Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, I have over the years really admired your biblical knowledge. I remember when we went to your church and had come out of a Pentecostal congregation. Some of my relatives believe that speaking in tongues is part of salvation, as well as the belief of the United Pentecostal and Oneness people. What information do you have on this subject? Almost all of my family has been brainwashed on the issue. – D.E. ANSWER:  I recommend the latest commentary in the series I have been working on as general editor, and that is The Book of First Corinthians by a great scholar, Dr. Dan Mitchell, AMG Publications. Also, my book entitled The Holy Spirit that you can get from our ministry. For a donation for shipping, I'll send you, say, ten copies that really explain the issue of "Speaking in Languages." And no, it is not required for salvation, but too, the subject is terribly misunderstood. Paul is not saying in 1 Corinthians 12-14 what they want the passage to say.    Send me your address so we can fire off the volumes on The Holy Spirit, if you want them. Too, we have just reproduced a series of studies by the great old scholar, and former teacher of mine, Dr. Merrill F. Unger. In the series he has two CDs on Speaking in Tongues. The cost of the series, with an album, just $30. Make the donation out to Scofield Ministries, and send it to Scofield Ministries, 120 CR 3222, Clifton, TX 76634    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, should not Christians have more wisdom and not be so duped and gullible in their thinking? Or is this part of His sovereignty, to allow evil to run its course, and too, in life He hands out divine retribution, even on believers? ANSWER:  While God is sovereign and taking His world where He wishes it to go, there are still natural processes at work. We cannot fathom how all of this works. It is a "both and ..." when we try to reconcile His sovereignty and human responsibility!    As the Lord builds His church we find Paul writing: "That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, and that you being rooted and grounded in love ..." Peter also writes: that we should "grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 3:18). We have to grow because we're not there yet! I have the same argument when discussing the physical and mental growth of a child. It takes at least 20 years for one to become mature! So in the Christian life—it is a growth process—we do not mature instantly!    Paul adds: That we should no longer be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming, etc. ..." (Eph. 4:14). This is why most of the epistles were written—to strengthen, to support, to mature out believers by the process of learning. Natural processes are at work! But so is the Holy Spirit! God is working with what He has in believers. We are changed by His steady working on us!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch

CULTS AND WATER BAPTISM

It is almost cultish to try to argue that water baptism is necessary for salvation. But those who are the weakest in the faith, and who do not know exactly what the Bible is teaching about salvation, always use water baptism to finish in their thinking the work of redemption.    Now the apostle Paul makes it absolutely clear in 1 Corinthians 1:12-17 that water baptism is not a part of the gospel. He says "Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel ..." Paul had trouble remembering who he baptized in Corinth. While it is a good sign of the cleansing work of salvation, it does not save.    In Acts 10:43-47 it is clear that one simply believes to receive forgiveness of sins (v. 43), then the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard Peter's words, then they began to speak with languages (v. 46), and, then it was said that they could be baptized in water (v. 47). Baptism came last after they had believed and received the Holy Spirit!    Here are some verses the cults use to try to support water baptism for salvation:    (Acts 22:16) The Greek text reads in regard to the salvation of Paul: "Having arisen, and to be yourself baptized, and to wash away yourself your sins, having yourself called [on] the name of Him."    Paul uses what is called the Middle Voices in these verbs, that is why we translate them with "yourself." The great old Greek grammarians Dana & Mantey prefer: "get yourself baptized," and "get yourself washed."    Then a Middle Participle is used: "having yourself called [on] the name of Him." The baptism and the washing is but a picture, the main force in the verse is "having yourself called on His name." This is what truly saves! The calling upon His name!    Ellicott rightly points out that this is related to the "bath of regeneration" from Titus 3:5-6. "We are saved according to His mercy, by the bath (washing) of regeneration and/even the renewing (remaking) by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior." This is not water baptism but the baptism of the Holy Spirit!    (Hebrews 10:22) "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." How do we literally have our hearts "sprinkled" from an evil conscience? This clearly is a picture, a type, a symbol! We do not sprinkle our pumping heart with water in order to be saved! And if I could somehow throw water on my heart, how would that cleanse my heart from an evil conscience?    What if the washing of our bodies is not done with pure water? What kind of water can I use? How would that save me spiritually, that is, the pouring of water on my body?    Ellicott makes sure we understand that this verse is symbolic. He correctly writes: "Sprinkled from an evil conscience, that is, freed by means of the sprinkling from a conscience defiled by guilt. In the last words there is a CLEAR ALLUSION TO BAPTISM as the SYMBOL of the new life of purity (Eph. 5:26; Titus 3:5; 1 Pet. 3:21)."    The cult guys speak out of both sides of their mouths. They say: "Although water baptism does not of and by itself forgive our transgressions of God's law, it remains one of the required steps in the salvation process." You cannot have it both ways! It either saves or it does not!    (Mark 16:16) "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned." Ellicott says: "There is no 'and not baptized' in the second clause here. Unbelief—by which is meant the rejection of the gospel in heart and life, not weakness or doubt as in verse 14—shall condemn a man, whether baptized or unbaptized. And, conversely, it follows that our Lord does not set forth here the absolute, but only the general necessity of baptism to salvation; as the Church of England also teaches. But that general necessity extends to all to whom baptism is accessible."    The sin of unbelief is the most compelling issue in the passage, and not the issue of baptism! – Dr. Mal Couch

New Audio Files: Topicals

Join Dr. Couch and the Clifton Bible Church as Dr. Couch teaches regarding Calvinism and also has two sessions of Questions and Answers on various subject matters.

• Calvinism
• Question and Answer - Miscellaneous - Part One
• Question and Answer - Miscellaneous - Part Two

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, why in Genesis 3:15 is it stated first that the (1) "seed of the woman (the Messiah) will bruise the serpent (Satan) on the head" before (2) "the serpent (Satan) bruises Him on the heel." The Messiah is said to bruise the serpent with a head wound before the serpent inflicts the bruise on His heel! Is there a reason for mentioning the bruising on the head of the snake first (a mortal wound), before the serpent has bruised the heel? ANSWER:  First, it is important to note that the English translation of "bruise" is a poor selection for the Hebrew word "su' ph." That word should better be translated "to crush." I do not know why the translators in many versions translated the word with the lighter meaning of "to bruise." What a goof!    While on one hand God sees Satan already defeated by the death of the Messiah on the cross, yet in another hand in time and space, that defeat is yet to come about in history at the end of the tribulation period. The apostle Paul makes an interesting statement in Romans 16:20: "And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet (the feet of believers)." In Greek we have a Future Tense of the verb "suntrebo" which means "to trample, to crush, to conquer, to shatter."    Notice that in the passage it is God who is doing this, obviously using the judicial work carried out at the cross of the Messiah, but with also the victory that takes place with the redeemed believers!    There is something else to notice in this passage as well. Most translations say this will happen "soon," but the word used is "tachei." This word really should be translated "with rapidity." Or, when it takes place, it will happen speedily, and suddenly! The word "soon" is not a good translation.    On this verse Kroll writes: "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet" (v. 20). In echoing Genesis 3:15, Paul reminds the believers at Rome that God has promised ultimate victory to His church, and shortly (better, "rapidly"), despite Satan's crafty attacks, the enemy will be defeated. God will crush Satan, and the kingdoms of the world will become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever (Rev. 11:15)."    Now to the original question, Moses in Genesis 3:15 wants to give the answer that fits best to the context of verses 14-15, and that is, it is guaranteed that the seed of the woman, the Messiah, will without a doubt, be victorious over the serpent, or Satan. That is why this is mentioned first. With the chronological order changed, Moses gets right to the point that Satan will surely be defeated—no question about it! So that is what he mentions first!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch

A Comparison Between Israel and the Church

Please click on this picture to see it full size.

