NEWSpoint

David Virkler - At Home with His Lord!

2012-01-23T12:42:00.012-05:00

Viewing and Memorial Service Information

It is with great sadness but also the assurance of God’s perfect will that we share with you the news that early Monday morning, January 23, David Virkler went to be with the Lord whom He loved and served so faithfully.

Dave had been improving, but he went downhill on Saturday and Sunday. The doctor thought it was a minor complication of surgery and that he would improve, but the Lord called Dave Home to be with Himself instead. Many, many people have been praying for Dave, and we believe that this is how the Lord chose to answer those prayers. His body is free of the weakness he had been working to overcome, his heart is completely healed, and he is experiencing the perfect rest of Heaven.

At this time, arrangements have not yet been made. We will let you know what the plans are as soon as they are in place or you can check the ministry website.

Please pray for Thelma and the family: Gayle, Sharon, Lynda and her husband, David Justnes, Stephen and his wife, CiDonna, and grandsons Daniel, Timothy, Andrew and Erick Justnes and Noah Virkler, and for extended family as well.

Dave’s life verse was Acts 13:36: “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, and was laid unto his fathers…” Dave indeed served his own generation, and his ministry will continue in the lives of all who were touched by it.

John 3:16 - A Twitter Leader?

2012-01-18T09:53:00.001-05:00

During the heavily viewed Broncos versus Patriots NFL playoff game on January 14th, one of the commercials stood out like a sore thumb - but one having with it a supernatural healing message. Focus on the Family ran a short ad using young children who separately, and then collectively, quoted and explained John 3:16 – the most famous and crucial verse in the entire Bible.

Some will recall that the Broncos getting to this second post-season game against New England was largely due to Denver’s rookie quarterback Tim Tebow’s efforts against Pittsburgh a week earlier. In that game, he threw for exactly 316 yards with a staggering average of 31.6 yards per catch. Some have called it a pure coincidence. But what would be the odds of those exact numbers occurring twice from this particular QB in one game – especially since the second number was also an NFL playoff record? The chances are probably similar to finding a great white shark swimming around in your backyard pool - in Denver.

But this unique and well-known verse was the one Tebow made even more familiar by stenciling the reference under each eye in the black anti-glare material during games in his college glory years. It is one of his favorite verses just as it is to millions of other believers. He also made reference to it following his team's overtime win against the favored Pittsburgh Steelers on January 8th.

Knowing that the ad was coming, Internet evangelists from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association took advantage and set up a web page for the sole purpose of explaining the meaning of the verse. By the end of the week, some 9,000 people had visited the special site and at least 170 people professed beginning a new personal relationship with Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Of course there may have been many more private decisions but those may not be known about on this side of heaven. Either way, some that were walking in spiritual darkness have changed direction and are now living in God’s light and forever planted in His family. (Colossians 1:13-14)

The president of Focus on the Family stated, "There's been a lot of buzz lately about what John 3:16 says, and we wanted to help people understand it. For Christians, the verse is the essence of the Good News of Jesus Christ, and when you have good news you want to share it with as many people as possible.” The vice president of media relations for FOTF told The Christian Post on Monday, “John 3:16 became the top trending topic worldwide on Twitter after the advertisement aired.” Today’s advertising dollar can certainly get far more in return and exposure than it could even a decade ago – and much of it for free.

For being such a famous and influential verse, John 3:16 is really quite concise. But it is also a spiritual powerhouse and quickly conveys God’s top priority and the solution to mankind’s greatest need. It leaves no doubt about man’s bleak future apart from Christ. But it then also shares the means this most severe of all of life’s issues can be solved.

The apostle John could not have possibly known, when he penned those magnificent words, that this one verse would become the most well-known, most precious, and most preached on passage in all of Scripture. It was the Holy Spirit, who authored it and therefore guided the writer’s pen to transcribe, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Once the absolute truth of this message really sinks in, then acting on it from the heart instantly repairs the breach between sinful man and his holy Creator. It infuses the spiritual life of God and awakens the soul of a man or woman making them part of God’s faith family forever. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Even shorter verses, like those below, reveal all that must be done to find forgiveness, a new life in Christ, and a guaranteed heavenly destiny.

Paul wrote exactly how all are to respond to John 3:16 in order to become justified by Christ’s sacrifice for them on the cross. In Romans 10:13 he declared in just eleven words, "Whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." Then the writer of Acts also confirms the same great spiritual truth using just 12 words in Acts 2:21. "Whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”

Salvation, and being freely justified forever through Jesus Christ, really could not have been explained by God much simpler or made much more decisive than that!

Bill Breckenridge

Another 'Tebow Time’ Triumph!

2012-01-11T09:54:00.000-05:00

He has become a polarizing figure in sports and even in the culture, being constantly on the lips of millions. And his fame has now even spread beyond the nation's boundaries. The reason for the uproar and interest is simple. It is because of the first thing that exits his lips, win or lose, from the young underdog quarterback of the surprising NFL Denver Broncos.

He is Tim Tebow, the young athlete who kneels in prayer at times when many players are seen pounding their own chests and admiring their own talents. He is the one who always boldly acknowledges his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ before going on to regularly compliment his team members and coaches for making him look better than he really is.

Just how good he is right now, or how good he can become, is anyone’s guess. But the fact remains that he has led his team from a disastrous start all the way to the playoffs where they pulled off a miraculous overtime win while setting several NFL playoff overtime records in the process.

After the stunning January 8th victory over the favored Pittsburgh Steelers, Tebow also said, "I'm just very thankful for the platform that God has given me and the opportunity to be a quarterback for the Denver Broncos." The young QB has also gained major attention by introducing to culture what is now deemed "Tebowing". It is simply kneeling on one knee, elbow perched on the other, and with a fist to forehead in acknowledging his faith and love for God while on the field and off.

It seems that people either adore Tim Tebow for his outspoken testimony or hate him regardless of his performance on the field. Detractors seem irate just because of his unashamed and outspoken faith. That is simply an evidence of ignorance, conviction, or an obvious evidence of spiritual darkness.

But interest, positive or negative, was seen even on Yahoo’s home page recently when “Tebowing” was on the top ten items “Trending” after the victory on January 8th in Denver. The audience watching the game topped American Idol, and Twitter numbers went berserk when the winning touchdown pass was thrown. And perhaps Tim has taken his now famous and imitated stance queue from the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 3:14-15. “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.” But despite being constantly made fun of on numerous media sources nationwide, the Christian quarterback has become one of the most compelling and inspiring stories in sports and non-sports America.

A few days ago, a caller spoke to the local New York sports station and asked a simple, but profound, question concerning Tebow bashing. He basically said, "I’m the dad of several children. And I’d just like to know one thing. Why is it that other football players are treated differently? Brett Farve sent inappropriate pictures of himself on his cell phone. Michael Vick went to prison for illegal dog fighting, Plaxico Burress was imprisoned for firing a gun in a club in New York city. And even Tebow’s QB rival on Sunday has been repeatedly accused of sexual harassment. And yet these, and many others like them, are only spoken of concerning their football skills - period. But Mr. Tebow, who seems to be above reproach and a man of great and consistent faith, is ripped to shreds no matter what he does on the field and just for being a committed and outspoken follower of Jesus Christ. Can you explain that to me as a fan and father looking for role models for my kids?”

The program’s normally highly intense and fast talking program hosts were uncharacteristically tongue-tied for a few moments as the articulate and polite caller had backed them into an appropriate corner with his comments and question.

There is no doubt that some of the Broncos comebacks during Tebow’s 7-1 winning run seemed ‘miraculous’ as did the record setting victory over Pittsburgh. But what did not escape even many of the godless in the media was that Tebow, who does not throw nearly as much as other NFL quarterbacks, threw for an uncharacteristic 316 yards on just 10 passes. The 30 yards per catch average was also a record. But the number of yards got attention beyond being just an impressive and unexpected statistic Denver’s new QB.

It was not very long before people realized the significance of the exact number of passing yards from Tebow. John 3:16 is one of his favorite Bible verses and perhaps the most famous verse for salvation in all of Scripture. It states: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life." This same verse was the one that Tim Tebow put on his black eye-glare-blocking strip for the BCS championship game in 2009 for the University of Florida. A coincidence? You decide.

No one can predict Tim Tebow’s future on the field or any other player so young for that matter. Everyone who knows football knows that quarterbacks take several years to get their acts together when they enter the pro realm. The complexities of their position and the much higher level of the competition makes this the norm. Most organizations give them at least 3 years to improve and mature before making any long-term plans – unless of course your name is Tim Tebow. Those who detest him, and his faith, expect from only from him immediate miraculous results. But when he delivers just that, they get even more irritated. Something is obviously wrong and it takes no brain surgeon to figure out what it is.

But one thing is certain. Tim Tebow seems to be the ‘real deal’ - a role model in word and deed when many are that in just word and bank accounts only. God has given him a platform and he is using it to the ultimate for his Savior’s glory no matter what people think, say, or do. And his spiritual future, something infinitely more important than a few glory years on the gridiron, is certain. This eternal destiny is certain, not because he threw 316 or 3,016 yards in a record-setting overtime playoff game win. But it is because he has personally acted through faith on the reality revealed in John 3:16 and is not ashamed to boldly admit it and live it! He is a living modern example of Peter’s words in his first epistle chapter three.

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15) This, too, is the major thrust of “Tebowing”.

Bill Breckenridge

My Mom – At Home In Heaven!

2012-01-05T11:57:00.002-05:00

In the words of the wisest man who ever lived, we read in Proverbs 27:1, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” James echoed that same basic sentiment in his book of practical wisdom in the New Testament declaring, “Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” (James 4:13-14)

For me, one of these ‘days’ recently came about. Although I was preparing for it, it was something no one can really be fully ready for. Just three days before this Christmas day, my precious and beloved mother went home to be with the Lord. She had been quite ill for a while, but then experienced a miraculous rebound giving our family the hope that she would be with us for a while longer. So our great hope was short-lived and today her ‘mansion’ in Heaven is her brand new home.

It was on December 22nd that she peacefully breathed her last and was ushered into the presence of the Savior she had known and loved since her early thirties. And it was through her prayers, words and living testimony that her spouse and all three of her children trusted Christ as well. That is any Christian mom’s ultimate success. The Apostle John described that joyous feeling in 3 John 4. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

The death of a loved one is never easy and does seem a little harder when it occurs around a special holiday – especially if it is in the Christmas season. So for us now, each and every Christmas from here on out will come with the memory of what happened this year. To many people, there could not be worse timing for such a thing to occur. In fairness, that is somewhat understandable, all things considered. But for those who personally know the Christ of Christmas, there is an added element that accompanies this unique sorrow – something those outside of God’s family cannot possibly grasp. And that one key difference and ingredient makes all the difference in this world and in the next!

The Apostle Paul wrote in his second letter to the church at Corinth, “For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well-pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:7-8) And in Philippians 1:23 he expressed the confident God-given knowledge of the superiority of a life with Christ in heaven even versus the best imaginable life here on earth. He stated, “For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.” And the reference there to Heaven being ‘far better’ is likely the understatement of all understatements.

This great truth also prompted Paul to pen the words of inconceivable peace and comfort for all true believers in 1 Corinthians 15. "Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)

Again, without a doubt it seems more difficult to lose someone dearly loved around this particular holiday. But the deep-seated grief we feel is part of the natural human condition. It was designed and placed into our hearts by our Creator. We were given the blessed capacity to love, and along with that comes the capacity to experience a deep sense of loss and sorrow. Death is the sad and tragic reality of living in a fallen and sinful world. (Romans 8:19-22) But for those in Christ, there is something more – much more! That ‘more’ is the great supernatural sense of victory even in the midst of the deepest human pain. The Bible promises this and many Christians can testify to its reality in the midst of their own life and death experiences.

There is a Christmas song that our church choir has sung for many years that profoundly merges the Savior’s first coming to earth as a baby to His eternal purpose and ministry as a man. It is appropriately entitled, “A Cradle In The Shadow Of A Cross”. The title alone reveals the incomprehensible combining of the God-Man’s unique virgin birth with His future foreordained death to rescue a sin-darkened world of woes. His miraculous incarnation was in order that He would then travel on a sinless road only to end up on a cruel Roman cross. There He would voluntarily sacrifice Himself to provide the forgiveness of sin for any that would trust Him as the Savior for their sins.

In 1 Timothy chapter two, His unique status as mankind’s lone Redeemer is shown in verse 2. It leaves no room for questions or doubts. “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus. “ Jesus confirmed this same truth in John 14:6 when he said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Our family today deeply grieves the death of a very special lady, mother, spouse and friend. It was a life-altering event that took place just a few days before the celebration of the birth of ‘Emmanuel’ - literally meaning God with us! But as Scripture promises, we do not grieve like those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). We share the biblical ‘blessed hope’ spoken of in Titus 2:13, part of which is the striking reality and comfort of seeing her again.

I was given a simple but profoundly helpful little poem penned by an unknown author just one day after Mom’s departure. The words themselves were obviously not biblically inspired, but were supremely helpful and inspiring to me, and based on Scriptural truth. It reminded me vividly about where my mom now resides, with whom she now dwells, the indescribable experiences she now enjoys, and about that great reunion when we will all someday soon be together again with her and with our Lord forever!

MY FIRST CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below, With tiny lights like heaven’s stars reflecting on the snow. The sight is so spectacular, but wipe away your tear, For I am spending this Christmas Day with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear, But their sounds of music can’t compare with the Christmas choir here. I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring, As it’s far beyond description to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me, by the pain inside your heart. But I am not so far away, we’re not that far apart. So be happy for me, loved ones, you know how I hold you dear, And be glad I’m spending Christmas Day with Jesus Christ this year.

I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above, I send you each a memory of my never dying love. When all is done, love is the gift, more precious than pure gold, It was often in the subject in stories Jesus told.

Please love and help each other as my Father said to do, For I cannot even count the blessings all waiting here for you. So have a Merry Christmas, and wipe away your tear, Remember I am spending Christmas Day with Jesus Christ this year.

As our family adjusts to a major loss, we must also keep in mind this monumental gain - one that all who know Christ, serve Him and eagerly look for His coming with equally share. Paul worded it this way when writing to his young son in the faith in 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

Bill Breckenridge

Healthy Preemies Despite The Odds

2011-12-19T09:38:00.000-05:00

They come into the world with phenomenal challenges. For most it is a literal miracle that some even remain there for any length of time, much less live on to any level of normalcy. The terrible truth is that the survival rate remains low due to countless physical issues and their hyper-fragile condition even when surrounded by the greatest medical technology of the day.

They are generally addressed as “Preemies,” meaning that they did not make it to the natural full-time needed for proper physical development before their birth took place. This means that most of their crucial body parts are grossly immature, making life extremely hard and often impossible to sustain. Obviously it is heart-breaking to give birth or even see an infant that weighs in at a single pound or less. The world-record low birth weight was to a Russian infant who tipped the scales at a mere 9.2-ounces. Many normal-sized healthy babies can come into the world weighing 9.2 pounds – or more!

Estimates are that about 7,500 U.S. babies are born each year weighing less than 1 pound. Sadly only about 10 percent now survive the massive physical complications this brings. That is the bad news and the sad reality. But a recent report did shed some hope and good news for that one in ten who defy the medical odds and somehow make it. Some of these tiny preemies do survive. They heal up, catch up, grow up, and go on to experience normal lives into adulthood.

The report, that sited several specific cases, included Madeline Mann who weighed in at a meager 9.9 ounces back in at 1989. She held the world record at the time. But despite her seemingly insurmountable prognosis, she fought hard and amazingly lived. She is 22 today and a college senior. In an e-mail to reporters who questioned her current status she wrote, "I'm a pretty normal tough cookie and nice kind of girl. I have normal interests and am a normal person, which I am very lucky to have become with so many things that could have impeded that process."

The few success stories of babies who should not have survived is an encouragement and should warm the hearts of anyone who has one. But at this particular time of the year, millions are focused on another baby – a very special and famous one. Actually this child’s survival at birth was a miracle like none other as all the literal forces of Hell tried to prevent His healthy arrival. (Revelation 12:4)

But He was divinely protected and born 2,000 years ago in a manger in Bethlehem. He was the opposite of a “preemie”. He came into the world at the precise and perfect time as was predetermined by God Himself. This is verified in Galatians 4:4-5. “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”

This most special child could not be born at any other time. His coming was precisely foreordained before the foundation of the world and He was also, even as an infant in a frail human body, the almighty Creator God of the universe. (Colossians 1:16-17) John 1:14 describes this unique infant as follows. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” Then Matthew 1: 18-23 adds crucial details that clearly set this child apart from all others who would ever be born. Scripture affirms his full deity, and His status in the triune Godhead in Colossians chapter two.

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: after His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins. So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."

When the God-man came to earth on that special day we now call Christmas, He was anything but a “Preemie.” Actually, He has always existed from eternity past – something no human mind can begin to grasp. But anyone can comprehend through Scripture that He grew to be a sinless man and for the express purpose of becoming the sacrifice for their sins and the sins of the world. (Romans 5:15) His supernatural earthly ministry accomplished three essential feats that every Christian should always keep in mind and especially during this remarkable season that honors the arrival of Emmanuel – God with us!

First, 1 John 3:8 says this. “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” When He died on the Cross and cried out, “It is finished”, that great task that only He could perform became a reality. (John 19:39)

Secondly, those who realized and accept the ‘Babe of Bethlehem’, and His role as the Savior of all men, can cling to the truth and reality written by the Apostle Paul in Romans 5:1. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” He adds in 1 Timothy 4:10 describing Christ, “who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.”

Then lastly, He also fully achieved the will of God that would characterize all who would receive His forgiveness and be justified though saving faith. Colossians 2:8-10 declares. “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Of course He did more than just these three, but they are at the top of the list for why He came while evidencing His unfathomable love for us all. (John 3:16) All of this proved that the Christ of Christmas defeated Satan, declared those who trust in Him for as fully righteous, and also make it possible for them to model His flawless life and evidence the fruit made possible by His indwelling Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Christmas is the time when millions world-wide focus on the baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, surrounded by common barn animals, and lying in a crude manger under an unusually bright star. For a short season this all takes center stage even including many who remain clueless about God in human flesh and the reasons He did that. But those who do know Him as the Savior should be easily re-inspired and refocused on the blessing and reason for His coming – a reason revealed so profoundly seen in the simple title of an amazing song entitled, “Cradle In The Shadow of The Cross”.

Bill Breckenridge

Tim Tebow's Public Faith

2011-12-13T10:56:00.000-05:00

Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow could be the world’s happiest man if his detractors’ criticism matches his Christianity.

Tebow is catching direct hits and lots of flack as sports people express their unkind sentiments regarding the public expression of his personal faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior. Never bashful in this regard, Tebow is an easy target now that he has zoomed to a 7-1 record as starting quarterback, contradicting the critics who proclaimed he was unready for the major leagues.

Christian analysts apparently have it right in their assessment. In view of his current winning streak, the rumbling criticism really is objection to his Christian faith. Why else would an athletic winner and ideal role model suffer such caustic reviews other than that he somehow makes the less spiritual nervous? His new nickname, “Mile High Messiah,” may mean that the criticism is beginning to morph into respect.

In taking criticism for his faith, Tebow could indeed be the happiest man on any gridiron. Early Christians counted themselves honored to suffer for Christ. “So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” (Acts 5:41-42) Christ had anticipated their joy. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10-12)

Christian persecution goes with the spiritual territory according to the Apostle Paul. “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12-13)

Paul considered himself uniquely blessed to witness for Christ. “I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:” (Acts 26:2)

This happiness is reaffirmed twice by Peter in his first epistle. “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.’ … If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” (1 Peter 3:14; 4:14)

A precious spiritual blessing rests upon every faithful believer who is persecuted for his faith. Tim Tebow is the public example of God’s approval and personal joy.

Dave Virkler

Powerball Winners Donate $1 Million

2011-12-09T10:25:00.000-05:00

A trio who just won the 12th largest amount in Connecticut’s history, a whopping $254 million dollars, have decided to donate a million dollars to 5 separate charities. Each charity involves veterans and members of the military who have recently seen active duty. The receiving organizations offer help with veterans' housing, mental health care, treatment and diagnosis of traumatic brain injuries, education and employment training and other similar services. The cause is obviously noble and the gesture wonderful. Also the group has stated that they hope their example with a portion of their prize will inspire future winners to do likewise.

The trust fund was created by Greenwich wealth managers Greg Skidmore, Brandon Lacoff and Tim Davidson after they learned they had won the jackpot claimed on November 28 at Connecticut Lottery headquarters. After the announcement of their victory and generous plans, there was some speculation that the three were not the actual winners, but protecting the identity of the real ones. This was based partly due to a sense to some that the group of three did not seem quite excited enough about their record jackpot. But either way, again, the giving to the military charities by the Powerball winners was admirable to say the least and their targeted organizations deserving.

The subject of giving is one that is not foreign to the Scriptures. And perhaps one of the better know stories, and for a good reason, is revealed in Mark chapter twenty-one. It is affectionately known to most familiar with the Bible as “The Widow's Mites”. The scene opens with Jesus sitting nearby the local treasury. Verse one begins the description of what took place and eventually includes the Lord’s own pointed words and the great spiritual truth He wanted to make known to all generations from that moment on..

“Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood."

Multiple millions dream about winning a life-altering fortune. Also, far too many who cannot afford it spend far too much to achieve that extremely unlikely dream. But with that said, it would be indeed interesting to know how many who claim to be in God’s family would honestly give a similar ratio portion as did the widow to their Savior’s work if they won a mega-jackpot or came into a vast fortune through some other avenue.

It is no secret that a high percentage of churches, missionary groups, and other Christian ministry find themselves in a constant state of financial struggle. In some places on earth, that may be true largely because the average believer there is dirt poor and perhaps not even able to met the basic needs of their families. But that is simply not the case in America – at least for the preponderance of Christians who live there.

One very quick glance at what most drive, where they live, what they do, where they go, and all they own proves in a heartbeat that inadequate giving to the Lord’s work is really more about the condition of the heart. In other words, very few churches and ministries in modern-day America should be continually hurting financially and begging for the funds needed to carry on the Savior’s work on earth. Poor giving is generally not about materially poor Christians. It is a tragic symptom of poor spiritual priorities. It is simply a basic inability to understand, to really care about, or seriously believe in their hearts Jesus’ words on the subject as spelled out in Matthew 6:33 and especially as seen in Matthew 6:19-21:

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

As one has said, “Your Christian life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you want. But you can only spend it once.” Those with the mindset of the widow in Luke twenty-one fully grasp this eternal concept and they spend their lives and their assets on the only thing that truly matters and lasts forever!

William Breckenridge

Pearl Harbor and Reconciliation

2011-12-06T10:30:00.000-05:00

December 7, 2011 marks the 70th anniversary of the brutal Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, a day which would “live in infamy” as President Franklin Roosevelt called it while urging Congress for a declaration of war. American casualties were unequalled until the savage attacks of 9/11.

Lost in the obscurity of the years are two figures whose lives would intersect miraculously in the will of God.

Captain Mitsuo Fuchida led the Pearl Harbor attack, exulting in the deadly carnage done for his emperor-god. He was the solitary Japanese officer to survive World War II despite breaking both legs in a sea accident and browsing the radiation-contaminated ashes of leveled Hiroshima. His post-war days were spent farming, but his soul was empty.

In the surprise retaliation attack on Japanese cities led by Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle in April 1942, Jacob DeShazer dropped his bombs on Osaka from plane #16, the last one off the carrier Hornet. He was captured after parachuting into Japanese-held territory in China and imprisoned by Japan for 40 months. Hatred for his torturing captors turned to love when he read in the Bible of Christ’s forgiveness through the Cross. His love abounded when he pledged that he’d return to Japan as a missionary if he survived the war.

Jake kept his vow, starting over 30 churches in Japan and preaching the Christ he once ignored. One day, after reading a tract telling DeShazer’s story given to him by other American missionaries, Mitsuo Fuchida bought a Bible, read of Christ’s death for him, and accepted Christ as his Savior. He went to meet Jake DeShazer to publicly profess Christ. As a team, they evangelized Japan seeing thousands come to Christ, and they are now together in Heaven.

The full story is on our website, but for now I emphasize the stirring truth of 2 Corinthians 5:17-19.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.”
Dave Virkler

U.S. Birth Rate Shrinks Again

2011-12-02T09:28:00.000-05:00

According to health officials, the U.S. birth rate dropped for the third year in a row. The new report stated that the drop was true for most all ages and races alike. The findings reveal this to be the most dramatic decline since record-keeping in the field began back in the 1940s, and has impacted those in their teens and early 20s the most.

U.S. births hit an all-time high in 2007 with over 4.3 million births. But by last year it was down to just over 4 million, according to the new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – an interesting and ironic name for an organization dealing with the miracle and blessing of human birth and life. But many experts place the cause on the dragging economy as the trend began just after national financial problems began to increase around 2007. Their beliefs are that among young adults, worries have convinced them that they can't afford to start a family or add more children to an existing unit.

It is tragic on many levels that less are giving birth. There is the economic issue. When less children are born, whether by avoiding pregnancy or by abortion, that impacts the already floundering economy as there are fewer and fewer to someday enter the work force and pay into the benefit system of a growing older population who are living longer than previous generations.

Then there is the biblical and spiritual realm. We are told by the Psalmist, “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD. The fruit of the womb is a reward.” (Psalm 127:3) Proverbs 17:6 records, “Children's children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father.” And even Jesus him spoke about how special children are even in Matthew 18:2-5. “Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.” (Matthew 18:2-5)

But when speaking about a decline in birth rates, Christians should be immediately reminded of another birth – the one spoken also by Jesus in John chapter three. The famed encounter involved a Pharisee named Nicodemus who was said to have been ‘a ruler of the Jews’. He was a spiritual leader. And yet he came to Jesus with questions that quickly revealed his total lack of understanding concerning true salvation. Despite this flaw, he was aware that Jesus was somehow special and spiritually unique.

Verse two records their famous exchange. “This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.”

In the Christian context, when, and how many children to have should be the prayerful decision of a married couple as they follow what they believe to God’s will on the matter. But in the context of helping to produce the new birth in lost sinners, there is no choice or limit according to the Scriptures for any committed believer. There is no adequate reason, for those who have been re-born through Christ, to allow anything to sideline them from sharing their great salvation experience through their Savior. Peter verified this when he wrote, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15)

Near the very end of Christ’s earthly experience and ministry His last words and His highest priority to His disciples, and to all who would follow them, are seen in Matthew 28:18-19. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

The physical birth rate in America may remain static, or even drop more, as people evaluate their economic and family building options. But hopefully, those who now belong to the family of the living God will not remain as ‘babes in the faith' but will instead be what God has called them to be and take every opportunity to help others find their way to Christ through the new birth.

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:20-21)

Bill Breckenridge

Penn State and the Fallout from One Man’s Sin

2011-11-29T17:08:00.000-05:00

Happy Valley has become Depression Gulch. Penn State still captures daily headlines for allegedly covering up a horrendous scandal of juvenile sex abuse by a prominent assistant coach several years ago.

One man has become an unspeakable liability to a respected institution whose football coach and winning teams are legendary. The result is that Joe Paterno, the winningest college football coach ever, is gone and the university president fired, their departures decreed by the governing board shortly after the storm broke. A blanketing gloom spread over the campus, making some cry and others violent. The spreading chill may affect athletic recruitment, enrollment and fund raising with a shadow across the support of its many alumni.

In a similar case, a longtime assistant men’s basketball coach at Syracuse University has also been fired amid allegations of molestation. The far-reaching affect of that case remain to be seen.

It is difficult to fathom how the sins of a single individual can impact the lives of so many. Not that accessories to the cover-up bear no blame, but the infectious disease is traceable to one man. His career is tainted, his family shamed, his college shaken, his associates degraded and his future is likely prison.

Bible students may easily shift from Penn State to the Garden of Eden. There we find that a single individual’s personal crime against God brought universal debauchery for all humans in all history.

Romans 5:12 clearly traces the sweeping consequence of a single sinner. “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.” Think of that—one man sinning millennia ago still insures the fallen status of every human.

Although each human is born into the death of Adam’s fall, God still gives us all the choice of corroding personal preference or of uplifting generational influence. The sins of the fathers do affect the fortunes of the children as one of the Ten Commandments forbidding idol worship reminds us. “…For I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me.” (Exodus 20:5)

King David’s personal sin brought endless family troubles. “‘Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.’ Thus says the LORD, ‘Behold, I will raise up adversity against you from your own house…’”. (2 Samuel 12:10-11a)

New Testament believers as the Body of Christ are even more vitally interrelated. 1 Corinthians 12:26 says, “And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.”
The Living Bible translates Galatians 5:9 with a powerful warning: “But it takes only one wrong person among you to infect all the others—a little yeast spreads quickly through the whole batch of dough!” This is the biblical equivalent of the old saying, “One rotten apple can spoil the whole barrel.”

Actions do have consequences as Romans 14:7 insures. “For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.”
The positive side of an individual's actions is seen in selfless service as found in Isaiah 58:12. “Those from among you shall build the old waste places; You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.”

That is a great incentive for people at Penn State, Syracuse University or anywhere.

Dave Virkler

Amazing Grace

2011-11-21T16:48:00.001-05:00

The early afternoon sun streamed into Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange, NJ where I was concluding three weeks of intensive therapy to recover from a stroke after a 13-day hospital stay in Philadelphia. I wheeled myself toward what I thought was the sun-drenched courtyard only to find the November sun had just left my intended spot.

In its place, the most beautiful music was coming from a piano strategically placed in a pleasant eating area. A fellow patient was playing old secular tunes, and I parked my wheelchair nearby to listen. I later learned that his name was also David, that he has been a paraplegic for some time, and that he was a believer.

His talent was obvious. A subtle bond was established as I moved my hand in a gesture of approval. Some mystical connection was made, and he modulated into another song. “Amazing Grace” drifted through the rotunda.

It had been 32 days since I left our home in Towaco for a simple overnight at my son and daughter-in-law’s in Reading, PA and nearly that long without a mouthful of food or a sip of water. I had spent lonely nights listening to the moans of distressed and troubled roommates. I’d had feeding tubes in my nose and one inserted into my stomach. I had suffered complications in surgery and received blood transfusions. I’d had atrial fibrillation in the middle of the night and been saved by heroic medical efforts. A test showed that there would be a future hospital stay for further surgery.

But for those few magical moments, most all of the stress was eclipsed by “Amazing Grace.” As David moved into a second verse, I began quietly mouthing my praise. “Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come. ’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.” Thanks, friend. I needed that!

David then swung into “The Old Rugged Cross” and rounded out the hymn trilogy with “It Is Well.” The last chasm between human troubles and divine grace had been bridged. The old hymns had spoken the message of the blood of Jesus, of God’s grace and His perpetual comfort. Thanks, Lord. I needed that!

And don’t we all, whether we are in sunlight or shadows.

Praise God for putting in hearts a new song that is really the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

Dave Virkler

Intel Celebrates 40th Anniversary

2011-11-16T20:57:00.003-05:00

It is hard to even remember a world without the personal computer (PC). Like it or not, we are all controlled and impacted by computers. That is life today in an advanced culture! And few ever pause to take into account the thousands of other applications and products that now use and that are powered by micro processors.

And the key player in it all, the Intel processor, has been the standard architecture for 40 years now. The 4004, the first ever user programmable microprocessor, was primarily the combined achievement of just three men - Ted Hoff, Masatoshi Shima and Federico Faggin. Hoff designed the logic of the 4004 but Federico Faggin did the implementation on a single silicon chip.

But most have never heard of the man who may well be the true giant in the beginnings of the original computer age. His name was Dr. An Wang. Born in China, Wang attended Harvard where he eventually started a company using his just his $600 life savings. He had no initial orders, no contracts, and not even any office furniture. The company was called Wang Laboratories and he used his contacts to sell magnetic cores which he built and sold for $4 each. Slowly Wang's company changed from being a consulting and research company into a manufacturer. His first machine was very successful, but the real breakthrough came when Wang realized that engineers and scientists needed a good desktop calculator. Later in 1971 he also saw the ‘handwriting on the wall’ for the calculator market and began The Wang word processors.

Interestingly, back in 1965, it was still believed that there was only a limited market for computers. Even Wang didn't want to get involved in building a minicomputer because he really didn't have any idea that there was a market for such a product. So he continued selling his highly advanced "calculators". The reason was that he found that, once the word "computer" was used, that management called in accountants for proposals and endless studies. By selling his machines as “calculators” he short-circuited management's attempts to control computers and allowed the engineers and scientists to buy what amounted to a minicomputer without having to seek approval from higher up! Also, a similar phenomena in the 80s got microcomputers into companies past the eyes of the data managers who were still totally preoccupied with their huge mainframes.

