Bible Burgh

What is the real meaning of Christmas?

2009-12-24T14:16:00.004-05:00

The exact date isn't an issue. 3 kings or 300 astrologers? How long were they in the manger? These are details that do matter for clarity, but these details aren't the meaning of Christmas. Christmas is one thing:

The celebration by Christians in acknowledgment of the day when God Himself added the weakness of human flesh to His Godliness, became 100% God AND 100% man in order that He might further reveal Himself to us and we know Him better, and to become the perfect sacrifice for our Sin, redeeming the elect from the bondage of Sin.

That beloved, is Christmas. Did you know that the seeds of Christmas are first mentioned all the way back in Genesis 3:15? God was ready to redeem you before you were even born.

Christmas is not a sacrament commanded by God. It is a wonderful opportunity though, to share the Gospel with a world who is notating today, but may not realize why. Don't argue the shape of the best life preserver when you should be saving people from drowning. Just let them know that unto them this day is born a savior, that is Christ Jesus.

Merry Christmas!

(It is said that the candy cane represents the Shepherd's staff as well as the purity plus shed blood of Christ.)

Do Catholics Worship the Virgin Mary?

2009-12-16T22:00:00.006-05:00

Of course not. Just ask them and they will tell you so. By the way...

PSALM 2
Why have our enemies raged and our adversaries devised vain things? May thy right hand protect us, O Mother of God: as a line of battle terrible in aspect, confounding and destroying them. Come ye to her, all who labor and are in trouble: and she will give refreshment to your souls. Draw nigh to her in your temptations: and the serenity of her countenance will bring you peace and confidence. Bless her with your whole heart: for the earth is full of her mercy. Glory be to the Father, etc.

See? No worship there. Hey, check out Matthew 11:28-30

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Hm. Now I'm confused. To whom are we supposed to go?

h/t James White

update 12.23: James White elucidates the problem with this

Did You MISS Christmas???

2009-12-23T08:52:00.002-05:00

I MEAN . . . The ANNUAL Bible Burgh Christmas Drama Presentation!!

We will RE-AIR the program in its entirety THIS Sunday Night, December 27th!!

Bible Burgh AIRS on WORD FM 101.5 in Pittsburgh, PA ... or "LISTEN LIVE" at www.wordfm.com . . .

Gather 'round the FIRE . . . with coffee, chocolate . . . and, of course, your BIBLE! :-)

*** The show this week is IN REVERSE!! ***

The SECOND HOUR (10:00pm) will feature our 3rd year Christmas Drama Presentation with readings and music to KEEP your CHRISTMAS SPIRIT WARM!

BUT IN THE FIRST HOUR . . . we bring you the WRAP UP of the following sessions (I think I mistakenly said that LAST week was the wrap up... *begs forgiveness*):

Dr. Jack Kinneer, RPTS, on the Christmas Story and the Original Language . . .

"The WORD Became Flesh" from Ligonier Ministries with R.C. Sproul . . . AND . . .

"What is The GOSPEL??" . . . with Tom Ascol, courtesy of The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals . . .

LOOKING FORWARD TO HAVING YOU WITH US . . . this Sunday Night at 9:00pm for Bible Burgh . . . and at 10:00pm for a special RE-AIRING of the Bible Burgh Christmas Drama Presentation!

Tell a friend!!! . . . "LISTEN LIVE" on line at www.wordfm.com . . .

BLESSINGS! . . . AND THANKS for listening in 2009!! . . . Hope to have EVERYONE aboard for a thrilling, "full on" Truth War defense ... and false teacher assualt ... in 2010!!

Christmas Witness ... Initiated by WHOM??

2009-12-21T12:44:00.005-05:00

The wisdom found in "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers serves for a VERY interesting memory verse four days before Christmas ... I think ...

1 Corinthians 2 :14:

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him."

The reading, entitled "Redemption Creates the Need it Satisfies", is for December 17th in Chamber's famous daily devotional. You might wonder "Why THIS verse at this time of year?". But I think we need to remind ourselves that while this IS one of TWO great evangelistic opportunities every year (Easter being the other one...), we MUST remember the PLIGHT of the lost ... a plight we once shared WITH them . . . that NO ONE SEEKS GOD . . . NO NOT ONE!

SO . . . even though it is Christmas, God MUST initiate the process through regeneration. (John Chapter 3) Let's not be TOO harsh on those who totally downplay Christmas, or even seem to "Scrooge" it away, because, if they are lost, why should the react in any other way??

BUT GOD . . . yes, but God may decide to act at this most glorious time of year, and we should be ready to be the ambassadors He has CALLED/COMMANDED us to be in 2 Corinthians 5. May we show the GREAT love of the gospel to those who desperately need to hear . . . (even though they have NO IDEA they need it) . . .REALIZING that GOD does the work . . .