New Audio Files: Mark

Join Dr. Couch and the Clifton Bible Church as they travel through the book of Mark. Here are the latest installments:

• Mark 1:2-2:22
• Mark 2:23-3:30
• Mark 3:31-4
• Mark 5

WE NEED A “CHRISTIAN” POLITICAL ASSOCIATION!

I never thought I would argue for such, but I have changed my mind, at least temporarily! We have no political voice—those of us who are believers in Christ, and who are conservative. The Muslims have dozens of organizations, associations, foundations, by which they influence media, government, etc. But Evangelicals seem to be silent and have no concerted voice that speaks for us in the market place!    We need (1) lawyers, (2) researchers, (3) theologians, (4) pastors, (5) businessmen, etc. But more importantly, we need a group of just plain concerned and spiritual Christians who will take time to work, to promote, organize, in order to let the world know that we are standing on the Word of God, and applying it to the affairs of our nation!    The Muslims, liberals, and radicals, have such organizations, but we are silent. Who will grab the ball and punt in order to get such an organization started? – Dr. Mal Couch

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, With all that is prophesied about the church in the last days, is it possible to have a great revival in the church as a whole? There is great concern for our nation. So is it possible to have a third great awakening as previously happened in the past with Finney, Whitfield, and Edwards? What is needed to achieve this? And if it is impossible, then what should we be doing?

ANSWER:    But also, if indeed we are into the last days, the apostasy, then there will be no turning back. How do we know we are in the end times? Israel is back in the Holy Land, and it is prophesied that she would return in unbelief, and that is just what is happening.

   What should we do? We should keep on keeping on! We can only touch those nearest to us. I find the harder we teach the more people are responding, but of course, I am resonating with believers and they are identifying with my hard and straight-on, tough explanation of Scripture. I would urge pastors to (1) teach their hearts out. (2) stop babying the sheep! (3) quite thinking that you must go easy and placate people. Some will walk, but so what?

   I had some young-ish soft Bible teachers tell me one time that I was too harsh in my presentation. But they failed to notice that this is what people really wanted. Often people want to hear righteous indignation! And many want Bible teachers to be prophets and speak the truth head-on! If we don't tell people the way things are, how will they change? (By the way, those young-ish Bible teachers ruined and destroyed everything they touched. They were not as smart as they thought they were!)

   The apostle Paul, Peter, and the writer of Hebrews often use the Greek word "stereos" when describing that we should use "steroids" and make people strong in the difficult times coming. For example:

   "The foundation of God must stand strong (be tough) not stand in a weak manner" (2 Tim. 2:19). "They were not able to eat strong T-bone steak" (Heb. 5:12). The churches are to be strong, tough in the faith (Acts 16:5). And "You be tough, steadfast in your faith in Christ" (Col. 2:5).

   Thanks for asking.
   Dr. Mal Couch
(September 2009)

URGENT! IS IT TRUE?

We have heard that September 25th is Islamic Day of Prayer at the White House! Is this a joke? Are we all dreaming? – Dr. Mal Couch

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, there seems to be a lot of verses in the OT that are spoken to Israel but have a secondary application to our day. Do you agree? ANSWER:  Yes, indeed! For example, Isaiah 22:12-14. God called Israel to be weeping and wailing for their sins (v. 12), but instead, the Lord heard "gaiety and gladness, killing of cattle (for a banquet), the eating of meat and drinking of wine (v. 13a). The Jews were saying "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we may die"! (v. 13b).    Our nation is full of sins and evil from the presidential office on down, and what is worse, watching television one sees nothing but entertainment, fun, and people doing everything to ignore what is happening in our nation and in the world! The average citizen cares less! Few know what is going on!    The Lord revealed Himself to Isaiah and said, "Surely this iniquity shall not be forgiven you [the nation]. The nation will die!" (v. 14). America has crossed the line, there is no turning back. Judgment is certain. In verse 14 God describes Himself as "The Lord of hosts," or "The Lord of the armies" of heaven. He is going to make war with this sinful nation, as He made war with the Jews over their sins.    In a brilliant description of these verses, Unger writes: "Their giving themselves instead to merrymaking and revelry and to the expression of a hedonistic and pagan philosophy attests to their reckless abandonment of faith in God. Such iniquitous unbelief, it was revealed to Isaiah, shall not be purged (forgiven) ... till you die, the ultimate in God's chastening of His own people."    This is America, music, dancing, football, sickening sin, stupid advertising, outright paganism, sensuality, etc. Our people will smile and dance all the way to the pit! When the sickening commercials come on television, my wife, Dr. Lacy Couch, says "We play!"    For an example of what's going on, in a small town in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area the school board decided to have nothing about Christmas this year in their schools, but instead, to have a Hindu celebration in its place. We are sick and it is terminal!    Another passage that is so pointed is Isaiah 30:9-14. There the people plead with the ministers of Israel to stop saying words of judgment. The people are described as "a rebellious people, false sons, sons who refuse to listen to the instruction of the Lord: who say to the prophets, "You must not see any more visions," and, "You must not prophecy to us what is right, speak to us instead pleasant words, prophecy illusions."    Then the people add, "Get out of the way, you prophets, turn aside from the path, let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel!"    God answers: "Since you have rejected this word, and have put your trust in oppression and guile, and have relied on them, this iniquity will be on you like a ... high wall, whose collapse comes suddenly in an instant." When America collapses, it will be like the breaking of pottery, the smashing of the potter's jar. Not one piece of pottery will be found! (v. 14).    Unger again writes: "God's holiness had become so unpalatable to those unholy rebels, they beg Him to 'get out of our presence,' let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel."    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (September 2009)

A Letter of Appreciation

Dr. Couch, I used to be one of your students. I want to tell you how much I appreciate your continued friendship and support in all things. It is a real delight to be able to correspond with you. These are difficult times we live in and your wisdom is sorely appreciated!

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, it seems as if you have been right on target about the fact of the arrival of the predicted apostasy. What do you see happening next? ANSWER:  As I am writing this response, our President, Barack Hussein Obama, is possibly holding meetings with contrary foreign powers in the U.N. in New York. Israel is of course the target. What happens in the Middle East around Israel, God's earthly people, will determine how far and how fast things will move toward the prophesied end times. But with the church, an apostasy is now at work.    Paul warns the church: "We are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; ..." (Eph. 4:14). Notice what will blow the church around—every wind of doctrine, or [false] teaching. We are now moving into the stage of false teaching or no teaching whatsoever! Young Christians are not interested in the teaching of the Word of God—they are interested in musical entertainment, fluff, psychology, light junk given from the "stage" not the pulpit! (One pastor drove a tank on the stage of his church to make a point!)    Young Christians (if truly they are believers) have no patience with depth and with thinking about spiritual things. They want it short, simple, light, and devotional in nature. They are yuppy in their thinking. They are selfish and are conscious about "natural foods," and safety issues for their little darlings. They will go to the doctor's office at the drop of the hat! Some churches are pushing the green movement. The younger set think they are going to save the world. Of course, not all are thinking this way, but most are!    These attitudes are killing us and diverting us from thinking spiritual thoughts! And I believe, there is no turning back!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (September 2009)

CAN YOU KEEP UP WITH THE TUMBLING APOSTASY NOW OVERTAKING OUR WORLD, AND THE CHURCH?

President Barack Hussein Obama struck down an order that prevented the U.S. government from paying for abortions worldwide. He declared June 2009 as "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month." .He bragged that he is the first President to appoint senate-confirmed gay positions "in the first 100 days of my administration." He called the Muslim book "The holy Qur'an." .He added, "We do not consider ourselves a Christian nation." He bragged with pride about the 1,200 mosques in the U.S. .He announced that the White House would not observe the National Day of Prayer. .He is pushing for Israel to give up more of their Holy Land to the Palestinians. He is silent on the suicide murdering bombers among the Palestinians who have killed thousands of Jews! But some good news: In June, over 100 people immigrated to Israel. Some 3,000 more English speaking Jews will arrive soon in the Holy Land! Immigration has jumped by more than 50% this year. God is calling His own home despite the apostasy that is taking place in our own country, led by our own President who promised us what we would get: Change, change, and more change! And boy, was he right! – Dr. Mal Couch (September 2009)

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, thank you for your book Classical Evangelical Hermeneutics. I understand now how so many pastors are not explaining, exegeting, or using good hermeneutics from the pulpit. They just "talk" but do not pull out from the text the meaning of the passages! We are in deep trouble with the death of hermeneutics and exegesis, are we not? ANSWER:  Yes indeed, it is over for the church! We are into the apostasy where the Bible is no longer being explained. And, in my opinion, there is no turning back!    Hermeneutics is a good biblical word, used often by Christ and by Paul. Here are some of the references: Luke 24:27; Acts 9:36, and in reference to explaining the gift of linguistics, 1 Corinthians 12-14. The word is also used in John 1:38, 41, 9:7; and Hebrews 7:2. It is often translated "explained, interpreted, translated."    Sometimes the preposition dia is at the front of the word, thus to be translated "to thoroughly interpret." The base word is hermes that comes from the name of Hermes, the messenger god of the Greeks. Thus, hermeneutics is how one moves or transmits a message. Today, hermeneutics is a lost skill, or forgotten art. Pastors will no longer be able to set forth clearly the message of the Bible. Doctrine will be trashed and lost! And without doctrine, the church will sink deeper into apostasy, error!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (September 2009)

THE GALLOPING APOSTASY!

Brian McLaren has joined with the Muslims in celebrating Ramadan. He is fasting with the Islamic rite "to promote the common good together with people of other faith traditions." However, he is not asking for the salvation of the Muslims! We should not be surprised at this. The apostasy is here, just as I said it would be!    Also, we are now into the full blown feminization of the church, just as I also predicted! As reported by Barna, the liberal churches have almost doubled their senior women pastors in their pulpits. Too, they are going into the churches with more education than the men. 63% of the pastors have seminary degrees while 77% of the women pastorettes do.    I predict that within five years we will have more women in the pulpits than men. I know for a fact, that on the whole, even the liberal churches, who are supposed to be more open than conservative churches, are not happy with the pastorettes. Some of them only stay for six months or less. This is not surprising. This will bring on more cultism and less doctrine being taught. And more and more people will be leaving the liberal churches. By the way, what happens in the liberal churches will spill over to conservative churches. – Dr. Mal Couch (September 2009)

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, I understand you are completing a new book entitled "To The Jew First ..." When do you expect it out? ANSWER:  Probably in about six weeks or so. Some have objected to the fact that we are to witness to the Jews first, after all, did not Christ die for the entire world? Of course! But the Jews are to be the first recipients of the gospel according to Paul. He writes: The gospel is to be given to "everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek" (Rom. 1:16). Likewise, for those who do evil there is a judgment, "to the Jew first and also of the Greek" (2:9), and as well, "glory and honor to every man who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek" (v. 10).    God made the Abrahamic covenant with "your fathers" when He said "And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed" (Acts 3:25), "For you [Jews] first, God raised up His Servant and sent Him to bless you ..." (v. 26).    John the apostle adds, "Christ came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him" (John 1:11). Too, "He walked among us [the Jewish people], and we beheld His glory ..." (v. 14).    When Christ appeared before His disciples, following His resurrection, those on the Emmaus road said "We were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel, ..." (Luke 24:21). Jesus responded and called them foolish and slow of heart not believing "in all the prophets [of Israel who] had spoken ..." (v. 25). So He began with Moses and "with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the [Jewish] Scriptures" (v. 27).    When He was with the eleven disciples He told them "all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms [that] must be fulfilled" (v. 44). He added that they were to learn of the repentance and forgiveness of sins that "should be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning FROM JERUSALEM" (v. 47). Jerusalem was ground zero for the nation of Israel! Jerusalem was to be the starting point of the proclamation of the gospel! This is where the gospel message was to begin. The Jews were to be the first recipients of the gospel, and then it was to go to the far corners of the world as a witness!    The nations were also to be told; but to the Jews first, was the gospel to be sent! This is punctuated in the Luke 24 passage: "He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures" (v. 27); "He was explaining the Scriptures to US" (v. 32); "My words which I spoke to YOU ... must be fulfilled" (v. 44); "Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures" (v. 45); "That repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed ... beginning in Jerusalem" (v. 47); and finally "I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you [the Jewish disciples] ..." (v. 49).    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (September 2009)

Ask Dr. Couch #129

Dr. Couch, what does the term "servant leadership" mean when used to describe the role of a pastor-teacher in a local church?     ANSWER:  You've got me! I've never heard that expression. This reminds me (maybe) of what was in vogue some years back called "The Shepherding" movement, where pastor-teachers became almost like gods, ruling the sheep with a heavy hand, i.e., extremely overbearing in controlling the flock. Even to the point of interferring in how they budget their own monies at home. Maybe this is not the same thing, hopefully! You might send me additional information on this and I'll address the question more specifically.     Peter speaks about the shepherds taking on their job "voluntarily" (ekousios) (1 Pet. 5:2). In my new NT commentary series, Dr. Robert Gromacki points out that this probably means "the Holy Spirit brought [these elders] to the place where they became willing [to serve] for the right reasons."     Shepherding should be a humbling task, not one acting like the straw boss to the poor folks in the congregation.     Thanks for asking!     Dr. Mal Couch

NEW BOOK A "MUST" READ

AMERICA, THE NATIONS, AND ISRAEL is a must read for all those concerned with the future of the United States.  American Jews in particular would understand their own history and present circumstances by reading it.  Dr. Couch has demonstrated God's plan of the ages by showing America's providential relationship to Israel.  His statement "Sovereignty is not negotiable; it is a full expression of who God is.  Sovereignty, absolute sovereignty, means God!" should be in every honest systematic theology!  -- Paster Jamie Utter This 145 page book is an $11 donation to: Scofield Ministries, 120 CR 3222, Clifton, TX 76634

Ask Dr. Couch #128

Dr. Couch, I'm involved with a parachurch ministry that takes the gospel and the Bible into elementary public schools. The organization goes on and states that it is not replacing the church, and that the church is the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). My question is, is it true that only a church has the biblical authority for an evangelistic ministry? And, what about such parachurch ministries turning the children who become saved over to spiritually corrupt liberal churches? ANSWER:  You have pointed out a problem that has not fully been addressed by many who are vitally concerned about reaching children for Christ, or even for that matter, an adult.     First, it must be noted that nowhere in the NT is it stated that the local church is responsible for evangelism, though it would not be wrong for churches to carry out evangelism in every way possible. Evangelism seemed to be the work of all of the believers of the early church era.     Second, parachurch ministries, in order to be accepted by "all" churches, even liberal churches, have said they would refer new converts to every congregation and assembly. This certainly does create a problem. After a child is won to Christ it would be madness to send him to a liberal church that denies the Scriptures in so many ways.     The right thing for the parachurch ministry to do would be to make sure that youngsters were sent only to a church that honored the Word of God. Obviously there is a problem in all of this that you are correctly pointing out. on the one hand, the gospel should go forth by whatever means, and by whatever voice. on the other hand, to send some one to an apostate congregation is wrong. The only right solution would be that the para organization should send those saved only to biblically based assemblies. They should make an effort to do this no matter what!     This was a great question that causes us all to ponder.     Thanks for asking!     Dr. Mal Couch

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, how could Martin Luther be so mixed up in his mistreatment of the Jewish people? He wrote terrible things about them because they did not receive Christ as their Savior. Luther was filled with hatred and yet he prayed three or four hours a day. Also, he thought the book of James should not be in the canon of Scripture. This all seems inconsistent with someone who studied and prayed so much! ANSWER:  We can all be impacted by the culture and by the voices that we hear on a continual basis, that are contrary to truth. The people of Luther's day were haters of the Jewish people, and Luther followed what was happening in his society.    God generally does not give us revelation of things that we should find out for ourselves. That is, He does not reveal to us the laws of chemistry or physics. With such things we have to go through a process to learn about. So with the issue of God's working with the Jews. Luther was not reading his Bible carefully enough to be able to set aside his hatred of the Jews.    To put it another way, Luther could have known of the passage of Scripture: "From the standpoint of the gospel [the Jews] are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God's election [of the Jews], they are beloved [in His sight] for the sake of the [ancient Jewish] fathers" (Rom. 11:28). Luther in his hatred went against this passage found in the book of Romans.    On the matter of the book of James, Luther objected to it because he felt the book was saying that salvation comes by human effort, human works. He did not interpret James properly. James is saying that we are "justified by works" in the sight of men, though we are "justified by faith" in the sight of God! On one hand, he felt James was part of the Bible, though it had its problems, yet it should be seen in a lesser light because of what he felt was a contradiction.    Harrison says this about Luther and the book of James: "It was not included in the Muratorium canon and was generally ignored until Jerome and Augustine give it their endorsement. Its place in the canon seemed to become secure with its inclusion by the Third Council of Carthage in A.D. 397, but at the beginning of the modern period it was questioned by Erasmus and others. Luther's attitude was one of distrust and disappointment because he found it out of agreement with Paul's teaching on justification by faith. He gave it a secondary position [though still Scripture] and labeled it 'a right strawy epistle.'"    Luther did not have all the information and input that we have today historically. So we have to give him a pass in his understanding, and also in the understanding of others.      God's desire is to strengthen us by His Spirit "in the inner man" (Eph. 3:16) in the spiritual realm but He does not give us objective truth—this we have to dig for!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch  (Sept. 2010)

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, I recently debated a woman on the internet who argued that the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah was not about homosexuality but rather about the attempt of gang rape of the visitors [the angels] who had come to these cities, specifically the angels who came and spoke with Lot (Gen. 19:1-29). How do we answer?

ANSWSER: First of all, I would not argue with a woman. They are more emotional and are not to be Bible teachers according to Paul. The apostle writes in 1 Timothy 2:12-15: “I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet [that is, not to be flapping the jaw]. Because it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being quite deceived, fell into transgression.”

Women are emotionally fooled whereby men are simply sinful by the evilness of the heart. This is why we don’t want women pastors. They can so quickly mislead, thus this woman you debated with!

Today, people, even Christians, are misled by the culture. They foolishly buy into the cultural arguments and do not think for themselves. Satan is “the god of this culture” and controls even what many Christians think on doctrinal issues (John 16:11; Eph. 2:2; 2 Cor. 4:4). Satan “is the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.” He is “the god of this culture who has blinded the minds of the unbelieving.” He can pull the wool over the eyes of Christians as well as the unbelieving.

To argue that the story of Sodom and Gomorrah is not about homosexuality is not only stupid but just plain evil, and, it is quoting what the homosexuals want to say about the passage in order to justify their sins of the most evil and the most filthy of practices. This issue is not really worth answering!

Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, Genesis 6 talks about angels coming down to earth to procreate with women. How can this be? ANSWER:  First of all, where did you get the idea that this is what Genesis 6:1-5 is really about? You heard this from some Bible teacher who really didn't give any evidence that this is what the passage is all about. I have done a detailed teaching on this via Question 87 also I believe it can be listened to in our Archive section: Genesis 6-9 The Angelic World Part One Part Two Part Three    Bible teachers who say is about fallen angels really have not thought it through thoroughly! The best scholars I know agree with me that this is not what's going on in the passage.    First, the Jewish rabbinical understanding in no way sees the passage speaking about fallen angels. In their Genesis commentary they write: "The mythological explanation of this passage was in all ages repelled by a large body of Jewish and non-Jewish commentaries, though it has been revised by many modern [liberals]. There is however, no trace in Genesis of 'fallen angels' or rebellious angels; and the idea of inter-marriage of angels and human beings is altogether foreign to Hebrew thought."    Without going into details here, because of limited space, I will simply quote two of the best Christian scholars available, such as H. C. Leupold:    "Verse 4 is really a simple verse, unless one proceeds from the misinterpretation of the preceding verses and tries to link it up with the idea of angel marriages, a misconstruction prevalent since the days of the Septuagint translation. The basic rules of interpretation merely have to be observed: the presupposition, namely, that the Scriptures make good sense" as is.    Leupold then asks, "Who are the Nephilim? ... They were the 'heroes' of antiquity, the men of renown (Heb. 'men of the name'). They achieved a reputation the world over by their violence, but a reputation better deserving of the term of notoriety. ... The translation 'giants' is most unfortunate. It originated with the Septuagint. It does not follow from Num. 13:33, even if there the 'attackers' should also happen to have been giants. Modern interpreters combine angel marriages and claim that the giants were the result of this union. But, in reality, nothing of the sort is found in the text. It is the result of a clever combination or of a mistranslation. ... Certain older translators were nearer the truth than the Septuagint. Aquila, who like Symmachus wrote to correct the Greek version, rendered Nephilim 'they who fall upon.'"    And Stigers adds: "The meaning of Nephilim is to be determined from the root naphal='To fall upon.' The nephilim occur among the Anakim of Numbers 13:32-33. Since they are tall of stature, the word cannot mean giant. We then need to look elsewhere for the meaning. Joshua 11:7 and Job 1:15 give a picture of falling on victims to tyrannize by such action, to do it by force of arms. The children of these mixed marriages became gibborim. The inference, therefore, is that these gibborim contributed to that increase of wickedness, so that the meaning of the words 'famous men' connote men honored by unbelieving men. So it can be said that the sons of these mixed marriages in their lives helped along the progress of iniquity. Here are the facts of the degradation of mankind when these mixed marriages came along."    Be careful not to just go about quoting people who don't know what they're talking about. The arguments from root words, and from the grammar is extensive, and I've not given all the material or the arguments that are necessary to prove the point. Sorry! Don't just be a "quoter" because you like some Bible teacher. And don't jump to the "ridiculous" because someone has "said it."    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch

TWENTY MILLION TO HELP THE PALESTINIANS

The House in Congress just passed a twenty million dollar bill to aid so-called Palestinian refugees. More than likely this means bringing them to the U.S. where we will support them. They will vote Democratic and stand behind Barack Hussein Obama. This will weaken our support for Israel. Remember, there is no such thing as Palestinian refugees. There never was a Palestinian nation, and the Jews did not drive them out of the land. They left on their own accord so that the Arab forces of the 1948 war could drive the Jews into the sea and restore the Palestinians to a land that never was theirs!    But the Jews were victorious and the Arabs have no intention of living peacefully with the Jews. They want all of the land that does not belong to them. God gave the title-deed to the land to the Jews from Abraham to Isaac to Jacob, and the twelve tribes. While most of the Jews are now in the land in unbelief, God is going to change that! The Jews have started believing in Christ and this will speed up!    This is a sad day but one we've been expecting. Most Americans just don't get it! – Dr. Mal Couch (September 2009)

A 1934 CARTOON

A 1934 cartoon in the newspapers at that time show the government spending, spending, and spending. A small caption at the bottom notes: “This is what communist Russia did also.”

Many people know that in a democracy the people have the right, and the privilege, to struggle to the top. When the government gives everything away, the people will in time be enslaved. I wonder why more don’t know this very simple fact.

This is my great concern with all of the illegal foreigners who sneak into this country. In their breaking our laws, they do not understand democracy, and, they come to this nation for the freeby give-aways! Because they are slowly becoming a majority, there is no way to turn back this destruction. It is a judgment of God, and it has spiritual components. Everything that takes place has a spiritual aspect to it, but unfortunately, many Christians don’t see it that way.

– Dr. Mal Couch
(September 2009)

Ask Dr.Couch

Dr. Couch, thank you for the information on the Trinity. We need more teaching on this! ANSWER:  Thank you. I have several other passages that need to be considered. Hebrew 13:8 reads: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever." In Greek, the word "yesterday" is "exthes" that means "time past." It is an unusual word! The word "today" is also an unusual term, "sameron," and it means "this day," or "what happened today." The verse ends with "even into the forevers!" Or, into the ages!    Hebrews 1:5 is one of the most important verses on the eternality of the Son of God! The verse says four very important things about His relationship with the Father. I will be giving the Greek grammar in this translation.    (1) "A Son of Mine, YOU are continually existing as!" [You always have been a Son!]    (2) "I ('Ego' personal pronoun) this day (the day of Christ's birth) have [in time] birthed YOU!"        (3) "I ('Ego' personal pronoun) shall continually exist to HIM a Father."    (4) "And HE shall continually exist to Me a Son!"    Alford quotes the great Greek grammarians of the past to show that they all took Hebrews 1:5 as reflecting the eternal-ness of Christ the Son of God. Alford says: "The passage refers to the eternal generation of the Son," of "His eternity." The great exegete Owen also takes the same view—the eternal generation of Christ." "The former verses represent to us the Son of God as standing in this relation to the Father before the worlds were made." "It is natural then to suppose that this verse is to be refer[ing] to a time prior to the event of Christ's incarnation." The great Ellicott points out that the verse stresses "the eternal Now" of the Sonship of Christ. He always IS the Son of God!"    Thank you for your comments. I hope this helps.    Dr. Mal Couch (September 2009)

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, I have a question on Acts 17: 16-34 and Paul's sermon to the Epicureans and Stoics. Why did he not mention the fact of Christ dying on the cross? (However, he did mention the resurrection.) I thought Acts 17 was a model message as to how we are to witness? ANSWER:  I do not believe there is one model message for witnessing. Paul adjusted his message to those he was speaking with. He considered their understanding, the context of what he was saying, the argument he was having with the audience, etc.    You said Paul did not mention the crucifixion of Christ, but I believe he did. Note verse 18. Paul was "preaching Jesus and the resurrection." More than likely "preaching Jesus" would be a reference to His death on the cross, followed by the resurrection. Paul probably had limited time in his speech and that is why he focused on the resurrection. This is the greatest of all miracles—that one would come back from the dead! This really got their attention, and I believe Paul knew that it would! "When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer, but others said, 'We shall hear you again concerning this'" (v. 32). Some got the message and "joined with him and believed" (v. 34).    By the way, you can't have the doctrine of Christ's resurrection without the teaching about His death, i.e., the death on the cross. It also must be remembered that Paul used the doctrine of the resurrection in order to capture their attention. There is no more powerful argument than that one came back from the dead! He then continued teaching the full account of Christ, "preaching Jesus" and all that He came to do.    You referred to 1 Corinthians 2:2 where Paul said that he "determined to know nothing among you [Corinthians] except Jesus, and Him crucified." Notice, that this was his message when he went to Corinth! I am sure he adjusted his messages to the audience, the time of his message, with an understanding of what they could absorb! It is wrong to assume that he left the crucifixion out of his sermons. I'm sure Paul knew what he was doing!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (September 2009)

THE EVIL DESTRUCTION BROUGHT ABOUT BY FEMINISM

Are you watching what is happening on television lately? Almost all of the news anchor people are women. And most of them are blonds! Too, when interviewing a family about some issue, the ones spoken to most often are mothers, not the fathers! Women are doing everything! Men are expendable. There is an agenda afoot! And it is destroying the influence of men in our culture.    Recently, at the national meeting of the liberal Lutheran Church (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) held in Minneapolis, women dominated the discussions that pushed through the additional placing of lesbian pastors, homosexuals, and women bishops in the denomination. On key committees, the rule is that there must be 50% of women on the various boards. On one pastoral committee there was only one male pastor represented.     One cannot simply blame the women. The men in their foolishness opened the door for such change. One of the great faults of men is: that if the women will take charge, the men will let them do so! The Bible is no longer held up as the authoritative guide in spiritual matters. Thus, male leadership is put on the shelf.    This is a guaranteed promise—there will be no reversal of what is taking place without some sort of catastrophe in our culture and society. We are facing a final judgment like never before!    The Major prophets write about the destruction of both Israel and Judah as God's judgment coming over the horizon on these two nations. Women began to take the leadership, both in the family, and in religious worship. This brought about a strong judgment of God.    With the national disintegration of Jerusalem and Judah, because of gross wickedness, God pronounced terrible destruction that would fall upon the people. The Lord said: "O My people! Their oppressors are children. And women rule over them. ... Those who guide you astray, and confuse the direction of your paths" (Isa. 3:12). In the future, when the Branch, the Messiah reigns, Isaiah prophesied that "seven women will take hold of one man in that day, saying, 'We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothes, only let us be called by your name; take away our reproach'" (4:1). Women will suffer during the tribulation and long for the men to come forward in order to save them!    Toward the end of the tribulation, just before the Lord returns, the protected cities will be isolated, the homes forsaken, and tree branches that could have produced food will be cut down (27:10). Foolish women, without "discernment" will dry broken limbs for firewood. The "women will make fires with the dried limbs, ... and their Maker [the Lord] will not have compassion on them" (v. 11). He "will not be gracious to them."    Before the Kingdom begins with the Messiah reigning, the women will be lazy and foolish, they will not be listening to the Lord (32:9-16). "They will be at ease, complacent, and also troubled. They will tremble and will put on mourning sackcloth. ... the land will have thorns and briars, 'Until the Spirit is poured out upon us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fertile field. ... Then justice will dwell in the wilderness.'"    In the first message of Jeremiah to apostate Judah, the women are judged. "The wicked women will have taught their ways" [to others] (Jer. 2:33). Their skirts will be smeared with blood, and the people will cry out, "We are innocent!" (v. 35). "Surely God will turn away His anger" (v. 35b). They will foolishly argue: "We have not sinned" (v. 35c).    Just before Jerusalem was judged by the coming of the Babylonians, sin, even death, had entered into the homes ("by way of the windows") (9:21). The women mourned and wailed because of how they had wrongly influenced the men and the children (v. 17-18). "How we are ruined ... our dwellings ("our houses") are thrown down" (v. 19). Because of sin their daughters needed to learn how to wail and cry (v. 20). Because of their sin, their children who played in the streets will die, and the young men will perish (v. 21).    The husbands are not innocent. Like in our present day, they are allowing or even encouraging their wives to sin religiously. Some husbands even seem to be promoting feminism! We read: "Then all the men who were aware that their wives were burning sacrifices to other gods, along with all the women who were standing by, as a large assembly, [rebelled against Jeremiah, saying], 'We are not going to listen to you!'" (44:15-16). Instead, the women would continue to burn sacrifices TO THE QUEEN OF HEAVEN and pour out libations to her, just as "our forefathers had done." The women then added: "When we were burning sacrifices to the queen of heaven, ... was it without our husbands that we made for her sacrificial cakes in her image and poured out libations to her?" (v. 19). Jeremiah answered: "The Lord was no longer able to endure your abominations which you have committed" (v. 22). "You have sinned against the Lord!" (v. 23).    In Ezekiel, the people said "The Lord does not see our sins" (Ezek. 9:12). The women sit and weep for the god Tammuz," the god of vegetation (v. 14). "Woe to the women who sew magic bands on all wrists" as good luck charms (13:18). The women see false visions and practice divination. But God will someday deliver the people out of the hands of these evil women. "Thus you will know that I am the Lord" (v. 23).    The evil people in Ezekiel's day caused their sons to pass through the fires as a sign of worship to their false gods (23:36-37). They profaned the temple and the Sabbaths by killing their children for sacrifices (vv. 38-39). The women sent for foreigners to have sex with (vv. 40-41). They "bathed, painted their eyes, and decorated themselves with ornaments" (v. 40). They sat on "splendid couches and burned incense" (v. 41). The women apparently had sex with many and became drunk, put on bracelets and beautiful crowns (v. 42). The men went into the women as harlots, as lewd women (v. 44). The women "shed blood, because they are adulteresses and blood was on their hands" (v. 45).    As judgment fell on Israel in the OT, the men became soft and acted like women. And as well, they gave in to the women to allow them to rule. God would bring judgment: "The gates of your land will be opened wide to your enemies, and fire will consume the bars of your gates (Nahum 3:13b), because "Behold, your people are [become like] women in your midst" (v. 13a). FEMINISM reigned and ruled, bringing judgment upon the nation of Israel! – Dr. Mal Couch (September 2009)

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, could what is happening now in our world be tied to events in the tribulation? ANSWER:  Absolutely! It has been reported that some of the so-called "elite" want the world population to be reduced to a sustainable number of, say, between five hundred million and one billion. The way to do that is control, control, and control, of everyone on the planet! And the way to do that is destroy democracy and place all nations into a crisis. And that is just what is happening now!    As written by Frank Rich in the New York Times, "What disturbs Americans of all ideological persuasions is the fear that almost everything, not just government, is fixed or manipulated by some powerful hidden hand." Some say that Barack Hussein Obama tapped into the idea of a Great Recession. This gave the people a sinking sensation that the American game is rigged.    While there may not be card carrying socialists about, there is a conspiracy of communism and socialism that many have bought into. And they were fed this by our government run public schools and state universities where the brainwashing just continues to go on and on!    To the question: Yes, what is taking place certainly has "tribulation" written all over it. "Many false prophets will arise, and will mislead many, and because lawlessness will increase most people's love will grow cold" (Matt. 24:11-12). And, "Unless those days will have been cut short, no life will be saved; but for the sake of the elect (Jews & Gentiles in the tribulation) those days shall be cut short" (v. 22).    Remember, the anti-Christ is called "the son of destruction" and "the man of lawlessness" (2 Thess. 2:3). He will have tremendous power seating himself in the reconstructed temple "displaying himself as being God" (v. 4). Presently, he is being restrained but that will not last forever (vv. 6-9). Satan is the one who is working behind the scenes and behind the anti-Christ, "with all power and signs and false wonders" (v. 9). It will seem that he is unstoppable.    He will blaspheme God and magnify himself above every god, and will speak monstrous things against the god of gods (Dan. 11:36). He will honor a god of fortresses (war) and accumulate wealth (v. 38). He will come against the Holy Land and take over "many countries" (v. 41). And, he will plant his military headquarters near Jerusalem, the Holy Mountain (v. 45).    The anti-Christ will be a failed leader. During the height of his power there will be "wars and rumors of wars" (Matt. 24:6), and "it will be granted him to take peace from the earth, and that men should kill one another; [thus] a great sword will be given to him (Rev. 6:4). "Though he will become world ruler, the hatred of him will manifest itself many times and in many ways, even though for some time, few will have success in defeating him. Many millions will die because of all of the confusion he brings upon the earth!    Unger well writes:    "Those to whom the Anti-Christ 'will give great honor' and to whom he will 'parcel out land for a price' (or reward) are those who apostatize and bow to him and his utterly, blasphemous cult (Rev. 13:11-18). Foreshadowed in that prophetic portrait of the Anti-Christ appears the final form of apostate religion. ... That religious monstrosity will be a combination of gross materialism, unbridled militarism, and the worship of that ominous, self-deified ruler. Present-day movements of ecumenicalism that are aiming at a world church, communism with its godless philosophic materialism, and the contemporary trend toward world government can discern their ultimate fruition in him who is to be Satan's nomination for king of kings and lord of lords, a title that rightfully belongs to Christ, but which the Anti-Christ, ... will attempt to arrogate for himself."    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (September 2009)

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, what is going on in Isaiah 25:6-9? Is there a relation in these verses with 2 Corinthians 3:14-17? ANSWER:  Yes, there is. A lavish banquet is prepared on the mountain of Zion (Jerusalem) as the Millennial reign of Christ begins (v. 6). The Lord "will swallow up the covering (the death veil, the death mourning face cover) which is over all peoples" (v. 7a). It is also stretched over all nations. This is about the knowledge of salvation that is hidden from all people because of sin.    It is the Messiah who "will swallow up death for all time, and the Lord God will wipe tears away from all faces" (v. 8). The Lord has spoken, "And it will be said in that day, 'Behold, this is our God for whom we have waited that He might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation'" (v. 9).    Please note that it is God who is coming. How can that be? No one has seen God the Father! This is God the Son—the Son of God, who makes a personal and public appearance in the form of the Messiah! Salvation is mentioned twice: "He might save us," and "Be glad in His salvation." It is in the Kingdom when the Jews for the most part will have their eyes opened and they will realize who the Messiah is! He is very God and He is the Savior! And, the Jews will see God (the Son) in the flesh in the Kingdom!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, what is the veil in 2 Corinthians 3:14-17? ANSWER:  It is the blindness of the Jews in regard to Christ. It is the funeral mourning shroud that keeps the Jews from seeing Him. Their minds are hardened when the old covenant (the Mosaic covenant) is read in the synagogues, and it will remain until they accept Christ (v. 14). In Paul's day the veil remained when Moses was read (v. 15), but when a Jew turns to Christ "the veil, shroud is taken away" (v. 16). The Lord in this case, the Holy Spirit is the Lord, and where He is active "there is liberty" (v. 17).    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch

Why Must Everything Change? by Jan Markell

The false teachings among some prominent church leaders have no end nor does the race to unify all religions. My thanks to Mark Tooley of the Institute for Religion and Democracy, World Net Daily, and author Joel Richardson for some background here.  Fasten your seat belt because now we have Christians observing Ramadan.  This goes miles beyond Muslim-Christian dialogue, which is bad enough. This is actually giving respectability to those who killed 3,000 innocent Americans who are even more on our mind in this season of 9/11. Once again, I have to ask, where is the outrage?    Emergent Church leader Brian McLaren is fasting during the Islamic Ramadan but is he fasting so that Muslims would come to salvation in Jesus Christ alone? And Tooley asks, "Would McLaren organize a similar fast on behalf of persecuted Christians and other victims of radical Islam?  Or would that be too culturally confrontational for the post-modern evangelical who has shunned his conservative past and prefers creating common ground that creates alliances for the Left?"    McLaren says on his blog: "Ramadan is the Muslim holy month of fasting for spiritual renewal and purification. It commemorates the month during which Muslims believe Mohammed received the Quran through divine revelation, and it calls Muslims to self-control, sacrificial generosity, and solidarity with the poor, diligent reading of the Quran and intensified prayer."    He continues, "But as Christians, we want to come close to our Muslim neighbors and to share this important part of life with them."    Here we go honoring Islam again, just as they did in 2007 and 2008 with "A Common Word Between Us and You." Today's bunch of short-on-discernment leaders now observing Ramadan prove my point: Slippery slopes go only one way --  down -- and never turn around. And please tell me as an evangelical, what is it we will learn from Islam?    McLaren states, "We, as Christians, humbly seek to join Muslims in this observance of Ramadan as a God-honoring expression of peace, fellowship, and neighborliness. Each of us will have at least one Muslim friend who will serve as our partner in the fast. These friends welcome us in the same spirit of peace, fellowship, and neighborliness."     It stretches credulity to watch the religious Left continue to forge unholy alliances with some who are sworn enemies of the gospel and who are burning down Christian villages around the world and cutting off the heads of other Christians. And they will continue to do the same until they hear and respond to the "good news" of Jesus Christ, which is not the purpose of the Christian Ramadan effort!  Yet an underlying motive with all such efforts is to declare the God of Christianity and the god of Islam as the same. If you get nothing else, remember that when such words come out of the pulpit in your church and renounce it!    Some are asking if we don't have a virtual endorsement of Islam by liberal Christianity today with a few evangelicals thrown in for good measure. Signers say, "Peaceful relations between Muslims and Christians stand as one of the central challenges of this century." If you hear one of them say this, challenge them with, "No, saving the lost while there is time is the central challenge and that won't happen by joining with Muslims during Ramadan." Author Joel Richardson, who has been on my radio program "Understanding the Times" on several occasions, asks the right question: "Is such an 'observance' actually tantamount to an endorsement of Islam?"    As this is written, a young former Muslim girl named Rifqa has fled her home in America, going to another state, fearing the Islamic practice of "honor killing." Her parents, she fears, want to kill her for becoming a Christian. Will Brian McLaren and those following him in this outrage confront Muslim leaders about this? Does McLaren share the "common good" of honor killings? Of course he doesn't, but by keeping quiet, he doesn't improve this deplorable situation.    In McLaren's recent book, "Everything Must Change," he suggests that evangelicals must turn Left to be relevant and atone for past myopia. Many of us are grieved that churches have taken his advice, and the advice of other church leaders with skewed ideas or theology and have thus destroyed evangelicalism as we once knew it.    But it's not just all about unity!  McLaren believes that evangelical support for Israel is an obstacle to interfaith harmony.  While largely unwilling to criticize radical Islam by name, he has condemned the "terrible, deadly, distorted, yet popular theologies associated with Christian Zionism that create bigotry and prejudice against Muslims."  He urged Christian Zionists to bravely abandon their prejudice, just as white segregationists had to shed theirs 50 years ago.    Mark Tooley concludes appropriately by saying, "McLaren's interfaith ritual just further evinces the Left's chronic misunderstanding that all cultural and international conflict can be remedied through apologies, folk songs, western guilt, and flamboyant sentimentality."    That "old-time religion" we once loved is evaporating because guys like Brian McLaren and his Emergent buddies have convinced people that "everything must change." The one-world religion is literally on the horizon. Look over a fence and you will see it approaching.

WATCH OUT FOR THE NIV

The announcement of a new project involving the New International Version of the Bible [NIV] is certain to attract a good deal of interest, both in the media and throughout the evangelical world. This level of attention is inevitable, for few issues can approach the importance of translating the Bible faithfully and accurately.    The announcement of a new NIV update will attract special attention because of the controversy that surrounded the publication and release of what became known as the TNIV, or Today's New International Version, announced in 2002. As is now well-known, the release of the TNIV led to a firestorm of controversy among evangelicals. Even as supporters of the TNIV declared the translation to be superior to previous contemporary English translations in terms of "gender accuracy," others saw the new translation as hopelessly accommodated to contemporary concerns about gender.    The controversy over the TNIV was heated and uncomfortable, but inevitable. Those of us who saw the translation as deficient and misguided in its claim to and application of "gender accuracy" responded to the new translation with alarm and deep concern. The issues of primary concern with the release of the TNIV remain. These issues include, but are not limited to, matters of gender reference.    As many of us made clear at the time of the TNIV's announcement and release, the issues with this translation had to do with translation decisions that we were convinced did not produce "gender accuracy," but lamentable inaccuracy. The rigorous application of these decisions produced a translation that was not only problematic in terms of direct and indirect gender references, but also in its confusion of crucial texts with messianic significance.    The announcement by Biblica (formerly known as the International Bible Society), the Committee on Bible Translation, and Zondervan comes as the world of English Bible translations has been transformed, even in the brief years since 2002. The joint release indicates that this new translation will be known as the NIV, even though it will be based on the TNIV as it has been edited even since publication. This is a significant departure from the earlier promise to "freeze" the NIV translation in order to protect it from controversy. This decision had been a defensive move taken by the publisher and its partners as controversy threatened to cause significant harm to the reputation of the NIV. As far back as 1997 an effort to revise the NIV was met with intense concern related to the use of "inclusive language."    The issues of concern related to the TNIV remain. For the sake of the Gospel, we must hope and pray that we do not confront these same issues in the updated NIV. At the same time, we must avoid reckless talk. Even where we must disagree, we must recognize that everyone involved in this discussion will face the judgment of God for how this disagreement is conducted.    Today's decision indicates that the NIV will be now be "unfrozen." But now the NIV partners have acted openly and honestly to announce their intention. One of the most lamentable aspects of the earlier controversy over the TNIV had to do with what were clearly understood to be broken promises related to the NIV.    The "unfreezing" of the NIV is inevitable. Evangelicals must be committed to the translation of the Bible into the vernacular language of contemporary people. No translation, no matter how worthy, can remain static and unchanged without the consequence of becoming dated and increasingly out of touch with the development of language. The "unfreezing" of the NIV has now been announced in a way that is respectful and honest.    Maureen (Moe) Gerkins, president of Zondervan, along with representatives of Biblica and the Committee on Bible Translation, have approached this new project and update with the stated determination to revisit controversial translation issues related to the TNIV and to consider all the concerns raised in that process. She has demonstrated integrity in discussing these issues openly and honestly. She, along with Zondervan's partners, has promised an openness to these concerns. They have not promised to change their translation philosophy. Their straightforwardness on this is commendable, even where we may find ourselves in disagreement over these decisions and the underlying translation philosophy.    The controversy over the TNIV divided the evangelical community. Regrettably, in many cases the controversy produced more heat than light. Nevertheless, this was not always the case. This controversy brought strategic attention to crucial questions related, not only to the NIV family of translations, but to the entire project of translating the Bible into the English language. Furthermore, the controversy was directed to very real disagreements about the meaning of gender and language. These are issues of great theological, biblical, pastoral, and moral importance.    Behind the most recent controversies there remains the larger question of translation philosophy, often conceptualized in the distinction between more formal translations and translations that are more dynamic. Even as I recognize a spectrum between formal and dynamic approaches, my strong preference, based in theological and biblical considerations, is for a translation that is committed to formal equivalence as the primary goal.    In the end, the update of the NIV to be released in 2011 will have to stand on its own. Those of us who have had significant concerns with the TNIV should communicate these concerns respectfully, candidly, and directly to the Committee on Bible Translation, to Zondervan, and to Biblica. When released, the updated NIV will deserve and require the attentive study and review of all committed evangelicals. We must hope and pray that this updated NIV will be found both faithful and useful. For now, the decisions that will determine the faithfulness and usefulness of this updated edition are in the hands of the Committee on Bible Translation. We must all pray that their work will produce an updated translation we can greet with appreciation and trust. We must take the members of the Committee on Bible Translation at their word that they will consider these concerns. To fail to pray and to act in this way will be to fail at a basic Christian commitment. The issue is not only the integrity of a Bible translation, but our integrity as Christians.    And so we hope.  And so we pray.  And so we wait. This Article Originally Appeared at: http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=4366

PRESIDENT PRAISES MUSLIMS

Sept. 1: President Obama introduces college basketball player Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir at a dinner celebrating Ramadan in the State Dining Room at the White House.    WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama on Tuesday praised American Muslims for enriching the nation's culture at a dinner to celebrate the Islamic holy month  of Ramadan.    "The contribution of Muslims to the United States are too long to catalog because Muslims are so interwoven into the fabric of our communities and our country," Obama said at the iftar, the dinner that breaks the holiday's daily  fast.    The president joined Cabinet secretaries, members of the diplomatic corps and lawmakers to pay tribute to what he called "a great religion and its commitment to justice and progress."    Attendees included Congress' two Muslim members -- Reps. Keith Ellison and Andre Carson as well as ambassadors from Islamic nations and Israel's ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren.    Obama shared the story of Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir, another invited guest, who broke a state record for most career points as a Massachusetts high school student.    "As an honor student, as an athlete on her way to Memphis, Bilqis is an inspiration not simply to Muslim girls -- she's an inspiration to all of us," he said.    Obama also noted the contributions of Muhammad Ali, who was not in attendance, though the president borrowed a quote from famous boxer, explaining religion.    "A few years ago," Obama said, "he explained this view -- and this is part of why he's The Greatest -- saying, 'Rivers, ponds, lakes and streams -- they all have different names, but they all contain water. Just as religions do --  they all contain truths."'    Ramadan, a month long period of prayer, reflection and sunrise-to-sunset fasts, began Aug. 22 in most of the Islamic world. It is believed that God began revealing the Quran to Muhammad during Ramadan, and the faithful are supposed to spend the month in religious reflection, prayer and remembrance of the poor.    White House dinners marking the holy month are nothing new. Former President George W. Bush held iftars during his eight years in office.    Obama has made a special effort since taking office to repair U.S. relations with the world's Muslims, including visits to Turkey and Cairo. In a June speech at the Egyptian capital, as well as in one to another important Muslim  audience, in Turkey, Obama said: "America is not -- and never will be --  at war with Islam."    Obama also released a video message to Muslims before the start to Ramadan. In the video, he said Ramadan's rituals are a reminder of the principles Muslims and Christians have in common,including advancing justice, progress, tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, what Bible translation do you recommend? ANSWER:   I'm often asked about the NIV. It is more of a freewheeling or almost a paraphrase, and therefore I do not recommend it. I prefer the NAS because, as I translate from the Hebrew and Greek, I find it the closest to the original languages, and therefore the best and the most reliable. For Christmas gifts one may consider an NAS version with the Scofield Notes. This really can be helpful for new, young Bible students.    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (September 2009)

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, what if the government forces us to take the swine flu shot this fall? Also, I have heard that this shot may have some chemical properties in it that could be harmful. What do you think? ANSWER:   just heard a few hours ago that the government is not going to force people to do so. But what next? What will the government, under this present administration, begin to force us to do?    In order to restore our basic freedoms, everyone reading this should be prepared to "replace" many in our congress next year, and to replace the President in the coming presidential election three years away. This is the most spend thrift administration we have ever had, and it is fired up by raw socialism. Remember, everything that takes place around us is "theological" and has spiritual repercussions. Believers in Christ need to stay awake and analyze what is taking place in our world. And where God has given us the ability, we should act and do our part in changing things for the right and for the good!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (September 2009)

New Audio Files: Bible Answers for the month of August

Please join Dr. Couch for the radio program Bible Answers airing out of KBDE Sunday mornings on KBDE.

• For the Month of August, 2009

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, are you sure the tornado that went through Minneapolis during the Lutheran Convention was from God? ANSWER:  Absolutely! Where did you get that what happens in His world is simply an accident? You didn't get that from Scripture! I gave a bunch of verses from Job that tells us the tornado (the whirlwind) comes from Him. If it was not from the Lord, then it simply happened as an accident, a freak of nature, and God was helpless to stop it. He is simply impotent! This is not from my Bible.    Job further tells us: "He sets the course for the thunderbolt" (Job 28:26), and, evil men rebelled against Him and "He gave their crops to the grasshopper, ... He destroyed their vines with hailstones, He gave over their cattle also to the hailstones, and their herds to bolts of lightning, ..." (Psa. 78:41-48). "He commands the lightning to strike its mark" (Job 36:33). God speaks in the whirlwind (the tornado) and says "who instructs Me?" (38:1-3).     Can men judge uprightly? God can "sweep them away with a tornado. ... The righteous will rejoice when he sees [God's] vengeance" (Psa. 58:9-10). "What the wicked fears will come upon him, ... When the tornado passes, the wicked is no more" (Prov. 24-25). When Israel sinned "they sowed the wind, they reaped the tornado. [Then] the standing grain has no heads" [Prosperity and blessing disappear] (Hosea 8:7).    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch