GOVERNMENT COMING AFTER CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES

The Federal government is going to force ministries to offer birth control medications to all women working for Christian ministries. However for a short time this will exclude churches, but we know that soon they will force the same thing in churches as they can get away with it. It is only a matter of time. This reminds us of Nazi Germany that slowly began to take control of all religious institutions in that country.


Some ministries are beginning to fight back. Dr. Philip Ryken, president of Wheaton College (where I graduated from), is filing a brief against the government opposing this move and take over by the feds. Other religious institutions are joining with Ryken in a legal brief.


We knew that such a move was not far off! We have already lost many of our freedoms and more will be scheduled to go on the chopping block soon. 

America is gone! It is not the same place morally nor spiritually. Prepare for more intent persecution. 

Warn your congregations. We will see even more things coming upon us that we have never imagined.

OUTSTANDING WORD STUDY TOOL

Drs. Warren Baker and Eugene Carpenter have done a tremendous job in giving us a Hebrew Old Testament word study volume on key words in the older text of our Bible. 

This 2138 page volume is keyed to the Strong's numbering system which makes it a handy work in giving us definitions and usages to aid the student of the Old Testament. No one who likes to exegete or teach from the Word of God can do without it. 

I find myself using it two or three times a week since I love to study the great highlights from Genesis to Malachi. This study tool is perfect for Hebrew scholars but simple to use for anyone who has not had the biblical Hebrew language. (1) each word is pronounced, (2) given an English equivalent, (3) defined in a Hebrew verse and passage, and then (4) described in its usage. One wonders how it has been possible to go so long without such a handy help when studying the Scriptures! 

There is no way to “over endorse” this work. Again, whether a Hebrew teacher or scholar, or just a driven Sunday school teacher, “The Complete Word Study Dictionary Old Testament” (Chattanooga: AMG Publishers) is a must on your library shelf. Both writers hold advanced degrees from various graduate schools including Faith Theological Seminary. --Mal Couch, Ph.D., Th.D.

GOD HAS A PURPOSE …

The Lord has a purpose and a time-frame for everyone. He works within in order to accomplish his tasks. Lewis S. Chafer, the great Bible teacher, said he wanted to go as far as the Lord wanted him to in his ministry. And that he did. He died while on a teaching tour just as he pledged to do!

Of John the Baptist it was said: “While John was completing his course, he kept saying … 'One is coming after me the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie'” (Acts 13:25).
 
 And of David: “After he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep, and was laid among his fathers, and underwent decay” (v. 36).

Paul said: “I have fought the good fight [God laid out for me], I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award me, but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Tim. 4:7-8).

And: “I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course [He gave me], and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).

David added: “Your statutes are my songs in the house of my pilgrimage” (Psa. 119:54). Peter went on: “Conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay upon the earth” (1 Pet. 1:17).

David also said: “I am a stranger in the earth” (Psa. 119:19).

We all have to realize we are just passing through!
 
--Dr. Mal Couch (7/12)