Chambers said well

We preach our own experiences and people are interested, but no sense of need is awakened by it. If once Jesus Christ is lifted up, the Spirit of God will create a conscious need of Him. Behind the preaching of the Gospel is the creative redemption of God at work in the souls of men. Is is never personal testimony that saves men."

Our "story" is never what does the work, but HIS-story mingled with ours (much like that of Holy Writ); a loving concoction brewed only by the Master Jehovah Himself. Our prayer at Bible Burgh / K and D Ministries is that YOU will be WILLING to be USED by the Lord this Christmas season . . . in 2010 . . . and for the REST of your assigned time on earth.

BLESSINGS!

Christmas Time is HERE!!

2009-12-18T10:53:00.004-05:00

The ANNUAL Bible Burgh Christmas Drama Presentation is THIS Sunday Night!!

*** NOTE: Bible Burgh AIRS on WORD FM 101.5 in Pittsburgh, PA ... or LISTEN LIVE at www.wordfm.com . . . Sorry I forgot that little bit of info! -meh

Gather 'round the FIRE . . . with coffee, chocolate . . . and, of course, your BIBLE! :-)

The first hour will feature our 3rd year Christmas Drama Presentation with readings and music to get you ready for Christmas week and Christmas Day!

THEN . . . hour number TWO brings the WRAP UP of the following sessions:

Dr. Jack Kinneer, RPTS, on the Christmas Story and the Original Language . . .

"The WORD Became Flesh" from Ligonier Ministries with R.C. Sproul . . .

AND . . . "What is The GOSPEL??" . . . with Tom Ascol, courtesy of The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals . . .

LOOK FORWARD TO HAVING YOU WITH US . . . this Sunday Night at 9:00pm for the Bible Burgh Christmas Drama Presentation! Tell a friend . . . listen on line at www.wordfm.com . . .

BLESSINGS!

The death of Oral Roberts

2009-12-17T14:39:00.004-05:00

This is one of those posts, the first actually, where I feel the need to be clear on the fact that this is my post, not something I've conferred with Mike about beforehand, though he gives me generous freedom. I just know that by it's very nature, this one could be a bit inflammatory. I have prayed much before posting this.

On Tuesday famed televangelist Oral Roberts died of complications due to pneumonia at the age of 91, as reported by CNN.com. In surfing the blogosphere it seems this has presented a widespread dilemma for many otherwise quite outspoken individuals. Many are quite silent so far aside from reporting his passing We know that Oral Roberts presented a false Gospel when you compare what he preached to the words of Scripture.

We also know that we aren't to gloat in the downfall of an enemy (Proverbs 24:17) or a brother (Obadiah 1:12) because it would be much better if they came fully into the whole Counsel of the living God. Yet you cannot ignore the passing of one so well known in the world and Christian community. What then do we say?

My prayer is that his family and friends who loved him will seek their solace in the Lord and that He will make their paths straight. You please pray for his family as well. My heart, far too accustomed to death, grieves for their pain and I wish he'd not gone the path he took so that perhaps this day could be filled with godly tribute worldwide. However, Oral Roberts has left behind a legacy of false teaching and destruction, doing much to shame the name of God.

Still, if God would strike dead even one who seeks to do good but in a way God has forbidden (2 Samuel 6:1-11), how can I do anything but encourage Robert's (and his son Richard Robert's) followers to turn away from Word of Faith/Prosperity teaching and unto the Word of God in it's comforting, correcting, encouraging, rebuking, life-giving fullness, in the hope that for them and for all who engage to know God, today will be better than yesterday.

Know the riches of spirit that last forever and cut through any economy, rather than seek the riches of this world which are fleeting and even the tiny moth can destroy.

Make your legacy like those of the mighty men of God:

"He was God's friend".

update 12.18: John MacArthur outlines the difference between Word of Faith and Prosperity doctrines in relation to a Christianity Today article on the passing of Oral Roberts.

Tiger Woods, Sin and the Bible - POST IT!

2009-12-17T08:22:00.003-05:00

John 8:7 (KJV)

7So when they continued asking him (Jesus), he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone ... "

Oh, wait . . . this one, too . . .

Romans 3:23 (NKJV)

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God ... "

Let's THINK and PRAY a little, shall we??

Christmas evangelization time!

2009-12-15T16:07:00.003-05:00

Compare/Contrast:

Lantern Road Elementary Principal Danielle Thompson told IndyStar.com that school officials in Fishers, Ind., attempted to teach inclusiveness through the second-grade program that included portions on Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Las Posadas and Kwanzaa.

"It went off last night without a hitch," Thompson told the web site. "Several families thought it was a nice program."

Thompson said officials removed the phrase "Allah is God," however, after the American Family Association complained about the program on its electronic newsletter. The alteration was made because no other deities were named in the program.

That's part one: now check out this story:

A second-grader in Taunton, MA was kicked out of school, suspended, and ordered to undergo a mental evaluation for…

…drawing a picture of Jesus Christ on the cross.

Oh yeah, the death of common sense is predicated by the denial of the one true God. Wanna see more loss of common sense?

The pope's call for more environmental commitments came in his message for the Roman Catholic Church's annual World Day of Peace, to be marked on Jan 1 and whose theme is "If You Want to Cultivate Peace, Protect Creation."..."It is important to acknowledge that among the causes of the present ecological crisis is the historical responsibility of the industrialized countries," he said in the message.

Now, something else that happens when a nation turns away from God. Remember Sodom and Gomorrah?

Houston voters made history in December, electing the first openly gay mayor of a major U.S. city. Annise Parker, 53, takes the oath of office on Jan. 1 to lead the nation's fourth largest metropolis, with some 2.2 million residents. Currently Houston's city controller, Parker has been open about her sexuality throughout her political career and has three adopted children with her longtime partner, Kathy Hubbard.

and...

The D.C. Council gave final approval Tuesday to a bill to legalize same-sex marriage, setting off a wave of excitement in the gay community even as opponents vow to continue the fight on Capitol Hill.

The bill, approved by a vote of 11 to 2, will now go to Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D), who is expected to sign it before Christmas. The bill will become law in the spring if it survives a 30-day legislative review period.

After the vote, dozens same-sex marriage supporters rose to their feet and began cheering in the council chamber, despite council rules prohibiting public demonstrations.

It's happening fast y'all, so as this Christmas approaches you remember that the Light of the world is Jesus and when you are Christmas shopping, get your priorities in order. They need to know the truth, even if they hate you for it. You never know who God may be ready to save through the hearing of the Word, and that Word might be delivered from you.

This Christmas season, recognize that this isn't an observance to which God called us, but is an opportunity hand-delivered and gift-wrapped for you to share the Gospel and see a soul saved from damnation.

Is that enough to get your thoughts off fulfilling some shopping list, becoming tearful over not-so-perfect stuffing and finding as your chief thought upon daybreak December 25 "What did I get"?

What is the appropriate reaction to the news of the Savior's birth?

Luke 2:8-18

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

Go. See. Tell.

Monday Memory Verse

2009-12-14T09:04:00.004-05:00

John 1:12-13

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

If you are a child of The King that foul movie or tv show doesn't deserve your eyes.

If you are a child of The King that foul song doesn't deserve your ears.

If you are a child of The King that foul language doesn't deserve your tongue.

If you are a child of The King that uncalled for violence doesn't deserve your hands.

If you are a child of The King that one who won't covenant with you doesn't deserve your body.

If you are a child of The King that overriding habit doesn't deserve your soul.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

You, beloved of God, are an all new creature!

Which is the memory verse for this week? Why not apprehend the whole thought? :)

Posting with My Pastor!

2009-12-12T10:57:00.003-05:00

To say that I love my pastor and church would be an understatement . . . but this has only been the beginning as we just joined First Baptist Wheeling a few months ago. The future is unbelievably bright and exciting...nothing like I have EVER seen or experienced in Wheeling, WV. We have TRULY found the biblical place to serve! To begin teaching alongside him in 2010 (He even has brain lapses sometimes and lets me fill the pulpit! :-) ) . . . among other ministry opportunities is a dream come true . . . one I thought only possible OUTSIDE of Wheeling.

Pastor Darrin Wright and I have been friends for a couple of years now. We even went to Together for the Gospel 2008 "together" ... and we have a group of a dozen men or so who will go next April to T4G 2010!! (JOIN US! . . . www.t4g.org)

Pastor Darrin has been on my show, spoken at the Pittsburgh and Tri-State Bible Conferences and been our leading "guest poster" here it the Bible Burgh BLOG.

I have been wanting to share one of his sermons either on the show or the blog . . . and lo and behold HE blogged it . . . SO HERE IS THE LINK!

http://www.watchyourlifeanddoctrine.blogspot.com/

I AM SO thankful that Pastor Darrin, his wife Gretchen, and the FOUR "Young Wrights", are with us ministering in Wheeling. Believe it or not, it is like a "little" Pittsburgh in MANY repsects...especially in the arena of being a true MISSION FIELD.

Enjoy Pastor Darrin's "Twelve Things I've Learned" . . . and BROTHER MARK LA ROI ... check out his "Books I'm Reading" section . . . and see how WE can put in pictures!! :-)

What really happened to start Christmas?

2009-12-11T11:49:00.003-05:00

On the next Bible Burgh RPTS professor and pastor Dr. Jack Kinneer (click thru and watch the video for a freebie: find the church in the Old Testament and learn why Dr. Kinneer does what he does!) continues to clear away the fog surrounding what actually went on at that first Christmas, and it wasn't what you see on Christmas cards or even what you hear in some churches...James Boice courtesy of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals speaks on Simeon's Psalm...A.C.E. also puts forth an offering from Tom Ascol, "What is the Gospel" which you better know this time of year 'cause you WILL be called upon to share sooner or later and someone's eternity may be in the balance...part one of a great presentation featuring music and that voice so well-designed for storytelling, Ligonier Ministries' R.C. Sproul, "The Word became flesh"...and we'll chat and bring you some Christmas music good for the soul!

