"The Sad Truth of Biblical Illiteracy Among Us"

These [Berean's] were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind [all eagerness], and searched [examining] the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.  - Acts 17:11

Daniel Wallace states: "…The intentional dumbing down of the church for the sake of filling more pews will ultimately lead to defection from Christ (2006:337).

Allistair Begg states: "People do not know their Bibles. In an earlier generation the average 13-year-old or 14-year-old certainly in Scotland would have a far greater grasp of biblical parameters of truth than the average graduate from an American seminary today".

Al Mohler:  The many fronts of Christian compromise in this generation can be directly traced to biblical illiteracy in the pews and the absence of biblical preaching and teaching in our homes and churches.

C.H. Spurgeon: If you wish to know God you must know his word; if you wish to perceive his power you must see how he worketh by his word; if you wish to know his purpose before it is actually brought to pass you can only discover it by his word. 1607.377

Have you ever said or heard people say the Bible says, “God helps those who help themselves,”. Really give me chapter and verse, it's not in the Bible!  When asked 82 percent of Americans, said it was a Bible verse. Sadly, those who those identified themselves as born-again Christians did better–by one percent.  [83% - Sad]

That was my introduction. 

Today I was inspired and felt grieved enough to write on the subject of "Biblical Illiteracy." The final straw, so to speak, was reading some responses to someone's Bible questions to a Christian group on Facebook.  In many ways this group thinks they are so "on the mark" of Christianity.  I was saddened as most of their answers to the Bible questions were general, philosophical, and relational, but not Biblical.  

 Spurgeon said it so well: "Men talk about building upon Christ, and not upon the Scriptures; but they know not what they say; for our Lord continually established his own claims by appealing to Moses and the prophets. They would be Christo-centric, they say: I only wish they would. But if they take Christ for a centre, they will inevitably have the Scriptures for a centre too; and these men neither want the one nor the other. 2212.364

As I talk about "Biblical illiteracy," I am not talking about having to memorize the entire Bible, though memorizing is a very good and profitable.  I am also not talking about us all being Biblical scholars, although the Bible does say, "…be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:– I Peter 3:15.

I'm a pastor-teacher with a humble intelligence, so everything doesn't come easy for me, I have to study a lot, and I still forget things; but I don't use that as an excuse for being Biblically ignorant (illiterate).  You or I may not be able to rattle off scriptures on every subject, but how about an overall understanding of the Bible and the doctrines (what the Bible teaches). 

I really cringe at the answers you get in the "church" and "born-again" crowd when you ask, "how do you know you are saved or are a child of God?"  Especially, of the younger generations, usually they hem and haw and give some really weak answer.  I don't want to give them the nth degree (well I sort of do), but most don't have a clue what "salvation" is!!!  If they are saved, and some may be, it is in spite of their ignorance.  It is still scary, sad, and sickening how few really understand God, salvation, and THE BIBLE! 

I personally say I was saved June 21, 1975, because that was when I gave my life to the Lord, though I didn't really "understand" Biblically what was happening to me. I simply (and amazingly) believed in Jesus as my Savior and Lord.  Immediately following I was so hungry to learn more about Jesus, so I turned to the Bible and read, and read, and read. Also, the Lord provided a very knowledgeable Christian brother (at a distance, and this was before e-mails existed).  I would write questions and wait for his answers, which were always full of scriptures.  I still have many of those letters 35 years later, and I thank God for putting this Christian Bible literate man in my path.  Then, in more recent years in the 1990's I met a very Bible literate brother/minister that I can always throw questions to, on top of my own studying for answers, and not as a replacement for my own studying, "…to see if these things be so"  Acts 17:11 

While there is a famine of God's Word out there, there is hope for anyone to grow in the Lord.  If you really want to learn the things of God, in addition to your own study time in the Bible, there are spiritual Bible literate people to help (you may have to search and pray to find them).     

This is a little bit of my heart on a big and serious problem in the church of the 21^st Century.

Below are some passages for you and me to ponder, meditate, study, memorize, think on, and let God use to change our lives and help us to value God's Word to the utmost!

Study [be diligent] to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing [handling accurately] the word of truth.  - 2 Timothy 2:15

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.   - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Thanks for listening, and may you grow in the Lord as you build on the solid foundation of God's Word (the Bible).

If you want to know more or join us, please call me at 704-456-8771 or email me at: jim@goproclaim.com or biblefood@gmail.com

Lord bless you all as you seek to serve God for His glory alone :-)

Jim

Stand For the TRUTH

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men [don't be cowards], be strong. - I Cor. 16:13


Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand... - I Cor. 15:1


In the last few days I have had the privilege of getting to know a little bit better the stand two Christians are taking for Christ and for the truth’s presented in the Bible, and also over the past few months I have had discussions with many who have made a stand for truth as presented in the Bible.


