Dr. Couch, many amillennialists use Galatians 6:16 to prove that the church, present day believers, are part of Israel. Or, that we are now Israel. How do we answer them?
ANSWER: We answer them by thorough analysis and observation of the Scriptures. We use good hermeneutics and grammar, and history, to let the Bible speak for itself. The amills are poor scholars. They have lousy interpretative skills, if any at all!
"Israel" is a direct reference to the Jewish people. Israel is a reference to Jacob, the father of the twelve tribes. Jacob means to "grasp the heel." He was the supplanter who held back his twin brother when they were coming out of the womb. This made him the first born with all the first born privileges. Israel means "to strive with God," or the Angel of Jehovah as recorded in Genesis 32:28.
All of this has to do with Israel's history and it's not about the church! The church is never called Israel. However, we are the spiritual seed of Abraham by faith. "By faith" is the key. I am not a natural Israelite. Paul writes of those of us who are "of faith who are sons of Abraham" (Gal. 3:7). He speaks of those by promise "by faith in Jesus Christ" (v. 22). "Justified by faith" (v. 24). "You belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, heirs according to promise" (v. 29).
Paul closes then with "And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God" (6:16). "Those who walk by this rule" would be the Gentiles and "upon them" would be Jews. "Israel" is never used to describe Gentiles! Paul went from one subject to another subject. "Those" and the "upon Israel." Thus, Abraham is the father of all who believe (Rom. 4:11). He is my spiritual father but not my natural father! But I am never called "Israel."
Thanks for asking.
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Ask Dr. Couch
Dr. Couch, is it right to say that Christ was crucified on Nisan 14 (April) and resurrected on Sunday, Nisan 16?
ANSWER: Yes, the best scholarship uses these dates, and I believe they are accurate. But the Lord is not "legalistic" holding our feet to the fire as to the exactness of these dates. The dates are not as important as the fact of His death and resurrection! Don't major on the minors but major on the majors! Christ's death is what gives us our salvation; the resurrection proves that we are justified before God because, His resurrection proves that the Lord is finished with our sins. That is the most important and urgent doctrinal issue we cling to.
Thanks for asking.
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
ANSWER: Yes, the best scholarship uses these dates, and I believe they are accurate. But the Lord is not "legalistic" holding our feet to the fire as to the exactness of these dates. The dates are not as important as the fact of His death and resurrection! Don't major on the minors but major on the majors! Christ's death is what gives us our salvation; the resurrection proves that we are justified before God because, His resurrection proves that the Lord is finished with our sins. That is the most important and urgent doctrinal issue we cling to.
Thanks for asking.
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Thursday, April 28, 2011
THE COVENANT OF WORKS
Most of the Covenant guys believe that the Covenant of Works would bring about salvation for Adam, or anyone who could keep it. Most of the Covenant teachers, however, were inconsistent in their teaching of this view. Below are quotes from most of the important Covenant men that proves they held to this view. This is poor theology, indeed! Their view has no scriptural support. Dispensationalists have it right; the covenant men do not!
Berkhof: "Regarding the covenant of works, 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 of works."
Berkhof: "There may still be some doubt as to the propriety of the name Covenant of Works, but there can be no valid objection to the covenant of works idea." "They who deny the covenant of works generjavascript:void(0)ally 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."
Charles Hodge: "Concerning the covenant of works with Adam. This statement does not rest upon any express declaration of the Scriptures. And although the word covenant [as of works] is not used in Genesis, and does not elsewhere, in any clear passage, occur in reference to the transaction there recorded. … It is plain that the Bible does represent the arrangement made with Adam as a truly federal transaction."
Berkhof: "The covenant of works is an agreement between God and Adam that he would obey the Lord in regard to not eating of the tree of good and evil. This obedience incumbent upon Adam shows that it is a covenant, though sovereignly initiated by God alone. In a sense, this was a salvation by works."
Reymond: "The covenant of works is still normative. It places upon man always to render to God perfect obedience to the moral law, it reflects the obligation of the rational creature to obey his Creator." "Men represented by Adam are still culpable before God and subject to death on the basis of the terms of the original covenant of works." "It shows perpetual obedience that God laid upon Adam as the federal representative of the race by the covenant of works."
A.A. Hodge: "The covenant of works has been called a legal covenant because its 'condition' is perfect conformity to the law of absolute moral perfection. It has been called the Covenant of Works because its demands terminate upon man's own being and doing. It has been called a Covenant of Life, because the promise attached to well-doing was life." "The Covenant of Works offered life."
Enns [Dispensationalist]: "Covenant theology teaches that God initially made a covenant of works with Adam, promised eternal life for obedience and death for disobedience."
Wollebius: "Defined the covenant of works as it was usually been defined. The promise of eternal life for obedience and the threat of death for disobedience."
Ames: "Held that the covenant of works, which was universal in scope, continued after the Fall. Its fulfillment was dependent upon man's obedience to God." "The sign of the covenant of grace is baptism, infants should be baptized."
Witsius: "The covenant of works was an agreement between God and Adam created in God's image. … The covenant of works with the promise of eternal life upon obedience and the threat of death for disobedience."
Westminster Confession: "The first covenant was a covenant of works. In it life was promised to Adam and through him to his descendants, on the condition of perfect, personal obedience."
The covenant of works is variously called the covenant of life because it reflects the reward for obedience; it is also termed the covenant of works because works are the condition connected with the promise. God promised eternal life in it to bless Adam if he would obey, if he disobeyed God, Adam would be judged with death." "With the covenant of works God promised to bless Adam with eternal life if he obeyed. -- Dr. Mal Couch
Berkhof: "Regarding the covenant of works, 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 of works."
Berkhof: "There may still be some doubt as to the propriety of the name Covenant of Works, but there can be no valid objection to the covenant of works idea." "They who deny the covenant of works generjavascript:void(0)ally 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."
Charles Hodge: "Concerning the covenant of works with Adam. This statement does not rest upon any express declaration of the Scriptures. And although the word covenant [as of works] is not used in Genesis, and does not elsewhere, in any clear passage, occur in reference to the transaction there recorded. … It is plain that the Bible does represent the arrangement made with Adam as a truly federal transaction."
Berkhof: "The covenant of works is an agreement between God and Adam that he would obey the Lord in regard to not eating of the tree of good and evil. This obedience incumbent upon Adam shows that it is a covenant, though sovereignly initiated by God alone. In a sense, this was a salvation by works."
Reymond: "The covenant of works is still normative. It places upon man always to render to God perfect obedience to the moral law, it reflects the obligation of the rational creature to obey his Creator." "Men represented by Adam are still culpable before God and subject to death on the basis of the terms of the original covenant of works." "It shows perpetual obedience that God laid upon Adam as the federal representative of the race by the covenant of works."
A.A. Hodge: "The covenant of works has been called a legal covenant because its 'condition' is perfect conformity to the law of absolute moral perfection. It has been called the Covenant of Works because its demands terminate upon man's own being and doing. It has been called a Covenant of Life, because the promise attached to well-doing was life." "The Covenant of Works offered life."
Enns [Dispensationalist]: "Covenant theology teaches that God initially made a covenant of works with Adam, promised eternal life for obedience and death for disobedience."
Wollebius: "Defined the covenant of works as it was usually been defined. The promise of eternal life for obedience and the threat of death for disobedience."
Ames: "Held that the covenant of works, which was universal in scope, continued after the Fall. Its fulfillment was dependent upon man's obedience to God." "The sign of the covenant of grace is baptism, infants should be baptized."
Witsius: "The covenant of works was an agreement between God and Adam created in God's image. … The covenant of works with the promise of eternal life upon obedience and the threat of death for disobedience."
Westminster Confession: "The first covenant was a covenant of works. In it life was promised to Adam and through him to his descendants, on the condition of perfect, personal obedience."
The covenant of works is variously called the covenant of life because it reflects the reward for obedience; it is also termed the covenant of works because works are the condition connected with the promise. God promised eternal life in it to bless Adam if he would obey, if he disobeyed God, Adam would be judged with death." "With the covenant of works God promised to bless Adam with eternal life if he obeyed. -- Dr. Mal Couch
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Ask Dr. Couch
Dr. Couch, I see that from time to time you receive criticism from younger women about your views on women teaching men, or teaching mixed groups. I know of some very talented women teachers who are teaching men. How do you answer?
ANSWER: It does not matter what they are doing. It does not matter how much talent they have as teachers. It matters what Paul, the inspired apostle, says. 1 Timothy 2:12-15 is as clear as it can get! Women have wonderful abilities and ministries given them by the Holy Spirit but to teach over men, or to have pastoral authority, these roles are not given to women. As a principle, men are more objective than women and less emotional. This is how the Lord has constructed the differences between the sexes. In Paul's argument that women are not to "teach or exercise authority over a men." He adds the reason why. He writes "The woman (Eve) being quite deceived, fell into transgression" (1 Tim. 2:14). "Quite deceived" is one Greek word. She was REALLY deceived by Satan, the Greek text notes! Adam was simply deceived, though he was responsible for the family and the culpability was greater against him because he was the first created.
I find that a lot of younger Christian women get upset about this issue because they have been brainwashed by the culture. "No matter what the Bible says, we want it our way!" And, they do not hold the inspired Scripture with its full authority. They are not willing to do what it says—to obey its principles.
So, often I take a hit but I sleep well at night because I want to obey what God has said!
Verse 15 tells us how the woman is to be elevated by the Lord. She is "saved" or protected through child bearing, that is, by having children that gives her important responsibilities and that keeps her in check. But too, she must continue in strong faith, love, and sanctity, with self-restraint. These last values mentioned here will be greatly honored by the Lord. They are spiritual values that allow the woman even to go before the man in spirituality. We see this in women. They are more spiritual when they follow God's patterns and don't try to be men, in the affairs of the culture and in the affairs of the church. But it's hard for women to see this. And that proves Paul's point. Women are more emotional about this discussion. They do not relate objectively to what Paul is saying. They get upset quickly about what the Lord is teaching the church. This is not Dr. Couch theology. It is Pauline theology!
The great Greek scholar A. T. Robertson notes: "Paul has in mind that child-bearing, not public teaching, is the peculiar function of woman with a glory and dignity all its own." Women today do not see the greatness of pouring themselves into their children. But what a privilege in creating spiritually the next generation!
Thanks for asking.
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
ANSWER: It does not matter what they are doing. It does not matter how much talent they have as teachers. It matters what Paul, the inspired apostle, says. 1 Timothy 2:12-15 is as clear as it can get! Women have wonderful abilities and ministries given them by the Holy Spirit but to teach over men, or to have pastoral authority, these roles are not given to women. As a principle, men are more objective than women and less emotional. This is how the Lord has constructed the differences between the sexes. In Paul's argument that women are not to "teach or exercise authority over a men." He adds the reason why. He writes "The woman (Eve) being quite deceived, fell into transgression" (1 Tim. 2:14). "Quite deceived" is one Greek word. She was REALLY deceived by Satan, the Greek text notes! Adam was simply deceived, though he was responsible for the family and the culpability was greater against him because he was the first created.
I find that a lot of younger Christian women get upset about this issue because they have been brainwashed by the culture. "No matter what the Bible says, we want it our way!" And, they do not hold the inspired Scripture with its full authority. They are not willing to do what it says—to obey its principles.
So, often I take a hit but I sleep well at night because I want to obey what God has said!
Verse 15 tells us how the woman is to be elevated by the Lord. She is "saved" or protected through child bearing, that is, by having children that gives her important responsibilities and that keeps her in check. But too, she must continue in strong faith, love, and sanctity, with self-restraint. These last values mentioned here will be greatly honored by the Lord. They are spiritual values that allow the woman even to go before the man in spirituality. We see this in women. They are more spiritual when they follow God's patterns and don't try to be men, in the affairs of the culture and in the affairs of the church. But it's hard for women to see this. And that proves Paul's point. Women are more emotional about this discussion. They do not relate objectively to what Paul is saying. They get upset quickly about what the Lord is teaching the church. This is not Dr. Couch theology. It is Pauline theology!
The great Greek scholar A. T. Robertson notes: "Paul has in mind that child-bearing, not public teaching, is the peculiar function of woman with a glory and dignity all its own." Women today do not see the greatness of pouring themselves into their children. But what a privilege in creating spiritually the next generation!
Thanks for asking.
