Less Turvey Listings Page 9

BIBLE CHALLENGE

Are you up to a challenge? Forget your church’s teachings and the so-called Apostles’ Creed. Put away all your books, and search your bible for your answers to the following questions.

1) The bible defines the wages of sin (Romans 6:23). Why do people insist it is eternal life in another place?

2) Does man have a soul, or does the bible tell us something else? (Genesis 2:7; 1 Corinthians 15:45)

3) Do humans have eternal life inherent? (Genesis 3:22)

4) Is a soul immortal? (1 Corinthians 15:53)

5) Can souls sin? (Ezekiel 18:4, 20) What else can souls do? (Same verses)

6) When Lazarus died he was carried to Abraham’s bosom. Where does the bible say Abraham was? (Luke 16:19-31)

7) What did Jesus say about Abraham and heaven? (John 3:13; see also Acts 2:29, 34)

8) The only bible reference that speaks of hell as a place other than the grave is 2 Peter 2:4 (Greek = tartaros, the deepest abyss of hades, to incarcerate in eternal torment, to cast down to hell.) But who will be cast there?

9) Will this torment be of fire? (Jude 1:6)

10) When Lazarus was resurrected did he give any indication of where he had been during his four days in the grave? (John 11:39-44)

11) Mark 9:44, 46, 48 speaks of a fire that is not quenched but does that mean it will never stop burning? (Light a match but don’t quench it.)

12) What will happen when the last trumpet sounds? (Revelation 11:15; 1 Corinthians 15:52)

13) If a soul is immortal, why will it have to put on immortality? (1 Corinthians 15:53)

14) One might expect Job would have asked God to take him to heaven when he died, but where did he ask to be taken? (Job 14:13)

15) What did he mean by “my change”? (vs 14)

16) Are there new testament references to Job’s change? (1 Corinthians 15:51-52; Philippians 3:21)

17) Do worms have eternal life? (Mark 9:44, 46, 48)

18) Who, or what, will be given eternal life? (John 3:16)

19) What will happen to the proud and the wicked? (Malachi 4:1, 3)

20) Who will remember them? (Ecclesiastes 9:5)

21) What do the dead know? (Same vs)

22) When does the bible say the thief would be with Christ in paradise? (Luke 23:43)

23) Did Jesus go to paradise that day? (John 20:17)

24) Can you explain the dichotomy between questions 23 and 24?

25) Did Jesus say the ruler’s daughter was in heaven? (Luke 8:49-56)

26) Many people believe Jesus went about teaching eternal torment in hell. What did he really teach about? (Matthew 6:10,13; 6:33; Mark 1:14,15; 10:14-15; Luke 4:43).

27) If dead people have already gone to where they’re supposed to have gone, why will they need to come back from the grave to be given eternal life or to be judged? (John 5:28-29 / see also Daniel 12:2)

28) Can our worship of Jesus Christ be empty and useless? (Matthew 15:8-9; Mark 7:6-7)

29) Most people change the meaning of God’s Word to make it conform to their belief, rather than changing their belief to make it conform to God’s Word. Which will you do?

No heaven; no hell. Is there nothing beyond this wretched existence we call Life?

Imagine waking tomorrow morning in a world of peace and beauty. Every implement of warfare has been melted down and recast as farm machinery. Super highways are no more. In their place is mile after mile of beautiful homes, each surrounded by its own fruit orchard, vineyard, and vegetable garden. You local hospital has been levelled, and the property turned into parkland. Sprawling cities with their high-rise skyscrapers have been replaced by vast tracts of forestation.

Great snow-capped mountain ranges have become low, rolling hills with sheep and goats and wolves and bears all serenely roaming and feeding together. Children wrestle playfully with lions, and have no fear of snakes and reptiles.

The arid deserts on every continent blossom with vegetation, and the floors of the huge aquatic deserts -- the Atlantic and Pacific -- have been raised to provide more room and food for humanity. The once icy deserts at the poles are fully habitable and warm.

Politics, disease, poverty and starvation are things of the past. Sexual intercourse is no longer a heady, sensual thing of the moment, but has returned as the deepest expression of pure love between a man and his wife, who provide stability for their families including their own parents and their grandchildren.

Financial currency is no longer based on pieces of paper, but on trade and barter between the woman who spins yarn and the family who bakes bread.

Everyone understands each other as all speak one unadulterated language given to them by the one true God who created the heavens and the earth. The multiple religions of the world have disappeared, and Christianity is no longer split into hundreds of denominations and factions each claiming to have the truth. Everyone knows the truth, and the truth has made them free.

Life in such a world would be wonderful, and that world is coming. Yes, there are terrible times ahead in this life, but when Jesus Christ returns and brings and end to it before mankind brings an end to himself, Jesus will supervise the reconstruction of the planet we live on, and teach everyone the only way of life that leads to peace. Then, when all is prepared, those who are in the graves will be resurrected to live God's way of life and love (John 5:28-29).

Finally, in the most glorious event of all time, our heavenly father, God, will make his residence on this earth in a gleaming city called new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2-3).

Throughout the bible the concept of family is primary to our creator. Adam and Eve were created so they could procreate (Genesis 4:1). Noah’s family -- not just Noah -- was saved from the great flood (Genesis 7:1,7). Family is so important to God that in the year of jubilee all slaves are to be freed and returned to their families (Leviticus 25:39-41). In the new testament we’re told, “For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named (Ephesians 3:14-15).”

Read that again. The whole family in heaven -- that is, at present, our father and Jesus Christ -- is named God. But Jesus Christ has promised, "He who overcomes the ways of satan's world, shall inherit all things...(Revelation 21:7)." An inheritance is generally passed from a father to his children. Continue. "...and I will be his God, and he shall be my son."

What is your destiny? It is God's eternal plan that all mankind should become part of his glorious family forever. That is the message of Christendom's favourite scripture: "For God so loved the world...(John 3:16)."

Betty and I chose passover more than thirty years ago, and have never regretted the change.

Easter is coming, and with it will come the usual arguments: it’s pagan; the catholics created it; it’s all commercial; and so on. Those who pan the traditional day of resurrection are wasting their time. Our friends in the easter-keeping congregations are convinced they’re right and we’re the unilluminated.

The harangues of the self-proclaimed scholars of pagan origins often anger those in the easter parade. What a dichotomy: Jesus, the one whom easter is said to honour, taught peace, yet what peace is there in hammering away at people for things they don’t understand?

To most people paganism means nothing. Even those who read Frazer’s treatise “The Golden Bough,” and Hislop’s “The Two Babylons,” have little or no first-hand knowledge of pagan worship. And the easter-observing people won’t burn in hell fire for their beliefs, so why waste your time trying to save them from such a fate?

Betty and I don’t observe easter, but not only for its history. God’s holy spirit has shown us the Christian meaning of the week-long passover season with its holy days, and days of unleavened bread. To Christians, passover is not about animal sacrifices, not about leaving Egypt, and it’s certainly not Jewish. It is the Lord’s passover (Leviticus 23:5), and it’s about the death and triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ.

On the evening of Tuesday, April 24, 31 A.D. (Nisan 14 on the Hebrew calendar), Jesus sat with the twelve at dinner. It was an evening of new events, the first being that Jesus, the master, washed his servants’ feet (John 13:4-17).

At sunset on Nisan 14 (Monday, April 2, 2007), passover-observing Christians gather for a special service, which begins with the participants washing each other’s feet according to Jesus’ example for us to be servants of one another.

Another part of the service is eating unleavened bread, which Jesus introduced as a symbol of his body broken for all mankind, and drinking a small cup of wine, introduced as a reminder of his blood soon to be poured out for the forgiveness of sin. This follows Jesus’ command in Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20; and expanded on in 1 Corinthians 11:23-29.

Throughout the service we read Jesus’ comforting message to his disciples in John 14, 15, and 16, and the true Lord’s prayer in John 17. The service ends, as did the events of that evening in 31 A.D., with the singing of a hymn (Matthew 26:30; Mark 14:26).

The passover service is at once the most solemn event of the Christian year, yet the most joyous, as it recalls Jesus’ triumphant declaration, “Be of good cheer. I have overcome the world (John 16:33).”

The next day, Wednesday, was the day of crucifixion and burial. The sun was fast setting as Jesus was laid in the tomb, where he laid for exactly three nights and three days as he prophesied. Then, as the sun was setting late Saturday evening, Jesus rose victorious over death, and walked through the huge stone sealing his grave. Twelve hours passed before he appeared to Mary in the garden: twelve hours he likely spent in praise and thanksgiving to his heavenly father.

There’s much more to the passover account: two holy days, the symbolism of the wave-sheaf offering (Leviticus 23:8-11), and eating unleavened bread for seven days, symbolic of becoming perfected, even as God is perfect (Matthew 5:48; 1 Corinthians 5:7).

Easter or passover? The choice is yours. But if I had the choice to make over again, I’d still choose passover.

Was the resurrection of Jesus Christ a one-time event, or could it be continuing today?

The sun was barely visible on the horizon when two women started down the village path carrying their precious burden. No doubt they discussed the work to be done, but there was a major concern before they could begin: who would roll the stone away for them?

Their conversation may have gone like this: “The soldiers won’t do it. They’re supposed to guard the tomb.”

“Peter and Andrew might help if it weren’t for the soldiers. Besides, the men are afraid the Jews might kill them.”

Their concern turned to fear as the earth began to shake beneath them. When the rumbling stopped a new fear gripped them. The stone was rolled away, but a strange being sat on it. It’s face flashed like lightning; its clothes were pure white.

“Don’t be afraid, ladies,” the being said softly. “You’re looking for Jesus who was crucified, but he is not here. He has risen, just as he said he would. Let me show you (Matthew 28:1-6).”

Timidly they approached the cave, and saw it was empty. Their fear turned to tears as they thought someone had stolen Jesus’ body. One of the women, thinking she was talking to the gardener said, “If you have taken him away, please tell me where he is.” Then Jesus said gently to her, “Mary.”

She would have joyously embraced him, but he said, “Not yet. I haven’t ascended to my father. Go and tell my disciples I go to our father and our God (John 20:15-17).”

But a few minutes later, as they were on the way, Jesus met them, saying, “All hail.” And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him (Matthew 28:9).

Whoa! From earth to somewhere in space and back again in a matter of minutes? Unbelievable! Or is it?

Imagine. Jesus, composed of spirit matter as he was before his human birth, travels at the speed of thought and arrives in heaven faster than you can blink an eye. And who knows what majestic celebrations took place there. There may have been great regal ceremonies which, in human time, would take weeks. But the one who inhabits eternity is not bound by human hours and days (Isaiah 57:15). One day with God is like a thousand years of our time, and a thousand years like one day (2 Peter 3:8).

We think of the resurrection as a joyous time, but was it? Later that day, as two of disciples started for Emmaus, they reasoned between themselves. Let's listen in:

“I know what you mean, Peter. I think someone did steal his body. Wouldn’t put it past those priests, you know.”

When a stranger asked what they were discussing, they recounted the crucifixion events. After they realized it was Jesus they returned to the other disciples.

But where were they? Dancing in the streets? Having a resurrection party? They were behind locked doors, fearing the Jews might go after them. And when Jesus walked through the walls and appeared in front of them, they thought he was an apparition. Thomas was the only absentee, but when he showed up he wasn’t convinced of the resurrection either (John 20:19-25).

As we look back to that wondrous day in 31 AD, we recognize without Christ’s resurrection we could not have the promise of eternal life. But for the men who had followed the master, it was a day of confusion and fear.

We speak of Doubting Thomas, but Matthew 28:16-17 says others doubted too. Peter had said, “I’m going fishing.” Was there a note of discouragement in his voice? Whatever it was, six other disciples went with him (John 21:2-3).

But the resurrection account continues. For seven weeks Jesus appeared here and there, and at one time was seen by five hundred brethren at once. Even later he appeared to Paul (1 Corinthians 15:3-9). A great change was wrought in the lives of those who first doubted.

Resurrection means rebirth. We speak of the events of Acts 2 as the birth of God’s church when, in reality, it was the rebirth of the church of God in the wilderness (Acts 7:38). That church died because it refused to obey God (Deuteronomy 28:15-end), but was resurrected by Jesus Christ, never to die again (Matthew 15:18). The resurrected church obeys God and keeps all his commandments (Deuteronomy 28:1-14).