Today’s computers are truly amazing gadgets. Intel has just developed its 'Knights Corner' one teraflop accelerator chip capable of running at speeds equal to one trillion calculations per second. Ten years on, in 2018, Intel hopes it will be able to deliver so-called exascale-level performance, which is more than 100 times faster than currently available.

Today's processors do everything from powering a simple GPS to directing smart bombs for the military. And most people have no idea that even their cars are running under the direction of a computer. Some find out suddenly and harshly when they have to replace one. Even the diagnosis for many vehicles today come through a built-in micro-processor too. Most don’t understand, or care, how their PC’s work as long as they are working right. But in time, they all malfunction on some level and the average person has to either pay someone to fix them or simply buy another bigger and better model.

But when analyzing the incredible ability of even a common household PC, or even what a modern cell phone call do, I often wonder what the depths of God’s mind must be like? What must His full knowledge entail if he has given simple, sinful, finite men the brains to devise such incredible world-changing items as the mico-processor? Some feel our now highly computer-dominated world has great prophetic significance and that the Anti-Christ will put them into use for his wicked purposes as predicted in Scripture at the end of the human age. (Revelation 13:17)

But as advanced as the computer may become, its capabilities remain but an infinitesimal fraction of the knowledge of the mind of an almighty Creator. 2 Timothy 3:7 describes those who may have great levels of human knowledge, but cannot understand the most basic process and the deepest and most important data of all. Verse seven describes them as, “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” That truth is God’s truth – the truth about man’s sinful condition, his redemption in Christ, and even about the purpose for life and the major issues affecting the condition and future of the creation itself!

Scripture reveals that those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ have something no computer can compete with, replace or figure out. It is described in 1 Corinthians 2:14-16. “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For "who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.” Having the ‘mind of Christ’ is a direct result of His glorious salvation and the subsequent and permanent indwelling of His Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:13 records, “These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”

Intel must be proud to have had such a major part in transforming the world via their micro processor over the last four decades. But the transformation that dwarfs the power and potential of any computer is the instantaneous change of the internal data in man’s heart when he or she attains access to the endless depths of the mind of Christ. This is all revealed on the spec sheet manual in God’s Word which becomes understandable and important to every true believer at the moment of the new birth. Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 puts it like this, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Part of that ‘newness’ is a total upgrade in the heart’s and soul’s processor – something no man-made micro-processor chip will ever comprehend or compete with.

Computers will continue to get faster, smarter, better and gain more control of daily life. But they will never be any match to the internal wisdom that makes possible the quality of life available to those whose bodies house the ultimate and eternal living processor through God’s Spirit as Ephesians 1:17-18 describes.

“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.”

Bill Breckenridge

Smokin’ Joe Loses His Greatest Fight

2011-11-14T09:28:00.002-05:00

He was a household word in his sport. He was also best known as one of the two combatants at Madison Square Garden back on the 70’s in what is generally known as ‘The Fight of The Century’. His opponent, whom he beat that night in one of their three historic bouts, may well be the greatest fighter in all of history – Muhammad Ali.

He was Joe Frazier, nicknamed ‘Smokin’ Joe’, a name that symolized well his aggressive and relentless style in the boxing ring. But at age 67, the legendary champion who held the greatest title in the world, succumbed to a battle with liver cancer in his greatest and final fight.

There was a time when Muhammad Ali taunted Joe Frazier relentlessly. But after Frazier’s death, Ali had nothing but kind words for his greatest and most difficult opponent. "The world has lost a great champion. I will always remember Joe with respect and admiration. My sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones."

Bob Arum who once promoted Ali said, "Joe Frazier should be remembered as one of the greatest fighters of all time and a real man. He's a guy that stood up for himself. He didn't compromise and always gave 100 percent in the ring."

Some men and woman reach incredible fame and fortune in this life – sometimes for doing or being very good at something lucrative and other times for reasons not so honorable. Recently another household name, from a totally different sphere of life, died. Mr. Steve Jobs entered eternity after changing the world and amassing a fortune probably equal to the entirety of some third world countries.

The average person is utterly unable to even grasp the kind of wealth and luxurious existence of a Joe Frazier or a Steve Jobs. But in the final analysis, both rich and poor, known and unknown, will eventually come face to face with the Creator who gave them life and will deal with them appropriately after it physically ends. That reality is confirmed in the sobering words of Hebrews 9:27. “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”

Smokin’ Joe Frazier always gave his 100 percent as did Steve jobs. Both rose to the pinnacle of their chosen professions through drive, commitment and God-given talent. But even with all of their great and historic accomplishments, unless they all had a personal union by faith with the Son of God, it all means absolutely nothing now. It was Christ’s unimaginable commitment, and the giving of His very best, that made their personal justification and redemption possible. This is partially explained in Philippians 2:5-8.”Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”

Perhaps this year, Frazier’s and Job’s worldly counterparts, Muhammad Ali and Bill Gates of Microsoft fame, will meet their Maker. None can predict when that most crucial of all moments may arrive as the Bible cautions repeatedly to be ready in verses like James 4:14. “Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away”.

As said earlier by one of Joe Frazier’s admirers, “He's a guy that stood up for himself.” But thankfully Jesus Christ did the exact opposite. His divine love drove Him to stand up for others - in the place of undeserving sinners as seen in Romans 5:7-9. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.”

‘Smokin Joe’, along with a select few others, held the greatest sports title in the world for a time. But that temporary honor is not even worthy to be mentioned in the same breath when compared to the One who died for him on the cross and for every soul ever born - both the mighty and miniscule. Some of His many eternal titles are recorded in 1 Tim 6:15-16.

"He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen."

Bill Breckenridge

Long-term Error With A Loving Ending

2011-10-12T13:39:00.002-04:00

It is a serious worry that sometimes runs through the minds of new parents who have just given birth. It is also something that hospitals should be very careful to avoid at all costs. But sometimes the unthinkable occurs nonetheless.

This time it involved two Russian families who had infant daughters born 12 years ago in the same hospital. Unfortunately they were mistakenly given to the wrong birth-parents. The terrible reality surfaced recently after the ex-husband of one mother refused to pay support for his daughter because she looked nothing like him. The court ordered DNA tests and the results showed that, while he had been the girl’s day to day dad at home over the years, that he was not indeed the birth-father. The families are now suing the hospital for $155,300 each – an amount that seems extremely low considering the amounts seen today in America for far less serious and often frivolous offenses.

But perhaps the most interesting aspect of the story is that neither child wants to leave their current home. The one mother quoted her daughter Irina as saying, “Mum, please don't give me away!” Her mother told the worried child, “I would never do anything against your wishes. Nothing has changed. I'm still your mother.” She also stated that her biological daughter, now living in the other family, also wants to remain in the home and with the people she knows and loves dearly now. So although there may be occasional visits now, neither child desires to leave her current home and those who have raised, protected and loved them since day one in after the great hospital error.

Tragically, human error, miscalculations, and sin take place even under the best of circumstances and even with the greatest safeguards in place. This time, as difficult and disruptive as the situation in Russia may have been, the positive element revolves around the love by the family members that overcame the shock made at the outset of all of their lives and even ties to legitimate bloodlines. In a strange, and very untypical, fashion these two girls were actually adopted, even though it was unintentional and not by design this time. But again, twelve years later, and with full understanding, they would not reverse what occurred because of the secure bond of human love created over that time frame.

But there is another level of love - one that far exceeds even this amazing human story of the super strong human bond it revealed. This other love is the unique, supernatural and unconditional love of God. It is spoken of throughout the Scriptures and is the basis for what the Bible is really all about. It is declares and describes in exact detail God’s eternal and incomprehensible love. Without it, all humanity would have remained spiritually dead from Eden forward and without any potential avenue of redemption.

Some of the key Bible verses below explain God’s plan, His love, and His Son’s essential contribution to the redemptive process. Together, they help explain God’s divine love and how that brings lost and helpless sinners into His family through faith in His Son. Also, there will never be even one case of mistaken identity or mix-ups as to who truly belongs to God and who does not. An error like this, while humanly possible as seen above, is fully impossible when dealing with the mind of an omniscient God. He alone knows the spiritual condition of every heart and will react and judge accordingly and righteously. (Hebrews 4:13) Some description of the impact of a loving God are listed as follows:

God’s Love Was Always There From The Beginning
“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love” (Ephesians 1:4)

God’s Love Was Rejected By His Created Race
“So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened.” (Genesis 3:6-7) “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

God’s Love Was Undeserved by Those Who Rebelled
“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (2 John 4:10)

God’s Love Was Mightily Demonstrated Though His Son
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” (Romans 5:8-9)

God’ Love Was The Spiritual Blood-line For Our Spiritual Adoption
“Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.” (Ephesians 1:4-6)

God’s Love Was The Foundation For Our Salvation
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16-17)

God’s Love Secured The Salvation of His People Forever

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” (John 10:27-29)

The 12-year old ‘birth blunder’ in Russia seems to be working out today with a happy ending. But those who did wrong may well pay dearly for their careless and costly mistake. But all that accept God’s sacrificial love in Christ by personal faith will never pay the penalty for any sin they commit. Christ already achieved that incredible feat on the cross for them. They are fully forgiven and forever ‘justified’ at the moment of their new birth. (John 3:3, Romans 3:24) And when they someday personally face their Creator, their sins, shortcomings, and unintentional mix-ups will be as though they never happened since God’s Holy Spirit will have brought them fully forgiven into His faith family forever. (2 Thessalonians 2:13).

There are many great samples of this theological truth that illustrate the results of the greatest love that mankind will ever know. They reveal the reality and basis for what alone can provide to the most fulfilling and purposeful life now and especially in the heavenly life to come. The Apostle Paul recorded numerous related passages on the subject. But nowhere did he make this all more clear than in verses like 1 Corinthians 6:11, Romans 8:1 and Ephesians 2:4-6.

- “But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”

- “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”

- “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”

Bill Breckenridge

Thoughts on the Life and Death of Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T17:43:00.000-04:00

Computer and hand-held technology genius Steve Jobs has died a comparatively young man at 56. Few entrepreneurs leave such a massive legacy.

Jobs was born to an unwed mother and adopted by working class parents. They saw that he went to college only for him to drop out. In a Stanford University commencement address in 2005, he explained it this way. “After six months, I couldn’t see the value in it. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and no idea how college was going to help me figure it out. And here I was spending all of the money my parents had saved their entire life. So I decided to drop out and trust that it would all work out OK.”

The rest is tangled, sometimes tortured, but electrifying personal history. By age 20, Jobs had teamed up with a friend to design computers. By 30, they had made Macintosh and Mac household words and were employing 4,000 people. When Apple fired him from his own company, Jobs became involved with Pixar and Next. He sold Pixar to Disney, and Next was so successful that it was eventually bought by Apple, and his work came full circle. Jobs became the guru of computer and personal electronic technology with the iPod and iTunes, the iPhone and the iPad. For a time, his company was at the top of global profitability.

But his life took another sudden down turn when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. His Stanford speech revealed new discoveries. “When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: ‘If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.’ It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: ‘If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?’ And whenever the answer has been ‘No’ for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.”

Jobs went on to remind the graduates that death is the fate of all of us and that they should live life to its fullest potential. “Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything—all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure—these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”

Without particularly knowing it, Jobs was expressing the highest truths of Christian lives lived for God.

He was a visionary who shepherded the world to greener pastures of communications. Spiritual vision provides even more. In the old King James Version, Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Without a unique word from God, the people are running wild.

He had the nakedness of death right. “… naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21)

Steve Jobs leaves a legacy of triumph from tragedy. He said getting fired from Apple was the best thing that happened to him since he was free to explore and innovate. His attitude reflects a biblical principle of the Christian life, one that the Apostle Paul saw from a prison cell. “But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident in my chains are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” (Philippians 1:12-14)

And one more thing, as Jobs would say. Jobs’ unwed mother gave him up for adoption rather than aborting him. His adoptive parents received a call in the middle of the night that a newborn needed a home. They encouraged his interest in computers and saved money to send him to college, the final wish of his young mother just before she signed the final papers. Can we even imagine the world’s loss if she had aborted that tiny life within her?

Steve Jobs’ amazing story of only 56 genius-packed years and the legacy he left behind affirms the wisdom of Moses, tutoring his nation on a wilderness journey. “I call heaven and earth as witnesses this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and you descendants may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19)

Dave Virkler

Lessons in a Lost and Found Moon Rock

2011-10-05T14:56:00.000-04:00

Former U.S. president Bill Clinton’s old files recently yielded an incredible find. At the bottom of a box of Clinton’s old Arkansas gubernatorial files, Bobby Robert, Director of the Central Arkansas Library System, discovered a million-dollar treasure.

Years ago, a small moon rock, one of fifty small chunks given to each of the U.S. states, had originally been affixed to a special plaque. When Clinton lost a re-election bid in 1980, his things were packed away, and the speculation is that, in the course of time, the moon rock fell off the plaque and into the bottom of the storage box.

Other moon rocks have also been misplaced such as those given to New Jersey and Alaska. Colorado’s governor kept the rock on leaving office but agreed to give it back.

Some estimate that these moon rocks are worth in the millions of dollars. How can these small pieces be so valuable? It’s because they represent a historic space expedition, and their mineral content can be evaluated in a continuing effort to discover the moon’s origin and composition.

It is amazing when mere moon rocks are lost in obscurity. It is completely tragic when the greatest Rock of all time and eternity is shuffled into obscurity.

“Rock” is a name of God in the Old Testament. Deuteronomy 32:18 is one example of many such references: “Of the Rock who begot you, you are unmindful, and have forgotten the God who fathered you.” The references differentiate between spiritual rock formations as in Deut. 32:31: “For their rock is not like our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.”
When Moses struck the rock in Numbers 20:11 (“And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also”), it was a preview of Christ. “…our fathers…all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.” (1 Corinthians 10:4)

Christ told his disciples that He was the Rock, the foundation of the church. “And I also say to you that you are Peter (“pebble” or “piece of rock” in the Greek), and on this rock (“boulder” or “massive rock”) I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)

Houses unshaken in a storm were built on a rock, not sand, as Christ said. “He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.” (Luke 6:48)

Hymns and spiritual songs have been written extolling Christ, the solid Rock, such as “Rock of Ages, Cleft For Me”. Another is Vernon J. Charlesworth’s hymn “A Shelter in the Time of Storm” written about 1880:

The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

A shade by day, defense by night,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
No fears alarm, no foes afright,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

The raging storms may round us beat,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
We’ll never leave our safe retreat,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

O Rock divine, O Refuge dear,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Be Thou our Helper ever near,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

Refrain:
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

Losing a small moon rock is being careless with mere millions. Losing the Rock of Ages would be priceless error.

Dave Virkler

Recession Changes Life In American

2011-10-03T09:11:00.002-04:00

It has become a fact of life, that life in America is different than life from even a year ago. The simple fact is that, as one article in USA TODAY put it, “The dismal economy is having a profound effect on the American way of life.” Other areas affected include some 200,000 fewer births to women ages 20 to 34 in 2010 and greater numbers of younger adults moving back home to lessen personal financial burdens or because of unemployment issues.

It is hard indeed to see or predict where the bleak financial trend is heading or for how long it may last. And its effects are certainly not confined to just America. But perhaps the results are more apparent in the U.S. because the lifestyle there has been so amazingly comfortable overall for so long a time. So it should shock very few that this unusual economic pressure would bring with it numerous negative and unwanted changes to families, businesses and individuals.

But there is another area of life where a very special and unique change should come when the proper positive conditions are miraculously met. This area lies in the spiritual realm and the noted change is to occur when a man or women’s inner core changes in the prescribed supernatural biblical mode. When one trusts in Christ, and is saved, they are immediately indwelled by God’s Holy Spirit. His predetermined ministry of inner and outer change to all believers is seen in passages like John 14:26, Romans 5:5, 13, 1 Thessalonians 1:5, and 1 Corinthians 2:13.

The third person of the triune god-head is the greatest, most positive, and only true lasting agent of change in any human heart. Perhaps the clearest New Testament passage confirming this truth is found in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Then also in 1 Corinthians 6:11 Paul, after recording partial list of sin-related actions, speaks to the reality of the drastic changes that should always come about in every new believer. After the review of many typical human flaws he writes, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”

Few would any longer argue that America today is different than life from just a year ago. And again, few really know where this downward change will lead and for how long. They can only agree that it is painful, stressful, and abnormal in a nation that has been the envy of the world many long decades.

But the major inner change that accompanies true salvation in Christ is to be expected. It is normal and natural according to Scripture. It is the exact opposite of the agony and uncertainty surrounding America’s current internal troubles. The Spirit is to bring great and lasting alteration – one that occurs in the heart and soul of any follower of Jesus Christ.

Many Christians may face the same exact problems as all other Americans in these difficult economic times. But at the same time, they have an asset to assist, comfort and guide them in this and any other life struggle. But for that to be true, and remain fully effective, will require an awareness concerning the serious warnings given in 1 Thessalonians 5:19 and Ephesians 4:30. These will have primary impact and change, one way or another, in the life of every single child of God. His word declares in no uncertain terms, “Do not quench the Spirit.” “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

For the Christian, the best and spiritually normal way to approach life, even one that may include declining material changes, is to do all they can to inwardly and outwardly reflect the words of Galatians 5:25. “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

Bill Breckenridge

A Flight 93 Legacy

2011-09-26T14:30:00.000-04:00

A week after the 9/11 anniversary, I visited the newly dedicated Flight 93 Memorial near Shanksville, PA.

The town gained unexpected prominence at 10:03 AM on September 11, 2001 when United Flight 93 from Newark, NJ screaming at 560 miles per hour crashed into the ground upside down at a 45-degree angle. Hitting the soft earth of a strip mine overfill, the plane basically disappeared, puzzling the first responders who could see little that resembled an airliner.

We later learned that radical Islamist terrorist had slain the pilots, taken control and were heading toward the U.S. capitol. Courageous passengers, aware through cell phone messages of the terror ahead, strove to overcome the villains, regain control of the aircraft and possibly survive. Time ran out as the terrorists chose death for all rather than capture, and the rest is history.

Aboard Flight 93 were two friends of mine, Donald and Jean Peterson, who were believers in Jesus Christ as their Savior. Also on board was fellow believer Todd Beamer, whose wife, Lisa, I had met years before when she was a teenager in Peekskill, NY. There may have been others who personally knew Christ as Savior, but I’m focusing on Don and Jean Peterson whom I knew.

Don was retired from his business, and he and his wife had dedicated themselves to supporting Christian ministries. Don was special to me. He had served with me on a Bible college Board of Governors, had engaged me to speak to neighbors gathered for Bible teaching in his home, had booked me to speak at a crisis pregnancy center event, and sent periodic gifts for our ministry. Further, he was counseling addicts at the Keswick Colony of Mercy in Whiting, NJ and had even helped some begin business anew after their recovery.

On September 11, 2001, Don and Jean were bumped to an earlier flight as they headed for a family gathering in California. But God had another plan to bring them to a heavenly family reunion via Shanksville.

When the first responders arrived at the crash site, only two objects could be clearly identified: a part of the aircraft landing gear and Don Peterson’s Bible—fuel stained, yet intact. Even more remarkable, inside the Bible was a loose sheet on which were the names of ten men in the addiction recovery program for whome he was praying.

Isaiah 40:8 promises, “The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.”

“By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks” (Hebrews 11:4 – emphasis mine). The godly speak long after their deaths as Revelation 14:13 notes, “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, ‘Write: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.’” (emphasis mine)

On Sunday morning, September 11, 2011, Bill Welty, Director of Keswick, shared Don’s story with the 40 men currently in Colony of Mercy rehab program. At the invitation, ten received Christ as Savior. Don is still speaking, and he does it again every time I tell this story in meeting, on radio and even now on the Internet.

Todd Beamer led the charge against the terrorists saying, “Let’s roll!” His faithful and courageous wife, Lisa, authored a book titled with those two words. It made The New York Times best seller list and is often read and reread. She has encouraged countless discouraged people to keep on in trying circumstances.

I’m so grateful to Don and Jean and Todd and others who “overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and…did not love their lives to the death” (Rev. 12:11).

Dave Virkler

Two Pastors Shot in Florida

2011-09-20T12:00:00.002-04:00

The advice is as valid today as it was centuries ago when given through the wise words of the author of Proverbs. In the twenty-seventh chapter he wrote, “Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.” Again that is great wisdom for anyone, including pastors themselves, who have likely preached at some point from this very verse or at least its concept. (Proverbs 27:1)

This was certainly the case in Lakeland, Florida this past weekend. On Sunday, September 18, at the Greater Faith Christian Center Church, the congregation had just bowed their heads in prayer. At that precise

moment, a former church member entered into the quiet sanctuary and opened fire. He shot and wounded the pastor and associate pastor from behind before finally being wrestled to the ground in a six-minute long

struggle.

Pastor William Boss and associate pastor Carl Stewart were shot from behind. Boss was shot in the head, and Stewart, shot three times in the back. Jeremiah Fogle was charged with first-degree murder, and three counts of attempted murder, after his 56-year-old wife Theresa Fogle was found slain inside their home not long after the church attack. They were married at Greater Faith back in 2002.

Sheriff Grady Judd stated, "He was prepared to shoot even more and we don't know exactly why he went into this mad rage." Judd also stated, "Of all the places you should be safe, you should be safe in a house of

worship - especially on a Sunday morning."

The practical and spiritual lessons learned from this latest of several terrible incidents in churches over the last few years are many. First and foremost, there is no really safe place physically speaking anywhere - not even within the sacred halls of God’s house on His special day. The only real peace and security that is guaranteed is the inner spiritual safety that can only originate through a true saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Psalmist had it exactly right when he wrote on the subject of ultimate security being only in God. In Psalm 33:16-19 he instructed, “No king is saved by the multitude of an army; A mighty man is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a vain hope for safety; Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength. Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy, To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.”

One of the other top lessons learned in the Lakeland, Florida incident is that sin is real and its results often ugly and highly destructive. Many times its target becomes Christian leaders. These are uniquely chosen by

God and therefore pose the greatest threat to Satan’s work as they endeavor to thwart his evil schemes. But the same threat holds generally true to any serious believer who takes his or her faith seriously and serves the Lord faithfully.

Again, the spiritual lessons abound when viewing the tragic episode in Florida. Another would be that Christians should be in serious prayer for their brothers and sisters in Christ there. (Romans 12:15) But the best overall advice was offered at the outset – that of expecting the unexpected and preparing accordingly in the light of 1 Peter 5:8-9. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith.”

The reality is that Christians and non-believers equally live in an uncertain and sin-cursed world. Paul spoke concerning why this is so in Romans 5:12. “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.” Thankfully the story does not end there. Shortly thereafter, he shares the encouragement of Romans 6:23. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Sometimes sin seems to gain the temporary upper hand through some terrible event. Sometimes the pure volume and consistency of evil seems almost overwhelming. When that occurs, Christians must resist the

temptation to simply stick their heads in the sand from fear and despair. Instead, they must place their lives and trust fully in Christ’s loving and protective hands and allow their hearts to cling to His promises like the one found in Philippians 4:6-7. There we find a guarantee of His special peace and the assurance of victory - something that defies all human logic and comprehension.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Bill Breckenridge

America’s Poverty Level Increasing

2011-09-14T10:49:00.000-04:00

If you were asked how many Americans fit into the government’s standard for being at or below the poverty level, what would your answer be?

From a personal standpoint, the statistic just offered by the Census Bureau shocked me and may well do the same to you. Their current figure is nearly 1 in 6. That bleak category amounts to about 46.2 million people, or 15.1 percent, and is a 27-year high. In addition, the number of people lacking health insurance now has increased to 49.9 million – an all-time high in the nation. These sobering statistics were released on Tuesday and covered 2010. The U.S. unemployment averaged 9.6 percent up from 9.3 percent the previous year. With that said, there is some question that the term ‘poor’ is being redefined upward by some politicians in order to bolster their own political philosophy and aspirations.

The noun ‘poverty’ in the dictionary basically means the state or condition of having little or no money, goods, or means of support; condition of being poor. It refers to deficiency of necessary or desirable ingredients, qualities, etc. Synonyms include thinness, scantiness, and insufficiency.

Although poverty is a common concept, it is one that is rather hard to pin down to a standard definition. The reason is simple. Some who are considered poor in one place, would be seen as fairly well off in another. Having recently adopted an orphan from the war-torn Congo, we have seen this concept up close and personal. While we try and make ends meet each month, this little boy pictures us as near royalty as we may well have more in our small house than did his entire orphanage where some 50+ malnourished kids lived, often eating once a day, and sharing clothes with one another.

Likewise, many who are just scratching out a living can’t quite grasp a professional athlete’s attitude of turning his back at a multi-million dollar contract because he feels he is worth more or it is somehow beneath him. Many in this position never think about why others can’t afford the expensive tickets to fuel his outrageous salary – one that may even exceed the fan’s lifetime total earnings in just one season!

True poverty is a terrible thing and causes suffering and anguish that most in America still cannot really fathom. True starvation, an increasing world-wide problem, is an unimaginable way to die. It is slow and excruciatingly painful. And in life’s last horrific days, the body literally consumes itself. That is poverty! And that is something all Christians should be aware of and try to help alleviate on whatever level God may lead. The apostle related this idea in some rather pointed words in 1 John 3:17. “But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?”

But there also exists another form of poverty. It can be true of someone starving in some famine, disease-ridden, or war-ravaged nation. Or it can also be the case in the lives of a multi-billionaire who cannot even relate to any need on any level. This, simply stated, is spiritual poverty! It is a condition that every soul is born into according to Scripture. It is due to sin and because all have fallen short of God’s holy standards. (Romans 3:23) Romans 5:12 leaves no doubt as it clearly defines its deadly and contagious nature. ”Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.”

Anyone who knows anything about God’s nature, and what His word teaches, knows that sin must be dealt with. If it is not reversed, the future eternal consequences are beyond horrific. The concept of everlasting punishment, in a literal hell, is beyond the ability of the human mind to grasp. But the same God, whose own nature forces Him to deal harshly, justly and equally with all sin, also loved sinners enough to provide the escape from spiritual poverty and its wretched consequences. (John 3:16) His supernatural solution was to send His only Son to die in our place. This would take away our guilt and remove our deserved penalty. His willing sacrifice allowed those who will trust Him as Savior to be fully cleansed and forever justified in God’s eyes. (1 John 4:14-15, 1 Timothy 4:10)

Through Christ’s love and mercy, we can become spiritually whole and rich. This required a willingness on His part to experience a level and form of poverty that even His own redeemed people will likely never comprehend. 2 Corinthians 8:9 substantiates this blessed, but very costly, truth. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.”

Material and physical poverty has plagued mankind since sin entered the race and will continue until God someday ends it. But the far greater issue is unsolved spiritual poverty and the very real and eternal nightmare it represents.

Those who have become rich in and through Christ should thank Him constantly - regardless of their life’s economic status. And they should also seriously share their faith with those still spiritually poor with a level of fervency as do those now in great physical poverty and fighting for their very survival.

Bill Breckenridge

No Religion on 9/11?

2011-09-12T16:03:00.001-04:00

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg disallowed any overt religious expressions in the historic 10th anniversary ceremonies at Ground Zero where the Twin Towers once stood and a memorial is open and buildings now rise. He said that not all religious beliefs could be included and no offense should be given to any. But prayer and religious references were there.

President Barack Obama read at length from Psalm 46:

“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling.

There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.

The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.

Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has made desolations in the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.”
Former President George W. Bush quoted a condolence letter written by President Abraham Lincoln to a grieving mother when he heard of her losing five sons in the Civil War. Lincoln wrote, “I pray that our heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement….”

On Sunday evening, President Obama book-ended his speech at the Kennedy Center memorial concert by twice quoting the latter portion of Psalm 30:5. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” refers to a time of mourning and then a time of joy.

At the dedication service of the Flight 93 memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania on Saturday, President Bush quoted John 15:13: “Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends,” which was spoken by Christ of His forthcoming death on the Cross. Those same words have been quoted numerous times in blogs and other 9/11-related writings.

The newspapers on Monday, September 12, featured the moving picture. of a father kneeling with bowed head before the inscribed name of his fallen son and his arm outstretched across the sloping panel at the newly dedicated Ground Zero memorial.

Top political edicts may forbid formal Scripture and prayer in public gatherings, but God’s Word and the hunger for spiritual meaning in tragedy cannot be excluded from human experience. Even if every Bible were removed from earth, the Eternal Word is still guarded in heaven. “Forever, O Lord, Your Word is settled in heaven.” (Psalm 119:89)

Dave Virkler

Lee: Bad Location and Worse Timing?

2011-09-07T14:36:00.003-04:00

It is obviously the last thing needed in many places along the East Coast after the desolation left by Hurricane Irene. But just when most flooded roads were re-opening, basements drying and countless thousands rebuilding, Tropical Storm Lee began to dump additional heavy rains on many of the same areas.

Along with the downpours, Lee also spawned tornadoes, knocked out power to thousands, and swept several people away. Louisiana and Mississippi felt the greatest impact over the weekend. At least four people died because of the rough winds and drenching rains. The Gulf Coast also experienced an oil spill that left Labor Day vacationers and residents having to clean tar off of their feet that had washed up on the beaches there.

Often life does not see fair. Many times it appears that certain people have far more unpleasant experiences than do others. At times, even committed Christians may wonder why they have not been spared particular trials because of their unique and spiritual bond to the Creator God who controls all things – including the weather. It can seem that there is little or no difference between the difficulties faced by believers and their unsaved counterparts. And sometimes the lost seem to live better, and even have an outward edge, over God’s own people?

As far as this subject is concerned Matthew mentions something that must be remembered by every Christian when tough times come their way. Mathew 5:45 reads, “For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” We all live equally in a fallen and sin-cursed world. And although God does sometimes perform miraculous feats of divine protection for His own, it is simply folly and impractical to think that a monster storm would rush in and out of an area and only the homes of God's people would be left standing while all others are carried away. Christians suffer in this life too - but not like those who have no hope or the peace and power that originates from God’s indwelling Holy Spirit.

Even the Psalmist Asaph wondered about this very thing and wrote his rather blunt feelings in Psalm 73. In verse 2 he speaks with great honesty about his struggle over the seeming prosperity of the wicked versus the apparent unfair trials and tribulations of the righteous.

Beginning in verse 2 he declares, “But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no pangs in their death, But their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men, Nor are they plagued like other men." In verse 7 he adds, “Their eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish." Verse 12 then concludes the vivid description of his confusion stating, ”Behold, these are the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase in riches. Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, And washed my hands in innocence. For all day long I have been plagued, And chastened every morning.”

Asaph had the honesty and boldness to write down what many of us may well be thinking but are afraid to openly admit. But as he heavily pondered this most troubling personal matter, God somehow broke through the darkness and shinned His guiding light on the issue. He revealed the spiritual dimension to His servant thus allowing him to understand the matter fully from the Creators’ perspective.

Verse 16 concludes, “When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me - Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end. Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.”

Without any doubt, sometimes the ways and will of God are hard to grasp. (Isaiah 55:8) But, at the same time, we can rest assured that His purposes are always perfect, righteous and just. He overlooks nothing and makes no mistakes – ever! (Genesis. 18:25) His people are never left alone to struggle blindly and helplessly regardless of how high or fast life’s turbulent waters may rise. They are permanently anchored to the solid rock that is Christ. In Him alone they are secured and protected forever.

And for those who may still ponder the source and scope of their own personal struggles, as did the Psalmist prior to his divine revelation, perhaps Psalm 46:1-3 offers the clearest understanding, peace and comfort found anywhere in the Scriptures.

“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling.”

Bill Breckenridge

Calculating The Cost Of Irene

2011-08-31T12:29:00.000-04:00

Besides the loss of life, interrupted lives, human suffering, and priceless possessions lost, there can now be an approximate dollar amount put on Hurricane Irene.

According to an estimate by AIR Worldwide Insurance companies, the total sum paid out will reach between $3 billion and $6 billion to cover damage – the bulk of which is coming from massive flooding. For Irene, the wind was not so much the issue. It was the vast downpour that caused widespread flooding that went farther inland than usual for an East Coast storm. Even Vermont felt the storm’s wrath.

Of course these figures are a far cry from Katrina in 2005 which caused $41.1 billion in losses, or Andrew in 1992, which caused $15.5 billion to Florida and Louisiana. But that was then and this is now. And for those who have lost some, or all of their worldly possessions, comparing one storm to another is rather meaningless.

