Q. We have just celebrated Father's Day and the importance of Families functioning according to the Word of God. It seems to me there are more Dysfunctional Families in our Churches today than Functional Families.

A. You have not asked a question, but the tone of your statement is obvious. I'm sure there are many in our Churches and Homes across the country that are not functioning according to the teachings of Scripture, and the question has been debated as to what constitutes a Functional and Dysfunctional Family. Although some great Scholars have provided helpful clarification between the two, I believe it is vitally important to open our Bibles and check out some of the well known families recorded in the Scriptures. Families that were used of God in a very special way. In fact, if you were to take the time to read the Genealogy of the Virgin Mary, whose womb God quickened to bring into our world the Eternal Son of God, Jesus Christ the Lord, you will find some noteworthy Families who might very well be considered DYSFUNCTIONAL.

How about our First Parents? When Adam and Eve both sinned against God in disobedience to His direct command, you find Adam blaming Eve for all their trouble. "The Woman whom You gave to be with me, SHE GAVE ME OF THE TREE AND I ATE." As if that relieved Adam of the sin of his own choice to partake. I'm sure Eve really appreciated being blamed for all their trouble. This reminds me of the AMUSING STORY  I heard about a Husband and Wife who were always arguing over anything and everything. Finally, the Wife said to her Husband, "We need to pray to the Lord and ask Him to take one of us home to Glory. We cannot get along, and we constantly argue, so let's pray, and ask the Lord to take ONE of us home........AND I'LL GO LIVE WITH MY SISTER."

Enough for the humor! How about the animosity between our First Parents sons Cain and Abel? How much Cain must have hated Abel because God accepted his Blood Offering and not his Fruit of the Ground. "Now Cain talked with Abel his brother, and it came to pass when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel and killed him." Genesis 3&4 WAS THIS A DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY?

Well, how about Abraham and his family, for he is one of the key figures in the Scriptures called the Father of the Faithful. "FOOLISHLY" thinking he had to help God in his old age to have a Son to carry on his seed, he had a Son Ishmael through Hagar, Sarah's Maid. God made it very clear that He would NOT establish His Covenant with Ishmael, but with a Son yet to be born of Sarah in her old age whose name would be Isaac. NOW NOTE: "And Sarah saw the Son of Hagar whom she had borne to Abraham SCOFFING! O Yes, trouble was brewing in the Family. "Therefore Sarah said to Abraham, "Cast out this Bondwoman and her Son, for the Son of this Bondwoman shall not be Heir with my Son Isaac." Genesis 16&17 WAS THIS A DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY?

How about Isaac and the DECEPTION of his Rebekah who plotted with Jacob to take away from Esau his birthright. And then consider Jacob and his twelve Sons and how deep the JEALOUSY of the Brothers was toward Joseph. It was so strong they finally sold Joseph into slavery and told their Father Jacob that he was killed by a wild beast. Genesis 37:33 WAS THIS A DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY? And dare we omit King David and all the Problems he personally encountered because of his Sin and the Havoc he suffered with his rebellious children. II Samuel 15

Well, what is the conclusion of all this that we have noted? I'm sure you may have an opinion, and I have one also. Here we have found DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES with so many different problems, and yet, Families in the LINE that takes us right up to the BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST, "FUNCTIONING" by the Grace of God to FULFILL His Divine Plan for our Salvation through the Death, Burial and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

A FUNCTIONAL FAMILY is a DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY that by the Grace of God, and the power of the Indwelling Holy Spirit is enabled to keep focused on the Truths of God's Word and His Divine Will. Ready to accept Divine Correction and Direction. As the Writer of Hebrews exhorts, "My Son, do not despise the Chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are Rebuked by Him. For whom the Lord "LOVES" He chastens and scourges every son whom He receives.....Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; NEVERTHELESS, it yields the Peaceable fruit of RIGHTEOUSNESS TO THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN TRAINED BY IT." Hebrews 12:5-11

Although there are NO PERFECT FAMILIES, when we are of a Humble and Contrite spirit, Confessing our Sins, and Turning from them, God can turn us into FUNCTIONAL FAMILIES, and FUNCTIONAL INDIVIDUALS EMPOWERED TO FULFILL HIS DIVINE PLAN AND WILL FOR OUR LIVES AND FOR HIS GLORY.!

