Obama Attracts Young Evangelicals

The younger crowd of Evangelicals, generally who are biblically and spiritually ignorant, are turning liberal and do not understand what is happening in our world. They do not understand that every decision they make has spiritual overtones. They separate such decisions from their spiritual walk. They do not discern and think what they are doing.      Someone has said that "These young Evangelicals are suffering from 'fetus fatigue' and want to 'give up' in the fight with the culture, the society, and with politics. They have lost their nerve and there sense of balance. Also, they are blinded by their choices. They know that the Democratic Party Platform is for higher taxes, taxpayer-funded abortion. They know that Barack Obama is pro-choice, but never mind, these issues are no longer moral issues with them!    It no longer matters when a candidate votes 100 percent for abortion, and for the funding of Planned Parenthood which sponsors abortions. If someone like Rick Warren endorses an Obama, this then makes it somehow alright! Concerning Warren, Dr. Tim LaHaye said that Warren is naïve and influenced by some socialist-minded people who claim to be Evangelicals. The younger Evangelicals who "don't get it," are totally out of sync with Obama but it does not matter to them. They are somehow blinded to him in an emotional way. They are going against both common sense but worse, they are going against Scripture!    Liberal Evangelical speaker Brian McLaren, who has endorsed Obama, thinks the Democrats are winning in influencing younger ignorant Evangelicals. He says he has met only one person in all his travels who was voting for McCain. Strangely, 85 percent of Evangelicals think abortion is "the taking of human life," nevertheless, they still think a woman has the right to choose. No one can tell which way the younger Evangelicals are going to go. While some may be more pro-life than their parents they are now more anti-religious right! They are leftist and socialist leaning! By degree, they are turning left in their social, cultural, and political thinking. One observer said the problem is that they lack "generational development." In other words, they are brainwashed by the thinking of the culture, and they cultivated their lack of thinking skills from the public schools, and secular university influences. They tell you they think as individuals, but it is just the opposite, they have a herd mentality! D. A. Carson said they think they have maturity spiritually and yet they have diluted their convictions. If they ever had any!    Dr. Mal Couch

We Predicted ...

In Central Texas our power company has just been purchased by a Muslim Investment Firm. They have bought out other power companies in the U.S. at the tune of Twenty-two billion dollars! They promised to run the company fairly but also according to "Islamic Principles."  We are selling our soul and our assets with any profit from such buyouts now going overseas. We are now marching to the edge of the abyss! And you were told this from this website ministry! We are moving rapidly into the apostasy!    Most Christians do not have the faintest idea of what is happening. They are spiritually sound asleep!    Dr. Mal Couch

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, does 2 Corinthians 1:20 relate in any way to the last part of Revelation 19:10? ANSWER:  Yes, I thank it could, at least to some degree. Revelation 19:10b reads: "For the testimony of [about, concerning] Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." And, 2 Corinthians 1:20 reads: "For as many as may be the promises of God, in Him they are yes; wherefore also by Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us."    Thomas writes on Revelation 19:10b: "He who has the spirit of prophecy will convey Jesus' testimony. … In essence, this statement means that the testimony given by Jesus is the substance of what the Spirit inspires Christian prophets to speak." This has to do with the prophets of Scripture, probably Old as well as New Testament. It is not about the average Christian being a divinely inspired prophet giving prophetic messages.    The promises of God are in Him, in Jesus. He is the Amen, the Verily! The Right On! Revelation 3:14 also calls Christ "the Amen"! On 2 Corinthians 1:20 Hodge writes in His 2 Corinthians commentary:     The promises of God are amen in Christ, because He is the sum and substance of them. … We say Amen, it is even so, to all God had promised, when we come to know Christ. … We Christians render a glad assent to the promises thus ratified in Christ. … In  Christ, therefore, the promises were fulfilled. … To receive God's testimony concerning His Son, to say Amen, and to believe, all mean the same thing.    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, is the Day of Christ the rapture of the church? It seems to be. ANSWER:  Yes, the expression Day of Christ, used in seven references in the New Testament, is about the rapture of the church. Sometimes this fact is overlooked. But the contexts of each passage make that clear. The expression is found in: 1 Cor. 1:7-8; 5:5; 2 Cor. 1:14; Phil. 1:6, 10; 2:16. Scofield has an excellent note on this subject in his Study Bible. He writes: The expression "the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, identified with His coming (1 Cor. 1:;7), is the period of blessing for the Church beginning with the rapture. This coming day is referred to as "the day of the Lord Jesus" (1 Cor. 5:5; 2 Cor. 1:14), "the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:6), and "the day of Christ" (Phil. 1:10, 2:16). "The day of Christ" in all six (seven) references in the NT is described as relating to the reward and blessing of the Church at the rapture. The expression "The Day of the Lord" has to do with the tribulation and the seven year period of the wrath of God upon the sinful and rebellious world, which I believe we are coming close to. However, the rapture of the church must come first. If we are getting close to the Day of the Lord, we are getting close to the rapture of the church, the Day of Christ! Coming before that is what the Bible describes as the apostasy of the church. And I think we are already moving into that time known as the falling away from THE TRUTH, and from THE FAITH, spoken of by both Paul and Peter. Peter warns about the apostasy, the day coming "when false teachers will arise among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves, ... and because of them the WAY OF THE TRUTH will be maligned" (2 Pet. 2:1-2). And Paul adds that the time will come when the congregations "will not endure sound (healthy) doctrine (teaching); but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own lusts; and WILL TURN AWAY their ears from THE TRUTH, and will turn aside to MYTHS (Lies)" (2 Tim. 4:3-4). We're arriving at this point now! Thanks for asking. Dr. Mal Couch

Bible Answers - August 24, 2008

Join Dr. Couch for the radio program Bible Answers. This program originally aired on KBDE in Waco, Texas on August 24, 2008.