The sun now shines, the storm is gone and now headed for the record books. Only the carnage lingers and will for some time. So the question now becomes, especially for Christians, what do we do to help? First and foremost, we need to open our eyes and care – something not easy if we ourselves happened to ‘dodge the bullet’ so to speak.

I personally led 5 separate relief trips from our church in New Jersey to Mississippi after Katrina devastated the Gulf coast. The stunning image in my mind of stepping onto the property, some 2 miles inland, where the Lake Shore Baptist Church once stood, are as fresh today as they were almost 7 years ago. I’ll never forget walking onto a concrete slab and trying to conjure up the 30-foot storm surge that carried the church, and most everything else there, away with it. Multiply that by 500 or 1,000 and perhaps you have proportions of the biblical Genesis flood!

But for many of us, the damage this time is in our own back yards. Physically helping does not require an expensive 1100-mile journey and many long hours to get there. This time, we can easily help our own neighbors. This time we can volunteer through one of the best organizations in the disaster aid business – Samaritans Purse. www.spvolunteernetwork.org We can all use this opportunity to lovingly, and with sensitivity, share the Gospel of Christ and use these unfortunate circumstances to point out how fragile material things really are and the value of clinging to the saving and solid rock with is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4). And we can all give, pray, and encourage those who have suffered loss just as Paul wrote about in Romans chapter twelve.

“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” (Romans 12 10-13) Verse 15 adds, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”

After the chaos of the storm comes the chance to serve. There comes time to become the literal ‘Hands and Feet of Christ'. Hopefully His church will not squander this great opportunity, but will fully display His love and then His command recorded in Galatians 6:10. “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."

Bill Breckenridge

Earthquake Restores Hearing

2011-08-27T09:00:00.001-04:00

All earthquake results are not created equal according to the amazing story of Robert Valderzak of Washington, DC.

The 75-year old had a fall in June and lost his hearing. Amazingly, after Tuesday’s 5.8 magnitude Virginia earthquake shook his hospital bed, his hearing returned, much to the amazement of doctors who are planning additional tests.

His doctor noted, “Some people seem to be a little frightened by it, but he is delighted that this earthquake came along because soon after the event, he could hear everything in the room very clearly.”

For both the hearing-impaired and those who hear fine, earthquakes are surely attention-getters. Countless people can tell you exactly where they were, what they were doing and how they felt about the big shake of August 23, 2011.

I once heard that if God can’t use His Word to get people’s attention, He uses His works. In the case of an indifferent jail keeper in Philippi, God had to use as earthquake when His quotes proved inadequate.

Acts 16 records how Paul and his company preached in the city. It created such a stir that jail time resulted. Surely the jailer knew of the preaching and likely even the content. He had heard of their work, seen them whipped mercilessly, clamped their limbs into stocks and fallen asleep, evidences of crass indifference to the Gospel and to human suffering. But when God sent an earthquake, the jailer had a different attitude.

In the dark of midnight, as Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns (the original Greek word is “hymneo”), an earthquake shook the prison, disconnected the prisoners’ shackles and rattled loose the prison doors. The commotion shook the slumbering jailer into full consciousness, and the presumed escape of his charges totally unnerved him. The narrative of Acts 16:27-34 is so astonishing that I include it here:

And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself.

But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”

Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.

And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.

And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.

Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.
Earthquakes can be a disguised blessing, especially when they open one’s ears to hear God’s truth and ask the ultimate question, “What must I do to be saved?” Those who fear no mortal earthquake can answer with personally known joy, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, and your whole household too, if they believe as you.”

Dave Virkler

Earthquakes and Other Disasters: A Sign of the Times?

2011-08-25T17:06:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake with an epicenter in Virginia jeopardized Washington, DC–even opening a crack in the Washington Monument—and was felt hundreds of miles away up and down the northeastern U.S. Various reports of collapsed walls and falling objects punctuated reports. Some analysts said it was the worst quake to hit the region in 25 years. The same day, minor quakes hit California and Colorado.

Today, weather reports declare that Hurricane Irene is set to slam the east coast and slither northward with undetermined amounts of rain and wind.

All this is happening in the face of a tragic drought in Texas and adjoining states that has nearly decimated the wheat crop, pinching national and world supplies and no doubt ratcheting up food prices. Drought and famine are no strangers to Somalia and other African countries where millions are dead or teetering on the brink of starvation.

Meanwhile the financial world experiences its own earthquake of shaky U.S. dollars and unsteady European currencies underscored by America’s national borrowing, often from unfriendly nations.

The concentration of natural and man-made disasters has long been associated with end-time scenarios where men and nature seemingly revolt against standard behavior and herald an eventual Tribulation era of stunningly amplified catastrophes. We confess to not knowing the precise prophetic connection in the present conjunction, but neither do we conclude that they are not.

Toward the conclusion of history as we have known it, the Bible forecasts strange birth pangs as time moves toward the return of Christ toward the earth in the Rapture, as it is called, of I Thessalonians 4:17 and then a terrible conjunction of global geological, astronomical and financial disorders of unparalleled magnitude.

Mark 13:8 says, “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.” (The word translated as “sorrows” means “birth pangs.”)

1 Thessalonians 5:3-4 repeats the warning: “For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.”
Whether imminent or eventual, spiritual preparation is ultimately our best defense.

In the old song Day by Day, Lina Sandell wrote,

Every day the Lord Himself is near me,
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,
He whose name is Counsellor and Pow’r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,” *
This the pledge to me He made.

Dave Virkler

* Deut. 33:25b – “As thy days, so shall thy strength be.”

A Winning Hockey Shot in Question

2011-08-17T16:51:00.000-04:00

Honesty is not the best policy; it is the only policy, and a Minnesota family agrees after a brief brush thinking otherwise.

At a fund-raising event, 11-year old Nate Smith of Faribault, Minnesota skated out to compete in a contest to swat a hockey puck 89 feet into a 3½-inch plastic goal. Nate has a twin brother, Nick, who was the actual entrant since Nate had just had an arm cast recently removed. When Nick’s raffle ticket number was called, he was outside the arena, and twin brother Nate was hastily substituted.

Amazingly, Nate did made the shot, and he looked to be set to receive a $50,000 prize—until the truth won out.

The euphoria lasted a day until family consultations concluded that the winner wasn’t actually the winner and living with a lie, no matter how close to the truth, wasn’t worth the stress. Although Nate’s father, Pat Smith, had hastily signed a document affirming the absent son’s win, he later cleared the air explaining, “The next day we felt so badly, I called the organizers. We told them that Nate made the shot. We did the right thing.” (As of this writing, there has been no decision on whether Nate gets the money or not.)

Indeed, the right thing always reflects ultimate truth. Living a lie, especially a family falsehood, mars parents’ example and degrades children’s character. The formative impressions linger into adulthood. As the twig is bent so grows the limb. The Bible says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) True freedom is not to freedom to do wrong but to do right.

Years ago an Israeli politician faced a serious decision affecting the future of his country. He said that before he decided, he was going home to talk to two people. “I want to talk to my grandfather who has been dead for several years and I want to talk to my grandson, yet unborn.” Of course, he didn’t believe in speaking directly with either, but he illustrated the importance of recognizing the wisdom of the past and his responsibility for future generations.

Every family needs to get its moral priorities straight. Thankfully, the Smith twins will grow up knowing that truth is priceless and ill-gotten gain is dangerous. Better still, I hope that all youths come to understand that Christ is, as He Himself said, “the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

Satan is “a murderer from the beginning, does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar, and the father of it.” (John 8:44)

Thus, truth and error are in major disagreement. When truth wins, great blessing abounds.

Dave Virkler

Texas Governor Rick Perry Prays for America

2011-08-08T11:41:00.000-04:00

Overcoming a legal challenge by those charging him with violating the separation of church and state, Rick Perry, the Christian Governor of Texas, called for a day of prayer. On Saturday, over 30,000 believers gathered for prayer at The Response: A Call to Prayer for a Nation in Crisis held at Reliant Stadium in Houston. Secularists and champions of the so-called separation of church and state decried the event as they always do. But Perry sees our national problems as a spiritual disorder, not a mere economic problem.

God bless Governor Perry. At the prayer rally, he read Scripture and then humbly called on Jesus praying, “Lord, you are the source of every good thing … You are our only hope, and we stand before you today in awe of your power and in gratitude for your blessings, and humility for our sins. Father, our heart breaks for America. We see discord at home. We see fear in the marketplace. We see anger in the halls of government, and as a nation we have forgotten who made us, who protects us, who blesses us, and for that we cry out for your forgiveness.”

This was on the same weekend that Standard & Poors, the giant credit rating agency, downgraded America’s national credit standing because there is questionable government ability to solve our problems and the recent budget efforts did not go far enough. As our financial standing buckled, Perry’s thousands bowed before God for His divine help.

Though it is belittled and maligned by opponents, massive repentance and focused prayer alone is our only hope. Perry’s call for prayer follows the precedent of our founders who pleaded for divine guidance in 1774. George Washington urged his troops in Christian conduct and had prayer and Bible reading in his military tent each day for the eight years of the Revolutionary War. As president, he called for national days of prayer.

Abraham Lincoln also proclaimed these days of national prayer and repentance as have most U.S. presidents including Barak Obama, who cited Lincoln in last May’s National Day of Prayer proclamation. “Prayer has played an important role in the American story and in shaping our Nation’s leaders. President Abraham Lincoln once said, ‘I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go.’” And the proclamation ends as do almost every one of approximately 100 annual presidential proclamations, with the phrase, “In the year of our Lord,” meaning Jesus Christ.

Perry did in Texas only what the President does in Washington. If citizens of both state and nation heed these calls, there is hope for the country.

When I receive phone calls soliciting financial support for politicians and political parties, I say something to this effect. “You get nothing from me until you recognize that our problems are not financial but spiritual.” Thankfully, Rick Perry already understands that.

Dave Virkler

'Super Blood Donors' For Disasters?

2011-08-03T13:52:00.000-04:00

The Food and Drug Administration is asking advice from ‘blood experts’ this week about the possibility of lessening the required time intervals for people giving blood from the standard 8 weeks down to one month. Also, the Blood Products Advisory Committee is asking if just a 48-hour space between giving would be allowed for special circumstances but only with a doctor’s permission.

Dr. Louis Katz, executive vice president of medical affairs for the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, is in favor of the idea especially when some tragedy like a 9/11 occurs. He stated, “If things got really bad, we would like the ability to draw more fully qualified donors more quickly. We’d like already-committed donors that we could look to in a bad pinch.”

The move would essentially create a potential fleet of ‘super blood’ and also regular donors available on short notice. The FDA will consider the advice of the committee before making the change, and their timeframe and answer is unknown at present. But in a rather bold statement, Dr. Katz said, “We were going to do this anyway if we had to. What are we supposed to do, let people bleed to death?”

Blood is the most crucial aspect of all human life. Even the Bible confirms that way back in the Bible’s third book. God confirms in Leviticus 17:11, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood.” He goes on later in that verse to reveal the spiritual importance - even in the physical blood of sacrificed animals back in that day. Verse 11 continues, “And I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.” This crucial passage symbolized, and looked forward to, the future ultimate sacrifice. It would come in the form of the ‘Lamb of God’, Jesus Christ, who would arrive later in history to provide forgiveness of all sin once and for all for the entire human race.

Verses abound in the New Testament concerning how the sinless and unique blood of God’s Son was instrumental in the salvation process. 1 Peter 1:18-19 says it in no uncertain terms. “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”

Many other key verses verify how the shed blood of Christ on the cross is the primary ingredient in the redemption of mankind, his entrance into God’s family, and eventually eternity in heaven. The below verses are just some examples of this great theological reality – all based, of course, on faith alone in the Savior’s incomprehensible sacrifice.

- Colossians 1:13 “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”

- Colossians 1:19-20 “For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.”

- Hebrews 9:22 “And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.”

- Romans 5:8-9 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.”

While health officials seek to single out and use so-called “Super Blood Donors” in case of some catastrophe, the greatest universal disaster continues on in the form of unforgiven human sin. (Romans 3:23) This has consequences now, and infinitely worse ones after this life ends. And it can be fully solved through the single greatest ‘Super Blood Donor’ ever - Jesus Christ. He voluntarily offered up Himself and shed His pure and precious blood in order to save all that would trust Him as their personal Savior! And to take advantage of His redemptive offer requires no outside permission, approval or waiting period. (2 Corinthians 6:2)

"To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (Revelation 1:5-6)

Bill Breckenridge

Oxygen - No Longer ‘Lost in Space’

2011-08-02T14:29:00.000-04:00

Scientists have been searching for it in outer space for some 230 years. And now they feel confident that they have finally found the elusive commodity. The rare, and highly sought out element, is none other than simple oxygen.

Individual atoms called ‘atomic oxygen’ are common in space and often seen around the larger stars. But ‘molecular oxygen’, which is formed by two bonded oxygen atoms and makes up about 20 percent of the air we breathe on planet Earth, is not.

A team of researchers has discovered the first oxygen molecules in deep space using the Herschel space telescope near the star-forming regions in the Orion nebula. The element was detected in an area roughly 1,500 light-years from Earth by the European Space Agency's Herschel Space Observatory using infrared detectors.

"Oxygen is the third most common element in the universe and its molecular form must be abundant in space," said Bill Danchi, Herschel program scientist at the NASA Headquarters in Washington. Paul Goldsmith, a project scientist at the agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., said, "This explains where some of the oxygen might be hiding but we didn't find large amounts of it. We still don't understand what is so special about the spots where we do find it. The universe still holds many secrets."

The scientific world has exploded in just the last few decades and in many realms. Obviously, a great number of their discoveries have enhanced and improved the quality of life for millions around the globe. But these new, and sometimes stunning, discoveries come at a price. Multiple millions are spent and countless companies, labs, and individuals devote their time, training and talent to find and these so-called ‘secrets of the universe’.

But the thing that always puzzles me is how many of those who delve so deeply into the complex intimacies of their own planet, and beyond, typically don’t think more about the existence and involvement of an all-knowing Creator. If they do, most certainly hide that aspect of their findings and beliefs in this sphere. It seem incredible, again to me, that the things discovered, along with those areas where they can’t even scratch the surface, would lead some to at least ponder the possibility that someone beyond our comprehension intentionally designed it all.

If any group of people should think through the existence of the obvious intelligent design demonstrated by the universe, it should be the ones who study its miraculous details the most. Romans 1:20 certainly confirms this concept. “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”

But even for those with no scientific training or knowledge, the very first verse of the Bible reveals the source of all things – understood or not. Genesis 1:1 begins, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Later in that foundational chapter, there is another great reality declared. “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27)

The Bible continues to relate God’s incomprehensible power and His constant involvement in the planet we live on and everything in the universe that surrounds it. One good example of this is seen in Psalm 147:4-5. “He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.” Then in the New Testament, this same subject is addressed. It again declares God’s as the designer and maintainer of all things – and this time through His Son Jesus Christ who is likewise full deity and Almighty God.

Colossians chapter one speaks of Christ in verse 15 as follows. “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” The word ‘consist’ means to literally ‘hold together’. Christ is the supernatural ‘glue’ that bonds the universe He created together.

The answers for all questions are wrapped up in the Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Paul, speaking of the God-head writes in Colossians 2:3, “In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” And no matter how far man proceeds, scientifically speaking, there will always be far more questions and theories than answers to the amazing and miraculous creation about them.

But when it comes to having a personal relationship with the great Creator-God, and having one’s sins fully forgiven in Christ, there is no question or theory. There can be 100% certainty. (1John 5:13). The answer to salvation takes no advanced degree, superior I.Q., or vast sums for research. This greatest of all discoveries is easily found and clearly stated in God’s word. Passages on the subject abound. (Ephesians 2:8-9, Acts 16:31, Romans 6:23, 10:13, 1John 5:11-12)

But the verse that says it best, and is perhaps the second most well-known in Scripture behind that first creation verse in Genesis chapter one, is John 3:16. All the ingredients to research the source, motives, and means of redemption appear there for all to fully discover and accept.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Bill Breckenridge

Monstrous Mass Murder In Norway

2011-07-27T09:33:00.000-04:00

It was like a joining of the Oklahoma City bombing coupled with the deadly rampage at the Columbine High School several years ago. And a peaceful nation is now trying to cope with something they never expected to see after a deranged killer attacked in two separate locations one after the other.

First there came the deadly explosion that shattered multiple windows at the government headquarters in Oslo, Norway and that killed 7 and wounded at least 15 others. It has been called an act of ‘domestic terrorism’.

Then the murderer took out his vengeance on an island youth camp where at least 80, mostly kids, were gunned down in a cold and calculated fashion – something sending chills down the spine of anyone who can even vaguely imagine the horrific scene there. Some of the scared and wounded youth played dead when the gunman got near them and their actions likely saved their lives. Many others were not as fortunate, as he many times returned and shot the motionless bodies again, just to make sure they were dead.

Both attacks, taken together, added up to the deadliest event on Norwegian soil since World War II. The perpetrator was Anders Behring Breivik. He has been characterized by officials as a political conservative and right-wing extremist, as seen by previous writings on his Facebook page. He was said to be anti-Muslim as well, and listed his religion as ‘Christian’. The killer also had a Twitter account apparently belonging to Mr. Breivik with a week-old post stating, “One person with a belief is equal to the force of 100,000 who have only interests.” Tragically, his wretched beliefs were forced into the most evil of actions and many innocent people paid the ultimate price as a result.

Terrorism, in any form, is the ultimate form of brutality and especially cowardice. Few things are more wicked than the actions like those taken in Norway this past week. And the term itself has become a horrible household word across the globe, as such incidents now happen at an alarming frequency. And obviously there is no real way of knowing about, or preventing, being in the ‘line of fire’ for these barbaric moments – at least physically speaking. And this is precisely why God warns in His word of such possibilities in passages like Proverbs 27:1. “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.”

This same concept and biblical wisdom is echoed by James in the New Testament. God’s thoughts are recorded through His servant there in James 4:13-14. “Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”

For about 80 souls at the island camp in Norway, they had no idea of how ‘little time’ would make up the boundaries of their young lives. Hopefully some who perished were spiritually ready when the disaster struck since the Bible warns of certain future judgment after this life ends in Hebrews 9:27. It also clearly reveals how to get fully spiritually ready for that all-important moment, in verses like Romans 10:13 which declares, "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved."

As far as Mr. Breivik being a Christian, that certainly is more than up for debate, considering his heinous and outrageous actions. Those who become new creations in Christ Jesus, through personal faith, are not perfect. But they are different. They are unique, having been indwelt by the Holy Spirit and given all new hearts according to 2 Corinthians 5:17. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Then, too, in 1 Peter 1:14-16, all true believers are given a tall order as far as how they are to conduct their affairs in this life. The Apostle writes. “as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy." It goes without saying that what the killer in Norway did was about as far from this lofty standard required by God as humanly possible.

In addition, it is God alone who truly knows the inner heart of each man. It is also true that just claiming to be a Christian may mean absolutely nothing as is the case with so many who do so. The Bible speaks on this subject through the words of the Savior in Matt 7:13-14. "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

The Lord Himself also physically faced during His earthly ministry those who swore they belonged to Him. But His firm and sobering words to them indicated otherwise. "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' (Matthew 7:21-23)

The eternal destiny of those who were so suddenly and cruelly ushered into eternity in the Norway attack is set in stone and final forever. There is no second chance – a principle clearly taught in the Scriptures. All that can be done now is praying for the survivors who have been give a second chance and the loved ones of the slain. Hopefully these will pause and realize how fragile and uncertain life really is. Hopefully they will all somehow realize that they need to do serious business with God and be fully ready to face Him whenever their time on earth ends – young or old! And hopefully they will all be made aware, through this staggering event, their immediate need for a Savior and the absolute truth recorded by the Apostle Paul in Romans 8:1-2.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”

Bill Breckenridge

Lessons from the Casey Anthony Trial – Part 2

2011-07-18T09:00:00.003-04:00

Lawyers are important, and defendants need them desperately. Someone once said, “He who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client.” Casey Anthony’s lawyer, Jose Baez, was vilified for incompetence, and most legal minds leveled a barrage of criticism against his ineptitude, but Baez left the courtroom in stunning and smiling success.

In retrospect, Baez becomes a towering legal giant who knew exactly how to keep his client off the stand and pound wedges of doubt into a sympathetic jury. Casey Anthony never said a word in her own defense, yet Baez got total acquittal in the most serious charges of murder.

The need for defense is seen even more so in the highest court of guilt or innocence before Heaven’s judge. Turning this into a biblical illustration, I thought of our great Advocate who pleads our spiritual case before the court of Heaven and its Judge, the Lord God Himself.

We are all guilty of sin. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Of obvious universal guilt, Rom. 3:19 declares, “Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.” (emphasis mine)

As pathetic, guilty sinners, we are accused from at least four sides.

First, we are guilty before God. Second, we are accused by our own consciences. Rom. 2:15 says that the law is written in our hearts and our conscience also bears witness. Paul also wrote, “Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.” (Rom 14:22) Third, we may be accused by others whom we have offended (Matt. 5:23).

Finally, there is Satan himself. Rev 12:10 calls him “the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night.” The original Greek word for “accused” is “kategorus.” “Kata” means down, and the market in that day was the “agora,” or as we’d say, the town square. The meaning is to be publicly charged with crime in the marketplace, or literally, to be put down in plain sight.

So the guilty sinner can be facing four prosecutors. How do we get out of that?

There is solitary deliverance through forgiveness in the blood of Christ and His resurrection power. The New Testament provision is justification, which means legally proclaimed righteous. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom 5:1) The old explanatory phrase is “Just as if I’d never sinned.”

The result of this is found in Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” In the Greek, “no condemnation” is also a legal word meaning, literally, “no adverse sentence.”

How precious is God’s promise, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” (Hebrews 10:17) The Psalmist had it right in Psalm 103:12. “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

All of this is wonderfully focused in 1 John 2:1: “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” The word for advocate is “paraclete” or “one called along side to help.” It is translated “comforter” four times elsewhere in the New Testament. Christians have the best lawyer in the world—the Holy Spirit of God, the Comforter. All four prosecutors are countered, and the verdict is always “Not guilty on all counts.”

The old song says it well on behalf of the guilty sinner. “Guilty, vile, and helpless we; Spotless Lamb of God was He; ‘Full atonement!’ can it be? Hallelujah! What a Savior!”

Another says, “Calvary covers it all, My past with its sin and stain; My guilt and despair, Jesus took on Him there, And Calvary covers it all.”

And still another reads, “No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him, is mine; Alive in Him, my living Head, And clothed in righteousness divine, Bold I approach th’ eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ my own.”

What a wonderful verdict from God: “Not guilty on all counts. Case dismissed.”

Dave Virkler

Lessons from the Casey Anthony Trial – Part 1

2011-07-16T09:00:00.001-04:00

If all goes as planned, Casey Anthony goes free on Sunday after three years in jail, 33 days in court and only 11 hours of jury deliberations. In a case echoing the O.J. Simpson trial where the glove didn’t fit, the prosecutors’ charges simply didn’t prove murder beyond a reasonable doubt in the jurors’ minds.

Now, in the curious aftermath when no motive was discovered, no killer identified and no murder charges proven, millions are asking, “What really happened?” The answer is that some knowledgeable person (or persons) isn’t talking, and only God knows what really occurred.

Several notable spiritual lessons emerge from an otherwise dreadfully secular fiasco.

Family dysfunction is a heavy price for society to pay. When children are not raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord, social and moral aberrations abound. When kids are left to partying, immoral lifestyles and birthing fatherless children, it exacts a terrible price in emotional stress and financial burden. Untold millions of dollars are spent to build and maintain jails for convicted criminals and those awaiting trial and to hold lengthy trials. The emotional drain on those involved and even on curious watchers is enormous.

That there is evil in the world is beyond question and is focused by bizarre murder trials such as Anthony’s. Gross criminality feeds off satanic deception. Many of the major mystifying murders and murder trials seem strangely contorted, and truth is lost in the demonic haze. Satan is a deceiver of the world and its nations, and when rampant sinning is practiced, he has a field day of distorting the truth.

A Satanic stronghold energizes death. “…He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” (John 8:44)

Satan is a crafty thief of God’s largesse. In John 10:10, Christ spoke of the contrast. “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
Life and death choices confront each human, and God always yearns for life decisions. “I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19)

The lustful life is always a death march as James 1:15 warns. “Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”
As the end times proceed, we should expect more of this wretched perversity. The Apostle Paul forecast that in history’s closing days men would not receive “the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason, God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie.” (2 Thessalonians 2:11) Yes, the definite article “the” is there in the original. Satan is “the lie” as opposed to Christ, who is “the truth.” (John 14:6)

Even though evidence of guilt was not established, a little girl is still dead as the result of sin. In a collision of sin and righteousness, perhaps no human court will ever determine what really happened.

Dave Virkler

The Gifts of Derek Jeter’s 3000th Hit

2011-07-14T10:48:00.000-04:00

Derek Jeter did the seemingly impossible with unthinkable style on a day festooned with stunning aspects of giving.

Derek, who was born in Pompton Plains, NJ in the same hospital as two of my children, has been giving the athletic world and the New York Yankees a notable gift of honored living since joining the team in 1995. The son of a family who follows and supports his every “at bat,” Jeter was two away from the 3,000 hit mark on Saturday, July 9. It was a day of giving, made weather flawless by the pristine July day to cheer the sell-out crowd of 45,000 plus in the new Yankee Stadium.

Derek smacked a single to give him 2,999 hits. The next time at bat, he dueled pitcher David Price of the Tampa Bay Rays to a 3-2 count. On the next pitch, Jeter smacked a homer to become the 28th player and the first Yankee to reach 3,000 hits.

If that giving wasn’t enough, Jeter went on to drive three more balls into fair play making it a perfect outing of 5 for 5 at the plate and reaching 3,003 career hits. Some even spoke cautiously of him somehow getting to 4,000.

In another gift for fans, Christian Lopez sitting with his father in the far off stands, somehow managed to snare Jeter’s homerun ball. Lopes promptly went with Yankee officials and graciously gave Jeter this valuable sphere estimated to be worth up to $300,000 at open auction. Lopes stated that Derek had earned the honor and deserved the ball. In another gift-giving sidelight, Lopez revealed that his girlfriend had given him that day’s ticket as a gift.

The Yankees countered Lopez’ grace by giving him up to $32,000 worth of choice season seating and special team memorabilia. (The unbending IRS claims it all income and is likely to impose heavy taxes, underscoring the old adage that “No good deed goes unpunished.” How this is reasonable eludes me at the moment, but then who ever did understand the Internal Revenue Service?)

Except for the IRS marring the day, it was s special season of giving: Derek’s family gave him guidance and encouragement. (As someone noted, “His father was with him at every at bat during his career.”) A girlfriend gave a ticket. Derek gave the fans a historic baseball moment. And then Lopez gave back a home run ball in stirring generosity.

But who gave those people all things to enjoy? God gives the weather, and He created all the materials from which stadiums are made. He grants life and health and ability to athletes, and He implants a generous and grateful spirit even in a mere game attendee.

God is the greatest gift-giver according to James 1:5. “…God…gives to all liberally and without reproach….” describes the character of God as abundantly generous. His supreme focus of gift-giving centers on the Lord Jesus Christ in the famous John 3:16 explanation: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
I hope all involved with Derek Jeter’s great gift to baseball will somehow find ultimate fulfillment in God’s supreme gift in Christ.

Dave Virkler

A Rare, Brave and Amazing Rescue!

2011-07-06T12:38:00.003-04:00

A 2-year old toddler has been given a second change at life due to the heroics of a stranger passing by just as the young child fell an incredible ten long stories from her family’s apartment window.

Apparently, Zhang Fangyu slipped off the ledge after being left unattended by her grandmother who amazingly left the dwelling to run an errand. Not smart and beyond irresponsible! It was at that crucial point in time when 31-year old Wu Juping, herself a mother, saw the dangerously positioned child, kicked off her high-heeled shoes, and ran to catch the child. She told the press, "I thought to myself, I should stretch my arms to her. Because I am right here, I must get her. Then I made it. I caught her in my arms."

The impact knocked Wu unconscious and sent her crumbling to the ground along with breaking her left arm. Doctors at the Children's Hospital of Zhejiang Hospital reported no damage to little Niu Niu's brain but that the girl's abdomen was swollen - a possible sign of some injury to organs.

It is always highly encouraging and greatly inspiring when a dangerous, or even a life-threatening, act of unselfishness and bravery is undertaken by one person to help or save another – especially when total strangers are involved. That was indeed the case here with this precious 2-year old and her quick-thinking and quick responding savior. But for some, even this incredible physical rescue might leave some wondering what they would do or why anyone would put themselves in harm’s way for someone they do not even know? The general answer for that is seen in Genesis 1:27. “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” The good that surfaces, especially in dire and dangerous moments, is because of that portion of good in every person because every person has that same portion of their Creator built into them at birth.

But this one short story of sacrifice and physical rescue contains both similarities and some contrasts, to exactly what God did for His entire created race. Humanity is, unfortunately, fully fallen with a sin nature even at the moment of conception. Many then continue falling quite quickly and forcefully toward eternal judgement if not rescued by the unselfish and spectacular act of someone else. That “someone’, in this specific sphere, is the Son of God.

Unlike with Wu Juping, who was just in the right place at the right time, God planned man’s spiritual rescue from the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:4-6) He knew from eternity past that a flawed humanity was destined to proceed in their eternal fall into judgement if their unjustified sin was not somehow cushioned and fully broken and forgiven. But this incomprehensible and spiritual rescue required a supernatural sacrifice. It was an act of redemption and saving that would make even the wonderful and heart-warming story of this brave Chinese mother pale in comparison. That is simply because this child, who was so brilliantly physically saved, still needs to someday be spiritually saved when old enough to understand the message of the god news of faith in her Savior.

Perhaps the best description of God’s solution to His fallen and sin-cursed race is revealed in Philippians chapter two. The Apostle Paul attempts to reveal there the depths of God’s love. He explains the sobering length Christ went to save any that trust Him to eliminate the unimaginable consequences of permanently rejecting Him in their lives.

Verses 5-10 record some of the most profound words in Scripture as they lay out the staggering extent of Christ’s attitude and actions to rescue sinners, all helplessly plunging toward eternal wrath from birth. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth.”

Without any doubt, the rather reckless grandmother who left a helpless toddler unattended will be haunted by her actions and will likely be answering serious questions from family members and authorities alike. But again, this cannot even be compared to the moment when each person stands before God to offer Him answers for the thoughts and actions done throughout their lives. Romans 14:12 states. “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” Beyond that, there is the chilling concept offered up in Hebrews chapter ten – something that should also be seriously considered for those still remaining in a fallen spiritual state and outside God’s faith family. The writer warns, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:31) And without a doubt, man cannot comprehend at all what this word “fearful” actually represents as it relates to an eternity of ultimate separation from God.

But for those who have not yet had the awful and eternal fall of sin eliminated, the sacred and singular solution is provided in just a few short words from the imprisoned Paul and Silas to their frightened and desperate jailer in Acts 16:29-31. “Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. “And he brought them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved’ So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved."

It is when this is done with sincerity, and from the heart, that an all-new creation in Christ is born. (2 Corinthians 5:17) It is then when a lost and fallen sinner can be caught and raised up to new life and enjoy life’s ultimate priority and promise!

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-9)

Bill Breckenridge

Tim Tebow’s Eye-Catching Faith

2011-07-01T10:00:00.001-04:00

Tim Tebow is a sports name known to any pro football enthusiast. He’s back-up quarterback for the Denver Broncos and a probable starter this year. He was the first to win the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore when he played at the University of Florida and led the Florida Gators to two national championships.

He also gained unique fame in an ad that aired during Super Bowl XLIV. A brief and subtle few seconds deftly showed how Tim’s mother didn’t abort her baby even though doctors recommended it for problematical reasons. Pro-choicers harshly criticized the ad even before it was aired but its simple inoffensive message left critics embarrassed. Its message was simply that avoiding an abortion brought a football superstar into being.