Comments, click here: djvb7777@aol.com

  ****************************************************************************

Q. For a person to be "SANCTIFIED" must he speak in "TONGUES" as some have suggested to me?

A. It is unfortunate that some Professing Christians are giving the indication that Believer's are not "FULLY SANCTIFIED" until they speak in Tongues. That was an issue the Apostle Paul had to deal with as recorded in his letter to the Believer's in the City of Corinth. To this Body of Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, he wrote:

"Are "ALL" Apostles? Are "ALL" Prophets? Are "ALL" Teachers? Are "ALL" Workers of Miracles? Do "ALL" have the Gift of Healing? DO "ALL" SPEAK WITH TONGUES? I Corinthians 12:29-31 The OBVIOUS answer is NO! "ALL" are not Apostles, or Prophets, or Teachers, or Workers of Miracles, or having the Gift of Healing, and "ALL" DO NOT SPEAK IN TONGUES!

The Apostle further clarifies with these words: "There are DIVERSITIES of GIFTS, BUT THE SAME SPIRIT! To one is given the Word of Wisdom through the Spirit; to another Faith; to another Gifts of Healing; to another Working of Miracles; to another Prophecy; to another Discerning  of spirits; to another DIFFERENT KINDS OF TONGUES, to another Interpretation of Tongues THROUGH THE SAME SPIRIT. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, DISTRIBUTING TO EACH ONE INDIVIDUALLY "AS HE WILLS!" I Corinthians 12:4-11 Friend "NOT" AS YOU OR I WILL, O NO, BUT AS THE HOLY SPIRIT WILLS! HE IS THE ONE WHO GIVES GIFTS TO THE REDEEMED, AS IT PLEASES HIM FOR THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY. We should praise God for the "DIVERSITY OF GIFTS" within the Body of Believer's, and NEVER suggest because someone does not have the "GIFT" another may have, that he is therefore, LESS SPIRITUAL.

The word "SANCTIFY" and the work of "SANCTIFICATION" is definitely a Biblical Truth! "To the Church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are "SANCTIFIED" in Christ Jesus, called to be Saints with all who in every place call on the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours." I Corinthians 1:2 If you are a TRUE BELIEVER in the Crucified, Risen Lord Jesus Christ, my Friend, "YOU ARE SANCTIFIED!"

Every Twice Born Believer is able to say, "I AM SANCTIFIED!" This is every Believer's Standing, every Believer's Position before a Holy, Just and Righteous God. It means you have been Eternally Set Apart for God, and you share a Relationship with God that can never be taken away. Jesus said, "My Sheep hear My Voice and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give to them Eternal Life and they shall Never Perish, neither shall any one Snatch them out of My hand." John 10:27-28

But note again, Believers also say, "I AM BEING SANCTIFIED!" This phase in our Christian experience deals with our Walk with the Lord and how we are "GROWING" in Grace, and in the Knowledge of His Word and Will. "As New Born Babes desire the sincere Milk of the Word that you may GROW thereby." I Peter 2:2 This is so important, for it is possible to Hinder Growth in your Christian Life if you are not Yielded and Controlled by the Indwelling Holy Spirit. We are exhorted "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit by whom you were Sealed for the Day of Redemption." Ephesians 4:30 "DO NOT QUENCH THE SPIRIT!" I Thessalonians 5:19 Give Him Freedom to Work through your Life.

This was NOT taking place among the Believers in Corinth, and Paul had to Rebuke them. He wrote: "I fed you with Milk and not with Solid Food, for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able." I Corinthians 3:2 When they should have been "GROWING" Spiritually, they were still Spiritual BABES!" They were unable to say in TRUTH, "I AM BEING SANCTIFIED!" For if this Progressive Growth had been taking place in their lives, Paul would never have said they were still BABIES in Christ. There would have been words COMMENDING them for their Dedication to Lord. Christian Friend, don't allow anything, nor any one take Control of your Life, rather, as the Word of God exhorts, "Do not be Controlled by wine, wherein is excess, BUT BE  CONTROLLED by the SPIRIT!" Ephesians 5:18

Then, at that Glorious Day when Jesus Christ comes again, every Believer can say, "I SHALL BE SANCTIFIED!" That will be the day when we shall put on Bodies of Power, Bodies of Incorruption! John the Apostle wrote: "Beloved, now we are the Children of God, and it has not yet been Revealed what we shall be, BUT WE KNOW that when He is Revealed, WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM, FOR WE SHALL SEE HIM AS HE IS." I John 3:2 He then adds these important words, "Every one who has this HOPE in him, keeps himself Pure even as Christ is Pure." vs. 3

   **************************************************************************\

Q. Is Jesus suggesting that a person who has accepted Him as Lord and Savior can lose his Salvation when He said, "Every Branch in Me that does not Bear Fruit, He takes away and casts them into the Fire to be Burned?

