Around 150 years after Jonah preached in Nineveh, God has another prophet to preach to that wicked city, the prophet Nahum. It is interesting to consider that God has given us two books in the Old Testament, Jonah and Nahum, that directly deal with one Gentile city. Nineveh is a prime example of the ‘goodness and severity of God.’
The city had quickly fallen from the previous generations trust in the Lord. They again had become a bloody city of war, a ravenous, predatory, bloodthirsty people. The Assyrians were steeped in idol worship and false prophets and false gods. Their riches, commerce and city walls had become their resting place and they have, as a people, totally forsaken God. For two hundred years, the known world trembled at this mighty power.
We might wonder at whether or not the people were really saved in the book of Jonah since they have fallen in to egregious sin again. Both Jonah and Jesus said they repented and believed, so there is no need to question the salvation of the Ninevites in the book of Jonah. Think about this example; we are in 2010, what was America like in 1860? Has the morality and the people changed here in 150 years? The infants that did not know their left hand from their right had lived and died, seven generations from Jonah and the city is back to where it was before Jonah. It is not hard to see how after seven generations, the city had forsaken the Lord.
We do not know much about Nahum himself. We know that he was an Elkoshite, but that doesn’t really tell us much either. He was a man of God, with a heavy message from God to a wicked people. In the order of prophets, he would have prophesied either during the reign of King Manassah, or King Josiah. If you put this historically and chronologically in the Old Testament, the book would have been written during the times of II Kings 22-23 area, II Chronicles 35-36 and most likely a contemporary of Jeremiah. We know this from the accuracy of the prophecy and knowing the time when Nineveh was brought down. It was no small event that Nineveh fell. The Assyrians were the scourge of the world, and many leaders and many countries tried to fell this capital city.
Nahum is a vivid book with amazing imagery. The book’s theme is simple and straight forward, God’s judgment on Nineveh. God lays out for us first that He will not acquit the wicked. After the verdict, secondly God will judge the guilty. Third God pronounces His woe upon the guilty and judged city. Verse number one gives us our title, The Burden of Nineveh. Burden – load, carrying; the burden of Nineveh is the burden of unforgiven sin. Judgment is hanging upon the wicked city, waiting for the judgment. Not waiting to be condemned, but condemned already.
B.H. Carroll had a good alliterated outline of the book.
I. Verdict of Vengeance (chapter 1)
II. Vision of Vengeance (chapter 2)
III. Vindication of Vengeance (chapter 3)
My outline is not as clever, but serves the purpose.
I. GOD WILL NOT ACQUIT THE WICKED
II. GOD WILL JUDGE THE WICKED
III. GOD’S WRATH ON THE WICKED
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Douglas Newell IV
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Street Preacher Fined for Preaching
Street preacher, Shawn Holes preaching in Glasgow, Scotland was arrested and fined for preaching.
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Douglas Newell IV
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Douglas Newell IV
Monday, March 29, 2010
Bondage
This past weekend we had some friends from Florida visit with us and we had a great time, fellowshipping in the Lord Christ. It came at a great time and my family was truly blessed of the Lord and it caused me to pause and thank God for Christian fellowship.
We were discussing at one point the differences between the laws of North Carolina and the laws of Florida and how different they are. Our friends really could not believe the added regulations and taxes that we have here that they do not have in Florida. When I moved from Kentucky to North Carolina, I was shell shocked when I learned of all the regulations and laws and taxes that you have to go through, just to LIVE here.
I jokingly told my wife that we had moved to the People’s Republic of North Carolina because of the government interference into our lives. Kentucky, as I learned, was a place with far more personal freedom. I missed Kentucky. 
When I began to express my frustration with the natives of NC, they kind of looked at me as if I were insane, and really didn’t understand my frustration. You see, they had lived here all their lives and know nothing else but North Carolina living. The government regulations and taxes that I found to be appalling were just a way of life here, and the norm. The people are less free here and do not even realize it.
John 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. The unsaved of the world think that they are free. They do whatever they want to do, whenever they want to do it. They are not going to answer to anyone, free to do as the please, when they please. The unsaved are slaves and under bondage and do not even know it. They have lived in sin their entire lives and know nothing else. I once thought that I was free. My life was my own and I could do whatever I wanted and no one was going to tell me what to do. However, I was not free, I was under the bondage of my sinful nature. My depravity had control of me, and my freedom was kind of like the freedom a rock has when dropped from a high cliff. The rock is free to go wherever it wants, but gravity is going to bring it down. I was “free” to do what I wanted, but my sin nature always brought me to the same place, sin, unhappiness and unfulfilled.
Jesus Christ saved me from my sins. He gave me life and with that new birth, opened my eyes. Being brought from the bondage of sin to the peace of Christ in salvation, I see that I wasn’t really free. I really didn’t do whatever I wanted, but was controlled by the flesh, controlled by my depravity and now I am Christ’s freeman. Who Christ sets free is free indeed. So I shouldn’t look down my nose at those who are lost and undone and sin, but should have mercy and compassion on them. Mercy shows them the way of deliverance, the way of salvation; compassion shows them that they are not free, but sinners and sin has consequences in eternal damnation. But there is liberty in Christ, there is freedom, forgiveness from the guilt of the law and life eternal.
Romans 5:8-11 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
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Douglas Newell IV
We were discussing at one point the differences between the laws of North Carolina and the laws of Florida and how different they are. Our friends really could not believe the added regulations and taxes that we have here that they do not have in Florida. When I moved from Kentucky to North Carolina, I was shell shocked when I learned of all the regulations and laws and taxes that you have to go through, just to LIVE here.
I jokingly told my wife that we had moved to the People’s Republic of North Carolina because of the government interference into our lives. Kentucky, as I learned, was a place with far more personal freedom. I missed Kentucky. 
When I began to express my frustration with the natives of NC, they kind of looked at me as if I were insane, and really didn’t understand my frustration. You see, they had lived here all their lives and know nothing else but North Carolina living. The government regulations and taxes that I found to be appalling were just a way of life here, and the norm. The people are less free here and do not even realize it.