Tim has grown into a football player who loves the Lord and is unashamed of Him to the extent that he paints Scripture verses on his black eye paint to the curious amazement of football watchers around the world. Tim’s full testimony is printed in his best selling book, “Through My Eyes.” In TV interviews, he tells how he had “Phil. 4:13” written on his eye paint while he won his final college year’s regular games. That verse reads, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
For the national championship, Tim painted in “John 3:16”. His parents were pleased. His coach was worried about the change but went along, deferring to Tim’s choice. He won with John 3:16 as he had with Philippians 4:13. During that game, 94 million people Googled “John 3:16”. It set a record. Tim’s response was, “Wow, how are 94 million people not knowing John 3:16? It’s really awesome to see how God can work in a very unique way when you just trust Him and put a little Bible verse under your eyes.”

And to think that if Tim’s mother had taken the advice of the doctors, she’d have aborted her son and you wouldn’t be reading about him now.

I don’t have paint under my eyes, but I know John 3:16 is the best hope of everyone. And so, no matter who is reading here, it is John 3:16 again, “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.” Believe it and have it!

Dave Virkler

New York Legalizes Gay Marriage

2011-06-28T14:41:00.004-04:00

It was a banner day for both sides of the heated issue when New York became the sixth and the largest state to put a legal stamp of approval on gay marriage by a vote of 33-29. Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the bill into law for same-sex marriages that will begin in July. The Governor said, "We made a powerful statement. This state is at its finest when it is a beacon of social justice." The bill makes New York only the third state, after Vermont and New Hampshire, to legalize marriage through a legislative act and without being forced to do so by a court.

Because of the state’s size, the new law will essentially double the number of Americans living in a state having legal gay marriage as an opportunity. Fully one in every nine Americans will live in a state or jurisdiction where same-sex marriage is legal.

The leading opponent, NY Democratic Sen. Ruben Diaz, declared, "God, not Albany, settled the issue of marriage a long time ago." The Catholic Bishops of New York said the law alters "radically and forever humanity's historic understanding of marriage." And Albert Mohler, President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary stated, “By any measure, this is a massive development in the nation’s legal and moral life.”

The big win for gay rights advocates is expected to galvanize the movement around the country after an almost identical bill was defeated in New York in 2009 and similar measures failed in 2010 in New Jersey and this year in Maryland and Rhode Island.

The acceptance or rejection of gay marriage, or any other cultural issue, should only be viewed as right or wrong according to the source being used to evaluate its morality and legitimacy. The state’s Governor again stated, “This state is at its finest when it is a beacon of social justice." But the question instantly arises as to what source he is using to define ‘social justice’.

Just one hundred and fifty years ago, there were scores of Americans who felt that ‘social justice’ included the right for one human being to outright own another. It was called 'slavery’. But now, a century and a half later, it is unthinkable as being acceptable or ‘just’ on any level. Eventually, enough found this accepted practice in many places to be both immoral and intolerable. For anything to be seen as right or wrong requires some unchanging and truthful foundational basis. There must be some just standards that exist and remain firm despite the fragile and fickle beliefs of flawed men and women who will often accept almost anything that benefits them personally – the 'ends justifies the means’ mentality.

For this nation, the Bible has been that standard, despite what historical revisionists may now claim. It was eventually a renewed conscience from God’s Word that led a nation to conclude that slavery was wrong and evil. Without such a standard why would that, or anything else, not be fully be acceptable depending on the personal view of the individual? The end result of such thinking was spoken of in Judges 17:6 that declared, “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

When it comes to the subject of gay marriage, and homosexuality in general, the Bible is not silent despite those who ignore its content or reject its validity or authority. Scripture is clear that all have sinned and thus all are lost irregardless of their sexual preferences. And all sin is an offense to a holy Creator God and must be rightly judged if He is to remain consistent with His own divine nature and standards. So for anyone to lift out any particular behavior activity from the comprehensive lists of inappropriate behavior found throughout the Bible is an intentional denial of what God’s Word teaches. And His Word rarely, if ever, leaves any so-called gray areas along these lines.

For example, Romans 1:26-29 is fairly hard to brush under the moral carpet when this recent issue in New York is addressed. The Apostle Paul stated, “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due...And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality.” In the previous verses he pointed out the equal sinfulness of heterosexual sins as well.

Paul includes this same behavioral pattern as sinful in1 Corinthians 6:8-11. He does not distinguish it from other sins, sexual or otherwise. But it is there in print, nonetheless. He writes there, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” And even back in the Bible’s first book, this activity is clearly condemned in Genesis 13:13. “But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the LORD.” So to deny that this specific lifestyle is not negatively addressed in Scripture is simply not true. It can be ignored or scoffed it, but the references are quite clear.

Additionally, 1 Corinthians 6:18-19 indicates that all sexual sin, whether heterosexual or homosexual, does have a slightly higher degree of offense and danger associated with it. Paul’s explains it like this. “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.” There is something unique involved when sin in this area is involved. And then, of course, there is the pattern set up in the Garden of Eden with the first two people and the fact that Scripture always refers to the marriage bond as being a man and a woman.

So where do we now proceed since it is fairly obvious that this trend is picking up steam? How are we supposed to act and think to this major cultural shift in our nation? Perhaps the familiar saying, that has been around seemingly forever, does ring true when trying to grapple with this explosive issue. It basically advises trying to despise the sin while not doing the same to the sinner. That is not letting someone off the hook so to speak. In reality, that is exactly what God has done for all of us apart from any sexual orientation. His infinite love drove Him to offer up His Son to pay for the sins of the world. This included all sins in all areas of life and for all of us!

Gay marriage may slowly but surely become the law of the land. But that does not make it 'social justice’ or biblically acceptable in the eyes of God. All sin, socially accepted or not, will ultimately be dealt with and properly judged by a Holy God. That reality is described briefly in Hebrews chapter nine. “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27)

But God’s first choice, and His supreme priority, is rather to justify sinners through the sacrifice of His own Son according to 1 John 2:2. He made it possible to escape the clutches and ultimate penalty of all unforgiven sin. John wrote, “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.”

For biblically and morally minded Christians, who struggle with the dreadful moral decline in America, their responsibility is to hold the line and speak out about God’s ways and will while trying not to be too obnoxious about it. The role model for how to react to sin and sinners is the seen in the Lord himself. Jesus always revealed and dealt with sin openly when it stood in his path. He always did so in a consistent, loving and controlled manner (though His harshest rebuke was saved for the hypocritical Pharisees). He did that with the woman caught in adultery and the woman at the well – both of whom were involved in current sexual misbehavior. (John 8:1-12, John 4:5-30) He even did so with the savage criminal on the adjacent cross on the day the Savior took upon Himself ‘all’ the sins of humanity. Before His death He assured the dying thief that he would arrive in heaven that same day based on his simple statement of faith and admission of who Jesus really was in Luke 23:42.

And if that does not help Christians still struggling with in their response and attitude to the current harmful and sinful cultural changes, then perhaps consider the background of the man who wrote half the New Testament, including several of the passages dealing with homosexuality. This powerful religious leader spent years hunting, imprisoning and torturing believers in the early church. He would, after his salvation, call himself the “Chief of Sinners” in 1 Timothy 1:15.

“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” This man was none other than the former Pharisee - the Apostle Paul. This was the same man who was God’s chosen chief vessel to build and instruct the first century church, pen a major portion of God's Word, and someone we may well rub elbows with in heaven someday.

Through the love and redemption found in Christ, all sin can be fully forgiven. (1John 1:9) And through the world's only Savior the attitudes an actions of lost souls can be internally rearranged to outwardly reflect what is morally right, not by the eyes of misguided men, but in the mind of a holy and unchanging Creator God. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Bill Breckenridge

Political Newcomer Upsets Long-time Incumbent

2011-06-23T23:40:00.000-04:00

It was a stunning local political story. A young newcomer beat an 11-year incumbent against all odds.

June 7 was primary election day in New Jersey for state, county and local offices. Primary elections are notorious for inattention. People care little for this elementary refining process, and a “Who cares?” attitude is sadly typical. I try to vote in every election, no matter how obscure, because it is my patriotic and spiritual duty. In America, citizens are the ultimate government, and voting is rendering to Caesar his due as the Lord commanded (Matt. 22:21; Mark 12:17; Luke 20:25).

This year was amazing in the race for Morris County freeholder. A young man named William “Hank” Lyon sought to defeat an 11-year incumbent in the Republican primary. He was a political nothing from nowhere, except that his home since boyhood is my hometown of Towaco, NJ.

Hank mounted a fantastic visitation and roadside sign campaign. Weeks before the election, his father visited every house on our street leaving a campaign folder. He explained that Hank had never run for any office, but, on graduating from college, he had a growing passion to serve in politics. The ad folder quoted Ronald Reagan and Abraham Lincoln. Further examination of his folder said, “Hank attends the Jacksonville Chapel in Lincoln Park. One of his favorite activities is meeting with his small group from church in Pompton Plains. Here he has an opportunity for fellowship and friendship….”

Here was a vibrant, committed conservative with forthright Christian faith blended in an obscure candidate. Since his values and ideas reflected ours, we voted for him. I confess I thought that, humanly speaking, his chances were slim to none as he was up against a formidable opponent.

But the day following the election, the results published in the newspaper showed 23-year old Hank Lyon winning 12,234 to 12,228. That’s a winning margin of just six votes out of 24,462 votes cast. What a surprise, and what a breakthrough for a political novice whose raw commitment and courage challenged the establishment. And he didn’t hide his Christianity under the proverbial bushel basket. Six votes out of 24,462! Amazing!

The final tally held up even a bit better. After some late returns were in and an election challenge defeated, the final percentages were staggering. Hank won 49.95 percent to 49.91 percent – by 4/10 of one percent! (Lyon’s opponent has contested the results, but no results are available as of June 24.)

A few people could have stayed home that day and sunk Hank’s political fortunes. The “overwhelming minority” voted and altered Morris county politics with an upset win.

I don’t know the names of some others who voted for Hank but I know I will know them someday when the Lord will likely say, “Well done, good and faithful political servant. You took seriously my words about rendering to Ceasar what is his. You put a church-going, Christ-honoring dedicated Christian in office. Well done, enter in the joy of your Lord.” (My expanded paraphrase of Matt. 25:23)

With the presidential political season already coming to a boil, our prayers are needed even for the primary candidates of both parties (I Timothy 2:2). All obedient believers should plan on voting in both the primaries and general election. If we do less, the old adage is doubly sad: “We have met the enemy and the enemy is us.”

Dave Virkler

Palin’s E-mails and Christians’ Lives

2011-06-22T16:52:00.000-04:00

Sarah Palin, former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate, is the whipping girl of the liberal establishment. Whatever she does seems to elicit special scrutiny and harsh criticism. She must be doing something right to attract all the negative attention.

When the state of Alaska released 24,000 of Palin’s e-mails from her term as governor, a flock of liberal reporters descended like birds of prey swooping in the for delectable kill. Hoping to pick up some damaging information, they were sadly disappointed. Travel expenses for these raptors and the arduous hours spent in examination netted them absolutely nothing of negative substance. It was all a pompous exercise in futility.

But I suspect the secular media’s sleuthing effort will continue as long as there is the remotest prospect of a juicy tidbit. If other politicos were subject to this degree of scrutiny, few would be found fit for office.

For Christians, the Apostle Paul outlined the ideal blameless testimony in the everyday world. When we use terms like “open book,” we are wisely parroting Scripture. “You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody” (2 Corinthians 3:2-3 – NIV). The context shows Paul describing these local Christians’ lives as actual letters from Christ.

Believers don’t belong to a secret society but part of the public domain of reflected truth. When Paul defended the work of Christ before King Agrippa, he said “…this thing was not done in a corner” (Acts 26:26). Christian teaching is to be open and forthright as was Paul’s in Ephesus. He “kept back nothing that was profitable…but proclaimed it… and taught…publicly and from house to house” (Acts 20:20).

It is a choice blessing to be able to say as Samuel said, “‘Here I am. Witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed, or from whose hand have I received any bribe with which to blind mine eyes? I will restore it you.’ And they said, ‘You have not cheated us or oppressed us, no have you taken anything from any man’s hand.’” (1 Samuel 12:3-4)

My son once worked for a U.S. congressman. In his job training, he was told, “Don’t do anything you don’t want on the front page of the newspapers.” Jesus said as much in Luke 8:17. “For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.” Christ’s ministry was marked by plain talk and open living. “‘I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing.’” (John 18:20)

Today, we live in a world of open access with no place to hide. If any accusation against us be made, hopefully it would only be as against Daniel as it was centuries ago.

“So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. Then these men said, ‘We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.’” (Daniel 6:4-5)

Let us be aware that in this spiritually hostile world, enemies of the Lord and His people are sorting through our lives’ personal e-mails one page at a time.

Dave Virkler

Are The World's Oceans Really Dying?

2011-06-21T09:42:00.001-04:00

The planet’s oceans are in a worse state than previously suspected, according to an expert panel of scientists comprised of coral reef ecologists, toxicologists, and fisheries scientists.

The new report reveals that ocean life is "at high risk of entering a phase of extinction of marine species unprecedented in human history,” caused by issues such as over-fishing, pollution and climate change that are acting together in ways that have not previously been recognized. The report also notes that previous mass extinction events have been associated with trends being observed now such as disturbances of the carbon cycle, and acidification and hypoxia (depletion of oxygen) of seawater.

The major impacts are already affecting humanity, according to Alex Rogers, IPSO's scientific director and professor of conservation biology at Oxford University. "As we considered the cumulative effect of what humankind does to the oceans, the implications became far worse than we had individually realized. The challenges are vast; but unlike previous generations, we know what now needs to happen.”

Anyone with any form of modern communications can see that the earth has been going through some rather rough collective changes, especially with the major natural disasters, that are happening faster than the average person can even keep track of.

Earthquakes are occurring at a record-setting pace both on land and under the sea. The devastation is sometimes like the magnitude of events in Haiti, or tsunamis like the recent one in Japan and the one that killed over a quarter of a million lives several years back. Tornadoes and floods are also occurring at record rates and doing record-setting damage in the U.S. Sometimes these storms are take place in unexpected areas, thought to be safe, such as the storm a few weeks back that killed four in Massachusetts – not exactly a part of so-called “Tornado Ally”. Rising temperatures in many places are causing drought and eventual additional starvation. Even the level of the oceans themselves are beginning to alter. And no one knows if the hurricane season has another Katrina in store, as these storms seem to be intensifying in number and scope. So the fact that the oceans and the life in them seem to be also struggling at the same time should comes as no shock, especially to those who are students of biblical prophecy.

The Scriptures indicate strongly that, before the return of Christ, certain signs in nature would be evident and often terrifying. When talking of His own return, Jesus said in Luke 21:25-28, "And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." In other words, get ready, stay ready and make the very most of the precious time God has given you to serve Him.

The Lord added in Mark 13:8, “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.”

The growing possibility of being caught in, or even just the ability to view, the great and growing global disasters should serve as a reminder of the words offered up in Proverbs 27:1. The writer wisely declares, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” And this same warning applies to small personal events where there is always the real possibility having some unexpected life-ending accident at any given moment.

Those who are not yet ready to ‘meet their maker’, because they have not put personal faith in His Son, should seriously consider dealing with that all-important issue - today! (Acts 2:21) There is no guarantee that anyone will survive the remainder of even this today – a simple reality in a sinful and fallen world. But Scripture does guarantee that there is but one way to be fully prepared to face God and escape the unimaginable and eternal terror that the Bible teaches will follow this life for those who remain outside of Christ.

The Apostle John put it this way. “And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2) As far as there being some other means of escape, the Bible also assures that there is no other route to spiritual safety and eternal security. Nothing can be substituted for a new life in Christ. Paul spells it out in 1Timothy 2:5-7 as simply as possible. “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”

The signs of the end times and the demise of the current creation seem to be coming fast and furious. And someday all will vanish as the Bible reveals that everything will burn up with fervent heat, even down to the very elements themselves. (2 Peter 3:12) But anyone can be firmly and fully prepared, by recognizing their need of the Savior and accepting the free redemptive offer of the One who created the universe and holds it together even now. (Colossians 1:16-17) He alone can miraculously create a new and clean heart – something that allows those who possess it to view the even most difficult signs of the times with a sense of supernatural peace and joy from being firmly rooted in His glorious person, infinite power and unfailing promises!

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Bill Breckenridge

Two Strikes, One Stroke, and You’re Out?

2011-06-15T09:30:00.014-04:00

Harold Camping, the Family Radio minister who inaccurately predicted that the world would experience Judgment Day last May 21, recently suffered a stroke. The 89-year-old head of the Oakland-based evangelical media company was ushered to a local hospital after suffering the attack following an evening radio broadcast.

Camping’s second failed prediction of the world’s end via the “rapture” apparently left him greatly distressed. The day after his promise failed to materialize, Camping told a San Francisco Chronicle reporter he was "flabbergasted" when the End Times did not arrive at his appointed moment. Some estimates suggest that nearly 100 million dollars have been spent advertising and supposedly trying to ready those on earth to meet their maker through the preacher’s predictions. Many of Camping’s followers had cashed in their savings, sold their homes, quit their jobs, and even took their kids out of school because they were so convinced that their prophet and leader was dead on target with his May 21st forecast. In addition, 14-year old girl in Russia was reported to have committed suicide because she felt she was not righteous enough and as afraid for what was coming, based on hearing him on the radio.

After a day or two in seclusion Camping re-appeared and obviously needed an excuse or reason for why his second such error concerning the Rapture failed. So, as expected, he offered up yet another slant. He now believes that the world was visited and spiritually judged by Christ in May and that the real end will come exactly 6 months later on October 21, 2011. So he simply made a slight mathematical mistake. Of course, that is somewhat easy for him to say as he did not totally rearrange his whole life as did thousands of his devoted followers who expected to be ushered from planet earth and to heaven on May 21st around 6:00 EST. Harold Camping is now batting 0-2 on his rapture predictions. Fortunately for him, these are not Old Testament times or he might have found himself under a bloody pile of rocks for his second major prophetic blunder.

The radio and TV broadcaster may still be "flabbergasted", and some of his devoted followers now homeless, jobless, and penniless, but to other students of the Scriptures, this second and now third prediction are not even worthy of any serious biblical consideration. Some may now be wondering more if Camping himself will even be alive when his rescheduled October date arrives?

In Mark 13:31-33, as well as in Matthew and Luke, Jesus addressed the end of the world and His future return. As far as knowing precisely when this would happen, He could not have made the subject in question more clear. He even removed himself from the equation as far as knowing the exact moment - a theological mystery that may be a bit hard to grasp. In Mark 13:31 He declared, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.”

On the other end of the spectrum, He did say that Christians could have a general idea of the time frame of His return based on certain signs and the general climate that would reign upon the earth. In Luke 21:28 He said, "And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."

So what Jesus left for those who make up His true church was the firm hope and absolute reality of His coming and the general time of His appearing. But for anyone attempting to be the self-proclaimed one to nail down to the hour the time of this greatest of events is not only non-biblical, but spiritually careless, dangerous and would seem to display a rather large dose of ego as well..

Mr. Camping, who proclaims far and wide that you cannot really know if you have been saved, has been telling millions and spending millions urging listeners and supporters to be ready for eternity by getting saved? Maybe it is just me, but I find his theological advice and position on the subject to be rather confusing and even contradictory. For some reason, this seasoned Bible scholar seems to misunderstand, ignores, or puts no stock in some of the more clear and forceful passages in the Bible concerning redemption. Again, this includes his belief that people cannot assess the signs of a true salvation experience or have any real reassurance that they possess it. I’m not sure about Camping’s version of the Scriptures, but those I read certainly reveal many verses on the subject like the ones below. They appear in plain sight and they don’t seem to need a theology degree to digest.

“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. “ (1 John 5:13)

“We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren.” (1 John 3:14)

“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” (Roman 8:16)

“For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

But getting saved, and then knowing you are, is certainly not one of them. For God to send His Son to die on the cross to save lost sinners and then obscure, or make unclear, how they can take advantage of His great sacrifice and forgiveness would make no sense and be counter-productive. For God to leave people who sincerely come to Him by faith for redemption with doubts for a life-time about their eternal destiny would be cruel and ridiculous. A true salvation experience can be seen and should evidenced internally and externally. It should inspire holiness, confidence, and a desire for Christian fellowship and service - not fears, doubts, questions and a general lack or interest in spiritual things. (1 Peter 1:15, Ephesians 2:8-10, 2 Corinthians 5:17)

October 21st will likely come and go, unless the Lord arrives to rapture His true church first on the Father’s appointed date. The issue thus becomes, not spending life’s precious time gazing at the stars and wondering if the next prediction date is right, but instead making absolutely sure that your own heart is right with God. The real focal point is spelled out in Hebrews 9:27. “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” And this sobering truth then makes 2 Corinthians 6:2 priority one! “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Once these two concepts are understood properly, the all-important next step has been revealed quite clearly in the Bible’s most familiar salvation verse. The apostle John writes, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Life is sometimes hard and perplexing. Many questions arise and many will go unanswered. Some things will not be understood ever in this life. There are things that happen along the journey that just remain unexplainable. But the confidence of possessing salvation through Christ, being forgiven of sin, and someday proceeding to a heavenly home for eternity are not among them!

Perhaps during Mr. Camping’s stroke recovery period, he may have precious time to reconsider the above, verses. And just perhaps he will somehow be afforded the comfort and confidence of the ‘blessed hope’ that so many in the family of God with far less experience, and far smaller biblical IQ’s than his, now enjoy and being based on passages like 1 Peter 1:3-5:

I do not know the heart or spiritual status of Harold Camping. I only know I disagree with a large
segment of his theology and teachings. But I do at least wonder, after this rather timely stroke, if God may have said, enough is enough! No more scaring and spiritually misleading people. No more attacking my precious church on earth as being apostate. No more doctrinal splitting and dividing up of married Christian couples and their families. And no more wasting vast sums of money that could be used to win lost souls until I do come in My own specific timing.

And as far as why Christ has not yet come back, a quick look at 1 Timothy 2:3-4, 2 Peter: 3:4, and 2 Peter 3:15 should serve to clear up any confusion and then answer that eternally crucial question simply and quickly.

“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3-4)

"Where is the promise of His coming? (2 Peter 3:4)

"And consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation." (2 Peter 3:15)

Bill Breckenridge

Lessons from the Anthony Weiner Scandal

2011-06-13T17:33:00.002-04:00

Just when we think things can’t get any worse after the Arnold Schwarzenegger scandal, they do just that. A case in point is Congressman Anthony Weiner (NY), an incorrigible pervert who used social networking to establish long distance, on-line imaginary sex with several women. Concurrently, former senator and vice-presidential candidate John Edwards is under indictment for misuse of political campaign funds to stifle word of his “sexcapades” with a videographer and the resulting love child. Edwards may hold the record for marital deceit by convincing a friend to claim paternity of the child while his faithful wife was dying of cancer.

In both instances, the empty innocent pleas took similar paths. Both Edwards and Weiner at first said it didn’t happen, categorically denying their errant behavior. Then there were denials by Edwards that any money had been misappropriated and by Weiner that he had engaged in a cover-up. Both men eventually owned up and confessed their crimes against family, friends, society and the media. Stunningly, both loudly deny that any laws have been broken.

Evidently, immoral behavior minus technical illegality is a pathetic redeeming factor in today’s twisted secular thinking. Social forgiveness may be possible since the moral level has swirled to new depths in modern society, but their crimes reach to Heaven. Our culture has descended to the cellar of morality where a valid appeal to technical legality strikes a responsive chord. Such is the turpitude of mindless men cut adrift from biblical norms and guidelines. Not once have we heard that either man had broken God’s laws and had asked His forgiveness for these high crimes against a righteous God.

What spiritual lessons are in these dismal stories?

Satan and his brainchild, sin, are masters of deceit. Even true believers are warned, “But exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” (Heb 3:13) We must keep in mind that “Satan fell in Heaven, Adam fell in Eden and Peter fell in Christ’s presence,” as I once heard. I also heard someone say, “The best saints need to be warned against the worst sins.” The warning sirens of subtle sinning are muted by the fraud of iniquity. Even someone as powerful and admired as King David could adulterously lust after Bathsheba, decoy his act by luring her war veteran husband home and later eliminate him in battle, and then appear horrified to hear his sinful biography couched in a prophet’s parable (II Samuel 12).

Regarding these brands of cover-up, Proverbs 28:13 decrees, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” Even age is no immunization against folly. As someone once told me in commenting on an aging sinner, “There is no fool like an old fool.”

How could Weiner—a rising star in the Democratic Party, articulate spokesman for Obama policies and husband of a high profile aide to Hillary Clinton—be so dumb as to risk it all in public forums on Facebook and Twitter? It seems to be a mix of lust, heady political intoxication, fallen human nature and the extremely devious quality of sin. Weiner and Edwards may lose it all, not to crafty political foes but simple self-destruction.

In the men’s explanations, apologies and even repentance, there is a striking absence of admission of sin before a holy God. All sinning is ultimately against Almighty God as King David described his offense: “Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight…” (Psalm 51:4). David’s social sins were against his family, himself, his society, Bathsheba, her military husband Uriah, his fellow solders in the field and against his country since his sin elicited foreign blasphemy.

But David knew his ultimate crime was against Heaven, and only God could cleanse that. He confessed and was forgiven as he wrote. “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7). Hyssop was used to apply the blood of redemption (Ex. 12:22) and in cleansing the leper (Lev. 14:5).

Christ’s shed blood alone can set the sinner free from guilt and, ultimately, hell. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

The words of an old hymn remind us of all that the sinner really needs.

“I Need No Other Argument”
Lidie H. Edmunds, 1891

My faith has found a resting place,
Not in device or creed;
I trust the ever living One,
His wounds for me shall plead.

Enough for me that Jesus saves,
This ends my fear and doubt;
A sinful soul I come to Him,
He’ll never cast me out.

My heart is leaning on the Word,
The living Word of God,
Salvation by my Savior’s Name,
Salvation through His blood.

My great Physician heals the sick,
The lost He came to save;
For me His precious blood He shed,
For me His life He gave.

Chorus:
I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me.

Dave Virkler

God In The Political Process?

2011-06-08T14:12:00.001-04:00

Is this really happening? Is a potential Presidential candidate really calling for a day of prayer to seek God’s wisdom to help solve the devastating and growing problems of this financially and morally crumbling nation?

The answer is yes and his name is Texas Gov. Rick Perry. And yes, he has ‘ordered’ a day of prayer and fasting on Aug. 6 to “seek God’s guidance and wisdom in addressing the challenges that face our communities, states and nation." It is part of what is being described as a non-denominational, apolitical, Christian prayer meeting hosted by the American Family Association at Reliant Stadium in Houston.

Perry will participate in the all-day event that encourages people to bring a Bible and a notebook. Perry has invited every governor in the country to attend, and he is urging them to issue similar proclamations. The Texas Governor stated, "Given the trials that beset our nation and world, from the global economic downturn to natural disasters, the lingering danger of terrorism and continued debasement of our culture, I believe it is time to convene the leaders from each of our United States in a day of prayer and fasting, like that described in the book of Joel. I urge all Americans of faith to pray on that day for the healing of our country, the rebuilding of our communities and the restoration of enduring values as our guiding force.”

Finally, a man of faith has come out publicly and boldly, and seems willing to put his political future on the line for what he believes is needed to help restore faltering nation to her former spiritual foundation, health, and state and glory. His plan is refreshing and right. But the question lingers. Will it get off the ground in a secular dominated political atmosphere? That became evident as it took little or no time for the protests to his proposal to arise.

The Secular Coalition for America, the national lobby for secular and non theistic Americans, has called on all elected officials to reject Perry's invitation, saying the event favors Christianity over other religions and beliefs. Sean Faircloth, executive director of the organization, stated in reaction to Perry, "The last thing our officials should do in times of national struggle is promote a divisive religious event that proposes no real solutions to our country's real-world problems. Calling upon all Americans to embrace Perry's personal belief system is an insult to the millions of upstanding citizens who practice religions other than evangelical Christianity, as well as the millions of secular Americans who contribute to society without pushing their views on others."

It is beyond tragic, not to mention dangerous, that so many modern day-Americans and those they elect fail to see the importance of acknowledging God and following His basic biblical laws and decrees. Apparently, at least Texas Gov. Rick Perry gets the truth of doing this. First he gets it for the individual as spelled out in Proverbs 3:5-10. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the first fruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”

Then too, Perry apparently realizes that honoring God, and inviting Him and His Word into the national debate, has major positive and healing national implications as the Psalmist forcefully declared in Psalm 33:10-12. “The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.”

Texas Gov. Rick Perry is to be applauded for his spiritual and biblical commitment and for his effort to offer up the basic solution to a nation’s many and growing ills. And pray that some of those with whom he has influence will somehow “get it” and react as did a select group of spiritually minded leaders described in 1 Chronicles 12:32. “The sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.”

Bill Breckenridge

D-Day and the Great Commission

2011-06-06T10:08:00.003-04:00

Today is the anniversary of D-Day. Since I couldn't say it better a second time, here's a re-post of an entry from 2008:

June 6, 1944, is a day that will live in victory. American air and sea forces landed in German-occupied Normandy, and it was a turning point in World War II. Movie makers called it "The Longest Day," and "Saving Private Ryan" caught the grim fates of countless casualties.

Lost in most annual D-Day recollections is the stunning stress felt by Allied Supreme Commander General Dwight Eisenhower as he planned the fateful day. I quote from "D-Day: The Invasion of Europe," published years ago:

On Sunday night, June 4, 1944, the planners of the Normandy invasion met again. A high wind shrieked outside and rain lashed the headquarters windows. In spite of this, the weathermen predicted that the storm was breaking up and that by June 6th conditions would be much improved. While the High Command wrestled with the problem, the convoys were sent out again—subject to recall.

As the final deadline approached, the generals and the admirals had their say; then the meeting fell silent. The final decision and responsibility were General Eisenhower’s alone. At 4:15 on Monday morning he said briskly, "O.K., we’ll go." He had accepted the gamble and chosen to launch the invasion only one day late. Tuesday, the sixth of June, was to be D-Day.

In the nervous hours of June 5th, General Eisenhower prepared for the worst, writing on a slip of paper an announcement he hoped he would never have to make:
"Our landings in the Cherborg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops… The troops, the air, and the Navy all did that bravery and devotions to duty could do. If any blame attaches to the attempt it is mine alone."

He shoved the paper into a jacket pocket. He was too busy for the next six weeks to remember the note’s existence. When he found it there, it had become history that had never happened. ("D-Day: The Invasion of Europe," Pg. 26 & 27)

The Lord Jesus Christ, briefing His troops for a world-wide, age-long assault upon the Devil’s territory, pledged Himself to accompany them into battle. "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15) and "…lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world" (Matt. 28:20) have been at once the Great Commission and the Great Comfort. The disciples had been sent to a task for whose victory the Commander had promised to take full responsibility.

When the great missionary David Livingstone, who explored much of Africa sharing the Gospel, reviewed his success, he affirmed the integrity of His Lord time after time. In his diary, when death lurked near, he quoted the Matthew passage and wrote of the calm and comfort Jesus’ promise provided.

When Livingstone returned to his homeland later the same year, the physical marks of illness and injury obvious, he again spoke of the precious promise of Christ. F. W. Boreham quoted Livingstone in "A Bunch of Everlastings" (Judson Press, 1920). "Would you like me to tell you what supported me through all the years…? It was this: ‘Lo, I am with you even to end of the world!’ On those words I staked everything, and they never failed. ... It is the word of a gentleman of the most sacred honour, so there’s an end of it."

Upon the truthfulness of God’s Word, the success of the Christian mission has always hung.

Dave Virkler

Ten Most Dangerous American Cities

2011-05-31T15:31:00.003-04:00

The FBI has come out with a listing of America’s most dangerous cities. Crime is overall down slightly, but these cities are still quite dangerous. The 2010 crime data shows violent crime rose in several of the largest and poorest cities in the U.S., particularly those which have been in decline for some time. Even when crime rates dropped, older urban areas still had more violent crime than other cities.

Coming in at number ten is Stockton, California, a city of about 292,047. Although the median income there is higher than the others on the infamous list, so is the jobless rate running nearly 18% at present. Stockton was rated as one of the most miserable cities to live in the country by Forbes in March, 2010.

Following Stockton was number nine which fell to Rockford, Illinois. Rockford has an unusually high violent crime rate for a city of its size. Most notably, the city has the fourth-highest rate of aggravated assault in the country. Following Rockford, at a solid number eight, was Baltimore, Maryland. “Charm City” had the eighth-highest rate of violent crime per capita in 2010 among cities with 100,000 or more residents, and the second highest east of the Mississippi. The Maryland city has some of the worst rates of dangerous offenses in the country. This includes the tenth-worst aggravated assault rate — and the fourth-worst murder rate in the country.

