SOUNDS LIKE AMERICA!

So many verses in the OT about Israel sound just like this country today! The times are changing and shifting. We are warping to the left and there is no going back. A judgment is coming, and coming quickly! For example, Hosea 4 reminds us of our nation today: "Listen to the word of the Lord, O sons of Israel. For the Lord has a case against the inhabitants of the land. Because there is no faithfulness or kindness or knowledge of God in the land. There is swearing, deception, murder, stealing, and adultery. The land mourns, and everyone who lives in it languishes" (vv. 1-3a). Further: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, because you have rejected knowledge." "The more they [you] multiply, the more you sinned against Me." The new generation "feeds on the sin of My people." "They will eat, but not have enough; they will play the harlot, but not increase, because they have stopped giving heed to the Lord." (vv. 6-11). Our country is changing quickly. It will never be the same again. Please prepare your children and grandchildren for what is coming. (I have found that so many mature Christians have a lot of children and grandchildren who know nothing about the Bible or about the Lord. They are not saved!) --Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, what is going on in John 10:34-37? ANSWER: The passage reads in part: "Has it not been written in your Law, 'I said, you are gods'?" If [the writer of the Psalms] called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), do you say of Him, who the Father sanctified and sent into the world, You are blaspheming, because I said, 'I am the Son of God?'" Christ had just said that He and the Father "are one" (v. 30). He then asks, why are you [wanting to] stone Me? Jesus is quoting Psalm 82 that is a psalm of Asaph, who is addressing the priests in the OT who acted as judges (vv. 1-2). Psalm 82:6 it speaks of the priests as being like "elohim," as gods, or as the Rabbis translate it, as "God-like." The Rabbis write "as men invested with a Divine prerogative." Verse 6 also says that they were "sons of the Most High." Christ then went from the smallest to the largest. He went from a diminutive idea to a larger idea. If some men could be called God-like then He (Christ) could be called the Son of God, and even God! The priests of the OT could be called gods as representing God, how much more could Christ, who was indeed the God/Man, and also was the Son of God? The Lord verified that the OT priests were "elohim" by "the Word of God which came unto them" (John 10:35). The Father sent and sanctified Jesus whom He had placed in the world (v. 36). To deny this the Jews were blaspheming because Jesus had said "I am the Son of God" (v. 36b). And besides Christ was doing exactly the very "works of My Father" therefore, they should be believing in Him (v. 37). While it is hard for us to fully understand, this section of verses are some of the strongest in terms of Christ's deity. The Jews got it. They again tried to seize Him because He was claiming to be God (v. 39). Thanks for asking. --Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

CONVERSATION AND LETTER TO DR. COUCH

Dr. Couch, I'm reading your new book "The Birth of the Nation of Israel." I am getting so much out of it. It is a gem with so much packed into a beautiful package. Things are declining so fast in our country it is hard to keep up with it. Not only the secular but the church world, too, is collapsing. A hardness has descended over many of the hearts in our families and we can't get them to see what is happening. Their hearts are hard and their eyes have layers of scales. We need to pray that God will show them the errors in their thinking. DL Dr. Couch, I am in a Southern Baptist Church where the pastor, the deacons, and the folks know nothing about the Bible. The pastors says he "leans toward dispensationalism" but he never teaches prophecy. I have given some lessons on prophecy—the people loved it but this is not what they are fed on. Most SB are terribly ignorant about the Scriptures, but they don't know they are ignorant! If it's SB that's good enough for them. PC My new books are going like hot cakes! Those who are purchasing them are reading them right through and not putting them down. They must be speaking clearly to those who are getting them. We are most grateful for this. --Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

WHO ARE THE DOGS?

The Word of God uses the expression "the dogs" to describe homosexuals, in both the Old and the New Testaments. This may be one of the last times this can be mentioned online because the government is coming against anything we say about Sodomy. The issue of course is the inspiration and authority of the Bible. It is not about us; it is about the Word of God, and, what the Lord says on the subject. Homosexuality is first mentioned in Genesis 18-19, with the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. This sin was "an outcry" that came up before the Lord (18:21). The evil of the Sodomites was "indeed great, and their sin is exceedingly grave" (v. 20). All ages of "all of the people from every quarter" were "acting wickedly" (19:4-6). God determined to "punish the city" (v. 15) and "destroy this place" (v. 13). The women in Jeremiah's day became so sinful they were compared as being worse with their iniquity "than the sin of Sodom" which God overthrew "as in a moment" (Lam. 4:6). The people of Isaiah's day was flaunted like the people of Sodom "for they brought evil on themselves" (Isa. 3:9). Even in Job's day there were "cult prostitutes" who were more than likely same-sex homosexuals offering themselves to same-sex takers in the temples that were set aside to the gods of the pagan people in Job's day (Job 36:14). In Rehoboam's day there were "male prostitutes in the land" which was one of the "abominations of the nations" that God hated because it was tempting His people in Judah (1 Kings 14:24). Abijah later had such men "put away from the land" (15:12). It was worse in Josiah's day. We read: He "broke down the houses of the male cult prostitutes which were in the house of the Lord, where the women were weaving hangings for the Asherah" (2 Kings 23:7). The tapestries the women were making were for the temple goddesses who were the sex goddesses the people were worshiping. Josiah had these sexually perverted men and women killed and their bones "filled the places where the Asherim idols (the phallic goddesses) were displayed (v. 14). The nation of Judah was seething with the sexual displays of the pagan cultures. This reminds us today of America where sex, and homosexuality, is virtually worshiped by the American younger generation! In America, and the rest of the world, there is a judgment being stored up for "the great day" of wrath that will fall upon the workers of evil (Jude 6-7) which is "Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire." This may fall upon us more quickly than we can imagine! Peter also reminds us that the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah will be judged. These homosexual sins are part of ungodliness (v. 6) and they are the expressions "by the examples of those who would live ungodly in [the] sensual conduct of unprincipled men" (v. 7). Such men stand "under punishment for the day of judgment" (v. 9). Such men "despise authority and are self-willed" (v. 10). The homosexuals are the "dogs" and are "the immoral persons" who will never enter for everlasting life the blessed and eternal new city of Jerusalem (Rev. 22:14-15). --Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