John 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. The unsaved of the world think that they are free. They do whatever they want to do, whenever they want to do it. They are not going to answer to anyone, free to do as the please, when they please. The unsaved are slaves and under bondage and do not even know it. They have lived in sin their entire lives and know nothing else. I once thought that I was free. My life was my own and I could do whatever I wanted and no one was going to tell me what to do. However, I was not free, I was under the bondage of my sinful nature. My depravity had control of me, and my freedom was kind of like the freedom a rock has when dropped from a high cliff. The rock is free to go wherever it wants, but gravity is going to bring it down. I was “free” to do what I wanted, but my sin nature always brought me to the same place, sin, unhappiness and unfulfilled.
Jesus Christ saved me from my sins. He gave me life and with that new birth, opened my eyes. Being brought from the bondage of sin to the peace of Christ in salvation, I see that I wasn’t really free. I really didn’t do whatever I wanted, but was controlled by the flesh, controlled by my depravity and now I am Christ’s freeman. Who Christ sets free is free indeed. So I shouldn’t look down my nose at those who are lost and undone and sin, but should have mercy and compassion on them. Mercy shows them the way of deliverance, the way of salvation; compassion shows them that they are not free, but sinners and sin has consequences in eternal damnation. But there is liberty in Christ, there is freedom, forgiveness from the guilt of the law and life eternal.
Romans 5:8-11 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
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Douglas Newell IV
Friday, March 26, 2010
When the Door Is Open by Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.
The more that I read from Dr. Seymour, the more I enjoy his devotions. Admittedly, I am not much of a devotional reader. What I enjoy about these devotionals are they are spiritually deep, and scratch the surface of great Biblical truths, giving the reader a desire to...MEDITATE on the biblical truths, which is really what devotional passages should do.
My apologies for previously posting a devotion without giving the information about where you can get your hands on a copy of this book.
If you are looking for a really good devotional book then click >HERE.
Here is his bio from Amazon.com.
Dr. Manuel J. Seymour, Sr., has been a preacher, missionary, and teaching pastor for over thirty-one years. He has dedicated the greater part of the last twenty-one years teaching Bible principles for Christian growth, which gave fruit to his previous book Cultivating Christian Faith - A Step-by-Step Study Guide. He is a pastor that truly loves his flock and strives to nourish them upon the wholesome writings of the Word of God. In an age when many seekers are overwhelmed by a multitude of hollow religionists, Pastor Seymour endeavors to unveil with simplicity the succulent green pastures of the written Word of God. As it is written, "How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Psalm 119:103)
It is written: “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” (Rev. 3:7-8)
Only one of the “Seven Churches” spoken to by the Lord Jesus Christ in the book of Revelation merited the gift of the “open door” being set before them. To each of the seven churches Jesus said, “I know thy works”; but what He knew about this church was different. Jesus was so moved by this difference that He set before them an open door for the propagation of the Gospel and then secured it open by the power of His might. Not the gates of hell or any man possesses the power to shut the door Jesus has opened. Oh, what a glorious thing it would be indeed to have an open door for the spreading of the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Three things made the church at Philadelphia different from the rest of the churches.
“Thou hast a little strength” was the first quality. The words “little strength” are from the Greek words “mikros and dunamis,” which reveal they had only a micro amount of power, but it was power in action. To the world they seemed to be just a feeble little church, but Jesus saw them using what micro amount of power they had to proliferate the Gospel. Jesus took their micro and made it mega.
“And hast kept my word” was the second quality. The word “kept” is from the word “tereoo,” which means, “observe conscientiously.” The church with great consciousness studied to do the spoken word of the Lord Jesus Christ. They did not try to pervert it with their own philosophies. They were faithful to His word in the little, so Jesus trusted them to be faithful to His word in the much.
“And hast not denied my name” was the third quality. The word “deny” is from “apneomai,” which means, “to deny, disown, or refuse." The name of the Lord Jesus Christ was precious to the church in every way. Jesus took their love for His name and gave them multitudes to speak it before.
What a glorious thing indeed to have the door opened by Jesus!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. Revelation 3:20
Revelation 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 is a very familiar passage of scripture. Many know this verse, and many quote and use this verse frequently, but it is used so frequently to promote a wretched doctrine of works for salvation. Revelation 3:20 is erroneously used as an invitation to the lost, but I believe that they, to comfort and ease the minds of the lost, have twisted a verse speaking of the love of Christ toward His church and made it into a doctrine of God dishonoring heresy.
Too many people believe in errors and easily accept falsehood due to the perception that all scriptures in the bible are for all people regardless of whether a child of God or child of the Devil. I could say “I am happy to see you here this morning” to one who enters the Lords house on Sunday morning and there would be nothing strange about that. But the same phrase “I am happy to see you here this morning” would not be the message I would give to an intruder who was trying to break into my house in the early morning. Just as every word you and I speak are not intended for every person walking the earth in all situations, words of peace spoken to those who are loved of God wouldn’t apply to the reprobate. So common sense would tell us that not every message in the Bible is for every person at all times.
We need to see who this message is from and who is the intended recipient. Revelation 1:10-11 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia. Jesus, I am, Alpha and Omega, it was He who had the message. It was he who had the message, and revealed it to John, to give to someone, but who? Revelation 3:14 "And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,” and Rev. 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. The message that the Lord had given in Revelation 3:20 was given to the church of the Laodiceans. A message that is given to a church, naturally excludes some people. Since a New Testament church is made up of saved, baptized believers, it can be said that a message to a church would in fact exclude the impenitent sinner. By a simply, cursory reading of the whole message, and knowing to whom the message was intended, we see that Revelation 3:20 cannot be an invitation to the lost as so many believe. Otherwise this verse would be calling for those who are saved to be saved.
This verse cannot be an invitation to the lost to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. This would contradict the attributes and nature of Jesus. I once saw an artist’s depiction of this verse. A log cabin set back in the woods with a small dirt path leading up to the door. It was dusk; the fire from within the rustic home was putting out a warm glow that could be seen afar off shining out through the windows. There at the door, what I assumed to be Jesus, with his head hung low, and arm out stretched, gently knocking at the door of the old cabin, but alas, no one would answer. HOW OUTRAGEOUS! That is not my Jesus! My Jesus does not beg for one to trust in him, but he is the Great Shepard who said in John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. The lost world loves to think of Jesus in this manner, the needy Saviour who is in great want from us. In December, they will think of Him in the manager, but not as Lord. He is depicted standing outside of “heart’s door” seeking our approval rather than seeking and saving the lost. The choosing is not at “hearts door”, man choosing Christ, but the choosing was in eternity, God choosing his people.