But at number one on the list is Flint, Michigan with a population of 109,245. The “winner” was just head of its neighbor Detroit. The number of violent crimes committed in Flint increased for all categories considered for this list between 2009 and 2010. Perhaps most notably, the number of murders in the city increased from 36 to 53. This moves the city from having the seventh-highest rate of homicide to the second-highest. The number of aggravated assaults increased from 1,529 to 1,579, a rate of 14.6 assaults per 1,000 residents, placing the city in the number one rank for rate of assaults. Some of the other notable cities that made the “loser list” were Little Rock, Ark.; St. Louis, Mo.; Memphis, Tenn.; New Haven, Conn.; and Oakland, Ca. So when considering the various locations, it is clear that the worst cities are spread out across the nation and not bunched up in one specific geographical location.

Given a choice, most people would either flee a city such as these or at least never considering moving themselves or their families there if there were any other choice. And there are many, because they keep their distance from places that feature high levels of violence and danger, who consider themselves relatively safe overall. The real truth is that there is no guaranteed safety anywhere in this life, or most importantly the next, outside of a personal saving relationship with Jesus Christ (Romans 10:13, John 3:16).

Jesus put it as plainly as He could in Matthew 10:28-29. “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” The entire world is a dangerous place and getting worse as the return of Christ draws nearer by the day. A spiritually seasoned Paul told his young son in the faith, Timothy, in 2 Timothy 3:1, “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come.” There is no place to hide from danger and the earthly and eternal results of human sin.

That reality is graphically displayed in Revelation chapter six. The passage describes a time when Jesus comes back again and the reactions of those who are not spiritually ready to face Him. Verse 15 begins, “And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!'”

But there does remain an ultimate and sure “safe place” - one quickly and effectively related by the writer of Proverbs. First he spells out a simple, but wise, warning to all men regardless of where they reside and what their status in life might be. Proverbs 27:1 reminds, “Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.”

And back in chapter eighteen of the same book, the Holy Spirit reminds all men and woman of the simple, most effective, and greatest protection plan mankind can ever experience. “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)

Bill Breckenridge

Harold Camping - At It Again Already?

2011-05-24T13:44:00.004-04:00

There is something to be said for the virtue of persistence, But that all depends on the area in which it is being exercised. For the leader of Family Radio, Harold Camping, there seems to be no limits to this virtue – whether he is wrong or not, or even taking the money from, and leading tens of thousands astray or not.

As most know even in secular circles, the famous Bible teacher, radio broadcaster, and modern day prophet had proclaimed for months that the Rapture would occur on May 21, 2011. He was so sure that he verbally stated, “There is no backup or contingency plan. This will happen – period.” It seem that confidence, maybe too much of it, is also one of his many virtues.

Well, if it had occurred, I, and all of the true Christians I know, would have missed it. That's because Camping believes that the modern church, and anyone who attends it, has been apostate for decades. So who is it that was supposed to accompany him on his ill-advised journey on Saturday around 6:00 p.m. EST? That is a good question – one I still am not quite sure about.

I never watch his TV show, or listen to his nationwide radio program, that is broadcast in 40 languages world-wide. But a few days before the prediction I just could not resist. I watched Mr. Camping just to see what he would be communicating to callers. Three times in ten minutes he spoke of the rapture on May 21.

At one point, a fairly scared young man called in and asked, “How can I get ready? I don’t know what to do!”. To this, the 89-year preacher of the Scriptures said, “You had better get ready and get saved.” So far so good. But then the man asked the ultimate question. “But how will I know if I am saved?” To this, the great TV communicator said simply, “You can’t. Only God knows.” Excuse me? I felt like jumping through the screen to help the poor soul whom Camping had scared to death but then offered no real concrete solution, hope, or certainty.

Over the weekend of the predicted and failed rapture, I was with a group of teens from our church on a retreat in Pennsylvania from Friday night through Sunday afternoon. On Friday night I spoke on salvation and laid it out as fully, clearly and biblically as I knew how. Of course we mentioned the Camping thing, but in the context of the real event. The following night, one of the teenage boys there who was brought by a friend from our church, asked me the same basic question as did this poor caller to Harold Camping several nights earlier on TV. Around midnight this boy, who must have been listening to me the night before asked, “How do I know if I’m saved?” Being in a semi-conscious state, I tried to give him some of the evidences of what a true believer looks like, acts like, and knows about his or her salvation.

The next morning, as the kids all headed into the barn for breakfast, I called this young man aside into a van parked outside. Within 10 minutes he had confessed Christ as personal Savior and entered the family of God forever. He had heard the call of God’s Holy Spirit at some point and responded appropriately and confidently. It was a personal thrill on numerous levels as you might well understand.

I also quickly reminded him, from Friday night’s message, of a few rather ‘key’ Bible verses he should take hold of – verses that must be ignored or not be in Mr. Camping’s Bible! After telling him to expect the adversary to bring doubts about his decision, I showed or quoted to him the following verses:

“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:12-13)

“We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren.” (1 John 3:14)

“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs — heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ,” (Roman 8:16-17)

“By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.” (1 John 4:13)

Needless to say, it was the highlight of the weekend and likely the reason for all of the grief and stress leading up to getting it all off the ground. Satan had lost a soul and heaven gained one. I pray that there may have been others too who made silent professions of faith based on what we covered each night.

As for Mr. Camping, who can’t tell someone that they can know they are even saved, but does tell them to get ready since the end is coming, he has now dug in his heels for strike three! And this comes despite Jesus’ words in Mark 13:32-33. "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

His public explanation of his massive, and second, error came Monday. Camping said that he's now realized the apocalypse will come five months after May 21, the original date he predicted. He had earlier said Oct. 21 was when the globe would be consumed by a fireball. Saturday was "an invisible judgment day" in which a spiritual judgment took place, but the timing and the structure is the same as it has always been.” He said, "We've always said May 21 was the day, but we didn't understand altogether the spiritual meaning. May 21 is the day that Christ came and put the world under judgment." So strike 2 does not seem to have dimmed his pride or rocked his stunning arrogance or confidence. Maybe even more tragic are the millions who still follow him and give financial help to promote his teachings. One thing is certain. He will not be going on our church missions budget! Of course why would he want to? We are apostate!

But for the grounded Christian who knows he or she is saved, little of this should be shocking considering Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 3:1. “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come.” Then couple that with the words of 2 Peter 2:1-2. “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.”

I don’t know what your Bible says, but mine tells me clearly and repeatedly in verses like Acts 16:31, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.”

And in Romans 10:13 Paul writes, “For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." Predicting the exact moment of the Rapture is impossible, and trying to do so is total folly. But preparing for it, when it really does come, is not only eternally wise, but is clear, precise, and absolute!

Bill Breckenridge

You Light Up My Life

2011-05-23T16:13:00.002-04:00

When the song You Light Up My Life topped the charts for a then record-making ten weeks back in 1977, songwriter Joe Brooks and singer Debby Boone seemed headed for musical immortality. Debby is still somewhere near there, but Grammy- and Oscar-winning Joe Brooks fell short by taking his own life in a New York City apartment on Sunday. Awaiting trial for numerous counts of rape, the 73-year old Brooks left a suicide note, put a plastic bag over his head and piped in helium. He was found by a friend with whom he was to have lunch. Brooks’ son is also facing murder charges in an unrelated case.

When Debby Boone appeared at a National Religious Broadcasters convention years ago, she said that when she sang You Light Up My Life in reality she was singing of the real light of her life, Jesus Christ. Joe Brooks evidently wrote of someone else and never made Debby’s connection to the source of Light.

It is always a matter of pain when hearing of anyone’s self-destruction, especially when this need not be. Joe Brooks needed what Debby Boone found—the One who declared in John 10:10, “I am come that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” That is a vibrant New Testament theme reflecting the description of the deaths of both Abraham and his son Isaac who died “full of years” and “full of days” (Gen. 25:8 and 35:29 respectively). “Full” means “satisfied” or “pleasantly satiated.”

Years ago, I heard of a Christian man whose passing was described as “dying full of life.” An elderly gentleman said of his own life, “All this and heaven too.” Another declared, “If I live, I get my pension, and if I die, I go to be with Jesus. No matter what, I win.”

Christ does light up the lives of those who trust Him for forgiveness and the new birth. He is “the true Light, which gives light to every man coming into the world” (John 1:9). John 1:4-5 outlines, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” For those who do grasp His meaning, Christ promised, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Joe Brooks couldn’t face his crimes and falsely thought a suicide escape would bring relief. But life’s existence does not terminate with physical death. Christ’s salvation could have brought a precious relief from all that guilt and a new birth valid for all eternity. It is that message that believers have to share with a benighted world.

Christ said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5). Since He has ascended to Heaven, we believers are lights as Paul declared in Philippians 2:15-16: “[T]hat ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God, without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life…”

Hopefully, many once-born people walking in spiritual darkness will say of Christ and of us, His representatives,

“You light up my life, You give me hope To carry on. You light up my days And fill my nights with song.”

Dave Virkler

Migrants in Trucks and Missions in the Jungle

2011-05-19T17:00:00.002-04:00

Ghostly images of migrants crammed into two tractor trailer trucks caught my eye in yesterday’s news. Five hundred and thirteen people grouped into stifling space and privation had paid about $7,000 each for the long haul. Many stood upright and maintained balance by holding a dangling rope.

Hoping to make it to the U.S. and a better life, they were caught in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico in the state of Chiapas on their way to the U.S. border by way of Pueblo, a larger city to the north. High resolution X-ray technology saw through the trailer sides and revealed the images of the bodies and their crunched posture.

For a number of reasons I feel compelled to comment.

First, the wrenching trials these people suffered underscore the blessings of God we have in America. From many parts of the globe, millions yearn to be here instead of there. Most of the captured migrants came from Guatemala, others from El Salvador, India, Nepal, China, the Dominican Republic and Honduras. Among them were 32 women and four children. All had shelled out their meager savings, hazarded their lives and risked deportation for just a single chance to cross the U.S. border into real or imagined economic freedom. They will return to the hopeless prospects in their homelands.

Before retiring from active broadcasting, TV news anchor Eric Severied said, “The fact is, that if all immigration barriers were lifted around the world, a huge parade would form and begin marching in our direction.” We may not be perfect in America, but we are way ahead of whoever is in second place. We are blessed here because of our biblical base.

Second, I have been in both those towns mentioned in the news. Years ago, I accompanied a Wycliffe Bible Translators tour of Chiapas mission outposts in southern Mexico with several other U.S. pastors. On our way south to Chiapas, two of us left Mexico City and traveled by bus to Pueblo for an overnight with a dear missionary who had shared Christ in that metropolitan area for many years. Then it was on to Tuxtla lighting on a dirt runway and watching peasants slave all day for a few cents.

From there, we flew to Wycliffe’s Jungle Camp buried a few miles from the Guatemalan border and finally into the deepest jungle where Phil & Mary Baer had been laboring for 15 years among the Lacandon Indians, the remotest tribe in North America. The flight had taken us across a highland ridge where a church held about 600 believers that Sunday morning. They were the fruit of years of missionary work by Marianna Slocum.

We heard her story back in Mexico City on our return trip. A missionary already, Marianna became engaged to Bill Bentley, also serving in Mexico as a missionary. They were to be married on the next furlough. Six days before the wedding, Bill died in the night from undiagnosed heart problems. At the funeral, Marianna declared, “I will go back and do the work of both of us.” And she did.

All this took place in the general area where two crammed semis attempted an expensive international human smuggling operation. Such search and thwart operations are always newsworthy for a ravenous media. The soul-saving rescue on the lonely ridges and jungle pathways of the ends of the earth seldom attract much attention, but, in the ultimate liberty in the Kingdom here and Heaven there, it is more significant for the stressed peoples of the globe. Hopefully, some on those trucks know Christ as Savior. If not, they are double losers—nothing in time and nothing in eternity.

We should be earnestly praying for the global Gospel outreach of often obscure missionaries who bear the bread of life, first for hungry souls and second of a new life better oriented toward making the best of difficult situations. And let us not forget to pray for those entrusted with immigration policy, that it is fair, just and productive.

Dave Virkler

Schwarzenegger Admits To Adultery

2011-05-17T13:52:00.003-04:00

The political world is always an interesting place. Last week Governor Mike Huckabee, who was the front runner in many major presidential polls despite the media rarely mentioning that he even existed, announced that he did not have peace about running again for the highest office in the land. He also boldly proclaimed on his hit show on Fox that his lack of peace came from his heart and Jesus Christ specifically. It was not at all about support, money, media or family concerns. His reputation and lifestyle is as spotless as humanly possible and his unique character, intelligence and growing popularity may well have put him over the top this time around.

Then there is the other side of politics – the down and dirty side. It is a growing side and one that takes up a far larger percentage than many of the American people would like. But perhaps this too may just be representative of who the nation’s people have become as they vote for candidates regardless of their suspect actions and moral behavior.

But this time around, it is the well-known former Hollywood super-star Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Governor of California has admitted to adultery and to fathering a secret child with a housekeeper ten years ago who retired in January after 20 years of employment there. The action has led to the departure of his wife Maria Shriver after 25 years of marriage and the issue will perhaps end up with a reported plan of divorce.

The former body-building world champion stated, "I understand and deserve the feelings of anger and disappointment among my friends and family. There are no excuses and I take full responsibility for the hurt I have caused. I have apologized to Maria, my children and my family. I ask that the media respect my wife and children through this extremely difficult time. I deserve your attention and criticism, my family does not." California’s Governor is not unique in his tragic and immoral activity and it will likely cost him dearly - perhaps his marriage, children, position and even political future. That all remains to be seen as this story is still being publicly written.

But some 2,000 years ago there was another woman who carried within her a secret child while formally engaged to the man who would become her full-fledged husband. The problem was that he was not the physical father of this child. As a matter of fact, there was no earthly father at all in this one unique and miraculous case. This can be verified in Matthew 1:20-21. There, an angel of God declared to a very confused, hurt, irritated, but truly spiritual man.

The details of this miraculous event were recorded as follows. "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." This secret child had also been predicted in the Old Testament and made especially clear in Isaiah 9:6-7 where the prophet writes, “ For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.”

Two children - born 2 millennia apart. The second, while innocent of any wrongdoing in his conception, will forever be a symbol of temptation and a vivid reminder of public temptation, sin and immorality. The first child however, the one spoken of throughout the Scriptures, was not only innocent, but literally perfect, pure, and holy and would remain so until His life’s end. That end, while being gruesome, morally wrong and fully illegal, was also a blessed plan from the foundation of the world. God’s virgin-born Son came in order to die and become the sacrifice for the sins of entire world. These would include the public sins of the rich and famous and also the ‘seemingly’ insignificant and hidden sin committed by every human ever born. (Romans 3:23, I Timothy 5:24)

Two sons - born 2 millennia apart. The second, because of being born as a sinner, will need forgiveness of the first, born as a Savior! He will simply need to admit his spiritual dilemma and then call out in faith to be redeemed from the current control of sin and its unfathomable and dire eternal consequences. (Matthew 9:43-48, 2 Peter 2:17))

The Apostle Paul summed up how it all works in just 2 verses in Colossians 1:13-14: “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”

Bill Breckenridge

A Biblical Response to Osama’s Death

2011-05-09T10:52:00.002-04:00

Osama bin Laden is inextricably linked to American history by his attacks, his elusive life and now by his wretched death. Some news agencies, especially Fox News, spell his name Usama, making USA three fifth’s the letters of his first name.

The assassination via swooping helicopter and then burial at sea gives new meaning to the naval term “dead in the water.” Most sensitive people view his sudden liquidation with understandable ambivalence. A mass murderer, his “just desserts” brought wild cheering in Times Square and exuberant rejoicing at other venues. However, spiritually thoughtful observers offered only muted gratitude. Here’s why.

Genesis 9:6 says, “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man,” but God doesn’t rejoice in the death of the wicked, and Osama was surely that. Ezekiel 33:11 says, “…‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’”

Osama was a human being for whom Christ died on the Cross. The Bible says of Christ, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honour; that He, by the grace of God, should taste death for everyone.” (Hebrews 2:9) 2 Peter 3:9 reads, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Christ rebuked swordplay at His arrest, even healing the man whose ear Peter had slashed off. Peter cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant (John 18:10). Putting the Gospel account together, we find Jesus healed the servant’s ear (Luke 22:51). Matthew’s account records something else very important is said by the Lord. “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Put your sword in its place, for all who that take the sword will perish by the sword.’” (Matt. 26:52) Osama bin Laden lived by the sword, and he died by the sword, just as the Lord said it would be.

Should Christians enjoy any satisfaction in Osama’s death? Yes, indeed.

First, Christ’s forecast of living and dying by the sword is fulfilled. Also, the God-ordained civil military retributive protectorate has done its ordained work. While individual believers are not to extend the Kingdom by military aggression, civil government is ordained by God for protective purposes.

In Romans 13, Paul outlines the purpose of civil government even calling the civil servant a “minister.” “For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain: for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath upon him who practices evil.” (Rom. 13:4) The word translated as “minister” is the Greek word “diakanos,” from which we get “deacon,” and the word means “a servant, a doer of errands.” So the civil government bearing the sword is a deacon running errands for God. And remember, this was written in the time of Roman government, secular and pagan as it was. About 13 times, this word is later used of what we would call Christian, church ministers.

There is spiritual warfare outlined in Scripture. Christian fighters sally forth equipped with helmet, body armor, footgear, shield and even the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

There are also secular servants who bear a literal sword, as Paul outlined in Rom. 13:4: “an avenger to execute wrath upon him who practices evil.” This is appropriately said about the assassination of Osama, who did indescribable evil on 9/11, bombed the USS Cole, killings in Somalia and who knows how much else. We are pleased that the U.S. military under President Obama showed some moral backbone to be an avenger. God gives civil government this delegated authority to take life in these extreme cases. And who knows how many thousands of lives have been saved by destabilizing the al Qaeda leadership? America’s action may not only have been retributive but preventive.

Perhaps all this wrath could have been avoided if there had been an Arabic translation of the Bible back in 610 AD when Mohammed had his contorted visions. They were a compilation of paganism, flimsy and sometimes faulty elements of Christian and Jewish traditions, personal preferences, and a considerable demonic intrusion. Out of all this trance-like revelatory haze came Islam, which swept across Asia and Europe and now threatens to destabilize the entire world. Thankfully, there are enough countries still generally anchored to biblical truth to resist and punish evil-doers when necessary.

Currently, many Middle East Muslims are reflecting a desire for Western political liberty, which grew out of biblical truth. If this can be enhanced by millions of Muslims coming to Christ through Christian evangelism, there is hope for a calming effect even this late in prophetic time.

Dave Virkler

A Body Is Gone But A Threat Remains?

2011-05-03T14:08:00.010-04:00

Yes, Osama bin Laden is history! But now he is just an ugly past-tense aspect of it destined for the history books. However, the question thatnow springs up immediately is, what comes next? Rep. Peter King, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, told Fox News, "They want to avenge this." And anyone who knows anything about radical Islam knows that his assessment will likely be exactly right!

Of course there is joy and a sense of justice finally being achieved relating to America’s public enemy number one for a decade. But his physical absence does not at all mean the absence of terrorist danger in America, Israel, and other select targets around the globe. If anything, this may strongly rekindle the hatred and reality of even more heinous acts of cowardice and brutality against innocent and unsuspecting citizens. Only time will tell who replaces this gruesome figure and what kind of plans he will devise to make his own name in the sick, twisted, and demonic world of terrorism.

Knowing this, the U.S. government, military, and other law officials in America are on extreme high alert, even though this will not be outwardly seen on the surface by the average person. Also, as with any potential threat, some will take it quite seriously and some will not give it a second thought, just assuming all is fine and that their odds of any real harm is minimal if not even non-existent.

Unfortunately, this identical attitude is found all too often in the spiritual realm as well. Here, the very real threat of an eternal catastrophe comes with a clear and constant warning given by the highest authority in the universe – the Creator God Himself. This particular threat has been at the highest level possible ever since the first man and woman walked the earth. Tragically, they missed God’s clear and major warning. Sin was born into the entire human race and people like bin Laden would come into existence from that moment to this very day. (Genesis 3)

The Bible clearly and repeatedly outlines the threat and consequences of human sin.(Romans 1:18, 6:23, 5:12) Nothing is kept as top secret. Everyone who can read or listen has the opportunity of grasping the clear warning of the real threat of an eternity in hell after death. But they also have readily available in Scripture the way to avoid this unthinkable end through a heart-changing experience of faith with Jesus Christ. (Acts 16:30, John 3:16)

Most people generally fear going through the painful end of their physical life, even though few will go out in such a dramatic and public fashion as did Mr. bin Laden. But what should be given their utmost attention is the ultimate and main matter spoken of by Jesus Himself in Luke 12:4-5. In His short discourse touching on fearing God at life’s end, the Savior stated these sobering words of truth surrounding life and death’s highest possible alert and fear. "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!”

To a growing segment of humanity, even some today in so-called Christian circles, there is a belief that there are numerous ways that will eventually get most or maybe all to a final, peaceful, and glorious resting place in heaven. But this flies directly in the face of all solid and obvious biblical teaching. For example, 1 Timothy 2:5 reveals "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” Check out similar passages such as John 14:6 as well. This doctrine of salvation is not at all fuzzy, convoluted, or up for debate. The Savior, who died in our place, would not hide or confuse the way for His fallen race to take advantage of His great sacrifice!

Bin Laden made his choice, both through his grievous actions in life, and his decision of where to place his trust for his eternal destiny. He is now entrenched there forever. From this writer’s view and beliefs, he chose poorly – very poorly on both counts. For he has taken a list of unspeakable sins into the next life without having the only thing that would have gotten him eternally ‘off the hook’ so to speak, as identified in 1 John 2:1-2.

“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may notsin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, JesusChrist the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins,and not for ours only but also for the whole world.”

Even if terrorism is stepped up significantly in the aftermath of the emoval of this infamous terrorist leader, the odds of any one person being harmed or killed by a terrorist act remains quite small. But the odds for the event spelled out in Hebrews 9:27-28 are no less than 100% and thereby require a total spiritual readiness to the eventual threatand reality for every man and woman ever born.

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.”

Bill Breckenridge

Obama's Birth Certificate and Mine

2011-04-27T19:16:00.002-04:00

It is finally published—the long form of President Obama’s birth certificate. You can see it most everywhere. It’s on most news clips and on the official White House website.

It was high political drama. The President took to the air to belittle all those who focus on lesser issues at the expense of rescuing the national economy from disaster. One such focuser is Donald Trump, presumed Republican front-runner whom the President characterized by inference as a “carnival barker” Moments later, Trump expressed pleasure that the certificate was public and took credit for accomplishing what no one else had done.

A birth certificate does matter. In this instance, it makes legitimate the Obama presidency. In other ways, it is proof if citizenship for passports, drivers’ licenses, Social Security and the like.

I tilted toward believing the certificate was valid all along and wondered at what crucial political juncture the issue would be resolved, although I did wonder why it was taking so long. So the President was born in Hawaii on August 4th, 1961. Now Donald Trump knows and both he and the President can turn to more vital issues such as averting national bankruptcy.

Actually, everyone should be more interested in a personal birth certificate in Heaven than the President’s filed in Hawaii. Mortal certification is important, but Heaven’s registration is crucial. I discovered the relative importance of both in reverse order.

My heavenly birth certificate was filed above on August 7, 1948 at about 6:30 PM in a church basement on West Colvin Street in Syracuse, New York. I sought out a preacher who had preached John 3:5 & 7 in a camp meeting only days before declaring, “Ye must be born again.” (Actually the original Greek word is “anothen” meaning “from above.”)

At a church supper, I knew he was in the building, and afterwards I requested his counsel. Taking me into the church storeroom among retired Bibles, songbooks, mops and towels, he led me to the Savior. New-birth life surged through my soul. Coming out the door of that obscure room, I was not the same as I went in. Moments later, outside, several other recent converts sang our welcome song: “Ring the bells of Heaven, there is joy today, for a soul returning from the wild. See The Father greets him out upon the way, welcoming His weary, wand’ring child.” My spiritual birth certificate was filed in heaven, an entry in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Rev. 21:7).

Getting my first birth certificate was much more difficult, and in this I can sympathize with the president. Wanting to visit Israel in 1982 meant I needed a “raised seal” birth certificate for passport application. The fine penmanship on the doctor’s copy that was in my family files for years verifying my birth in Baldwinsville, NY was not good enough, although all the vital stats were there. I needed to apply for an official copy in Albany, NY, the state capitol.

After a considerable period, a poor copy of a mangy looking piece of paper arrived. This was long before digital or clear copying machines. All the facts were there on an actual photocopy matching what my delivering doctor had inscribed. It had been in Albany all those years, and I had never seen it. And it had a raised seal meaning my copy was as good as the original. I could now officially proclaim my birth.

So I now know that I was officially born once in the eyes of the state of New York, and, more importantly, God knows I was born again into His eternal heavenly kingdom.

If as much effort is placed into getting the President’s spiritual birth certificate in Heaven as has been expended in the Hawaii matter, he is in the Kingdom of God and will be in Heaven when that sacred second roll call is made. Only he and God know.

I don’t know about the President, but I do know about me. Both of my personal birth certificates are valid. One says I have human life; the other says I have eternal life. We have no choice about our first birth, but we surely do about our second birth.

Dave Virkler

Where Did All The Easter People Go?

2011-04-27T10:50:00.003-04:00

With every life comes great blessings, and of course, some unpleasant and even devastating trials. Some of the so-called ‘downers’ may be physical, emotional, or economical. They can arise from damaged relationships, career disappointments and dozens of other areas. The list is lengthy and no two people will experience the exact same things.

When considering experiences in spiritual realm, those who are heavily involved in full or part-time ministry, or even in the upper leadership positions in a local church, also go through times of great highs and sometimes equally difficult lows within the body of believers to whom they are connected.

Oddly enough, perhaps one of the best examples is a phenomenon that revolves around the Easter season. Obviously, resurrection Sunday is typically the single greatest morning of the 52 Sundays on the yearly church calendar. The momentum usually begins to build around Christmas. Sometimes that interest tapers off for a time due to weather issues in areas where months like January and February can be truly brutal. But by Palm Sunday, and then of course the grandest morning of all, resurrection Sunday, it all peaks and comes together in a special and unique fashion - and rightfully so.

Christ’s crucifixion and subsequent resurrection from the dead to prove His deity is the cornerstone and foundation of the faith. Nothing can top it or replace the reality of God’s love, Christ’s sacrifice, and the miraculous power evidenced in the resurrection. Again, It is the highlight and pinnacle of the Christian faith and the ultimate display of God’s love for fallen man.

For obvious reasons, churches generally experience their finest hour of the year on Easter morning. The faithful are all there.

The good news, especially for those who rarely attend, is that there is at least that rare opportunity for them to hear the “Good News” of salvation in Christ. And typically, most pastors are keenly aware of their isolated chance to present the living words of Scripture that can literally change the life and eternal destiny of a lost sinner as Paul recorded in Romans 10:17. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” That opportunity truly is good news. It is beyond exciting just to know what is at stake and what could occur even during just that one short hour or two if the words are right, the heart is open, and the Holy Spirit at work!

But following this greatest and busiest of all church days then comes what is sometimes known in pastoral and church-related circles as “Low Sunday”. It is not that Christ’s resurrection is any less exciting, effective, or meaningful than it was the previous week – especially if salvation has visited a local assembly on that day. And it is not that those came to Christ, or their loved ones, have forgotten what occurred just seven short days earlier. But the reality remains that the Sunday following resurrection Sunday is typically the lowest attended service of the entire year. It feels to church leaders like a form of attendance whiplash. This very real issue sometimes leads pastors like the one below to reveal his feelings like this one did on his blog.

“My fears were confirmed this week when I went to church. Just seven days ago, I was enthralled in the excitement of a spectacular Easter celebration service. The choir was lively, the music was grand, the message was direct, and the congregation showed up in record numbers (we had to add an extra service). Smiles were everywhere as I was greeted, visitors were abundant, and from the look of the giant games and activities in the parking lot, the kids’ church appeared to be competing with Disney Land.”

The inner feelings and reflections of this one local shepherd are felt throughout the nation and probably in church settings world-wide. And the phenomenon has probably been in place almost as long as there has been an organized church. So as exciting, meaningful and productive as Easter morning may be, the truth remains that it is almost always followed one week later by its greatest numerical low point.

For the church pastoral staff and leadership who face this ‘downer’ each year, they must depend on God to ‘minister through it’. They must try to keep their heads above spiritual waters and resist the temptation of just ‘going through the motions’. They must pray, prepare and prove to the ‘regulars’ that each and every Lord’s day is vitally important regardless of where it falls on the calendar and who, or who does not, come and worship the Lord even on that so-called “Low Sunday”.

The life of any Christian encompasses many aspects and God’s word has made clear what He expects His people to do and not do. One major ingredient is faithfulness. And in that crucial category, few things are more important to Him than what the writer of Hebrew recorded. He shares in no uncertain terms that attending of God’s house is not optional and to be done just when it is convenient, easy, seasonal, or just feels right on a given day. Hebrews 10:23-25 records God’s command as follows. “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Some Christians have taken advantage of God’s great salvation but don’t seem to grasp the that there are consequences involved when they avoid coming to His house for fellowship and instruction and inspiration. They miss out on numerous blessings and place self-imposed limits on their own spiritual growth. They forgo the joy of associating with others of like faith and becoming close with their spiritual family through personal contact and prayer.

The reality is that every part of a local spiritual body is crucial and their absence effects both themselves and those they distance themselves from when they fail to attend. They may not see it like that, but God does as Paul revealed in his first letter to the young Corinthian church. “But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:24-26)

Every member of God’s family is important. Their regular presence is an encouragement to others when they come, worship together, and use their God-give spiritual gifts, and build one another up ‘as they see the Day approaching.”

Bill Breckenridge

A Thursday or Friday Crucifixion?

2011-04-21T16:26:00.003-04:00

Easter is a calendar date, a Christian observance, and the focus of lots of intriguing current news.

Believers around the world and across the ages have held that spring is the season of crucifixion observance and the resurrection, although they are by no means united as to the actual days these events actually occurred.

The latest entry into the calendar debate comes from University of Cambridge professor Colin Humphreys, who claims his ardent research reveals that the Last Supper was held on Wednesday evening and that the events between then and the crucifixion were more and longer than previously thought. Over the years, some churches celebrated Maundy Thursday, also claiming that the crucifixion actually occurred on Thursday and not Friday.

I believe as more evidence from that time is compared with historical and biblical study, that both the professor and Maundy Thursday celebrants will be vindicated. Here’s how.

The Gospel accounts take one only through the day on Wednesday, not Thursday. If a Thursday crucifixion is correct, a Wednesday Last Supper has to be correct.

Convoluted dating for a Friday crucifixion includes the popular idea that Jewish thinking counted parts of days as whole days, which would make three days from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning. But Christ predicted, “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matt 12:40).

The biggest problem with that idea is that the body of Christ could no way be in the tomb that long if the crucifixion took place on Friday. That it was His body (temple) is clear in John 2:19-22: “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ Then the Jews said, ‘It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?’ But He was speaking of the temple of His body. Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.”

The events of crucifixion day would make interment after 6:00 PM (the end of the Jewish day). Consider the length of time for “It is finished!”, the spearing of Christ’s side to confirm death, the appeal for His body, taking down the body, transporting it and the involved and time-consuming embalming process before entombment (John 19:31-42). Christ’s body wouldn’t have been in the tomb on Friday at all, and it would already be Saturday. At least we have parts of three days with the crucifixion on Thursday.

Exodus 12 seems to settle the date of the crucifixion on Thursday. The best minds claim that Palm Sunday was on the 10th of Nisan (somewhat corresponding to March-April on our modern calendar). That was the day Jewish fathers selected their unflawed lamb for Passover: “…On the tenth of this month every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his father, a lamb for a house.” (Exodus 12:3).

On Palm Sunday, Christ first allowed his followers to claim Him King, which would have been seen as sedition by to Romans. Only they had the right of capitol punishment to effect a crucifixion. In effect, He was publicly selecting Himself as a sacrificial Lamb. The final charge tacked on the cross was “King of the Jews.”

Passover lambs were to be killed on the 14th day of the month. “… Now you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month. Then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at twilight.” (Ex. 12:6) If the 10th was a Sunday, the day for slaying the lamb would be a Thursday. “Twilight” (“evening” in the old King James Version) is literally “between the evenings.” Some believe that this is actually mid-afternoon.