It's all on the next Bible Burgh, Sunday night December 13th from 9 til 11 PM, 101.5 FM in Pittsburgh, streamed live worldwide!

DON'T FORGET, the Bible Burgh Christmas presentation, an experience of music and the Christmas story brought to life by the K&D Ministries team, music and effect supporting the Word as it is written, will air December 20th!

Questions Regarding Service in the Church...from Don Whitney

2009-12-10T10:35:00.004-05:00

You have probably heard me say on Bible Burgh (or possibly in a blog as well) that I am working through Donald Whitney's book, "Spiritual Disciplines Within the Church" . . . and we have READ some of his work.

Here is a GREAT group of questions from Don out of the chapter "Why Serve in the Church?"

Does it matter to you how much you are like Jesus? Do you ever wonder how you can become more like Jesus? One thing you can do is serve as Jesus served. The work of the church is the work of God on the earth. If Jesus were in your church, can you imagine that He would do nothing? Would He simply attend the worship service, perhaps give a little on occasion, and then leave? Do you think He would serve or merely observe? You know the answer."

I believe what we have here . . . is a "PRIMER" for New Year's Resolutions!! Let us as Christians (and Bible Burgh show/blog followers! :-) ) . . . RESOLVE to SERVE in our churches, in whatever capacity God calls us . . . knowing He will direct our passions and desires, COUPLED WITH the needs of the church, through the guidance of our Pastor and Elders/leaders.

GET THE BOOK!!!! :-)

Donald Whitney's Web Site
OR on Amazon

Are the signers of the Manhattan Declaration unequally yoked?

2009-11-24T11:44:00.011-05:00

Oddly enough for a spiritual/social declaration, they've chosen a name tied with an anti-climate change conference. Though when you think about it, the social connection probably does fit.

Here is a direct quote from the front page of the website established to explain this document:

We are Orthodox, Catholic, and evangelical Christians who have united at this hour to reaffirm fundamental truths about justice and the common good, and to call upon our fellow citizens, believers and non-believers alike, to join us in defending them. These truths are:

the sanctity of human life
the dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife
the rights of conscience and religious liberty.

Inasmuch as these truths are foundational to human dignity and the well-being of society, they are inviolable and non-negotiable. Because they are increasingly under assault from powerful forces in our culture, we are compelled today to speak out forcefully in their defense, and to commit ourselves to honoring them fully no matter what pressures are brought upon us and our institutions to abandon or compromise them. We make this commitment not as partisans of any political group but as followers of Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Lord, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Note the last line about all being followers of Jesus Christ, effectively putting each of the signators on equal following, right? That's what Chuck Colson said according to James White:

I listened to Chuck Colson speak on the Hugh Hewitt program this afternoon. He made it very clear that this is, in fact, a theological document, despite the assertions of others that it is not. He was asked why Jews, Mormons, and others, were not invited to sign the document. He said they were not asked because this is a specifically Christian statement, quoting from the Christian scriptures.

If the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches, in teaching and practice, put the emphasis upon the work of the follower to accomplish salvation rather than the finished work of Christ which is (should be) the belief of the Evangelical, who in right thinking could say all are on the same ground as believers? How can two different gospels align anywhere? (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

We are clearly warned against being unequally yoked and yet no less a Christian leader than Al Mohler has signed onto this document, stating:

I signed The Manhattan Declaration because it is a limited statement of Christian conviction on these three crucial issues, and not a wide-ranging theological document that subverts confessional integrity. I cannot and do not sign documents such as Evangelicals and Catholics Together that attempt to establish common ground on vast theological terrain. I could not sign a statement that purports, for example, to bridge the divide between Roman Catholics and evangelicals on the doctrine of justification. The Manhattan Declaration is not a manifesto for united action. It is a statement of urgent concern and common conscience on these three issues -- the sanctity of human life, the integrity of marriage, and the defense of religious liberty.

My beliefs concerning the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox churches have not changed. The Roman Catholic Church teaches doctrines that I find both unbiblical and abhorrent -- and these doctrines define nothing less than the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But The Manhattan Declaration does not attempt to establish common ground on these doctrines. We remain who we are, and we concede no doctrinal ground.

But when Catholic Charities in Massachusetts chose to end its historic ministry of placing orphaned children in good homes because the State of Massachusetts required it to place children with same-sex couples, this is not just a Catholic issue. The orphanage could have easily been Baptist. When Belmont Abbey college in North Carolina is told by federal authorities that it must offer abortion services in its insurance plans for employees, this is no longer just a Catholic issue. The next institution to be under attack might well be Presbyterian. We are in this together, and we had better be thankful that, in this case, we are not alone.