Urgent Alert!

  Hallmark Greeting Cards is now turning out wedding cards for same-sex marriages. Many Christians are furious, but unfortunately, too few are willing to say anything in protest. But if we did, a big company does not care what we think. Our protest would probably mean nothing, though we should still try!

  Many believers say they are going to boycott Hallmark and produce their own wedding cards. Thank the Lord that there are many Christian bookstores selling some meaningful and even spiritual wedding cards! This is simply another step in the destruction of the culture. We are moving rapidly back to paganism. This is telling us the present makeup of our society. Things are changing so rapidly we cannot keep up with it!

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, some argue that the rapture of the church will take place on Pentecost because that is when the Holy Spirit came upon the church in Acts 2. What is wrong with that position?

ANSWER:  The pouring out of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 first of all has to do with the launching of the New Covenant, which will benefit the church, though the New Covenant is promised for Israel. The New Covenant replaces the dispensation of the Law of Moses. The Spirit of God is the sign that the New Covenant has come. He is the Activator of that Covenant.

   That the New would replace the Covenant of Moses (the Law) is spelled out clearly in Jeremiah 31:31-37. "I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt [the Mosaic Covenant]." Peter then quotes all of Joel 2:28-32 to show that what was happening in Acts 2 had to do with the launching of that New Covenant. "I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind …" (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17).

   It is important to note that Acts 2 is not a "fulfillment" of Joel 2 but a launching of the New Covenant. It will be fulfilled with Israel when God works again in the dispensation of the Kingdom, when the Jews come home to the Holy Land and believe in Jesus their Savior and their King.

   The church presently benefits from the New Covenant. It is now in operation but not completed in the sense of being fulfilled and finalized. Note that all Peter says is "This is that." He does not say "This is a fulfillment of …" Neither does he say that what was happening was but "an illustration" of the New Covenant, as some of my theological buddies say.

   That the church benefits from the New Covenant is alluded to in three places in the NT. Paul says that the circumcision of the heart is "by the Spirit, not by the letter [of the Mosaic Law] …" (Rom. 2:29). And he says again in 7:6 that "we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter [of the Mosaic Law]." Then in 2 Corinthians 3:4-8 he writes that we in the church dispensation now are "adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter [of the Mosaic Law], but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." Note he does not say "fulfillment" nor that it happened in Acts 2 as some kind of illustration! But he does show how presently the church is benefiting by it.

   The problem has been that many older dispensational teachers confused what was happening in Acts 2 as first and foremost for the church. This is not true. Some went so far as to say there were two New Covenants, one for Israel and one for the church. They were extremely conscious about not mixing the church and Israel But, in my opinion, they went too far to make their point.

   The New Covenant has been launched, the church presently benefits by it, but it will be finally fulfilled in the Kingdom when the nation of Israel accepts Christ as Savior and King. This will be the work of the Holy Spirit, and not (obviously) the work of the Law!

   This is not a co-mingling of Israel and the church. The two entities are still distinct and separate.

   To summarize: Acts 2 is about the launching (not fulfilling) of the New Covenant. It contrasts with and replaces the Mosaic Law. The church presently benefits from that New Covenant, and, it will have its ultimate fulfillment in the Kingdom.

   If you want to get it all straight I urge you to order my Handbook of the Book of Acts (Kregel). For a donation check to Scofield Ministries of $21, I will send it off to you. All of this is thoroughly explained in detail in that volume. I think the book would be an eye-opener!

   Thanks for asking.
   Dr. Mal Couch    

Dream Heresy!

In several brochures published by one of the "big" seminaries in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area said that God Dreams! I nearly fainted to see them buy into New Age cult heresy! This was first mentioned that God dreams by New Age leader Wayne Dyer. It was mentioned in a book in 2001 from Robert Schuller. Now it is being quoted by Bruce Wilkinson and Rick Warren.    Wilkinson added:     Fulfilling God's dream is what you have been made to do. If you don't follow your dream [that came from His dreaming] do you realize how many people will be affected because you didn't follow your dream? … It is God's dream and God's dream is never selfish.   God is the Dream Giver, he added. God is the Dream Coach. Rick Warren said that man's purpose is to realize he was "made for greatness." Schuller had earlier said, "The Dream Giver gave me a Big Dream? I was made to be a Somebody and destined to achieve Great Things!"    All of this reminds us of Jeremiah 23. The false prophets prophecy in His name "I had a dream. I had a dream!" (v. 25). But in truth they speak to cause God people "to forget My name by their dreams which they relate to one another" (v. 27). God concludes: "I am against the prophets. The [false] prophet who has dream may relate his dream, but let him who has My Word speak My Word in truth. What does straw have in common with grain?" (v. 28). Then, "I am against the prophets who use their tongues and declare 'The Lord declares'" (v. 31). Finally, "I am against those who have prophesied false dreams and related them, and led My people astray by their falsehoods and reckless boasting; yet I did not send them or command them, nor do they furnish this people the slightest benefit" (v. 32).     The false prophet says he is speaking "the oracle of the Lord" (v. 34a). But "I shall bring punishment upon that man and his household" (v. 34b).    A word to the wise!