Another interesting piece of the dating puzzle is that there were so many lambs to be slaughtered that two Passover days were held, one on Thursday and another on Friday, which explains the seeming conflicts between the Gospel accounts.

While examination and even speculation is intriguing, the real issue is “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” (1 Cor. 15:3-4) These are facts no matter what days they occurred.

God doesn’t demand of us a knowledge of proper dates but personal faith in Christ’s finished work. A favorite Easter song is a biographical testimony I hope you can also give:

Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever;
One day He’s coming – O glorious day!

Dave Virkler

American Beliefs About Universalism

2011-04-19T15:28:00.006-04:00

According to a new study by the Barna Group, an organization that has for decades tracked religious beliefs in America, a surprising trend has surfaced that might have been under the radar in earlier days or has just gained in popularity more recently. This analysis on the above issue ended in 2011 after 5 years of study. Each survey involved a minimum of 1,000 respondents who were randomly selected from across the continental United States with those age 18 and older.

The particular belief in question is nothing new on the list of theological options concerning the subject of salvation. The only real question then is whether or not it is biblically correct? That is always the main question that must be considered when considering the veracity of any spiritual truth or doctrinal matter. This particular one has other names but is best known as ‘Universalism’. And when looking at what it adheres to, it is easy to see why it would become popular to people who have no biblical foundation or background to evaluate its claims.

Briefly stated, ‘Universalism’ is the notion that everyone will eventually be saved and make it into heaven. And again, with that obviously appealing option, it is no wonder why the current statistics on this view seem to be gaining momentum. About 43% of all Americans now believe that it really does not matter what religious faith you follow because they all supposedly teach the same basic ideas. Another 40 % state that people will experience the same outcome after death regardless of their religious beliefs. Add to these numbers that a stunning 7 of every 10 Americans today concur that, if a person is generally good or does enough good things for others, they will earn a place in heaven. The problem with this aspect, among other things, is deciding on the accurate definition of ‘good’. Whose standard is to be used? Also, how would anyone know when they have been ‘good’ enough or ‘done’ enough to merit salvation? It seems that this logic boils down to taking a rather monstrous risk, on an all-important and eternally critical matter, while basing beliefs on some very limited and shaky data.

Also there is one other related and shocking trend to add to the above movement. It seems that 59% of adults now also believe that Christians and Muslims worship the same God. While these same folks may admit that each religion has different names and some varying beliefs regarding God, they still maintain that the Bible, the Koran and the Book of Mormon are all basically different expressions of the same spiritual truths.

Despite this new trend of an old system, even a somewhat casual study of the Bible will quickly dispute the above beliefs on Universalism, not to mention the other world religions also referred to. But with that said, some will ask, why believe what the Bible says over any other human book? Is it just a book written by man like any other religious instruction manual? And to be fair, that question is valid. But it also can be answered without question in the various areas of what it claims and teaches.

The Bible, believe it or not and like it or not, is not just a human book and man’s concept of God’s existence and interaction with man. It is not like any other book or one that just rehashes in different terms the same basic concepts as all the others. The pen that inscribed the precise words in the Old and New Testaments may indeed have been in the hands of flawed men. But the things recorded there were directed by the Holy Spirit of God as 2 Peter 1:19-21 reveals. “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." Then Paul adds in 2 Timothy 3:16 that biblical truth, from cover to cover, was originally inspired of God. This means literally ‘God–breathed’. Verse 16 reads, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” The word ‘inspiration’ means that it came from the very mouth and mind of God Himself and is therefore errorless in all it says and teaches.

But there will still be some that declare that this is just the Bible speaking about itself and it therefore carries no more weight than any other religious book. Again, is that a reasonable question? To be fair - yes. But it is only those who have not studied it deeply, and been affected by it internally, who fail to see how unique and supernatural the Scriptures really are.

Because it would take far too much time to explain, perhaps a few examples of the trustworthiness and truth of the Bible can be quickly mentioned. The Bible alone has been verified by numerous proofs down through the centuries. No other book of any kind has proven to be 100% accurate in matters of science, history, archeology, and in possessing the supernatural ability of changing the human heart from the inside out. Then there is perhaps the greatest validation of all. Only Scripture can boast 100% accuracy in predicting hundreds of prophecies – something no other book can even begin compare with. These and other undeniable proofs exist, if one is willing to fully seek out the truth about what the Bible is, what it says, and who authored it.

With that said, what about its view on salvation and specifically this topic of “universalism”? Is it true? Does it match up with God’s word in any way, shape or form? Are there multiple gods and multiple ways to heaven other than through Jesus Christ? And can one work his or her way to heaven through good works – however defined and however many that might require? The brief answer to these questions is simple. Absolutely not! It is also no shock to Bible students that such false teachings would be around, come around, and even take hold of many according to 2 Timothy 4:4 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” Also see 2 Peter 2:1.

The Bible, especially in the New Testament, contains scores of clear-cut passages about who the one true God is, how sin afflicted His once flawless creation, and the solitary means whereby He provided mankind a way to gain forgiveness from sin, and spend eternity in heaven with Him. Here are a few verses just for starters.

“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” (1Timothy 2:5-6)

“Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”em> (John 14:6)

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17:3)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Then too, many other verses substantiate this same foundational reality such as Acts, 16:31, 1 Peter 1:17-19, Romans 5:7-10, John 10:1, Acts 16:31, Titus 3:5, Romans 6:23, and 1 John 5:20. God has left no doubt whatsoever about His person, His uniqueness, His power and His method of dealing with the eternal penalty of human sin. He shares no attributes or works along side of any other so-called gods to provide man a vehicle to be saved. He alone is God as Deuteronomy 6:4 states. "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!”

The teaching and promoting of Universalism is an extremely serious biblical error bringing with it unthinkable and lasting consequences. In Christendom, there are many church camps. Sometimes there are certain theological beliefs that don’t quite match up between denominations on certain doctrinal positions. This does not always mean that people in these groups will not be in heaven together. Maybe once in eternity, they might then find out who was on target and who may have been a little off center in one of the more secondary doctrinal basics. But when any theological teaching tampers with and spreads dangerous error on the most critical doctrine of salvation, this becomes of the utmost importance as it affects the single most important thing in this life and the next - the final destiny of a human soul.

If the Bible is the Word of the true God and perfect source of spiritual truth, and it is, then those who are banking on the increasing teachings of universalism had better rethink and search out the stated position of the collective 66 books known as the Holy Bible. The God who authored it made it certain that even a child can grasp the truth of who He is, what man needs, what Jesus did to meet that need, and how to be properly ready to face Him in eternity. The writer John summed it us as well as it can be and needs to be.

“And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:10-13)

Bill Breckenridge

American Beliefs About Universalism

2011-04-19T15:28:00.000-04:00

According to a new study by the Barna Group, an organization that has for decades tracked religious beliefs in America, a surprising trend has surfaced that might have been under the radar in earlier days or has just gained in popularity more recently. This analysis on the above issue ended in 2011 after 5 years of study. Each survey involved a minimum of 1,000 respondents who were randomly selected from across the continental United States with those age 18 and older.

The particular belief in question is nothing new on the list of theological options concerning the subject of salvation. The only real question then is whether or not it is biblically correct? That is always the main question that must be considered when considering the veracity of any spiritual truth or doctrinal matter. This particular one has other names but is best known as ‘Universalism’. And when looking at what it adheres to, it is easy to see why it would become popular to people who have no biblical foundation or background to evaluate its claims. Briefly stated, ‘Universalism’ is the notion that everyone will eventually be saved and make it into heaven. And again, with that obviously appealing option, it is no wonder why the current statistics on this view seem to be gaining momentum. About 43% of all Americans now believe that it really does not matter what religious faith you follow because they all supposedly teach the same basic ideas. Another 40 % state that people will experience the same outcome after death regardless of their religious beliefs. Add to these numbers that a stunning 7 of every 10 Americans today concur that, if a person is generally good or does enough good things for others, they will earn a place in heaven. The problem with this aspect, among other things, is deciding on the accurate definition of ‘good’. Whose standard is to be used? Also, how would anyone know when they have been ‘good’ enough or ‘done’ enough to merit salvation? It seems that this logic boils down to taking a rather monstrous risk, on an all-important and eternally critical matter, while basing beliefs on some very limited and shaky data. Also there is one other related and shocking trend to add to the above movement. It seems that 59% of adults now also believe that Christians and Muslims worship the same God. While these same folks may admit that each religion has different names and some varying beliefs regarding God, they still maintain that the Bible, the Koran and the Book of Mormon are all basically different expressions of the same spiritual truths. Despite this new trend of an old system, even a somewhat casual study of the Bible will quickly dispute the above beliefs on Universalism, not to mention the other world religions also referred to. But with that said, some will ask, why believe what the Bible says over any other human book? Is it just a book written by man like any other religious instruction manual? And to be fair, that question is valid. But it also can be answered without question in the various areas of what it claims and teaches. The Bible, believe it or not and like it or not, is not just a human book and man’s concept of God’s existence and interaction with man. It is not like any other book or one that just rehashes in different terms the same basic concepts as all the others. The pen that inscribed the precise words in the Old and New Testaments may indeed have been in the hands of flawed men. But the things recorded there were directed by the Holy Spirit of God as 2 Peter 1:19-21 reveals. “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." Then Paul adds in 2 Timothy 3:16 that biblical truth, from cover to cover, was originally inspired of God. This means literally ‘God–breathed’. Verse 16 reads, “ All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” The word ‘inspiration’ means that it came from the very mouth and mind of God Himself and is therefore errorless in all it says and teaches. But there will still be some that declare that this is just the Bible speaking about itself and it therefore carries no more weight than any other religious book. Again, is that a reasonable question? To be fair - yes. But it is only those who have not studied it deeply, and been affected by it internally, who fail to see how unique and supernatural the Scriptures really are. Because it would take far too much time to explain, perhaps a few examples of the trustworthiness and truth of the Bible can be quickly mentioned. The Bible alone has been verified by numerous proofs down through the centuries. No other book of any kind has proven to be 100% accurate in matters of science, history, archeology, and in possessing the supernatural ability of changing the human heart from the inside out. Then there is perhaps the greatest validation of all. Only Scripture can boast 100% accuracy in predicting hundreds of prophecies – something no other book can even begin compare with. These and other undeniable proofs exist, if one is willing to fully seek out the truth about what the Bible is, what it says, and who authored it. With that said, what about its view on salvation and specifically this topic of “universalism”? Is it true? Does it match up with God’s word in any way, shape or form? Are there multiple gods and multiple ways to heaven other than through Jesus Christ? And can one work his or her way to heaven through good works – however defined and however many that might require? The brief answer to these questions is simple. Absolutely not! It is also no shock to Bible students that such false teachings would be around, come around, and even take hold of many according to 2 Timothy 4:4 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” Also see 2 Peter 2:1. The Bible, especially in the New Testament, contains scores of clear-cut passages about who the one true God is, how sin afflicted His once flawless creation, and the solitary means whereby He provided mankind a way to gain forgiveness from sin, and spend eternity in heaven with Him. Here are a few verses just for starters. “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” (1Timothy 2:5-6) “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17:3) “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) Then too, many other verses substantiate this same foundational reality such as Acts, 16:31, 1 Peter 1:17-19, Romans 5:7-10, John 10:1, Acts 16:31, Titus 3:5, Romans 6:23, and 1 John 5:20. God has left no doubt whatsoever about His person, His uniqueness, His power and His method of dealing with the eternal penalty of human sin. He shares no attributes or works along side of any other so-called gods to provide man a vehicle to be saved. He alone is God as Deuteronomy 6:4 states. "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!” The teaching and promoting of Universalism is an extremely serious biblical error bringing with it unthinkable and lasting consequences. In Christendom, there are many church camps. Sometimes there are certain theological beliefs that don’t quite match up between denominations on certain doctrinal positions. This does not always mean that people in these groups will not be in heaven together. Maybe once in eternity, they might then find out who was on target and who may have been a little off center in one of the more secondary doctrinal basics. But when any theological teaching tampers with and spreads dangerous error on the most critical doctrine of salvation, this becomes of the utmost importance as it affects the single most important thing in this life and the next - the final destiny of a human soul. If the Bible is the Word of the true God and perfect source of spiritual truth, and it is, then those who are banking on the increasing teachings of universalism had better rethink and search out the stated position of the collective 66 books known as the Holy Bible. The God who authored it made it certain that even a child can grasp the truth of who He is, what man needs, what Jesus did to meet that need, and how to be properly ready to face Him in eternity. The writer John summed it us as well as it can be and needs to be. “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:10-13) Bill Breckenridge

150th Anniversary of The Civil War

2011-04-18T08:51:00.002-04:00

On Tuesday, in Charleston, SC, cannon fire and somber-sounding music marked a commemoration of the Civil War – the nation's bloodiest internal conflict ever. The events re-creating the siege of Fort Sumter began the four-year national commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the brutal struggle that nearly ended the literal existence of a young prospering nation.

At 4 a.m., a single beam of light reached far into the sky. A half-hour later, around the same time the first shots of the Civil War were fired, there was a second beam that represented a nation that had been torn in two. Later, an authentic 1847 seacoast mortar fired and was met by sounds of cannons from around the harbor. A Union re-enactor then tossed a wreath into the water after which men dressed in gray fired a 21-gun salute. The display was in memory of all who died during the conflict on South Carolina soil. Lastly, just following these symbolic gestures, two buglers played "Taps."

As most know, this particular war was characterized by some seemingly unsolvable philosophical divides. There were two sides at the time that could not be much farther apart in their core beliefs. The differences were so profound that even blood brothers were sometimes willing to fight each other to the death when the situation arose. Today, such a thing seems nearly incomprehensible.

War, and fighting on any level, typically comes from a gap that is hard for the opposing sides to close or heal - regardless of who may be right or wrong. These can be massive as seen when entire nations engage in battle. They can also be as minor as two children fighting over the same toy. But in the heat of the moment, the combatants do all they can to prevail and make their point.

The Bible really is the story of a gap – the most destructive chasm ever. This great gulf exists between a fallen and sinful human race and a righteous and holy God. No two sides could be more divided and no gap greater, because this one involves the most serious of all consequences because it is both spiritual and eternal.

In Luke chapter sixteen Jesus told of a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus. To make a long story short, poor and righteous Lazarus ended up going to heaven at his death while his counterpart did not fare so well and ended up in a place of torment. The passage presents a painful exchange with the suffering soul begging for relief and comfort in his great agony. Verse 24 begins, "Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.' But Abraham said in response, “Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented.”

But to make matters far worse, Abraham also related that this man’s horrific torment and location would also be ‘endless’ and with no way of return or reversal. His eternal fate had been sealed during life by having no time for God. The awful finality regarding his fate is seen in verse 26. “And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.” His sins were never forgiven and thus his doom forever.

The Civil War is past history and hopefully the great moral and inspirational lessons learned will continue to act as a foundation for future generations. But unlike when men fight among themselves, the war surrounding human sin, although still fully raging, has already been won decisively by Jesus Christ. The victory came when He cried out “It is finished” from the cross where He offered Himself up as the sacrifice for the sins of the world. (1 John 2:2) His completed payment for rebellion against God means there is no reason for anyone to be eternally lost and someday find themselves on the wrong side of sin’s dreaded ‘gulf’ forever. Christ’s built the one redemptive bridge that allows escaping from the eternal penalty caused by sin. But that spiritual route must be found and followed in this life as the story of Lazarus graphically shows.

The same Jesus who spoke the above words, also spoke to Thomas concerning the gulf dug deep by sin and mankind’s universal need to fill it. The Savior revealed to him in John 14:5-6. "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Then John added his own words on the subject in 1 John 5:10-13. “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” It would seem that even a young child should be able to grasp this basic and critical spiritual concept!

The awful gap of sin between God and man is real. It has everlasting results and its consequences are far beyond any human understanding. But He has given adequate warning through His word. His bridge back to forgiveness and a right relationship with Himself is equally real, fully effective and clearly defined. Once found, understood, and accepted, it changes ones future destiny instantly and eternally. His is the only pathway able to close and heal the great spiritual divide between God and man as is promised in John 3:16.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Bill Breckenridge

Libya in Bible History and Prophecy

2011-04-12T12:05:00.002-04:00
Libya has roared into our daily news. It is an ancient country with past historic significance and present trouble, and it is a Bible country of substantial and tragic prophetic importance.

Libya is located on the northern Mediterranean coast of Africa. It is bordered by Egypt, Sudan, Chad, Nigeria, Algeria and Tunisia. The term “Libya” once designated the third continent of Africa west of the Nile River, the other two being Europe and Asia. It stretched from the sea to the hinterlands in the south.

Its name derived from an Egyptian designation of “Levu,” which morphed into “Libya.” Reaching back as far as the two thousand years before Christ, it was settled by people loosely known as Berbers, apparently of Indo-European origin from southwest Asia. The Berbers never sought nationhood but choose identity in tribalism and individual clans. As a result, Libya has been a historic geographic, economic and political football bouncing between Greece, Rome and most recently ruled by a wretched dictator, Muammar Khadafi.

By the second century AD, Libya was mostly Christian from early evangelism. This happy state changed dramatically changed in 647 when 40,000 Arabs wrenched it away from the Byzantine control and transformed it into Muslim control. It most famous city is its capitol, Tripoli, popularized by the Marine Hymn: “From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli….” This refers to the U.S. Navy subduing the Muslim Barbary Pirates who practiced pillage and mayhem in the Mediterranean for centuries. In 1794, the young United States of America refused to pay protection tribute, established its first national navy and stopped the carnage. (This Tripoli is not to be confused with a city by the same name in northern Lebanon.)

In the New Testament, Libya is most noted as the home of a bearer of Christ’s cross, converts at Pentecost and effective missionaries.

When Christ stumbled beneath the cross on His way to Calvary, a man from Libya was pressed into service. Matthew 27:32 says, “And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.” Cyrene is close to Tripoli in Libya.

The account of Pentecost says, “And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs – we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” (Acts 2:8-11) This indicates a strong dedicated Jewish presence in faraway Libya who had come to observe Passover.

Evidently the persecution following Stephen’s death took some of the converts from Pentecost to Antioch in Syria. “But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.” (Acts 11:20-21)

Out of this came a spiritual church that became the first organized foreign missions effort of New Testament times. “Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.” (Acts 13:1-3)

So Libya became largely Christian, far from what it is today—a Muslim hotbed of strife and revolt. Some of the “rebels” are admittedly al Qaeda trainees, and the U.S. and NATO have gotten themselves into a dangerous posture of unsolvable problems.

But what of the future? Libya will join other Islamic nations in the brutal attack on Israel prophesied in Ezekiel 38:5. Evidently, it will also fall in step with Antichrist in his subtle campaign to control Israel as Daniel 11:43 states: “He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels.” This apparently ends in catastrophe as Ezek. 30:5 says of Egypt and her western neighbor, “Ethiopia, Libya, Lydia, all the mingled people, Chub, and the men of the lands who are allied, shall fall with them by the sword.”

The great hope of this hour is that Gospel outreach—now largely through Internet, radio and TV—will reach the millions of distraught people in Muslim lands and that they will find redemption in Jesus Christ, their only hope for time and eternity. According to prominent author Joel Rosenberg, millions are turning to Christ in the Muslim world, but precious little response is being recorded in Libya. Let’s pray that this changes and many more “Simons from Cyrene” will gladly bear Jesus’ cross in converted discipleship. Libyans did so in the past. Let’s pray that they do it again.

Dave Virkler

The Nation Title Decisively Decided

2011-04-05T14:12:00.007-04:00
The name Butler is not typically thought of by most when it comes to a dominating or legendary college basketball team. But the school, one that most fans cannot even pinpoint on a map. made it all the way through March Madness and to the deciding game. It was only there that they fell short – very short!

The opponent was the University of Connecticut (UConn), a team that is synonymous with winning and championship basketball. The were favored to win the title, but Butler’s play up to that point hand many wondering and even in doubt about the final outcome.

It started out well for Butler as UConn trailed 22-19 after a first half. But at halftime, Uconn’s coach made a forceful locker room speech. The result was that they returned to the court and won the title with a defensive showing for the ages. They held Butler’s shooting from the floor to a pathetic 12-for-64. The 18.8 percent performance turned out to be historic as the second worst ever in a title game. When the dust settled, and the shoes stopped squeaking on the floor, the final score was 53-41 and could have been even worse.

"The halftime speech was rather interesting," said Calhoun after the game. Among other things, he said to his team, "We are going to out-will them and outwork them." And that is exactly what they did. The coach is now the oldest to ever win a national championship and one of a select few to own three victories in the famed tournament. He also uttered about his team, "They truly were brothers, they truly were trusting in each other, and that was very, very special. This group has taken me on a very special journey, better than I could possibly imagine."

Calhoun’s feeling about the unity, trust, and teamwork of his club is something that God covets for those on His elect roster of faith. In 1 Corinthians chapter twelve, the Apostle Paul conveys how the local church is really that of a spiritual team made up by a variety of members each having special skills and playing specific positions given them at the moment of salvation.

In verse 12 Paul writes, “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body — whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free — and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many.”

Verse 20 continues by stating, “But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.”

It is when the various spiritual gifts given to every Christian are developed, used properly, and exercised regularly in the local church team that a ministry flourishes and glorifies the One who put it all in place.

Again, Coach Calhoun declared of his guys, "They truly were brothers, they truly were trusting in each other, and that was very, very special. This group has taken me on a very special journey, better than I could possibly imagine." That was likely true for the now legendary college coach this year. But there is absolutely nothing comparable to the unique journey of committed Christian brothers and sisters working together in spiritual harmony and using their spiritual gifts to achieve God’s plans and purpose. Paul referred to this great truth and God's will both in Ephesians and in Philippians.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

"For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” (Philippians 2:15)

Five or ten years from now, few will even recall the two teams that played in the 2011 national basketball college championship. Nearly none, other than perhaps the players themselves, will be able to give the accurate score of the somewhat disappointing game. The same basic holds true with most any major sports title after enough time has passed. But those whose earthly journey reflects heavenly values, and whose daily lives parallel Christ's mind and attributes, will someday fully comprehend and forever experience the blessed reality recorded by the Apostle John.

"And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." (1 John 2:17)

Bill Breckenridge

The Date of Christ’s Return?

2011-04-01T12:54:00.004-04:00
End-time Messianic alerts are multiplying these days.

Chief among the morose and likely false predictions is the absolutely non-negotiable forecast of maverick religious broadcaster Harold Camping of Family Radio. He has set the date of May 21, 2011 as the day of Christ’s return and the beginning of the end heading toward Judgment Day. Using a self-invention of numbers, dates and mystical meanings, Camping is announcing his date on radio, on his website and through bus caravans. According to Camping, May 21 is absolutely, positively the day Christ returns and begins the somber judgment upon all the world.

I might be inclined to carefully examine Camping’s calculations were it not for the fact that he has gone through this back in 1992 when he also predicted the return of Christ and the end of the world. Only then, his book, 1994?, had an appropriate question mark in the title, and his follow-up volume, Are You Ready?, published in 1993 was subtitled, Much More Evidence that 1994 Could Be the End of the World (emphasis mine). His present doomsday has no allowance of a question mark.

If Harold Camping is not in Heaven or dead on May 21, his entire reputation and radio empire comes crashing down in despicable shambles leaving gullible souls to fumble along in the morass of false prophecy. The last time around, a North Jersey follower of Camping committed suicide when Jesus didn’t return as Camping had Him scheduled.

Mr. Camping is not alone in these strange ravings. In 1988, Edgar Whisenant published a book entitled, 88 Reasons Why Christ Will Come in 1988, and had it down to Sept. 11, 12, or 13 of that year. He also said that there would never be another two-term president and that Jimmy Carter was the last one in America. Reading these mathematically cluttered texts is enough to make an engineer’s head spin.

Not to be outdone, some Koreans published a small book asking, Are You Ready for the Rapture? October 28, 1992. This conviction came through “…visions, dreams, prophecies and voices a few years back.” That is the worst way to do it.

Camping’s absurd forecasts sound more like pagan Jewish Kabbalistic mysticism than any brand of careful biblical analysis. Indeed, the same Jewish folks who trumpeted the strange Bible Codes a few years ago show that they have four layers of interpretation with three below the normal, obvious meanings in the text. Camping is down about three of these as he rummages around somewhere below the textual surface.

I am not saying Christ could not come on May 21 or any other day. I hope Camping is wrong and Jesus comes today. But date-setting has a wretched history of error.

The misguided Adventists of New England in the 1800s and Jehovah’s witnesses of the early 1900s were constantly revising their dates and eating humble pie. A few years ago, some misguided folks waded out into Long Island Sound to meet Jesus and then had to slosh back out to face the reporters. Yet this spiritual sickness persists.

Think about it. The calendar is so messed up with variations and revisions that no one really knows what year it is. The slightest variation or miscalculation crumples these predictions like the proverbial house of cards. Also, the benchmarks many use all seem potentially flawed as to exact dates.

And another point: Which day east or west of the International Dateline is to be used? As I write this, another day has dawned on the other side of the globe. Jesus said, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Matt 24:44 – KJV). That would leave any date but May 21 according to Harold’s calculations if we all bought his reasoning.

In quoting the verse, I’ve used the old King James Version because “ye” means plural “you.” I suggest that Jesus was including all the disciples, and He was saying, “You’ll never have an accurate agreement.” Maybe that’s good so that we would always be on the watch which is the only proper way of waiting. “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh” (Matt 25:13).

How can Camping know the day when this verse says you can’t? Prov. 27:1 says that we can’t know what another day may bring forth. That applies to May 21 as well as any other day.

What is the sensible approach? Christ can come anytime, and that is the meaning of the term “immanent.” Certain things are being accomplished which, when complete, will mean the return of Christ in the Rapture. Christ said He was going away to prepare heavenly dwelling places for His own. “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:2-3)

In this Church Age, God is calling out a people for His Name (Acts 14:15), and when the last person of the New Testament church is saved, the heavenly mansions will match the number of the redeemed occupants. This time is known only to God. Since believers are to be engaged in sharing the Gospel, which when believed, places one in the Church, we should be more interested in the task rather than the time. We should be ready always.

The story of the spiritual and waiting mother has always moved me. Each evening as she tucked her children in bed, she would go to the window and quietly breathe, “Perhaps tonight.” In the morning on waking them, she would again go to the window and quietly say, “Perhaps today.”

Date setting is absurd. Daily watching is the norm. Perhaps today?

Dave Virkler

Monster Mega-Millions Jackpot Won

2011-03-29T12:15:00.002-04:00

Interest had been steadily growing until the largest mega-millions jackpot in four years was finally won for the staggering amount of $390 million. The winning numbers were 22-24-31-52-54, with Megaball number 4. The final jackpot is the sixth-highest in the game's history.
But despite the staggering sum, the reward will not be as large as it seems since it will have to be split 7 ways. A group of Information Technology professionals at New York's Housing and Community Renewal in Albany, N.Y. will share the winnings. Hopefully dividing the total up will still allow each winner enough to survive on since, after taxes, they will be forced to subside on just $29 million each. How will they ever make ends meet?
That prized ticket was purchased at Coulson's News Center, a mainstay downtown news and convenience store in Albany, New York. The owner of the market stated about the ticket from his store, “It makes me feel warm inside." If that is true, I wonder what the inner temperature of the 7 winners is today? Perhaps theirs is somewhere in the vicinity of the surface of the sun! But as far as hitting the mega-millions, one lottery official said, “Given your life span, you might have better odds of getting struck by lightning more than 5,000 times before winning such a big prize.” In other words, you have almost as good a chance of winning even if you do not play as if you do!
Many Americans apparently dream of becoming instantly rich as evidenced by the intense interest in large lotteries and even gambling in general and especially on sports. From a biblical standpoint, there is nothing inherently wrong with having wealth. But Scripture cautions strongly and repeatedly of the dangers of having great wealth or anything material if it becomes life’s priority and driving force.
Several passages that are well known on the subject come instantly to mind. First and foremost could well be I Timothy 6:8-10. “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
There is also in Mark 10 - the so-called story of the "Rich Young Ruler." He came running to Jesus seeking eternal life but rejected the Savior’s offer because of his inability to free himself of his great earthly possessions. Verses 21-22 conclude the eternally tragic encounter. “Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me. But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”
Then there comes from the Old Testament the reality offered in Proverbs 23:5: “Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.”
But no familiar passage is more haunting than Jesus’ successive questions in Mark 8:36-37: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Hopefully those who together split this latest super-jackpot will not be utterly consumed by their newfound worldly wealth and have their lives literally ruined as has been the case with so many in their shoes. Hopefully they will take the opportunity to do much good – things they could not have dreamed of even a week earlier. (Galatians 6:10)
Hopefully these new millionaires already know Christ as Savior and fully comprehend what literal and lasting riches really are according to the words of 2 Corinthians 8:9. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” And hopefully those who do not know Him now will not have their hearts so deeply buried under their millions that they are unable to come to Christ who loved them and voluntarily gave up the riches of heaven itself to die as a pauper on a cross in their place.
Perhaps the entire subject is summed up best in I Timothy 6:17-19 as both a strong challenge for Christians, and as a stern warning for those who do not know Christ as Savior:
“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.“
Bill Breckenridge

Apple’s iPhone In The Hot Seat?