A. It is of utmost importance to always take note of the theme of any specific portion of Scripture. This portion of Scripture to which you refer is NOT dealing with a Believer's Salvation, which is a "GIFT" through Faith in the Crucified, Risen Lord Jesus Christ. The Word of God declares, "For by GRACE are you 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 Christian Friend, ANCHOR this Blessed Truth in your Heart and Mind. The theme of JOHN, CHAPTER 15 is not about one's Eternal Salvation, it centers upon whether we who are "IN CHRIST" are Fruitful or Unfruitful in our walk with Him. Please note these four words of verse five,

                                         "EVERY BRANCH IN ME!"  

If you are "IN CHRIST" then you have the "GIFT" of Eternal Salvation which can never be taken from you. We are not "SAVED" by our GOOD WORKS, but, we are

                                    "SAVED UNTO GOOD WORKS,"

and Jesus is pointedly stating, "WITHOUT ME, YOU CAN DO NOTHING!" We are simply "BRANCHES" and the "TRUE VINE" that feeds the Branches is JESUS CHRIST! If you and I would be "PRODUCTIVE" Fruit Bearing Followers of Christ, it is ONLY possible as we "ABIDE" moment by moment in Christ, who said, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the Branch cannot Bear Fruit of Itself, except it ABIDES in the VINE, no more can you except you "ABIDE" IN ME.

Friend, a "DAY" is coming when every Believer "Must appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether GOOD or BAD." II Corinthians 5:10 This is the "BEMA SEAT" of Christ and is for Believer's "ONLY!"

The Apostle wrote: For other Foundation can no man lay than that is laid, WHICH IS JESUS CHRIST. Now if anyone BUILDS upon this Foundation, Gold, Silver, Precious Stones, Wood, Hay, Straw; Every one's "WORK" will become clear, for the Day will Declare it, because it will be revealed by Fire; And the Fire will test each one's "WORK" of what sort it is. If anyone's "WORK" which he has BUILT  on it ENDURES, he will receive a "REWARD!" If anyone's "WORK" is Burned, (Wood, Hay, Straw) he will Suffer Loss, but he himself will be SAVED, yet so as through fire." First Corinthians 3:9-15

When you are at last "HOME" with the Lord, do you want to Stand before the Lord with "WORKS" of wood, hay and stubble to be  BURNED? Works that indicate your Redeemed Life was "VOID" of Divine Direction and Usefulness. Like a Ball Pen that is out of ink and is no longer able to function in the PURPOSE for which it was BOUGHT. I know I don't want to Stand before My Lord "EMPTY HANDED" AFTER ALL HE'S DONE FOR ME!" "Do you not know that your Body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit, Who is in you, Whom you have received from God? YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN! YOU WERE "BOUGHT" WITH A PRICE! THEREFORE GLORIFY GOD WITH YOUR BODY AND SPIRIT WHICH ARE GOD'S!" 

                    TO ABIDE IN CHRIST IS TO ABOUND FOR CHRIST

             TO ABOUND FOR CHRIST IS TO BE OBEDIENT TO CHRIST!

Comments click here: djvb7777@aol.com

   *************************************************************************

Q. What is the meaning of the name "I AM" spoken to Moses in the Old Testament? Why would God use such a name?

A. God did give a good word to Moses before the Israelites were delivered from their lengthy bondage in the land of Egypt. It was at Mount Moriah that Moses had an encounter with God that transformed his life. God revealed in a very special way that HE is the Great "I AM!" It was in this moment that Moses was commissioned by God to go back to Egypt and there be used to deliver the Israelites from the hand of Pharaoh. When Moses asked "WHO SHALL I SAY HAS SENT ME" GOD ANSWERED, "TELL THEM "I AM" HAS SENT YOU, I AM THAT I AM!" Exodus 3:13-14 GOD was here declaring that HE is the       "EVER PRESENT ONE"  "WITHOUT BEGINNING AND WITHOUT END" THE "ALPHA AND OMEGA!"                                                                                                               "I AM"

                            NEVER A TIME WHEN GOD WAS NOT

                           NEVER A TIME WHEN HE WILL NOT BE!