1st Corinthians Audio Study - Introduction

Join Dr. Couch and Clifton Bible Church for a verse by verse study of the book of 1st Corinthians. Introduction.

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, Christ said in Matthew 5:42 that we should give to someone whatever they ask of us, and "do not turn them away who wants to borrow from you." Would this include giving to them things that would hurt them, drugs, liquor, or whatever? ANSWER:  Well, of course not. And that is assumed in the larger context of these verses called the Sermon on the Mount. The larger context is established in verse 16 where Christ said "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."    Doing "good works" and not "evil works" is what the Lord is talking about. To give something harmful to someone would be evil and not good! It is assumed also in the passage that the asking for help is in reference to a true need and that the person is asking for assistance with all sincerity. He needs honest charity. But it is also important to note that he is not simply "a taker." He is willing to borrow and even able to return what he has borrowed.    In working with people the Bible is assuming we are using common sense and discernment in what we are doing. We are supposed to note the character of the borrower and not simply doing what our Federal government does today—"Come one and come all! We're going to just give it all away in our socialistic government handout!"    In our present socialistic system in America, we are practicing SYMPATHETIC HUMANISM! That is, we are not requiring responsibility. This all started under President Lyndon Johnson who created what is known as the Entitlement Program. He gave billions away for women who had children out of wedlock, and free housing. This removed responsibility from a certain segment of our society. It also allowed them to stop working and it enabled them in their sin. Unmarried women started having more and more children, and, the men involved, had their sexual "fun" without being responsible! "Have all the illegitimate children you want! The government will pay for it all!"    We are to be BIBLICALLY HUMANISTIC when there is a genuine need and when the person is truly helpless. That is not the case today. It has been documented that most of the homeless are not really homeless. They honestly want to live on the streets and be irresponsible. They like that life-style and would have it no other way. But they want the freebies and not be held accountable.    It takes a proper judgment call to discern when there is a real need and when you are simply dealing with takers!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, morally America seems to be sinking deeper into the slime. What is going on? ANSWER:  Once our nation departed from the Word of God, the inventions of the evil heart and soul began to rule. And in my opinion, there is no turning back. Everyday I see television commercials that are becoming more and more evil! If the commercials are vile and gross, what must the programs be like? Prepare yourself for the filth to pile higher and higher with this fall's programming offered to the public. Because they have been raised on television, our younger generation is wallowing in evil. Thank the Lord that this may not be happening to all of them, but the numbers are growing. Even our Evangelical crowd, all the way up to the thirties, are not able to discern what is taking place within their own hearts. And because the Scriptures are not taught in the average church, their hearts and souls are no longer being fortified with the truth. Oh, they may have a lot of shouting, prancing, emotional outbursts, but this does not substitute for the line upon line teaching of the Scriptures.    It is my opinion that spiritual, moral, and social anarchy is not far away. Because our licentiousness is combined with our social freedoms, this is giving birth to a deadly brew of evil that will destroy our culture.    I cannot help but be reminded of Proverbs 28:4-5. The verses read: Those who forsake the law    praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive with them. Evil men do not understand justice,    but those who seek the Lord understand all things.    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, I hear a lot of flattering words and great speeches full of pomposity! Certain Christian leaders make you feel that they are going to change our world by their awesome speeches. What do you think of them? ANSWER:  We are into the apostasy of the church, and because this is so, spiritual departure will grow and grow, though "religion" will flourish. And only those who know the Word of God will be able to discern what is really happening. The others will be fooled and led astray.    Psalm 12 speaks to what is taking place now. The psalm warns that the faithful will disappear from the scene but among the "sons of men" there will come those who "speak falsehood to one another" (v. 2). They will use flattering lips and have a "double heart," that is, they will believe one thing but speak something else. God will judge those who "speak great things" (v. 3), and who say, "With our tongue we will prevail" (v. 4a). "Our great speeches and our lips, they are the lord over us!" (v. 4b). This psalm also says the wicked "strut about" and their vileness "is exalted among the sons of men" (v. 8). People rush to them and hang on every word and thought they utter.      Today, people are not able to properly discern the lie from the truth. Our Evangelical brothers listen to the "big" preachers and their flattery words. Thousands are following New Age deception. But few will turn about because they have no solid understanding of the Word of God. It no longer is being taught with clarity and soundness from the pulpit.    Thanks for bringing this up.    Dr. Mal Couch

Inerrancy of Scripture

The original Scriptures are accurate to the very letters of the words! This was proven again by a discovery at a dig in the city of Jerusalem. On July 31 2008, archaeologists found a government seal bearing the name of one of King Zedekiah's ministers, Gedaliah the son of Pashhur. This man served Zedekiah around 597-586 BC. This seal was found alongside another seal with the biblical name of Jucal the son of Shelemiah. Both names are mentioned in Jeremiah 38:1.    It is amazing how the Arab world can deny that Israel was ever in the Holy Land! Their determination today to drive Israel out of the land is a satanic ploy. It is Satan's effort to eradicate the Jewish nation who are the kingdom people. Christ will be King over Israel, the Holy Land, and the world, when He returns from glory.    The discoveries were made by Eilat Mazar who I believe is the son of the great Jewish historian and archaeologist of some years back, Dr. Benjamin Mazar. I met and interviewed Dr. Mazar on my first trip to Israel in 1970.    Jewish scholars are stunned because such a definitive discovery, down to the very names mentioned in the Bible, are rare. But they stand out as living and ancient proof that the events of biblical history are verifiable. In 1982, the archaeologist Yigal Shiloh also found a seal with the name of Gemariah ben Shaphan that goes back to the reign of King Jehoiakim (608-597 BC). This name is mentioned in Jeremiah 36:10.    It is no accident that such great demonstrations of the accuracy of our Bible are now being given to us in this age of doubt and skepticism. We do not have to shrink back from the criticism against the Bible, which is the living truth given to us by the Spirit of God!