2011-03-23T15:36:00.002-04:00

Few in the modern industrialized world would disagree that today’s technology is almost beyond comprehension and changing almost as fast as the speed that most devices today operate at.
For example, today’s smart phone market has far exceeded what most thought could ever exist and the units have become almost as common as the TV in the average home. But with the advent and advancements of the ‘smart phone’, that is really just a super small computer, comes some controversial issues concerning the various applications they carry or offer.
At the head of the class in many ways has been Apple’s iPhone with the competition constantly trying to catch up or bypass the amazingly sophisticated unit. The technology giant has been on the cutting edge and sought to police itself and eliminate some of the questionable content that could otherwise be offered on their devices. But now, the company is in the hot seat, so to speak, concerning some of their currently offered applications that relate specifically to moral truth, religious concerns, and biblical views.
Today the question of ‘religious’ applications are front and center - being applauded by some and enraging others who feel either left out or even attacked by a particular phone program’s content. Such is the case with an application sponsored by ‘Exodus International’, a biblically-based group now being accused of ‘helping’ gay individuals change their ways using the Bible's teachings.
Apple is a company that has been known for avoiding and weeding out sexually explicit content, offensive speech, hateful images and more. But they are now being pressured to rule on and rule out the Exodus International application through a nation-wide campaign by pro-gay groups who demand the removal the program even though it is not a standard feature on the phone and must be purchased separately by an owner. They are offended by the program’s very existence and demand its elimination even from the available list of downloadable options.
Jeff Buchanan, senior director of Exodus International, said the app is far less controversial than some may believe. He stated to Fox News, "It's being touted as a 'gay cure' app, and nothing could be further from the truth. We present a redemptive, biblical worldview on sexuality. It's a message of love and acceptance of those that are struggling with same-sex attraction. There are other applications by other world religions currently on the Apple platform and they will need to determine if they will ban all religious applications that promote ideals or beliefs that are deemed offensive to others. This issue is more than just an app. It represents a conflicting point of view on many things - issues that grip all Americans. It extends beyond Exodus International, beyond the app store, and beyond the iPhone."
How many would have ever dreamed that there would come arguments, battles, and perhaps even legal fight concerning the very existence of religious applications and views on a smart phone? But any so-called ‘smart phone’ can be only as smart as those who design it and those who invent the applications that run on it. In the case of Exodus International, it appears that their ‘smarts’ stem from biblical wisdom and truth. And if that is the case, then regardless of whether Apple yanks them or not, their Scriptural data plan remains readily available elsewhere. If their phone program derives its contents, views and suggestions from the Scriptures, it does not matter who opposes it and for what reason. Any who really want the truth of God’s advice on important life subjects, including salvation, has the means in an advanced culture to find them – with or without an iPhone!
In John chapter seventeen 17 Jesus was praying for his disciples and, by extension, all who would follow in their footsteps. He declared the absolute veracity of Scripture beginning in verse 16. “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” The writer of Hebrews adds, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12). Then Paul weighed in on the subject in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 writing, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
Only time will tell if Apple will cave in and eventually give in to the demands to ban the Exodus International app and, along with it, other religious oriented applications in general. But for those who really desire to know and learn the wisdom that matters most in life, and the solid foundational truth that never fluctuates with public opinion or pressure, the only application required is called the Bible. It is God’s word alone that proves to be fully stable, truthful, incorruptible, and also eternal as Peter clearly declared in his first epistle.
“Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because "All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the LORD endures forever." (1 Peter 1:23-25)
Bill Breckenridge

Unexpected Miracles Still Happen

2011-03-23T09:19:00.002-04:00

For the sake of privacy, I’ll give just her first name. It is Maureen. Until last Thursday night, I had never laid my eyes on her or knew she existed. But God did!
Maureen was a former friend of a lady who has has attended our church for many years. The two had not seen each other for 20 years until ‘accidentally’ bumping into each other at the local library. During their brief time, while no doubt rehashing the old days, our church member decided to take a chance and invite Maureen to a ladies meeting at the church on Tuesday night. It is a monthly event and just ‘happened’ to coincide with their meeting. She said yes and she came.
Then after the Tuesday meeting, Maureen was also invited to the church, this time to a special prophecy series on Thursday evenings with Dave Virkler as the guest speaker at Chapel On The Hill. This too just ‘happened’ to be starting that same week. Again, Maureen said yes, and again showed up – an amazing thing considering she likely knew little about Christianity in general much less the sometimes complex subject of Bible prophecy.
But there’s more. Just before the Thursday night message began, there was a brief announcement made about an opportunity for any who might be interested to work with Samaritan’s Purse, a church supported ministry headed by Franklin Graham. It was to help some of New Jersey’s flood victims and would occur two days later on Saturday. When the meeting ended, guess who approached me for details on the work? You guessed it. Surely this was just informational or curiosity? But lo and behold, on a rather brisk morning at 7:30 a.m., there stood Maureen at the prescribed site where the orientation for the day’s activities would begin. She showed up and would become part of a team made up primarily of our church people and one other outsider.
She came ready to roll up her sleeves and help some total stranger who a week earlier had her property flooded for the 4th time in the last 5 years. So this dear woman had come to three church functions in a period of five days, including one that would require her to perform manual labor. That is not only highly interesting, it is closing in on the miraculous in a day when getting many ‘regular’ church people to consistently attend their own churches on Sunday morning alone can be a difficult task. And for the record, Maureen was there again on Sunday morning too! So make that final tally coming to four church functions over six days! To some, this might be considered as unusual if not down right mind-boggling!
To get to the point of the story, our particular relief team including Maureen helped a widow clean up her property after the flood. We learned she was trying to sell her home on the river and move closer to her grandchildren. So helping to clean up and spruce up her property would help her in some small way with that goal and desire. Also, she was a committed Christian lady with a huge sign in her front window stating, “Jesus is Lord” – the primary reason the Samaritans Purse representative stopped by and asked her if she needed help. I could not help but think of Paul’s words in Galatians 6:10. “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” So our effort there was not only helpful and kind. It was also biblically based.
When the work was completed on the property, a Bible was presented to the stunned homeowner with the signatures of the entire crew. Maureen signed it, too. We then gathered in a circle and held hands. I was asked to close in prayer, which I did. So we did our thing and were done there – or so we thought.
It was at that precise moment when two of Samaritan Purses’ chaplains, who always make contact with the homeowners, said that they had one last comment before we parted for home or another assignment. While we were still gathered in the circle they announced, “We just wanted you all to know that we just led our team member Maureen to Jesus Christ even as the work was proceeding.” I’m not exactly sure of the details or how that came about, but it was a surreal moment! You could hear a collective gasp around the circle accompanied by tears, applause and hugs. The Christian homeowner immediately embraced Maureen and said, “Welcome to my new Christian sister.” It was an experience I will never forget. It was likewise a humbling reminder that God’s Holy Spirit is often working through and behind the scenes in ways that we can’t even imagine.
Later that night, an e-mail arrived from Maureen. It said simply, “I came to help others and, instead, I found Christ.” The words were few but the impact stunning!
It was also a stark reminder that God uses His people to reach precious lost souls when they simply dare to take the opportunities set before them to speak a word of testimony or even invite someone to hear the Gospel message presented and demonstrated. The result can be the total spiritual re-birth and transformation of a heart and life - even in the midst of the most unexpected or unlikely of circumstances.
As Mike, the foreman from Samaritan’s Purse, told me before departing, “This all was no accident. This did not just ‘happen to happen’. It was the hand of God using several of His people from an unlikely start to a glorious finish.”
Mike was right! The one who began the process with her simple invitation, the local church, the work team, the relief organization, the homeowner, and the finally the chaplains, all shared in the blessing. Each, in their own way, were part of the result that can arise when Christians take seriously the command in 1 Peter and chapter three to help prepare the soil for the redemptive work of Jesus Christ! (Romans 5:8-9)
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15)
Welcome to your new forever family Maureen!
Bill Breckenridge

Earthquakes, Tsunamis and the Future

2011-03-17T11:54:00.004-04:00
Japan is terribly maimed by the twin disasters of earthquake and tsunami, the one causing the other. Loss of life apparently numbers in the thousands. The Japanese economy is crippled and its stock market has taken a blow. Further trouble lurks in unstable nuclear power plants causing massive evacuations, wafting radioactivity windward and spooking off shore aid vessels, which detected radiation above acceptable norms.

For the Bible student, especially those prophetically alert few, this tragedy focuses on end-time disasters with extreme clarity. Christ and the prophets forecast a uniquely troublous time of Tribulation following the return of Christ for His church. We are likely in the lead-up time now. Consider these several prophetic texts:

“And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.” (Luke 21:11 – emphasis mine)

In the last year, terrible earthquakes have hit Haiti, Chile, New Zealand and now Japan.

“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea (the sea or oceans) and the waves (crests or swells) roaring (a loud or confused noise)…” (Luke 21:25)

The sound of the tsunami as it carried houses, vehicles and all matter of debris inland would have been something no one there had heard before.

“So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image.” (Rev. 16:2)

The word “sore” may be interpreted as a kind of ulcerous affliction. Radiation sickness may be implied. Radiation from damaged nuclear plants could fall in snow, rain or in the open air.

“‘For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.’ Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What is like this great city?’” (Rev. 18:17)

This verse is speaking specifically of rebuilt Babylon, but it indicates that a major economy can collapse in a very brief period of time. If multiple natural catastrophes occurred in our day, the global economy could collapse “in an hour.”

“For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.” (Romans 8:22)

“Groan” is to moan in pain as a woman would in childbirth. The imperfection of the earth is clearly seen in the crushing deadly influences of plate action and erupting volcanoes. Weather disasters such as hurricanes, heat waves and flooding are also results of an imperfect global condition.

A cross reference truth here is that Genesis 7:11, 12 recounts a subterranean collapse, perhaps a lowering of the land mass, in Noah’s day. “…the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. And the rain was on the earth forty days and forty nights.” It has been noted that under normal circumstances, rain will not fall for 40 straight days. Evidently these underground water reservoirs and perhaps volcanic action pumped huge amounts of moisture into the atmosphere to cause this long rain.

“Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place.” (Rev. 6:14) “Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.” (Rev 16:20)

Interestingly, Japan is an island, and the earthquake moved the land mass eight feet to the east. If the mountains fell and floods converged, we would have a precise fulfillment of these verses.

“After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree.” (Revelation 7:1)

Violent winds will need to be restrained. The intensity of the earthquake altered the earth’s axis by four inches. While not overly dangerous, several similar episodes could alter the earth’s behavior enough to change wind speed and climate.

“For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” (Matt 24:38- 39)

Looking forward to the surprise of the Second Coming for unbelievers, this word of Christ recounts the incredible surprise that came to the unsaved population in Noah’s day. The Japanese tsunami swept people away without warning in minutes, a caution to anyone to be ready for death at any time by previously trusting Christ as Savior.

Recent news articles report the possibility of a huge tsunami destroying a presumed “Atlantis” civilization in southern Spain 2,600 years ago. Not only that, but huge solar flares are reported on the sun’s surface that could disrupt global communications systems. North Korea is working on an electromagnetic pulse bomb which, if exploded 25 miles above the US, could instantly wipe out most of our communications.

We are also being warned of approaching asteroids that could destroy huge areas if they impacted earth. Mark 13:25 says, “And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.” Rev. 6:13 adds, “And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casts her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.” Every New Testament usage of the word translated as “star” is the Greek word “aster,” from which we get the word asteroid.

When these prophecies were given, there was little or no common scientific thought or evidence of their fulfillment. Writing from exile, John, an ordinary fisherman turned believer, forecast astonishing events beyond his ability to imagine or even understand. Yet, faithful to God’s divine inspiration, he wrote it all down. In the case of Christ, He made all creation (John 1:3, Col. 1:17 and Heb. 1:3), and He could forecast whatever would happen to the material creation.

All the strange predictions of end-time earth catastrophes can now be effected either by accelerating natural disasters or the abuse of modern technology. If multiples of these combined, ultimate terror would ensue. They likely all will coincide in the Great Tribulation, which will follow the removal of the Church when Christ comes for His redeemed people.

In a time when "men’s heart [will fail] them for the thing coming upon the earth” as Christ predicted (Luke 21:26), believers in Christ may have “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” and which “will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7).

Dave Virkler

Nuclear Crisis In Japan Increases

2011-03-15T13:31:00.004-04:00
Continuing news from Japan reveals that the nuclear aspect of the disaster is worsening by the day with yet another reactor catching fire and more radiation escaping into the atmosphere. The danger of exposure to this can be harmful and of course deadly. But beyond that, it is always a reminder of the explosive power of the atom as seen in an atomic bomb – ironically only seen in the war with Japan back in August of 1945.

The Bible speaks about the atom in 1 Corinthians chapter fifteen in the context of Christ’s soon return for His church. Verses 51-52 read, “Behold, I tell 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 trumpet.”

The word ‘moment’ is derived from the Greek term ‘atomos’ from which the English word 'atom' comes. It refers to a time so short as to be literally indivisible or unable to be cut. That is the speed at which those who know the Savior will be ushered into His presence someday soon and away from all of the woes of a fallen world filled with increasing agony and trouble.

Pray for the people of Japan as reports show that only about 5% regard themselves as Christians. Pray for the suffering believers there, that they might be able and willing to share their faith with those whose hope has been literally washed away. And pray that those who escaped death during the recent events will turn to Christ and be ready to meet Him in the air when that seemingly nearing ‘atomos’ time of Christ comes!

In Revelation 22:12 Jesus declares, "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me." The word ‘quickly’ means shortly, suddenly and by surprise – and will be more shocking, more drastic and far more powerful than even the greatest earthquake or tsunami the world will ever know.

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20)

Bill Breckenridge

The World’s Richest Man Dies

2011-03-14T15:03:00.002-04:00

He lived in a relatively struggling nation economically speaking and yet that did not prevent him from becoming the world’s wealthiest individual. But on March 9th, 2011, he entered eternity and today is literally penniless!
His name was Carlos Slim, a Mexican tycoon whose telecommunications and mining businesses placed the 71-year old at number one, according to Forbes magazine. To put his wealth into perspective, his reported $74 billion dollar fortune was nearly twice the projected 2011 gross domestic product of Lebanon – the nation from where Slim's father fled to Mexico in 1902 to escape Ottoman rule.
Just as others in his category, like Bill Gates of Microsoft Corporation and Warren Buffet, Slim was involved in some philanthropic causes. But apparently he kept a tighter rein on his fortune, most of which was controlled by his family. He often stated, “Businessmen do more good by creating jobs and wealth via investment and not by being Santa Claus."
The spiritual condition of Carlos Slim’s heart is unknown – at least to me. But a good percentage of students of the Scripture will have one verse surface when thinking of the death of a man possessing worldly wealth that is nearly incompressible. The passage is, of course, the sobering words in question from the Savior’s own lips in Matthew 16:26-27. “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul.”
Also, in Luke 12:16-21 Jesus, by use of a parable, declared the ultimate need to avoid being consumed by economic gain and affairs and thereby being fully unprepared to face eternity, perhaps in an unexpected moment like so many in Japan this past week.
In verse 16 He began, "The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?' So he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry." But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
Then too, in Mark chapter twelve, the Lord spoke to the real issue of true philanthropic motivation and rewards. In verse 44 we read, “Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood."
Then there comes the warning seen in Proverbs 23:4-5 concerning wealth in general. The wise author cautions all using the following words. “Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease! Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven.”
Those who possess earthly riches and material goods, on all levels, will all someday leave them behind when they ‘make wings toward heaven’ as Proverbs puts it. And when this life ends, all thinking will instantly turn to one's eternal dwelling place. It will be about arriving or not arriving in heaven - something depending only on possessing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. (1 John 5:12) That, and that alone, will fully dominate every second forever. And along side of that most critical truth comes God's advice and principles on matters of material wealth and worldly goods to those who know and love Him:
1. Seek treasure in heaven, and not on the earth, where rewards are both important and fully secure. (Matthew 6: 20-21)
2. Attempt to help others and do good in God’s name now – especially if you have been blessed in the financial sphere (Galatians 6:9-10)
3. Never forget Paul’s words to Timothy that the ‘love’ of money is the source of all kinds of evil and troubles that can easily lead to numerous and unanticipated sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:9-10)
4. Attempt to adhere to and apply the words of Jesus in Mathew chapter six concerning life’s ultimate practice and priority. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
5. Hold dearly onto the proper spiritual perspective concerning what is real, worthy and lasting wealth as spelled out by in 2 Corinthians 8:9
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich."

Bill Breckenridge

Good News

2011-03-09T15:32:00.001-05:00
I recently attended the National Religious Broadcasters convention in Nashville, TN. It included encouraging reports from internationally significant speakers who understand the Gospel and its stupendous spiritual impact of global outreach.

Among the speakers was Jay Sekulow, founder of the American Center for Law and Justice. Sekulow recounted victorious legal proceedings in which he has had a part. Years ago, he argued before the Supreme Court in protecting the rights of Jews For Jesus to freely distribute gospel literature in public places. He also argued before the International Court at the Hague in securing the safety and departure from Gaza of the family of a Christian bookstore operator who had been assassinated for operating that bookstore.

Sekulow also told about a number of cases he is currently involved with including opposition of the mosque at Ground Zero, litigation that could end Planned Parenthood, fighting for crisis pregnancy centers, and countering the dangers of “Obamacare.” He has also trained lawyers who are involved in the formation of the new nation of South Sudan. It was encouraging to know that there are people like those at the American Center for Law and Justice and other Christian legal aid organizations who are representing the cause of evangelical Christians and conservative values.

At the International Luncheon, broadcaster Paulus Wiratno told about his radio ministry in his home country of Indonesia where his ministry operates 40 FM stations, some in very dangerous places, reaching a potential audience of 46 million people. He estimates that one person is saved every day through each station’s broadcasts. He is striving to start up hundreds more stations because the time is short but the “door is wide open.” Through the outreach of radio, he has been able to plant 257 churches, and he is hoping for increased numbers of workers to plant at least 500 more.

Wiratno recounted other victories taking place in this “closed” country where Christians experience persecution and hardship. Abandoned infants are being rescued, radios are being given out in prison, and people are asking for more radio outreach. A Muslim imam even asked permission to use Wiratno’s daily broadcast of Scriptures from the Psalms and Proverbs.

Well known Christian apologist and evangelist Ravi Zacharias preached a moving message, which he closed by calling for Christian rededication. He also announced that he had recently seen 3,000 come to Christ in Egypt about the time the tragic unrest began.

The good news of Christian missions is that Christ is building His church through the good news of the Gospel. In all the overload of dreadful and unsettling current news flashes, Christian believers need healthy encouragement that all is not lost and, in fact, so much is being gained.

Let us never forget that the Gospel is, by definition, a “good message,” or, as we say, Good News. Even in the Apostle Paul’s pagan-influenced days of extreme problems and pressures, he wrote, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

An additional encouragement regarding evangelism outreach bringing many to Christ is the wondrous expectation of Christ’s return for His completed church. At the conclusion of that vital first church council in Jerusalem, James noted that God was first “calling out a people for His Name” and that after this Christ would return (Acts 14:14–16).

With all this good news, the time of His coming appears to be very soon.

Dave Virkler

High School Basketball Star Wins and Loses?

2011-03-08T12:30:00.002-05:00

It was truly a storybook season – until just seconds after the last heroic play that led to a 20-0 season for the Fennville Blackhawks in Michigan.
Wes Leonard was a star player at age sixteen. The gifted young athlete helped his team to a perfect season and even scored the winning shot that brought that exciting dream to fruition. The crowd went wild as the team and fans celebrated the amazing accomplishment. But it would all be short lived. Very short!
Leonard sent the ball through the hoop from close range with less than 30 seconds left in overtime to secure the a 57-55 victory over Bridgman High. As the teams exchanged handshakes and began scrambling to organize a team photo to commemorate their undefeated record, the 6-foot-2 inch, 215-pound player collapsed before 1,400 stunned fans. The problem was apparently an undetected enlarged heart condition which caused cardiac arrest, Despite all medical intervention, the young boy’s life came to an abrupt end the very next day.
"Thirty seconds earlier, he was laying in the winning bucket," said Ryan Klingler, the basketball coach in Fennville. And then 10 seconds later... everything's pulled out from under you, from out of nowhere." The shocked and traumatized team has decided to go on to the state tournament in memory of their fallen comrade.
There are some things that are just not natural and not supposed to happen in life. A child is not expected to experience death before his or her parents. But we live in a fallen and sinful world, and as the coach said, “This came out of nowhere”. And it is exactly for these kinds of consequences that Proverbs 27:1 wisely declares, “Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.” And this truth is exactly why Paul wrote to young Timothy, “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8)
Physical death is a painful reality – one that stems from the spiritual death all enter into at the moment of birth. That is the sad news. But there is also good news – very good news! God has made it possible for fallen and sinful man to experience both peace ‘with’ Him through salvation in Christ and peace ‘from’ Him when life turns difficult, ugly, and even unthinkably tragic.
Peace with God and forgiveness of sin is related in passages like 2 Corinthians 5:21: “For He made Him (Christ) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him". And in 1 John 1:6-7 we read, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
Then for those who have trusted in Christ’s atoning sacrifice and finished work on the cross, there is made available through His indwelling Holt Spirit a special and unique peace only attainable for a true believer to tap into. Paul speaks of that in his letter to the Philippians in chapter four. He states there: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus". (Philippians 4:6-7)
Life can be hard, and sometimes very hard. It certainly is that today for the family and close friends of Wes Leonard. But for those who are ‘in Christ’ there are positive and life-altering promises of comfort, power and peace that the world cannot know or experience. This supernatural ability can make all the difference in this world and the life to follow. Jesus explained it this way prior to His departure as He spoke of His soon arriving replacement in the person of the Holy Spirit.
“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever - the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:16-18)
Bill Breckenridge

Last WWI Soldier Survivor Dies

2011-03-01T12:38:00.003-05:00

His name is Frank Buckles and he was the last living U.S. World War I veteran before dying at age 110. Plans are being made to allow his casket to be displayed at the Capitol Rotunda in Washington before moving his remains to Arlington National Cemetery. A family spokesman said that Buckles, who turned 110 on February 1, 2011, died peacefully in his home of natural causes.
Buckles served as a U.S. Army ambulance driver in Europe during what was then known as the "Great War," where he reached the rank of corporal before the war ended. His assignments included escorting German prisoners of war. And in a shocking turn of events he himself became a prisoner of war during World War II when a merchant vessel he was employed on was captured by the Japanese. He was held for three years before he was freed by U.S. troops.
The first World War saw 4,734,991 Americans serve in uniform. More than 116,000 were killed, and more than 204,000 wounded in the 19 months of U.S. involvement. The overall death toll of the 1914-18 conflict was more than 16.5 million, including nearly 7 million civilians, and more than 20 million who were wounded.
Rep. Ted Poe, R-Texas, a House sponsor of legislation to upgrade the DC War Memorial, stated, "We have come to the end of a chapter in history. Frank was the last ‘American Doughboy’ - a national treasure. His life was full and varied and an inspiration for his unbridled patriotism and enthusiasm for life."
The nation owes a deep debt of gratitude for the Frank Buckles of the world, and others like him, who sacrificed for the freedoms we and other nations still enjoy. A memorial in Washington is the least that should be done to honor them all – now including the very last of his breed from the so-called “Great War”.
The Bible indicates a general life span for the average man or woman. It is said to be in the area of seventy years, although today’s medical technology in advanced nations has helped increase that number somewhat. But if an average world-wide census were to be taken, including third-world nations, that number just might even out today according to the biblical pattern.
But the larger issue has never been when one dies – whether at age 10 or 110. What is truly critical is what happens in that very next second after one breathes his or her last and no longer reveals a pulse. It is at that most sobering of all moments that Hebrews 9:26-28 becomes very real and very important. The writer there declares, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”
Life is a gift from God. But the length of any life is highly insignificant when compared to the spiritual conditions of the heart – and not the one that pumps blood and keeps the physical body alive. The problem in a word, is sin, along with the above mentioned judgment and the unimaginable eternal penalty it can bring. That is why Scripture reveals that all men require a new spiritual heart - one that will guide them throughout this life and fully prepare them for the next! (Romans 3:23, 1John 5:11-13)
The source, capabilities, and procurement of this unique and optional heart is explained briefly but fully in Romans 10:8-10. “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Again we applaud and honor the Frank Buckles of the world. We also pray that his spiritual heart was ready for eternity when his physical one experienced its last beat. But for those who are alive today, there is still that precious, and perhaps limited, time to prepare for that ‘appointed day’ through trusting Jesus Christ as Savior here and now! (Acts 16:31)
“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2)
Bill Breckenridge

Star Pitcher Denied Team Access?

2011-02-23T15:33:00.002-05:00

The Florida-born 16-year-old's name is Anthony Burruto. His is a sophomore in an Orlando high school. But is also not at all your typical or average student. Burruto is an athlete, and a very gifted one at that! The pitcher can throw an 80-mph fastball. That is a speed that is not far below some of today’s successful professionals in the sport. He was even was featured recently for his special ability on the cover of ESPN Magazine.
Anthony is indeed rare and incredibly unique. Here's why. The boy had his legs amputated as a baby because he was born without a shinbone in his left leg and without a fibula in his right one. But instead of sitting back, being depressed, withdrawn, or just honing his skills at video games, he turned to baseball. The modern world of prosthetics, not only allowed him to play, but eventually to exceed all expectations - even of those without his unique ‘disability’.
That is the good, encouraging, and inspiring news for most people with and without these kinds of special physical handicaps to contend with. The bad news is the decision that was made by the high school’s principal and the team’s coach to exclude the miraculously repaired and highly talented player from the varsity baseball team. The ‘stated’ excuse was just a single word - ‘bunts’. Yes, the coach was reportedly ‘worried’ that Burruto would be unable to field bunts if and when they occurred. Really?
I was listening to the major sports radio show in the New York City area recently on this story. Interestingly, as well as accurately, the host stated that most modern high school players are fairly clueless concerning the forgotten skill of bunting anyway. Few are taught this in this steroid age that focuses primarily on high batting averages and especially hitting for power. He even said at one point that a good number of college, and even some professionals, are not very effective at this dwindling aspect of the game.
Then, too, there is that little matter of opposing batters in general not being able to catch up to this kid's pitches at all – whether swinging away or trying to lay down an occasional sacrifice bunt. And when that occasion arises, cannot the third and first basemen 'cheat' by playing in a little closer to the plate and thereby compensate a little? It is no secret that not all great pitchers are also golden glove fielders. Many already rely heavily on surrounding infielders to help them out in this specific area of the game anyway. To me, something seems wrong!
Dennis Rasmussen, who pitched in the majors for 12 seasons, said simply, "This decision was wrong. He (the coach) crushed a young man with no apparent reason." The mom commented to the local newspaper, "He's not looking at him as an athlete. He was looking at him like he's a disabled person." I agree! Something here appears wrong!
My semi-educated guess is that this is primarily about some jealous parents of other pitchers who were probably seniors or juniors. My assumption is that they loudly, but secretly, voiced that they were not about to let their kids be bumped from the roster by the young phenom and maybe end their own kid’s dream of a scholarship or a shot at the pros - something that nearly every parent assumes their child is capable of today. And it seems that few realistically deal with the reality of the staggering odds of this ever coming about.
I played varsity baseball – what now seems like about a thousand years ago. In contrast, maybe we used caveman’s clubs for bats. They were certainly not the $300 advanced aluminum weapons that arm young hitters today. But as far as I know, you still today make the team by ‘trying out’ at this level. This is not T-ball for 8 year olds or town little league where all who sign up get into the games at some point - talented or not. In high school, where the players are nearly grown men, normally the best players play and the rest cheer from the bench, stands or find something else to do where they might be more suited or gifted.
To add to my personal suspicions of some shady dealings here, it was even suggested by some that Anthony spend a season on JV. That is like the high school version of the minor leagues. Interesting offer. But do they not bunt there, too? Something is wrong – very wrong! So maybe there was supposedly a concern for his physical safety? But do other kids not get hit by pitches, break bones in outfield collisions, get spiked, and tear up knees and ankles sliding - sometimes causing long-term and serious bodily damage at this advanced level? Something is wrong – very wrong! To his credit and honor, Anthony Burruto doesn't make any excuses. He simply stated to the papers, "I want to earn my position on the team. I want him to say I'm good enough to play." Well at least here is something finally right – very right!
And speaking of very right, very honest, and very up front, the God of the Bible has not, nor ever will, do anything to intentionally hurt or hide the truth from anyone for any reason. He has taken the time to clearly, openly, and truthfully spell out in Scripture all that man needs to get on His permanent ‘team’ through faith, and to please Him and follow His will.
But the difference between making God’s team and making a varsity or higher sports team is massive. It could not be more of a contrast since it has nothing to do with performance, ability, or favoritism. It has only to do with personal faith and trust in what Jesus Christ did for us because we have no ability whatsoever to save ourselves for the power and penalty of sin! The Bible abounds in proof texts to this effect, like those found in verses like Romans 3:23, 6:23, and 10:13. But nowhere is this great truth better revealed than in Ephesians 2:8-9. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Once someone makes God’s team and enters His faith family, each is given at least one spiritual gift to be developed and used for His glory. It was the apostle Paul who spelled this reality out using words guided by the Holy Spirit in Romans 12:4-6. “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them:”
What was done to Anthony Burruto was very wrong at worst and shady at best! Hopefully this seemingly bogus decision will be reversed and he will be able to play and go on with his life with the confidence that he was indeed better than good enough.
But infinitely more important is that all of us who know we are, and never were, good enough on our own to please God, not only become members of His family by faith, but that we also carefully use the special gifts given us at the moment we were united to Him in Christ.
The second part of the above mentioned salvation verse in Ephesians chapter two continues and declares, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Bill Breckenridge

Can There Really Be Freedom in an Islamic Republic?

2011-02-22T16:10:00.001-05:00
A wildfire of democratic hunger is spreading across Arab lands. It is fueled by electronically savvy youth seeking freedom from economic poverty, political subjection and, if the truth be told, Islamic oppression.

It has been wisely pointed out that this uprising cannot be blamed on Israel as most Mid-East ills usually are. But the Iranian leaders are inclined to blame the United States for this in some convoluted accusatory reasoning. In this case, the United States should gladly accept the charge, realizing that the rage comes not from direct U.S. subversion. Rather, it is the inevitable result of human yearning coupled with awareness of free world democracy that is exemplified in our wonderful Constitution under the flag waving “o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

The major difficulty of these growing rushes toward democracy is that they are built on a shoddy foundation of Islamic fallacies—the incorrect belief that Islam empowers the sinner and frees him for wise preferential voting and stable government.

Islamic takeovers, such as the Iranian debacle of 1979, are described as “Islamic Republics.” When that ill-fated upheaval occurred, I went immediately to interview the head of International Missions, Rev. William Tarr, for our radio broadcast. Bill had spent years as a missionary in Islamic lands. In the interview, he mentioned that the Ayatollah had proclaimed Iran to be an Islamic Republic, but as far as he knew there was no such thing. He was correct. Islam knows no separation of church and state, much less ultimate elective power in its people. Imams are viewed as agents of God, and the Islamic beliefs that have made their way into Sharia law are to be imposed by the leaders, not debated by the masses.

These youthful freedom movements, as in Egypt and in growing numbers of other Arab countries, are well meaning but misguided. To build freedom on Islam is futile and likely heads the idealistic freedom fighters into the swamps of Sharia law.

Islamic democracy is a contradiction of terms, never known anyplace at any time. Islam is a pagan, 6th century dark age of scientific nonsense, demonic visions and political dictatorship. To think otherwise is to foster a growing erosion of stability at home and abroad.

We enjoy the freedoms and prosperity of present-day America because our founders built on the Holy Scriptures, upon the Jehovah of the Old Testament and the Jesus Christ of the New Testament. Lest there be any doubt, read what former president John Quincy Adams said on the 4th of July in 1837:

“And why is it that, among the swarming myriads of our population, thousands and tens of thousands among us, abstaining, under the dictate of religious principle, from the commemoration of that birth-day of Him who brought life and immortality to light, yet unite with all their brethren of this community, year after year, in celebrating this, the birth-day of the nation?

“Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer’s mission upon earth? That it laid the corner stone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity, and gave to the world the first irrevocable pledge of the fulfillment of the prophecies, announced directly from Heaven at the birth of the Savior and predicted by the greatest of the Hebrew prophets six hundred years before?”

Adams noted a unique Old Testament prophecy. “…This was indeed a great and solemn event. The sublimest of the prophets of antiquity with the voice of inspiration had exclaimed, ‘Who hath heard such a thing? Who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once?’ (Isaiah 66:8). In the two thousand five hundred years that had elapsed since the days of that prophecy, no such event had occurred. It had never been seen before. In the annals of the human race, then, for the first time, did one People announce themselves as a member of that great community of the powers of the earth, acknowledging the obligations and claiming the rights of the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God. The earth was made to bring forth in one day! A nation was born at once!”

Adams continued that America was a Christian nation. “…[T]he Declaration of Independence announced the One People, assuming their station among the powers of the earth, as a civilized, religious, and Christian People, – acknowledging themselves bound by the obligations, and claiming the rights, to which they were entitled by the laws of Nature and of Nature’s God …”

Toward the end of his very long speech, Adams said,

“Why is it that six hundred years before the birth of the Redeemer, the sublimest of prophets, with lips touched by the hallowed fire from the hand of God, spake and said, – ‘The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound?’ (Isaiah 61:1). And why is it, that, at the first dawn of the fulfillment of this prophecy, at the birth-day of the Savior in the lowest condition of human existence, the angel of the Lord came in a flood of supernatural light upon the shepherds, witnesses of the scene and said, ‘Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people?’ Why is it, that there was suddenly with that angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men?’ (Luke 2:9, 10, 13, 14).

“What are the good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people? The prophet had told you six hundred years before – liberty to the captives, the opening of the prison to them that are bound. The multitude of the heavenly host pronounced the conclusion, to be shouted hereafter by the universal choir of all intelligent created beings, ‘Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace, good will toward men.’”

U.S. leaders are often unwilling to believe the truth, much less express it, that Islam and our republican system of constitutional government are perpetually contradictory. Perhaps it is the decades-old infiltration into American thinking that Islam is just another brand of fine religion. Perhaps there is the fear of appearing prejudiced, but the two foundations for civilization are mutually exclusive. To attempt a democratic superstructure on the sinking sands of illiterate, ecstatic ravings, said to be inspired by the angel Gabriel, is futile.

However, there is an amazing revival of Christian evangelism in Muslim lands. Millions are coming to Christ, many through the electronic breakthrough of radio and TV and the secretive and often death defying outreach of foot soldiers of the Cross. If the yen for freedom can be harnessed to the glorious freedom in Christ through His shed blood and victorious resurrection, there is hope for the Muslim world and hope for the rebirth of nations and a peaceful era. To this end we should pray and work.

An example is the “Son of Hamas” as he calls himself, who heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, received Him as Savior, renounced his life of violence against Jews and Christians, and now shares the precious fact that “If any man be in Christ he is a new creature. Old things are passed away, behold all things are become new.” (II Corinthians 5:17). That is only is the basis for personal redemption and political freedom.

Dave Virkler

The Past and Future of Egypt

2011-02-10T11:59:00.001-05:00
Egypt has zoomed into daily front-page news covering demonstrations, violence and American-Egyptian relationships. Bible students are caught unawares as most end-time prophetic teaching centers on areas of the world elsewhere than Egypt.

Everyone is focused on Egypt politically, but few are aware of Egypt prophetically. Egypt is mentioned in 32 books of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, with 250 Old Testament prophetic verses written of Egypt’s future. Entire chapters refer to Egypt’s fate, verses which are not fulfilled to date but may be fulfilled shortly.