  HE IS THE ETERNAL GOD OF CREATION AND OF OUR SALVATION!                       

Now, "IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME" with the appearance of the long promised MESSIAH REDEEMER into our world, the Apostle John wrote, "IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE "WORD" AND THE "WORD" WAS WITH GOD, AND "GOD" WAS THE "WORD!" AND THE "WORD" BECAME "FLESH" AND DWELT AMONG US, AND WE BEHELD HIS GLORY FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH." John 1:1-14

O yes Friend, the Great "I AM" touched this Earth when the Eternal Son of God, JESUS CHRIST "TOOK UPON HIMSELF THE FORM OF A SERVANT AND WAS FOUND IN THE LIKENESS OF MEN."  Philippians 2:7-8 As "TRUE MAN" and "TRUE GOD" JESUS ON MANY OCCASIONS IN HIS MINISTRY REFERRED TO HIMSELF AS THE

                                            GREAT "I AM"

for HE is "GOD"  - HE is "THE EVER PRESENT ONE" - HE is "ETERNAL" and is able to meet the "NEEDS" of all who will put their trust in HIM.

When you need "SECURITY" consider carefully these words of JESUS who said, "BEFORE ABRAHAM WAS, "I AM" Did you hear that clearly? JESUS EXISTING BEFORE ABRAHAM WAS EVEN BORN? Christ is assuring us that He is the "EVER PRESENT ONE" who will "NEVER LEAVE US NOR FORSAKE US!" Hebrews 13:5 HE again comforts our hearts with these wonderful words "I AM" WITH YOU ALWAYS, EVEN UNTO THE END OF THE AGE." Matthew 28:31

When you feel you are in the "DARK" Jesus says "I AM" THE "LIGHT" OF THE WORLD. HE THAT FOLLOWS ME SHALL NOT WALK IN "DARKNESS" BUT HAVE THE LIGHT OF LIFE." John 8:12 When you are Spiritually "HUNGRY" in need of Bread to satisfy your Eternal Soul, Jesus says, "I AM" THE BREAD OF LIFE, HE THAT COMES TO ME SHALL NEVER HUNGER, AND HE THAT BELIEVES IN ME SHALL NEVER THIRST!" John 6:35

When you sense that you are "LOST" searching and seeking to find your way, Jesus says, "I AM" THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE, NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT BY ME." John 14:6 When you are searching for that "DOOR" that open to Eternal Life with God, Jesus says, "I AM" THE "DOOR" BY ME IF ANYONE ENTER IN, HE SHALL BE SAVED, AND GO IN AND OUT AND FIND PASTURE." John 10:9

When you carry the heavy guilt of "SIN" and long for forgiveness, Jesus says, "I AM" THE GOOD SHEPHERD! THE GOOD SHEPHERD GIVES HIS LIFE FOR THE SHEEP!" John 10:11 "I AM" COME TO SEEK AND TO SAVE THE LOST!" O Friend, the Good Shepherd died on that Cross at Calvary and paid for all our sins to set us free from its guilt and penalty. "IN CHRIST WE HAVE REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD. THE "FORGIVENESS OF SINS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RICHES OF GOD'S GRACE THAT "HE LAVISHED" ON US WITH ALL WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING." Ephesians 1:7

When you long for an "ABIDING RELATIONSHIP" Jesus again declares, "I AM" THE VINE, YOU ARE THE BRANCHES, HE THAT "ABIDES" IN ME AND I IN HIM, THE SAME BRINGS FORTH MUCH FRUIT, FOR WITHOUT ME YOU CAN DO NOTHING." John 15:5 When you face the issue of "DEATH" how glorious to hear the words of Jesus who said, "I AM" THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE, HE THAT BELIEVES IN ME THOUGH HE WERE "DEAD" YET SHALL HE "LIVE," AND WHOSOEVER LIVES AND BELIEVES IN ME SHALL NEVER DIE." John 11:25-26