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Ask Dr. Couch
Dr. Couch, was the message of Peter and Paul the same about salvation to the believer?
ANSWER: I can't believe this question. Don't ask me. Please read the letters of Peter! That will give you the answer. I'd love to know from what heretical position such a question is coming. Mercy, mercy, mercy!
But here we go:
"Caused us to be born again" 1 Pet. 1:3.
"A living hope through the resurrection" 1 Pet. 1:3.
"To obtain an inheritance which will not fade away" 1 Pet. 1:4.
"The proof of your faith" 1 Pet. 1:7.
"You believe in Him" 1 Pet. 1:8.
"The outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls" 1:9.
"This salvation the prophets prophesied" 1:10.
"Who preached the gospel to you" 1:12.
"The grace to be brought to you, the revelation of Jesus Christ" 1:13.
"You were not redeemed with ..." 1:18.
"You were redeemed with the precious blood of a lamb, the blood of Christ" 1:19.
"Who through Him are believers in God" 1:21.
"You have in obedience to the truth purified your souls" 1:22.
"You have been born again" 1:23.
I think I'll stop here! This is only the 1st chapter of 1 Peter!
Thanks for asking,
Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
ANSWER: I can't believe this question. Don't ask me. Please read the letters of Peter! That will give you the answer. I'd love to know from what heretical position such a question is coming. Mercy, mercy, mercy!
But here we go:
"Caused us to be born again" 1 Pet. 1:3.
"A living hope through the resurrection" 1 Pet. 1:3.
"To obtain an inheritance which will not fade away" 1 Pet. 1:4.
"The proof of your faith" 1 Pet. 1:7.
"You believe in Him" 1 Pet. 1:8.
"The outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls" 1:9.
"This salvation the prophets prophesied" 1:10.
"Who preached the gospel to you" 1:12.
"The grace to be brought to you, the revelation of Jesus Christ" 1:13.
"You were not redeemed with ..." 1:18.
"You were redeemed with the precious blood of a lamb, the blood of Christ" 1:19.
"Who through Him are believers in God" 1:21.
"You have in obedience to the truth purified your souls" 1:22.
"You have been born again" 1:23.
I think I'll stop here! This is only the 1st chapter of 1 Peter!
Thanks for asking,
Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Monday, April 25, 2011
Ask Dr. Couch
Dr. Couch, I have been told that the second half of the 70th week of Daniel is actually the Great Tribulation. I am confused because there is tribulation occurring between chapter 6 and the vials, though it seems to be the wrath of Satan. Also, many used the Westcott & Hort text. Should we trust scholars who don't seem to be "born again"?
ANSWER: I will handle your last question first. Scholars who are not born again can be just as objective with factual material as one who is born again. Being born again gives us a spiritual understanding of things but not necessarily an "up" on objective, factual things. Every week I use my Hebrew Grammars, Jewish commentaries, and Jewish lexicons, all written by men who are not born again. So, what is your point? I can learn objective facts from them just as well as from Christians. You have clearly been misled by someone!
I am not clear as to what your point is on what you first wrote. So I will simply address the issue of the Great Tribulation. The Great Tribulation (Matt. 24:21) is not a technical expression but a description of the fact that the tribulation will get worse as it goes along. I think those who try to make it a technical expression are wrong. In the Greek text there is no article before the adjective "megale" (great). The article "a" has been supplied but there is no "the." Great Tribulation then is indefinite. Many scholars miss this but since I have had more graduate Greek than anyone, I didn't miss this!
Walvoord calls the Great Tribulation a "specific period of time," while this is true, in that things get worse at the last half of the tribulation, it still should not be considered a technical period.
Thanks for asking.
—Dr. Mal Couch(4/11)
ANSWER: I will handle your last question first. Scholars who are not born again can be just as objective with factual material as one who is born again. Being born again gives us a spiritual understanding of things but not necessarily an "up" on objective, factual things. Every week I use my Hebrew Grammars, Jewish commentaries, and Jewish lexicons, all written by men who are not born again. So, what is your point? I can learn objective facts from them just as well as from Christians. You have clearly been misled by someone!
I am not clear as to what your point is on what you first wrote. So I will simply address the issue of the Great Tribulation. The Great Tribulation (Matt. 24:21) is not a technical expression but a description of the fact that the tribulation will get worse as it goes along. I think those who try to make it a technical expression are wrong. In the Greek text there is no article before the adjective "megale" (great). The article "a" has been supplied but there is no "the." Great Tribulation then is indefinite. Many scholars miss this but since I have had more graduate Greek than anyone, I didn't miss this!
Walvoord calls the Great Tribulation a "specific period of time," while this is true, in that things get worse at the last half of the tribulation, it still should not be considered a technical period.
Thanks for asking.
—Dr. Mal Couch(4/11)
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Ask Dr. Couch
Dr. Couch, Revelation 5:10 says in the Westcott & Hort "Thou hast made THEM a kingdom and priests ..." whereas the KJV says "us." Which is right?
ANSWER: I do not know an evangelical strong Greek seminary in the country that does not hold to the Westcott & Hort text. And this includes the well-known A. T. Robertson whom you refer to. As one who has taught graduate Greek for over forty years, and who has had more graduate Greek courses (much of it taught by the great Dr. S. Lewis Johnson) than anyone you will ever have known, the passage should indeed read "made them ..." as the correct Greek reading.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary agrees with "them" as well as the scholar Ellicott in his commentary. The respected Alford in his masterful commentary also uses "them." I know of no scholar worth his salt who would agree with "us." The strongest blow comes from Robert Thomas who in his commentary writes: "The 'us' rests upon such weak MS evidence, however, that it is not worthy of serious consideration." All of the above evidence ends the discussion!
Thanks for asking.
—Dr. Mal Couch
ANSWER: I do not know an evangelical strong Greek seminary in the country that does not hold to the Westcott & Hort text. And this includes the well-known A. T. Robertson whom you refer to. As one who has taught graduate Greek for over forty years, and who has had more graduate Greek courses (much of it taught by the great Dr. S. Lewis Johnson) than anyone you will ever have known, the passage should indeed read "made them ..." as the correct Greek reading.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary agrees with "them" as well as the scholar Ellicott in his commentary. The respected Alford in his masterful commentary also uses "them." I know of no scholar worth his salt who would agree with "us." The strongest blow comes from Robert Thomas who in his commentary writes: "The 'us' rests upon such weak MS evidence, however, that it is not worthy of serious consideration." All of the above evidence ends the discussion!
Thanks for asking.
—Dr. Mal Couch
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Ask Dr. Couch
Dr. Couch, I have been told that the second half of the 70th week of Daniel is actually the Great Tribulation. I am confused because there is tribulation occurring between chapter 6 and the vials, though it seems to be the wrath of Satan. Also, many used the Westcott & Hort text. Should we trust scholars who don't seem to be "born again"?
ANSWER: I will handle your last question first. Scholars who are not born again can be just as objective with factual material as one who is born again. Being born again gives us a spiritual understanding of things but not necessarily an "up" on objective, factual things. Every week I use my Hebrew Grammars, Jewish commentaries, and Jewish lexicons, all written by men who are not born again. So, what is your point? I can learn objective facts from them just as well as from Christians. You have clearly been misled by someone!
I am not clear as to what your point is on what you first wrote. So I will simply address the issue of the Great Tribulation. The Great Tribulation (Matt. 24:21) is not a technical expression but a description of the fact that the tribulation will get worse as it goes along. I think those who try to make it a technical expression are wrong. In the Greek text there is no article before the adjective "megale" (great). The article "a" has been supplied but there is no "the." Great Tribulation then is indefinite. Many scholars miss this but since I have had more graduate Greek than anyone, I didn't miss this!
Walvoord calls the Great Tribulation a "specific period of time," while this is true, in that things get worse at the last half of the tribulation, it still should not be considered a technical period.
Thanks for asking.
—Dr. Mal Couch(4/11)
ANSWER: I will handle your last question first. Scholars who are not born again can be just as objective with factual material as one who is born again. Being born again gives us a spiritual understanding of things but not necessarily an "up" on objective, factual things. Every week I use my Hebrew Grammars, Jewish commentaries, and Jewish lexicons, all written by men who are not born again. So, what is your point? I can learn objective facts from them just as well as from Christians. You have clearly been misled by someone!
I am not clear as to what your point is on what you first wrote. So I will simply address the issue of the Great Tribulation. The Great Tribulation (Matt. 24:21) is not a technical expression but a description of the fact that the tribulation will get worse as it goes along. I think those who try to make it a technical expression are wrong. In the Greek text there is no article before the adjective "megale" (great). The article "a" has been supplied but there is no "the." Great Tribulation then is indefinite. Many scholars miss this but since I have had more graduate Greek than anyone, I didn't miss this!
Walvoord calls the Great Tribulation a "specific period of time," while this is true, in that things get worse at the last half of the tribulation, it still should not be considered a technical period.
Thanks for asking.
—Dr. Mal Couch(4/11)
Friday, April 22, 2011
THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT
President Barack Hussein Obama has just decreed that no military personnel can speak to any faith-based organization, such as a mission or a church. This reminds us of Adolf Hitler who slowly removed common freedoms from the German people. What is amazing is that no one seems to know how to stop him. He keeps doing evil things unilaterally with no reason that makes sense.
This man must be replaced! And we hope that everyone will do their duty in voting to remove him from power. What is also amazing is that members of Congress say nothing about his policies like this. What is wrong with the men who hold those positions of authority? Pray for America!
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
This man must be replaced! And we hope that everyone will do their duty in voting to remove him from power. What is also amazing is that members of Congress say nothing about his policies like this. What is wrong with the men who hold those positions of authority? Pray for America!
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Thursday, April 21, 2011
THE CATHOLICS AND ENGLAND
King Phillip of Spain wanted to do his missionary work and return England to the Catholic Church, destroying the work of the Reformation in that country. He prayed continually for God to help him defeat Sir Francis Drake's little fleet whereby he could then invade that nation. He assembled the Armada with a fleet of very large ships that would face off Drake's limited and small battle wagons.
There is no question that God in His sovereignty destroyed the Spanish Armada and spared England. His providence brought about a miracle that is one-of-a-kind in history. Here are some specific things that the Lord did to defeat the ships of Spain:
Before the conflict began Drake was able (1) to destroy the material by which the Spanish built the staves and casks for storing water and food for their fleet. The casks were inferior and leaked, pouring forth the needed water and spoiling the food supply. (2) Drake's fleet was made up of smaller ships that could maneuver and turn more quickly with the wind. The Spanish galleons were larger and more cumbersome and less able to turn when in combat with Drake's swift, little ships. Drake could move in and out among the Spanish fleet thus more easily destroying them while on the run with the wind.
The sailors of the Spanish fleet were (3) multi-national and thus were not able to communicate with each other very well, whereas the English navy was made up of all Englishmen who could speak more distinctly with each other while in combat. The British navy was more professional and had trained well together. They (4) could load and reload their weapons rapidly. It took about four minutes for the Spanish to load their canons while the English could do so in about one minute's time. The English ships (5) rode low on the water-line and therefore were much harder to see in order to hit them with canon balls where the water would pour in. The Spanish ships rode higher on the water and were easy targets for the English gunners.
The Spanish ships were (6) crowded and therefore had a lot of diseases running rampant throughout the crew. The Spanish sailors (7) had no beds or hammocks to sleep in. They had to "sleep by the guns" with the deck wet. Most of the Spanish sailors had no blankets. They lived miserably on board their ships! The English sailors slept high and dry in warm hammocks.
When the Spanish Armada moved north to Calais and put into port, (8) they were trapped when Drake attacked with eight fire ships that moved in and out of the fleet, causing havoc among the sailors and their vessels. The Spanish fleet (9) was not supplied with enough ammunition, gun powder and canon balls, to fight the English. This caused many Spanish ships to sail limited in their attempt to attack the English fleet.
When the Spanish fleet moved into the English Channel, heading for England, (10) God sent a terrible storm that scattered the ships and sunk many. The English considered, rightly so, this as the miracle of miracles that really destroyed the Spanish fleet along with their plans for invading Britain. (11) Out of 128 Spanish ships, only half were saved when the battle was over.
To escape the English, the Spanish fleet circled England and passed by the shores of Ireland and Scotland. Many of the Spanish galleons (12) were wrecked on the coast with thousands of the sailors killed by the people living on the coast. Only a handful of Spanish sailors ever returned back to Spain.
