“But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing; and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.” And they remembered His words, and returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. – Luke 24:1-9
HE HAS RISEN
March 30, 2013
2 Comments | 
Bible Prophecy, Commentary, Creation, Israel, LIFE, News, theology, Words that Uplift | Tagged: Resurrection Day | 
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Posted by Chris
THE SHROUD
March 30, 2013I have always been fascinated by the Shroud of Turin. Is it a picture of our crucified Lord? Many think so. There is so much evidence that it is hard to view it otherwise. Here is a video about the blood on the Shroud. It would take a master forger to fake that.
I also think the Shroud is genuine. Though some would disagree, the facts seem to verify the veracity of the image. Whether it is the real thing or not, it should cause many to pause and wonder: “Is this the face of the Savior of mankind?”
CR
You can see a USA Today article here. By clicking on the image of Jesus, you can see an enlarged picture that I attempted to put at the top of this post.
2 Comments | Bible Prophecy, Commentary, Creation, Israel, LIFE, News, theology | Tagged: Shroud of Turin | Permalink
Posted by Chris
WHO CAN LOOSE THE BANDS OF ORION?
March 22, 2013“Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?” —Job 38:31
If inclined to boast of our abilities, the grandeur of nature may soon show us how puny we are. We cannot move the least of all the twinkling stars, or quench so much as one of the beams of the morning. We speak of power, but the heavens laugh us to scorn. When the Pleiades shine forth in spring with vernal joy we cannot restrain their influences, and when Orion reigns aloft, and the year is bound in winter’s fetters, we cannot relax the icy bands. The seasons revolve according to the divine appointment, neither can the whole race of men effect a change therein. Lord, what is man?
In the spiritual, as in the natural world, man’s power is limited on all hands. When the Holy Spirit sheds abroad his delights in the soul, none can disturb; all the cunning and malice of men are ineffectual to stay the genial quickening power of the Comforter. When he deigns to visit a church and revive it, the most inveterate enemies cannot resist the good work; they may ridicule it, but they can no more restrain it than they can push back the spring when the Pleiades rule the hour. God wills it, and so it must be. On the other hand, if the Lord in sovereignty, or in justice, bind up a man so that he is in soul bondage, who can give him liberty? He alone can remove the winter of spiritual death from an individual or a people. He looses the bands of Orion, and none but he. What a blessing it is that he can do it. O that he would perform the wonder tonight. Lord, end my winter, and let my spring begin. I cannot with all my longings raise my soul out of her death and dulness, but all things are possible with thee. I need celestial influences, the clear shinings of thy love, the beams of thy grace, the light of thy countenance, these are the Pleiades to me. I suffer much from sin and temptation, these are my wintry signs, my terrible Orion. Lord, work wonders in me, and for me. Amen.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-92)
2 Comments | Commentary, Creation, Science, theology | Tagged: creation, Orion | Permalink
Posted by Chris
ESCHATOLOGY WARS
March 18, 2013The word “Eschatology” is from the Greek ἔσχατος/ἐσχάτη/ἔσχατον, eschatos/eschatē/eschaton meaning “last” and -logy meaning “the study of”, first used in English around 1550[1]. It is the part of theology, physics, philosophy, and futurology concerned with what are believed to be the final events of history, the ultimate destiny of humanity — commonly referred to as the “end of the world” or “end time“(1)
Anyone who reads this blog knows that I have an interest in eschatology. There are many different views about “the end of the world.” I recently ran across an article that perked my interest. It was reprinted in a blog that I respect for helping me understand many of the crazy things some of our “churches” are teaching today.
The blog is called Appraising Ministries and its creator is Pastor Ken Silva.
The title of the article is THE RISE OF APOCALYPITIC PAGANISM IN THE CHURCH: BIBLE PROPHECY IN CRISIS. The original is found in a publication named Herescope. The article criticizes another pastor whom I respect: Gary Stearman.
I respect Pastor Stearman because of his great knowledge and because of his support of the nation of Israel. He believes that Israel is “God’s Timepiece” and I’m inclined to agree with him.
The Herescope article contends that Gary Stearman and many of his guests rely upon ancient apocryphal literature that is corrupted. The example given is Gary’s observations of the Book of Enoch.
I have a copy of the Book of Enoch, but I have never read it. I am not a scholar on the subject so I would have to do some studying before I ever made a conclusion about who is closer to the truth on apocryphal lit.
I have posted things from Pastor Silva and I have posted items from Pastor Stearman. I think they both have their good points and bad points just like I do. I went back and reviewed most of the posts I put up from Prophecy in the News (Gary is the Editor). Israel is the subject of most of the podcasts I have posted. I don’t think there are any posts of interviews with people listed in the Herescope article. I may be wrong.
The men mentioned in the Herescope article are Doug Woodward, Tom Horn, L.A. Marzulli, and Doug Hamp. I have seen Pastor Stearman interview all of these guys. Do I agree with everything these guys are saying? Of course not. I can’t recall the topic, but an interview with Mr. Hamp was particularly off. Much of the literature written by these authors is advertised in the Prophecy in the News monthly magazine, which I receive.