I mentioned “heart’s door” because that is how I have always heard the door in Rev 3:20 being referred as. The bible states clearly in John 10 that Rev 3:20 doesn’t call sinners to open their heart’s door to Jesus. In verse one Jesus says Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. Then in verse seven Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Jesus is the door, not our hearts. And if one is to be saved they must “enter in”, not allow Jesus to enter in. Those who teach another Jesus, knocking at heart’s door, are not “entering in by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way” and are thieves and robbers. It is by grace that we are saved through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
So then, what does it mean? As with the previous churches in Revelation, there was a word of correction of faults then a word of comfort or encouragement. The Laodecians were neither hot nor cold as we find in verses 14-22. They had lots of money, but spiritually poor. They had lost their zeal for service, just playing church if you will. They had not gone off into idolatry either; they were lukewarm. Jesus told them in verse 19 to repent of the sinfulness of idleness and cold heartedness. He commanded the children of God to be zealous. Then in verse 20 we see a word of encouragement. The emphasis of the verse should not be put on the door, or on the knocking, but what the verse is telling us. Consider the foolishness of “heart’s door” in this interpretation. If the door is heart’s door, when we sup, do we sup at heart’s table? No, what we see here is Jesus love for his people and his church. Because of this love, Jesus meets and fellowships with his churches. Jesus will not leave nor forsake us. When his churches gather together to worship, He is there. Jesus loves His people, and loves fellowship with His people. The Laodecians met, but by being lukewarm, they lost sight of the fact that we are given the opportunity to come, fellowship with the Son of God, in His house, and worship Him in spirit and in truth, and we are given that opportunity regularly. We should come to God’s house knowing that Jesus meets and sups with his church, without fail. He is faithful to meet with us and bless us; but are we faithful to be in His house? God is faithful by who ye were called unto the fellowship of His son Jesus Christ our Lord. This love knows no bounds, and with that love there is friendship. There is a special relationship between the Lord and His church. He will choose his bride from among his true church and said “ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you” and the members of the Lord’s churches have followed the Lord in baptism and joining His assembly.
Revelation 3:20 doesn’t tell us that Jesus needs something from us, but that God is there for us! This passage teaches that God is faithful to us as He promised to be. Are you in need? Are you depressed? Do you feel alone child of God? Are you shunned by family and hated by those around you for trusting in Christ? 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. To apply this message to an invitation perverts the sacrifice, the glory of God, God’s relationship with His children and the love Jesus has for his Church. Child of God, do you seek that sweet fellowship with the Lord? He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Too many people believe in errors and easily accept falsehood due to the perception that all scriptures in the bible are for all people regardless of whether a child of God or child of the Devil. I could say “I am happy to see you here this morning” to one who enters the Lords house on Sunday morning and there would be nothing strange about that. But the same phrase “I am happy to see you here this morning” would not be the message I would give to an intruder who was trying to break into my house in the early morning. Just as every word you and I speak are not intended for every person walking the earth in all situations, words of peace spoken to those who are loved of God wouldn’t apply to the reprobate. So common sense would tell us that not every message in the Bible is for every person at all times.
We need to see who this message is from and who is the intended recipient. Revelation 1:10-11 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia. Jesus, I am, Alpha and Omega, it was He who had the message. It was he who had the message, and revealed it to John, to give to someone, but who? Revelation 3:14 "And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,” and Rev. 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. The message that the Lord had given in Revelation 3:20 was given to the church of the Laodiceans. A message that is given to a church, naturally excludes some people. Since a New Testament church is made up of saved, baptized believers, it can be said that a message to a church would in fact exclude the impenitent sinner. By a simply, cursory reading of the whole message, and knowing to whom the message was intended, we see that Revelation 3:20 cannot be an invitation to the lost as so many believe. Otherwise this verse would be calling for those who are saved to be saved.
This verse cannot be an invitation to the lost to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. This would contradict the attributes and nature of Jesus. I once saw an artist’s depiction of this verse. A log cabin set back in the woods with a small dirt path leading up to the door. It was dusk; the fire from within the rustic home was putting out a warm glow that could be seen afar off shining out through the windows. There at the door, what I assumed to be Jesus, with his head hung low, and arm out stretched, gently knocking at the door of the old cabin, but alas, no one would answer. HOW OUTRAGEOUS! That is not my Jesus! My Jesus does not beg for one to trust in him, but he is the Great Shepard who said in John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. The lost world loves to think of Jesus in this manner, the needy Saviour who is in great want from us. In December, they will think of Him in the manager, but not as Lord. He is depicted standing outside of “heart’s door” seeking our approval rather than seeking and saving the lost. The choosing is not at “hearts door”, man choosing Christ, but the choosing was in eternity, God choosing his people.
I mentioned “heart’s door” because that is how I have always heard the door in Rev 3:20 being referred as. The bible states clearly in John 10 that Rev 3:20 doesn’t call sinners to open their heart’s door to Jesus. In verse one Jesus says Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. Then in verse seven Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Jesus is the door, not our hearts. And if one is to be saved they must “enter in”, not allow Jesus to enter in. Those who teach another Jesus, knocking at heart’s door, are not “entering in by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way” and are thieves and robbers. It is by grace that we are saved through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
So then, what does it mean? As with the previous churches in Revelation, there was a word of correction of faults then a word of comfort or encouragement. The Laodecians were neither hot nor cold as we find in verses 14-22. They had lots of money, but spiritually poor. They had lost their zeal for service, just playing church if you will. They had not gone off into idolatry either; they were lukewarm. Jesus told them in verse 19 to repent of the sinfulness of idleness and cold heartedness. He commanded the children of God to be zealous. Then in verse 20 we see a word of encouragement. The emphasis of the verse should not be put on the door, or on the knocking, but what the verse is telling us. Consider the foolishness of “heart’s door” in this interpretation. If the door is heart’s door, when we sup, do we sup at heart’s table? No, what we see here is Jesus love for his people and his church. Because of this love, Jesus meets and fellowships with his churches. Jesus will not leave nor forsake us. When his churches gather together to worship, He is there. Jesus loves His people, and loves fellowship with His people. The Laodecians met, but by being lukewarm, they lost sight of the fact that we are given the opportunity to come, fellowship with the Son of God, in His house, and worship Him in spirit and in truth, and we are given that opportunity regularly. We should come to God’s house knowing that Jesus meets and sups with his church, without fail. He is faithful to meet with us and bless us; but are we faithful to be in His house? God is faithful by who ye were called unto the fellowship of His son Jesus Christ our Lord. This love knows no bounds, and with that love there is friendship. There is a special relationship between the Lord and His church. He will choose his bride from among his true church and said “ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you” and the members of the Lord’s churches have followed the Lord in baptism and joining His assembly.