Since God is the God of all of history, His providence brought on this victory for the people of the Reformation who lived in Reformation England. Many of the people of England brought their faith to our American shores. America became Reformation and Protestant and not Catholic! We are indebted to the Lord for stopping the intentions of the Catholics who wished to return the English people back to the Mother Church! —Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
There is no question that God in His sovereignty destroyed the Spanish Armada and spared England. His providence brought about a miracle that is one-of-a-kind in history. Here are some specific things that the Lord did to defeat the ships of Spain:
Before the conflict began Drake was able (1) to destroy the material by which the Spanish built the staves and casks for storing water and food for their fleet. The casks were inferior and leaked, pouring forth the needed water and spoiling the food supply. (2) Drake's fleet was made up of smaller ships that could maneuver and turn more quickly with the wind. The Spanish galleons were larger and more cumbersome and less able to turn when in combat with Drake's swift, little ships. Drake could move in and out among the Spanish fleet thus more easily destroying them while on the run with the wind.
The sailors of the Spanish fleet were (3) multi-national and thus were not able to communicate with each other very well, whereas the English navy was made up of all Englishmen who could speak more distinctly with each other while in combat. The British navy was more professional and had trained well together. They (4) could load and reload their weapons rapidly. It took about four minutes for the Spanish to load their canons while the English could do so in about one minute's time. The English ships (5) rode low on the water-line and therefore were much harder to see in order to hit them with canon balls where the water would pour in. The Spanish ships rode higher on the water and were easy targets for the English gunners.
The Spanish ships were (6) crowded and therefore had a lot of diseases running rampant throughout the crew. The Spanish sailors (7) had no beds or hammocks to sleep in. They had to "sleep by the guns" with the deck wet. Most of the Spanish sailors had no blankets. They lived miserably on board their ships! The English sailors slept high and dry in warm hammocks.
When the Spanish Armada moved north to Calais and put into port, (8) they were trapped when Drake attacked with eight fire ships that moved in and out of the fleet, causing havoc among the sailors and their vessels. The Spanish fleet (9) was not supplied with enough ammunition, gun powder and canon balls, to fight the English. This caused many Spanish ships to sail limited in their attempt to attack the English fleet.
When the Spanish fleet moved into the English Channel, heading for England, (10) God sent a terrible storm that scattered the ships and sunk many. The English considered, rightly so, this as the miracle of miracles that really destroyed the Spanish fleet along with their plans for invading Britain. (11) Out of 128 Spanish ships, only half were saved when the battle was over.
To escape the English, the Spanish fleet circled England and passed by the shores of Ireland and Scotland. Many of the Spanish galleons (12) were wrecked on the coast with thousands of the sailors killed by the people living on the coast. Only a handful of Spanish sailors ever returned back to Spain.
Since God is the God of all of history, His providence brought on this victory for the people of the Reformation who lived in Reformation England. Many of the people of England brought their faith to our American shores. America became Reformation and Protestant and not Catholic! We are indebted to the Lord for stopping the intentions of the Catholics who wished to return the English people back to the Mother Church! —Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
ATHEISTS AND AGNOSTICS ARE FOOLS
Reading a recent column of Dear Abby I realized how foolish these folks can be. Let's pretend that they hold that oranges are made of green cheese. Let's use the arguments they use to defend that position, using the quotes given in Dear Abby:
"We want to give our teens a chance to sample green cheese oranges to determine what would suit them best." And "They have to learn that all people are to be valued and that differences are to be respected as to what kind of green cheese is used in the oranges." "Determining the type of green cheese an orange is made of is a personal matter." "Everyone has a right to 'orange freedom.'" "The time will come when teens must decide for themselves about green cheese oranges." "They will learn that not everyone shares the same opinion about the nature of the green cheese in the oranges."
Notice how subjective the argument is. It does not matter what I think about green cheese oranges! Oranges are not made of green cheese. The issue is about the revelation of God not simply what my opinion is. The issue is: oranges are not made of green cheese!
The issue is about God not what I think. My opinions do not count at all. God is who He is because of who He is, not what I think about Him. The only source to learn of God is the Bible. There is no other authority to go to. The atheist determines the nature of God from within himself. He makes up his own God. His own thoughts become his authority. And one can pick what he wishes to believe. I can therefore determine what oranges are made up of by my own determination. I want to believe that oranges are made of pudding, or mud, or some other substance because that is what I want to believe! You cannot challenge my opinion because everyone has his own opinion. And, my opinion is sacred to me and you cannot change that opinion.
How stupid!
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
"We want to give our teens a chance to sample green cheese oranges to determine what would suit them best." And "They have to learn that all people are to be valued and that differences are to be respected as to what kind of green cheese is used in the oranges." "Determining the type of green cheese an orange is made of is a personal matter." "Everyone has a right to 'orange freedom.'" "The time will come when teens must decide for themselves about green cheese oranges." "They will learn that not everyone shares the same opinion about the nature of the green cheese in the oranges."
Notice how subjective the argument is. It does not matter what I think about green cheese oranges! Oranges are not made of green cheese. The issue is about the revelation of God not simply what my opinion is. The issue is: oranges are not made of green cheese!
The issue is about God not what I think. My opinions do not count at all. God is who He is because of who He is, not what I think about Him. The only source to learn of God is the Bible. There is no other authority to go to. The atheist determines the nature of God from within himself. He makes up his own God. His own thoughts become his authority. And one can pick what he wishes to believe. I can therefore determine what oranges are made up of by my own determination. I want to believe that oranges are made of pudding, or mud, or some other substance because that is what I want to believe! You cannot challenge my opinion because everyone has his own opinion. And, my opinion is sacred to me and you cannot change that opinion.
How stupid!
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Ask Dr. Couch
Dr. Couch, I read a book by a Douglas Stauffer who says that the books of Hebrews, James through Jude, and Revelation, do not contain any message for the church age. Only Paul's epistles are for this age. What do you say?
ANSWER: Nothing. This argument is too stupid to even answer. Read them for yourself. Don't listen to fools and folks who can't read very well! It amazes me how openly ignorant people can be. And it amazes me how they can attract attention and cause the average person to listen up to what they say. Just read the books.
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
ANSWER: Nothing. This argument is too stupid to even answer. Read them for yourself. Don't listen to fools and folks who can't read very well! It amazes me how openly ignorant people can be. And it amazes me how they can attract attention and cause the average person to listen up to what they say. Just read the books.
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Monday, April 18, 2011
THANK YOU, DR. COUCH
For the many gifts of the books you have produced: Including THE BIRTH OF THE NATION OF ISRAEL and MESSIANIC SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. May our Lord work through them in a powerful way to change many lives and our nation. Thank you for your faithful ministry over many years. --Dr. Renald Showers
Sunday, April 17, 2011
WHAT ABOUT UFO ALIENS?
You think we have discussions about aliens now? You should have been around in the 50s as I was! There was a flood, a rash of an invasion of aliens from outer space! That's all folks talked about. Movies, TV, magazine articles, etc., etc.
I have watched through the years a rotation of alien discussion, and sightings. People care superstitious and make the rounds of this subject.
And no, I do not believe in aliens. What metals do they use in building their space ships? How did they mine the substances to make a space ship made of the materials we identify with? Do they have a Savior such as Christ? Or, did Jesus have to come to the two worlds (theirs and ours) and die for them, and then us?
In my opinion they are the figment of the imagine that people need to spice up their lives. I have enough trouble understanding reality, much less having to go into space to conger up four-headed, bug-eyed space aliens.
As you may recall I was in the motorcade when President Kennedy was killed, filming as a stringer, ABC TV. I was as close to the event as anyone you will know, and I remain adamant, there was only one killer. Conspiracy theories make the rounds, and, I am the holdout who says (and knows) there was only one shooter. And so far, my "theory" remains the same. It will do so with outer space monsters!
-Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
I have watched through the years a rotation of alien discussion, and sightings. People care superstitious and make the rounds of this subject.
And no, I do not believe in aliens. What metals do they use in building their space ships? How did they mine the substances to make a space ship made of the materials we identify with? Do they have a Savior such as Christ? Or, did Jesus have to come to the two worlds (theirs and ours) and die for them, and then us?
In my opinion they are the figment of the imagine that people need to spice up their lives. I have enough trouble understanding reality, much less having to go into space to conger up four-headed, bug-eyed space aliens.
As you may recall I was in the motorcade when President Kennedy was killed, filming as a stringer, ABC TV. I was as close to the event as anyone you will know, and I remain adamant, there was only one killer. Conspiracy theories make the rounds, and, I am the holdout who says (and knows) there was only one shooter. And so far, my "theory" remains the same. It will do so with outer space monsters!
-Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Ask Dr. Couch
Dr. Couch, I have heard some say that Daniel's fourth empire is Islam not Rome. They quoted Justin Martyr and Iranaeus to prove their point. What do you say?
ANSWER: Some rabbinical scholars say the same thing. They say the fourth empire in Daniel 7:7 is not Rome but the powers of present Islam. They actually say it is Edom which represents the Arabs of present day Jordan, and thus pictures the Islamic peoples. This is not an uncommon view for some Jewish interpreters.
However, the more common view is that Rome is represented here and not Islam. The reason is that this is a united "beast" and not a conglomeration of Arabic peoples gathered under the umbrella of Islam. Verse 23 says "The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom (not a collection of peoples) on the earth, which will be different from all the other kingdoms, and it will devour the whole earth and tread it down and crush it." This beast is also made up of "ten horns and ten kings" (v. 24).
The description of this kingdom is spelled out in 2:40-43. This does not seem to be a religious movement such as Islam but a distinct nation. While the word "Rome" is not in any of the passages, all evidence leads to the great power that follows Greece, the Roman Empire. I believe the most common view follows history, and that would make this great power Rome not simply the forces of Arabic nations driven by the Islamic religion.
There is no doubt that Muslims will play a key role in the tribulation but so will other forces and powers and nations that are not mentioned in Scripture. The best view still remains Rome!
Thanks for asking.
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
ANSWER: Some rabbinical scholars say the same thing. They say the fourth empire in Daniel 7:7 is not Rome but the powers of present Islam. They actually say it is Edom which represents the Arabs of present day Jordan, and thus pictures the Islamic peoples. This is not an uncommon view for some Jewish interpreters.
However, the more common view is that Rome is represented here and not Islam. The reason is that this is a united "beast" and not a conglomeration of Arabic peoples gathered under the umbrella of Islam. Verse 23 says "The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom (not a collection of peoples) on the earth, which will be different from all the other kingdoms, and it will devour the whole earth and tread it down and crush it." This beast is also made up of "ten horns and ten kings" (v. 24).
The description of this kingdom is spelled out in 2:40-43. This does not seem to be a religious movement such as Islam but a distinct nation. While the word "Rome" is not in any of the passages, all evidence leads to the great power that follows Greece, the Roman Empire. I believe the most common view follows history, and that would make this great power Rome not simply the forces of Arabic nations driven by the Islamic religion.
There is no doubt that Muslims will play a key role in the tribulation but so will other forces and powers and nations that are not mentioned in Scripture. The best view still remains Rome!
Thanks for asking.
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Friday, April 15, 2011
SCOFIELD MINISTRIES: New Book a Classic!
Darwin, Evolution, and the American ConstitutionandDenying Christ's Second ComingIt's almost 300 pages long. Two important subjects in one volume! The new book that deals with "Darwin, Evolution and the American Constitution." Attorney and theologian Dr. Andy Woods has done an outstanding job in this book that everyone needs to read. Especially for you, for pastors, Sunday school teachers, etc. Questions answered: Were the founding fathers, and writers of the Constitution deists? Does the Constitution come from the Bible? Were the writers Masons? What are the verses of the Word of God that are quoted directly and indirectly in our Constitution? Why do the secularists of our day wish to destroy our Constitution? Why did President Obama leave out the expression "our Creator" when he quoted this document? What is the agenda of our President, Barack Hussein Obama, in rewriting our history? What are the legal issues in regard to his refusal to show his birth certificate? What is he trying to hide? Dr. Woods gives us some very important judicial arguments on the subject. You will be surprised at the confirmed and documented answers. You will see how we have been fooled by the culture and how we've been lied to by the secularists in our country! What about the issue of Denying Christ's Second Coming? In the book, Dr. Couch deals with the background of this burning theological problem. Can we show how many of the early church fathers destroyed the literalness of the Word of God, and especially, concerning the issue of the coming of Christ to reign over the worldwide Davidic kingdom? Theologian and communicator Dr. Mal Couch goes to the historic grass roots to show how Reformed writers work overtime to remove one of the most important doctrines from our Bible. So you get a bargain! Two important subjects in one volume! This attractive hardback large book is yours for just $17. Make your check out to Scofield Ministries, 120 CR 3222, Clifton, TX 76634. |
THE KORAN vs THE BIBLE
Dr. Couch has just finished a CD study on the Koran as compared with the Bible. After reading the Koran through, he has isolated the most important differences that every Christian should know. There is not any study like this. It should be passed on to pastors and students of Scripture. Send a donation of $10 to Scofield Ministries (120 CR 3222, Clifton, TX 76634).
PREPARE FOR TROUBLED TIMES AHEAD!
Evil times will come upon us all the way until the end. The book of Revelation tells us that the final victory will take place at the end of the seven year Tribulation period. However, believers will be raptured out of here before that terrible time takes place. The books of 1 & 2 Thessalonians tells us that the early church in Thessalonica had it rough. Persecution fell upon them and yet they remained calm and trusting all the way during those awful days.
Paul writes that he gave thanks for all that the church at Thessalonica was suffering. Paul says there "faith was greatly enlarged" and love continued to grow between all of them (1 Thess. 1:3). "They ought to give thanks" shows that they had a thanksgiving debt owing to God in view of their converts. "Spiritual matters call for a spiritual response, not one based upon some legalistic requirement."
The apostle says that he also spoke "proudly" of them among the other churches of God for "their perseverance and faith in the midst of their persecution and afflictions which they were enduring." "Perseverance" is a compound word meaning "to be under it alone." There was nothing they could do but suffer with the pain laid upon them by the culture and the society. They were hated for Christ's sake. This is going to happen to us. Such evil will increase right up to the rapture of the church.
"Affliction" actually means tribulation. It is a terrible word that describes the pain and suffering that will fall upon the people in that congregation. "To endure" (v. 4) is a Present Tense in Greek. "They were daily, continually going through all of the torment" the lost could heap upon them.
This suffering was "a plain indication of God's righteous judgment" that was falling upon this assembly (v. 5). "Plain indication" can be translated "to prove, to show, to demonstrate" the Lord's righteous judgment. It was only right that God would respond against such evil people who were tormenting the saved for no apparent reason. Evangelical churches should shore up their minds and hearts for what is coming. It will not be pleasant! It will be horrible and painful.
The church will be honored in the future. They will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God—to serve in it and to have positions of service after all they went through here on earth! "Worthy" implies they had a distinct purpose in God's plans and they stayed faithful to their task. It is easy for us to get side-tracked and lose perspective. Because we do not now have persecution we can easily rationalize that "it won't come upon us!" But it certainly can!
It is only right and just that the Lord "repay with affliction" those who afflict us (v. 6). It is only right that God give back! Sin must be repaid. Evil men can not get away with bringing suffering on those who are innocent. "To repay" carries the idea "to give a recompense," to bring a judgment on the guilty. The guilty will not get away with the suffering they have brought about on those who oppose the gospel.
This suffering is increasing upon the lost today. In America, the lost hate more and more God, His Son, the Bible, the truth, and all goodness! The acceleration of mistreatment is not slowing down! Unless it is an act of law, like bringing the death penalty on a murderer, God is storing up judgment for the future against those who practice evil deeds. While this is not immediate relief, it will still bring satisfaction for the saved when the Lord brings about retribution (v. 7).
The Lord Jesus will bring relief revealed from heaven "with all His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus" (vv. 7b-8). These verses happen when Christ comes to establish His kingdom reign. He does not come with the mighty angels "in flaming fire" at the rapture. We go up to glory. But He brings judgment when He arrives to establish His kingdom, millennial rule! Though it is not a canonical book, the writing of Jude (vv. 14b-15) says almost the same thing. Prophets of old knew many things we have written down in the non-canonical books, such as the writings of Enoch.
In Jude we read (quoting Enoch), the Lord will come "with many thousands of His holy ones (angelic beings), to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their ungodly deeds which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him."
In the End Times the hatred against God and His Son will increase. Believers too will be persecuted. Times will grow worse and worse!
When the Lord brings about judgment the lost "will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power" (2 Thess. 1:9). "Will pay" mans "to pay, or settle up" a debt. "The accused will be judged according to what they did while living on earth (Rev. 20:13), that is, if their names are not written in the Book of Life." "And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire" (v. 15).
Notice in 2 Thessalonians 1:9 that destruction is here called "eternal." This flies against those who think that punishment is but temporal. Soul sleep says that the lost sleep for a certain period, then are judged, and then are simply poofed, after which they are annihilated. Others believe that the lost and the saved when they die simply go into a state of sleep until they are resurrected for judgment or for glory. The Bible says that both are conscious in the afterlife, though with the eyes closed, they appear to be asleep physically!
When Christ comes to establish His reign, He will also glorify His saints, His own, all who have believed (v. 10). The saints who have given their lives for the gospel are to be counted worthy of their calling (v. 11). By this, the name of the Lord is to be glorified, lifted up, "according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 12). "We are set forth to receive honor. This honor is not self-generated but is given to us by our relationship with Him."
Concerning the message of the gospel Paul writes: "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels [clay pots], that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves" (2 Cor. 4:7).
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Paul writes that he gave thanks for all that the church at Thessalonica was suffering. Paul says there "faith was greatly enlarged" and love continued to grow between all of them (1 Thess. 1:3). "They ought to give thanks" shows that they had a thanksgiving debt owing to God in view of their converts. "Spiritual matters call for a spiritual response, not one based upon some legalistic requirement."
The apostle says that he also spoke "proudly" of them among the other churches of God for "their perseverance and faith in the midst of their persecution and afflictions which they were enduring." "Perseverance" is a compound word meaning "to be under it alone." There was nothing they could do but suffer with the pain laid upon them by the culture and the society. They were hated for Christ's sake. This is going to happen to us. Such evil will increase right up to the rapture of the church.
"Affliction" actually means tribulation. It is a terrible word that describes the pain and suffering that will fall upon the people in that congregation. "To endure" (v. 4) is a Present Tense in Greek. "They were daily, continually going through all of the torment" the lost could heap upon them.
This suffering was "a plain indication of God's righteous judgment" that was falling upon this assembly (v. 5). "Plain indication" can be translated "to prove, to show, to demonstrate" the Lord's righteous judgment. It was only right that God would respond against such evil people who were tormenting the saved for no apparent reason. Evangelical churches should shore up their minds and hearts for what is coming. It will not be pleasant! It will be horrible and painful.
The church will be honored in the future. They will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God—to serve in it and to have positions of service after all they went through here on earth! "Worthy" implies they had a distinct purpose in God's plans and they stayed faithful to their task. It is easy for us to get side-tracked and lose perspective. Because we do not now have persecution we can easily rationalize that "it won't come upon us!" But it certainly can!
It is only right and just that the Lord "repay with affliction" those who afflict us (v. 6). It is only right that God give back! Sin must be repaid. Evil men can not get away with bringing suffering on those who are innocent. "To repay" carries the idea "to give a recompense," to bring a judgment on the guilty. The guilty will not get away with the suffering they have brought about on those who oppose the gospel.
This suffering is increasing upon the lost today. In America, the lost hate more and more God, His Son, the Bible, the truth, and all goodness! The acceleration of mistreatment is not slowing down! Unless it is an act of law, like bringing the death penalty on a murderer, God is storing up judgment for the future against those who practice evil deeds. While this is not immediate relief, it will still bring satisfaction for the saved when the Lord brings about retribution (v. 7).
The Lord Jesus will bring relief revealed from heaven "with all His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus" (vv. 7b-8). These verses happen when Christ comes to establish His kingdom reign. He does not come with the mighty angels "in flaming fire" at the rapture. We go up to glory. But He brings judgment when He arrives to establish His kingdom, millennial rule! Though it is not a canonical book, the writing of Jude (vv. 14b-15) says almost the same thing. Prophets of old knew many things we have written down in the non-canonical books, such as the writings of Enoch.
In Jude we read (quoting Enoch), the Lord will come "with many thousands of His holy ones (angelic beings), to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their ungodly deeds which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him."
In the End Times the hatred against God and His Son will increase. Believers too will be persecuted. Times will grow worse and worse!
When the Lord brings about judgment the lost "will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power" (2 Thess. 1:9). "Will pay" mans "to pay, or settle up" a debt. "The accused will be judged according to what they did while living on earth (Rev. 20:13), that is, if their names are not written in the Book of Life." "And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire" (v. 15).
Notice in 2 Thessalonians 1:9 that destruction is here called "eternal." This flies against those who think that punishment is but temporal. Soul sleep says that the lost sleep for a certain period, then are judged, and then are simply poofed, after which they are annihilated. Others believe that the lost and the saved when they die simply go into a state of sleep until they are resurrected for judgment or for glory. The Bible says that both are conscious in the afterlife, though with the eyes closed, they appear to be asleep physically!
When Christ comes to establish His reign, He will also glorify His saints, His own, all who have believed (v. 10). The saints who have given their lives for the gospel are to be counted worthy of their calling (v. 11). By this, the name of the Lord is to be glorified, lifted up, "according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 12). "We are set forth to receive honor. This honor is not self-generated but is given to us by our relationship with Him."
Concerning the message of the gospel Paul writes: "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels [clay pots], that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves" (2 Cor. 4:7).
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Thursday, April 14, 2011
WHAT A BLESSING!
This year the Episcopal Church is helping you celebrate Easter and Earth Day at the same time, Friday, April 22. What a privilege! On Earth Day we can remember the blessing of keeping that Day sacred and holy. We can worship the earth in sorts for all of its goodness to us, never mind, that God says in the end it is all going to be burned up and taken away. Oh yes, on the same Day we can remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
Would you have remembered Earth Day if it was not for the dear ol Episcopal Church? What a holy and thoughtful group!
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Would you have remembered Earth Day if it was not for the dear ol Episcopal Church? What a holy and thoughtful group!
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
PREPARE FOR TROUBLED TIMES AHEAD!
Evil times will come upon us all the way until the end. The book of Revelation tells us that the final victory will take place at the end of the seven year Tribulation period. However, believers will be raptured out of here before that terrible time takes place. The books of 1 & 2 Thessalonians tells us that the early church in Thessalonica had it rough. Persecution fell upon them and yet they remained calm and trusting all the way during those awful days.
Paul writes that he gave thanks for all that the church at Thessalonica was suffering. Paul says there "faith was greatly enlarged" and love continued to grow between all of them (1 Thess. 1:3). "They ought to give thanks" shows that they had a thanksgiving debt owing to God in view of their converts. "Spiritual matters call for a spiritual response, not one based upon some legalistic requirement."
The apostle says that he also spoke "proudly" of them among the other churches of God for "their perseverance and faith in the midst of their persecution and afflictions which they were enduring." "Perseverance" is a compound word meaning "to be under it alone." There was nothing they could do but suffer with the pain laid upon them by the culture and the society. They were hated for Christ's sake. This is going to happen to us. Such evil will increase right up to the rapture of the church.
"Affliction" actually means tribulation. It is a terrible word that describes the pain and suffering that will fall upon the people in that congregation. "To endure" (v. 4) is a Present Tense in Greek. "They were daily, continually going through all of the torment" the lost could heap upon them.
This suffering was "a plain indication of God's righteous judgment" that was falling upon this assembly (v. 5). "Plain indication" can be translated "to prove, to show, to demonstrate" the Lord's righteous judgment. It was only right that God would respond against such evil people who were tormenting the saved for no apparent reason. Evangelical churches should shore up their minds and hearts for what is coming. It will not be pleasant! It will be horrible and painful.
The church will be honored in the future. They will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God—to serve in it and to have positions of service after all they went through here on earth! "Worthy" implies they had a distinct purpose in God's plans and they stayed faithful to their task. It is easy for us to get side-tracked and lose perspective. Because we do not now have persecution we can easily rationalize that "it won't come upon us!" But it certainly can!
It is only right and just that the Lord "repay with affliction" those who afflict us (v. 6). It is only right that God give back! Sin must be repaid. Evil men can not get away with bringing suffering on those who are innocent. "To repay" carries the idea "to give a recompense," to bring a judgment on the guilty. The guilty will not get away with the suffering they have brought about on those who oppose the gospel.
This suffering is increasing upon the lost today. In America, the lost hate more and more God, His Son, the Bible, the truth, and all goodness! The acceleration of mistreatment is not slowing down! Unless it is an act of law, like bringing the death penalty on a murderer, God is storing up judgment for the future against those who practice evil deeds. While this is not immediate relief, it will still bring satisfaction for the saved when the Lord brings about retribution (v. 7).
The Lord Jesus will bring relief revealed from heaven "with all His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus" (vv. 7b-8). These verses happen when Christ comes to establish His kingdom reign. He does not come with the mighty angels "in flaming fire" at the rapture. We go up to glory. But He brings judgment when He arrives to establish His kingdom, millennial rule! Though it is not a canonical book, the writing of Jude (vv. 14b-15) says almost the same thing. Prophets of old knew many things we have written down in the non-canonical books, such as the writings of Enoch.
In Jude we read (quoting Enoch), the Lord will come "with many thousands of His holy ones (angelic beings), to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their ungodly deeds which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him."
In the End Times the hatred against God and His Son will increase. Believers too will be persecuted. Times will grow worse and worse!
When the Lord brings about judgment the lost "will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power" (2 Thess. 1:9). "Will pay" mans "to pay, or settle up" a debt. "The accused will be judged according to what they did while living on earth (Rev. 20:13), that is, if their names are not written in the Book of Life." "And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire" (v. 15).
Notice in 2 Thessalonians 1:9 that destruction is here called "eternal." This flies against those who think that punishment is but temporal. Soul sleep says that the lost sleep for a certain period, then are judged, and then are simply poofed, after which they are annihilated. Others believe that the lost and the saved when they die simply go into a state of sleep until they are resurrected for judgment or for glory. The Bible says that both are conscious in the afterlife, though with the eyes closed, they appear to be asleep physically!
When Christ comes to establish His reign, He will also glorify His saints, His own, all who have believed (v. 10). The saints who have given their lives for the gospel are to be counted worthy of their calling (v. 11). By this, the name of the Lord is to be glorified, lifted up, "according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 12). "We are set forth to receive honor. This honor is not self-generated but is given to us by our relationship with Him."
Concerning the message of the gospel Paul writes: "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels [clay pots], that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves" (2 Cor. 4:7).
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Paul writes that he gave thanks for all that the church at Thessalonica was suffering. Paul says there "faith was greatly enlarged" and love continued to grow between all of them (1 Thess. 1:3). "They ought to give thanks" shows that they had a thanksgiving debt owing to God in view of their converts. "Spiritual matters call for a spiritual response, not one based upon some legalistic requirement."
The apostle says that he also spoke "proudly" of them among the other churches of God for "their perseverance and faith in the midst of their persecution and afflictions which they were enduring." "Perseverance" is a compound word meaning "to be under it alone." There was nothing they could do but suffer with the pain laid upon them by the culture and the society. They were hated for Christ's sake. This is going to happen to us. Such evil will increase right up to the rapture of the church.
"Affliction" actually means tribulation. It is a terrible word that describes the pain and suffering that will fall upon the people in that congregation. "To endure" (v. 4) is a Present Tense in Greek. "They were daily, continually going through all of the torment" the lost could heap upon them.
This suffering was "a plain indication of God's righteous judgment" that was falling upon this assembly (v. 5). "Plain indication" can be translated "to prove, to show, to demonstrate" the Lord's righteous judgment. It was only right that God would respond against such evil people who were tormenting the saved for no apparent reason. Evangelical churches should shore up their minds and hearts for what is coming. It will not be pleasant! It will be horrible and painful.
The church will be honored in the future. They will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God—to serve in it and to have positions of service after all they went through here on earth! "Worthy" implies they had a distinct purpose in God's plans and they stayed faithful to their task. It is easy for us to get side-tracked and lose perspective. Because we do not now have persecution we can easily rationalize that "it won't come upon us!" But it certainly can!
It is only right and just that the Lord "repay with affliction" those who afflict us (v. 6). It is only right that God give back! Sin must be repaid. Evil men can not get away with bringing suffering on those who are innocent. "To repay" carries the idea "to give a recompense," to bring a judgment on the guilty. The guilty will not get away with the suffering they have brought about on those who oppose the gospel.
This suffering is increasing upon the lost today. In America, the lost hate more and more God, His Son, the Bible, the truth, and all goodness! The acceleration of mistreatment is not slowing down! Unless it is an act of law, like bringing the death penalty on a murderer, God is storing up judgment for the future against those who practice evil deeds. While this is not immediate relief, it will still bring satisfaction for the saved when the Lord brings about retribution (v. 7).
The Lord Jesus will bring relief revealed from heaven "with all His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus" (vv. 7b-8). These verses happen when Christ comes to establish His kingdom reign. He does not come with the mighty angels "in flaming fire" at the rapture. We go up to glory. But He brings judgment when He arrives to establish His kingdom, millennial rule! Though it is not a canonical book, the writing of Jude (vv. 14b-15) says almost the same thing. Prophets of old knew many things we have written down in the non-canonical books, such as the writings of Enoch.
In Jude we read (quoting Enoch), the Lord will come "with many thousands of His holy ones (angelic beings), to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their ungodly deeds which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him."
In the End Times the hatred against God and His Son will increase. Believers too will be persecuted. Times will grow worse and worse!
When the Lord brings about judgment the lost "will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power" (2 Thess. 1:9). "Will pay" mans "to pay, or settle up" a debt. "The accused will be judged according to what they did while living on earth (Rev. 20:13), that is, if their names are not written in the Book of Life." "And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire" (v. 15).
Notice in 2 Thessalonians 1:9 that destruction is here called "eternal." This flies against those who think that punishment is but temporal. Soul sleep says that the lost sleep for a certain period, then are judged, and then are simply poofed, after which they are annihilated. Others believe that the lost and the saved when they die simply go into a state of sleep until they are resurrected for judgment or for glory. The Bible says that both are conscious in the afterlife, though with the eyes closed, they appear to be asleep physically!
When Christ comes to establish His reign, He will also glorify His saints, His own, all who have believed (v. 10). The saints who have given their lives for the gospel are to be counted worthy of their calling (v. 11). By this, the name of the Lord is to be glorified, lifted up, "according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 12). "We are set forth to receive honor. This honor is not self-generated but is given to us by our relationship with Him."
Concerning the message of the gospel Paul writes: "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels [clay pots], that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves" (2 Cor. 4:7).
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
GLENN BECK IS GONE!
We have lost, at least for a season, one of the most popular researchers on history and current events, we may ever know. Glenn Beck has left Fox News in a cloud of uncertainties and contradictions. Beck was giving us current information about liberalism, the Middle East, and the evil intentions of our day, more than any other Talk Show hosts.
Some may disagree, but I found few contradictions or misplaced theories about what is happening in our world. Beck was right on in his analysis. Many believe he was an outright Mormon pushing Mormon theology. I did not see it that way. I believe it could be possible that he was born again as a younger man, married into a Mormon family, but then fell back on his early evangelical theology and beliefs. He seemed to know a lot about the book of Revelation and End Times events. I found few errors in what he said over the air.
No matter what you think of Beck, he was a loud and clear voice crying in the wilderness, warning our world of what was coming. With his last show, Wednesday, April 6, he seemed to promise that he would be back, at least in a different format.
Beck was causing the liberal to duck under the table, to hide in the closet. He knew what he was talking about. He had at least twelve researchers, but also, dozens of college students around the world, who were sharing information that he could use on his programs. He has a radio show that we hope will continue.
We urge you to write him a letter of encouragement. (You do not have to agree with everything he said in order to give him words of hope. He tried his best to alert our nation of the destructive changes now on the horizon.) His address is:
Glenn Beck
Glenn Beck Programs
1133 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
We all know from the Bible that it is going to get worse before it gets better. The victory will come against Satan, the antichrist, and the false prophet, only at the end of history. So we should not be surprised at what happened to Beck.
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Some may disagree, but I found few contradictions or misplaced theories about what is happening in our world. Beck was right on in his analysis. Many believe he was an outright Mormon pushing Mormon theology. I did not see it that way. I believe it could be possible that he was born again as a younger man, married into a Mormon family, but then fell back on his early evangelical theology and beliefs. He seemed to know a lot about the book of Revelation and End Times events. I found few errors in what he said over the air.
No matter what you think of Beck, he was a loud and clear voice crying in the wilderness, warning our world of what was coming. With his last show, Wednesday, April 6, he seemed to promise that he would be back, at least in a different format.
Beck was causing the liberal to duck under the table, to hide in the closet. He knew what he was talking about. He had at least twelve researchers, but also, dozens of college students around the world, who were sharing information that he could use on his programs. He has a radio show that we hope will continue.
We urge you to write him a letter of encouragement. (You do not have to agree with everything he said in order to give him words of hope. He tried his best to alert our nation of the destructive changes now on the horizon.) His address is:
Glenn Beck
Glenn Beck Programs
1133 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
We all know from the Bible that it is going to get worse before it gets better. The victory will come against Satan, the antichrist, and the false prophet, only at the end of history. So we should not be surprised at what happened to Beck.
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Monday, April 11, 2011
THE CORRUPTION OF TELEVISION
It is impossible to miss the evil changes taking place on television. I don't watch the sinful sitcoms on TV but you cannot miss the ads and the commercials about those programs. Unfortunately, they are extremely popular with the younger crowd, those thirty-five and under. Many Christians too are watching such programs that push forward terrible images of sex to entice our most impressionable population.
The Bible hints that such changes can be expected. In the Scriptures, especially the OT, sexual sins are most prominent. For example, the sins of the nations are especially referred to with the word "Ashtoreth." The Ashtoreh refers to the goddess of sex. She was worshiped by the pagan world and then by the Jews. The name Ashterte comes from this word. We get the word "Easter" from this description.
Have you noticed on TV how a new program may begin with a certain plot that does not have a salacious intent to it. But by several programs down the road, the plots begin more and more to have a sexual connotation to them. Suddenly the audience is hooked! I am shocked by the commercials that I see advertising such shows. The content is getting worse and worse! There seems to be no stopping of what Hollywood is trying to put forward.
All of this is driven by the Ashtoreth. Sexual sins are the most open and also the most subtle. All cultures and societies around the world are driven by sexual sins. America went the longest without such open temptation. Then, the last three or four decades, driven by television, it all began to collapse in this country. This is what happened to Israel. The Jews at first destroyed the Ashtorah poles of the pagan peoples in the Holy Land. But in time, the Jews joined the pagans in taking on the sexual attitudes of the people of the land.
2 Kings 21 tells us Hezekiah destroyed the evil Ashtorah high places. But "Manasseh erected altars for Baal and made an Asherah (grove), as Ahab king of Israel had done, and worshiped all the host of heaven and served them" (v. 3). In fact, "he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord. And he made his son pass through the fire, practiced witchcraft and used divination, and dealt with mediums and spiritualists. He did much evil in the sigh of the Lord provoking Him to anger" (vv. 5-6).
Manasseh "set the carved image of Asherah that he made, in the house of which the Lord said to David … 'I have chosen the house (temple) in Jerusalem, which I have chosen from all the tribes of Israel, I will put My Name there forever'" (v. 7).
At the Asherah groves all the sexual evil of the pagan world was practiced. Such evil is here in America today. The Word of God puts such practices in the dark but when the Bible is lost to the culture, such sins return. This is why today we have an explosion of homosexuality, transgender relations, unleashed abortion, College students "hanging out" together with sexual sins—and no one seems to know how to stop them.
God said "I will bring calamity on Jerusalem and Judah, that whoever hears of this calamity, both his ears shall tingle. … I will wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down. … I will abandon the remnant of My inheritance and deliver them into the hand of their enemies, and they shall become as plunder and spoil to all their enemies, because they have done evil in My sight, and have been provoking Me to anger" (vv. 13-15).
The pagan world "has also made Judah sin with his idols" (v. 11). The enemy, foreigner, and stranger is entering our gates. They are coming in from Mexico and the Middle East. They know not our Reformation/Christian heritage. They know nothing of our Christian values and beliefs. They are destroying and polluting our morals and removing the Word of God from our practices. We are too impotent to stop them. We are going along with what they "teach" us.
We will be reaping what we have sown!
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
The Bible hints that such changes can be expected. In the Scriptures, especially the OT, sexual sins are most prominent. For example, the sins of the nations are especially referred to with the word "Ashtoreth." The Ashtoreh refers to the goddess of sex. She was worshiped by the pagan world and then by the Jews. The name Ashterte comes from this word. We get the word "Easter" from this description.
Have you noticed on TV how a new program may begin with a certain plot that does not have a salacious intent to it. But by several programs down the road, the plots begin more and more to have a sexual connotation to them. Suddenly the audience is hooked! I am shocked by the commercials that I see advertising such shows. The content is getting worse and worse! There seems to be no stopping of what Hollywood is trying to put forward.
All of this is driven by the Ashtoreth. Sexual sins are the most open and also the most subtle. All cultures and societies around the world are driven by sexual sins. America went the longest without such open temptation. Then, the last three or four decades, driven by television, it all began to collapse in this country. This is what happened to Israel. The Jews at first destroyed the Ashtorah poles of the pagan peoples in the Holy Land. But in time, the Jews joined the pagans in taking on the sexual attitudes of the people of the land.
2 Kings 21 tells us Hezekiah destroyed the evil Ashtorah high places. But "Manasseh erected altars for Baal and made an Asherah (grove), as Ahab king of Israel had done, and worshiped all the host of heaven and served them" (v. 3). In fact, "he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord. And he made his son pass through the fire, practiced witchcraft and used divination, and dealt with mediums and spiritualists. He did much evil in the sigh of the Lord provoking Him to anger" (vv. 5-6).
Manasseh "set the carved image of Asherah that he made, in the house of which the Lord said to David … 'I have chosen the house (temple) in Jerusalem, which I have chosen from all the tribes of Israel, I will put My Name there forever'" (v. 7).
At the Asherah groves all the sexual evil of the pagan world was practiced. Such evil is here in America today. The Word of God puts such practices in the dark but when the Bible is lost to the culture, such sins return. This is why today we have an explosion of homosexuality, transgender relations, unleashed abortion, College students "hanging out" together with sexual sins—and no one seems to know how to stop them.
God said "I will bring calamity on Jerusalem and Judah, that whoever hears of this calamity, both his ears shall tingle. … I will wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down. … I will abandon the remnant of My inheritance and deliver them into the hand of their enemies, and they shall become as plunder and spoil to all their enemies, because they have done evil in My sight, and have been provoking Me to anger" (vv. 13-15).
The pagan world "has also made Judah sin with his idols" (v. 11). The enemy, foreigner, and stranger is entering our gates. They are coming in from Mexico and the Middle East. They know not our Reformation/Christian heritage. They know nothing of our Christian values and beliefs. They are destroying and polluting our morals and removing the Word of God from our practices. We are too impotent to stop them. We are going along with what they "teach" us.
We will be reaping what we have sown!
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Sunday, April 10, 2011
WE DIDN'T OPEN OUR MOUTHS!
We allowed our government, even our Supreme Court, to rule our lives. Notice the progression of decisions that brought about destruction on our heads.
"Student Prayer." "Prayer in its public school system breaches the constitution's wall of separation between Church and State." (Engle v. Vitale, 1962)
"School Bible Reading." "No state law or school board may require that passages from the Bible be read … at the beginning of each school day." (Abington v. Schempp, 1963)
"The Ten Commandments." "If the posted copies of the Ten Commandments are to have any effect at all, it will be to induce the schoolchildren to read, meditate upon, perhaps to venerate and obey the Commandments … this … is not a permissible state objective." (Stone v. Graham, 1980)
"Benedictions and invocations." "Religious invocations … conveyed the message that a district had given its endorsement to prayer and religion, thus the school district is to be prohibited from including invocations." (Graham v. Central, 1985)
(From "God We Still Trust")
We were as sheep led to the slaughter! We said nothing! So we're getting what we deserve. We turned our backs on truth, on God, and on His Word.
Now, more and more, our wills are being trampled on with almost no one crying out.
Goodbye America!
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
"Student Prayer." "Prayer in its public school system breaches the constitution's wall of separation between Church and State." (Engle v. Vitale, 1962)
"School Bible Reading." "No state law or school board may require that passages from the Bible be read … at the beginning of each school day." (Abington v. Schempp, 1963)
"The Ten Commandments." "If the posted copies of the Ten Commandments are to have any effect at all, it will be to induce the schoolchildren to read, meditate upon, perhaps to venerate and obey the Commandments … this … is not a permissible state objective." (Stone v. Graham, 1980)
"Benedictions and invocations." "Religious invocations … conveyed the message that a district had given its endorsement to prayer and religion, thus the school district is to be prohibited from including invocations." (Graham v. Central, 1985)
(From "God We Still Trust")
We were as sheep led to the slaughter! We said nothing! So we're getting what we deserve. We turned our backs on truth, on God, and on His Word.
Now, more and more, our wills are being trampled on with almost no one crying out.
Goodbye America!
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Ask Dr. Couch
Dr. Couch, do you believe we have modern apostles ("ones sent with a message") in the church today?
ANSWER: No, not at all. After Ephesians 4:11, the word is used sixteen times but it is referring to "evil apostles" or a few who are sent with a message in a general sense. The concept of an apostle has to do with the Twelve, those who were had seen Christ (in actuality—they walked with Him), traveled with Him, verified Him, or in a vision had seen Him, such as Paul, and was then called to verify the gospel message. These could bear witness to His reality and they were commissioned to carry forth the gospel.
Paul was appointed to be part of the "witness-ers" along with the twelve. He wrote that "in no respect was I inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though I was a nobody" (2 Cor. 12:1). For "the signs of a true apostle were performed among you [by me] will all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles" (v. 12).
See also 1 Corinthians 15:6-11. Paul was the least of all the apostles. He's talking about the twelve who had a special place in witnessing of Christ and the gospel.
Some have questioned one verse about apostleship, and that is Romans 16:7 where Paul speaks about two men who "are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me." "Apostles" in this context has to do with many apostles who were sent with a message but the context is not speaking about the Twelve. These men are never labeled with the twelve as being part of the special apostles. They were simply messengers who were "also in Christ before me" as believers but not as part of the class of the twelve (v. 7). Paul was "called (to be) an apostle of Jesus to the Gentiles (Rom. 11:13, 1 Cor. 1:1). The twelve and Paul were the very "chiefest of the apostles" (2 Cor. 11:5; 12:11).
The apostles the NT is talking about as the chiefest apostles is explained in Ephesians 3:5-8. There Paul speaks of the special twelve "holy apostles" "of which Paul was made a minister (along with them) according to the gift of God's grace which was given to him according to the working of His power, to Paul who was the very least of all saints to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, to bring to light what is the dispensation of the mystery (of the church)."
Paul makes an interesting statement in 1 Corinthians 15:10b. In reference to the twelve apostles, he says that he "labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me." Of the twelve we only have mentioned Peter, James, and John. What were the others doing? They had a key role as witnessing of the actuality of Christ and of His ministry, and of His life, death, resurrection and ascension. Together then, Paul and the twelve "preached" the gospel and the Corinthians and others believed (v. 11). But they were not as vigorous as Paul in traveling about and working and giving the gospel. Not all have the same equal gifts or abilities. Whatever, Paul was not boasting, he was simply giving the facts.
Nicoll writes that Paul had ministered "over a region wider than all the Twelve had traversed up to this date." However, some say Paul is criticizing the apostles (minus Peter, James, and John) because they were more stationary than he. Whichever, the statement is interesting. Mitchell writes in my commentary series that Paul "has not yet recovered" from "the wonder of it all" that he should be elevated to the honor and office of apostleship, 'because I persecuted the church of God.'"
No matter what "the grace of God" was with Paul in placing him alongside the ministry of the Twelve.
Thanks for asking.
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
ANSWER: No, not at all. After Ephesians 4:11, the word is used sixteen times but it is referring to "evil apostles" or a few who are sent with a message in a general sense. The concept of an apostle has to do with the Twelve, those who were had seen Christ (in actuality—they walked with Him), traveled with Him, verified Him, or in a vision had seen Him, such as Paul, and was then called to verify the gospel message. These could bear witness to His reality and they were commissioned to carry forth the gospel.
Paul was appointed to be part of the "witness-ers" along with the twelve. He wrote that "in no respect was I inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though I was a nobody" (2 Cor. 12:1). For "the signs of a true apostle were performed among you [by me] will all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles" (v. 12).
See also 1 Corinthians 15:6-11. Paul was the least of all the apostles. He's talking about the twelve who had a special place in witnessing of Christ and the gospel.
Some have questioned one verse about apostleship, and that is Romans 16:7 where Paul speaks about two men who "are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me." "Apostles" in this context has to do with many apostles who were sent with a message but the context is not speaking about the Twelve. These men are never labeled with the twelve as being part of the special apostles. They were simply messengers who were "also in Christ before me" as believers but not as part of the class of the twelve (v. 7). Paul was "called (to be) an apostle of Jesus to the Gentiles (Rom. 11:13, 1 Cor. 1:1). The twelve and Paul were the very "chiefest of the apostles" (2 Cor. 11:5; 12:11).
The apostles the NT is talking about as the chiefest apostles is explained in Ephesians 3:5-8. There Paul speaks of the special twelve "holy apostles" "of which Paul was made a minister (along with them) according to the gift of God's grace which was given to him according to the working of His power, to Paul who was the very least of all saints to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, to bring to light what is the dispensation of the mystery (of the church)."
Paul makes an interesting statement in 1 Corinthians 15:10b. In reference to the twelve apostles, he says that he "labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me." Of the twelve we only have mentioned Peter, James, and John. What were the others doing? They had a key role as witnessing of the actuality of Christ and of His ministry, and of His life, death, resurrection and ascension. Together then, Paul and the twelve "preached" the gospel and the Corinthians and others believed (v. 11). But they were not as vigorous as Paul in traveling about and working and giving the gospel. Not all have the same equal gifts or abilities. Whatever, Paul was not boasting, he was simply giving the facts.
Nicoll writes that Paul had ministered "over a region wider than all the Twelve had traversed up to this date." However, some say Paul is criticizing the apostles (minus Peter, James, and John) because they were more stationary than he. Whichever, the statement is interesting. Mitchell writes in my commentary series that Paul "has not yet recovered" from "the wonder of it all" that he should be elevated to the honor and office of apostleship, 'because I persecuted the church of God.'"
No matter what "the grace of God" was with Paul in placing him alongside the ministry of the Twelve.
Thanks for asking.
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Friday, April 8, 2011
IT IS ALL OVER IN AMERICA...
I have received several news releases that really tell us what is happening in our country. And it is over. The judgment is here, and the apostasy has truly begun. For example, California is gone! The minorities, and the illegals, are no longer minorities. The communities they have invaded are wrecked. They are destroyed and so are the school systems. Junked cars, destroyed roads, industries pulling out, crime too great to stop, massive immorality. It goes on and on. No one can stop it or slow it down. And politically, no one tries. The Democrats want the votes. The same is happening in Texas and New Mexico, along with Arizona.
The Middle East is aflame. God has us by our throat and is dragging the west into the abyss. If you think the rebels in those countries want democracy, you are crazy! They have no idea of what democracy is all about, or how to implement it.
No way would I say that Glen Beck is perfect. I do not know for certain if he is a believer, but he is giving factual information that America needs to hear—but few are listening. In so many ways, he talks about Bible prophecy as we would speak of it. This amazes me. Please don't be cynical. Take him for what he is. And be glad that someone is speaking out. I understand he has to have armed guards because his life is threatened.
The storm clouds are on the horizon. Pre-rapture events are taking place. The apostle Paul told us such events would happen. Read what Paul says about "the later times" (1 Tim. 4:1) and what he writes about in "the last days" (2 Tim. 3:1) just before the rapture of the church. He adds:
"For the time will come when they will not endure healthy doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to lies" (4:1-3).
I will not put out on our web some of the news reports I receive. They are too inflaming. People would react to the facts. They do not want to face what is already upon us.