The Christian Alert

With each passing Christmas season an alarming trend seems to be growing in intensity. The secular humanists seem to be bent on removing Christmas from our society no matter the cost. The strategy is to plant seeds of doubt in the hearts of Americans as to the need to celebrate Christ's first advent. This is coupled with attempting to change the language in our culture to reflect a secular viewpoint, i.e. Christmas season instead is referred to as Winter Solstice. Another change in terminology is "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". The line of thought is if you change the language you can change hearts and minds without firing a shot, ultimately marginalizing the few remaining traditionalists.      Here are some cases in point from the 2010 Christmas season. Last week, the New Jersey Department of Transportation removed a nativity scene from the St. George Ferry Terminal. They let a Christmas tree and a menorah remain, with one clueless city representative claiming that a menorah isn't a religious symbol (he might want to take a look at Exodus 25:31-40).      The Ashland Public School District in Oregon this month declared in the spirit of multiculturalism that Christmas trees must have symbolism from other religions, not just Christianity.      Two weeks ago a Chase Bank branch in Southlake, Texas ordered a Christmas tree be removed from their lobby after several complaints by customers who found the tree offensive. The tree had been donated and assembled by local businessman Antonio Morales. As reported by the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, JP Morgan Chase spokesman Greg Hassell explained that Chase ensures decorations are "something everyone is comfortable with, regardless of how they celebrate the season." Going viral, the Star-Telegram's online version of the story stirred a fiery backlash, garnering a staggering 1,500 comments within 24 hours.  The vast majority of those who weighed in took offense at Chase's stance, vowing to close their bank and credit card accounts with the institution. Apparently, such efforts had a profound impact.  By Friday, JP Morgan Chase reversed course, trotting out the same spokesman to proclaim, "We have a policy of not accepting gifts from customers, but we are applying common sense here and putting the tree back up at our own expense.  We are thankful for Mr. Morales' nice gesture."      These scenarios, public and private, are tiny examples of that constant drip of erosion, constantly wearing away the boundaries of what is or is not culturally acceptable in America.      Our population is effectively being terrorized by a pesky subculture coming to be commonly known as "The Elite Ruling Class."  Along with steering us away from the beliefs of most Americans, this tiny minority dominates our discourse from all angles (government, media, academia, and corporate), ultimately creating a pervasive illusion of "conventional wisdom." Often, the purveyors in both realms are the same people, jumping back and forth from public office to university or high-powered corporate and law offices. Still, there is an important distinction between the two in that only government can codify changing the norms by creating law or, in many instances, to put it more accurately, simply granting themselves authority.      This effort to denigrate Christmas has been primarily spearheaded by the ACLU, with the aid of secular judges. Now with multiculturalism ensconced in leadership at practically every sector of our society all it takes is the complaint of one or two people to have a nativity scene pulled.      It's important to remember that the Lord does indeed help those who help themselves. Knowing that, the best New Year's resolution we can all make is to get off the sidelines, step into the arena and fight for the "traditional values" which serve as the foundation of our Republic.

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, where does the word Slander come from? What does it mean in Greek? ANSWER: The word is "diabolos" and it is two words put together, dia=through, or thoroughly, and bolos=that means to throw. We get the word "ball" from bolos. The word diabolos is used 38 times in the NT. 35 times it is translated as the "devil." Twice it is translated as "accuser" (2 Tim. 3:3; Titus 2:3) and once as "slanderers" (1 Tim. 3:11). The word is used as a verb only once, "diaballomai." Jesus told His disciples that a steward, a servant, was "reported" to his rich owner that he was squandering his possessions (Luke 16:1). The word translated "reported" is meaning that the steward was "slandered" before his master, the rich man. The NAS translates the word "diaballomai" as "reported" and this is wrong. It should be translated that the man was "slandered" before his master. To slander someone is to "throw an accusation against them." This is what Satan, the devil, does to us. Thanks for asking. --Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, what are we to think of the conservative talk show radio hosts? ANSWER: We should be glad they are on the air and that they are bringing us information about what is happening in our country and in the world. All of them believe in God and the Bible but we don't know for certain that they are born again. I hope so, and, we need to pray for them, for their salvation and for their protection. I do not expect them to be evangelical theologians and understand everything that I do about spiritual matters, but I still should be grateful for the fact that they are sticking their necks out for truth. My question to you: Are you doing the same thing as an evangelical Christian? Probably you are not, and neither am I! So we need to be thankful when truth goes forth. They could any day now be cut off the air and then we will fall into deep silence about what is happening in our nation. I think we will be more thankful if they disappear from the airways! Amos says: "Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and thus may the Lord God of hosts be with you. Just as you have said! Hate evil, love good, and establish justice in the gate (in the public arena). Perhaps the Lord God of hosts may be gracious to the remnant of Joseph" (Amos 5:14-15). By the way, we should not be praying for things to go back the way there were, that is, simply back to prosperity and the purchasing of things, and more things! We should be crying out about our sins. But our country hates God, and Christ. Amos 5:10 says that the world hates the one who reproves the people at the gates. In fact "they abhor him who speaks with integrity." So they hate God when He reproves us from His Word. People do not want truth. --Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

COVENANT THEOLOGY DEFIES THE WORD OF GOD!

Someone has correctly pointed out to me that Covenant theologians have nothing to say about future prophecy. They are basically silent on the subject. All they can do, without evidence, is deny dispensationalism, even though the word "dispensation" is in the Scriptures. In fact, they actually go against what the Bible teaches, and, they admit that their Covenant approach is not in the Word of God. They also write against what the Scriptures teach about future prophecy. Deuteronomy 29:29 tells us "the secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever." God has told Israel, and us, what is coming. They are literal events which will take place on earth. The Covenant guys are silent and have nothing to say. About half of our Bible is prophetic, much of it has come to pass literally, and the rest will take place just as the Lord has said! Remember, the Covenant guys are intellectually dishonest. They hold to a system that they know is not revealed in Scripture. They admit that fact but still go on and hold to their humanly-created doctrines. For example Louis Berkhof writes: "It must be admitted that the term 'covenant' is not found in the first three chapters of Genesis, but this is not tantamount to saying that they do not contain the necessary data for the construction of a doctrine of the covenant." Further: "It may still be objected that we do not read of the two parties as coming to an agreement, nor of Adam as accepting the terms laid down [for a covenant], but this is not an insuperable objection." And he adds, "Those who deny the covenant of works generally base their denial in part on the fact that there is no record of such a promise in the Bible. And it is perfectly true that Scripture contains no explicit promise of eternal life to Adam. … We have no definite information in Scripture respecting … this covenant [of works]." He goes on: Some Reformed teachers "question whether and in how far; the covenant of works can be considered as a thing of the past; or whether and in how far; it must be regarded as still in force." (Louis Berkhof. "Systematic Theology." 213-218) Charles Hodge further states: the issue of God entering into this covenant of works with Adam; "this statement does not rest upon any express declaration of Scripture." (Charles Hodge. "Systematic Theology." 2:117) James Orr well writes on the flawed hermeneutics of Covenant theology, that it creates "the idea of the Covenant as an exhaustive category, and attempts to force into it the whole material of theology, it created an artificial scheme ..." (James Orr. "The Progress of Dogma." 303-04) Covenant theologians virtually deny the true covenants of the Bible: Abrahamic, Land and Davidic covenants, though they embrace the New covenant. (Though they goof somewhat in the way they interpret it.) Those of the Covenant theological persuasion cannot seem to grasp the obvious biblical nature of dispensationalism. The dispensations are clearly laid out in the Bible. Even Charles Hodge admits to all of the dispensations but the last one, the dispensation of the kingdom. (See my book "Classical Evangelical Hermeneutics.") There I list the dispensations Charles Hodge admits to (chapter 10, 128-138). They are almost identical to what dispensationalists see in Scripture. And Hodge is a Covenant theologian! In Covenant theology, the advocates virtually deny future prophecy, and the fact that God has predicted coming events in world history. In this, they go against the Word of God, and the Lord Himself! I don't know how they can do this! The prophet Amos writes: "Surely the Lord God does nothing unless He reveals His secret counsel to His servants the prophets. … The Lord God has spoken! Who can but prophecy?" (Amos 3:7-8). On Amos 3 Unger writes: "The Lord was the Author of the impending calamities foretold by His prophets. They had to comprehend the fact that if a calamity occurs in a city (Isa. 14:24-27; 45:7), that most emphatically it was the Lord who had done it." Nothing happens unless God brings it about! Talking about man-made theology! A.A. Hodge, the son of Charles Hodge, goes even further and makes up additional titles for the Covenant of works. He says it can also be labeled the Covenant of nature or the Covenant of life! ("Outlines of Theology." 310) We dispensationalists do not have to "create" theology on our own. We take the Word of God at face value, that is, we interpret Scripture just as it is! To show how sick the Covenant theologians are, note how A.A. Hodge mixes up the Bible and tosses verses and concepts around to try to make a point! This is just unbelievable as to how the Bible is distorted by the Covenant guys! He writes: "The covenant with Abraham (the Abrahamic covenant) the typical believer, bearing the visible sign and seal of circumcision, and thus founding the visible church ("the church"?) as an aggregate of families. ("of families"?) This covenant continues to be the charter of the visible church to this day, the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's supper now attached to it, signifying and sealing the benefits of the Covenant of Grace, to wit, eternal life, faith, repentance, obedience, etc., on God's part, as matters of promise; on ours as matters of duty, ..." ("Outlines." 370) What in the world is Hodge writing about? He throws a bunch of stuff all together, mixes various covenants, tosses in church issues, etc.! This is the writing of someone who is terribly confused and does not know what he is doing with the Word of God! Only clear biblical theology and dispensationalism makes sense, because it comes straight from the Bible. The Covenant guys cannot challenge dispensationalists because they are just too confused! If you are being tempted to buy into Covenant theology, please send me some questions that I will answer from Scripture and not from my indigestion or heart burn! I have real trouble believing that some of you out there are holding to Covenant theology. You are blind to biblical truth, and you do not know how to just simply read the Word of God and let it speak for itself! --Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