Revelation 3:20 doesn’t tell us that Jesus needs something from us, but that God is there for us! This passage teaches that God is faithful to us as He promised to be. Are you in need? Are you depressed? Do you feel alone child of God? Are you shunned by family and hated by those around you for trusting in Christ? 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. To apply this message to an invitation perverts the sacrifice, the glory of God, God’s relationship with His children and the love Jesus has for his Church. Child of God, do you seek that sweet fellowship with the Lord? He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Shoot First
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Douglas Newell IV
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Lux lucet in tenebris
If you wonder what the symbol is that is on the header of the blog, here you go. Lux lucet in tenebris is Latin for “Light shining in darkness”. It was the motto for the Waldenses, the Anabaptists who lived and preached in Europe in the ninth century. I am a Baptist who holds to Baptist truths; I am a Christian and Jesus said that I am the light of the world, and so are you if saved by God’s marvelous grace. Also, if you have any books from Baptist Standard Bearer, then you will recognize the image.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. He tells us what a Christin is, not what a Christian should try to be. If you are a child of God, you ARE the light of the world. The world has no other source of light. Not in politics, not in art, not if philosophy and not in any other religion.
The Bible says a lot about light and darkness. I believe that darkness is shown in scripture to be sin, ignorance of truth, death, judgment, error, the unsaved, and the power of darkness in Satan. Darkness is the absence of light. God is light. Men love the darkness, love to be in sin and far, far from the holiness of God. John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. Despite the horror and consequences of darkness; men love it. Ignorance is bliss for a season. Men love their false gods and false religions and would rather spend their time groping in the dark Egyptian night than to stand before the Holy God.
We are the light because we are in The Light, Jesus Christ the Lord. We cannont try to be the light but ARE the light because if we are truly Christians, we are in Christ. In a world of darkness, you Christian, are the light. You are the bright spot in this Earth, not the scourge. You are the answer to the problem, not the source of its troubles. Do not feel insignificant and helpless because you are the light of the world. Do not try to hide your usefulness but shine the grace of God in your life! Love God, love your neighbors, not to be seen, but because Jesus Christ died for your sins, and you have a home in Heaven because your sins are forgiven.
Christian, you are the light of the world. Jesus did not say that only Peter was the light of the world, or only the apostles were the light, but all his people, all Christians are the light of the world. Some men God raises up and have fame and far reaching ministries; but they are not the ONLY light of the world. Spurgeon was not the ONLY light of the world. A.W. Pink was not the ONLY light in the world. John MacArthur is not the only light in the world. YOU are the light of the world. Look what God said through Paul in Philippians 2:13-15 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. He did not say that HE was the only light because he was the apostle, but you church at Philipi, you shine as lights in this crook, perverse world, you are shining in the darkness of sin.
God is light (I John 1:5-7) and Jesus said “I am the light of the world” (John 9:5). We are Saved by the Light (Luke 1:79). The Lord is my light and my salvation (Psalm. 27:1). How is it that God is the light, and we are the light? We are the Light as we are brought into the Light (Christ). We are reflectors of the Light. For example, Christ is the sun, we are the moon. We shine forth the light that is in us. Christ IS the light, He is purity, He is holiness, He is salvation, the Way the Truth and the Life. By being His children, we reflect Christ in our lives.
How is it we can shine our light? We are the light, by living as Christians we shine our lights. One way we are light is we walk in the light. Ephesians 5:8;11 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Living a holy life is being light in the dark world; living like you are saved is shining our light. Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Giving the light or the gospel is shining our light in this sinful, wicked, dark world. II Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Christian, Lux lucet in tenebris.
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Douglas Newell IV
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
This is what change looks like
With all due respect to President Obama, THIS is what change looks like.
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Colossians 1:13-14 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
This is what change looks like. This is the kind of change our country needs. Unless God sends revival and many people are saved, we have no hope as a nation. Had those that professed to be saved NOT voted for leaders that supported abortion, then this monstrosity would have never passed. Yes those in Washington wrote the bill, passed the bill and did who knows what to get the bill passed; but we sent them there. It is the professing Christians who voted their pocketbook instead of their principles who put this through, for if this were truly a Christian nation, we would not have sent pro-abortionist to Washington to represent us.
I have not hope in Washington in either party. I am not looking for change Republicans can bring either. My hope is in looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. For all of us who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of our souls, been redeemed by His precious blood, this is the change we are LOOKING for.
Philippians 3:20-21 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
1 Corinthians 15:51-51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 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.
______________________________________________________________________
Douglas Newell IV
Sunday, March 21, 2010
STATEMENT BY THE NATIONAL RIGHT TO LIFE COMMITTEE ON ABORTION "DEAL" ON HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION
WASHINGTON -- (Sunday, March 21, 2010, 6 PM EDT) -- In response to today's announcement regarding an agreement between Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mi.) and President Obama on the pending health care bill (H.R. 3590), the following statement was issued by the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of right-to-life organizations in the 50 states:
The National Right to Life Committee (NRLC) remains strongly opposed to the Senate-passed health bill (H.R. 3590). A lawmaker who votes for this bill is voting to require federal agencies to subsidize and administer health plans that will pay for elective abortion, and voting to undermine longstanding pro-life policies in other ways as well. Pro-life citizens nationwide know that this is a pro-abortion bill. Pro-life citizens know, and they will be reminded again and again, which lawmakers deserve their gratitude for voting against this pro-abortion legislation.
The executive order promised by President Obama was issued for political effect. It changes nothing. It does not correct any of the serious pro-abortion provisions in the bill. The president cannot amend a bill by issuing an order, and the federal courts will enforce what the law says.