Friend, only GOD can make such promises that fills our hearts with Peace and Joy! JESUS CHRIST, GOD manifested in flesh, is the GREAT "I AM" and HE  IS ABLE TO DO THE EXCEEDING ABUNDANTLY BEYOND ALL WE ASK OR THINK!" "HE IS ABLE TO SAVE TO THE UTTERMOST ALL WHO COME TO GOD BY HIM." Hebrews 7:25

                               WHEN YOU HAVE CHRIST, THE GREAT

                                             "I AM"

                                  YOU HAVE ALL THAT YOU NEED

                                        FOR TIME AND ETERNITY!

 

Comments click here: djvb7777@aol.com  

   *********************************************************************************

Q. The tension in the Mid East continues between ISRAEL and the PALESTINIANS. What are your thoughts on the present talks about dividing the Holy City of the Jews, the City of Jerusalem?

A. First of all, I want to make it very clear that the answer I am about to give is not about who I am "FOR" or "AGAINST." I love the Jews, and I love the Palestinians. I love the Europeans, and I love the Africans and those in Asia, and the rest of the world. I love them because "GOD SO LOVED THE "WORLD" THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOEVER "BELIEVES" IN HIM SHALL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE." John 3:16 "The Gospel is the "POWER OF GOD" unto Salvation to "EVERYONE" who Believes." Romans 1:16 "Beloved, If God so LOVED US, we also ought to LOVE ONE ANOTHER." I John 4:11

With that "FOUNDATION" laid, and since it is obvious that I BELIEVE THE HOLY, INFALLIBLE WORD OF GOD, my answer therefore, is based upon what GOD has revealed to us in the Scriptures. Going back to the days of Abraham as recorded in the book of Genesis, the Book of Beginnings, we read that God made a very important PROMISE to this man of Faith. He PROMISED to give to him and to his DESCENDANTS, a land in which they would live. We read, "Then Abram took Sarah his wife....and they Departed to go to the Land of  "CANAAN." And the LORD APPEARED TO ABRAM AND SAID,

           "TO YOUR DESCENDANTS, I WILL GIVE THIS LAND." Genesis 12 5-7

But notice further what God PROMISED, for we read, "The LORD made a Covenant with Abram, saying, "To your DESCENDANTS I have given the LAND FROM THE RIVER OF EGYPT TO THE GREAT RIVER, THE RIVER EUPHRATES." Genesis 15:18 WOW! If you check a Map of this area, you will see that it covers a lot of territory that God PROMISED to this Man of Faith.

Now remember, the "PROMISE" to Abraham was to continue through his Descendants. That meant Abraham and Sarah had to give birth to a son in order that this PROMISE be fulfilled. Growing Old in Age, and still having no son, Sarah "FOOLISHLY" felt she had to help God fulfill His Word, so she told her husband to have a son through Hagar, her maid, which he did. They named the Child ISHMAEL! However, God was not pleased with what they had done, and said to Abraham, "I WILL BLESS SARAH AND GIVE YOU A SON THROUGH HER!" Genesis 17:16

Abraham thought it was impossible, for he said to God, "Shall a Child be born to a man who is ONE HUNDRED YEARS OLD? And shall Sarah, who is NINETY YEARS OLD, bear a Child? He begged God that "ISHMAEL MIGHT LIVE BEFORE HIM."

                  THE ANSWER FROM GOD WAS "NO!"

"SARAH, YOUR WIFE SHALL BEAR YOU A SON, AND YOU SHALL CALL HIS NAME

                                                "ISAAC!"

I WILL ESTABLISH MY COVENANT WITH "HIM" FOR AN EVERLASTING COVENANT, AND WITH HIS DESCENDANTS AFTER HIM." Genesis 17:19-20

How long would this COVENANT be VALID? Would it be VALID only when they were in the LAND? If they were ever DISPLACED, and TAKEN away captive by other Nations, would they no longer have the right to this land? THE ANSWER IS CLEAR FROM GOD HIMSELF, FOR GOD SAID, "I WILL ESTABLISH MY COVENANT WITH "ISAAC" FOR AN "EVERLASTING COVENANT" AND WITH HIS "DESCENDANTS!"