I dare say, for probably the only time, I think Mr. Mohler is wrong. We aren't in this boat together because those who are God's are in a beautiful yacht of their own. I do most certainly believe however that we have fallen woefully behind in our effect on this world because many of us have locked ourselves inside ivory towers from which we refuse to go unto the poor and feed them, and remember those in prison (Hebrews 13:1-3), and do what Jesus did in often addressing physical needs before/at the same time as, spiritual needs (Mark 1:29-34, 40-45, 2:23-28).

At the same time, I cannot see pledging even partial unity with those who preach a false gospel as appropriate in any circumstance. This is the top if the slippery slope so many churches have, with good intentions originally, fallen down to their demise. Let me say clearly where I am coming from: anytime we compromise the Gospel by word or by deed for any reason, we have lowered our standard for God no matter who we are.

A partial list of the co-signers (full list available at the M.D. site) includes

Randy Alcorn
Founder and Director, Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM) (Sandy, Ore.)
Kay Arthur
CEO and Co-founder, Precept Ministries International (Chattanooga, Tenn.)
Most Rev. Craig W. Bates
Archbishop, International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church (Malverne, N.Y.)
Gary Bauer
President, American Values; Chairman, Campaign for Working Families
His Grace, The Right Reverend Bishop Basil Essey
The Right Reverend Bishop of the Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America (Wichita, Kan.)
Steve Brown
National Radio Broadcaster, Key Life (Maitland, Fla.)
Most Rev. Charles J. Chaput
Archbishop, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Denver
Chuck Colson
Founder, The Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview (Lansdowne, Va.)
Most Rev. Salvatore Joseph Cordileone
Bishop, Roman Catholic Diocese of Oakland, Calif.
Jim Daly
President and CEO, Focus on the Family (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
Dr. James Dobson
Founder, Focus on the Family (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
Dinesh D'Souza
Writer and Speaker (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.)
Jerry Jenkins
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Moody Bible Institute (Black Forest, Colo.)
Dr. Wayne Grudem
Research Professor of Theological and Biblical Studies, Phoenix Seminary (Phoenix)
Rev. William Owens
Chairman, Coalition of African-American Pastors (Memphis, Tenn.)
Dennis Rainey
President, CEO, and Co-Founder, FamilyLife (Little Rock, Ark.)
His Eminence Justin Cardinal Rigali
Archbishop, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Alan Sears
President, CEO, and General Counsel, Alliance Defense Fund (Scottsdale, Ariz.)
Dr. Michael Youssef
President, Leading the Way (Atlanta)
Ravi Zacharias
Founder and Chairman of the Board, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (Norcross, Ga.)
Most Rev. David A. Zubik
Bishop, Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh

I encourage you to carefully read the links I've provided, and here is The Manhattan Declaration.

update: a statement on this from John MacArthur.
update 11.25: a statement from Alistair Begg.
update 11.26: a very good overall look.
update 12.9: From R.C. Sproul

Continued Thoughts - Manhattan Declaration, Part 2

2009-12-08T15:16:00.004-05:00

I thought I needed to ADD to my last post . . .

We need to be in PRAYER for all parties involved . . . those who are signing . . . all three camps(catholic/orthodox/evangelical) . . . PLUS the people and their views we are SIGNING "against", so that we don't make them look like ENEMIES per se, when they are IN FACT, in most cases, THE LOST that Jesus Christ has commissioned us to reach . . . to make disciples of them . . . if they think we HATE them and view THEM as ENEMIES . . . our witness will be VERY difficult.

We need to PRAY . . . and how is THIS for a "document" to sign?? . . . let's get ONE MILLION people to SIGN a document that says we will PRAY . . . ALL ONE MILLION OF US . . . for the SALVATION of, say, President Obama . . .

Let's really think about it . . . if ONE MILLION people or more were beseeching DAILY, the throne of grace on his behalf, his life would indeed be VERY interesting . . . :-)

So PRAY that he, and many others, will be CONVICTED of sin, and SURRENDER to the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

AMEN!!

pt one
pt two

Continued Thoughts on the Manhattan Declaration

2009-12-08T09:28:00.004-05:00

Reading TODAY in the MacArthur Commentary, 2 John 1-13 . . . made me think about this RECENT discussion/debate on the Manhattan Declaration.

2 John 10-11

If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine ("doctrine of
Christ"; prev. verse), do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds."

Could we maybe add "signs onto declarations with him"??

I truly agree with Alistair Begg, John MacArthur and David Wheaton on this issue. It probably could fall under "be not unequally yoked". Wheaton alluded to the possibility yesterday on the "John and Kathy Show" on WORD FM 101.5 (Pittsburgh) that we could possibly sign something if it was a PURELY political type of document. That I think I could go along with, though I'll typically shy away from the "activism" sort of thing in general. On that SAME show, guest host, Sam Siple made the great observation of how many times does signing anything really do any good (maybe we should yield to Jay Sekulow on that question!).