To elaborate: The order does not truly correct any of the seven objectionable pro-abortion provisions described in NRLC's March 19 letter to the House of Representatives, which is posted here: www.nrlc.org/AHC/NRLCToHouseOnHealthBill.pdf
Regarding Community Health Centers (CHCs), NRLC has documented the problem created by H.R. 3590 here: www.nrlc.org/AHC/NRLCMemoCommHealth.html.
Prof. Robert Destro, a professor of law and former dean of the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America, and an expert on abortion-related litigation, has sent lawmakers a letter explaining why the bill opens the door to direct federal funding of abortion in Community Health Centers: www.nrlc.org/ahc/DestroLetterToStupakOnCommHealthCenters.pdf
Prof. Destro clearly explains why it is the statutory language that will govern.
Regarding the new program to provide tax credits to purchase private insurance, the executive order merely tinkers with the formalities of a bookkeeping scheme under which federal subsidies will pay for plans that cover elective abortion -- a break from the longstanding principles of the Hyde Amendment.
The order does nothing at all to mitigate the other abortion-related problems described in the NRLC letter, dealing with bill provisions that create dangerous regulatory mandate authorities, revise Indian health programs, and create pools of directly appropriated funds that are not covered by existing restrictions on funding of abortion. Nor can the order correct the omission from the pending legislation of the necessary conscience-protection language that had been included in House-passed health care legislation last November (the "Weldon language").
For additional information regarding the abortion-related components of the legislation, and NRLC's assessment of the gravity of these issues, please refer to the March 19 letter linked above, and other materials posted on the NRLC website at www.nrlc.org/AHC/Index.
The National Right to Life Committee (NRLC) remains strongly opposed to the Senate-passed health bill (H.R. 3590). A lawmaker who votes for this bill is voting to require federal agencies to subsidize and administer health plans that will pay for elective abortion, and voting to undermine longstanding pro-life policies in other ways as well. Pro-life citizens nationwide know that this is a pro-abortion bill. Pro-life citizens know, and they will be reminded again and again, which lawmakers deserve their gratitude for voting against this pro-abortion legislation.
The executive order promised by President Obama was issued for political effect. It changes nothing. It does not correct any of the serious pro-abortion provisions in the bill. The president cannot amend a bill by issuing an order, and the federal courts will enforce what the law says.
To elaborate: The order does not truly correct any of the seven objectionable pro-abortion provisions described in NRLC's March 19 letter to the House of Representatives, which is posted here: www.nrlc.org/AHC/NRLCToHouseOnHealthBill.pdf
Regarding Community Health Centers (CHCs), NRLC has documented the problem created by H.R. 3590 here: www.nrlc.org/AHC/NRLCMemoCommHealth.html.
Prof. Robert Destro, a professor of law and former dean of the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America, and an expert on abortion-related litigation, has sent lawmakers a letter explaining why the bill opens the door to direct federal funding of abortion in Community Health Centers: www.nrlc.org/ahc/DestroLetterToStupakOnCommHealthCenters.pdf
Prof. Destro clearly explains why it is the statutory language that will govern.
Regarding the new program to provide tax credits to purchase private insurance, the executive order merely tinkers with the formalities of a bookkeeping scheme under which federal subsidies will pay for plans that cover elective abortion -- a break from the longstanding principles of the Hyde Amendment.
The order does nothing at all to mitigate the other abortion-related problems described in the NRLC letter, dealing with bill provisions that create dangerous regulatory mandate authorities, revise Indian health programs, and create pools of directly appropriated funds that are not covered by existing restrictions on funding of abortion. Nor can the order correct the omission from the pending legislation of the necessary conscience-protection language that had been included in House-passed health care legislation last November (the "Weldon language").
For additional information regarding the abortion-related components of the legislation, and NRLC's assessment of the gravity of these issues, please refer to the March 19 letter linked above, and other materials posted on the NRLC website at www.nrlc.org/AHC/Index.
Sunday's Sermons
I preached this morning on the subject Authority and Baptism. We started in Luke 20:1-8, but in particular verse four; The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? Baptism was from Heaven to John, who baptized Christ, who first authorized His disciples to baptize in His name (John 4:1-2) then authorized His church to baptize (Matthew 28:18-20).
Tonight, if the Lord wills, I will preach on the danger of poor exegesis, using examples from Matthew 5:31-48, in particular and eye for an eye and oaths. If we don’t expound the Word of God correctly, then even though we have a text, we may not learn the true lesson of the text. Taking passages out of context or not in context of chapter, book, testament or the totality of Scripture is a sure fire way to heresy and error in doctrine.
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Douglas Newell IV
Tonight, if the Lord wills, I will preach on the danger of poor exegesis, using examples from Matthew 5:31-48, in particular and eye for an eye and oaths. If we don’t expound the Word of God correctly, then even though we have a text, we may not learn the true lesson of the text. Taking passages out of context or not in context of chapter, book, testament or the totality of Scripture is a sure fire way to heresy and error in doctrine.
______________________________________________________________________
Douglas Newell IV
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Malice, Mercy and Missions
I preached last Wednesday from the fourth chapter of the book of Jonah. In the final chapter, we have two scenes that play out before us. It is interesting as well to note that each scene leaves us with an unanswered question from God. Jonah had just preached one of the greatest revival meetings that ever have been where the whole city had come under the guilt and condemnation of God’s just wrath; thus repenting of their sins and crying out to God for mercy.
The final chapter opens with Jonah much as we found him in chapter one, angry. What is striking is the difference in Jonah. In other prophesies, we learn little or see little of the prophet, but see much of the message and the people he ministers to; some prophets we don’t really know anything about them. Here, the focus is on Jonah’s development.
We see the sailors in their interaction with Jonah, the fish in relation to Jonah, his preaching, and now the consequences of the preaching. The book has not focused so much on the people he ministered to, but his reaction to their repentance.
Had a man written the book, the conclusion would have focused on the numbers saved, the revival of the city, the benefits to the people, and the people they waged war against who see the change in the city, making Johan a hero. Jonah would have justified his behavior or made himself into the redemptive character who becomes the hero at the end after overcoming tremendous odds (see 95% of every motion picture ever made). But after this great revival, the scene still focuses on Jonah, not in the midst of a jubilant, forgiven city, but alone, angry and hoping for a slaughter.
