IS YOUR CHURCH DATING GOD'S EX?

"the star of your god Remphan" (Acts 7:43)

Many Christian churches have a heart for the nation of Israel. They may even place the political interests of Israel ahead of those of their own country. After all, isn't Israel "God's chosen people," the "apple of God's eye"? Hasn't God himself regathered the Jewish people back into their homeland in fulfillment of Ezekiel 36:24? Didn't he intervene for them in military conflicts with their enemies in order to accomplish this? Doesn't God have a special blessing for those who "pray for the peace of Jerusalem"? ("They that love thee shall prosper." Psalm 122).

Is this really the attitude God wants us to have today about this nation called Israel? What is God's own attitude toward the Jews today? The answer lies, of course, in God's word.

The bulk of the "Old Testament" is taken up with the story of God's love affair with his chosen people, Israel. He, in effect, gave birth to her by leading her through the waters of the Red Sea. He courted her in the wilderness, proving his love to her by vanquishing her enemies and by providing for her every physical need. All God asked from his betrothed in return was trusting faithfulness. In recalling her response to that love, we may wince as we remember Israel's stiff-necked pride in declaring that she could jolly well do everything for herself (Exodus 19:8), and on top of that, her continual "whoring" after other gods. Finally, God divorced her before the marriage ever actually took place. (Hosea 5:6: "They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the LORD; but they shall not find him; he hath withdrawn himself from them." This is paralleled in the amazing love story of the King and the Shulamite in Song of Solomon 5:6!)

But did God put Israel away forever? Not at all! Even in his hurt and anger, God left the door open for Israel to return to his bosom. He promises that in a future day, "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely; for mine anger is turned away from him." (Hosea 14:4).

The bridegroom, the Lord Jesus Christ, came personally to present himself to Israel in order to lovingly entice a bride to emerge from them. He laid down his very life in order to give her the righteousness necessary to become again a pure virgin -- the only solution that would allow a re-marriage. (Deut. 24:4). But, again, the bridegroom was rejected and this time murdered! (Acts 2:22-36). After he went into exile, even his groomsmen promising his return were brutally persecuted! (Acts 5:17-18; 7:58). God could have poured down wrath and destroyed his rebellious bride-to-be; but instead he gently set her aside temporarily in Acts 28:25-28 and offered his mercy to the whole unbelieving world (Ephesians 2:13-18) so that, by believing in his Son, Jesus Christ, and what he accomplished by dying for our sins on Calvary's cross and then rising from the dead for our justification, Gentile and Jew may be sealed by his Spirit into the very body of his Son. (Ephesians 1:12-14).

Right now, in the "dispensation of the grace of God," there is no "Israel."  He sees only those who are "in Christ," and those who need Christ. Paul tells us that this age is a "mystery," never before revealed to the sons of men. (Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:26). None of Israel's prophecy is presently being fulfilled. God is preserving the Jewish seed in order to deal with them in the age to come; but he is not directly intervening in Israel's affairs.

The current political state of Israel is just that: political - a humanistic effort to bring in their kingdom by themselves. Jews - or Gentiles - who have not placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour are not God's people. Those who have are the "church which is his body" not his "bride." Instead of Christian churches promoting Israel's ungodly, and often violent, efforts to rise to prominence in the Middle East and in the world, what we should be working toward is the conversion of individual Israelis - and all unbelievers - to a belief in the gospel of Christ. Salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only hope the world truly has.
Some time in the future, God will again call out a faithful remnant from the nation of Israel to believe on the name of her Messiah, Jesus, and lean on God to meet her every need. (Hosea 14:2). This bride will be lovingly courted and protected by her beloved and coaxed from her hiding place in the wilderness (Hosea 2:14) to be made righteous for the "marriage of the Lamb." (Rev. 19:7). And we, the raptured Body of Christ, will rejoice in heaven to see that day of Israel's glory!

CATHOLIC CHURCH GLOATS WHEN WE USE HER BIBLES

Photo from Craig Seraphim First

The Roman Catholic Church, as can be seen here by reading between the lines in a document from Vatican 2, is pleased as punch that so many Protestants hold Catholic Bible versions in their hands and find them in their pews! (Probably even more so now than in the 1960's when the document was written!) Here's an excerpt from "Dei Verbum," a Vatican 2 document on "divine revelation":

"22. Easy access to Sacred Scripture should be provided for all the Christian faithful. That is why the Church from the very beginning accepted as her own that very ancient Greek translation; of the Old Testament which is called the septuagint; and she has always given a place of honor to other Eastern translations and Latin ones especially the Latin translation known as the vulgate. But since the word of God should be accessible at all times, the Church by her authority and with maternal concern sees to it that suitable and correct translations are made into different languages, especially from the original texts of the sacred books. And should the opportunity arise and the Church authorities approve, if these translations are produced in cooperation with the separated brethren as well, all Christians will be able to use them."