Bible Answers for the week of August 10, 2008

Join Dr. Couch for the radio program Bible Answers. This program originally aired on KBDE in Waco, Texas on August 10, 2008.

Proverb for the Week: August 17

Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, cease from your consideration of it (Prov. 23:4-5). Many Christians are in the "health and wealth" mindset. I heard, however, one of the big charismatic teachers finally admit, "'The health and wealth' doctrine does not work in poor countries!"    No kidding!    It is sad that so many are gulping down great doses of false doctrine and fail to read carefully what the Word of God says on such issues. Verse 5 goes on and says: "When you set your eyes [on wealth], it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings. Like an eagle that flies toward the heavens."    One of the problems of the Jews when Christ was ministering among them was that they could not break away from the physical and understand His words in the realm of the spiritual. They were earth-bound and unable to think spiritually. So today, many believers are caught up in the false promises of the American culture and fail to look carefully at the great spiritual truths God gives us. Part of the problem is that many Christians are not taught the Scriptures, nor do they study it for themselves.    Lawson writes: To look at other men's money with covetous desires, and to look upon our own money with rapturous delight, because our hand has gotten much, is to make to ourselves gods of gold, as the ancient Israelites did, and to give the soul to such things, is wrong and sinful. That is why covetousness is called idolatry; and to rejoice in money more than in God is to say to the gold, "You are my hope, and to the fine gold, You are my confidence." This is foolishness and sinful!    In my opinion America is doomed. It is all over! There is no turning back. The Scriptures have been trashed by our culture, and the average Christian no longer honors them and considers them authoritative in his life! We are into the first phase of the apostasy, the stepping away from the truth! We are now a debtor nation. Financially, we are beholding to other nations, like China and Russia. They have bought up trillions of dollars worth of our bonds and indebtedness. The average American owes, on the average, about $17,000 to the credit card companies! There is no way to repay or get out from under this terrible financial burden.    On verse 5 the Rabbis point out that the Hebrew says something like, "Will you make your eyes fly to the wealth? Like a ravenous bird will you sweep down upon riches?" From my father I learned to work hard but not to look to wealth as my god! He came out of poverty but he had character when it came to providing for himself and his family. He did not need a fortune to be happy.    Dr. Mal Couch

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, I have been reading about the Messianic Jewish movement and about how they believe in Jesus. But it seems many put their allegiance in following the Law of Moses. What can you say about them? ANSWER: There is an explosion of Messianic assemblies here in this country, in Europe and even in Israel. For this I am most grateful. But many groups are not well taught dispensationally. They place themselves under the Law, feeling they have to culturally keep it as Jews. Where there are good dispensational instructors and teachers, this is not happening. In other words, they have a theological problem, and many do not realize their deficiency in this area. There are certain passages of Scripture they need to thoroughly study: Acts 15 and the Jerusalem Council, the entire book of Galatians, and specific passages such as Romans 3:21-31; 4:13-15. However, what often happens is that the Messianic Jews will argue with these portions of Scripture. Some even go so far as to say that Paul was mistaken in his theology! If you are confused, I hope you study through these verses, let them speak to you, and take them at face value. Thanks for asking. Dr. Mal Couch

Christian America Better Wake Up!

I do not believe Christians in this country realize how tenuous things are in our nation today. We are moving rapidly into the apostasy of the church, but too, things are shifting so quickly in all areas! Believers in Christ need to wake up and warn our people where all of this is going. I do not think most pastors "get it"! They are deep in sleep and are not aware of the world situation. Christians need to think long and hard as to whom they vote for this Fall. We need to pray and ask for forgiveness for our materialism and lack of appreciation for this great God-given nation. We may just get the President we deserve! By the way, in about thirty years, the European, Calvinistic base of America will be gone. In social demographics we will not be the same country. Other cultures do not share that heritage. In thirty years, by numbers, other cultures will dominate. We will have handed the land over to unsympathetic social groups. It will be a different nation! And all the things that established this country, socially, spiritually, culturally, will be wiped away! (It is virtually gone already!) Many of you reading these words will not understand what I am writing about because you lack a solid understanding of American history. Remember the old saying, those who do not know their heritage will certainly lose it! I do not believe our prayers will be answered in a positive way, though we should pray. We are certain for judgment because we squandered what was given to us. In my opinion, there is no turning back! Nehemiah 8 is a most interesting chapter in the OT. The people who had returned back to the Holy Land from Babylon had forgotten the Law. They spend several days having it read to them by Ezra. The people "understood the reading" and fell into deep conviction. The people began to weep and cry. They "understood the words which had been made known to them" (v. 12). The congregation began to rejoice with the Law of God read daily "from the first day to the last day." But this could not happen today in America. We have cut ourselves off from the Scriptures. It has no meaning to this younger generation; in fact, it is repudiated and scorned! Without the Bible, there is no divine authority to return to! If there is any benefit that will come out of all of this, it is that we will be made stronger by the persecution and ostracizing that will come upon us. Dr. Mal Couch

One of the Keys to Roman Catholicism: Gold, Glitter, and Marble!