I. SCENE ONE: THE POUTING PROPHET -- Jonah 4:1-4
II. SCENE TWO: THE PITILESS PROPHET--Jonah 4:5-11
______________________________________________________________________
Douglas Newell IV
The final chapter opens with Jonah much as we found him in chapter one, angry. What is striking is the difference in Jonah. In other prophesies, we learn little or see little of the prophet, but see much of the message and the people he ministers to; some prophets we don’t really know anything about them. Here, the focus is on Jonah’s development.
We see the sailors in their interaction with Jonah, the fish in relation to Jonah, his preaching, and now the consequences of the preaching. The book has not focused so much on the people he ministered to, but his reaction to their repentance.
Had a man written the book, the conclusion would have focused on the numbers saved, the revival of the city, the benefits to the people, and the people they waged war against who see the change in the city, making Johan a hero. Jonah would have justified his behavior or made himself into the redemptive character who becomes the hero at the end after overcoming tremendous odds (see 95% of every motion picture ever made). But after this great revival, the scene still focuses on Jonah, not in the midst of a jubilant, forgiven city, but alone, angry and hoping for a slaughter.
I. SCENE ONE: THE POUTING PROPHET -- Jonah 4:1-4
II. SCENE TWO: THE PITILESS PROPHET--Jonah 4:5-11
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Douglas Newell IV
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Cursed of God by Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr
(The following is a devotion by Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.)
“Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.” (Deut. 27:16) “A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.” (Prov. 15:20) The fifth Commandment is “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” (Ex. 20:12)
The words “setteth light” are translated from a Hebrew word which means “to disgrace, to dishonor, to despise, to lightly esteem, to treat with contempt, and/or to treat shamefully.” We learn from this that when one despises or treats shamefully his mother and/or father, he brings upon himself a curse from God. It is not an option, nor is it up for debate or self-reasoning; the offender will have God’s curse come upon him. God leaves no room for excuses; neither does He set any age limitations. If one’s mother is 84 and he is 60 he is still under the command of God to “honor thy father and thy mother.” Age or adulthood does not erase the command of God.
The Apostle Paul writes, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” (Eph. 6:1) The word “Children” simply refers to one being an offspring; age is not a factor in the word. There is also a qualifier given by Paul and that is “in the Lord.” As long as the parent’s instruction is compatible with the Word of God the offspring is obligated to obey the parent. Now, if the parent instructs the offspring to go contrary to the Word of God, the offspring is obligated to obey God and not the parent. For example, if the parent tells the child to steal an object, the child is not required to obey the parent but is to obey God Who commands “Thou shalt not steal.”
One of the identifying marks of the last days given by the Apostle Paul is that offspring will be “disobedient to parents.” This is a spirit of anti-God, that is to say, one sign of the last days is that children will treat their parents shamefully, bring dishonor upon them, despise them, and not obey them in the Lord, which reveals their hatred of God and His Word. They in essence fight against the laws of God. They will become lawless, doing what is right in their own eyes, fulfilling their wicked imaginations and the desires of their own hearts in rebellion against God. This revolt against the commands of God brings upon them a horrid curse from God.
“Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.” (Deut. 27:16) “A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.” (Prov. 15:20) The fifth Commandment is “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” (Ex. 20:12)
The words “setteth light” are translated from a Hebrew word which means “to disgrace, to dishonor, to despise, to lightly esteem, to treat with contempt, and/or to treat shamefully.” We learn from this that when one despises or treats shamefully his mother and/or father, he brings upon himself a curse from God. It is not an option, nor is it up for debate or self-reasoning; the offender will have God’s curse come upon him. God leaves no room for excuses; neither does He set any age limitations. If one’s mother is 84 and he is 60 he is still under the command of God to “honor thy father and thy mother.” Age or adulthood does not erase the command of God.
The Apostle Paul writes, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” (Eph. 6:1) The word “Children” simply refers to one being an offspring; age is not a factor in the word. There is also a qualifier given by Paul and that is “in the Lord.” As long as the parent’s instruction is compatible with the Word of God the offspring is obligated to obey the parent. Now, if the parent instructs the offspring to go contrary to the Word of God, the offspring is obligated to obey God and not the parent. For example, if the parent tells the child to steal an object, the child is not required to obey the parent but is to obey God Who commands “Thou shalt not steal.”
One of the identifying marks of the last days given by the Apostle Paul is that offspring will be “disobedient to parents.” This is a spirit of anti-God, that is to say, one sign of the last days is that children will treat their parents shamefully, bring dishonor upon them, despise them, and not obey them in the Lord, which reveals their hatred of God and His Word. They in essence fight against the laws of God. They will become lawless, doing what is right in their own eyes, fulfilling their wicked imaginations and the desires of their own hearts in rebellion against God. This revolt against the commands of God brings upon them a horrid curse from God.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Heart Murder
From Studies on the Sermon on the Mount, considering Matt. 5:21-22
“What is the state of your heart? How do you react to things that happen? Do you find yourself flaring into a raging temper when a person has done something to you? Or do you sometimes feel anger against a person who really has done nothing to you at all? These are the things that matter. It is that which God meant when He said, ‘Thou shalt not kill’. ‘God seeth the heart’ and is not concerned only with the external action. God forbid that we should produce a kind of self-righteousness by reducing the law of God to something which we know we have already kept, or which we feel sure we are not likely to transgress, ‘let every man examine himself’.
–M. D. Llyod-Jones
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The Greatest Miracle in the Book of Jonah
I preached tonight from Jonah 3:1-10. I believe the greatest miracle in the book of Jonah was the great revival of that wicked city.
In chapter 3 you see:
1. Sovereignty and Responsibility
2. The Great Miracle of Salvation
3. The Results of Salvation
4. The Penitent Preacher
5. The Repenting Preacher
6. God Repented (anthropopathism – the ascription of human feelings and emotions to describe God)
The book of Jonah is full of God’s power and mercy. When you think of Jonah, most likely, the first thing you think about is the miracle of Jonah being swallowed by the fish and preserved and spat out again on the shore. One of the great Bible narratives of the Old Testament.
The greatest miracle in the book of Jonah is not, in my opinion, the fish, but what happens after. I believe the greatest miracle in the book of Jonah is the great revival meeting in Nineveh. Salvation is of the Lord. It is both solely by God’s Grace and power; yet man is responsible to believe and repent in what he will not believe in, or cannot repent to. So anytime one is saved, it is a miracle of Divine mercy and grace.