CHRISTMAS 1941: A DIFFERENT AMERICA

Lacy was sitting on the floor at the bookstore going through different history volumes that I might be interested in. She looked at the bottom shelf and found a small 50 page book pushed back in the corner that most people would have missed. It was a book by historian David McCullough entitled "In The Dark Streets Shineth." It was about Winston Churchill who arrived secretly in this country a few weeks after Pearl Harbor. He stayed with the President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, over the days of Christmas. It was a perfect Christmas celebration with snow on the ground and plenty of cold weather that kept the fireplaces of the country burning. Of course, everyone was thinking of the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor and the fact this nation was now at war with the enemy, both with Japan and Germany. This small picture book showed what it was really like in the good old days. Most Americans had musical instruments at home, the piano and other instruments that someone could play around the fireplace. I can remember as a small boy my aunts playing Christmas hymns on the piano and the accordion. Everyone sang along, and no one had to ask, "What's this season all about?" Toys were few and far between even though we were not on poverty row. You just didn't give a mountain of junk to the kids. Fruit and candy were the mainstay of the celebration. The book shows Churchill going to church with the Roosevelts on Christmas Eve. Candles were lit and the Christmas tree was lit on the White House lawn. Churchill was deeply moved, and so was the Roosevelt family, the grand kids and the entire bunch! Churchill's arrival was at first kept secret but then it was revealed that he was here. Both he and the President spoke on the radio honoring the birth of Christ before the entire nation. The picture book shows Grand Central Station decorated with Christmas wreaths and candles. The American homes were shown with the children preparing for Christmas, all having fun but also getting ready to sing around the piano. The turkey was in the oven, and though the war had begun, still Christmas was celebrated because the country was not going to forget the birth of Christ. McCullough wrote that for Christmas 1941, carols were the "soul of the story" for remembering the coming of Jesus. "It was impossible to imagine life in America without "Shenandoah," "Amazing Grace," "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" or "Silent Night" and "Home for Christmas." Such songs are quickly vanishing from our nation's treasure chest. Churchill crossed the Atlantic in secret at some personal risk as the war had just begun. On Christmas Eve both he and the President stood on the White House balcony before a gathered crowd of 20,000. The Washington Monument was in the background just behind the Virginia Hills. Roosevelt said to the people "Our strongest weapon during this war is what Christmas Day is all about." The world was listening to his words by radio. He added, "As the war creeps closer to our homes and hearts tonight we have peace in each cottage home and in every generous heart." A Program was printed up for the Christmas Eve celebration. The songs being sung were "Break Forth O Heavenly Light," and "The Heavens are Telling," and too "The Heavens Praise Thee, Eternal King." Also, "Christmas Memories," "The Hallelujah Chorus," "Joy to the World" and many other old favorites. All of the songs were played by the U.S. Marine Band. Many Generals were seen with the President. No one backed down in order to be politically correct. Churchill was touched by "O Little Town of Bethlehem" which he had never heard before. He was especially moved by the line that read: "Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light." Churchill was nearly moved to tears when he heard the people sing what was almost a British anthem as that nation struggled through the conflict with Germany, "The White Cliffs of Dover." All of the music that was sung before Churchill and Roosevelt was part of a historic affirmation as to the Christian (and Christmas) heritage of these two blessed nations. The President then gave his 1941 Christmas Eve message to the nation over radio. He said: "How can we put aside this evil world, even for a day, this Christmas Day, and rejoice in peace over the birth of Christ? Here the world is resisting the truth in propagating so much evil. As this war begins I have set aside a Day of Prayer and a Proclamation for our people. Our free institutions are being dominated by arrogant rulers who have selfish purposes to destroy our beloved way of life. The new year, 1942, calls for our courage and resolution of old and young to help to win a world struggle in order that we may preserve all that we hold dear. "Our strength, as the strength of all men everywhere, is of greater avail as God upholds us. "Therefore, I hereby appoint the first day of the year, 1942, as a day of prayer, of asking forgiveness for our shortcomings of the past, of consecration to the task of the present, of asking God's help in days to come. "We need His guidance that this people may be humble in spirit but strong in the conviction of the right, … to achieve a victory of liberty and peace. … We set our faith in … God's care for us and all everywhere. " Churchill then spoke briefly and closed with "Here, then, for one night only, each home throughout the English-speaking world should be a brightly-lighted island of … peace. In God's mercy, a happy Christmas to you all." Both leaders knew that the world was at that time being blessed of God by what He was doing with the English-speaking world. The Anglo-Saxon civilization was used of Him to change the nations of earth. This is historic fact and should not be set aside or denied. But now, the English-speaking nations are shelving their heritage and denying the blessings of All-Mighty God. We will pay a high price in walking away from the mercy He has shown our people. We have denied His grace! Pray for the peace of our planet, and thank Him for sending His Son to bring deliverance and salvation through Jesus Christ! --Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

THE MIRACLE OF THE KATYDID

God's creation is awesome! There is no way that evolution can really work! Take for instance the lowly katydid. The eggs of this little defenseless creature only hatch every seventeen years. Now how does it know to do that? And, the billions of eggs spread throughout the forest all hatch at once as if by some given signal. And, they do indeed hatch by the billions. They make a little sound that no one can forget hearing during the middle of the summer. After they lay their eggs, all together, within a few days that all die together! But the story is not over. During their short lifetime every creature in the forest loves to munch on them. It is as if the katydid is the ice cream or candy of the animal kingdom for every species. But the story is still not over! Those that die become the richest fertilizer for all the trees and plants in the forest. In fact, they become the richest fertilizer possible to feed the plants and trees. God knows what He is doing, and, we are just so stupid that we just don't get it. The little katydids are recycled and are not wasted in the plant and animal world! --Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