BUT TO SIGN THIS DOCOUMENT . . . when it is overwhelmingly pushing the point of catholics, orthodox, and evangelicals as being of "LIKE MIND" in faith and belief . . . in that regard we MUST draw the line!! ... I.M.O.

May God grant us ALL much wisdom and charity . . .

LINKS: http://thechristianworldview.com/tcwblog/
http://www.gracetoyou.org/
http://www.truthforlife.org/

The real meaning of Christmas...B.S.I. investigates the Virgin Birth...The Promise and more!

2009-12-05T00:18:00.006-05:00

On the next Bible Burgh we'll hear from pastor and RPTS professor Jack Kinneer as we rewind the excellent Christmas interview he gave us last year in which he got us to take a much closer look at the actual facts of Christmas, beyond the myths...we'll have part two of a very encouraging interview conducted by Mike Howard with pastor John Arnold, host of the Crossroads ministry program...James Boice shares from Matthew on the real Christmas story...we rewind "B.S.I. Pittsburgh: Virgin Birth" and if you have never heard one of our BSI (Blasphemy Scene Investigation) drama segments, you've gotta hear this one...all this and music from Michael W. Smith too, on the next BIBLE BURGH!

Join us Sunday night December 2, from 9 PM til 11 PM at 101.5 FM Pittsburgh and streamed live at Word FM!

Seeker sensitive and how to attract people to your church

2009-12-02T14:57:00.005-05:00

Are you implementing new programs at your church to attract the young? The old? Single parents? Chess players? Rock music fans? Wanna make church more attractive for those seeking God but turned off by the stuffiness?

GREAT!!!

Tiny problem though.

Romans 3:11,12

THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE."

The seeker-sensitive approach is a complete waste of time because NOBODY seeks God according to God Himself!! You can argue, but your argument is with Scripture. You build your church around people who don't exist and the seat-warmers you end up with will be worse off than if you'd left them alone because now you've ingrained in them a false idea of what the Gospel is all about.

Just preach the truth man, and close the coffee shop. You think Apostle Paul wanted to be "cool"?

update 12.3: Just to be clear, I meant the coffee shop IN the church. ;)

MANY Thanks . . .

2009-11-30T12:36:00.003-05:00

MANY THANKS . . . to Mark La Roi . . . for his postings on my behalf . . . like last night's show! You'd think with a few days off I could keep up! THANKS MARK! . . . and FOR ALL the great work on the show, the site, etc. We love ya, BRO!

Many thanks . . . TO YOU, our listeners and BLOG visitors from AROUND THE WORLD . . . and to those of you I have seen out and received emails and calls from recently regarding how much you LIKE/LOVE Bible Burgh and the Pittsburgh Bible Conference! We TRULY appreciate your feedback . . . one listener said "Bible Burgh is SMART and WARM"! How's THAT for a compliment! THANKS ALL . . .

Many thanks to our sponsors . . . RPTS, Protestant Reformed Fellowship of Pittsburgh, Bistro To Go, Trinity Christian School, Farmhouse Coffee, Tranquility Specific Chiropractic, and First Baptist Church Wheeling!

Many thanks to our local pastors and friends who come in for interviews . . . TOO numerous to mention them all . . .

Many thanks to our Ministry Partners . . . Grace to You, Ligonier, 9Marks/T4G, Truth for Life, and the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals!

AND READ ON . . . this is how to "Crank Your Thanker", courtesy of Ernie Fredericks, of the Pittsburgh Prayer Network:

“CRANK YOUR THANKER !”

“ Thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.”
I Thessalonians 5:18 (The Message)

Harvest is a time of Thanksgiving in most countries. It is a prime time to concentrate on growing in gratefulness – of building an attitude of gratitude to the Lord and toward others.

How can we do this? We can’t in ourselves. But we can make ourselves available to the Lord for Him to do it in us (Philippians 2:12-13). We may need to begin with repentance for an ungrateful heart and/or for not practicing “thanks to the Lord for He is good.” (Romans 1:21)

A thankful heart grows with exercise. As we “hide” (treasure) God’s Word in our hearts (Psalm 119:11), He has promised in the New Covenant of the Blood of Jesus to “give” His thoughts into our minds and “engrave” His ways upon our hearts (Hebrews 8:10). Our part is to “allow (give our personal permission for) the Word of Christ to live in us richly” (Col. 3:16).

Here are some suggestions to help us grow in gratitude:

1.) Make an appointment each day to thank the Lord. (Begin with 5 or 10 minutes.) King David “assigned” Asaph and his relatives to thank the Lord. (I Chronicles 16:4-6, 37)

2.) Memorize Scriptures of thanksgiving (Psalm 92:1-2; Colossians 1:12-14; Ephesians 5:20; Psalm 107:1; II Corinthians 9:15; Psalm 136:1-3; I Thessalonians 5:18; Hebrews 13:15).
Set a goal of memorizing at least 2 verses each week, as you meditate on them.

3.) Each day read some Scripture concerning giving thanks to the Lord (I Chronicles 16:7-36;Psalms 107, 75, 92, 105, 106, 118, 136). “Blessing the Lord” is the praise of personal appreciation (I Peter 1:3-5, Ephesians 1:3-14, Psalm 34, 63, 96, 103, 104, 134, 145).

4.) Lift up your hands as you thank the Lord. One of the Hebrew words for “giving thanks”(yadah) means to extend the hand, as in a gesture of giving a gift. (Psalm 63:3-4)

5.) Take some “thank walks” during the month – through your home, around your community, back to neighborhoods where you formerly lived, visiting special places where God blessed you and your family. Recall some of God’s wonderful works in your behalf. (Psalm 111:4)

6.) Look over some photographs from special times in your life, and “remember all the ways the Lord has led you” with His miracles and mercies. (Deuteronomy 8:2-3)

7.) Each day phone a friend, write a note, send an e-mail, speak a word of appreciation to someone (in your family, your workplace, etc.) for whom you are grateful. (Philippians 1:3)

8.) Covenant together with a friend (or more) as you read, memorize, study (perhaps fasting one meal per week or one day per week). Ask the Lord to develop deeper gratitude in your life, in your family, in your church, in your workplace, in your city. (Ephesians 6:18)

God bless you as you “Crank Your Thanker” with daily “sacrifices of thanksgiving” to the Lord (Hebrews 13:15). The morning is a good time to give yourself a gratitude “good start” for the day. (Ps. 108:1-6) And as you go to meetings and appointments, send “waves” of thanks ahead of you.

********************

Thanks, Ernie!!!! God's Blessings!!

DO NOT forget to be THANKFUL during this Christmas season as we THANK GOD for the gift of Jesus Christ!!! AMEN . . .

Biblical Counseling, Christmas and Peace on Earth

2009-11-30T10:12:00.004-05:00

John Arnold of Library Baptist Church, George Scipione of RPTS continued on the topic of Christian Counseling, two chances to enjoy Christmas music as we heard from Michael W. Smith (twice!) and also Mercy Me, Phillip Ryken on "Sent to Give Life", Donald Gray Barnhouse with "Peace on Earth: Farce or Force", and a cozy Fireside Chat to round out the program.

That's what you missed if you weren't tuned in for the latest Bible Burgh, Sunday night from 9 - 112 PM EST at 101.5 Word FM!

A happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T13:47:00.004-05:00

Mike and I would like to wish all of you Bible Burgh listeners and Bible Burgh blog visitors a very blessed and profitable Thanksgiving.

Blessed in that you realize the true value of this day, and profited in recognizing the goodness of God. In Pittsburgh, many churches and other organizations are giving free dinners to those who need them, and not to just take home but to sit down together and share in the spirit of the day. I'm sure where you are someone is likely offering the same opportunity.

In giving thanks, remember the giving, and remember the thanks as well, and please the heart of our Father in Heaven.

It is fitting to give thanks to God for all He has done, and this link will give you an idea of the importance of being thankful.

Blessings all, from the team of Bible Burgh and K&D Ministries!

New Testament "TEN COMMANDMENTS"!

2009-11-23T12:49:00.007-05:00

Our MONDAY MEMORY VERSE is from the Book of James, Chapter 4, verses 7-10. It starts out, "Therefore...", which means it would be a GOOD IDEA to read James 4:1-6 to keep ourselves "in context" . . .

James 4:7-10

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up."

In his Daily Study Bible, John MacArthur refers to these verses as "a series of 10 commands that prepare a person to receive saving grace." He goes on:

These commands delineate a person's response to God's gracious offer of salvation and reveal what it means to be humble. Each command uses a Greek imperative to define the expected action..."

I think these verses can also be reviewed and meditated on by the elect, for either witnessing opportunities and advantages, or for repentance of our own sins (maybe throw in a little Psalm 51 for good measure!).

I'll hope to POST MacArthur's comments on these TEN commands in the near future . . .

The Darkness of Desolation: POST-IT!

2009-11-21T09:53:00.003-05:00

Reading through Luke now in the Oswald Chambers', "My Utmost Devotional Bible".

With respect to Luke 8:22, Chambers refers to how the disciples go along in the boat with Jesus NOT KNOWING the danger and darkness that would befall them.

Darkness is not synonymous with sin; if there is darkness spiritually it is much more likely to be the shade of God's hand than darkness on account of sin; it may be the threshold of a new revelation coming through a big break in personal experience. Before the dawn there is desolation; but wait, the dawn will merge into glorious day-"

Chambers also says:

If you are experiencing the darkness of desolation on individual lines, go through with it, and you will find yourself face to face with Jesus Christ as never before."