Why are there so many buildings of marble, gold, and glitter at the Vatican in Rome? And why is the eye so pleased with all of the outward show of wealth and power? The answer can be found in the last words of the dying Pope, Nicholas V, spoken around 1450. He set forth the principle that would attract people to Catholicism and it would not be doctrine or the truth about theology. Instead, he said:   A popular faith, sustained only by doctrine and teaching, will never be anything but feeble and vacillating. But if the authority of the Holy See of Catholicism were visibly displayed in majestic buildings, imperishable memorials, and outward marble witnesses, seemingly planted by the Hand of God Himself, faith and belief would grow and strengthen like a tradition from one generation to another, and all the world would accept and revere it. Noble buildings and edifices, combining glory, taste and beauty, with imposing proportions, would immediately lead to the exaltation of the Chair of the Pope, the Chair of St. Peter."   In other words, by the gold and glitter you can make people think you have the truth and that you have the blessing of God. People are impressed by the eye-gate and not by the truth filling the heart and soul! Satan is smart and he knows how to control and fool people!   Dr. Mal Couch

Obama and Dispensationalism

Barack Obama was recently recorded as blasting the Scriptures! He clearly does not understand how the Word of God came together. And, he shows by his lack of knowledge the importance of interpreting the Bible dispensationally. He was recorded as saying that we cannot interpret the Scriptures too closely. As an example, he referred to the Old Testament in regard to stoning and to slavery. "Therefore, we cannot say that our country is built on the Bible because these views are endorsed in the OT!" Then he used the Sermon on the Mount and the issue of having peace with one another to argue against war and our military.   If one does not understand the dispensational shifts in Scripture from Law to Grace, such abuse can be thrown at the OT. Only dispensationalists fully understand the change from one dispensation to another! The Law failed because of human flesh. Paul says "it was weak through the flesh!" Obama has not done his biblical homework. And this was not his old "wayward" pastor speaking, it was his own views uttered in pure ignorance!   "Voter beware!"   Dr. Mal Couch

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, a lot of younger educated Evangelical women seem to have bought into the philosophy of feminism. How do we address that with them? ANSWER:  You are correct, and I have addressed this issue from time to time on this web. Many are unfortunately brainwashed by the culture and don't even know it. They think that to have worth they must have a profession. To care for and raise the children is no longer a calling and a great responsibility. Nor do a lot of women see themselves as a "help and support" to their husbands, as Genesis mandates. I know that there can be occasions when a woman may have to work (though some will disagree with me on that), still the Word of God points to the high calling of wife and mother, and puts this before anything else in the area of responsibility.    The Bible seems to assume that even in Paul's day, women were tempted to short change their womanly calling of wife and mother. There are qualities and characteristics that are given to women which are priceless, and the Scriptures spell them out. Women, especially younger women, have to be taught these things. And how a woman presents herself is not simply a cultural mandate, it is a spiritual calling.    Those of you who are reading this need to ponder: What would happen if I mentioned this Q&A to my wife? More than likely she would fight you (or with Paul and me), again, because she has been brainwashed! My counselor wife, Dr. Lacy Couch, has a theory that comes from years of experience counseling women. Many women do not like themselves in their role as a woman. Many women think that what a man does is more glamorous and exciting, so they want to do manly things and hang around in the company of men. They want to be "one of the guys." Too, some simply want to show that they can do some of the things that men have traditionally done just to show that they are equal to the same task. They have joined the sisterhood just to make a point.    Every Christian woman needs to read what Paul says about her position as a Christian woman. She needs to ask, "Do these qualities characterize me?" A woman needs to read 1 Timothy 2:9-15; Titus 2:1-8. Many passages of Scripture address what men are to be like but these two passages especially are aimed at women. If your wife resists, she is not treating the Word of God as authoritative and applicable to her as a woman, wife, and mother.    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, have you heard about what Tyson Foods is doing concerning the Muslim holiday of Ramadan? ANSWER:  Yes, it made the newspapers in some quarters. Tyson Foods is replacing the Labor Day holiday with a paid leave for the Muslim holiday. While many people have protested, all Tyson would say is "Those objecting are few in number." But the news media claims that many, many protest letters have been flooding the company. However, this will not matter. We seem to have no recourse to make things happen (or not happen) that are right, or have to do with what is not right. Our nation has been stolen out from under us.    Some have suggested that thousands of letters should be sent to Tyson, or that people should stop buying Tyson products.    Thanks for mentioning this.    Dr. Mal Couch

Proverb For the Week of August 10

He who spares his rod hates his son. But he who loves him disciplines him diligently (Prov. 13:24). The yuppy Christian parents who were raised on secular psychology as they came up through the ranks of the public schools practice spoiling and pampering their kids. They are sinning against the Word of God and virtually calling God "out of touch." That parent does not know what God has said in His Scriptures! They are sinning against their children and calling God foolish!    Secular psychology teaches self-esteem, self-actualization, and says that punishment puts shame on a child. That is correct, it does! And shame brings one to his knees and creates guilt. We should feel guilty when we've done something wrong! Now of course there is a balance to all of this. Physical punishment should be fitting to the crime. If there is lying, hurting someone else, continual defying the rules, the child needs some swats.    Many reading this have probably been at the grocery store where the mother is standing outside waiting for her kid to finish his fit. He throws rocks against the wall, falls on the concrete, yells and screams, etc. How dumb and stupid!    On Proverbs 13:24, on the verb hate the Rabbis write: "The verb is sometimes used merely with the comparative intention of not loving" though often meaning that the parent is mistreating the child by the lack of following God's commandments. "A man displays no love for a child by failing to correct him." But to chasten, "He does not overlook the child's faults and exercises disciplinary measures to eradicate them."    The old Calvinistic teacher, George Lawson, writes: "The foolish fondness of too indulgent parents is accounted by them parental love; but the Spirit of God calls it hatred. But he who loves his son chastens him as soon as he begins to discover that folly which is bound up in his heart." Chastening will be with spankings but also with directive words of guidance.    Dr. Mal Couch