Hebrew Word Study: ISRAEL: A BLESSING TO THE WORLD

The Lord told Abraham that he would be a great nation and a blessing to all mankind (Gen. 12:2). The main reason of course is that he would bring forth salvation through the Messiah. But in the secular way, Israel has also been a blessing to all the peoples of the earth, though few really know or understand this. Some incredible facts: The Jews created the cell phone working with Motorola in Israel. The AOL Instant Messenger was developed in 1996 by four young Israelis. Voice mail technology was developed in Israel. Most of the Windows NT and XP operating systems were developed by Microsoft-Israel. The Pentium mocroprocessor was most likely made in Israel. Israel has the highest percentage of home computers per capita in the world. Israel has the largest number of startup companies in the world. Israel is ranked #2 in the world for venture capital funds, behind the U.S. Israel designed the airline industry's most impenetrable flight security systems. Twenty-four percent of Israel's work force holds university degrees ranking third in the industrialized world. Israel leads the world in the number of scientists and technicians in the work force. Israel produces more scientific papers per capita than any other nation on earth. The Weizmann Institute of Science is one of the most important research centers on the globe. Israel's Givun Imaging developed the first ingestible video cameras the size of a small pill. An Israel company was the first to develop and install a large scale solar-powered and fully functional electricity generating plant. Israel's $100 billion economy is larger than all of its immediate neighbors combined. Israel also gives more for charity, per capita, to the backward nations of the earth. (From the magazine "Maoz Israel," December 2010) Yet, Israel's enemies want to drive her into the sea! Besides bringing to us the Messiah, what would the world do without Israel? I saw much of her blessings myself from twenty-three trips to Israel, even being there and under fire during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Ma'oz in Hebew means "the strong mountain," the "Place of Refuge." God is Israel's Ma'oz as given in Jeremiah 16:19, and He is "The defense of the Psalmist's life" (Psa. 27:1). Jeremiah 16:19 is a Messianic kingdom passage and reads: "O Lord, my strength and my STRONGHOLD (Ma'oz), and my refuge in the day of distress (the Tribulation), to You the nations will come (at the end of the Tribulation) from the ends of the earth ..." The Rabbis say about this verse: "This Messianic vision is a distinguished feature of Biblical teaching. All the nations will acknowledge the One True God!" --Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

The Christian Alert

In order for any nation to have a strong and vibrant future its children must possess a biblical world view coupled with being well educated. As it stands, America is failing its children and if drastic changes aren't made soon we will be irrelevant in the world economy. Recent studies and polls indicate the obvious, both parents and educators get a failing grade at fostering an adequate learning environment and providing a lack luster education within that environment. America's primary and secondary schools have many problems, but an excess of excellence is not one of them. Not only do our weak students fare poorly in international comparisons, so do our strong ones. Mediocrity is the national norm.      A case in point is Evanston Township High School in Evanston, Ill., a racially and economically mixed suburb of Chicago that is home to Northwestern University. It recently decided to eliminate a high honors freshman English course aimed at challenging the top students. Henceforth, these youngsters will be grouped with everyone else in a regular "honors" class in humanities. Next year, the same may be done with biology. Your kid is an honor student at ETHS? Heck, everyone is an honors student at ETHS.      It's hardly the only school in America where grouping students according to their ability is in disrepute. There is a widespread impulse to treat all kids as equally able and willing to learn. But the results often fall dismally short of the hopes.      When the Chicago public schools scrapped remedial classes for ninth graders and put everyone in college-prep courses, "failure rates increased, grades declined slightly, test scores did not improve and students were no more likely to enter college," according to a study by the Consortium on Chicago School Research at the University of Chicago. Among average and above-average students, absenteeism rose. The danger in putting the brightest kids in general classes is that they will be bored by instruction geared to the middle. But their troubles don't elicit much sympathy. Brookings Institution scholar Tom Loveless told The Atlantic magazine, "The United States does not do a good job of educating kids at the top. There's a long-standing attitude that, 'Well, smart kids can make it on their own.'" But can they? Only 6 percent of American kids achieve advanced proficiency in math -- lower than in 30 other countries. In Taiwan, the figure is 28 percent.      Poor parenting has as of late crept into discussion as another contributing cause for children's weak performance. An Associated Press-Stanford University Poll on education found that 68 percent of adults believe parents deserve heavy blame for what's wrong with the U.S. education system - more than teachers, school administrators, the government or teachers unions.Moms were more likely than dads - 72 percent versus 61 percent - to say parents are at fault. Conservatives were more likely than moderates or liberals to blame parents.      Exposing kids under 2 to too much television can cause them to be developmentally delayed in language skills, according to researchers at the University of Washington. Hungry students do worse on standardized tests and are absent more often, according to several studies that have connected poor nutrition with students who have trouble concentrating. One in 10 kindergarten and first-grade students misses a month of school every year, which can put them behind their classmates for years, according to Attendance Counts, an advocacy group. By ninth grade, missing 20 percent of school is a better predictor of a student dropping out than test scores are, said Attendance Counts director Hedy Chang. In the poll, 41 percent said students not spending enough time in school is a serious problem.      So how do we combat this dilemma? First, pray for our Nation and its future like never before. Second, get involved by attending local school board meetings. If you have school age children who are in a public school that are grouping high achieving and average students together voice your opposition to this. Attend "open-house" events and ask the tough questions about the curriculum being taught.

HEBREW WORD STUDY

One of the most common names for God is EL. Elohim is three Hebrew words put together. El=God, oh=comes from the Hebrew word "To be," or Ha'Yah. And the im=the plural. Thus, it could mean "God exists in a plural!" This then would open the door for the trinity. Other related words: Elohim can mean "the Superior, the supreme, the mighty God." "Kho-seed" is translated as "Towards God." The Old Testament has many names for God. The New Testament has basically only two names: Theos, the most common name, and, Lord, Kurios. In the New Testament there is also the Greek name for God: "Despotees." Or, "Despot." It is usually translated as Lord or Master. God is the Despot over His creation and over all men on the earth! This means He is the sovereign and the all ruling One. The references for Despot: Luke 2:29; Acts 4:24; 2 Thess 2:21; 2 Peter 2:1; and Rev. 6:10. In 2 Peter 2:1 Despot is translated as "the Master" and it is referring to Christ, who is "the [rejected] Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves." By the way, this is a verse that flies in the face of Limited Atonement. Christ is the Master who paid even for the sins of those who reject Him! --Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

CALIFORNIA SINKING INTO THE PIT

No wonder California is sinking into the mire and dirt! They have over 400 state agencies running the government. This is madness and stupidity. The rest of the nation should not bail them out of the slime. This is one of the most ungodly states in the union. They have no common sense. Pain is coming to its citizens, unless Washington makes the rest of us help them out! --Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