The one Christian, Madeleine McAulay who I learned of (this week) took a firm, but loving standing for moral truth. This is not always easy in a world that is digressing more and more with time, calling evil good and good evil. (Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! - Isa 5:20). You stand for the truth get ready to be considered a hate-monger, etc. Now that’s one situation in the World.

At same time as this God honoring stand was going on,

there was the pastor full of hate for those in the world.

He is such a false example.

Whereas, most Christians have compassion for those who have bought in to lies about morals, life, etc.
We should wish no evil upon them, but speak the truth in love.

The second Christian, Yasmeen Suri, this week (who I was blessed to chat with) has also taking a stand against those who are living, experiencing, teaching error in the supposed Church leadership in our nation. Her is a woman who has had her eyes open to many false beliefs and teaching among Christian leaders (sadly so-called). Her stand may cost her in some ways, but I believe God will reward her stand.

 Part One

  Part Two
So let’s look at ourselves are we standing for truth! If not why not. We may vary on beliefs in some areas but let’s not fall hook, line, and sinker for the many lies being perpetrated as truth. I am not even talking what I consider minor differences between denominations, but major truths that really can’t be taking in all but one way. As they are no where representative of the God of Christianity.

Again examine your beliefs based of the Word of God (BIBLE) and keep to your biblical convicts.
Step forward Christians in the boldness and compassion of Christ.

I’m proud of both, and hope I would have the same boldness and compassion to speak for the truth.

Two things stick out to me. First, doing this in boldness for the Lord and secondly with compassion for those on the other side of truth.

 They (boldness/compassion) work great together.   Amen!

Foundations of the Church - Prayer

We will be back to our Galatians series next week, but this week I am bringing you my most listened to sermon and notes. It has touched lives - may it touch yours.

To hear audio sermon on PRAYER go to: http://sermon.net/biblefood/sermonid/127919

We need to be a "House of PRAYER"
Matthew 21:13 "And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves."

The greatest reputation of the Lord's House should be the "house of prayer." Churches have reputations as a great singing church, a great preaching church or a great programs church.
But how long has it been since someone referred to a church as a "praying church?"

"Every congregation and all believers everywhere need united agreement in prayer and faith.

True, we can play privately, but we must also come together with the church expecting to find one accord in prayer. The church in Acts began in one accord in prayer (Acts 1:14; 2:1). United prayer was a top priority of the apostles and the people (Acts 6:4; 4:18-33; 12:1-25; 15:1-30). United agreement in prayer is necessary because of who we are.

"The church is dying on its feet because it is not living on its knees.

Prayer simply defined is: Prayer is communication with God. It is communion with Him.

He desires heart to heart communion with us as individuals and as a group.

"THE FIRST CHURCH WAS A PRAYING CHURCH

Acts 1:14 "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication"

Prayer must be a continuing activity in the church.

Acts 1:24 "And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,"

Prayer seeks to know Gods choice.

Acts 2:42 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."

Prayer must be an established, permanent, steadfast and unmovable function of the church.

Acts 3:1 "Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer"

Prayer must have a permanent place in the schedule of the church. Prayer must have a priority and not be pushed around or pushed out of the way to make room for something we want to do.

Acts 4:31 "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost"

Prayer is necessary to maintain the fullness and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Many of these believers were in the upper room on the day of Pentecost.

Acts 6:4 "But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."

Prayer is the balance to the Word. The study of the Word prepares the message but through prayer the messenger is prepared.

Acts 6:6 "Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them."

Prayer before we lay hands on others makes sure that Gods hand is on us first.

Acts 7:60 "And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."

Prayer is the way to live but it is also the way to die.

Acts 9:40 "But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up."

Prayer is the means by which miracles take place.

Acts 10:9, 11 "Peter went up upon the housetop to pray and saw heaven opened"

Prayer is the place where we see heavenly visions.

Acts 10:30 "And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,"

Prayer and fasting takes us beyond seeing what is physically seen and we see into the unseen realm of the Spirit.

Acts 12:5 "Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him."

Prayer in the book of Acts church was more than a "name it and claim it" thing but it was a fervent and earnest spiritual warfare of intercession.

Acts 12:12 "he came to the house of Mary the mother of John where many were gathered together praying."

Prayer involves coming together to pray so that we can agree together.

Acts 13:3 "And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away."

Prayer and fasting should be done before we send missionaries, evangelist and anyone that goes out from the church to minister. This would make a difference when we send our youth on a mission trip. Rather than gather around the van and pray as they are driving off, we should have a time of prayer and fasting and then lay hands on them for ministry.