Bible Answers for August 3, 2008

Join Dr. Couch for the radio program Bible Answers. This program originally aired on KBDE in Waco, Texas on August 3, 2008.

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Dr. Couch, I have heard people use Proverbs 24:10-12 as referring to abortion. Is this true? ANSWER:  The passage is not about abortion directly but the principle in these verses would certainly fit. Verse 10 reads: "If you are slack in the day of distress, your strength is limited." Or, if you do not respond to issues when things are tough, then your strength, your inner resolve, is weak. Verse 11 seems to add to the thought: If you see injustice and evil taking place in which people are dying (children are being aborted), and you do not respond, or "Hold them back," then you are guilty in letting them go to slaughter.    Verse 12 says there will be a price to pay. "If you say, 'See, we did not know this.' Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? And does He not know it who keeps your soul? And will He not render to man according to his work?"    I believe the issue of abortion is part of what will bring a judgment against the Western world, and of course America. Our nation will be held accountable. Expect a judgment soon concerning this issue and concerning homosexuality!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch

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Dr. Couch, what do you think of pastors who change their theology away from the Bible, and politicians who are also wishy-washy in order to attract a vote? ANSWER:  Proverbs 24:21-22 speaks about that: "Do not associate with those who are given to change, for their calamity will rise suddenly, and who knows the ruin they will receive from the Lord and from the king?"     The Rabbinical Targum renders the "those" as fools! The Rabbinical commentary on Proverbs adds: "This is about all kinds of light-hearted people departing easily from sound religious and political principles."    Makes you think about what is going on today! Right?    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch

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Dr. Couch, is 1 Corinthians 1:7-8 about the second coming of Christ or is it about the rapture of the believers just prior to the terrible Day of the Lord, the coming Wrath? ANSWER:  I believe it is about the rapture of the church for the following reasons: (1) Paul says the Corinthians, and us as well, are "awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 7). Notice that we (also the Corinthians) presently waiting for this next event, which would be the rapture. Many things must take place before His second coming. (2) Verse 8 from the Greek text better reads: "Who shall also in the future establish (bebaioo) you with absoluteness (finality) in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ."    Verse 8 has a similar ring to 1 Thessalonians 3:13: "So that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness at (the time of) the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints." 1 Thessalonians 3:13 is without doubt a rapture passage.    God's work in us will go all the way until the rapture in which we meet the Lord in the air. Paul shows this when he writes: "God is faithful through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Cor. 1:9).    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch

It's A Sick, Sick World!

I just discovered a couple of letters written to a syndicated columnist about raising children. I couldn't help but share them. They illustrate how secular psychology, self-esteem, the self-actualization theory, has brainwashed the yuppy crowd. The letters speak for themselves though I can't help but make a few comments! "I recommend not stressing out about your teenager's messy bedroom. I did, however, ask my own two children to keep their bedroom doors shut. Every Saturday morning, I would clean out the 'science experiments' and wet towels in their room. The rest was up to them—if they wanted to live like that, it was OK with me. Eventually, as they ran out of clean clothes and were unable to find things, they wised up and kept neater bedrooms. I didn't want to sacrifice my relationship with them over a messy bedroom. Keeping the bedroom doors shut was the key to controlling my stress level."       (Notice the entire issue is about mom's stress level not about what is right or wrong concerning "doing things decently and in order." And by the way, it should be dad who is giving instructions to the kids. He needs to run interference for the mother. A strong manly voice and "command" will get their attention! My older generation never talked about "stress." Life is tough with its ups and downs. The idea of personal stress was never an issue! You do what is right, what may be tough, and, you teach the children what is right!) "If your child is about to have his or her haircut, use the word 'trim' instead of 'haircut.' 'Trim' is a less-scary word than 'cut.'"    (What little sick and weak crumb snatchers we are making today. It would not take but one trip to the barber for the little kid to know what the word "cut" meant! We are so afraid of their "widdo feewings," instead of trying to make them strong as to how to live in a hard world! Question: If your little kid gets hurt, do you rush over and say "Are you hurt, are you hurt?" Let them explain to you the proper level of intensity as to what is happening. Often, it is we who are "imagining" and are out of reality. The kid may not be hurt at all! Give the appropriate response to the appropriate issue! If he is really hurt, that is one thing. But the "hurt" may simply be about YOU and not about the child!)    Dr. Mal Couch

A Merrill Lynch Warning!