    THAT COVENANT WOULD "NEVER" BE TERMINATED!   

I am not going to get involved with all the "POLITICAL" ramifications of the present hour as the Leaders of the World seek to find a way to bring Peace to this troubled area, but my Friend, THE LAND BELONGS TO ISRAEL, after all, "God Owns the Cattle on a Thousand Hills and the Wealth in every Mine; The Earth is the Lord's and all its Fullness!" and He has the Right to Give it to whomever He wills. Yes, Friend, in "LOVE" I say, the Land belongs to Israel, by the Authority of the Eternal God of all Creation and Salvation. We must face the fact that this is GOD'S WORLD AND NOT OUR OWN, and above all, remember, GOD'S LOVE UNTO ETERNAL SALVATION THROUGH CHRIST'S DEATH AND RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD, IS FOR "ALL" WHO WILL BELIEVE!

When JESUS CHRIST comes again and the AGE OF GRACE has come to a conclusion, and the time of JACOB'S TROUBLE begins in that SEVEN YEAR  period called the "GREAT TRIBULATION" whatever has not yet been completely fulfilled about this "PROMISE" to Abraham, WILL BE FULFILLED, AND YOU CAN COUNT ON THAT, FOR GOD "NEVER" BREAKS A PROMISE.

Comments click here: djvb7777@aol.com

   **************************************************************************

Q. There are some who say Jesus Christ never really died! I read from another source that suggested it was Judas who actually died on the Cross and not Jesus. Could this be true?

 

A. NO! NEVER! Now please note: I am "NOT" suggesting that the OBITUARY below was actually published back in 33 AD! Of Course Not! But, I do believe the content does send a strong message of what happened when Jesus was at the approximate age of 33. HOWEVER, there is one "IMPORTANT EXCEPTION" contained in this OBITUARY, and that is the thought that Jesus was the Son of Joseph and Mary, as many believed. The fact of the matter is that JESUS was born of the Virgin Mary who conceived and brought forth her first born Son by the Power of God the Holy Spirit! If you will read the Gospel of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, you will find "SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE" THAT JESUS DID DIE ON THAT CROSS AT CALVARY, AND ON THAT PRECIOUS DAY, DYING AS OUR                       "SUBSTITUTE" PAID THE

       SUPREME PRICE FOR OUR ETERNAL SALVATION.

 

           

The glorious truth of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ DOES NOT END THERE IN A TOMB, but on that glorious First Day of the Week, "UP FROM THE GRAVE HE AROSE, WITH A MIGHTY TRIUMPH O'ER HIS FOES. HE AROSE THE VICTOR OVER THE DARK DOMAIN, AND HE LIVES FOREVER WITH HIS SAINTS TO REIGN.

        

    HE AROSE! HE AROSE! HALLELUJAH! CHRIST AROSE.

 

BECAUSE HE LIVES, WE TOO WHO BELIEVE IN HIM AS LORD AND SAVIOR, SHALL LIVE WITH HIM ETERNALLY!

 

                     TRUST HIM FRIEND - JESUS NEVER FAILS            

      INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO LOG ON TO WWW.CHALLENGEOFFAITH.ORG

 

Comments click here: djvb7777@aol.com

**************************************************************************************

Q. You have often stated the Bible is Absolutely Accurate in the fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies. In one of your statements, you indicated that Daniel Chapter Nine predicted the time of the First Appearance of the Messiah. Can you explain?

A. I would be most happy to explain, because there is no question that the Bible is indeed the Eternal, Infallible Word of God. When we celebrated the wonderful Day we call "THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRANCE OF CHRIST INTO JERUSALEM" this Day was of supreme significance. You recall the crowd of people gathered as Jesus rode into the City on a Lowly Donkey waving their Palm Branches and shouting, "Blessed is the KING who comes in the Name of the LORD; Hosanna to the SON of David; Hosanna in the Highest."