(Sorry, I seem to be "violating" the meaning of a POST-IT in length! :-) )

Prayer and Thanksgiving . . . Marriage and Family . . . and CHURCH!

2009-11-20T16:37:00.004-05:00

In a SEMI-"Best Of", Bible Burgh rolls in with GREAT STUFF!!

We'll keep up with Donald Whitney's book, "Spiritual Disciplines Within the Church" and the topic of WHY go to Church!

Revisiting (sounds better than a re-run, doesn't it?) with our show producer Mark La Roi, we will delve back into his study and thoughts on Marriage and Family, how spouses can live out Ephesians 5 with each other.

PLUS . . . we'll hear again from Pastor and Adjunct Professor, Rut Etheridge, (RPTS) from the Pittsburgh Bible Conference, and "Prayer and a Thankful Heart" . . . with Thanksgiving only a few days away, it is a TIMELY "revisit".

AND TIME PERMITTING . . . we have TWO great NEW additions . . . a LOGOS interlude from the band Big Daddy Weave, who is coming to Pittsburgh, Thursday, December 3rd with the NewSong Very Merry Christmas Tour, WORD FM 101.5's Annual Christmas Concert Celebration at the Bible Chapel in McMurray, PA. The song is entitled "I'll Be Brave This Christmas"... an awe-inspiring, emotional tale about a young boy whose father is overseas serving in the military, protecting the freedom of ALL boys and girls . . . and how he asks for Jesus to protect his dad!! (Mark...may I have a Kleenex please??) Awwww...-mlr

PLUS . . . we will introduce you to a CLASSIC book, "The New Life", by Andrew Murray.

IT'S ALL ON THE NEXT BIBLE BURGH . . . Sunday night, 9:00pm - 1100pm, on WORD FM 101.5 . . . OR . . . "LISTEN LIVE" . . . www.wordfm.com and download your own copy of the show here after Tuesday!

God's RICHEST blessings, beloved!! :-)

PS . . . DON'T FORGET . . . the Annual BIBLE BURGH Christmas Presentation, Sunday, December 20th, in the FIRST HOUR of Bible Burgh at 9:00pm . . .

Fornicators and Adulterers

2009-11-19T18:09:00.004-05:00

At the end of the book of Hebrews we hear the following:

Hebrews 13:4

Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge."

Much like when we hear Paul say "Preach the Word IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON...", we see in the Hebrews verse a "full covering" of all angles when it comes to sexual sin.

"DO TELL!" ... OK!!

"Fornicators" - ("porneo" in the Koine Greek) . . . In the Old Testament it meant "to have intercourse woth another", "to be unfaithful", to PLAY the harlot".

Interestingly Kiddel talks about how the Old Testament referred to women "who married OUTSIDE their tribe". (Can we apply that to the New Testament Age? "Be not unequally yoked!")

"Adulterers" - ("moixeo" in the Koine Greek) . . . Kittel also points out that this "adultery" is possible only if there is carnal intercourse between a married mand and a married or betrothed Israelite (why Joseph thought to "put Mary away quietly"...).

THEN HE SAYS... "A mark of the New Testament is the sharp intensifying of the concept of adultery".

When we see the two words together ... we should realize that adulterers are "married people who fornicate" and fornicators are EVERYONE ELSE who have ANY KIND of sexual relations OUTSIDE of God-ordained marriage . . . ONE MAN . . . ONE WOMAN . . . exclusively until death do they part.

P.S. . . . Don't let this kind of talk scare you from an evangelistic standpoint! Since the world is OBSESSED with sex, you never know when God will use this kind of admonishment as the way to open the heart; to accomplish "regeneration" . . . just stand tall in Jesus . . . though many WILL scoff . . . SOME MAY YIELD!! To GOD be the glory!

Revelation and Worship - Double POST-IT!

2009-11-18T08:28:00.003-05:00

Interesting how God orchestrates things . . .

My pastor has been preaching on "Why Go to Church?" as part of a series on Church Membership and Life . . . I am reading Donald Whitney's book, "Spiritual Disciplines Within the Church" . . . and I JUST downloaded from www.9marks.org the interview that Mark Dever of 9Marks did with Donald Whitney. They talked about A LOT of things . . . but one, that for obvious reasons, stood out: Spiritual Disciplines Within the Church.

SO . . . maybe a slightly longer than normal Bible Burgh Blog POST-IT . . . TWO in fact . . .

From Donald Whitney's book:

Although God does reveal Himself in nature, He does so in a limited way. Creation, as clearly and beautifully as it reveals the Creator, is not the clearest revelation of God. God has revealed Himself most completely in Jesus Christ and in Scripture - much more than through creation."

and this thought:

If you really want to worship God, you can never do better than worshiping Him where His Word is preached and Christ is proclaimed."

LINK here for a GREAT price on this book!!