The Lord has told us what is going to take place. But from the human level I pray that we could get our premillennial/evangelical brothers together to speak out in unity about the direction our world, and our nation is going. But it seems impossible. Evangelical Christians just do not bond together and work together in answering our dying world. Of course, the only and final answer is the gospel that must change the hearts and minds of the individual in order to restore order. We just don't work together very well!
You can at least prepare your family and your church for what is going to happen, soon and very soon! But will even those closest to you listen? I am constantly told that in good churches few pastors are speaking out and telling the flock what is upon us. They don't want to be negative and many don't want to hear the truth in the best of our churches. They wish to stay in ignorance. If you have not heard prophecy lately in your church, get out! Your pastor is cheating you and short changing the flock!
The apostle warns the church that it is not in darkness and should not go to sleep (1 Thess. 5:4-11). We are not destined for The Wrath, the tribulation that is coming. We will be taken out before, but we could go under the storm clouds that are gathering on the horizon. Thus, "encourage one another, and build up one another ..." (v. 11).
America, there is no turning back!
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
The Middle East is aflame. God has us by our throat and is dragging the west into the abyss. If you think the rebels in those countries want democracy, you are crazy! They have no idea of what democracy is all about, or how to implement it.
No way would I say that Glen Beck is perfect. I do not know for certain if he is a believer, but he is giving factual information that America needs to hear—but few are listening. In so many ways, he talks about Bible prophecy as we would speak of it. This amazes me. Please don't be cynical. Take him for what he is. And be glad that someone is speaking out. I understand he has to have armed guards because his life is threatened.
The storm clouds are on the horizon. Pre-rapture events are taking place. The apostle Paul told us such events would happen. Read what Paul says about "the later times" (1 Tim. 4:1) and what he writes about in "the last days" (2 Tim. 3:1) just before the rapture of the church. He adds:
"For the time will come when they will not endure healthy doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to lies" (4:1-3).
I will not put out on our web some of the news reports I receive. They are too inflaming. People would react to the facts. They do not want to face what is already upon us.
The Lord has told us what is going to take place. But from the human level I pray that we could get our premillennial/evangelical brothers together to speak out in unity about the direction our world, and our nation is going. But it seems impossible. Evangelical Christians just do not bond together and work together in answering our dying world. Of course, the only and final answer is the gospel that must change the hearts and minds of the individual in order to restore order. We just don't work together very well!
You can at least prepare your family and your church for what is going to happen, soon and very soon! But will even those closest to you listen? I am constantly told that in good churches few pastors are speaking out and telling the flock what is upon us. They don't want to be negative and many don't want to hear the truth in the best of our churches. They wish to stay in ignorance. If you have not heard prophecy lately in your church, get out! Your pastor is cheating you and short changing the flock!
The apostle warns the church that it is not in darkness and should not go to sleep (1 Thess. 5:4-11). We are not destined for The Wrath, the tribulation that is coming. We will be taken out before, but we could go under the storm clouds that are gathering on the horizon. Thus, "encourage one another, and build up one another ..." (v. 11).
America, there is no turning back!
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Ask Dr. Couch
Dr. Couch, Revelation 6:4 seems to say that the antichrist "is given, granted" to take peace from the earth. Is that "granting" coming from God or someone else?
ANSWER: Those of us who are able to read the Bible (and especially from the Greek text) note carefully the fact that the Lord is absolutely sovereign in all things. The word "given" is a Passive Voice from the verb "to give" (didomi). The force of the giving comes from an outside source, and that source is God!
I have always known that because I've translated almost the entire book of Revelation. But I checked out the best commentary on the subject of Revelation written by Dr. Robert L. Thomas. And he says the same thing. He writes:
"The best opinion is that [was given] carries the connotation 'granted by God' as it does throughout the book of Revelation (cf. 6:4, 8; 7:2; 9:5). God allows the beast to blaspheme for a limited time, but will still hold him accountable. One of the great lessons in Daniel from which John draws so heavily is the sovereignty of God over the world's governments (cf. Dan. 4:17, 25, 32). The future will be no different.
"There is a durative force in the passage. 'a mouth that continues speaking great things.'"
"The beast's God-permitted authority was given' over every lineage, nation, language group, and racial group is explicitly worldwide in its extent ("the whole earth")."
The beast and Satan have authority for a period but in the end God sends them to the lake of fire forever. "And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are also, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever" (Rev. 20:10).
Thanks for asking.
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
ANSWER: Those of us who are able to read the Bible (and especially from the Greek text) note carefully the fact that the Lord is absolutely sovereign in all things. The word "given" is a Passive Voice from the verb "to give" (didomi). The force of the giving comes from an outside source, and that source is God!
I have always known that because I've translated almost the entire book of Revelation. But I checked out the best commentary on the subject of Revelation written by Dr. Robert L. Thomas. And he says the same thing. He writes:
"The best opinion is that [was given] carries the connotation 'granted by God' as it does throughout the book of Revelation (cf. 6:4, 8; 7:2; 9:5). God allows the beast to blaspheme for a limited time, but will still hold him accountable. One of the great lessons in Daniel from which John draws so heavily is the sovereignty of God over the world's governments (cf. Dan. 4:17, 25, 32). The future will be no different.
"There is a durative force in the passage. 'a mouth that continues speaking great things.'"
"The beast's God-permitted authority was given' over every lineage, nation, language group, and racial group is explicitly worldwide in its extent ("the whole earth")."
The beast and Satan have authority for a period but in the end God sends them to the lake of fire forever. "And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are also, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever" (Rev. 20:10).
Thanks for asking.
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Ask Dr. Couch
Dr. Couch, are there two New Covenants in Scripture, one for Israel and one for the church?
ANSWER: No, there is not. Older dispensationalists (some of them) held to that view. Remember, they were pioneering "forward" as to what the Bible was teaching; they were learning as they went along. In order to avoid a mixing of the church and Israel, some said there were two New Covenants. But gradually they realized that this was in error. Many of the older dispensationalists changed their view on the subject, rightly so. Those of us who really were blessed with exegetical skills in graduate school were quick to see what the Bible was really teaching on the subject.
Here's how it works: (1) There is only one New Covenant. (2) It is first promised to Israel. (3) It has to do with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the forgiveness of sin. (4) It is a replacement of the dispensation of the Law with the dispensation of Grace. (5) The church presently benefits by the blessing of the New Covenant. (6) We are not given any of the Land promises that Israel will be given in the Kingdom dispensation.
The New Covenant was (1) ratified by the death of Christ (Luke 22:19-20). It was (2) launched at Pentecost (Acts 2). And the church now benefits by the New Covenant. (3) The believers are the servants of the New Covenant according to 2 Corinthians 3:6-7. Paul shows us the contrast (4) we now can appreciate between the Law ("by the letter") and the New Covenant ("by the Spirit") (Rom. 2:29; 7:6). (5) The Spirit is the one who activates the New Covenant.
The church does not fulfill the New Covenant but it will be fulfilled by Israel in the Kingdom (Ezek. 36:24-28).
I suggest you read Chafer's MAJOR BIBLE THEMES, pages 146-48, for a good treatment on better contemporary thinking about the New Covenant. I hold to most of this but not all. (This is a revised volume of Chafer's by Dr. John F. Walvoord.)
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
ANSWER: No, there is not. Older dispensationalists (some of them) held to that view. Remember, they were pioneering "forward" as to what the Bible was teaching; they were learning as they went along. In order to avoid a mixing of the church and Israel, some said there were two New Covenants. But gradually they realized that this was in error. Many of the older dispensationalists changed their view on the subject, rightly so. Those of us who really were blessed with exegetical skills in graduate school were quick to see what the Bible was really teaching on the subject.
Here's how it works: (1) There is only one New Covenant. (2) It is first promised to Israel. (3) It has to do with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the forgiveness of sin. (4) It is a replacement of the dispensation of the Law with the dispensation of Grace. (5) The church presently benefits by the blessing of the New Covenant. (6) We are not given any of the Land promises that Israel will be given in the Kingdom dispensation.
The New Covenant was (1) ratified by the death of Christ (Luke 22:19-20). It was (2) launched at Pentecost (Acts 2). And the church now benefits by the New Covenant. (3) The believers are the servants of the New Covenant according to 2 Corinthians 3:6-7. Paul shows us the contrast (4) we now can appreciate between the Law ("by the letter") and the New Covenant ("by the Spirit") (Rom. 2:29; 7:6). (5) The Spirit is the one who activates the New Covenant.
The church does not fulfill the New Covenant but it will be fulfilled by Israel in the Kingdom (Ezek. 36:24-28).
I suggest you read Chafer's MAJOR BIBLE THEMES, pages 146-48, for a good treatment on better contemporary thinking about the New Covenant. I hold to most of this but not all. (This is a revised volume of Chafer's by Dr. John F. Walvoord.)
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
THE HINDU TEMPLE
Santa Fe, New Mexico is host to a huge Hindu Temple. The Indians of the area are visiting and apparently feel some kind of relation to the worship of the Hindu goddesses.
The judgment is upon America. Paganism is now part and parcel of the American landscape, and, there is no turning back the momentum as to where this is leading our country.
I am doing a special study on Monday nights about Satan and demonism. What we see in Scripture as to how the pagan religions influenced and nearly destroyed the people of Israel now makes a ton of sense! We mentioned on this website the fact that the witchcraft and warlock malls are invading our cities on the southern border. We have friends who have come from New Mexico who tell us that these malls have been there for many years but it is a fact that those of us who are not from that area were simply ignorant as to what had been happening for decades!
But without a doubt, the "invasion" of these religious havens of paganism have been taking place for some time. To get an eye-full read Leviticus 19:26-32 and 20:1-8. America shall go the same direction as the Jewish people who absorbed the evil of the people of the land, the Canaanites.
"Good bye, clean and godly America! It was nice knowing you!"
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
The judgment is upon America. Paganism is now part and parcel of the American landscape, and, there is no turning back the momentum as to where this is leading our country.
I am doing a special study on Monday nights about Satan and demonism. What we see in Scripture as to how the pagan religions influenced and nearly destroyed the people of Israel now makes a ton of sense! We mentioned on this website the fact that the witchcraft and warlock malls are invading our cities on the southern border. We have friends who have come from New Mexico who tell us that these malls have been there for many years but it is a fact that those of us who are not from that area were simply ignorant as to what had been happening for decades!
But without a doubt, the "invasion" of these religious havens of paganism have been taking place for some time. To get an eye-full read Leviticus 19:26-32 and 20:1-8. America shall go the same direction as the Jewish people who absorbed the evil of the people of the land, the Canaanites.
"Good bye, clean and godly America! It was nice knowing you!"
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Monday, April 4, 2011
Ask Dr. Couch
Dr. Couch, what is a familiar spirit?
ANSWER: The expression "familiar spirit" is referring to a spirit or demon that indwells a medium. "Familiar" implies the spirit that abides within a witch or warlock. That spirit is residing in and controlling the medium in carrying out demonic activities.
The KJV uses the expression "familiar spirit" but the NASB uses the expression "a medium." Leviticus 19:31 says "Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God."
"Defiled" is a reference to the fact that they were casting bones of the dead in order to read orders set forth by Satan or the demons.
In the Zondervan King James Commentary recently published I wrote on the book of Leviticus:
The Jews were not to follow pagan customs "in contrast to how the Lord (v. 30) was to be worshiped. Also prohibited were necromancy (worship of the dead) and the worship of familiar spirits (v. 31). Israel was not to seek advice from witches and warlocks (wizards). The Jews would be defiled by them. These verses give hints of how prevalent such practices were. Such prohibitions set the nation of Israel in contrast to the other peoples of the world."
America is moving back to spiritism and demon worship on our Mexican and Southwestern borders. In Mexico there are demon malls with shops that sell witchcraft items, books, booklets, skulls, amulets, watchcraft paraphernalia. These malls are now coming across the borders and selling such items in the Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California towns. One man told me that many kids are hanging out in these demon malls and being influenced by what is sold in these shops.
The flood of the illegal and legal immigrants is changing the moral and spiritual landscape of America. We are moving from a Protestant-European oriented nation to an Hispanic-Spanish, Catholic and demonic-oriented country. There is no turning back. This is a judgment of God. Our country will never be the same. The peace and quiet that we once had is disappearing.