As Jesus drew near, He saw the City, and "WEPT" over it saying, "If you had known, even you, "ESPECIALLY" in this "YOUR DAY" the things that make for your PEACE! BUT NOW THEY ARE HID FROM YOUR EYES." Luke 19:28-48 This is a direct fulfillment of the prophecy written "HUNDREDS" of years before by Zechariah who wrote: "Rejoice greatly, O Daughters of Zion! Shout, O Daughters of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you. He is Just and having Salvation. Lowly and riding on a Donkey, a Colt. the Foal of a Donkey." Zechariah 9:9

With this in mind, this Question arises! Should they have known the "TIME" and even the "DAY" when Messiah, the Christ, would be in their very presence as the Scripture Foretold? The answer is "YES!" Without a doubt, the "TIME" and I personally believe the "DAY"  as well. It all centers on the account of the Prophecy found in the Book of Daniel, Chapter Nine, where Daniel writes, "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy People and upon thy Holy City Jerusalem. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto "MESSIAH:  the PRINCE, shall be SEVEN WEEKS and THREESCORE AND TWO WEEKS. (69 Weeks) The streets shall be built again, and the walls even in troublesome times. And after THREESCORE AND TWO WEEKS, SHALL MESSIAH BE "CUT OFF" BUT NOT FOR HIMSELF." Daniel 9:24-25

Now, two issues are very important to understand this Prophecy. FIRST: The Seventy Weeks are literally SEVENTY SEVENS OR 70 X 7 which means, the prophecy covers a period of 490 Years. A "WEEK" in this portion is not a Seven Day Week as we know it  today, but, "ONE WEEK" equals SEVEN YEARS. You may ask how is this possible? Well, there are sufficient examples to show that this is not something NEW! Do you recall the account of JACOB, who had to work SEVEN YEARS for Laban, the Father of Rachael, the Love of his Heart. Laban said to Jacob, "Fulfill her "WEEK" and we will give you this one also for the service which you will serve with me still another "SEVEN YEARS!" Then Jacob did so, and fulfilled her "WEEK!" The tough part for Jacob was being DECEIVED by Laban, and having to work 14 YEARS to finally have Rachael as his Wife. Yes "TWO WEEKS!" Here we see a "WEEK" is a SEVEN YEAR PERIOD.

Secondly, each year is "NOT" 365 days as we know it to be today, but, each year is 360 Days. Taking a quick look into the last SEVEN YEARS of this prophecy, the 70TH WEEK OF DANIEL, which is still FUTURE, when the Anti Christ is in power, reference is made to the number of days in a YEAR, which again proves the 360 days in a Year. "And the Woman fled into the wilderness where she has a place prepared of God, that they would feed her there a THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED AND THREE SCORE DAYS!" Revelation 12:6 That is a total of 1,260 Days. Since this refers to the last half of the Seven Year Tribulation Period, when you divide 1,260 by 3 and one half Years, the answer is  360 days in a year. NOW KEEP THIS FACT IN MIND.

Now, the Next Question. When did this 70 WEEKS OF YEARS BEGIN? Daniel wrote: "Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the Commandment to Restore and to build Jerusalem unto "MESSIAH" the PRINCE, shall be SEVEN WEEKS AND THREESCORE AND TWO WEEKS." Daniel 9:27 The beginning point of this prophecy is found in the concern of Nehemiah over the sad condition of his Beloved City, Jerusalem. Recorded in the Book of Nehemiah, Chapter two, this man of God asked King Artaxerxes to allow him to go back to Jerusalem to rebuild the City. In a marvelous way, God moved upon the heart of this King and he issued a Decree allowing Nehemiah to go back SAFELY to rebuild the City. THIS DECREE WAS GIVEN IN THE TWENTIETH YEAR OF HIS REIGN IN THE MONTH OF NISAN, 445 BC.

Now my friend, the starting point of this Prophecy is the Month Nisan, in the year 445 BC. We have already determined that the first 69 WEEKS multiplied by 7 equals a period of 483 Years. By the 360 Year calendar, this gives us a total of 173,880 Days in this period of time.

An astounding Scholar, Sir Robert Anderson, allowing for the transition from BC (BEFORE CHRIST) TO AD (AFTER CHRIST) calculated, that going from 445 BC, and working through the 173,880 Days involved with this calculation, it takes us right up to the PRESENCE OF CHRIST RIGHT HERE ON EARTH, AND TO THE "DAY" WE CELEBRATE AS "PALM SUNDAY", WHEN JESUS ENTERED INTO JERUSALEM, HAILED AS THE "SAVIOR" WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.