Centuries of dynasties gave us the pyramids, the Sphinx, astounding culture and complex paganism. But biblical references to Egypt are many and varied. Looking back in Bible history, Egypt is significant for multiple reasons:

• Abraham traveled there in time of famine (Gen. 12:10)

• Its northern border was a benchmark for the southern border of Israel’s land grant (Gen. 15:18)

• Joseph was sold into slavery, rose to fame and power and delivered his family there (Gen. 37-50)

• Moses was born there and led his people out in the Exodus (Ex. 1-15)

• Jeroboam took refuge there (I Kings 11:40)

• Some Israelites took refuge there to escape the Babylonians (Jeremiah 42)

• Christ was given refuge there as a baby (Matt2:13-15)

Largely ignored and enigmatic prophecies concerning Egypt’s future are found in Isaiah 19 and Ezekiel 29-32.

Isaiah 19 records that the Egyptians will fight each other, a cruel lord and fierce king will rule over them, top political advice turns out to be “stupid,” the Nile dries up, vegetation along its banks suffers, and the fishing and textile industries will be damaged. Eventually there will be a great national revival with Israel, Assyria and Egypt in praise of the Lord.

Ezekiel 29 & 30 forecast marine creatures thrown up on the banks of the Nile, a forty-year deportation and then a return. Egypt becomes desolate among other desolate countries, a great fire is set in Egypt, and the rivers are dried up.

For centuries, these prophecies were so improbable that Bible students either consigned them to a figurative interpretation or ignored them altogether. Only in our recent age of technology and more recently in the current strife do we find some movement toward literal fulfillment.

Until the Aswan Dam with it huge Nile River impoundment in Lake Nasser could we observe any possibility of this. The Russians, against the better engineering judgement of the US who refused to build the dam, took a mortgage on the Egyptian cotton industry and constructed the dam. It now appears that the rulers' judgement was ill advised.

The Aswan Dam is killing Egypt by eliminating the annual floods that brought free natural fertilizer, rodent control and rinsing the soil of excess salinity. The lack of river silt means it runs faster, eroding shoreline and bridge supports. Altered wave patterns in the eastern Mediterranean are eroding delta farmland and affecting the fish and shrimp harvests. Silt is building up in the lake causing pressure behind the dam.

Nuclear threats now abound in the Middle East, and recent news releases note that Egypt has had its own nuclear developmental program for twenty years. A “fire set in Egypt” may refer to a nuclear explosion. If that happened to include the Aswan Dam, it would release a radioactive flood of waters to throw dead fish on the banks and make the land uninhabitable. Enemies of Egypt may make such an attack, and it was even once suggested that the Dam be blown to restore the Nile to its previous state.

The recent civil strife surely sounds like “Egyptians set against Egyptians” in fulfillment of Isaiah 19:2. Christ repeated this prophetic theme speaking of “nation against nation” or ethnic groups against each other in Luke 21:10.

The best hope in the prophecies regarding Egypt is in Isaiah 19:19-25:

In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the Lord at its border. And it will be for a sign and for a witness to the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the Lord because of the oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Mighty one, and He will deliver them. Then the Lord will be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know the Lord in that day, and will make sacrifice and offering; yes, they will make a vow to the Lord and perform it. And the Lord will strike Egypt, He will strike and heal it; they will return to the Lord, and He will be entreated by them and heal them.

In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will serve with the Assyrians.

In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing in the midst of the land, whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, “Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.”

A bad day is at hand for Egypt, but a better day is coming when the Lord Jesus Christ rules all nations from Jerusalem in the blessed Kingdom age and Arabs and Jews will worship Jehovah together. “And the Lord shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be—‘The Lord is one,’ And His name one.” (Zechariah 14:9)

Dave Virkler

How Really Super Is The Super Bowl?

2011-02-09T12:16:00.005-05:00

All in all it was a decent and pretty good game. But the 45th such contest's primary claim to fame, for the moment, is that it broke the standing record for viewership numbers.
The nation’s top sporting event in 2011 saw two evenly matched teams, the rugged Steelers of Pttsburgh and the storied Packers from Green Bay, go head to head in Texas on Sunday, February 6th. The big game’s legendary commercials lived up to their reputation, and should, for what they cost during the monster event. As usual, some were hysterical, others very clever, and again a few thrown in that were not quite kid-friendly, as has become typical.
When the dust settled, the Giants of the gridiron (not the New York brand, but the Packers) came through by a 31-25 score and thereby winning the sport’s coveted trophy . The victory is especially sweet for the fans of that area since the special hardware is named after Vince Lombardi, one of Green Bay’s former coaches, and arguably the most famous to ever lead a professional football team to a world title.
As far as those who watched the game on some level for some period of time, Super Bowl XLV averaged 111 million viewers and became the single most-watched television program in U.S. history.
USA TODAY's Gary Levin revealed, “The game beat the previous record of 106.5 million, set during last year's Super Bowl, which shattered the 27-year record held by the series finale of M*A*S*H (106 million), which held the viewership record from 1983 to 2010. This marks the sixth straight year that Super Bowl viewership has increased.” These are stunning numbers although it is up for debate how many were real, or fully rabid, football fans other than just for that 3-4 hour period.
But largely unknown to hard core fans and those who just enjoy a good party and chuckle during the commercials phase, is that well over a dozen players on each teams openly proclaimed Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Several gave outstanding and clear cut testimonies to the media, stating that their highest priority was beyond their fame, the lucrative benefits, and the gaudy ring soon to adorn their finger indicating their place in football immortality.
For these, biblical truth has tempered any earthly accomplishments and allowed them to stay grounded and spiritually focused. They understand well the words of. Proverbs 23:5. “For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven.” These get the sobering truth of Mark 8:36. ”For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”
Also this select group of sports icons, who had nearly an entire nation, and many others around the globe watch their every move, have unique perspective of what it means to be in the limelight when compared to the stunning forecast in Revelation 1:7. “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him.”
The Steelers, and especially the victorious Packers, are to be congratulated on rising to the top of a most coveted earthly profession. But the ones who are the most truly blessed champions are the ones that understand the rising of Jesus Christ from the dead is the greatest highlight of their now exciting and storied earthly lives. These will someday be raised up by God, reign with Him forever, and enjoy rewards that never fade and will last an eternity! (Matthew 6:20-21, Romans 8:11, Corinthians 6:14)
The Apostle Paul explained and predicted it like so. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
The Super Bowl is the greatest event the sports world has to offer. Ratings again proved that. But the dictionary definitions of ‘super’ far better reveal that greatest of all of life’s moments – the one Scripture speaks about when true Christians are raised, or changed, to meet Christ, become like Him, and enjoy Him forever. The terms include: over and above, higher in quantity and quality, more than superhuman, surpassing all others of its kind, superior in status, title, or position. Superb, superpower, marvelous, magnificent, glorious, sensational, and appropriately - sovereign, incomparable, and out of this world!
For Christians, including those who played in the big games, there will someday be an event so incredibly superior as to make even the greatest Super Bowls collectively seem "Super Boring” in contrast, and of course, in eternal importance!
Perhaps it is time for the NFL to change the name of their signature event? In comparison to the indescribable future awaiting all real believers in Jesus Christ, maybe they should consider a more honest and accurate title – something like the "Sunday, Sub-par, Subordinate, Substandard, Superficial Bowl”? Well, this may be an interesting concept - at least from a Christian standpoint. But don’t look for, or expect, that to happen anytime soon or ever.
But at least don’t forget to learn, and act upon by faith, on the super biblical and super crucial spiritual truths surrounding the above comments and issue either!
Bill Breckenridge

Ronald Reagan’s Spiritual Roots

2011-02-07T11:35:00.001-05:00
One hundred years ago, he was born over the bakery in an obscure Illinois town. His father said he looked like a fat little Dutchman but maybe someday he could be president.

With no thanks to his alcoholic father but enormous gratitude toward his thrifty, Bible teaching, church leader mother, Ronald Reagan appeared on the state and national political scene after a long period when his religious roots were temporarily eclipsed by secular pursuits in acting and activism. But the biblical dictum of Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he shall go and when he is old he will not depart from it when he is old,” was probably never more true than when Nelle Reagan’s church-going son ascended to the presidency of the United States, saying he intended to govern as he campaigned—conservatively with spiritual values front and center.

I was privileged to ask Reagan a question in a unique press conference sponsored by the Eastern Chapter of National Religious Broadcasters. It was held at Liberty University when he was first a candidate for the U.S. presidency. Standing only a few feet away from me, Reagan spoke of open support for the freedom of school prayer in public schools.

On several other occasions, he spoke at national gatherings of the broadcasters. Listening to the golden phrases in support of God’s Word and the predictions of the collapse of the Soviet oppression sharpened our discernment of a steady fire in his spiritual being to see Communism tossed on the ash heap of absurd atheism.

As liberal pundits warned against antagonizing the threatening Soviet brute Reagan had called an “evil empire,” he stood and declared on January 31, 1983:

“Think of it—the most awesome military machine in history—but it is no match for that one man, hero, strong, yet tender Prince of peace. His name alone—Jesus—can lift our hearts, soothe our sorrows, heal our wounds and drive away our fears. He gave us His love and forgiveness, taught us truth, and left us hope. In the book of John it tells us that, ‘God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.’”

Reagan also touted his proclamation of 1983 as the Year of the Bible with hopes that more Americans would read it. Moments before he quoted John 3:16, he had taunted the Soviet Union saying, “To those who would crush religious freedom, our message is plain—you may jail your believers, you may close their churches, confiscate their Bibles and harass their rabbis and priests, but you will never destroy the love of God and freedom that burns in their hearts—they will triumph over you.”

We broadcasters glanced at each other in stunned amazement as thunderous applause echoed through the hall. Could it be we had a conservative Christian president who didn't fear political opposition, global bully or threatening atheism? His two terms proved we did.

On a hot July afternoon in 2004, I stood on Main Street in Tampico, Illinois and viewed the second-floor apartment over humble stores below. It was a Saturday, but no car passed for twenty minutes. Tampico looked like a western cattle town with all the cow hands elsewhere. “This is the birthplace of Ronald Reagan?” I mused. Isaiah 58:10 says, “Then shall thy light rise in obscurity,” and Reagan’s surely did.

Too much time is spent analyzing Reagan, the man in the White House, rather than looking at Reagan, the boy in church.

Several miles to the north of Tampico is Dixon, Illinois where Reagan grew up. The Sears Roebuck catalog kit house is modest, but its history is staggering. Reagan often dragged his drunken father in from the front lawn and found his strength to go on and excel by attending the Christian church down the street. There, he heard preachers tell of the dreadful persecution of Christians in the recent Russian Communist takeover and of God’s grace toward a dying world.

As a boy, he eagerly read a popular youth novel and emulated its hero, who eventually entered public life and changed history. On finishing the book, Reagan told his mother that he wanted to be like that man and that he wanted to be baptized. He was baptized shortly thereafter, but becoming like the novel’s hero took much longer.

Reagan emulated good and godly preachers, taught Sunday school, and watched his godly mother, Nelle, share the Bread of Life and perform endless charitable deeds. He was so articulate and winsome a speaker that some thought he’d naturally go into the ministry (and much later it appeared he had done that as a minister in the vein of Romans 13:5). As a lifeguard at the local waterfront, he rescued dozens and then off he went to college and a string of broadcasting jobs, and then acting. He evolved from uncertain Democrat into conservative Republican.

Spiritual events after the obscure years refocused his mind on biblical, godly truth, concentrating it all in his near death from the assassination attempt when death’s bullet lay inches away in his chest. It was then that Reagan declared all the rest of his life was to be lived for God’s glory.

In these rededicated years, we all heard him speak—not the stilted necessary religious drivel so common to political climbers, but the steady course of a man who never forgot his roots in his mother’s home and God’s church.

At his funeral, 18 hymns were played or sung. Judging by the copyright dates, most all were sung in Reagan’s boyhood church.

On February 6, Reagan’s 100th birthday, honors come with ease. All who cherish honesty, transparency and genuine spirituality thank God for living in America, hearing him speak and enjoying the expansion of freedoms while he presided for two terms in the White House.

Maybe there is another obscure town like Tampico waiting to birth another like-minded leader who can be raised by a godly mother and nurtured in a biblical church to lead us in a troubled age. Peggy Noonan, Reagan’s friend, speechwriter and biographer, themed her book well. The title, When Character Was King, pretty much says it all.

Dave Virkler

Billy Graham Fellow Legend Turns 102

2011-02-02T14:21:00.002-05:00

His singing voice was as distinct and recognizable as was the world-famous evangelist he traveled with for countless decades. And he was always featured just prior to countless thousands of gospel messages by the world’s best known preacher.
He is George Beverly Shea, who greeted this week birthday number 102 on February 1st. Not only did the gifted musician reach another chronological milestone, but he was also honored with something he never expected. As he closed out year number 101 and entered another new year of his Lord, he received a phone call informing him that he had been given the Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award.
When asked about the award Shea stated, “It was a great surprise. The president of the recording academy phoned me about a month ago. I couldn’t figure out why he would be calling me, because it’s been a while since I’ve made a new record. I have received a Grammy before, but it was back in 1965.”
When questioned about any current performances, the 102-year old said that he still sings at the Cove (Billy Graham Training Center) about eight times year for senior adult events and at Christmas time.
Finally Shea had the question posed as far as his personal advice to those who have walked with the Lord for quite some time. His immediate and concise response was, ”Keep your devotions, study the Word, enjoy His presence, and learn from Him daily.”
Geroge Beveraly Shea is a seasoned senior citizen by any standard on earth. But his life, ministry, and advice is as fresh and new as the snow that blanketed half of the country on his latest birthday. His unwavering testimony, and the use of his special gifts for God for a lifetime, is a vivid reminder of the Parable of The Talents in Matthew chapter twenty-five.
The Lord described a master who had given his servants differing amounts, or talents, that he expected them to work with and multiply in his absence. Some did fair and others did nothing. But one exceeded all expectations. This one servant is discussed in verses 20-25. "So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.' His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord." (Matthew 25:20-21)
It will be a sobering and hopefully a positive moment when every true Christian someday stands before their Savior and gives account of their lives as believers. (Romans 14:12) But if anyone will hear those same blessed words as did the faithful servant in the above passage, George Beverly Shea will certainly be in that list - along with those he served with for decades and others whose life priorities reflected their Lord’s word and will.
For those of us who may have more time left on earth than does this giant of the faith, we too can hear the only words that will matter in that momentous future moment. It will require following the example of the faithful and fruitful service, and great and godly wisdom, of a 102-year old servant of God offered to all who still have time to fully please and worship their Lord.
”Keep your devotions, study the Word, enjoy His presence, and learn from Him daily.”
Bill Breckenridge

Ancient Civilization Under the Persian Gulf

2011-01-31T11:25:00.001-05:00
The world’s attention is on Egypt and the Middle East, an area of the world with amazing biblical history. Most likely missed in the days leading up to Christmas was a Fox News report from December 8, 2010 that reviews the stunning evidence that the remnants of a vast civilization may lie under the Persian Gulf.

The teaser is this quote: “In recent years, archaeologists have turned up evidence of a wave of human settlements along the shores of the Gulf dating to about 7,500 years ago. But how could such highly developed settlements pop up so quickly, with no precursor populations to be found in the archaeological record? Jeffrey Rose, an archaeologist and researcher with the University of Birmingham in the U.K., believes that evidence of those preceding populations is missing because it’s under the Gulf.”

The article explained that these visible settlements are evidence of a huge civilization now submerged beneath the waters of the Persian Gulf, possibly for as long as 100,000 years. They say that the waters rose rapidly covering once dry land about eight millennia ago. Citing 60 new sites that apparently appeared very rapidly, Rose declared, “These new colonists may have come from the heart of the Gulf, displaced by rising water levels that plunged the once fertile landscape beneath the waters of the Indian Ocean.”

Predictably, these settlements are the earliest “outside Africa,” which is the secular researcher’s committed view of the appearance of earliest humans on planet earth. It should be noted that age estimates for humans on earth are randomly wild in speculation. Also, the best evidence for the most liberal estimates of humankind’s age is within the range of 40,000 years, as found even among evangelical “old earthers” such a Hugh Ross.

Amazingly, the Fox article said, “Historical sea level data show that, prior to the flood, the Gulf basin would have been above water beginning about 75,000 years ago. And it would have been an ideal refuge from the harsh deserts surrounding it, with fresh water supplied by the Tigris, Euphrates, Karun, and Wadi Baton Rivers, as well as by underground springs.”

Citing extremely early settlement of the region, Rose adds, “That raises the possibility that humans were established on the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula beginning as far back as 100,000 years ago or more … That is far earlier than the estimates generated by several recent migration models, which place the first successful migration into Arabia between 50,000 and 70,000 years ago … The presence of human groups in the oasis fundamentally alters our understanding of human emergence and cultural evolution in the ancient Near East.”

Let me condense this into biblical relevance without getting into conflicts over either the age of earth or the age of man.

First, advanced civilization appeared in the region much earlier than thought. Second, there had been a huge flood that likely obliterated extensive human settlements. Third, biblical rivers are cited as watering the area, specifically, rivers which are found in the Bible listed in the Genesis account of the Garden of Eden.

In view of these factors, a biblical relationship is evident. The mention of the Tigris, Euprates, Karon and Wadi Baton Rivers correspond precisely with those mentioned in Gen. 2:10–14 as being in the immediate vicinity of the Garden of Eden. The Tigris is called Hiddekel in the Bible. Based on lingering tradition, the Karon and Wadi Baton correspond to the Pison and Gihon. According to a Smithsonian magazine article of several years ago, two huge dried-up riverbeds are clearly visible from satellite pictures.

One way or another, the specific area of southern Iraq and Iran are clearly indicated.

That same Smithsonian article suggested what these more recent researchers postulated: that a huge civilization dwelt under the area of the present Persian Gulf, actually calling it the likely location of the Garden of Eden based on the rivers’ references. That could be the initial spreading civilization, as the Bible teaches, beginning with Adam and Eve in Eden. The discovery of enormous flooding in the area aligns with Genesis 6 where Noah and his family survived a water catastrophe in the Ark.

While we await further excavation and interpretation of findings, we may be assured that Genesis has it right as to the human creational venue and flood references. Secular findings make enjoyable reading of the modern archaeologist’s spade, especially since we’ve read God’s ancient Scriptures.

Dave Virkler

Family Unplugs For 6 Months?

2011-01-25T10:34:00.003-05:00

A recent AP story revealed a story that has probably been at least a fantasy for many parents of the typical 21st century teenager. Only this one was for real!
Susan Maushart, the mother of kids aged 14, 15 and 18, found that her children had all sunken into a total world of media screens, electronic gadgets and toys. She stated, "They don't remember a time before e-mail, or instant messaging, or Google. They didn't just use media, but they literally "inhabited" media." She revealed on TV in an interview that she almost always saw only the back of her kids' heads because they were constantly buried in some form of screen or gadget.
So Mommy Maushart began an experiment that would be a drastic measure in most anyone’s play book. First she turned off their home’s electricity for 2 weeks forcing everyone to retool how they lived their everyday lives – perhaps adding some appreciation for some of life’s forgotten blessings. The perceived “mean” mom is a lifelong devotee of Thoreau's classic book "Walden," which described the author’s detailed journey into solitude, self-sufficiency, and a simplistic life that came by living in a small cabin on a pond in the mid-1800s.
Step number two was even more drastic and something she had hoped to set up with the self-imposed 2-week power outage. For the next six months, there would be no screens or modern communications media in the home. This she knew would be certainly adequate time for getting anyone unhooked from most anything. So exactly how did the new lifestyle and ridged restrictions work out?
As Maushart explains in her new book, "The Winter of Our Disconnect", she and her kids rediscovered small forgotten pleasures like board games, books, lazy Sundays, old photos, family meals, and listening to music together. This all came about when everyone slowly surfaced from years of being deeply submerged in their own individual screen-controlled worlds.
Her son Bill, a total video game and TV addict, filled his newfound spare time playing a saxophone. He again found his love of music and eventually and got serious enough to sell his computer game console and is now studying music in college!
Maushart's youngest daughter had the hardest time going off media life-support systems so mom compromised some and allowed her the use of the Internet and other electronics but only outside the home. She immediately took that option by taking her laptop and moving in with her dad - Maushart's ex-husband. This ‘escape’ lasted just six weeks of the proposed six months. Affter returning home, she did convert her screen communication time to spending hours on an old-fashioned landline phone as a substitute for texting and Facebook. The effect on her was also quite evident and positive as her school grades improved dramatically. Maushart wrote that her kids, "awoke slowly from the state of cognitus interrupts that had characterized many of their waking hours to become more focused logical thinkers."
Susan Maushart admitted that living off the electronic grid for six months is unrealistic for most people. But she does encourage families to scale down the influence of the numerous modern-day media habits if they have literally become the center of the family universe. She urged parents to ‘unplug’ at least periodically - including themselves if they are likewise guilty of some of the same excesses as she admitted to in her own book.
Few would have the courage to do something so drastic for the over-all well-being of their children and family. And the tragic truth is that very few Christian parents have the guts or foresight to take away, or prevent the use of, anything addictive and or harmful from their children or at least balance it with an adequate intake of solid spiritual and biblical truth. Perhaps families, churches, and even the nation would see a marked improvement across the board if more young minds were taking in more Scriptural truth and spending less precious time digesting meaningless cultural trivia - often coming in the form of spiritually damaging and inappropriate material.
We live in a culture where many fine Bible references can be easily attained through various forms of screen-oriented media like Kindle applications, software programs, web resources, and other like formats. And if Christian parents cannot imagine placing restraints on a generation whose lives seem to now include media and screens in their DNA, at least some compromise could be worked out. Perhaps there could be an allotted time when some of this sacred screen technology could be used for the express purpose of spending some regular time reading and studying God’s Word electronically.
An apostle from the first century, who could never dreamed of today’s communication advancements, wrote by hand and in Greek 2 Timothy 3:16-17. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” As one teacher explained it, the Bible informs us about what is right, what is wrong, how to get right, and how to stay right.
Finally, the Holy Spirit who initially authored every word from Genesis to Revelation never required that they be read, studied and applied through any particular format. But He did make it clear that God’s Word and will is the absolute priority for every believer’s life. Scripture is to be life’s primary force and what that leads to is an abundant and victorious Christian experience -irregardless of the format one may chose to digest it.
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
Bill Breckenridge

Governor Bentley’s Spiritual Minefield

2011-01-21T15:04:00.002-05:00
Minefields abound in relation to baptism and salvation. A recent report from Jordan described the area surrounding Jesus’ baptismal site as being full of mines. One politician learned that they exist in personal expressions of faith as well.

For decades, pilgrims have been baptized in the Jordan River at a site just south of the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. The site is well kept with a railing leading in and out of the water and a nearby store supplying robes for rent, baptismal certificates and appropriate gifts and even some genuine Jordan River water. Thousands of Christian pilgrims have been baptized there, including a few by me on our ten tours to Israel between 1982 and 1997.

Farther south is the spot many have considered to be the more accurate site of Jesus’ baptism. It is not far from the famed Allenby Bridge, a short span that formerly accommodated tense passage between the warring nations of Israel and Jordan.

When peace was struck between the two countries in 1994, a Jordanian tank crew, on backing away from their battle station, heard strange crunching noises below them. Investigations led to excavations, and a large baptismal area used centuries earlier and fed by a clear eastern tributary was discovered. Shortly after the discovery, the Jordanian Tourism Director was interviewed on our broadcast, The Word And The World, to describe all this in detail. It was this site visited by Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to the Holy Land in 2009.

All this substantiates John 1:28 and 3:26, which says John the Baptizer was doing his work “beyond the Jordan River.” In the King James Version, Mark 1:5 says it was “the river of Jordan,” which is a more accurate translation of the Greek, indicating it was a tributary. It is in this vicinity, off the main area, where countless mines still lie buried and fears of straying pilgrims keep officials alerted for their safety. As they are cleared, more tourist acreage will be declared safe.

Baptism, wherever it is received, is always a minefield for Bible believers. Immersion, as was practiced at the newly discovered site, reflects the burial and resurrection of Christ as enacted in one’s life by receiving Christ as Savior. The Romans 6:4 outlines this: “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” The topic of Christ’s death and resurrection can be controversial, and the moment one takes a public stand, he is open to criticism or persecution.

Minefields even exist when a born-again Christian elected official dares to speak the truth in church. Alabama’s new governor, Robert Bentley, went to a Baptist church on inauguration day and declared, “There may be some people here today who do not have living within them the Holy Spirit. If we don't have the same daddy, we’re not brothers and sisters. So anybody here today who has not accepted Jesus Christ as their savior, I’m telling you, you’re not my brother and you’re not my sister, and I want to be your brother… But if you have been adopted in God’s family like I have ... and if you’re saved and the Holy Spirit lives within you just like the Holy Spirit lives within me, then you know what that makes? It makes you and me brothers. And it makes you and me brother and sister.”

Although what he said was correct in the context of his personal faith and the church environment, a furor ensued with many accusing him of insulting non-Christians and trying to convert them. What a minefield! What Bentley said has probably been declared countless times in every Bible-believing Baptist church as well as thousands of other denominational and independent churches, but he apologized for offending anyone and said he wished he hadn’t said what he did.

What is evident is, first, according to political correctness and pluralism, no one should speak any exclusionary words even though they might be true. Second, the media and even many Christians are woefully ignorant of biblical teaching. Believers should “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), and perhaps that love did not bleed through Bentley’s remarks adequately.

Bentley learned forcefully that Christian politicians, or any public figure for that matter, find that both watered-down biblical perceptions and pluralistic sentiments make a minefield of religious expression in a secular world.

Dave Virkler

Lessons From a Tragedy In Arizona

2011-01-17T15:36:00.002-05:00

Tucson is still a grief-stricken community after the supermarket massacre that saw gruesome injuries and several fatalities. Among those attacked were some well-know public figures, and others not. It will go down as a day of infamy, but far more importantly as a painful reminder of serious and biblical principles.
None that were involved likely gave a second’s thought that a beautiful Arizona day would turn into a bloody national atrocity. Those who lost their lives, or almost did, ran the spectrum from a U.S. Congresswoman, to a federal judge, an elderly pastor and even a precious 9-year old girl – one who was just beginning her life and fledgling interest in the political system.
Many passages of Scripture were quoted in a memorial service for the victims and their families last week. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano read from the Old Testament and Attorney General Eric Holder quoted from the New. Even the President made reference to Bible texts in his moving words of comfort and hope about the incident.
But one verse certainly characterized the event as much or more as any. It comes from the wisdom book of Proverbs 27:1 and declares, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” It is a lesson that many learn too late in life because so few ever expect their lives to be snuffed out so suddenly and unexpectedly. This time around it was once again a vivid reminder that this life’s status, current health condition, and even age, have little to do with being ready to face, at a moment’s notice, the Creator who resides and reigns in eternity. Hebrews 9:27 could not make this truth any more clear or concise. “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”
But there is always one major question that lingers when such a painful and unimaginable event occurs. That is simply the spiritual readiness of those who lost their lives and were instantly brought face to face with the One who created them and gave them physical life before their death.
It is interesting that, when the ultimate crisis in life comes, so many seem to revert back to some kind of Scriptural logic. They somehow instinctively know that there is something beyond this life. (Romans 1:19) And for any public biblical reference, we should be thankful since there still remains some sense of God’s presence in what has become largely a post-Christian nation.
But the type of biblical reading and reminders, after this kind of senseless event happens, should include passages like John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” 1 John 5:11-12 would be another good choice or addition. “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.”
Among those who were attacked in Tucson were a lawmaker and one who made judgments based on the principles of law. This, too, is a reminder to Christians of another key biblical passage. It is one that relates to salvation using a legal term referring to the ultimate preparation for the moment one enters eternity and faces the Creator and judge of all the earth.
“And if anyone sins, we have an ‘Advocate’ with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2)
A deranged killer might brutally and callously end the life of others in a moment of illogical rage and evil. But those found in Christ are always properly prepared for even a moment like that according to Jesus’ own words in John 10:28-29. “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”
Bill Breckenridge

Continuing The Signs of The Times

2011-01-12T11:35:00.002-05:00
It has been a long, long time since Peter penned the words in his second epistle to an infant church about the return of the Jesus Christ. Christians, even back then, lived and died with an expectancy and hope that the Lord would come back in their lifetime. But He did not. This has not only been difficult for Christians down through the centuries, but has added fuel to the fire of unbelieving skeptics as the apostle spoke of and warned about in 2 Peter 3-4.

“Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation."

Many things have been listed out and foretold in Scripture pointing to the return of Christ. Some refer to the dramatic rise in stressful events like those spoken of in Luke 21:10-11. "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.” But probably no single sign is a significant as Israel being re-gathered and becoming a nation again in 1948.

The days just before Christ’s return were also to be characterized by ‘perilous times’ morally speaking. These days would be literally ‘outrageous’ even by nearly any decent standard of conduct and ethics. Timothy stated, “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come…” (2 Timothy 3:1) He then went on to describe a world that closely parallels today’s overall and current god-less attitudes and actions around the globe. One small example of moral decline is the current legislation and controversy surrounding U.S. passports. The traditional words “mother” and “father” will be removed from U.S. applications and replaced with gender neutral terminology of "parent number one" and "parent two". The new politically correct law obviously will please the gay community, but is a keen reminder of the irreverent conditions spoken of in Romans 1:24-28 and in other similar scriptural passages.

Then too writer and prophecy expert Joel Rosenberg has pointed out the disturbing increase in brutal attacks in recent months against Christians world-wide. This has been especially true in the Middle-east by religious and political extremists where violence against the church of Christ has been stepped up significantly and is far more bloody than before. 2 Timothy 3:11-15 made it clear that any who live faithfully and outwardly for Jesus Christ would suffer some form of persecution. But today seems to be a snapshot of Jesus’ words to His disciples in John 16:1-4 where He declared, "These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.” Tragically, those involved in this recent outbreak are anything but in God’s sacred service, rather they have been fully duped into working for His arch enemy!

Jesus also spoke of and described the moral and spiritual climate that would exist just before His own return in Matthew chapter twenty-four. Verse 36 begins, "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” These are simply more words to describe the perilous times that would become obvious just prior to Christ’s coming back to remove His precious spiritual prize – the true universal church.

Although, not connected in any prophetic way, it is rather ironic and interesting considering Jesus words describing the end-time include Noah-like conditions, that there is today a life-sized replica of the Ark being constructed in a Creation Museum in northern Kentucky. The spectacular model is scheduled to open in the spring of 2014 and will be seen by millions – providing the Lord does not return before then. If He does, the symbolic safety and salvation provided by the first ark will become even more striking and precious to those who escape destruction and wrath when they instantly are safely ushered into heaven, led by their Savior at the helm.

So in many convincing ways, it would appear that Christ’s return for His church is near – perhaps very near! And those believers who care about the biblical signs, the world’s current prophetic climate, and their relationship with their Lord should have at least two basic questions.

First, why has He not come yet if all the global signs and conditions have been fulfilled along with the obvious increase of suffering and outward explosion if sin? And secondly, what are those who know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord to be doing in what may be the little precious time left before His return for them?

It is no accident that the answer to both of those crucial questions are covered in that same passage where the doubters and detractors of Christ’s life, ministry, and return are seen. First, verse 9 reveals something often and easily overlooked. Peter writes, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

Christ has postponed His return so that more will “not perish” eternally but be given the opportunity to be saved through faith. That aspect is fairly obvious even by a casual reading of the passage. But a more careful scrutiny of the text reveals exactly who His patience is directed to. His ‘longsuffering’ is geared toward His church! He is being patient ‘toward us’ as much or more so than those who are spiritually lost. It is aimed at those of us who already know Him. His delay is, in part if not fully, so all that have experienced salvation through faith can in turn reach out to all who have not. And if the time is short, so should be our urgency to share God’s redemptive plan to any who will listen.

Then secondly, Peter covers the other aspect of the believer’s life while they await their Lord’s glorious return for them in the air. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) He begins in question form and then provides the answer in verses 11-12. “Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God…”

Basically, in these last days before the coming of their Savior, God’s people have but two primary tasks. While looking for His return, they are to live Christ-like lives while actively proclaiming His mighty good news and grace to a lost and dying race. In the light of the times, all else in life should be placed on the back burners, if even on the stove at all!

God’s timing is flawless and it certainly appears that the time of His return for His church is imminent. Christians, who may wonder how they should conduct their affairs until He does, need to read, meditate on, and apply the words authored by Peter in this profound and enlightening passage centered on the end times!

Bill Breckenridge