______________________________________________________________________
Douglas Newell IV
In chapter 3 you see:
1. Sovereignty and Responsibility
2. The Great Miracle of Salvation
3. The Results of Salvation
4. The Penitent Preacher
5. The Repenting Preacher
6. God Repented (anthropopathism – the ascription of human feelings and emotions to describe God)
The book of Jonah is full of God’s power and mercy. When you think of Jonah, most likely, the first thing you think about is the miracle of Jonah being swallowed by the fish and preserved and spat out again on the shore. One of the great Bible narratives of the Old Testament.
The greatest miracle in the book of Jonah is not, in my opinion, the fish, but what happens after. I believe the greatest miracle in the book of Jonah is the great revival meeting in Nineveh. Salvation is of the Lord. It is both solely by God’s Grace and power; yet man is responsible to believe and repent in what he will not believe in, or cannot repent to. So anytime one is saved, it is a miracle of Divine mercy and grace.
______________________________________________________________________
Douglas Newell IV
The cure for the United States
There is a lot of talk about the mid-term elections this year. The elections, we are told, will be a chance to save the Republic, to vote out the representatives that are not representing the will of the people. Politically, that is true; the elections will prove to be crucial to the future of our nation. Will that save us? No, unfortunately it will not.
What the United States needs, is the gospel being faithfully proclaimed, and the Merciful Lord granting revival. That is the only hope of our Republic. Shuffling around career politicians will not do for the country what needs to be done. There needs to be salvation, repentance and trusting and following the Lord Jesus Christ.
Think about Jonah 3:1-10. He was commanded of God to go and preach in Nineveh.
Nineveh was a great city, and extremely wicked. The people of Nineveh were barbaric and unmerciful to their enemies. They were a false god worshiping, war and fear mongering people. What was needed? Regime change? Perhaps that would have changed the course of Nineveh, but they would have been no better off. Replacing one ungodly heathen with another to lead a city would have made no difference. The people did make a drastic change, individually and politically. The answer was the gospel.
Jonah preached about the wrath of God, and I believe that they saw the sign of Jonah, three days and nights in the fish’s belly, seeing the mercy of God and a picture of Christ dying, being buried and rising from the dead. The city was changed, wickedness ceased and the city was a new city. God did not judge Nineveh because the Nineveh that He was going to destroy was no longer there. Old sins had passed away, and all things became new. They were new creatures in Christ, the old Nineveh was gone, and there were a new people, a new city. Hugh Martin said that they city couldn’t have been more new if they had rebuilt every building in the whole city. They had forgiveness of their sins, they believed in Christ for salvation, the repented and followed the Lord.
We have a responsibility to vote, and if God has called you to serve in the government, I hope you do well. Jonah, as he preached in the midst of the city, preached the message that God had sent him to proclaim. Jonah preached, Jonah gave the gospel, and whether anyone reacted to it did not matter; he was going to be faithful. This man of God was not giving advice or selfhelp, but what he was preaching was powerful, was living, the Word of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18;21 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. By the preaching of God’s word, we see the great miracle in the book of Jonah. A group of people worshipping idol gods now have turned from their whole lifestyle, thoughts, and worldview and have radically changed unto God fearing men and women. It was not because of a natural disaster, it was not because of a new king and new philosophy, but by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. The means was not fire from the sky, or a vision from angels, but a preacher, preaching a very simple message.
Jesus Christ is the only hope.
______________________________________________________________________
Douglas Newell IV
What the United States needs, is the gospel being faithfully proclaimed, and the Merciful Lord granting revival. That is the only hope of our Republic. Shuffling around career politicians will not do for the country what needs to be done. There needs to be salvation, repentance and trusting and following the Lord Jesus Christ.
Think about Jonah 3:1-10. He was commanded of God to go and preach in Nineveh.
Nineveh was a great city, and extremely wicked. The people of Nineveh were barbaric and unmerciful to their enemies. They were a false god worshiping, war and fear mongering people. What was needed? Regime change? Perhaps that would have changed the course of Nineveh, but they would have been no better off. Replacing one ungodly heathen with another to lead a city would have made no difference. The people did make a drastic change, individually and politically. The answer was the gospel.
Jonah preached about the wrath of God, and I believe that they saw the sign of Jonah, three days and nights in the fish’s belly, seeing the mercy of God and a picture of Christ dying, being buried and rising from the dead. The city was changed, wickedness ceased and the city was a new city. God did not judge Nineveh because the Nineveh that He was going to destroy was no longer there. Old sins had passed away, and all things became new. They were new creatures in Christ, the old Nineveh was gone, and there were a new people, a new city. Hugh Martin said that they city couldn’t have been more new if they had rebuilt every building in the whole city. They had forgiveness of their sins, they believed in Christ for salvation, the repented and followed the Lord.
We have a responsibility to vote, and if God has called you to serve in the government, I hope you do well. Jonah, as he preached in the midst of the city, preached the message that God had sent him to proclaim. Jonah preached, Jonah gave the gospel, and whether anyone reacted to it did not matter; he was going to be faithful. This man of God was not giving advice or selfhelp, but what he was preaching was powerful, was living, the Word of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18;21 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. By the preaching of God’s word, we see the great miracle in the book of Jonah. A group of people worshipping idol gods now have turned from their whole lifestyle, thoughts, and worldview and have radically changed unto God fearing men and women. It was not because of a natural disaster, it was not because of a new king and new philosophy, but by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. The means was not fire from the sky, or a vision from angels, but a preacher, preaching a very simple message.
Jesus Christ is the only hope.
______________________________________________________________________
Douglas Newell IV
Monday, March 8, 2010
Psalm 8:3-4
The White Mountain from charles on Vimeo.
Psalms 8:3-4 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Phil Johnson on manliness.
Pulpit Highlights - Phil Johnson from Grace Community Church on Vimeo.
"We have traded up to cushy seats instead of hard benched pews and we expect our preachers to fashion their message accordingly."
Friday, March 5, 2010
Fort Hood Terror
You have to be willingly ignorant and blind to say that this was not Muslim terror. We are going to "nice" ourselves to death as a nation.
HT: Medford Caudill
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Douglas Newell IV
HT: Medford Caudill
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Douglas Newell IV
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The Divine Inspiration of…the Constitution?