The entire document is available for your perusal at: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/dogmatic-constitution-on-divine-revelation-1539.The truth is, Christian friend, that the New Testament portions of ALL modern English Bible versions - other than that of the King James Authorized Version - are translated from Greek texts made from manuscripts deliberately corrupted in Constantine's time to reflect doctrines that would later comprise those of the Roman Catholic system. The New King James Version's New Testament is translated from the same text as the King James Authorized Version but is heavily-influenced by Catholic manuscripts.
 
I strongly encourage you, do some research of your own on the crucially important subject of Bible translations!

NO SUCH THING AS A CATHOLIC CHRISTIAN

Allow me to preface my argument that there's no such thing as a "Catholic" Christian by stating that there most certainly are Christians sitting in the pews of Roman Catholic churches. But, according to the official doctrines declared by the Roman Catholic Church herself, these Christians are not Catholics!

The Roman Catholic Council of Trent, convened in 1544 and closed in 1563, pronounced "anathema" (cursed by God) on all who reject the major doctrines of the Catholic faith. See this or any of the numerous references to the council's pronouncements available on the web. These anathemas have never been rescinded by Rome, and those Catholics who, by rejecting one or more major Catholic doctrine, bring these anathemas upon themselves are automatically ex-communicated from the Roman Catholic Church.

A true Christian understands that he is now justified by placing faith alone in the person of Jesus Christ who paid the full penalty for the world's sins at Calvary. Paul's letter to the Romans amply declares this, as in Romans 4:4-5: "Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness."

By contrast, the Council of Trent declared: CANON 9: "If any one saith, that by faith alone the impious is justified; in such wise as to mean, that nothing else is required to co-operate in order to the obtaining the grace of Justification, and that it is not in any way necessary, that he be prepared and disposed by the movement of his own will; let him be anathema."

A saved Christian believes that the Lord Jesus Christ paid the world's sin debt in its entirety and that no more sacrifice remains for sin. 2 Corinthians 5:19 states, "To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." Therefore, the very idea of someone who has trusted the shed blood of Christ in payment for their sin being required to pay a price themselves by suffering in "purgatory," is a grievous insult to our Saviour!

On the subject of purgatory, the Council of Trent declared: Canon 30: "If any one saith, that, after the grace of Justification has been received, to every penitent sinner the guilt is remitted, and the debt of eternal punishment is blotted out in such wise, that there remains not any debt of temporal punishment to be discharged either in this world, or in the next in Purgatory, before the entrance to the kingdom of heaven can be opened (to him); let him be anathema."
Therefore, we must conclude that there can be no such thing as a "Catholic Christian" because the Catholic Church herself has declared that no real Christian can be a Catholic!

I pray that Christians who still find themselves tied to the apron strings of "Holy Mother Church," will allow the Holy Spirit who dwells within them to gently guide them out of her abject darkness and into pure light.

HEAVEN HAS A NEW RESIDENT

By all accounts, he was too young to die - only just turned 36 - but Robert T. Schuder, my publisher and friend in Christ, had made it clear that he had no qualms about "going home" at any time, now that he was certain of his eternal salvation. So heaven gained a new resident this week when, after having routine surgery, Robert slipped away into the arms of his heavenly Father due to breathing problems he experienced at home.

He was certainly a friend to thank God for! He had only been a grace believer for a short time, really, but was so hungry for the word, rightly divided, that he just couldn't get enough of it! It was amazing to watch him grow in grace!

I'll miss Robert's steadfast friendship and the way he encouraged and supported me in every situation. His generosity in publishing and marketing my end times novel, COVENANT WITH MY CHOSEN, in order to spread the truth of right division and salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone is something that I'll treasure all of my days.Now that Robert is in heaven, there's even more reason to long for it myself! What a joyous reunion that will be; Our Lord, Robert, and me! Maranatha!Scroll down to read an article I wrote for my work newspaper telling the story of how Robert came into my life and what he did for me:

ALASKAN ADVENTURE

Photo of Robert & Me at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/29653994@N00/?saved=1

It all began when I finally finished writing my Christian novel about the end times and posted it on my blog on the Internet. I told a wonderful Christian lady named Rita Bauschard, who lives in Pennsylvania, and whom I had recently met on the Internet, about my novel; and she took the time to read it. She enjoyed it enough that she sent copies of it to just about everyone she knew, including Robert Schuder of Anchorage, Alaska. Robert is “like a son” to Rita; and being a fairly new believer in the grace of Jesus Christ, he found my novel to be an enjoyable and “easy” way to learn more about Bible prophecy. He called me from Anchorage soon after and asked if he could publish my book. At first, I had trouble believing that he really meant it!