AMAZING? FRIEND, OUR GOD IS AWESOME! Is there any wonder why our Lord "WEPT" over Jerusalem, saying, "If you had known, even you, "ESPECIALLY" in this "YOUR DAY" the things that make for your PEACE! But now they are Hid from your Eyes.: Yes, it was their "DAY" and they "MISSED" IT. But remember, the prophecy states, at the end of the first 69 weeks, "MESSIAH WOULD BE "CUT OFF" BUT "NOT" FOR HIMSELF!" O Yes, this also was foretold by the Prophet Isaiah who wrote: "He was WOUNDED for "OUR" transgressions, "BRUISED" for OUR iniquities; the Chastisement for our "PEACE" was upon HIM, and with HIS Stripes we are HEALED. All we like Sheep have gone Astray, we have Turned, "EVERYONE" to his Own Way, but the LORD laid on HIM, THE CHRIST, THE MESSIAH, the INIQUITY OF US ALL." Isaiah 53:5-6

Friend, "God made Him to be "SIN" for Us, HE WHO KNEW NO SIN, that We might be made the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN HIM." II Corinthians 5:21 I have endeavored  to set before you a few of the basic facts of this Prophecy, as it relates to the "TIMING" of the appearance of the Eternal Son of God, and His foretold Death on the CROSS when He paid the Supreme Price for our SINS as our SUBSTITUTE! I Pray, the Holy Spirit will give you clear understanding of this amazing Prophetic Word, for He promised to lead us into all TRUTH

By the way, Friend, HAVE YOU ACCEPTED CHRIST'S PAYMENT FOR YOUR SINS? THE SAVIOR IS WAITING FOR YOU TO OPEN THE DOOR TO LET HIM INTO YOUR HEART. RECEIVE HIM, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, AS YOUR PERSONAL LORD AND SAVIOR........TODAY.................AND BE SAVED!

Comments click here: djvb7777@aol.com

    **************************************************************************

Q.  What is your view on the matter of Separation of Church and State?

A. It was never the intention of our Founding Father's that the State would be free from religion, but that the State must never exercise control over the religious beliefs of the Church. The following message will help to further clarify the True meaning of Church and State with regard to religion.

 I have nothing against the Mexican Flag or any other Flag of the Nations of the world. I'm sure the Mexican People and the People of other Countries love their Flag and their Country, and I "RESPECT" them for being "LOYAL" citizens of their Homeland. HOWEVER, If these Young People, who were either born in America or who have Immigrated to our Country "LOVE" their Flag so much, THEN I SUGGEST THAT THEY GO BACK TO THEIR HOMELAND AND THERE "PROUDLY" RAISE THEIR FLAG AS HIGH AS THEY WANT, BUT "NOT IN AMERICA" above an Upside Down Flag of the UNITED STATES, A COUNTRY that gives such "FREEDOM" TO ALL!

                                      NOTE THE FOLLOWING "IMMIGRATION LAWS"   

1. There will be no SPECIAL "BILINGUAL" programs in the Schools.   2. There will be no SPECIAL BALLOTS for Election.  3.  All GOVERNMENT BUSINESS will be conducted in OUR LANGUAGE.  4. Foreigners will not have the right to VOTE no matter how long they are here. 5. Foreigners will never be able to hold POLITICAL OFFICE. 

6. Foreigners will not be a BURDEN to TAXPAYERS.  7.  NO WELFARE; NO FOOD STAMPS; NO HEALTH CARE OR OTHER GOVERNMENT ASSISTED PROGRAMS.  8.  If Foreigners do come and want to BUY land, that will be Okay, but options will be restricted. You are not allowed WATERFRONT PROPERTY that is "RESERVED" for Citizens Naturally Born into this Country. 

9. FOREIGNERS MAY NOT PROTEST, NO DEMONSTRATIONS, NO WAVING A FOREIGN FLAG, NO POLITICAL ORGANIZATION, NO BAD-MOUTHING OUR PRESIDENT OR HIS POLICIES. IF YOU DO, YOU WILL BE SENT HOME.  10. If you do come to this Country "ILLEGALLY" you will be "HUNTED DOWN" and sent straight to "JAIL."

        THE ABOVE LAWS HAPPEN TO BE THE IMMIGRATION LAWS OF "MEXICO!

                                                                    * * * * * * * * * * **

                                 MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS AMERICA