SCIENCE AND THE BIBLE

No one has been able to challenge the statement of the apostle Peter about the marvel of creation. He wrote that it escapes the notice of the world that "by the word of God, the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water" (2 Pet. 3:4-5). There is nothing in space that comes close to the earth. It is the miracle "water" planet that has ¾ coverage with H2O. Without this, there would be no life on earth. The Bible speaks correctly by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. I am fascinated by the story of the creation of earth and the universe. I got this fascination from my science courses in the university. Today, people can receive some college degrees with only 4 hours of science. But over fifty years ago I was required for my degree 12 hours of science. I was also required 12 hours of language whereas today, some can get a degree from the best of schools with no language. I took German so that I could read technical science journals, which I did the last semester of my required German studies. How many people do you know who have taken a university course on evolution? I did, and my professor was outstanding. Dr. Wells held his Ph.D. in biology and he showed us the weakness in the evolution theory. You might say, "Well, science has so changed these past fifty years!" The answer to that statement is a yes and no. Many principles in regard to evolution have remained the same, however, what we have learned has simply reinforced the fact of the weaknesses of evolution, not supported the field. For example: The study of DNA was just beginning but now, the issue of the chromosome goes against evolution. We know that the crossover from DNA just does not happen! Then there is the the discovery of the cone fish and the Bacterial Flagellum. Some years ago I saw a documentary on the cone fish. It slides along the ocean floor with a tube moving back and forth on the sea bottom. When it somehow "spots" a small meal, a "spear" shoots out from the tube so fast that it can't be seen. It strikes the meal and quickly draws it into its mouth. The spear actually separates itself from the body of the cone fish. It is like an archer firing off an arrow that is detached from the arrow quiver. I phoned the scientists at the Texas Oceanic Institute in Galveston and talked with the professors about the cone fish. They said, "Oh, yeah, we know about the cone fish and we have no explanation for it! It does not fit any creatures that we know of, and it has no parallel that would support evolution. We have no answers!" Then I spent months studying the Bacterial Flagellum in Dr. Michael J. Behe's great book, "Darwin's Black Box" (Simon & Shuster, 1996). (Dr. Behe is professor of Biochemistry at Lehigh University.) The Flagellum has a paddle, a rotor, and a motor. The flagellum operates like an electric motor with turning parts that are separate from its body. It has an armature system like in an electric motor. Behe points out that "it is irreducibly complex. Gradual evolution of the flagellum, like the cilium, therefore faces mammoth hurdles. … The evolutionary literature [on the flagellum] is totally missing. Even though we are told that all biology must be seen through the lens of evolution, no scientist has ever published a model to account for the gradual evolution of this extraordinary molecular machine." (p. 72). The flagellum "has been discovered with staggering complexity, with dozens or even hundreds of precisely tailored parts. It is very likely that many of the parts we have not considered here are required for an cilium to function in a cell. … Darwinian theory has given no explanation for the cilium or flagellum. … As the number of systems that are resistant to gradualist explanation (slow evolution) mounts, the need for a new kind of explanation grows more apparent. Cilia and flagella are far from the only problems for Darwin." (p. 73). With winter coming on I suggest that you purchase Behe's book and cozy down to read through it from cover to cover. You will be fascinated, and, you will find yourself challenged as to the story of creation. I also recommend Dr. Charles Gordon's incredible book "In Plain Sight." Dr. Gordon is a scientist and a medical doctor who loves to study the creation of small things and also to look into the creation of the universe. He wrote about the Galaxy NGC 1309 and said that it is one of approximately 200 galaxies that make up the Eridanus group of galaxies. I have news for Dr. Gordon, recent studies now argue for from 10 to 20 more in number of the galaxies we thought were in space. The Helix nebula is a mere 450 light years away. The Eagle Nebula (NGC 7293) is a fascinating study. It is 7000 light years away! These statistics are just the start of our research on the incredible universe God created. We have a mighty God who is the Author of all we see in space. By the way, as far as one can go in space, there is God! And, the laws He created, of physics and chemistry, are as far off as one can go! Before one can speak about evolution, one must look carefully at the incredible nature of these laws upon which all of creation is formed. But the earth is most unique by its balance of oxygen, the other gases, and water itself. The right balance of all of the chemicals on earth is important: and as well, the distance of the earth from the sun, and the distance of the moon from the earth makes it a miracle planet. The balance is perfect! It is hard for some scientists to imagine but the Word of God tells us that the earth was created to be lived on. "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, but formed it to be inhabited). I am the Lord, and there is none else" (Isa. 45:18). --Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, what is the apostle John telling us in 1 John 4:17 about having confidence? ANSWER: John writes: "Love is perfected with us, that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world" Our confidence replaces fear when we stand before the Lord, as mentioned in verse 18. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected by love." Believers go before the Bema seat where our works are judged but not our eternal destiny. That issue is over as Paul says in Romans 8:1. "There is therefore now no condemnation, judgment (positional) for those who are in Christ Jesus." We now stand as positionally perfect in Christ though in our walk, in our experience, we still are living out our sins in this life. Our destiny is secure but our works are judged, and, we shall receive rewards for what we do in this life. The word "confidence" in Greek is "paresia" which means "to be fearless, to be cheerful, to have boldness and assurance." We can do this because all of our sins were taken care of at the cross. There is no judgment or an indictment against us because of the death of Christ in our behalf! Those who think they can lose their salvation remain in fear and have no confidence about their salvation. And, they do not know their Bible. They do not understand the difference between Positional Truth and Experiential Truth! They think that what they do determines their redemption. Rather, it is what Christ did for us that guarantees our salvation. There was nothing that we could do to please God; Christ had to do it all! Thanks for asking. Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

THE ATTACKS OF THE WORLD

There are at least four things that the world hates and attacks. They hate Christ and God the Father. (1) For the people of the earth "take their stand against the Lord and against His Anointed One, the Messiah (Psa. 2:2). (2) They deny the coming of the Son of God, thus repudiating His incarnation. Therefore they do not have the Father (1 John 2:22-24). (3) And in "these last days" they deny the "promise of His coming. For since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation" so they say (2 Pet. 3:4). They are "mockers" or scoffers "following after their own lusts" (v. 3). This shows they are self-absorbed and egotistical. (4) They are also evolutionists who do not take notice that "by the Word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water" (v. 5). They pay no attention that "the present heavens and earth [came] by His word and is reserved for fire kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men" (v. 7). While it appears as an unrelated issue, the world is rapidly moving to a climax that is setting us up for the destruction the Bible speaks of. But the world is paying no attention! As believers in Christ, be prepared for terrible times. Know your Scriptures and stand tall with the fortification of the Word of God! --Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