In what seemed like a whirlwind of generosity, he flew me up to Anchorage first class on Northwest Airlines, put me up in the downtown Anchorage Sheraton in a huge room with a business center, and even gave me spending money “so I wouldn’t starve” when he couldn’t take me out to eat. I have a sneaking suspicion he may have even arranged for the moose I saw up close as it posed in his condo’s driveway, as well as the mild earthquake I was treated to the next day!

What I’ll never forget are all of the wonderful people I met as I traveled, on the airplanes, as well as in Anchorage. The man on the plane next to me on the trip into Alaska was a native Inuit who told me fascinating facts about Alaska's history, terrain, and wildlife. I even ran into a couple from Appleton, Wisconsin (my home town), at the Golden Corral, which had just opened its doors in Anchorage. I ate breakfast every day at the Country Kitchen across from my hotel, and developed a friendly relationship with the ladies who work there. I made sure to tell them about God' grace for today.

The weather in mid-November in Anchorage was similar to what we get in mid-January – cold and dry. The sun came up at about 9:30 a.m. and went down way too early.

Robert and I chose a new title for the novel, COVENANT WITH MY CHOSEN; and information about how to order your copy can be obtained by sending an email to: dfkuz@hotmail.com. No matter what happens, Robert's kindness and generosity to me will give me a warm feeling - even toward Alaska - for the rest of my life. THANK YOU, ROBERT!!!

Here's what Richard Jordan, President of Grace School of the Bible, Bloomingdale, IL, had to say about Robert:

PROMOTION TO GLORY!

Just to let you know that a fairly new GSB student, Bob Schuder, unexpectedly went to be with the Lord last night. He was in the hospital and just had a tonsillectomy, and apparently died during the night from complications or whatever. He was only 36 years old. I just spoke with him on the phone a couple months ago when he called so excited about receiving his first lessons.I want to quote his statement of faith from his GSB [Grace School of the Bible] application:

For years I thought I was saved through the Kingdom program of repentance and water baptism and "accepting Jesus into my heart." Then I read the manuscript of an end times novel given to me by Rita Bauschard and written by Deborah Kuzenski. I learned the truth about being saved by grace and faith alone and right division. I was so delighted, that I helped Deborah publish the book. Now my goal is to learn as much as possible from GSB and hopefully spread the message in Alaska.

In the face of "present sufferings" what a demonstration of the joy and rejocing of our hearts! And what a testimony to the importance of having a certainty of eternal life as a present possession! Maranatha!
Posted by Richard Jordan at 4:57 PM 3 comments
Friday, December 7, 2007

SAVING LIFE OF CHRIST

I found a wonderful little book at the local thrift shop: THE SAVING LIFE OF CHRIST, by Major W. Ian Thomas, Zondervan Books, 1961. Here’s a quote about the contrast and complementary nature of “in Christ,” and “Christ in you.”

“To be in Christ – that is redemption; but for Christ to be in you – that is sanctification! To be in Christ – that makes you fit for heaven; but for Christ to be in you that makes you fit for earth! To be in Christ – that changes your destination; but for Christ to be in you – that changes your destiny! The one makes heaven your home – the other makes this world His workshop.”

That certainly puts it all into perspective, doesn’t it?

YOUR FREE GIFT IS READY!

There's a free gift ready and waiting for you. What's in it? All the wonders of the entire universe and more! Everything necessary has already been done to insure that when you simply believe that this free gift is yours, you will immediately become a joint-heir with the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself! Everything He is and has will instantly become yours the moment you trust that He paid the price for your sins with His own blood on Calvary's Cross and rose from the dead to assure you of delivery.

How can I be so sure? I'm certain of it because the King James Bible is the absolute, preserved word of God; and in 2 Corinthians 5:19, His inspired word tells me that “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” This means that God asks only one thing of us today: Accept the fact that He has now reconciled the whole world unto Himself in Christ. It's done. There is nothing more to do. No sinner's prayer to pray. No promises to make about cleaning up your act. No church rituals to perform. God is reconciled to you; now you need to be reconciled to Him by agreeing with Him that “he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Cor. 5:21). That's all that's necessary!