Gary Stearman wrote a very good article in the March’s Prophecy in the News magazine entitled “The Mind of Christ.” I agree with Gary’s assessment that there will not be another Major revival until after the rapture.
So, do we throw the baby out with the bath water? (Gary is anything but a baby; he is brilliant.)
It is true that many of the books advertised by Prophecy in the News are questionable. At the same time, I have read many thought-provoking articles by Pastor Stearman.
I could go on about other issues where I don’t know if I agree with the Prophecy in the News folks. There is the idea that certain years line up with certain Psalms. There is the Dispensational view. Gary and most of this persuasion think there will be 7 time periods or Dispensations throughout history. Dr. Charles Ryrie, whose name is on The Ryrie Study Bible, agrees with Dispensationalism but after listening to an interview with him I’m not sure how many Dispensations he believes in.
I could also find areas where Mr. Silva and I differ. I’m not quite as Calvinist as he is.
So who is right? I know that this article is all over the place but I do have a few conclusions:
I like Gary Stearman. I like Ken Silva. I like Charles Ryrie. I think they are all saved. None of them are always right and none are always wrong. I look in the mirror and see someone just like them except less knowledgeable.
Dr. Mark Cain of Village Bible Church says: “Some hills are worth dying on and some aren’t.”
When prophetic speculation reaches the level of paganism, then it is serious. However, just because someone is wrong doesn’t make them pagan. I would fit the definition in that case.
I’m not saying that “we should all just get along.” I’m saying that the discussion should be civil. Thus far, I have never seen Gary Stearman act otherwise.
May God bless us all as we study His word and await His coming.
Chris Reimers
(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eschatology
The interview with Charles Ryrie looks like an old Japanese monster movie.
2 Comments | Bible Prophecy, Commentary, theology | Tagged: bible prophecy, Charles Ryrie, Doug Woodward, Gary Stearman, Herescope, Ken Silva, L.A. Marzulli, Prophecy in the News, Tom Horn | Permalink
Posted by Chris
G-FORCE GULP
March 16, 2013Giant Salamander Suction Compared to Jet Car
by Brian Thomas, M.S. *
Some rocket cars can accelerate at 5 g-forces.1 For comparison, respectable acceleration for a sports car amounts to half a “g,” and people faint when accelerating at 5g’s. But long before the rocket car was invented, fish were accelerating just as forcefully into the mouths of giant salamanders. How did these thin-skinned amphibians acquire rocket-force mouthparts?
A team of researchers from Austria investigated the biomechanics of suction feeding and measured the maximum acceleration of a fish as it traveled into a Chinese Giant Salamander’s mouth. These river monsters, including the species Andrias davidianus, can exceed five feet in length. Their numbers are steadily declining, so we better study them now since future generations might not get the chance.2
The Journal of the Royal Society Interface published the new results. Moving their fast food at 40-50 m/s2, or between 4 and 5g’s, these salamander’s suckers impress.
To see the rest of the article, click here.
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This is another of God’s amazing wonders. How this salamander is able to generate this kind of power is not beyond me even though I don’t have a title in front of my name. I think I know where this Chinese sucker got its abilities. As Dr. Thomas states:
“So far, the most scientifically responsible answer to the question of salamander suction origins is a purposeful creation by God.”
I agree.
CR
2 Comments | Commentary, Creation, LIFE, News, Science, theology | Tagged: creation, evolution, g-forces, God's wonders | Permalink
Posted by Chris
ARKANSAS PASSES NATION’S BROADEST ABORTION RESTRICTIONS
March 11, 2013Arkansas legislators have overridden a veto by the governor in order to prohibit most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy, the earliest ban of any state in the country.
“I feel grateful that people recognize that the abortion policy of this nation has not made abortions rare,” said the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Jason Rapert, in a statement. “In Arkansas, we have now recognized the need for a more balanced policy, and Roe v. Wade has allowed us this option.”
“I am so proud of my fellow legislators for standing up and protecting the lives of unborn children,” he continued. “When there is a heartbeat, there is life.”
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You can read the entire article from Before It’s News here.
Many have worked and prayed that this would become law in Arkansas. May God bless all of those who have made this possible.
CR
2 Comments | Abortion, Commentary, Creation, LIFE, News, Science, theology, Words that Uplift | Tagged: Abortion, Arkansas | Permalink
Posted by Chris
THE THEOLOGY OF POLLYANNA
March 4, 2013The first of these two videos is probably the second worst sermon ever preached. It is all law and no gospel. The greatest sermon ever preached is the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapters 5-7.
Instead of watching one of the new movies that include violence, twisted sexual situations, and crude language, make yourself some popcorn and sit down to a clean movie that includes an all-star cast. “Pollyanna” came out in 1960. You will find it at the local library and the second video here is part of the entire movie found on YouTube.
Many of you who read this blog probably feel that I am anything but Pollyannaish. Well, this movie is one of my favorites. That should say something. I have always leaned on the side of grace.
There is the law and then there is the gospel. Any pastor worth his salt will discuss both. It doesn’t have to be perfectly balanced in each sermon, but over time there should be a balance between the two. Jesus is the only one who has ever done it perfectly.
There is no question the preacher depicted in the first clip speaks nothing but the law and ignores the gospel.
In the second clip he is practicing to do the same again.
Then there is the quote from President Lincoln:
“When you look for the bad in mankind expecting to find it, you surely will.”
Our 16th president evidently thought we shouldn’t just look for the bad in man all of the time. I would agree with that but one must balance this idea with scripture.
The Bible says that “all men have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
In Mark 10:18, “Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.”
Ecclesiastes 7:20 states: “Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins.”
After reading these verses, one might conclude that he Mr. Lincoln was mistaken. Maybe we should look for the bad in mankind.
Yet, one must correctly divide the Word.
Matthew 12:35 says: “The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil.” These are also the words of Jesus.
So which is it? Does the Bible contradict itself? I don’t think it does because I believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God.
No man is continually good, but men may be good at times. As Mr. Spurgeon has said in his commentary on Numbers 20:11 – “The best of men are men at best.”
I think we should look for the good in people, realizing that they are sinners just like we are. Sins should never be excused and only God can forgive them.
There are mysteries in the Bible as there are two sides of a coin. Anyone familiar with the ideas of free will and predestination knows there are things we’ll never understand this side of heaven.
A preacher should rightly divide the Word and let the Holy Spirit do its work.
Anyone in a pulpit who claims to know all the answers is a person I wouldn’t trust.
I think I lean of the side of the gospel is because I have read the last three chapters of the Bible. If heaven isn’t Pollyannaish, I don’t know what is.
If you haven’t seen it, I hope you enjoy the movie.
Chris Reimers
4 Comments | Commentary, LIFE, theology, Words that Uplift | Tagged: Halley Mills, Karl Malden, Pollyanna, President Lincoln | Permalink
Posted by Chris
CREATION OR COINCIDENCE
March 2, 2013My friend, Tonzie, sent me this video. I think it makes more than one good point in less than 2 minutes.
CR
2 Comments | Commentary, Creation, Helps, LIFE, Science, theology | Tagged: creation | Permalink
Posted by Chris
CHRISTIAN, YOU ARE SAFE IN CHRIST’S HANDS ALWAYS
February 28, 2013Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. (Micah 5:2)
The Lord Jesus had goings forth for his people as their representative before the throne, long before they appeared upon the stage of time.
It was “from everlasting” that he signed the compact with his Father, that he would pay blood for blood, suffering for suffering, agony for agony, and death for death,in the behalf of his people.
It was “from everlasting” that he gave himself up without a murmuring word. That from the crown of his head to the sole of his foot he might sweat great drops of blood, that he might be spit upon, pierced, mocked, rent asunder, and crushed beneath the pains of death.
His goings forth as our Surety were from everlasting. Pause, my soul, and wonder! Thou hast goings forth in the person of Jesus “from everlasting.” Not only when thou wast born into the world did Christ love thee, but his delights were with the sons of men before there were any sons of men.
Often did he think of them; from everlasting to everlasting he had set his affection upon them. What! my soul, has he been so long about thy salvation, and will not he accomplish it?
Has he from everlasting been going forth to save me, and will he lose me now? What! Has he carried me in his hand, as his precious jewel, and will he now let me slip from between his fingers?
Did he choose me before the mountains were brought forth, or the channels of the deep were digged, and will he reject me now? Impossible! I am sure he would not have loved me so long if he had not been a changeless Lover.
If he could grow weary of me, he would have been tired of me long before now. If he had not loved me with a love as deep as hell, and as strong as death, he would have turned from me long ago.
Oh, joy above all joys, to know that I am his everlasting and inalienable inheritance, given to him by his Father or ever the earth was! Everlasting love shall be the pillow for my head this night.
Charles Spurgeon
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It seems this is not the only blog that quotes from the great Prince of Preachers occasionally. Pastor Silva also cites from the great sum of material that came from the pen of Mr. Spurgeon. I found this selection here.
CR
2 Comments | Commentary, LIFE, theology, Words that Uplift | Tagged: Charles Spurgeon, hope | Permalink
Posted by Chris
Wings of the Wind 
THE NEXT BIG LIE
April 6, 2013“This riveting TV advertisement, produced and directed by ARTL’s founding vice president Steve Curtis, demonstrates one of the great dangers of Plan B in that it even further destroys the boundary of protection that naturally surrounds women and young girls. Of course the greatest danger of the ‘Morning After Pill’ is that it is designed to kill a child, whether son or daughter.”
This quote may be seen here.
Many of you are aware that one judge made one ruling that may lead to the plan b pill being sold over the counter. It is a tragic sign of the times in which we live.
CR
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