Acts 14:23 "And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed."

Prayer and fasting should accompany the appointment of every leader in the church.

Acts 16:13,16 "And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither." "as we went to prayer."

Prayer could be found by the river side or in a house because if believers are there, whatever else might be happening prayer would be a part of it.

Acts 16:25 "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them."

Prayer and singing go together but singing must never become a substitute for prayer. Singing praises compliments our prayers with the expressions of faith.

Acts 20:36 "And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all."

Prayer was practiced by Paul when he was leaving friends behind.

Acts 22:17-18 "And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance. And saw Him saying unto me, make haste..."

Prayer sometimes gives warnings and directions for our safety. Here Paul was told to leave Jerusalem quickly.

Acts 28:8 "And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him."

Prayer of faith that heals the sick must never lose it's place in the ministry of the church.

Prayer Quotes:

"Prayer is a God ordained means to accomplish God ordained ends." Erwin Lutzer

"Prayer is not convincing God to do something He doesn’t want to do, but laying hold of His highest willingness." Erwin Lutzer Hos. 7:14 (wail but won’t pray)

"Prayer is nothing more than digging out the treasures that God has laid out for us." John Calvin

"The little estimate we put on prayer is evidence from the little time we give to it." E.M. Bounds

John Bunyan’s famous treatise. His definition of prayer is clarifying and helpful. "Prayer is a sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the heart or soul to God, through Christ, in the strength and assistance of the Holy Spirit, for such things as God hath promised, or according to the Word, for the good of the church, with submission, in faith, to the will of God."

It's time to Pray Church!!!

"What Happened? The Devaluation of Human Life"

Today, we will look at the DECLINE OF VALUE put on a human life in our in SOCIETY.

I remember first studying the subject of "euthanasia (mercy-killing)." In my sophomore year of high school I was on the debate team against euthanasia. Basically, my views haven't changed, but what was mostly hypothetical at the time (1970's) is now a sad reality in our society.

As we look at our subject today, I would like to start with two scripture passages.

Genesis 9:6 - “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image."

This scripture is more than a prohibition on the taking of innocent life. Being created by God, we are stewards of our lives rather than owners. Created to be like God, our lives have an eternal purpose; set apart for, and owned by God. Since we are created in the image of God, our lives have intrinsic and immeasurable value. This is the source of the "sanctity of life" concept.
This (Gen. 9:6) is the recorded decree of God -- not because human life was cheap (the murderer's), but because human life (the victim's) was precious. This word from God bears witness to the value and sanctity of human life.

Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?g And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31Fear not, therefore; you are of MORE VALUE than many sparrows.

God values the sparrow, but He values you MUCH MORE. Human life is the most valued of all God’s creations!

I would like to share a recent e-mail from a friend of mine in Kentucky, he writes the following:

I thought some of you might find this interesting, I have Muscular Dystrophy, and I no longer qualify for physical therapy or water therapy because my illness is not "rehabilitatable.” Thanks to Obama's Health Care (Death Panel) Package...Since my disease progressively worsens, then they consider it throwing money away giving me therapy...Where will this lead to folks?

I don’t like to get into politics, and when I venture there, some wish I hadn’t – lol! But when I saw my friend post (above), it ticked me off how our government and society are becoming less and less concerned about people, and devaluing the worth of people by actually putting a price on when, what and why people should be helped or not. My friend’s case is not a rare occasion, but becoming the regular mind set.

Richard Land puts it so well:
"Denying life-saving health care to the elderly just because they're old, just because it's not cost-effective, is no less barbaric than leaving your elderly to die of exposure on an ice floe or out in the jungle. The only difference is the sophistication with which the elderly are dispatched. It's still barbarism and must be called as such..."

Also, our government has decided to move up the age for women getting breast exams, stating: “Potential harm of frequent mammograms outweighs benefit, task force says” [ I say it’s a bunch of hogwash!!) Later in the article, Daniel B. Kopans (radiology professor at Harvard Medical School) calls it like it is…"Tens of thousands of lives are being saved by mammography screening, and these idiots want to do away with it," "It's crazy -- unethical, really."

For full article see:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2009/11/16/AR2009111602822.html

This is just the beginning of things to come. Now that the government is involved in health care, expect older people to be at risk of not getting treatment, more breast cancer, and also likely more abortions, and evaluating the treatment of others based not on saving their lives, but asking the question: Is this person worth the treatment???

Life is being treated more cheaply every day. Why? I will tell you why. One source on the internet put it this way (couldn’t say it better myself):

“What is a human being? There are two very different answers that you might hear to this question. The Bible says we are creatures that God made especially in His image. Jesus says that we are of much more value than the birds of the air. That is one answer.

There is a second answer to this question.
This answer says that a human being is a rather complex animal who descended from the monkeys (the brain-washing of otherwise intelligent people) that we are a chance mixture of the right molecules and chemicals that ages ago emerged from the primordial slime and climbed into the trees and viola! - here we are!

It is no coincidence that our attitude toward life has cheapened to the extent that we have rejected or ignored the fact of God. As we in the post-Christian West abandon our Judeo-Christian heritage, life is becoming cheap once again. In the last few decades the secular humanists have done everything possible to remove any thought or consideration of God from the public sphere. Schools are pressured to not even mention the subject of God or to even sing religious songs anymore. Children are systematically taught from k-12 that a human being is really nothing more than a glorified monkey (the brain-washing of otherwise intelligent people). As we are taught and as we believe that we are nothing more than an animal, it should be no surprise to anyone that we will treat each other more and more like animals and get away with it.

This is one reason it is for our good to believe in and to honor God. It is just as the Bible teaches. "The FOOL has said in his heart, 'There is no God.” [Psa. 14:1] When we devalue God, we devalue human life. When we honor God, we give value to human life.” - Unknown Author

That’s my brief thought on it! You who are thrilled with our new government “Health Care,” it isn’t what you think it is, and I hate to say down the road “I told you this government health care is a HUGE mistake”, so I’m saying it here in advance…I TOLD YOU SO!

It’s time like never before to pray for America and Christianity as they once went together, but now they are worlds apart.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we praise you for your amazing grace, help us see the VALUE of HUMAN LIFE is possible in YOU, not in our strength. Lord may your Word in today’s devotion speak to hearts, and bring not condemnation, but conviction, followed by repentance, followed by change to all who read this today. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN!

In His Service,
Pastor Jim Mazzulla (jim@biblefood.org)

Our Ministries: www.biblefood.org, www.goproclaim.com and www.christianpoolplayers.com
My FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/jim.mazzulla

“What Happened?” - Moral Decline

Today we will look at our MORAL decline in SOCIETY.

In my lifetime (50 years), I am amazed at what has happened to the morality in the USA and many parts of the world. Compromise and turning our heads away from things that needed to be confronted (as sin) has resulted in a sick church and an even sicker society.

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil;
that put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Isa. 5:20

He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous,
Both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD. Proverbs 17:15

What was called sin just a few years ago is now acceptable and even honored. In years gone by, moral sins would never have been openly talked about. Now, not only do we talk about them with no shame or conviction, but we no longer call immorality sin. We say it’s okay or call it an “alternative lifestyle.” Examples: Fornication (any sex without marriage ), adultery (sex with other than your marriage partner), lesbianism, and homosexuality to name a few…

Now, it’s hard to find a couple (unmarried) on TV (or real life) who are not in fornication, or married who are not in adultery – It’s no big deal is the attitude. The same with lesbianism and homosexuality, more and more we are told we must accept it, if not embrace it.

Wow! Could I be accused of a hate crime for hating sin!!! Hating sin, NOT sinning people. If you were to get to know me, you would know that I have a real compassion for many in these categories, and have been there for them even when others weren’t, and I would venture to say I care more about them than the typical person in this world.

I do desire and pray that they would come out of their sin (which in most cases is a deception and/or a bondage to them), just like any one in any other sin. Jesus has better for them!!! In NO way do I look at them with anything but LOVE (God’s Love). I humbly write this devotion knowing – Except for the Grace of God so go I!

God’s Word is clear on the subject:

9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were (past tense) some of you (that includes ME). But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
I Cor. 6:9-11

This scripture gives quite a list here!!! Call it a “lifestyle OR alternative lifestyle” if you like, I believe the Bible calls it SIN.

There is the blood of Jesus that will cleanse ANY repentant sinner of a life that is displeasing to God, and bring FREEDOM from the power of sin, behaviors, habits, addictions, etc.

Highly recommended reading on addictions of any kind:
Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave : Finding Hope in the Power of the Gospel http://tiny.cc/v06j7

Closing passage:
8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit,according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world,and NOT ACCORDING TO CHRIST.
Colossians 2:8

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we praise you for your amazing grace, help us see MORALITY is possible in YOU, not in our strength. Lord may your Word in today’s devotion speak to hearts, and bring not condemnation, but conviction, followed by repentance, followed by change to all who read this today. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN!

To go along with this devotion please watch - Amazing Grace video approx. 2 minutes: http://www.godtube.com/featured/video/amazing-grace-0/inspiration

In His Service,

Pastor Jim Mazzulla (jim@biblefood.org)

http://www.biblefood.org/

http://www.facebook.com/jim.mazzulla