You will not hear this from other Bible teachers but you will hear the truth from Dr. Couch. I am blaming no one but ourselves. We have changed as a people. We have embraced the other cultures. While God loves all, there is a truth to the fact that other cultures are not Reformation cultures. They do not see the Word of God as we do. We have forfeited our heritage.
I just heard that at our "big" secular universities, the young people are sharing names and photos with those who want to have sex together in the dorms of those schools. Those are the elite schools that cost $40,000 each year for tuition. Do the parents know what is happening with their kids? I doubt it! That is our next generation and leaders. We have indeed destroyed our heritage!
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
ANSWER: The expression "familiar spirit" is referring to a spirit or demon that indwells a medium. "Familiar" implies the spirit that abides within a witch or warlock. That spirit is residing in and controlling the medium in carrying out demonic activities.
The KJV uses the expression "familiar spirit" but the NASB uses the expression "a medium." Leviticus 19:31 says "Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God."
"Defiled" is a reference to the fact that they were casting bones of the dead in order to read orders set forth by Satan or the demons.
In the Zondervan King James Commentary recently published I wrote on the book of Leviticus:
The Jews were not to follow pagan customs "in contrast to how the Lord (v. 30) was to be worshiped. Also prohibited were necromancy (worship of the dead) and the worship of familiar spirits (v. 31). Israel was not to seek advice from witches and warlocks (wizards). The Jews would be defiled by them. These verses give hints of how prevalent such practices were. Such prohibitions set the nation of Israel in contrast to the other peoples of the world."
America is moving back to spiritism and demon worship on our Mexican and Southwestern borders. In Mexico there are demon malls with shops that sell witchcraft items, books, booklets, skulls, amulets, watchcraft paraphernalia. These malls are now coming across the borders and selling such items in the Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California towns. One man told me that many kids are hanging out in these demon malls and being influenced by what is sold in these shops.
The flood of the illegal and legal immigrants is changing the moral and spiritual landscape of America. We are moving from a Protestant-European oriented nation to an Hispanic-Spanish, Catholic and demonic-oriented country. There is no turning back. This is a judgment of God. Our country will never be the same. The peace and quiet that we once had is disappearing.
You will not hear this from other Bible teachers but you will hear the truth from Dr. Couch. I am blaming no one but ourselves. We have changed as a people. We have embraced the other cultures. While God loves all, there is a truth to the fact that other cultures are not Reformation cultures. They do not see the Word of God as we do. We have forfeited our heritage.
I just heard that at our "big" secular universities, the young people are sharing names and photos with those who want to have sex together in the dorms of those schools. Those are the elite schools that cost $40,000 each year for tuition. Do the parents know what is happening with their kids? I doubt it! That is our next generation and leaders. We have indeed destroyed our heritage!
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Ask Dr. Couch
Dr. Couch, what is the everlasting covenant?
ANSWER: This adjectival description is applied to the Abraham covenant. So it can be applied several places to several covenants. God told Abraham "My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you" (Gen. 17:7). With Isaac "I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant ..." (v. 19). "The covenant which God made with Abraham, and His oath to Isaac, … to Israel as an everlasting covenant" (Psa. 105:10). "The covenant which He made with Abraham, … to Israel as an everlasting covenant" (1 Chron. 16:16-17). You will be priests and ministers of the Lord … I will make an everlasting covenant with them" (Isa. 61:8).
The Mosaic Law "it is an everlasting covenant for the sons of Israel" (Lev. 24:8).
The New Covenant: "I will gather them out of all the lands to which I have driven them in My anger, … I will bring them back to this place and make them dwell in safety. And they shall be My people; and I will be their God, and I will give them one heart and one way, … And I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them ..." (Jer. 32:37-40).
Future fulfillment of the New Covenant: "It will be the Lord their God they will seek. They will ask for the way to Zion, turning their faces in its direction; they will come that they may join themselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten" (50:4-5). Unger writes on Jer. 50:5:
"They will join themselves in a perpetual covenant, the New Covenant (Jer. 31:31-34) based upon Christ's finished redemption work (Zech. 12:10-13:1), in contrast to the Old Covenant (the Law) which they broke."
The Abrahamic and New covenants are eternal, and so is the Law (Mosaic) Covenant. Christ fulfilled it eternally though we are no longer under it.
Thanks for asking.
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
ANSWER: This adjectival description is applied to the Abraham covenant. So it can be applied several places to several covenants. God told Abraham "My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you" (Gen. 17:7). With Isaac "I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant ..." (v. 19). "The covenant which God made with Abraham, and His oath to Isaac, … to Israel as an everlasting covenant" (Psa. 105:10). "The covenant which He made with Abraham, … to Israel as an everlasting covenant" (1 Chron. 16:16-17). You will be priests and ministers of the Lord … I will make an everlasting covenant with them" (Isa. 61:8).
The Mosaic Law "it is an everlasting covenant for the sons of Israel" (Lev. 24:8).
The New Covenant: "I will gather them out of all the lands to which I have driven them in My anger, … I will bring them back to this place and make them dwell in safety. And they shall be My people; and I will be their God, and I will give them one heart and one way, … And I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them ..." (Jer. 32:37-40).
Future fulfillment of the New Covenant: "It will be the Lord their God they will seek. They will ask for the way to Zion, turning their faces in its direction; they will come that they may join themselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten" (50:4-5). Unger writes on Jer. 50:5:
"They will join themselves in a perpetual covenant, the New Covenant (Jer. 31:31-34) based upon Christ's finished redemption work (Zech. 12:10-13:1), in contrast to the Old Covenant (the Law) which they broke."
The Abrahamic and New covenants are eternal, and so is the Law (Mosaic) Covenant. Christ fulfilled it eternally though we are no longer under it.
Thanks for asking.
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Saturday, April 2, 2011
PROOF OF PREMILLENNIALISM
A book made from sheets of lead was recently discovered in Jordan that could shed early light on the doctrine of premillennialism. The "book" was in the possession of a Bedouin family, that supposedly had been kept for about 100 years as a family treasure.
The book is a surprise in that it is indeed a "book," with lead pages and bound by lead rings. Most books of ancient times were actually scrolls rather than in what we now see as book forms. While written in ancient Hebrew, the book is supposed to be a Christian volume that originally came from Israel and had been taken over to Jordan, though a lot of this is speculation.
As far as scholars can make out at this point the book is about the coming, the return of Israel's Messiah. This would prove the premillennial message of the Bible. Many believe the book was written a short time after the resurrection of Christ. Remember, the Bible IS premillennial AND dispensational! One cannot escape those facts!
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
The book is a surprise in that it is indeed a "book," with lead pages and bound by lead rings. Most books of ancient times were actually scrolls rather than in what we now see as book forms. While written in ancient Hebrew, the book is supposed to be a Christian volume that originally came from Israel and had been taken over to Jordan, though a lot of this is speculation.
As far as scholars can make out at this point the book is about the coming, the return of Israel's Messiah. This would prove the premillennial message of the Bible. Many believe the book was written a short time after the resurrection of Christ. Remember, the Bible IS premillennial AND dispensational! One cannot escape those facts!
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Friday, April 1, 2011
THE BOOK OF ESTHER
I just finished exegeting and teaching through the book of Esther. I believe the folks really got an ear full, but too, we all saw how current the book is to what is happening to the Jews today in the Middle East. The world hates Israel, just as illustrated and as so many did in this marvelous little book from our OT.
The festival of Purim gets its origin from Esther. Pur means the "casting of the lots." They were casting the lots to determine the day that the enemy would jump on the Jews and kill them in Persia. Many of the Persian people, under the leadership of Haman, wanted to kill all the Jews in the land. But Esther and her cousin Mordecai were used of the Lord to save the Jewish people.
In the study I marked all the passages that would sound familiar to us as to what is happening with the Jews now in the Middle East. Here are some of the most important verses:
—Dr. Mal Couch
To hear this week by week study, please: click here.
The festival of Purim gets its origin from Esther. Pur means the "casting of the lots." They were casting the lots to determine the day that the enemy would jump on the Jews and kill them in Persia. Many of the Persian people, under the leadership of Haman, wanted to kill all the Jews in the land. But Esther and her cousin Mordecai were used of the Lord to save the Jewish people.
In the study I marked all the passages that would sound familiar to us as to what is happening with the Jews now in the Middle East. Here are some of the most important verses:
"The Jews were to be destroyed, killed, annihilated, both young and old, women and children, in one day, and their possessions were to be plundered" (3:13).
When Mordecai heard that the Persians under the influence of Haman were to kill all the Jews, he "went into the city and wailed loudly and bitterly" (4:1). "There was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping, and wailing; ..." (v. 3). Had not Esther obtained "royalty for such a time as this?" (v. 14). "If I perish, I perish" she said (v. 16b).
Esther said, "we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed and to be annihilated" (7:4).
Haman wrote "to destroy the Jews who are in all the king's provinces" (8:5b).
Haman was hanged "on the gallows because he had stretched out his hands against the Jews" (v. 7).
"The king granted the Jews who were in each and every city the right to assemble and to defend their lives, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate the entire army of any people or province which might attack them, including children and women, and to plunder their spoil" (v. 11).
"Many among the peoples of the land became Jews, for the dread of the Jews had fallen on them" (v. 17).
"The enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over [the enemies], it was turned to the contrary so that the Jews themselves gained the mastery over those who hated them" (9:1).
"Many of the princes of the provinces … assisted the Jews, because the dread of Mordecai had fallen on them" (v. 3).
"The Jews had killed and destroyed five hundred men and the ten sons of Haman in Susa the capital" (v. 12).
"Haman had schemed against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur (the lot), that is the lot to disturb them and destroyed them" (v. 24b).
"These days were to be remembered and celebrated throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city, and these days of Purim were not to fail from among the Jews or their memory fade from their descendants" (v. 28).
"So the Jews established themselves and for their descendants with instructions for their times of fasting and their lamentations" (v. 31).
Finally, "Mordecai the Jew was second only to king Ahasuerus and great among the Jews, and in favor with the multitude of his kinsmen, one who sought the good of his people and one who spoke for the welfare of his whole nation" (10:3).
—Dr. Mal Couch
To hear this week by week study, please: click here.
ETERNAL PUNISHMENT AND HELL
Well, here we go again! Some Baptist pastors (and others) are again saying there is no eternal punishment and hell. This denial of biblical doctrine makes its rounds from time to time in our Evangelical circles! The lack of Bible doctrine amazes me! How can they say they've been to a good seminary and tune out what the Scriptures teach?
Without going into all the passages here are a few that just can't be ignored. Matthew 25:46 makes it all as clear as it can be. Just as there is eternal life there is eternal punishment. Life from the Lord is eternal (aiwnion) just as punishment lasts forever (aiwnion). The same Greek word for "eternal" is used to describe both punishment and life. If punishment does not last forever then neither does the new life with the Lord.
There is an eternal destruction that is part of the penalty for rejecting the gospel that Paul writes about in 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9. These are verses that are often forgotten. The apostle writes:
God will deal out "retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. And these will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power."
Again, the apostle Paul uses the Greek word for eternal ("aiwnion") to describe the forever nature of the destruction that goes on and on! Some scholars have translated this as: "Right now they do not know the gospel and probably never will."
In my Thessalonian commentary I write: "The 'penalty' ("dike," punishment, condemnation) is only just and right. "Dike" is used to describe a court case or the process of law. The lost are storing up disobedience that will receive such a legal response before the bar of God's justice."
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
Without going into all the passages here are a few that just can't be ignored. Matthew 25:46 makes it all as clear as it can be. Just as there is eternal life there is eternal punishment. Life from the Lord is eternal (aiwnion) just as punishment lasts forever (aiwnion). The same Greek word for "eternal" is used to describe both punishment and life. If punishment does not last forever then neither does the new life with the Lord.
There is an eternal destruction that is part of the penalty for rejecting the gospel that Paul writes about in 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9. These are verses that are often forgotten. The apostle writes:
God will deal out "retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. And these will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power."
Again, the apostle Paul uses the Greek word for eternal ("aiwnion") to describe the forever nature of the destruction that goes on and on! Some scholars have translated this as: "Right now they do not know the gospel and probably never will."
In my Thessalonian commentary I write: "The 'penalty' ("dike," punishment, condemnation) is only just and right. "Dike" is used to describe a court case or the process of law. The lost are storing up disobedience that will receive such a legal response before the bar of God's justice."
—Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)
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