I was listening to Glenn Beck’s radio program and heard Him say that the Constitution of the United States is a Divinely inspired document. I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, hoping that perhaps Mr. Beck doesn’t understand what Divinely inspired means. Perhaps he meant, not so much inspired, but influenced by God. In other words, their knowledge of God and the scriptures were the foundation for the writing of the document.
He could have meant perhaps that they were influenced Sovereignly by God, and that the Providence of God was manifested in the Constitution. The founding was surely the Providence of God, but so it is for every other nation. But I do not think that he meant that because he went on to say that our founding documents are not the same as the Magna Carta or other constitutions, not because of the superiority of content, but because of their origins, meaning our constitution is superior because ours was from God. Then hearing him say that Americans need to “preach the gospel of Madison” sealed the deal for me, I think he believes that the founders were Apostles of God.
The Constitution of the United States was not inspired by God. It is a man made document. This may be unsettling for those who are more American than Christian, but it’s a fact.
II Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
Scripture is given by inspiration of God. If the Constitution of the United States is Divinely inspired, then it is Holy Scripture and should be added to the Bible. God is unchangeable, His Word is unchangeable and pure and perfect. So if God inspired the Constitution, that is part of His inerrant, unchangeable perfect, holy Word. (By the way, it would make Constitutional amendments blasphemy and very dangerous, right? Revelation 22:18) What does it mean that God inspired the bible. The Greek word translated “inspiration of God” is Θεόπνευστος (theopneustos). The word is a compound of θεόÏ‚ (Theos)or God and πνέω (pneō) which means to breathe, so the word translated inspired by God means that it is divinely breathed in; given by inspiration of God. The Holy Scriptures are not merely the ideas men have about who God is; rather it is God speaking through men. II Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. Paul did not take the ideas of God and relate the theme in his own words, but penned God’s very words. Every word, every sentence is of God.
Though the Constitution of the United States is a remarkable document and though it is the greatest example of manmade government the world has ever seen, it is, none the less from the minds of men and not inspired of God.
Scriptures are authoritative because they are the Words of God. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. The Word of God is powerful, living, penetrating truth. God’s Word is absolute truth; it gives us the truth about God and about ourselves, displaying even the thoughts and intentions of the heart. The Constitution has been amended and ratified because it was not perfect, but every word of God is pure (Proverbs 30:5). The Word of God contains the truth about wickedness of man and his need of a Saviour. God tells us in His Word the gospel of Jesus Christ; the only way to Heaven, by Grace through faith in the finished work of Christ, dying on the cross as a substitue for sinners, paying their sin debt, then rising from the dead after three days and three nights for our justification. There is power in the Word of God, not in the Constitution.
Remember, when you read the Constitution, you are reading a document conceived in the mind of a man who is long since dead and gone. It has a beginning, and like every other nation that has come into being, it will have an end. The Constitution of the United States will pass away. Heaven and Earth will pass away, and that includes the Constitution and the founding documents, but, Jesus said till Heaven and Earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. God’s Word will not pass away, God’s Word cannot be defeated. The best that men can do and the greatest men can achieve will ultimately come to an end.
I think most Christians are like me, freedom loving men and women, and agree with most conservative pundits. I caution you if you listen to Glenn Beck not to get caught up in this deification of this country’s founding to the point of making the founding documents God’s Word. This is idol worship and blasphemy.
(Corrected gramatical errors 3-3-10.)
He could have meant perhaps that they were influenced Sovereignly by God, and that the Providence of God was manifested in the Constitution. The founding was surely the Providence of God, but so it is for every other nation. But I do not think that he meant that because he went on to say that our founding documents are not the same as the Magna Carta or other constitutions, not because of the superiority of content, but because of their origins, meaning our constitution is superior because ours was from God. Then hearing him say that Americans need to “preach the gospel of Madison” sealed the deal for me, I think he believes that the founders were Apostles of God.
The Constitution of the United States was not inspired by God. It is a man made document. This may be unsettling for those who are more American than Christian, but it’s a fact.
II Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
Scripture is given by inspiration of God. If the Constitution of the United States is Divinely inspired, then it is Holy Scripture and should be added to the Bible. God is unchangeable, His Word is unchangeable and pure and perfect. So if God inspired the Constitution, that is part of His inerrant, unchangeable perfect, holy Word. (By the way, it would make Constitutional amendments blasphemy and very dangerous, right? Revelation 22:18) What does it mean that God inspired the bible. The Greek word translated “inspiration of God” is Θεόπνευστος (theopneustos). The word is a compound of θεόÏ‚ (Theos)or God and πνέω (pneō) which means to breathe, so the word translated inspired by God means that it is divinely breathed in; given by inspiration of God. The Holy Scriptures are not merely the ideas men have about who God is; rather it is God speaking through men. II Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. Paul did not take the ideas of God and relate the theme in his own words, but penned God’s very words. Every word, every sentence is of God.
Though the Constitution of the United States is a remarkable document and though it is the greatest example of manmade government the world has ever seen, it is, none the less from the minds of men and not inspired of God.
Scriptures are authoritative because they are the Words of God. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. The Word of God is powerful, living, penetrating truth. God’s Word is absolute truth; it gives us the truth about God and about ourselves, displaying even the thoughts and intentions of the heart. The Constitution has been amended and ratified because it was not perfect, but every word of God is pure (Proverbs 30:5). The Word of God contains the truth about wickedness of man and his need of a Saviour. God tells us in His Word the gospel of Jesus Christ; the only way to Heaven, by Grace through faith in the finished work of Christ, dying on the cross as a substitue for sinners, paying their sin debt, then rising from the dead after three days and three nights for our justification. There is power in the Word of God, not in the Constitution.
Remember, when you read the Constitution, you are reading a document conceived in the mind of a man who is long since dead and gone. It has a beginning, and like every other nation that has come into being, it will have an end. The Constitution of the United States will pass away. Heaven and Earth will pass away, and that includes the Constitution and the founding documents, but, Jesus said till Heaven and Earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. God’s Word will not pass away, God’s Word cannot be defeated. The best that men can do and the greatest men can achieve will ultimately come to an end.
I think most Christians are like me, freedom loving men and women, and agree with most conservative pundits. I caution you if you listen to Glenn Beck not to get caught up in this deification of this country’s founding to the point of making the founding documents God’s Word. This is idol worship and blasphemy.
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Psalms 19:7-10
(Corrected gramatical errors 3-3-10.)
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