught up in the clouds, and taken to heaven. We will stand before God and give an account of our works for a reward. There is also an event in heaven called the marriage supper of the lamb.

Revelation 19:6-9 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. (7) Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. (8) And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. (9) And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Mark 14:25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.

There appears to be a banquet in heaven in celebration of God’s family being complete. The Hebrew nation and the church are joined together in one new body being both the body and the bride of Christ. A marriage is the joining of two, the groom and the bride, into one flesh.

There is an argument among some who believe that the church will not be spared going through the tribulation also known in scriptures as the time of Jacob’s troubles. They say God’s people are not taken out of the way of trouble. I believe the writings of the following minor prophet as inspired by the Holy Spirit show a different picture.

Zephaniah 2:2-3 Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the LORD'S anger come upon you. (3) Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger.

This clearly indicates it is possible in the day of the Lord’s anger for a meek and humble people who seek righteousness to be hid. This verse would argue for the event we call the rapture.

Further the writings of Paul indicate that it is necessary for the Holy Spirit to be taken out of the way before the man of sin (antichrist) is revealed. Remember that the Holy Spirit indwells God’s children that make up the church.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, (2) That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. (3) Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (4) Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. (5) Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? (6) And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. (7) For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. (8) And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: (9) Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, (10) And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (11) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: (12) That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Note the context of this passage is the coming of the Lord Jesus and our gathering together unto him. Note especially verses 7 and 8 “only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. (8) And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:” I do not believe it is an error to accept that the church must be removed with our indwelling Holy Spirit before the antichrist is revealed.

It would appear that after our being called out of this world and appearing in heaven we will give an account of our life before God, receive or lose rewards, join in a celebration feast in heaven, and watch the events unfolding on earth. John in the book of Revelation is caught forward in time to the events leading to, during, and after the tribulation period. What he reports are the things he saw and heard in heaven at the time they were occurring. Some things he heard he was not permitted to write but some day we will hear these same things with our own two ears and understand the mysteries sealed in the Bible.

For those left standing in their workplace when the Lord returns in the clouds to call out his children, they will face the worse conditions in history here on the earth. It is beyond the scope of this small book to detail all of the events from Revelation and Daniel and many of the other Old Testament prophets. Wars, persecutions particularly of the Jews, natural disasters of cataclysmic proportions, release of demonic creatures, and political domination of the whole world by one evil man called the antichrist will all be seen on earth. Beheadings will be common place for those who understand what’s happening and refuse to go along with the antichrist’s evil agenda. Many will open their eyes to the truth and give their lives as martyrs rather than betray God by taking the mark of the beast in their right hand or forehead. God will have two witnesses present during the last 42 months of the tribulation who perform miracles calling down God’s judgment on the antichrist and his followers much as Moses called down the plagues on Egypt in the Old Testament. I believe the prophecy teaches this time for the tribulation will be just short of seven years.

Revelation 20:1-10 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. (2) And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, (3) And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. (4) And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (5) But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. (6) Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (7) And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, (8) And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. (9) And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. (10) And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

I had a dear friend who was a young preacher just out of Bible school who is now pastor of his first church. We had a number of good conversations while working together prior to his being called as a pastor. The young man is a member of another denomination. I have no doubt that he loves the Lord. He preaches salvation by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. He does believe as I do that this relationship with Jesus should be accompanied by good works. He does not believe one can be so good to earn his or her way into heaven. Contrary to the opinion of many in his denomination he says he finds it hard to believe a man can lose salvation when they didn’t purchase it to begin with. He doesn’t believe Jesus upon whom we depend for our salvation will ever mess up. We both agree that salvation isn’t a ritualistic repeating a prayer or shaking the preacher’s hand. True salvation occurs when a sincere understanding that we have sinned and come short of God’s standards is recognized and the sinner reaches out to Jesus asking him to be our savior and trusting his death as sufficient payment for our sins. Both of us agree that we would suspect the genuineness of salvation if an individual treats salvation as a fire insurance policy and states now they can live anyway they want. With this said I can again wish my friend God speed in his efforts to save others. He is preaching the true gospel of grace. We do disagree on the future. He simply does not believe in the thousand year reign of Jesus prior to the judgment of the lost and the revealing of the Holy City New Jerusalem along with the new heaven and the new earth. I feel certain of the existence of this thousand year period often referred to as “The Millennium” by those who understand prophecy in the same manner as I do. I am a Bible believer. I believe the Word of God is inspired by the Holy Spirit. I cannot imagine the Holy Spirit would move the Apostle John to tell of the thousand year period six times in the first seven verses of Revelation chapter 20 unless he wanted us to believe in this thousand year time frame when Satan would be bound and Jesus would rule over the earth until he puts all of God’s enemies under his feet.