"America depends on Asian, Russian, and Middle Eastern investors to find much of its $700 billion current account deficit, leaving it far more vulnerable to collapse. But the lion's share is held by the central banks of China, Russia, and petrol powers. These countries could all too easily precipitate a run on the dollar climate and bring the United States to its knees, should they decide it is in their interest to do so."    We are now a debtor nation and have become a slave to the Godless world systems.    Dr. Mal Couch

Ask Dr.Couch

Dr. Couch, what is going on? ANSWER:  I've mentioned often before, it's the apostasy prophesied in Scripture! I believe we're moving into the first stages. But there is one good thing coming out of it: I've never seen such unity of opinion among believers as is now taking place. This is giving me much hope that we can somehow, those of us who are seeing what's happening, bring the message of warning, the gospel, pointing out that there is no humanistic hope. We only have the spiritual message of salvation in Christ. I have no hope in what the world may do.    Many Christians simply want "peace" and think that we'll avoid what is happening. They make everything positive and syrupy: "God has a dream for you. He is going to change the world through you!" How dumb!    I'm certain that the church will be taken out of here by the premillennial rapture before the Day of the Lord, the Tribulation, but we may face the gathering storm, the winds of destruction (that Paul calls "the difficult times to come" [2 Tim. 3:1]), which arrive just prior to that awful seven year time of world-holocaust!    By the way, it's mainly premillennial/dispensationalists who are united by what they are now seeing coming upon the world. They read the Scriptures and are far more knowledgeable than the Covenant guys who deny the prophesied future events given in the Word of God! Guess who is going to be right?    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch

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Dr. Couch, do you think the Roman Catholic argument that the hundreds of divisions among Protestants prove that they are in error? ANSWER:  Oh, heavens no! Truth does not stand or fall on how people respond to it, but on its very nature. Millions of Protestants are not being taught the Scriptures so confusion is the natural consequences for the lack of teaching. But remember, that human nature thrives on division, and people gravitate to error and their own agendas if they are not looking carefully at the Word of God. All one has to do is look at the problems among the churches that Peter and Paul addressed in their letters.    Catholicism would be divided as well if it did not hold over its members the threat of the loss of salvation if they departed from the Catholic system. This includes the necessity of baptism, the mass, and confession. If the Catholic does not practice these, he is lost! By becoming a visible, earthly system, the glitter holds people and makes them think, "This must be the true church! Look at all the visible confirmation!"    The apostle Paul warned the church at Rome, "Keep your eyes on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which learned, and turn away from them" (Rom. 16:17). That teaching was the truth given by Paul, and recorded in Scripture. If we depart from that, confusion will arise. The Catholic Church does not hold people by biblical truth but by human devices and external threats. Every Catholic I have known said they feared going to hell if they left the Church!      Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch

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Dr. Couch, what is the "mystery" Paul speaks about in Romans 16:25? ANSWER: The language of Romans 16:25-26 is almost identical as found in Ephesians 3:1-6. Actually, the entire section about the mystery is explained in some detail in Ephesians 3:1-11. The mystery Paul speaks about is the church that was not revealed in the OT. "In other generations it was not made known" but it is now revealed to His holy apostles and (NT) prophets by the Spirit (v. 5). Specifically, that the Gentiles have become fellow heirs and members of the body (of Christ). In other words, the church was not described or revealed in the OT, but the knowledge of the church was "made known to me [by] the mystery, as I wrote before in brief" (v. 3). And, "when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ" (v. 4). This is about the "stewardship" (dispensation) of God's grace which was given to me for you" (v. 2). The word dispensation (administration) is also used in verse 9. THIS IS WHY I'M A DISPENSATIONALIST! The amil guys and the progressive dispensationalists try to tell us the church is mentioned in the OT but we just don't recognize it! It is there but just hidden from us! How silly! (Any argument will do when you try to create your own doctrines!) They will do anything to avoid the obvious truth to create their own belief system to fit their preconceived agendas. The Scriptures are not difficult to interpret. Just read them and let them speak what is normal and simple to understand. Paul makes it clear that the church was made know to him in its full understanding. It was revealed to him as the apostle of the Gentiles. In Romans 16 Paul says the gospel came to the believers in Rome "according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret for long ages past" (v. 25). But now it is made known "to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith" (v. 26). Thanks for asking. Dr. Mal Couch

Bible Answers for July 27, 2008

Join Dr. Couch for the radio program Bible Answers. This program originally aired on KBDE in Waco, Texas on July 27, 2008.

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Dr. Couch, have you ever heard of Cowboy Churches? ANSWER: Yes, I have. Where I live that are many of them. And it grieves me because this is but a gimmick in order to attract attention for going to church. This is part of the Emerging Church mentality. Use any device in order to get people to come to the services. Now I want to be clear, I am always glad when the gospel is given. And most of these churches seem conservative and not liberal. But they certainly are not churches as described by the apostle Paul. A church is for the teaching of the saints, giving forth of sound and solid doctrine. A sound church should be making clear the Scriptures and exegeting the Word of God. But these churches simply give short devotionals and have a lot of country music entertainment. Most of the messages are short devotionals with little substance. Many bring their horses in order to ride around the grounds together when the devotional messages are over. Some have reported to me that you can see in the faces of the younger crowd that they cannot wait for the entertainment to be over so that they can get on with the bar-b-que and then the horse riding. Those coming like to dress up with their cowboy hats and boots. They are into the cowboy mystique and like to play at church, as cowboys! Many of these churches meet out in pastures or in open barns. Now that does not bother me. To have a biblical church does not mean one has to meet in a church building! But what is really happening is that these cowboys want to continue to play cowboys on Sunday. They like the Western setting, the boots and the hats. And, they need to be honest as to what really attracts them to such meetings. Most of the "preachers" each Sunday are not well-trained. In fact, they would resent someone saying they should be, in order to clearly present the Scriptures. Some would argue, "But this cowboy emphasis gets the cowboys here!" But at what cost? If few show up to hear God's Word, without some showmanship attached to the services, this simply tells us that indeed we are in the apostasy and the departure from the truth! I happen to have some distant relatives who started going to such a church out in West Texas. At first, they raved at how good it was but then they began to slip, and finally they stopped all together. The reason: there really was no substance to what they were hearing. It was all fun and games in order to attract a crowd! What would you think if we started a Boat Church, or a Chess Church? People who like boating and enjoyed playing chess would show up, but would this be a church meant to teach and instruct believers in the Scriptures? But think about it! Why not a Boating or Chess playing church? If I can do a Cowboy church, one gimmick is as good as the next! What disappoints me the most is: Christians are not thinking! They justify their foolishness without analyzing what they are really doing. And many are willing to attend such a church and leave a good Bible teaching assembly. There is an old saying: "Any excuse will do!" Cowboy churches will probably be but a passing fad. Someday, these folks will wake up and say, "What in the world were we thinking?" Thanks for asking. Dr. Mal Couch