THINGS ARE FALLING APART

You need to prepare for "Things to Come" because we are facing some terrible economic issues that are indeed leading us to preparations for The Gathering Storm of troubles prior to the rapture of the church and the arrival of the seven year period of tribulation. But don't forget—God is the Author of history. He is taking us where He wants us to go, and, Israel is at the center of His plans and purposes. In Daniel 10:21 the Lord says "I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth." The writing of truth is the Word of God which shows God's plans and purposes for man and the earth in time and in eternity. These decrees and plans are truth, things that are realities and shall unfailingly come to pass, having been predetermined by God (John 17:17), Unger says. He adds, "The reason those events are handled in such detail is based on the principle that Scripture deals with secular history only as it is connected with the Lord's elect people Israel." --Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, what is a "real" or "true" Jew, as mentioned by some translations (such as the RSV) on Romans 2:28-29?  It would seem to me that a Jew is a Jew, and all Jews would be real or true by birth. ANSWER:  The translators of the NAS do not add the words "real" or "true" to the passage. It simply reads: "But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not be the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God."    The amillennial and covenant theologians wrongly think that Paul is saying that God is finished with the Jews as a people. But, they argue, that Gentiles are now Jews in spirit and have replaced Israel as the people of God.    But they completely miss Paul's point. This entire section begins with verse 17 where we see Paul is addressing the Jewish people. He starts off: "But if you bear the name Jew, and rely upon the Law and boast in God, ..." Paul continues the "You Jews ..." through almost the entire section. "You who boast in the Law ..." "Circumcision is of value, if you ..." Paul continues his argument though he changes to the third person from verses 27-29, but his point is the same.    The Jews were trying to say they were favored with God simply because they were Jews by birth. This is not true. They had to be "believing Jews," as Jews who were trusting in God, and, who were embracing Christ when they realized that He was their Messiah, and that He had died for their sins. Otherwise, simply being a Jew by birth, and being circumcised as a Jew, meant nothing!    Circumcision was of value if they kept the Law. If they did not keep the Law, but were transgressors, then "your circumcision meant nothing … it became uncircumcision" (v. 25). The physical Jew had to be a believing Jew, "one inwardly" (v. 29) and one who was circumcised in the heart not simply outwardly.    God still has promises and plans for the physical Jew, the one who is of the generation of Jews. But too, they had to be believing Jews, if not, they were not saved. There are still advantages for the people of Israel (3:1-2) but if they do not trust God "their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God, will it?" (v. 3).  No, of course not! "May it never be!" (v. 4).    Paul makes an important and final point on the subject in 11:28. "From the standpoint of the gospel they (the Jews) are enemies (the Jews) for your sake (the Gentiles), but from the standpoint of God's choice (His election) they (the Jews) are beloved (in His eyes) for the sake of the (Patriarchal) fathers (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob); for the gifts (of God) and (His) calling (His election) are irrevocable (unchangeable)."    God has called forth the Jews for His purposes and He will not go back on His promises!    Woodrow Kroll adds:    "Paul says that two things are necessary to be truly Jewish: (1) to be born of Abraham through Isaac (that circumcision that is outward in the flesh); and (2) to be spiritually in tune with Abraham's God (that circumcision that is inward in the heart or spirit). As the apostle Paul is using the word, no one can claim to be Jewish who is not born of Abraham through his son Isaac. But to the requirement of the circumcision of the heart. … The only true Jew is one who is a Jew by race and a believer by God's grace. Thus Paul concludes that mere physical birth alone cannot make a Jew righteous." (Mal Couch, gen. ed. The Book of Romans. Woodrow Kroll. AMG, 35-36)    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

CALIFORNIA SINKING!

There are over 400 State agencies in the state of California that run that government. This is unbelievable and is something that none of us can thoroughly conceive in our minds! It is impossible for that state to continue as solvent and out of the red. We are all sinking in the slime of governmental rule!    I have some bad news for you. While I was a bit optimistic a few weeks ago about turning our country around, I now have changed my mind. I don't think the new senators and congressmen can do it. I believe we are too far gone. President Barack Hussein Obama has ruined our country and the Republicans don't get it either.    I just heard that on our Texas border, in one county, some 30 people have been killed in the drug war going on there. People are now moving out of that area because it is almost total conflict taking place. We have lost our country.    Are you saving up food to survival when things really fall apart? You need to.    --Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

HEBREW WORD STUDY

Psalm 103:1-5 is an outstanding section of verses. It begins with "Bless the Lord, O my soul" (v. 1). "Bless" is "barak." It comes from the Hebrew word that means "to kneel" or "knee." To bless is to kneel down before God. Another related word is to "barak" is "fat cattle" ("Be' Ree"). Fat cattle are a blessing to the farmer that means more food on the table.    The word "covenant" is also related: Ba'Ret. To make a covenant or a contract brings about a blessing between individuals, and it brings security. A blessing comes forth from someone, but specifically, a blessing is created. Only God can create something out of nothing, and this is a blessing! So the word Ba'Rah means to create, as creating the heaven and the earth (Gen. 1:1). The word is used only of the Lord who created all things that have come into being. Using the Participle, Solomon wrote "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth." To create you is a blessing. We should remember the Lord, our Creator, "before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, 'I have no delight in them (that is, in the evil days)'" (Eccl. 12:1).    103:2-5 tell us why we should be blessing the Lord. We should "bless His holy name," We should forget "none of His benefits," He "pardons all our iniquities," He "heals all our diseases," He "redeems our life from the pit," He "crowns us with lovingkindness and compassion," and He "satisfied our years with good things." What a God we have who blesses us continually, thus our souls should be blessing Him!     Dr. Mal Couch   (12/10)

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, what is going on in Isaiah 59:21? ANSWER:  The passage says that He will be making "a covenant" with the Jewish people, and that He will be putting His Spirit upon them. Too, all the children, from the first to an infinity of generations will be speaking God's words from their mouths, "from a specific point ("from now and forever") into the future.    Unger says that the "covenant" has to be the New covenant promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34. There are two outstanding promises in the New covenant: (1) permanent forgiveness of sins, and (2) the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The giving of the Spirit is mentioned here in Isaiah 59:21 and in Joel 2:28. Isaiah 59:21 reads in part:    "My words will not depart from your mouth nor from the mouth of your offspring, nor from the mouth of your offspring's offspring, … from now and forever." This seems to clearly promise that in the kingdom, the Jews will be perpetually saved and will be witnessing of the Lord for the entire one thousand years of that glorious time when the Messiah is ruling!     Unger writes: This is about "the promise of Israel's conversion and restoration to Kingdom blessing … divinely guaranteed and attested. The Lord is referring to the New Covenant in Christ's blood (1 Cor. 11:25), then made available to the nation Israel through faith (Jer. 31:31-34). It will involve putting His Spirit upon her and God's Word in her mouth, perpetually through the millennial age and on into the eternal state (Isa. 32:15; 1 Cor. 15:24). Israel's election to blessing is not only for the Kingdom age, but forever."    The New covenant is not fulfilled now by the church. It will be fulfilled by Israel when the kingdom begins. The church however now benefits from the New covenant but we do not fulfill it. We receive forgiveness of sins, and receive the Holy Spirit. But we do not receive the promised land. That is only for the Jews when the kingdom begins.    When Paul writes that "all Israel will be saved" in Romans 11:26, he could be referring to Isaiah 59:21 where the generations of Jews during the kingdom will have God's word in their mouths perpetually from individual to individual, child to child, forever.    Thanks for asking,    Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

SOMEONE HAS HUMOR!