When you accept the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ has done it all, the Holy Spirit of God supernaturally baptizes you into Christ where you are sealed by Him eternally. The Holy Spirit seal keeps you so securely in Christ that you couldn't get out even if you wanted! (2 Tim. 2:13). There is nothing you must do, and nothing you must not do, in your future walk in Christ, to keep you safely there. Glorious fruits of righteousness will naturally spring forth according to the measure of your yielding to the Spirit that indwells you. (Eph. 2:10). With or without your obedience or fruit, after accepting God's gift, your salvation is sure because the Lord Jesus Christ has purchased you with a price. (Eph. 1:14).

So what are you waiting for? Thank God for His unspeakable gift and accept yours today! (2 Cor. 9:15). Then read the Scriptures regularly, paying special attention to the doctrines of Grace that God gave exclusively to the Apostle of the Gentiles, Paul, in order to form the Body of Christ today. (2 Tim. 2:15).

ARE WE ETERNALLY SECURE IN CHRIST?

The issue of eternal security of the believer in Christ is one that has been hotly debated for many years. There are verses in the Bible that say believers can lose their salvation and there are verses that are equally clear that believers cannot. The letter to the Hebrews, for example, has a couple of troubling passages: "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins." [Heb. 10:26]. And this one: "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame." [Heb. 6:4-6]. Add to this Jesus’ warning in John 15 that those who do not abide in him would be cast into the fire as a branch, and you have something to worry about!

When you turn to the writings of Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles, you receive some reassurance with passages such as, "And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." [Eph. 4:30] Ephesians 1:14 speaks of believers as being a "purchased possession;" and Romans 8:38-39 comforts believers with Paul’s assurance that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

So, which passages should we believe? Can they all be correct? Yes, they can; and their plain meaning can be accepted without having to twist or spiritualize them in order to reconcile them with each other! Here’s the question we must always ask ourselves when we read a passage of Scripture: to whom is it written? The gospel of John, like the other three gospels, contains the words of our Lord Jesus Christ spoken "only unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." [Matt. 10:6; 15:24] Similarly, the letter to the Hebrews contains truth for Israel both at the time of its writing and for the future day of the Lord. Paul wrote his letters to the body of Christ, in which Jew and Gentile are on equal ground [1 Cor. 12:13]; so a letter to just one group or the other would not be in keeping with that great truth. Paul’s gospel of grace has been forming the body of Christ since his conversion, which made him its very first member. [1 Tim. 1:16]. So, Paul’s letters contain the truth for us, the body of Christ, today; and one of our greatest blessings is that of being eternally secure in Christ. Israel had the assurance of salvation if they remained faithful to the end of their lives [Matt. 24:13]; we have eternal life as a present possession the moment we place our faith in Jesus Christ, his death, burial, and resurrection. [1 Cor. 15:1-4].

Still not convinced? Here is the simple, yet glorious reason why we are secure for all eternity when we believe the gospel that Paul preached: The moment we believe, the Holy Spirit baptizes us into Christ. [1 Cor. 12:13]. Not a drop of water is involved; the action is a supernatural one. We are now in Christ, a member of his very own body, so tightly sealed into him that we cannot be unsealed even if we wanted to be! [2 Tim. 2:13]. Now that we’re in him, we are saved not by our own feeble and wavering faith, but by the faith of Christ! [Romans 3:22; Gal. 2:16] His righteousness is imputed to us [Rom. 3:22; Php. 3:9]; and his perfect obedience to God’s requirements of circumcision, water baptism, and keeping the Law become ours simply because we are now in him [2 Cor. 5:21]. We are totally "accepted in the beloved" [Eph. 1:6] because he is the beloved and we are in him! The Father no longer sees us as separate, sinful individuals...he sees us in him, his beloved Son, in whom he is well pleased!

Now that we’re in him, seated with him in the heavenlies at this very moment [Eph. 2:6], how then can we fail to have the eternal life he possesses, as well as all of the riches to which he is heir, as we are now "fellowheirs" in him? [Eph. 3:6]. We now walk "in the Spirit," because he walks in the Spirit, with the result being that there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. [Rom. 8:1].

God never promised Israel the kind of blessings that we have in Christ, whose faith now saves us when we place our trust in him. God’s chosen nation will have a wonderful role to play in the "ages to come," but we have Christ as a present possession in the "but now." [Eph. 2:13; Rom. 3:21].