CHAPTER 6 – THE TOTAL INSIGNIFACANCE OF SATAN

We have looked at the fall of Lucifer. We have seen Satan as a holy being dressed in gold and jewels standing next to the throne of God. We can imagine his beauty and intellect. God made him perfect in beauty. Imagine the most beautiful golden sunset that God paints for us and then multiply the beauty many times over and perhaps we can appreciate Lucifer in his original created state. We have seen God give him a throne and rule over a people. We have seen his pride and arrogance. We can find his utter depravity in the book of Revelation having the followers of God beheaded for their faith through his henchman, the antichrist, who at one point he personally possesses. We have learned of his ultimate humiliation of being embodied as a red maggot among a heap of maggots and listening to the constant ridicule of human beings who at least have teeth to gnash in the flames. Hell was never invented for human beings. God is not willing that any should perish but Satan manages to deceive the vast majority of the human race. This I am sure will be bittersweet to him. He hurts God through hurting us because God loves us so much, but then he must spend eternity with griping, angry, prideful individuals who in turn ridicule him pointing out the obvious of just how insignificant he is. The incessant insults will continue for all eternity.

Having seen the personal tragic end of Satan, let us turn to his accomplishments.

Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (36) As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. (37) Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (38) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, (39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Satan’s chief focus appears to be an attack on God’s children. Enduring hard times does not indicate a lack of caring on God’s part. Satan has used tribulation, distress, persecution, famine , nakedness, peril, and the sword against the children of God. In the Book of Acts when the persecution at Jerusalem became so great for the church, then the Christians fled to many other parts of the world and took the gospel with them. Souls were saved and lives were changed who may never have heard the good news of God’s salvation had it not been for the initial persecution. Sometimes Satan will use persecution against God’s child to discourage his or her Christian walk. The final result is that it produces a more dependent loving relationship between Father and child.

2 Timothy 3:10-12 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, (11) Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. (12) Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

This statement may not sell books by the millions to those who want convenient Christianity, but this is the truth of God’s Word. Paul was an individual who suffered far more than the average Christian will ever be called upon to suffer. Yet, even in the case of Paul he said that the Lord delivered him out of them all. Sometimes we just have to realize we’re just not in heaven yet.

Hebrews 11:36-39 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: (37) They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (38) (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. (39) And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

Many early Christians suffered unbelievable hardship for their faith. Nearly two thousand years later the same message they were proclaiming is still being proclaimed around the world. (God 1, Satan 0)

Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (11) Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. (12) Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

There is a day of judgment for rewards. Little deeds and slights that have gone unnoticed by the world will come to light when we stand before our Savior. There is a universal law of sowing and reaping. It applies to good and bad. A little done for God with a right motive will reap great eternal rewards. We are instructed to lay up treasure in heaven. Again, what Satan means for evil and hurt, God can and does turn it to our benefit. Again Satan loses.

Romans 4:6-7 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, (7) Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

Every Christian lives with temptation. Sorry to say we all sin. John said that if we say we have no sin we are lying. Satan again appears to win each time he entices the Christian to sin. God has an eraser. Our iniquities are forgiven and our sins are covered. Again, through the blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses us from sin we gain the victory over Satan. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”. Satan wants to bring death and destruction to us, but Jesus is our resurrection and life. Again Jesus reverses the evil that Satan intended.

Ephesians 2:1-7 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; (2) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: (3) Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. (4) But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, (5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (6) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (7) That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

When we were a part of the world we walked as the world walked. We took our guidance from Satan. He had every intention of taking us to hell with him. But Jesus stepped in and now we look to the ages to come and God’s riches of his grace and God’s kindness to us.

Revelation 21:1-5 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. (2) And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (3) And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. (4) And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (5) And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

Revelation 22:3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

We look forward to a new age. We look forward to a time when God himself will live among us in a glorious city. We see the true character of God and not the God as presented to us by Satan. God does care. He does want to bless us and show kindness. The true God wipes away all tears from the eyes, puts an end to death, declares crying will cease, and eliminates pain. All of these things are done away with when Satan is out of the picture. He is the true cause for all the sorrows that are blamed on God. Even the curse on the earth is eliminated and the farmer from that point on will not have to fight with thorns or thistles. Crops will produce seven times more abundantly. There will be plenty for everyone.

Remember the example prayer that Jesus gave us?

Luk 11:2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

Luk 11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread.

Luk 11:4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

“Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.” We should pray daily for the time to come when God’s perfect will is done on earth just as it is in heaven.

Let’s sum it all up now. Satan himself will become a weak insignificant little worm. All of his grandiose plans and plotting will come to nothing. God will forgive sin, eliminate the curse, and rid the world of all the fruits of Satan’s evil. For all practical purposes the day will come when his having lived will have no effect on God’s children. Only the deceived of mankind will feel his eternal presence and as we have seen they will become a part of his punishment.