Recently discovered was a large Star of David on top of the Iranian Airline building in the Islamic Republic in Tehran. The Star looks to be about thirty feet across. Before the 1979 revolution in that country, Israeli engineers had build the airport building for the government. No one saw it until recently.     Of course the government ordered that the Star of David be removed. This "happening" had taken place before. A Star was found on a building of the main square earlier in Tehran. The Jews have great humor and we're sure they got a big laugh at the fact that the Star was seen from the air for many years.    Between 1960 and 1979 El Al airlines regularly flew from Tehran to Tel Aviv when there was peace of a sort between Iran and Israel.    The Star of David is a symbol of Israel's Messiah and it is mentioned in Numbers 24:17. "A star will come forth from Jacob (Israel), and a scepter shall rise from Israel." Some make a big deal over the shape of the star, when actually it is just easier to make a star with two triangles placed one on top of another. The star is part of the Israeli flag and it flies on all of the military vehicles of the Israeli military. In other words, the Lord Jesus, who is Israel's Messiah, is featured on everything that is Jewish. Israel's king is the Savior of the Gentiles, and He is also the Savior of the Jewish people.     --Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, the doctrine of election is an awesome truth. What does the word "elect" mean? ANSWER:  The Hebrew word for "elect" is Bah' Char and means "elect" or "chosen."    (A) In a corporate sense the nation of Israel is chosen even though individually the Jews have sinned in that they have not accepted their own promised Messiah. God's promises still remain—the Jews will someday turn to Christ and be back in the good graces of the Lord once more. The Jewish people are "chosen" through the Abrahamic covenant (Psa. 105:8-11). The Abrahamic covenant was confirmed "to Jacob for an everlasting covenant, saying, "To you I will give the land of Canaan as the portion of your inheritance." Notice that the giving of the land is the sign of that covenant. It belongs to the Jews as a perpetual inheritance. The foolish covenant guys (allegorists) try to say that the land no longer belongs to the Jewish people. They have not read their Bible!    God's chosen ones, with a shout of joy" were given "the lands of the nations, that they might take possession of the fruit of the peoples' labor. … Praise the Lord!" (vv. 42-45). As the "chosen ones" they will someday receive prosperity (106:5).    (B) There are two classes of the angelic host. There are those who are joined to the devil; they belong to him (Matt. 25:41). They were cast forth from heaven when he fell. But there are those who did not leave their position with the Lord. They are the "holy" angels (Luke 9:26), and the elect or chosen angels (1 Tim. 5:21).  Then there are the believers who are the elect of the Lord. "... just as He chose us ..." (Eph. 1:4). The Greek word here is eklego which means "to out call." Or, "to call out." We can call this word also "to elect." This election took place before "the casting down of the world," or "before the foundation of the world" (v. 4). The result of this calling would make us "holy and blameless" because we are now placed into the holy Son of God—this is our new position! This includes also His predestination which means "to before encircle," or "to put a fence around." The word is "pro-orizo" in Greek.The word of God is so clear and makes such sense when we let it just speak to us! It is not complicated!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

SOMEBODY DOES NOT LIKE GOD

Barack Hussein Obama spoke to a Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and supposedly spoke to them about the Declaration of Independence. He purposefully misquoted the founding fathers with these words: "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, endowed with certain unalienable rights, life and liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."    He left out "by their Creator." Since this was a quote he had to have calculated to do just that, leave out the name "Creator." Probably no one in the audience missed this gaff. For the last few weeks Hussein has been getting chummy with the Hispanics for a very specific reason. He's going to do something for them that will endear the crowd concerning illegal and criminal foreigners who try to sneak into our country and receive all the medical and social security benefits they can get.    The President is really opposed to Christianity, though he tries to deny the same. In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt said: "Those forces (Nazism) hate democracy and Christianity as two phases of the same civilization. They oppose democracy because it is Christian. They oppose Christianity because it practices democracy." Inside the Jefferson Memorial we have these words by Jefferson:    "God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure whenever we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that his justice cannot sleep forever." (AFA Journal)    We are being lulled asleep by leaders that do not share the spiritual standards of Christianity. I see no turnaround taking place in our culture!    Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, are the elders the only ones who will receive the "crown of glory" when Christ appears? ANSWER:  Apparently so. In 1 Peter 5:1-4 is exhorting the elders in their service. He says that they will be "partakers also of the glory that is to be revealed" when Christ comes. They are partakers by of His glory, if you will, by receiving "the unfading crown of glory" (v. 4). They receive this by being "examples to the flock" (v. 3). When the Lord came to earth to die, He was "crowned with glory and honor" for this work on the cross (Heb. 2:7). As that good and faithful servant He was the "Chief Shepherd" (1 Pet. 5:4a). So the elders are under-shepherds to the earthly flock and thus receive a like-crown of glory for their faithful service in life.    Glory pictures brightness, shinning light. This crown will not be overlooked.    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, I have concluded that James 5:19-20 is about physical death and not eternal separation from God. What do you think? ANSWER:  Since the Bible clearly teaches the eternal salvation of the child of God, your conclusion is correct. The verses say that by correcting the brother in his sin, you save one from the error of his way, saving a soul from death. You are also correct to notice that "soul" can mean "life," saving a life from death. The Bible speaks several times of one losing his physical life by persisting in sin (1 Cor. 11:27-30).    In James 5:19 the Greek text puts it this way: "One can be caused to stray from the truth." And, we are to "turn back" that one in the right way. The one who strays is "among you," indicating that he is a believer. By so helping a believer, we are "covering a multitude of sins" (Prov. 10:12). Since the book of James is probably the first NT book, many believers were still trying to figure out how to live the Christian walk. This was a struggle. Thanks for asking. --Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, do you recommend the old Scofield Bible or the new Scofield Bible? And, why? ANSWER:  The new Scofield Reference Bible is what I use in the NAS translation. The reason is that it is a good update and also I knew almost all of the men on the revision committee. They were either teachers of mine or friends, such as: Teacher – Dr. Frank Gaebelein, Dr. Charles Feinberg, Dr. John F. Walvoord. I worked with and had as teachers (and friends) – Dr. Walvoord, Dr. Wilbur Smith, Dr. Clarence Mason, Dr. William Culbertson. The only one on the revision committee I did not know was Dr. Allan MacRae.     I also knew the editor Dr. Glenn Goss. Many of these men were at Philadelphia College of Bible where I taught, also at Moody Bible Institute, and at Dallas Seminary, again all of the institutions at which I was a professor.    I also was raised as a youngster in Scofield Memorial Church in Dallas. As you can see my connections are thick and close with the Scofield tradition. However, I am not a dispensationalist because of these connections, I wrote one of the most important hermeneutic book now out, and I know for a fact that the Bible is indeed dispensational! (Classical Evangelical Hermeneutics, published by Kregel)    The Scofield Reference Bible which was first published in about 1910 changed America. The denominational leaders hated it but it changed the people in the pews, of all denominations. For the first time the Bible started to make sense for the average believer. And too, it was so clear and supportive of Israel. And it set forth Bible prophecy in such clear terms. This is why American Christianity had and still has such a strong support for the Jewish people. The Scofield Bible is the main cause.    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch  (12/10)

The Christian Alert

Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), the Senate Majority Leader, is planning for a vote on what is known as the DREAM Act sometime during the lame duck session. If passed and enacted into law amnesty would be offered to the children of illegal immigrants under the age of 16 and remained for at least five years to gain legal residency if they attend college or serve in the military. Democrats in the Senate have foisted four different versions of the bill on the legislative calendar, which all offer variations on the same amnesty theme: Because they arrived here through "no fault of their own," illegal alien children deserve federal education access and benefits, plus a conditional pass from deportation and a special path toward green cards and U.S. citizenship for themselves and unlimited relatives. In a last-ditch attempt to win over fence-sitters, DREAM Act sponsors have tinkered with eligibility requirements. But supporters know that the words on bill pages -- which hardly anyone will read before voting -- don't matter. Built into the proposals are broad "public interest" waiver powers for the illegal immigration-friendly Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. Meanwhile, the way illegal alien students on college campuses across the country tell it, America is a cruel, selfish and racist nation that has never given them or their families a break. Yet despite their bottomless grievances, they're not going anywhere. And despite their gripes about being forced "into the shadows," they've been out in the open protesting at media-driven hunger strikes and flooding the airwaves demanding passage of the so-called DREAM Act. This bailout plan would benefit an estimated 2.1 million illegal aliens at an estimated cost of up to $20 billion. At a time of nearly double-digit unemployment and drastic higher education cutbacks, a $20 billion special education preference package for up to 2.1 million illegal aliens is not and should not be a priority in Washington. It certainly isn't in the rest of America. And it certainly shouldn't be a priority for federal immigration and homeland security officials, who have a 400,000 deportation fugitives problem, a three-year naturalization application backlog and borders that remain in chaos.