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Dr. Couch, how do we explain Christ dying for the sins of those believers in the OT? ANSWER: The Bible speaks clearly on this issue. The most obvious passage is Romans 3:25. "God displayed [Christ] publicly as a propitiation [place of mercy] in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed." Hodge rightly says "The sins before the coming of Christ (Acts 14:10; 17:30; Heb. 9:15). In this sense Christ tasted sin for every man (Heb. 2:9)." The ceremonial offerings of bulls and goats never justified the OT believer. The writer of Hebrews notes: "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins" (Heb. 10:4). The OT believers had already been told this. "In whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin Thou [God] hast taken no pleasure" (Psa. 40:6). It was revealed then in verse 7 that the coming of the Messiah was in order to be the One who would take away sin. "Then I [the Messiah] said, 'Behold I have come'" in order to do just that! That is, take away sin! The Jews were very familiar with Isaiah 53 and the prophecy of the Suffering Servant. Verse 12 makes it certain that by His coming death He would "justify the many." Hebrews goes on and reminds the reader that the priests of the OT were offering sacrifices "which [could] never take away sins" (Heb. 10:11). But when Christ died He made one offering and sacrifice "for sins for all time" and then "sat down at the right hand of God" (Heb. 10:12; Psa. 110:1). Finally: "For by one offering He has perfected [made complete] for all time those who are sanctified" (Heb. 10:14). Hebrews 9:15 wraps up the argument: "And for this reason He is the mediator for a new covenant in order that since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance." The Mosaic covenant ("the first covenant"} could not finish the issue of sin. Only the New covenant could by the substitutionary death of Christ! Thanks for asking. Dr. Mal Couch

Christian Professor Faces Muslim Wrath

Indrek Wichman, professor at Michigan State University sent an email to the Muslim Student's Association about what was happening to Christians in Muslim countries. The letter was not inflammatory but simply factual. The association came unglued and attacked the professor's letter calling it a hate crime. So far, the University is standing by the professor but for how long? This is a warning to our readers to expect more and more attacks and responses from such groups. And expect liberal judges at some point in the future to side with the Muslims. In another unrelated issue, experts are now expecting homosexual groups to start coming against Evangelicals for what the Bible says in their publications against homosexuality. I understand that one Christian publisher of English Bibles is being sued because they simply published the Bible in its specific translation. Dr. Mal Couch

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Dr. Couch, what is the veil in 2 Corinthians 3:15-16? ANSWER: It is a covering that keeps the Jews from understanding spiritual truth. Because of their hardened heart, the Law when read, has a blinding effect. Now it is not a "blinder" in itself but the Jews misinterpret the Law and turn it into an instrument of self-works in order to obtain salvation. The verses read: "But to this day whenever Moses [the Law] is read, a veil lies over the hearts of the Jews; but whenever a man turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away." Isaiah 25:6-8 says that there is also a veil that covers the spiritual understanding of all peoples. In the Millennium, from Jerusalem, that covering that is a form of spiritual blindness will be removed. The Lord of Hosts will prepare a lavish banquet "for all peoples" on this mountain (in Jerusalem). He "will swallow up the coverings [the veils] which are over all peoples, even the veil which is stretched over all nations" (vs. 6-7). Psalm 22:27-28 confirms this. "And all the families of the nations will worship before Thee, for the kingdom (Millennial) is the Lord's, and He [will] rule over the nations." The verses go on and speak of the Messiah but they point out that He indeed is God! "He [the Messiah] will swallow up death for all time, and the Lord God will wipe tears away from all faces." "In that day" He will come, "our God for whom we have waited that He might save us." Notice that the coming One, the Messiah, is God! "This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation" (v. 9). Israel is in blindness because they stumble over the meaning of the Law. But the nations are in blindness because God has in the past rejected them. But the day of redemption will be completed and finalized in the messianic Kingdom. God will "come" in the person of the Messiah and removed blindness from the eyes of the Gentiles, and, He will have finished up and finalized the issue of death "for all time." On Isaiah 25:6-8 Unger writes: "The blindness focuses on ignorance of the way to eternal life an immortality, first to be removed from the Jews (Psalm 102:13; Rom. 11:12), and then from the Gentiles (Psalm 102:15-16, 21-22)." Thanks for asking. Dr. Mal Couch