by Michael Harley

16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”

17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

18 He said to Him, “Which ones?”

Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19 ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”

20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”

21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

With God All Things Are Possible

23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”

26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?”

28 So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. Matthew 19: 16-29

The preceding verses are about salvation into the Kingdom of heaven (vs. 23); about salvation into the Kingdom of God (v. 24), not salvation from eternal damnation. The one who came to Jesus in verse 16 was a Jew who was just as saved as any Christian is saved today. The nation of Israel had been shedding the blood of lambs since the days of Moses, for the forgiveness of sins, all the way up to the time of Jesus Christ. When this saved Jew asked in verse 16, “what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” he was speaking about life for an age. The Greek word for eternal is aion[i], which means age. An age is a period of time, having a beginning and an end (Ephesians 3:9; Matthew 13:49)[ii]

He was speaking about life in the Messianic Age when Jesus Christ sits on the throne of His glory. He also asked “What good thing shall I do?” Salvation from eternal damnation is “by grace,” “not of works” (Eph. 2:8,9)[iii]. There was nothing that this man could do to save himself from eternal damnation, but to have salvation into the Kingdom of heaven is something that saved man must work for. He must “strive to enter” (Luke 13:24).[iv]

Jesus said to him, “if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments” (v17) