THE GREAT ANTI-EVOLUTIONARY PASSAGE

What a verse for denying the doctrine of evolution! And that is Isaiah 45:18. It reads: "For thus says the Lord who created the heavens. He is the God who formed the earth and made it, He established it and did not create it a waste place, He formed it to be inhabited."    "For" in Hebrew is the word "key" and means "Yes, indeed!" This follows verse 17 that ends with "You need not be confounded world without end!"    The word "thus" is the Hebrew word "ko" and can mean "in the same way." The verse then starts: "For in the same way ..." This is introducing the fact that "the Lord created the heavens." "Yes indeed, the Lord in the same way created the heavens ..."    The Lord is Yahweh, meaning "the Everexisting One." This name comes from the common "to be" word that has the thought "Simply to be, to exist." The Lord "just IS!" He has always been, and always IS.    "Created" is from BARA. This is in what is called the Kal Participle form. It would be translated "the Lord" is the One who is characterized as "The One who creates." God is the only One who can be applied to this verb. He is the only One who creates out of nothing. No human being, or other so-called god can do such! He is not part of His creation. He creates uniquely and originally from nothing. He is not a part of physical matter. He is separate from His creation though He sustains it and keeps it going!    God created "the heavens" (plural). This refers to all of the galaxies in space, all of the heavens and the planets and stars. Isaiah then simply says "He is God!" The verb is implied. Isaiah just says "He God!"    Isaiah then says "He formed the earth..." "Formed" is the Hebrew word YAZER and it is in the Hophal form. It should be translated "the earth was formed, molded (as a potter who fashions the clay) ..." The earth was shaped as He wished!    The earth was both SHAPED and then MADE in order to be inhabited for animal and human life. The earth and its life forms did not evolve; the earth was made for a distinct purpose and that was to sustain life just as the Lord wished!    "He established it." The Hebrew verb "to establish" means "to set it up," "put it in its place," "to found it and give it permanence, firmness and solidity."    He created it not to be a waste place. "Waste" in the Hebrew is "a solitude place, emptiness, nothingness, a deserted nonentity." This is the key to understanding the earth. It was made to be inhabited by life that God would create. It was not meant to be empty and purposeless."    "A waste" place is the Hebrew word "tohu" and means "a nonentity, chaos, nothingness" (see 40:17).    The Rabbis say "God is the sole Power of the world which He created for man to dwell in and not for confusion. He does not hide in darkness but reveals Himself in justice and righteousness. Isaiah ends this great verse about creation with God proclaiming "I am the Lord, and there is none else."    --Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)

YOU NEED THIS CD!

If you are not subscribing to "The Gathering Storm," you really need to order this January 2011 issue entitled A NURSE AND TEACHER SPEAK OUT: THERE IS NO HOPE!    We have never had a more explosive interview than this special edition. You will not believe what you are hearing from these two Christian professionals about what is happening in our culture. What they have to say is kept secret by the media, and, is never mentioned in the news. We need to hear from you quickly. Send $5 donation made out to Scofield Ministries, 120 CR 3222, Clifton, TX 76634. This is one you will want to pass along to others, or order several more copies to share. Don't miss this special offer!

GREAT TRIBULATION PASSAGE!

Jeremiah 25 begins speaking about the coming of the Babylonian Invasion in 605 BC but as the chapter continues, it projects far into the future and the judgment of the Lord upon all the nations of the world. In other words, the chapter is about the worldwide tribulation that we are getting closer to.    These judgments will take place "when the seventy years of captivity are completed" (v. 12). "Many nations and great kings shall make slaves of the Jews" (v. 14). God's cup of wrath will be given to "all the nations in whom I send you (Israel), to drink it" (v. 15). Near nations are listed and judged and then nations farther away, such as Saudi Arabia (v. 23).    Judgment will come on "the kings of the north, near and far, one with another, and upon all the kingdoms of the earth" (v. 26). This is tribulation times! The nations will drink of God's wine of judgment and vomit, they will fall and rise no more because of "the sword which I will send among you" (v. 27).    God's sword will be "against all the inhabitants of the earth" (v. 29). The Lord will shout from on high (v. 30). The tribulation is described: "He has a controversy with the nations, against the inhabitants of the earth, a clamor will come to the end of the earth (v. 30).    The Lord will enter into judgment will all flesh (v. 31), "Behold, evil will go forth from nation to nation, and a great storm will be stirred up from the remotest parts of the earth" (v. 32). "Those slain by the Lord on that day (the day of wrath) shall be from one end of the earth to the other.    This sounds very much like the book of Revelation and Matthew 24. It is impossible to turn these verses into an allegory, or spiritualize them. They are to be taken literally. How foolish are the covenant guys, the amills, who do not know how to read their Bible!    When the Lord restores Israel from their time of judgment, they will never again be punished by Him. The Lord "contends with His people" and He will take out of their hands "the cup of reeling and staggering" (Isa. 51:22). He will remove "the chalice of His anger" from their hand and the Jews "will never drink it again" (v. 22). God will put the cup of His wrath into the hand of their "tormentors, who have said to the Jews, 'Lie down that we may walk over you!'" (v. 23). God's people will be restored "and redeemed without money" (52:3). They will rise from the dust and told to loose yourself from the chains around your neck (v. 2). The Jews will be clothed in beautiful garments when they enter the kingdom. Jerusalem will be called "the holy city" and the Gentiles, the uncircumcised and unclean, will never again come against Israel (v. 1). --Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)

THE HISTORICAL LIES CONTINUE!

It amazes me how ignorant our historians are who comment on early American colonial history. They keep trying to get rid of any argument that would have us face religious issues in the founding of this great nation. The majority of the issues in regard to the Revolutionary War were religious and theological.    The main point of contention was theological not political or about prosperity. Listen to the words of our second President, John Adams who tells this happening. He said:    "Fear of the Church of England contributed as much as any other cause to arrest the attention [of the people] not only of the inquiring mind, but of the common people and urged them to think carefully on the Constitutional authority of [the English] Parliament over the colonies, … The objection [they had] was not only about the office of a [church] Bishop, though that was dreaded, but to the authority of Parliament on which it must be founded. The reasoning was this: There is no power less than Parliament which can create [Anglican] Bishops in America. But if Parliament can erect dioceses and appoint Bishops, they may introduce the whole [spiritual] hierarchy, establish tithes, establish religion, forbid [religious] dissenters, [turn church] schism(s) [into] heresy, impose [civil] penalties [in regard to religion] extending to life and limb as well as to liberty and prosperity."    Adam's thinking:    If Parliament could appoint Anglican Bishops for America then Parliament could impose itself in all American affairs. Note that Adams said this issue would "contribute as much as any other cause" for the people to stop and think of the implications of the appointment of a church Bishop!    Something happened that was as important as the dumping of the tea into Boston harbor, though it is almost never referred to. When the church of England sent a new Bishop over to America, the people rushed him back to the ship and sent him on his way home to Britain.    This event was reported in 1769 in the paper the Political Register. "The bishop had attempted to land, but was greeted by cries of 'No lords spiritual or temporal in New England!' 'Shall they be obliged to maintain bishops who cannot maintain themselves!' The bishop was bundled back on the ship, the wheels of his carriage dismantled, and his mitre and crosier thrown after him. A banner surmounted by a liberty-cap read: 'Liberty and Freedom of Conscience.'"    Then someone hurled a book of Calvin's Institutes at him. The people shouted out: "Lord, now let Thou Thy servant depart in peace."    Does anyone know about this event? I don't think so! --Dr. Mal Couch

PURPOSE OF THE LOCAL CHURCH?

What is the purpose or the work of the local church? Generally people come up with all kinds of "works" and ministries that the local assembly should be doing, but unfortunately, this is all wrong. The people who are a part of the local church are to do NOTHING! There is no assigned task given to the local church except that the sheep are to come to the church, do nothing, but listen to the shepherd or shepherds teach God's Word in order to grow and mature, so that they individually can go forth to minister what they personally are supposed to do for His service.    There can certainly be Sunday school teachers who carry out the teaching ministry of the pastor(s) in order to mature the sheep. But otherwise, there is no assignment given to the local church, no "doing" that the people are supposed to carry out as a commission. The NT makes this clear but it is often missed or overlooked by the pastors or shepherds.    Christ gave to the church "Pastors (Shepherds) (indeed, that is) Teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ" (Eph. 5:12). Note: it is the people who are in the ministry, not the pastor. The pastor is the teacher to mature and "grow up" the church saints that they may do the work of the ministry!    Going out the church door the people are to reach their lost friends for Christ. In the local congregation they are to support each other with love. Within the church, they are not to be busy bees with a lot of activity that can be time-wasters and that are not the main functions of the church as a local organization.    "Shepherds indeed Teachers" seems to be the way the passage should be translated. In other words, the Shepherds are to Shepherd by teaching the Word of God so that the flock can mature and do the work of the ministry. In this sense, the Shepherd is not in the ministry, the people are. He is to be the shepherd!    Hoehner on this says: "Teaching in the local assembly should have authority when based on Scripture. … The pastors should teach the revelation of God authoritatively. … Shepherding includes instruction."    Charles Hodge notes: "The apostle intended to designate the same persons at once pastors and teachers. … Every pastor was required to be apt to teach. This interpretation is given by Augustine and Jerome. … In this interpretation the modern commentators almost without exception concur."    Thus, the sheep are to come to the assembly and listen and learn, grow up and mature, and then carry out their role of evangelizing and loving the fellow-brother in Christ.    Paul says the main task of the local church is to teach the sheep the Word of God. Note: "You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having RECEIVED THE WORD with much tribulation ..." (1 Thess. 1:6). And, "You RECEIVED from us the Word of God's message, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the WORD OF GOD ..." (2:13). Also: "Your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows even greater" (2 Thess. 1:3).    Is the LOCAL CHURCH given a specific task to carry out, except for teaching God's Word? The shocker is NO!    The founder of Dallas Seminary, Lewis S. Chafer, points this out with force and clarity! He writes:    "No responsibility or service is imposed on the [local] church per se. The common phrase, 'the church's task,' is, therefore, without Biblical foundation. It is only when individuals sense their personal responsibility and claim personal divine enablement that Christian work is done. … The 'church which is His body' has for its mission to build itself up until the body is, complete (Eph. 4:11-16; Col. 2:19), but the visible church, as such, is charged with no mission. The commission to evangelize the world is personal and NOT corporate. So far as the Scripture story goes, the work of evangelization was done by individuals called directly of the Spirit to that work (Acts 8:5, 26-27, 39; 13:2, etc.). There is no trace of any corporate responsibility attaching to 'the church.'" (Systematic Theology, IV, 149-150)    Chafer goes on and talks about the abiding main purpose of the Pastor, that is, the Shepherd in the local congregation:    "They are to be trained is indicated in Ephesians 4:11-12. The saints are to be equipped for this service by the gifted men whom God has placed over them as their leaders. … The pastor and teacher is responsible for the equipment of those given into his care. This includes an accurate knowledge of the truth. … The one who is taught will 'hold the truth in love.' … The body is to be self-building up in love. 'Now you are the body of Christ, and members in particular' (1 Cor. 12:27)." (Systematic Theology, IV, 68-71)       Conclusion: The local church has no specific commission given to it by the apostle Paul. The pastor is to teach the Word of God in order to mature the sheep, who will then go forth and share the gospel and the truth with those outside the church building.  -- Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, what do the names of Christ mean in Isaiah 9:6 from the Hebrew text? ANSWER:  I am glad you asked this because I am now teaching the book of Isaiah on Monday nights at Clifton Bible Church. Actually, there is only one long name (singular) in this verse. In the Hebrew language it looks like this in the English transliteration: Pele-Joez-el-Gibbor-Abi-ad-Sar-Shalom.    In the Jewish translation of the Hebrew, and even in the orthodox Hebrew commentary, they leave the name just like this, thus, unless the readers knew Hebrew, they could not interpret the words that make up this one name!    The Jewish commentary does admit "The meaning of the Hebrew words is 'Wonderful in counsel is God the Mighty, the Everlasting Father, the Ruler of Peace.'" There is more to this one name. By the way, "the Everlasting Father" should better be translated "The Father of Eternity." This is referring to Christ. He is not God the Father, He is God the Son. Therefore, to say He is the Father of Eternity is far more accurate.    PELE means the Messiah is "extraordinarily marvelous," with the idea that He can speak "unheard-of" words. When the Messiah rules He will have awesome powers and will be the most outspoken with wisdom and righteousness.    JOEZ is the simple Hebrew word for "counselor." His advice will be perfect. He will not advise from the human standpoint but from the Divine! No human governor has ever expressed such perfection. He will rule with full authority and absolute wisdom!    EL is one of the most basic words for God. It is often used in a compound. He is "the High God." The Messiah is Very God/Very Man. Whatever can be said of God is said of Christ, the God-Man!    GIBBOR has the idea of God "the Strong One." It is used of a military leader. The Messiah is "manly, vigorous, a benevolent Despot, a hero, a warrior." It is a word used of the most powerful of animals. "The horse, crocodile." These animals represent the most fierce man can encounter—so is the Messiah. There will be no one like Him!    ABI is part of the phrase "ABI-AD, or Father of Eternity." He heads up the realm of The Forever! The Son of God, the Messiah, has always been! He was born into the realm of humanity but in spirit and soul, the Son has always existed, has always been! He is the eternal Son of God with no beginning and no ending.    SAR means "the leading person, the ruler, the chief." He is the Guardian, the military General, the Higher Being! The Messiah is no pushover, He is not passive. He is the ultimate Authority, the final Arbiter. He is the one will command full authority in His eternal earthly and cosmic realm!    SHALOM means the Messiah is the one who is full of kindness, salvation. He represents "personal wholeness" and completeness. When He rules He will have prosperous relationships—peace. He has peaceful intentions in His universal rule.    I trust this will cause a great appreciate for our Savior!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch   (10/10)

Impact Radio Shows for September 2010

• September (4 audio files)

Audio File: What is the Purpose of the Local Church? Nothing!

Audio File

• What is the Purpose of the Local Church? Nothing!

New Audio Files: Revelation by Dr. Daniel Woodhead

• The Jews in the Tribulation including the 144,000 Evangelists
• The City of Refuge where Jewish Tribulation Believers will flee
• The Campaign of Armageddon and Babylon
• The second stage of the Campaign of Armageddon (message 56)
• The third of the Campaign of Armageddon

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, what is the wrath of God (being revealed) in Romans 1:18? ANSWER: "Being revealed" is the Greek word "apokalupto" and it means to "remove from being hidden." It is in the Present Passive Indicative form. "For the wrath (orgas) of God is right now being revealed." And it is being revealed against "all unrighteousness of men ..." In other words, people know what is evil among the human race. And there is a sense, not necessarily in detail, that there is a judgment coming from God against the same. Some go a step further with this verse and argue that it is saying that there is a knowledge of the fact that there is a final day of wrath right now being set forth, that will soon fall upon mankind. The seven year period of the coming tribulation is called "the wrath of God." On this verse the great scholar Nicoll says: "Wrath in the NT is usually prophetic, but in 1 Thess. 2:16 it refers to some historical judgment, and in John 3:36 it is the condemnation of the sinner by God, with all that is involved, present and to come. The revelation of wrath here probably refers mainly to the final judgment." I hope this helps. Thanks for asking. Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)

The Christian Alert

Freedom of Religion and Speech are under horrific assault in America. The politically correct liberal left is on an all out assault against our most cherished freedoms. Last week Facebook, the social media giant officially befriended the Gay and Lesbian Alliance against Defamation (GLAAD) to "end hate speech and anti-gay bullying" on the Internet. The new partnership, which made a splash in the mainstream news, is significant because it puts Facebook on the media's growing path toward censorship. Apparently, anything they construed to be anti-homosexual will be stripped from the site. Where does that leave Americans who morally oppose the lifestyle and want to help people find freedom from it? According to CNN, the world's biggest social networking hub will be trolling its pages for violators. "And this isn't just routine... policing, either." GLAAD will see to that. In a press release about the alliance, the organization is urging liberals to take an active role in shutting down speech.      Over the past few weeks we have seen strong statements about the freedom of religion coming from the President, his administration, and members of Congress. Many in the mainstream press have also made bold statements about the importance of our religious freedom.      It now seems that religious freedom in America is safe and well guarded . . . as long as you are a Muslim. Those on the Left who have remained silent, or worse, been on the wrong side, about protecting our religious freedoms for so long seem to have had a dramatic conversion event over the protests against the mosque at Ground Zero. This is a remarkable turnaround, especially for this White House. Over the past year or so, we have noticed that members of the administration had begun to talk about freedom of worship.      This was not a simple slip of the tongue, it was a carefully crafted plan that many conservative leaders saw as one of the greatest threats to religious freedom in our lifetime. "Freedom of worship" means you are a free to worship any way you want, as long as you do so in private. It means you do not have the freedom to express your faith in public nor do you have the right to share your faith with others, even your own children. This new phrase has been used in multiple speeches by the president himself as well as in speeches by key members of his cabinet, setting off alarm bells among conservative Christians. Then a few weeks ago, the president suddenly had an epiphany and decided we have freedom of religion in this country. When did this realization suddenly occur to him? What was the event that spawned this insight? It was at the White House Iftar dinner that he stated: "But let me be clear. As a citizen, and as President, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country. And that includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in Lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances. This is America. And our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable."      It would have been nice to see the same unshakable commitment to religious freedom earlier this year when a group of four Christian men were arrested for sharing their faith on a public sidewalk outside an Arab festival in Dearborn, Michigan. Over the past several months we have seen people lose their jobs, be expelled from graduate studies programs and even be arrested, for peaceful but public displays of their Christian faith. Thomas Jefferson told us "the price of freedom is eternal vigilance." Freedom isn't free. Our freedom was bought with the blood of our forefathers. Our nation has remained free because of the sacrifice of previous generations, many of whom sacrificed the lives of their sons and daughters on the altar of freedom. The freedoms that we still hold are ours, not only because of our military, but also because of the efforts of those who continue to fight to protect them in our culture. Our freedoms are under attack and it is time to make a stand to defend them.

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, I was recently reading Philippians 1:11-20 and was convicted that we should all stand firm on defending the gospel but other issues, such as the Pre-Tribulation and Premillennial prophetic issues, we do not have to defend so strongly. What do you think? ANSWER: While the gospel is extremely important, and should be defended to the teeth, to make sure that it is clear and not distorted, when it comes to teaching in the church, we still have an obligation to stand strong on the doctrine of the return of Christ. This includes the Pretribulational rapture issue, and the coming millennial reign of Christ. Those who believe in other views of Christ's return are still our brothers, if they hold to the pure teaching about salvation and the gospel. However, in the building up of the faith of believers, the church has an obligation to continue to speak forth exactly what the Bible is teaching. So I will debate and make firm the issues of Christ's return. I will not say, when teaching believers, "Oh well, it doesn't matter what you think on these doctrines!" When I am responsible for the sheep, I will make sure that they are getting biblical doctrine and not error. Christ and all the apostles (and the prophets of the OT) taught the Premillennial coming of Christ, the Messiah. The orthodox Jews believe and teach the same thing. If one moves off center on some of these great teachings, you will end up in terrible error. And in time, even the gospel will be perverted and distorted. Satan would love for us to teach with error any doctrine of Scripture! So I have a mandate to make sure that the Word of God is clear, all of its doctrines! Thanks for asking. Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)

THE BLESSINGS ON THE EUROPEANS IS ABOUT OVER

The blessings upon the Europeans is about over. But earlier, here in Genesis 9, Noah made what we call a cryptic prophecy about his son Japheth. Because Ham ridiculed his father Noah for getting drunk, his distant son Canaan would be cursed, by God, "the God of his son Shem." God would "enlarge (or bless) Noah's son Japheth, and he (Japheth) would dwell in the tents of Shem, and Canaan would be his servant" (Gen. 9:25-27). To dwell in someone's tent is a sign of blessing. This is a broad, cryptic prophecy. By that we mean we cannot see all the implications here in these verses but they have far off consequences and fulfillment. "Cryptic" means that we cannot now see all of the implications of this prophecy but someday it will all make sense. The Europeans are the descendants of Japheth and they would be the most blessed of the Semites (the Shem-ites), or specifically the people of Israel. Unger writes: "The Japhetic line is predicted to enjoy not only expansion in temporal possessions, but spiritual blessings as well. Christianity has had great outreach upon the Japhetic peoples of Europe and America. God's glory, His Shekinah, is another reference to the spiritual blessings on the Israelites as a Shemitic (Semitic) people." Griffith Thomas adds: "We know that as a matter of fact the Christian Gentile nations have indeed superseded the family of Shem in religious privileges, and have entered upon their inheritance of spiritual blessing and earthly power. It is at least striking that the political control of human affairs is now in the hands of the Japhetic line." Henry Morris says: "Japheth also would appropriate these blessings to himself by enjoying fellowship with Shem. The Japhethites (especially the Greeks, Romans, and later the other Europeans and the Americans) have stressed science and philosophy in their development." Harold Stigers writes: "The fact is that the Japhethite nations have been the major beneficiaries of the Gospel in the last two millennia. From these nations, millions have been brought into the house of God through believing in the resurrected Christ. Their widespread habitation of the globe is referred to in the words 'God will enlarge (lit., make it wide to) Japheth.' That the Gospel is meant is the thought to be preferred." H. C. Leupold goes on: "The Indo-Europeans or Ayrans, are spread out over vast stretches of territory from India across all Europe and of a later date over the Western Hemisphere. The Japhethites have now very largely come in to share Shem's blessings, for as Gentiles they have been grafted on the good olive tree. Shem's spiritual heritage is ours." Barnes continues: "This enlargement of Japheth is the most striking point in the history of Japheth, who is the progenitor of the inhabitants of Europe, and America. The Japhethites have proven themselves capable of rising to the heights of these lofty themes, and have elaborated that noble form of human speech, which was adopted in the providence of God." The old great scholar John Gill, writing around 1775 said: "God gave Japheth a large part of the earth, and large dominions in it, as his posterity have had. These vast countries to the north, which were formerly the Sythians, and now the Tartars inhabit; not to say any thing of the new world (America). Many Christian writers interpret them of the conversion of the Gentiles, and Jews, in one Gospel, that is, God shall persuade the Gentiles, the posterity of Japheth, by the Gospel, and through the power of His Gospel, and through the power of His grace accompanying it, to embrace and profess Christ and His Gospel." The Jewish Rabbis add: "God shall enlarge Japheth means he is the progenitor of the Indo-European or Aryan peoples, receives the blessing of worldly prosperity and widespread dominion. This is the first of the universal forecasts in Scripture of the day when enmity between nations will be forgotten, and they will unite in acknowledgment of the God of Israel." The Rabbis are encouraging but in matter of fact, for the moment in history, the blessing is departing from the European nations. They had their chance and they benefited by the Gospel but are now giving it up. The Muslim peoples are now taking over Europe. A war is certain in which the European peoples will be dominated by the Muslims. A terrible time in history is on its way! --Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)

Ask Dr.Couch

Dr. Couch, I appreciate your information about early America in your books, but what about the Catholics who came to this country early on? ANSWER: In Europe wars were raging between Protestant countries and Catholics but many Catholics realized that there would be a blessing in coming to America. The wars ceased in this country! The first Catholic settlement landed near what is now Baltimore. Thomas More, who was the Lord Chancellor of England, sanctioned the persecution of Protestants, even to the point of burning them at the stake. A century later, George Calvert, Lord Baltimore, projected a Catholic colony in America based on religious liberty. An expedition of Catholics landed on the island of St. Clement's on the Potomac River and held the first Mass on March 25, 1634. This was on the Feast Day of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Lord Baltimore gave the Jesuits a subsidy to establish their work in that area. Strangely, Lord Baltimore, under the rule of Parliament, appointed a Protestant Governor with a majority of Protestant councillors. They submitted laws that brought the death penalty to any who spoke out against the Virgin Mary, the Apostles. As well, there could be whippings for anyone who said anything against Protestants or Catholics alike. The Catholics of Maryland settled in and lived at peace with their Protestant neighbors. They all accepted the peace between the two groups. Overt persecution did not raise its ugly head in the colonies. It was not until the first of the nineteenth century that many more Catholics arrived in America, and they were mainly (but not exclusively so) from Italy and the Latin countries. The Catholics accepted the spirit of America and lived side by side with the Protestant majority without major problems. While it can be said that there was peace between the two groups, it was Catholicism that became more "Protestant-ized" and accepted the good influences of the Reformation in America. Besides the East Coast, Catholics had pockets of populations in Louisiana, along the Southern borders, and in California. But for the most part, America would be Protestant in belief and opinion. Thanks for asking. Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)

CHURCH PRAISE MUSIC

The farmer went to church one Sunday without his wife. She asked "Well, how did it go?" "We had praise music instead of regular hymns." "What is the difference," she asked? "Well, it all goes something like this: "Martha, the cows are in the corn," that would be a hymn. If I said to you "'Martha, Martha, Martha, Oh Martha, Martha, Martha, Martha, the cows, the big cows, the brown cows, the black cows, the white cows, the COWS, COWS, COWS, are in the corn, are in the corn, are in the corn, are in the corn,' that would be a praise chorus." "If my hands went down," that would be a hymn. "If my hands went up and up and up," that would be a praise song. "If I enjoyed the music like my soul was being touched, as I do when I am singing in the shower, that would be a regular hymn. But if I squinted my eyes like a duck in a hail storm, that would not be a painful toe broken by my shovel, that would be what you do in a praise song!"

LETTERS THAT WILL BREAK YOUR HEART!

Dr. Couch, I was a student of yours some years ago. I learned so much by your courses, your stories, your trips to Israel, your studies in church history, your handling of the scriptural text. To put it mildly, I highly respect you as a servant of God, and also because of all the books you have written. Your books have a special place in my library. Things have changed drastically where I went before. The school is not the same. I am wondering where you would suggest I go in order to get the studies you taught. Thank you for your ministry and the blessings you have been to me in the past. What should I do? Sincerely, JW Dr. Couch, I came to Christ through a student who took some of your courses some years ago. He used to loan me your books and tapes and I learned a huge amount about God, the Bible and the church through you. I started attending a small Baptist church. I was working toward being a Southern Baptist pastor but I realized that what I was getting was nothing like I received from studying with you. I soon realized that the pastor never taught the Bible; he only taught salvation messages that never fed the sheep. In fact, he had some strange doctrines. After I expressed my doubts he began preaching a series against Calvinism. I stuck around for awhile but realized I had to leave. I attended a Southern Baptist school but they didn't even have a hermeneutics course nor did they teach the biblical language. What should I do? All the churches around here are SB or Pentecostal, or, they are covenant in their theology. I need to get where I can feed my family. I would like to attend Scofield Seminary with you but I can't do that in good conscience unless I am a church member. I really don't know what to do. Your ministry has helped me through the years grow more than anything else so I value your advice very much. Sincerely, ML Dear JW and ML. The only school I am working with, and that I could even start to recommend, is Scofield Seminary. (Scofield Seminary is not connected to Scofield Ministries.) By the way, both of your letters are typical of many that I receive monthly, from students I have never met, or from former students who thank me for blessing them in past studies. Things are changing rapidly in schools and churches across our nation. It is getting worse more quickly than we could all have imagined. Young teachers at many seminaries think they know so much but in reality they are very arrogant and ignorant about the Word of God. They are not to be trusted and they have little understanding about teaching the Scriptures. I urge both of you to give me a phone call for a conversation about what you might do from this point forward. Thank you for writing. Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)

WEB MESSAGES

"Dr. Couch, thank you for putting your messages on the Scofield Ministries website and also on the Clifton Bible Church website. When we can't get to church, we tune in and listen to your teachings on one or the other. What great messages!" (BJ) Thank you for your kind comments. Also, if you live down near Ft. Hood and as far north as Clifton, you can get our program, "Impact: The Bible and Current Events," at 6 pm on KBDE-FM (89.9) in your car. We receive a tremendous response to this broadcast! --Dr. Mal Couch Click here to go to Scofield Prophecy Studies' free audio messages.

MARIOLOGY

I'm often asked about Mary, the mother of Jesus. I have about twenty Catholic texts used in Catholic seminaries and referred to in the teaching of priests. The average Catholic would not believe what the Church actually teaches about her! It is downright heresy! Some years ago I wrote a book entitled "The Teaching of the Catholic Church—Taken from Their Own Textbooks." It is an awesome volume that is quite revealing about their Mariology. Below is a quick summary: "By a special intervention of God, she was preserved from the stain of original sin." "Her many names: 'The Mother of the Homeless, Widowed Mother, Mother of a Political Prisoner, Unwed Mother, Liberator of the Oppressed, Seeker of Sanctuary, and First Disciple.' "Mother of God" therefore endowed with a form of divine perfection." "Immaculate Conception." She was uniquely conceived, was immune from sin, personal or inherited." "She remained throughout her life a virgin." "Free from sexual desire." "At the birth of Jesus, there was non-injury to her hymen and consequently no pain in the birth of Jesus." "She was taken bodily into heaven." "She is now clothed with the sun and stars in glory, according to Revelation 12." (What a terrible misinterpretation of the book of Revelation!) "Mary had an intimate share in Christ's battle against Satan and in His victory over Satan and sin, she must also have participated intimately in His victory over death." "Since she has Divine Motherhood, she has the right to reign as Queen of Heaven." "Mary's royal merit is based on her intrinsic connection with Christ in His work of Redemption." "Mary is the new Eve." "Christ is the Mediator, Mary is the Mediatrix of the whole world." "Since she gave forth Christ, the Redeemer, she is the Source now of all graces." "She is the Coredemptress. She co-operates in the giving of Redemption to mankind." "Nobody can approach Christ except through the Mother, she is the dispenser of all gifts." "Nobody can achieve salvation except through her." "She is the Most Holy One." "God wished that we have nothing, except by the hand of Mary" --St. Bernard of Clairvaux. "She may receive special veneration because she is the Mother of God." "There are two special feasts for Mary: The Feast of her Home-Going (her Assumption to heaven, and her birth." "She is joined by an inseparable bond to the saving work of her Son." "We continually ask her, as our mother, to pray and intercede for us before the throne of God." "Mary's role in God's plan may be best summed up in the phrase 'To Jesus through Mary.'" "It is in Mary that the Church finds her fulfillment." "Through her is the plan of universal salvation." Verses that go against Mariology: "The grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many (who are to be saved)" (Rom. 5:15). "There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). "There is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus" (1 Tim. 2:5). "Christ Jesus … who is at the right hand of God; who also intercedes for us" (Rom. 8:34). "Jesus is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them" (Heb. 7:25). "I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father but through Me" (John 14:6). -- Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)

WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN?

Those who have died as infants and had no opportunity to trust in Christ? We have only two verse that sheds light on this issue. And most evangelicals hold to what I am about to write now.    King David had a child with Bathsheba but the infant died before he was eight days old. David in prophecy stated: "While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, 'Who knows, the Lord may be gracious to me, that the child may live.' But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me" (2 Sam. 12:22-23).    This indicates that the child went home to be with the Lord, and when David dies, he will go to him. The infant passed on to the Lord. God covered his sin before the age of accountability. Now what is that age? No one knows. But the assumption, based on pretty good evidence, is that before a child reaches a period of consciousness or ability to think with rational thought, God would apply the blood of Christ to that child and cover his sins, taking him home to heaven.    All men are born with the sin of Adam to their account. No one is born innocent. Paul writes "by the transgression of the one [Adam], death reigned through the one, ..." (Rom. 5:17a). "Through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners" (v. 19). "Just as through one man [Adam] sin entered into the world, and death [came] through sin, and so death spread to all men, ..." (v. 12).    Circumcision nor baptism has anything to do with salvation. Only faith can save. But the issue of the infant, or the child who has not reached the realm of reasoning, brings about an exception. God can apply the death of His Son to such. Thus, the Lord is not unfair. He applies the death of Christ to that child in order to spare him. These two verses in 2 Samuel 12 are few but they have great implications to this issue.    Unger writes on 2 Samuel 12:22-23: "'I shall go to him,' scarcely can be interpreted any other way than that [David] was conscious of a life beyond the grave and that he, justified by faith, would go where the innocent child went, who had not yet reached the age of accountability." --Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)

New Audio Files: Revelation by Dr. Daniel Woodhead

• The 2nd half of the Great Tribulation starts with the first bowl judgment.
Judgment on those who took the mark of the Beast, 666.
• The 2nd half of the Great Tribulation continues with Bowl Judgments 2-5
The world's water turns to blood and there is a total world-wide blackout.

The Christian Alert

The radical homosexual activist lobby is desperate. Their opportunity to fundamentally change America to be completely accepting of this lascivious, deviant lifestyle is slipping away. There are several prominent attacks on our society right now that are being orchestrated by politicians whose re-election campaigns are funded by the homosexual lobby. America's Constitutional Republic is "hanging by a thread."  If successful, America will be far worse economically and socially. Businesses will employ openly transgendered, cross dressing employees. Public restrooms will be "gender-neutral." Open acts of indecency will be common place with no punitive enforcement. You might think this is unbelievable, it's already started. Democrat and Republican politicians both widely support pro-homosexual legislation. Former  staunch, self-proclaimed, social conservative Republicans are catering to the radical homosexual lobby.      One such politician is Senator (R-TX) John Cornyn who recently spoke at a dinner for the Log Cabin Republicans. The Log Cabin Republicans are the homosexual segment of the Republican Party. These are the very same Log Cabin Republicans who sued the Federal Government to have the law banning open homosexual service in the U.S. Military struck down. Governor Haley Barbour (R-MS), who currently leads the Republican Governor's Association (RGA), and a staunch, pro-family politician while in Mississippi, is sending millions of dollars to Massachusetts. The reason, the money is going to the election campaigns of Charlie Baker (R-MA) and Richard Tisei (R-MA) who are running for Governor and Lt. Governor in Massachusetts respectively. Both Baker and Tisei are energetic supporters of the homosexual movement. They both support homosexual "marriage" (and, of course, abortion). Baker told the Boston Globe that he is "to the left of Barack Obama on social issues." He marched in the "Gay Pride" parade with a group of vicious homosexual activists. While Baker ran Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, the company earned a 100% rating by the radical homosexual group Human Rights Campaign, which requires company-paid sex-change treatments and surgery for that rating! Richard Tisei recently "came out" as a homosexual, and was a co-sponsor of the oppressive Transgender Rights and Hate Crimes Bill in the Massachusetts State Legislature, which he promises to champion in the future. The contributions to the RGA's campaign fund that are being sent by Gov. Barbour to Baker's and Tisei's election campaigns are largely donated by none other than Fox News. The point is this, be very aware and informed on who you may be voting for during this general mid-term election. Many politicians are compromising for the sake of gaining political power and simultaneously depriving our children and grandchildren of a promising future.

IT ALMOST MAKES ONE BELIEVE IN EVOLUTION!

Great scientific breakthrough. They have now determined that the humming bird, weighing less than one penny, is related to the dinosaur which weighs about ten tons! I always wondered how the humming bird evolved. However, I am confused. Did the humming bird come from the dinosaur, or did the dinosaur come from the humming bird?    If the humming bird came from the dinosaur can you imagine how it had to de-evolve downward and over millions of years get smaller and smaller. (Some kind of gene downgrading that just can't be explained.) Or, maybe the dinosaur evolved upward from the humming bird. What an incredible problem it must have had with its metabolism!    Can you imagine what the forest creatures thought as they saw the little humming bird get larger and bigger as it evolved upwards into the giant dinosaur! This makes sense because they say feathers were at one time scales, or was it that scales evolved into feathers? I keep forgetting which is which! I guess the connection between the humming bird's long tongue for reaching down into flowers is similar to the long tongue of the dinosaur, or something like that!    Isn't science wonderful! We would never have guessed the relationship between the humming bird and the dinosaur if it were not for the brilliance of the evolutionary scientist! They are now on the verge of another great discovery. And that is that man did not evolve from the ape but from the donkey or the a__. But we have always suspected that this was the case because human beings are so capable of acting just like the donkey in the way he thinks. (I have always wondered why I love the taste of hay!)      --Dr. Mal Couch    (10/10)

ANTI-COLONIAL TRASH!

Barack Hussein Obama says that the world is divided into two parts: (1) the Colonial European Powers who subvert the rest of the world, the third world peoples, and (2) the Asiatics and the Blacks. While there was some mistreatment by the unsaved Europeans in the countries to which they attached themselves, that is an over emphasis that really goes against the truth.    The European powers actually brought civilization to the backward nations of the world. They planted hospitals, built roads, built universities and law schools, established publishing and radio, build railroads, established industries and helped the third world nations to learn how to export products. If it were not for the European nations, peoples around the world would still be carrying spears and putting bones through their noses! Many of the Europeans also took Christianity to foreign lands—the English, the Americans, the Scottish, and to some degree, the Germans. Much of it did not stick. Many of the backward nations are still pagan, worshiping snakes, lizards, leaves and trees! Their immorality would make you gag!    The anti-colonial folks, like Obama's relatives, hate Europeans, and especially the English. This is why Obama insulted England by having Winston Churchill's bust returned to England. What an insult from a man who is supposed to be more dignified, and, who should know more about world history!    Get D'Souza's book: "The Roots of Obama's Rage." --Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)

YOU'VE GOT TO GET IT!

Every one needs to get the book by Dinesh D'Souza "The Roots of Obama's Rage" (Regency Publishing). Get it before the election time in November! This is the most revealing book ever about our President and his background. There is so much here that I won't even try to describe all the content of the volume. But it is indeed an eye-opener.    It is also a frightening book. Because it tells us about the rewriting of history by those on the left. And it describes why Obama is so dangerous to our American freedom. Or you can get a summary of the book by getting a copy of the September 27th issue of Forbes Magazine. I need not tell you how to vote. It will be obvious if you read this material! How we got here is a mystery from the human level. From the level of the sovereignty of God, we can see the judgment from Him in the placing of this man in office.    Some may criticize me for recommending what looks like a political book. But remember, everything is spiritual and theological. And God is in charge of His world. What is happening is a spiritual judgment upon this nation, and upon the world. Get the book! --Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, why does President Barack Hussein Obama hate England so much? That's easy. His grandfather and father were anti-Colonialists. They hated what they perceived were the sins of England. Now Britain did not do all things perfectly but we need to count her blessings in the past.    England gave to some degree the message of the gospel to the nations she went to. She also gave them roads, hospitals, English law, took away some of the horrible sins of the nations she had control over. For example, in India, the wives practiced sati,  the suicide by burning of the wife when the husband died! The English put in telephones, built railroads, etc.    Hussein Obama forgets all of this. England "made" the pagan nations and took them out of their paganism, at least to a degree. Hussein Obama forgets this.    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, what is going on in Ephesians 6:23? ANSWER:  The verse reads: "Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."    The "Peace" and the "love with faith" both come from the Father and from the Son. Paul means that love is associated with faith. Love connected with trust, faith, bathes the relationship of the believers. And this is coming from the Father and the Son. We are not to have just simple love, but we are to have love that is bound together with Christian trust. This is not plain love. Thus, it is Godly peace and love! It may read "peace and love" with Christian faith both come from the Father and Son.       Believers are not to have ordinary peace and love. "Faith is presupposed as being the believers" bestowed by the Father and Son.--Alford    This makes Christianity unique!    Thanks for asking.    --Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)

“THOUGHT” AND “SPEAK” POLICE

We are not in the process of loosing our freedoms, we have already lost them! We are now in a slave country where we cannot think what we want to, or say what we think. We have the right to be wrong but it is still our opinion. However today, we cannot articulate our thoughts or speak our minds. And this will only grow worse, unless we replace our congressmen and find some way to rein in our courts that are acting as law-makers!    What if I speak out against the abuses of a specific culture that is very sinful and evil? That is my business. You have the right to criticize me or disagree, and that is your right. But I still should have the right to say what I please, though it may be wrong. To speak out is my privilege!    The apostle Paul openly criticized the culture of the people of Crete. He said "One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, 'Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons'" (Titus 1:12). Paul could speak his piece. He did not hold back.    In America, everyone can say what they wish except Christians. We are the ones who are muzzled. We must trash our traditions and repudiate our heritage and our nation. We are told that we are now a multi-cultural nation and therefore must hold back our thoughts. But more, we must change our thought-forms. We have to re-work our opinions and think only what we are told to think.    In my opinion, those who have recently come to America, if they do not like what we think or say, they should leave—we are not the ones who must go!    The bottom-line issue goes back to Psalm 2. The real problem is that the world hates God and His Son, the Messiah! The psalmist David says the world takes counsel against God and His Anointed, His Son. They want to "tear the fetters of the Lord and His Son apart, and cast away their ropes from us!" (v. 3). They take their stand against God while they "devise empty (meaningless) things!" (v. 1).    This hatred will only grow, and it will bring on the tribulation when God responds "in His anger" and "terrifies them in His fury" (v. 5). We are rapidly galloping toward this great day of His wrath!    Meanwhile, believers need to speak out and say what we wish to say. Our thoughts are our own and cannot be buried and hidden. Say what you wish. This is your right in this great land.    --Dr. Mal Couch (11/10)

THE ABRAHAMIC COVENANT AND AMERICA!

To Abraham God said "I will make you a great nation. And I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing; and I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse" (Gen. 12:2-3).    History has proven this part of the Abrahamic covenant to be true. In our own recent history we can see this prophecy coming to pass. Spain was curses for its mistreatment of the Jews. So was Russia and Germany during World War II. If our nation turns against the Jewish people we will be cursed. And there are signs that this may be now happening. Some have said that no President before Barack Hussein Obama has so turned away from Israel as he has! This could be part of the reason that we are seeing America slipping and sliding downhill.    Deuteronomy 14:2 is a very important passage: "For you are a holy people unto the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a peculiar people unto Himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth." And, Psalm 122:6 says: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love you."    I am presently doing a series on Deuteronomy on the Clifton Bible Church website. Click here to begin listening    If the nations do not turn to the Lord there will be terrible consequences. Jeremiah says: "The Lord's indignation will be against all the nations, and His wrath against their armies" (34:2). And, "The nations will be utterly ruined" (Isa. 60:12). America must continue to support Israel and never turn back from that position.    --Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)

New Audio Files: Revelation by Dr. Daniel Woodhead

• The Persecution of the Jews (5 of 13) Saul's folly and The Assyrians
• The Persecution of the Jews (6 of 13) The Persecution of the Jews part 6 Babylonian Captivity
• The Persecution of the Jews (7 of 13) The Persecution of the Jews part 7 Greece under Antiochus and The Romans under Pompey
• The Persecution of the Jews (8 of 13) The Persecution of the Jews part 8 under the Herods, Rome of 70 AD and again in 132 AD
• The Persecution of the Jews (9 of 13)The Persecution of the Jews part 9-Theodosius, Byzantine, Crusades, England and France.
• The Persecution of the Jews (10 of 13)The Persecution of the Jews part 10 Spain, Portugal and Russia
• The Persecution of the Jews (11 of 13) The Persecution of the Jews part 11-Nazi Germany
• The Persecution of the Jews (12 of 13) The Persecution of the Jews part 12-Hungary and the Soviet Union under Stalin
• The Persecution of the Jews (13 of 13) The Persecution of the Jews part 13- Arab-Muslim persecutions

• End of Mid-Tribulation events Antichrist Attacks the Jews: 1st Bowl Judgment

AMERICANS DON'T GET IT!

Americans are just plain stupid when it comes to knowing the Bible and constitutional issues. The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life did a survey that shows a broad range of religious knowledge, but most of it is negative.    The survey found that most citizens don't understand constitutional restrictions on religion in public school. They still think that Christians can't open their mouths in public, and certainly not in public school. Many public school teachers know that they cannot lead class prayer in a classroom, less than a quarter know that the U.S. Supreme Court has clearly stated that teachers can read from the Bible as an example of literature.    Less than four in ten know that Vishnu and Shiva are part of Hinduism. In understanding the constitution, Mormons scored the highest with evangelicals coming in behind with little knowledge of Christianity and its role in America in the public arena.    A side-note: I was corrected in church the other day when I mentioned that I was going to give a "message." I certainly would not have said I was about to deliver a sermon or a devotional. But the one who corrected me said "you are going to give a teaching." He and the others got it! That is what pastors should be doing from the pulpit—teaching the Word of God with depth and detail. Most pastors are ignorant of their own Bible and just give sermonettes for Christian-ettes! We are in sad shape in this nation with most pastors and leaders not knowing what they are supposed to do in delivering the truth in church.    --Dr. Mal Couch  (10/10)

WE THE PEOPLE conference

Conference Speakers were: (top row) Dr. Andy Woods, Dr. Tom McCall, Dr. Jobe Martin, Dr. Dan Woodhead, Zok Zochart, and (bottom row) Dr. Mal Couch.

Fifty attendees came from as far away as Michigan and Illinois to attend Scofield Ministries' WE THE PEOPLE Conference held in Clifton, Texas at the Walvoord Study Center in October, 2010. Those attending expressed shock as to how far we have drifted from our Christian roots in the areas of Law and in the teaching in our Public Schools. Dr. Couch noted that this was the best Conference we have held. Those attending expressed the same.

The Conference is now available on ten CDs, with a carry case album, for just $20. Make your donation check out to Scofield Ministries, 120 CR 3222, Clifton, TX 76634. We must have your order quickly because the sets will be duplicated this next week or two. Also, you need Dr. Couch's latest book THE BIRTH OF THE NATION OF ISRAEL. For a short time it will be sent to you at no cost! But let us know you want it by asking for the ISRAEL book.

The Christian Alert

It is rumored that during the anticipated "lame duck" session coming up after the 2 November mid-term election that 20 bills are planned to be voted on in prompt succession. The Democrats view this as their last chance to advance their liberal agenda on America. Of the 20 items up for possible debate that will be closely watched will be the extension of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts. Democrats want to extend the tax cuts only for families that earn up to $250,000 per year. Republicans want them kept in place for all income brackets.       The belief of most liberals is that government must tax more to pay down our enormous deficit. Although they recognize that tax increases hurt the economy, they argue that our huge deficit requires Congress to raise revenue through a tax hike, says Edward P. Lazear, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business and a Hoover Institution fellow. In actuality Congress should take two actions, says Lazear. First, cut the level of spending that has been increased so dramatically since 2008. Next, institute an "inflation-minus-one" rule to constrain future spending increases. The Obama Administration has stated the intention to reduce the deficit. Even if President Obama succeeds at lowering the deficit to 4 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2013, our public-debt-to-GDP ratio will still be dangerously high, at over 70 percent, or nearly twice what it was during the Bush years.      As the political debate about whether to extend the Bush tax cuts drags on, there is concern about whether it is fair to tax a person who earns more than $200,000 a year (or a family that earns more than $250,000 a year) at rates similar to those who make $5 million, says the New York Times. In some expensive sections of the country, many families with income levels near the $250,000 cutoff insist that they have more in common with middle-class Americans than millionaires or billionaires, says the Times. A study released this month by two Princeton University professors found that in most of the country, people feel comfortably middle class if they earn $70,000. But in New York City, the figure was $165,000. The fact that families making $250,000 are sometimes being invoked in the same terms as billionaires is a symptom of one of the paradoxes of the American tax system: at the same time that wealth has become far more concentrated in recent decades, the tax code has become far less precise in differentiating levels of affluence. Today's tax code has fewer brackets than it had a half century ago -- just six. In 1970, when someone earning $37,000 had the buying power of a $200,000 income today, there were 25 income brackets.      The extension of the tax cuts should be for all income brackets due to the fact that small businesses are the largest creator of jobs in America. Many earning over $250,000 a year are owners of small businesses and need the necessary capital to expand their businesses and hire more employees. Taxing the upper income tax brackets will only stifle job growth and entrepreneurship. Additionally, incentives such as tax credits, cuts coupled with reductions in governmental spending will cause a creation of wealth in our economy. This can only lead to job creation and with the right fiscal conservatives in Washington D.C. deficit reduction as well.

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, does man have a will so that he can choose salvation for himself? ANSWER:  Man has a will but it is not free. It is bound by sin and it runs from God. The great old English Calvinist John Gill writes:    "The efficient cause of salvation is not of man but of God. Not man, it is neither by the power nor will of man. Men are dead in a moral sense while unconverted, they are dead in trespasses and sins, which are the cause of their death. They are only weak through the flesh, the corruption of nature, they are without strength, without strength to perform that which is good, and much less a work of so great importance as their own conversion.    "Christ said that no one can come to Him except by the Father, which has sent Me, draws him (John 6:43). Nor is conversion owing to the will of men; the will of man, before conversion, is in a bad state, it chooses its own ways, and delights in its abominations; it is in high pursuit after the desires of the flesh and of the mind. Man can freely will natural things as to eat or drink, sit, or stand, or walk, but it cannot freely will spiritual things, such as conversion. Man has no will to that which is good till God works it in him, an of unwilling makes him will in the day of his power; he has no will to come to Christ, to be saved by Him; nor to submit to His righteousness. Salvation is not of  him that wills, so this part of it in particular, regeneration, with which conversion, in the first moment of it, agrees, is not of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (Rom. 9:16; John 1:13). It may be said that conversion is not in the power of the will of man, to which purpose are such exhortations as these.    "Only God can remove the stubbornness of the will, and bend it at His pleasure, and make it pliable and conformable to His own will. He can take away the hardness of the heart, to give a heart of flesh. Man has no will nor inclination toward God!    "Conversion is according to the will of God, His will of purpose which can never be frustrated; 'Who has resisted His will?' God's counsel shall stand; and He will do all His pleasure. 'Who makes you to differ one from another?' (2 Cor. 3:4-5). 'Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made is adequate as servants …'"    "As many as had been appointed (ordained) to eternal life, believed" (Acts 13:48). Which came first, God's choosing or our believing? God chose us on what basis from the beginning for salvation? (1) Through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, and then (2) by faith in the truth (2 Thess. 2:13). In other words, the work of the Spirit came first. This initiated the work of salvation, then the response of faith followed because of the work of the Holy Spirit. His work is the prime cause of our salvation. I wrote in my nationally published Greek commentary on 1 & 2 Thessalonians:    "The verb sozo (to save) is used six times in the Thessalonian letters. God's choosing is the cause of salvation, but the means comes about by the sanctifying work of the Spirit and the verbal proclamation of faith in the truth. The work of the Holy Spirit, that is, through sanctification—a process of causing you to become increasingly detached from the world and attached to Christ. Divine election is proclaimed throughout the Scriptures.    "The Spirit of God is the agent for this sovereign calling and redemption (John 3:5; Titus 3:5). Faith is exercised in time by the one who has been awakened by the Spirit. Faith itself is not self-generated. All humans are said to be dead in sin and children of wrath by nature (Eph. 2:1, 3) and cannot come to salvation without faith that in itself is a gift of God (2:8). The Spirit must first set the elect apart for God, awaken those initial faith desires after God, convict of sin, lead to Christ, bring faith to the heart. Being under the influence of the world, the flesh and the devil, the natural man needs as an essential prerequisite in the new birth, this action of the Holy Spirit; without it there would be no salvation."     --Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, the Latin word "inspire" with the "in" means "to breath in." But the Greek word "theopnustos" means to "breath out" as in 2 Timothy 3:16. What does this mean? ANSWER:  "Theopnustos" does not mean "to breath out." It simply means in the Greek "God-breathed." It is used only one time and that is here, in 2 Timothy 3:16.    It is Scripture that is "God-breathed" not the apostles. When they wrote, they were superintended by the Holy Spirit to record exactly what God the Spirit instructed them to write. No more and no less. This subject was my thesis for my Th.M. Degree. I learned a ton by studying this doctrine out. The evidence is seen throughout the Bible—it is inspired and it is inerrant and can be trusted. What a blessed revelation we have to guide us from the mind of our Lord!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch  (10/10)

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, a pastor near my home is building a half a million dollar church. He wants to rent it out to other groups in order to help pay for it. He wants to lease it out also to a Jewish group. Is this right? ANSWER:  It's not right to build such a monument to start off with. It's really a temple to the pastor, not to the Lord.     I would allow it to be rented out to a Jewish group. They are God's people though they do not trust the Lord Jesus, yet, as their Savior! But many will, soon!    The bigger error is the flashing of the money, just as we go into hard times financially. This is foolishness. But you cannot tell such a pastor. He's into the American way. Bigger is godly, according to his thinking, but this is not so! What a waste of time and money!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)

WE ARE TOO FAR GONE!

An experienced Christian school teacher told me recently "We are just too far gone!" She was referring to our children. They do not know right from wrong. They curse and don't even know that they are cursing. They curse the teachers but no one can seem to stop them. A nurse friend tells horror stories about the young women who come in to have their illegitimate children. They have them right and left, one, two, or more. Their husband may come to the birthing along with the father who has impregnated her. It is a sick world, and growing worse. There is no turning it around. The apostasy is here! --Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)

THIS GREAT NATION -- Free Book Offer

The offer will not last forever but we want you to have a fascinating book we turned out in the Spring entitled "This Great Nation." The volume lists the many blessings that are found only in America. You need to read this before voting in a few weeks, but we will make the offer for this book FREE until the first of December. Send your name and address and mention "This Great Nation." Send your request to Scofield Ministries, 120 CR 3222, Clifton, TX 76634.

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, is Glenn Beck a Mormon? And if so, should we listen to him? ANSWER:  I listen to Beck because he's a conservative and has a good research team. I have never heard him say anything that I could not agree to. I have never heard him push his Mormonism. And if he is, he is not a strong "doctrinal" Mormon. He talks constantly about the God of the founding fathers who would be the God of Scripture.    The apostle Paul says "love that which is good" (Titus 1:8), and, "seek after that which is good" (1 Thess. 5:15). He does not say "only if the good is coming from evangelical Christians." Wherever good comes from we should be glad about. While we would like it to come from our biblical perspective this will not always happen just as we wish.    Be glad that men like Beck are speaking out. We need such to do what we may not be doing!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)

CHURCH READS BOOK

More than half of the members of the Clifton Bible Church in Clifton, Texas, read Dr. Couch's new book "America: Founded as a Christian Nation?" They did this in order to understand the spiritual blessings this country had in its beginning. Some read the book in one sitting. Believers should be well informed as to the Christian nature of America. We have departed from our roots. Those who read the book urge believers to get the book and understand how America began.

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, what is your view about "liberated" Evangelical women who buy into the Feminine Movement? ANSWER:  It is better to get the opinion of a well-educated Christian woman who knows her Bible, like Dr. Lacy Couch. She can't stand the fema-Nazis that are influenced by the culture. We find it funny that they want to appear so liberated but they actually are not. They go along with the crowd and throw the Bible to the wind.    It's like the kids today who want to be so liberated and uninhibited but again, they are not. They do what the crowd dictates and wear what everyone else is wearing.    Dr. Lacy Couch points out that the unsaved women, and the fema-Nazi evangelical women, are really ignorant of Scripture. They mix up the difference between VALUE and ROLES. Men and women  are loved equally by the Lord; they have the same VALUE before Him. But their ROLES are entirely different. And the dumb fema-Nazis can't seem to get that. They actually want to do what the guys do. So far it is 100% of men I talk to in the military who make it clear that the women in the military who try to be like the guys just can't make it! Behind their backs the guys just laugh. They put the gals in the motor pool to change truck tires, which they can't. So they give them the easier jobs and the gals think they are equal but again, they are not! The men just laugh behind their backs.    Statistics and biological facts make the difference. Men have 50% stronger upper-body strength, have 50% more stamina, and can run on the average 50% longer than the little girls. That's facts!     Each sex has its own ROLES. And this is the perfect plan of God. He knew what He was doing! We have concluded that the women just like to be in the company of the men. That's why they want to push the feminist agenda. Dr. Lacy Couch has had many of this kind in counseling and finds that they really have been brainwashed (but they don't think they have been!).    The prophet Isaiah blasts the feminist movement when he writes about what the tribulation will be like. He says "O My people! Their oppressors are children, and women [will] rule over them. O My people! Those who guide you lead you astray" (Isa. 3:12), and, "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, takeaway our reproach'" (4:1).    By the way, there are women today who want to keep their maiden names but this last verse points out that the women have always wanted to take the names of their husbands, which has always been done until recently when the fema-Nazis took over!    If you want some books that will really open your eyes, I suggest the classic on the subject, "Evangelical Feminism & Biblical Truth" by Wayne Grudem (Multnomah) and a fully researched volume entitled "Co-Ed Combat" by Kingsley Browne (Sentinel). The book is endorsed by Dr. David Buss, professor of psychology, University of Texas. One endorsement read: "Praise for Kingsley Browne's Biology at Work" volume!    On the issue of the women as Pilot-esses Browne points out "on flying, the highly differentiated sexes, one can only conclude that the temperamental difference between the average fighter pilot and the average women is huge!"    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, what Covenant is referenced in Isaiah 42:6 and 49:8? ANSWER:  Isaiah 42 is about the Messiah, about Christ the Servant of God. God says "Behold, My Servant whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights" (v. 1).    The the Lord said "I have called you (the Messiah) in righteousness … I will appoint you as a covenant to the people" (v. 6). More then likely this is the New covenant because it has been ratified by the blood of Christ at the cross. Jesus told His disciples before He went to the cross: "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood" (Luke 22:20). Isaiah 49 is the same, and verse 8 says virtually the same thing.    The New covenant was ratified by Christ's death (Luke 22:20), and launched at Pentecost (Acts 2), and is now applied to the church, though the church does not fulfill the New covenant. It will be finally fulfilled when Israel is back in the land.    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)

The Christian Alert

The pro-abortion, feminist, secular humanists in Congress are at it again. They are not only trying to force their anti-family, pro-death agenda down the American people's throat but that of the rest of the world as well. This time it's H.R. 4594 (International Violence Against Women Act) or I-VAWA for short. If the Democrats defy the will of the majority of Americans and pass this heinous bill it will mandate by law the following: •    Will provide grants to nongovernmental groups like the Family Violence Prevention Fund. The FVPF has a documented track record of advocating for reproductive rights (abortion). For example, a June 9, 2006 press release from the FVPF bragged that I-VAWA will "include training and sensitization programs for judges and judicial officials…solidifying access to reproductive services." •    Will allocate $10 million a year to the United Nations UNIFEM program, a group that curtsies to feminist ideology and has long advocated for "reproductive rights" (abortion). •    Defines domestic violence to include "psychological violence perpetrated or condoned by the government of the country in which the victim is a resident". Exactly what does that mean? Feminists take it as Revealed Truth that lack of access to abortion services causes women to be mentally distressed, and experiencing "distress" equates to "psychological violence"! •    Recognizes UN Security Council Resolution 1325. United Nations agencies commonly view "reproductive rights" (abortion) as falling within the purview of that loopy resolution. On 29 September the House Foreign Affairs Committee was supposed to hold a mark up hearing to vote this bill onto the Committee's "consent agenda". Once on the consent agenda it will be "fast-tracked" to the House floor for a "voice vote". Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) will have the voice vote due to the fact that none of the Democrats will have to go on record for voting for this anti-family legislation. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), top Republican on the Foreign Affairs Committee, has been valiantly resisting much pressure from feminist lobby groups to support this bill. She needs our support! Please call 202-226-8467 and tell Mrs.Ros-Lehtinen to continue her effort to stop this bill from leaving committee.

DON'T MISS THE GATHERING STORM

IF you are not taking our monthly Gathering Storm CD you will miss one of the most important issues for the January edition. We will be interviewing a nurse and a school teacher about what is happening with the American family, the children, and the young people in their twenties. You will not believe what you are hearing. For twelve CDs, one each month, we ask for a donation of just $30. So that you will not miss the January CD, and the others that will be coming during the next year, send your donation to Scofield Ministries, 120 CR 3222, Clifton, TX 76634. Do it quickly in order not to miss out. --Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, who is the "Ancient Nation" in Isaiah 44:7? ANSWER:  The passage says "Let the one who is like Me 'From the time that I established the ancient nation'"? Unger writes: "God alone is the Architect of history, and His plan and purposes from time and eternity enable Him to know the course of events. As Israel's God and King, He appointed (established) this people, called here the ancient people (nation), giving them prophetic disclosures from ancient times."    I have been saying for years that God is the Author of history. This is the what Unger is saying also!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, what Covenant is referenced in Isaiah 42:6 and 49:8? ANSWER:  Isaiah 42 is about the Messiah, about Christ the Servant of God. God says "Behold, My Servant whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights" (v. 1).    The the Lord said "I have called you (the Messiah) in righteousness … I will appoint you as a covenant to the people" (v. 6). More then likely this is the New covenant because it has been ratified by the blood of Christ at the cross. Jesus told His disciples before He went to the cross: "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood" (Luke 22:20). Isaiah 49 is the same, and verse 8 says virtually the same thing.    The New covenant was ratified by Christ's death (Luke 22:20), and launched at Pentecost (Acts 2), and is now applied to the church, though the church does not fulfill the New covenant. It will be finally fulfilled when Israel is back in the land.    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, what is going on in Ephesians 4:7-on? And especially with verse 8 about Christ ascending and giving gifts to the captives? ANSWER: The apostle Paul reaches back to Psalm 68:18 and brings a verse forward that illustrates a victorious general who sets the captives free after a battle and then bestows upon them gifts. Ephesians 4:8 (quoting Psa. 68:18) reads: "When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men." The apostle then writes that Christ came to earth (He descended into the lower parts of the earth) and then returned far above into the heavens, "that He might fill [or be in charge] of all things." A.T. Robertson argues that Christ's Descending refers to His Incarnation when He came down "to the earth." This is a genitive of Apposition: Or, "He came down in reference to the earth." He then bestowed gifts to those in the church. Verse 7 better reads: "To each one of us (in the church) 'was gifted' according to the measure of Christ's gifts." I wrote in my nationally published commentary on Galatians-Ephesians (AMG) that "The apostle Paul is arguing in the strongest manner for the deity, sovereignty, and preeminence of Christ as God the Son. No one can look carefully at these verses and deny this fact." Christ then gave gifts to the spiritual body of believers. He gave four offices to the church, not five as the ignorant Charismatics often argue. To the church He gave (1) apostles, (2) prophets (not telling the future but as teachers), (3) evangelists, (4) and pastors INDEED, THAT IS teachers. The "and" (kai) is making these two positions relating. These gifted individuals are to build up the body of Christ: "Until all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God" (v. 13). Psalm 68:18 is a hymn of victory in which God is praised for victory and deliverance. It is freely adapted by Paul, who regards its substance rather than its letter, and uses it as an expression of the divine triumph as fulfilled in Christ's victory over death and sin.—Vincent We cannot do Bible study without knowledge of the Greek text or without good commentary material to help those who are deficient be able to see what is happening in the text. Thanks for asking. Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A WORKSHOP WITH DR. LACY COUCH: WOMAN -THE HEART OF THE HOME

When: Saturday, November 6
Time: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM Light Lunch Provided
Where: Clifton Bible Church – 419 W. Fifth, Clifton, TX 76634, (254) 675-2681
Who: Women only. Please, no children
What: Prior to class, read and be familiar with

• Genesis 2:7-8, 15-25.
• Genesis 3:1-24
• Proverbs 14:1
• Samuel 25:1-44 (Abigail)
• Genesis 25:19-28; 27:1-17, 41-46 (Rebekah)

Cost: Donation to cover expenses will be appreciated.

A MID-TRIBULATIONAL RAPTURE

There is no such thing! And those who think so are just plain hostile to the biblical Pre-Tribulational rapture as given in Scripture.    The reason some wrongly hold to such a view has various reasons: (1) some think the church must go through part of the tribulation in order to be purged and "cleaned" up for going to heaven. Or, (2) they totally misread what the Bible teaches about the entirety of the rapture and the issue of the tribulation itself.    Those who hold to a Mid view don't read very well. They fail to see 1 Thessalonians 1:10 where Paul writes "Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come." There is only one wrath. It can be seen in two parts but it actually is One wrath. In Jeremiah 30:7 it is "the great day" (a singular) and it is the birth pangs as with a woman in child birth (v. 6).    Paul calls the blowing of the trumpet for the rapture "the last trumpet" (1 Cor. 15:52). Some foolishly tie that to the "seventh trumpet" in Revelation 8:2, 8 and 11:15-19. The "last" trumpet means the "ending trumpet" that calls the workers home from the fields, that is, the saints into heaven in the rapture. This has nothing to do with the seven wrathful trumpets of the tribulation period. They are wrathful trumpets that bring destruction upon the earth and they have nothing to do with the rapture of the church. With the sounding of the seventh trumpet (Rev. 11:15) comes even more wrath upon the nations and in heaven there will be "the flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder and an earthquake and a great hailstorm" (v. 18).    The rapture is Good whereas the seventh trumpet is Bad!    Some argue that the seven bowls of wrath have to do with the wrath that the church is rescued from. They say that there was no wrath at the first of the tribulation from which the church had to be rescued from. But this is dead wrong. Wrath starts in Revelation 6 which is virtually the beginning of the seven year tribulation. The church is raptured before this. The lost will scream for the rocks to fall on them and hid them from "the wrath of the Lamb" as the tribulation is beginning (v. 16b). Because "the great day of their wrath (the wrath of God and of the Lamb) has come; and who is able to stand [up under it]" (v. 17). Also, in no part of the book of Revelation, when you get to chapter 6, the church is not seen or mentioned in the book. There is no mention of "church" saints or elders or deacons. The church from chapter 6 and on is gone!    God's wrath then begins at the first of the tribulation and the church is rescued from this entire period beginning in Revelation 6.    The seventh trumpet of Revelation 11 is not the last trumpet of Scripture. According to Matthew 24:31, the elect will be gathered at the coming of Christ to establish His earthly kingdom "with a loud trumpet call." Walvoord says "It is not too much to say that this one reference alone (Matt. 24:31) spells the doom of midtribulationism."    --Dr. Mal Couch (10/10)