DEATH OF WOMANHOOD

I saw a commercial on TV that I couldn't believe. It was by Mattel, the folks who invented the Barbie Doll. The girl in the ad said, "When I was a little girl I dreamed of being a helicopter pilot." Then, "When I was a little girl I dreamed of being a fireman!" These of course are lies. Almost all little girls dream of motherhood, of having a baby and raising it. But this was total propaganda in order to plant ideas into the mind of girls that they can be anything. In fact the ad ended with: "What I want to do, I can do it!" This of course is a lie. I have too many friends in the military who tell me the girls cannot come even close doing what the men do. For example, in a truck pool, the women cannot change a five foot high truck tire. But never mind. They just give them another assignment but then tell the public that the girls are doing everything that the men are doing! This is just not true!    Remember, whoever controls the language and the thought forms, controls the culture. There are no longer any heroines (fem.), they are all heroes (mas.). There are no longer any waiters and waitresses, they are all servers. There are no longer any policemen or policewomen, they are all police officers. They have neutered down the words so there is no distinction between the sexes. This is a calculated plan to blur the images of men and women.      The Bible tells us the truth. Peter writes: "Husbands likewise, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a weaker vessel, since she is a woman, and grant her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered" (1 Pet. 3:7). Women are not men! They have 50% of the strength of men, 50% of the stamina, 50% of the upper body strength. They have mood swings because of their hormones.    Women are just not men!

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, what is a Midrash? ANSWER:  The word is a Hebrew word, Meed'Rash (Midrash). The word is used only twice in the OT in 2 Chronicles 13:22 and 24:27. The first reference is speaking about Abijah and it says his acts "were written down" in the treatise of the prophet Iddo. The second reference refers to Jehoahaz concerning which his acts "were written down" in the Book of the Kings.    The word is translated as "writing, written" and "to study." A Midrash today is a coming together of scholars to study certain subjects, or to study the Bible.    In January, Scofield Ministries is holding a Midrash for a small group of Bible scholars in order to just let the Spirit of God lead us to explore various important subjects and issues that we need to talk about. We are going to put the steaks on, circle some big puffy chairs, and just interact on the Word of God, and on various urgent matters. We will see then where all of this is going. We need to think, ponder, contemplate, and study where the evangelical church is today, and what does this mean to leaders who are serving the Lord.    This Midrash is by invitation only and will be kept small so that we can have quality personal time together. We may record this so that others may share with the results.    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

Hebrew Word Study

The sons of Tobiah are mentioned in Ezra 2:60. We know little of this personality. Others may have also been named Tobiah.    The name means "God is good." The Tob or Tov means "good" in Hebrew and the "iah" is part of the name of God "The EverExisting One." Thus, "God who is the EverExisting One is good!" Goodness is one of the attributes of the Lord.    The word for grace is Ch'an. It means "to show favor, give pleasure, be kind, to protect." In fact, the word to put up a protective encampment has the word grace in it. You are gracious if you put up a camp that gives protection. The name Hannah has the word grace in it: Han, or Ch'an. To be friendly or kind is to be gracious: Ch'an'uh. "God is gracious (kind) and compassionate and righteous" (Psa. 112:4).    Che'Nam means to receive something good undeservedly, without payment, or without compensation. Jacob said to Esau: "Please take my gift because God has dealt graciously (shown undeserved kindness) with me, and because I have plenty. Thus Jacob urged him and Esau took the gift" (Gen. 33:11).     —Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

EARLY AMERICA: A HARSH LAND

On one hand there was a lot of tolerance in early America, but on the early hand, law and punishment could be harsh and unforgiving. Certain groups, such as the Quakers, were pilloried, banished, scourged, and imprisoned. Some who held to radical religions were burned with hot irons. Why? And was this not extreme punishment that was cruel?    Yes, but we must put into place an understanding of the times. The colonists had come from Europe and England where there was actual warfare going on between the Protestants and Catholics, with the Catholics killing more than the Protestants. Christian belief was critical and life and death issues came to the surface. People were dying for their faith! And as well, America was coming out of the Middle Ages in which cruelty was the name of the game. But it was not too many years before such practices disappeared. Cruelty passed in the colonies before it did in any other nation on earth.    One can also argue that some laws were strong, and by the fact that punishment was indeed punishment, crime was kept to a minimum; peace ruled and brought blessings where it had not been before! It is easy to rewrite history. We were not there, and we have never had to fight through the issues our founding fathers faced.    One can only say: "Thank God for America!" We have more blessings than any other people on earth.      —Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

AMERICAN FREEDOM

Americans are to be free to say and do anything that does not harm others or that destroys the social fabric of the nation. This includes all Americans but especially Christians who founded this nation in order to be free to "be free."    Though the apostle Paul, and all the early Christians lived under the sway of the Roman Empire, which had various restrictions on freedom, they still advocated total freedom in Christ to do what their conscience dictated. We are not required to be PC (politically correct). What if I don't like certain people for a specific reason? What if I believe that certain cultures will destroy America? What if I speak out against sins that others find acceptable? That is my business! And God will judge or correct me. It is not the business of other people. They are not to dictate my thoughts. I am free to be me, right or wrong!    Of course all believers in Christ want to be right, and to be obedient to the Lord. He comes before what the government dictates, and even before what I think. Paul speaks to this freedom in Christ. He wrote "For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, that I might win the more" (1 Cor. 9:19). Freedom carries with it responsibility, duty, and obligation to others. But I am still free. Paul said he did all things that he might "save some" (v. 22), and he did all things "for the sake of the gospel" (v. 23). Though he was free, the gospel and the will of God came first (vv. 24-27).    This is why the early colonies pledged their faithfulness in their colony charters to the gospel, and in order to honor the Lord. For example the Bill of Rights of the Virginia Convention (1776) said this:    "That Christianity (religion), or the duty which we owe to our Creator and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and therefore all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of Christianity, according to the dictates of conscience; and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity towards each other.    "All men are entitled to equal Christian freedom, that all Christianity stands without prejudice before the law of the state, and that liberty is not license."    The colonies then existed in order to honor God and were not ashamed to admit such. God will restore our freedoms if we pledge ourselves to His Word and to the gospel message. Otherwise, we will sink again into slavery!    Please pass this message on.    —Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)