The resurrection account continues today in the lives of men and women who die to their old way of life, and are reborn to the way of life Jesus Christ taught.

Is giving up beer or chocolates for a few days a fitting way to remember Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for us?

If giving up something reflects Jesus Christ’s sacrifice to us, then giving up chocolates, beer, or whatever, is a poor substitute – a slap in his face.

Consider this. You’re trapped in a burning building and your best friend plunges through the flames to rescue you. Next day he dies of burns sustained so you could live.

On the anniversary of his death you say, “I won’t eat any roast beef today to reflect on John’s sacrifice for me.” Some reflection!

Through the year you’d more likely work toward having a street dedicated as an on-going memorial.

There’s more to Jesus Christ’s sacrifice than merely his human life. If that’s all he gave up he’s no better than the lads who died at war so you and I can live in peace. He’s no better than John who died to save your life.

And anything you or I might give up for Lent is no more meaningful than a day without roast beef.

Whatever we may imagine heaven to be, is nothing compared to what Jesus Christ’s home is really like.

If we imagine streets paved with gold, and buildings studded with magnificent precious stones, that’s just the beginning.

Music? The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is just one voice in the chorus that sings for Jesus.

Artwork? Michelangelo and da Vinci were amateurs compared to the one who designed the heavens and the earth.

We can’t imagine what Christ’s home is like (I Corinthians 2:9). Yet he gave it all up – not just his life – so we might live eternally in his kingdom.

While Jesus was human if he had sinned just once – just one fleeting sinful thought – he could not have been our savior. Nor could he have re-entered heaven with all that waited for him there.

Jesus must look on his crucifixion as graduation, much like a doctor looks on his graduation after sacrificing time and energy and money to claim the title bestowed by the college. Christ’s title, however, is savior of all mankind.

The medical student could have disqualified himself from becoming a doctor by failing one crucial exam. And Christ could have disqualified himself from becoming our saviour by sinning just once.

If giving up roast beef for a day is a poor reflection on John’s sacrifice, then what can we give up for a few days of Lent as a fitting memorial of Jesus Christ’s life-long sacrifice?

What Christ looks for is a lifetime of overcoming sin. We may have to work on one fault ‘til we have purged it from our mind. Then another, and another, and another.

Give up chocolates or beer for Lent? We must present ourselves every day as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God (Romans 12:1).

Is the bible a lot of Thou shalt nots? Is the feast of tabernacles something Jewish? Let’s eavesdrop on a conversation between two friends.

“Tabernacles? Tabernacles. Oh, I know. It’s that Jewish thing where everybody lives in huts made of branches and stuff.”

“Well you’ve got the idea, but it’s not Jewish, and we don’t live in huts. We stay in hotels and motels, and some people camp out.”

“You could call it a vacation, but it’s a lot more. We meet with brethren -- that’s church people to you. Well, we meet with brethren from all over, to worship God. Remember, I said it’s not Jewish: it’s God’s feast of tabernacles. Here, let me show you. Leviticus 23:2 says '...these are my feasts,' and that was God speaking. All the feasts are listed in Leviticus 23: passover, pentecost, the feast of trumpets, atonement, and tabernacles.”

“Not at all. There’s lots of planned events, as well as plenty of free time for family outings and the like. Usually the first evening is a getting-to-know-you social with donuts and coffee. The first day is always a holy day, so there’s worship services in the morning and afternoon. The last day is the same. But between the two there are worship services in the morning, and the afternoon is free for swimming, bowling, hiking, visiting local amusement parks. It’s real family time.

“Then in the evenings, Jim, there’s several planned programs. Depending on the feast site there may be a talent show, teen night, singles get-togethers, seniors programs, sing-a-longs, you name it.

“Something special for the young kids at many sites is sabbath school. They have their own bible-learning time while the grown-ups attend the worship service. There’s crafts and so on, and they may practice for a children’s choir to sing at the youth day worship service. That one is conducted by the young people.”

“It is, but we really enjoy ourselves, as Deuteronomy 16:14 says, ‘You shall rejoice in your feast.’ You know, many people think the bible is a lot of ‘Thou shalt nots,’ but here’s God telling us to have a good time.”

“Depends. For most folk there’s a feast site within a few hours drive. Some may choose to go further. And, if you’re well-heeled you might like to keep the feast in Hawaii or some other exotic place. There’s feast sites all over the world.”

“Wow! Luaus on the beach, hula dancing, surf boarding. Ted, I like your kind of church.”

"Well, I guess if you can afford Hawaii there's all that. But the main thrust of the feast is to worship God. In fact, the main thrust of all our life is to worship God in everything we do. And why not? God has given us everything we have, whether it's food, clothes, family, friends. And speaking of food, that's an important part of the feast of tabernacles. We save all year to have enough money to take in some fine restaurants while we're there. And if the kids want to go to the golden arches, we do that too. But it's important for our kids to learn how to act in refined dining spots. It trains them for the future."

“What future? There’s so much war and terrorism there doesn’t seem to be a future for our kids. The world’s falling apart.”

“I know, Jim, but I’m talking about a great future when Jesus Christ returns and teaches the world how to live at peace. And that’s what the feast of tabernacles portrays. We think of it as God’s wonderful world tomorrow.”

October 31 is just another date on the calendar. But to one evil spirit, the night is devoted to him, and Christians in every community pay him homage.

He's the boy next door, a favourite uncle, a greying grandfatherly type. Once a year he may turn into a gruesome ghoul, a wicked warlock, or a creepy creature from the spooky lagoon. And he will turn your life into a nightmare. He's your average child molester, and your child is his prey.

Behind the mask he's not likely to be recognized when he kidnaps your son or daughter trick-or-treating door to door. As his car disappears into the dark the horrible realization sets in: your child will be raped, and likely murdered. A shallow grave will hide the body.

Some may think I'm the Grinch who stole halloween. But the Grinch is a saint compared to the demon-inspired molesters who will prowl the streets on the night devoted to satan.

"Oh, come on," you say. "Halloween's for the kids, and it's a lot of fun." Oh? Was it fun for the kid who bit into an apple, and was slashed by a hidden razor blade? Fun for the kid whose stomach was pumped to save him from arsenic-laced candies? Fun for the parents pacing tearfully in a hospital corridor, waiting for the doctor to tell them whether their child will survive? Fun for the family answering questions about a child's last known whereabouts, and showing the officer a shoe that got knocked off while their child was dragged helplessly into a car?

That family won't be thinking about satan, but they will have some enraged names for those who stole their child. Yet behind the kidnapping and the names and the anguished tears, there is a devil called satan.

Yes, satan is alive, and his evil is carried out every day by the boy next door, a favourite uncle, or a greying grandfatherly type. And he sets aside one night a year -- halloween -- to honour himself.

Why would anyone want to honour someone whose mind is filled with hate? The devil, satan, hates you, hates your kids, and even hates God. Yet people toss him off like Flip Wilson's famous comedy line, "The devil made me do it."

It's easy to believe there's no such being as satan. You don't see him walking down the street, and if you did, he wouldn't be wearing a red suit topped with horns. When something terrible happens we blame the people who did it, but are they really the ones to blame? They're only satan's agents who've been influenced do his dirty work.

Many churches have turned to having parties on October 31, with the young people dressing as bible characters. Although this seems to be a good alternative to trick-or-treating in outlandish costumes, the concept is still halloween. It’s impossible for man to make Godly what satan has appropriated to himself. God commanded that his people are not to study, the way of the heathen nations who worship gods inspired by satan (Jeremiah 10:2). He also commanded Israel not to ask about the heathen gods, and say we will worship our God in the same way, because their ways are disgusting and abominable to the Lord (Deuteronomy 12:30-31).”

Unfortunately, through their misguided idea that dressing as bible characters somehow makes halloween Godly, the churches teach their youth to do exactly what God says not to do. And while a youthful Mary or Joseph wend their way home, a ghoulish boy next door, a favourite uncle, or a greying grandfatherly type may be waiting in the shadows, ready to snare them as God warns us about in Deuteronomy 7:16.

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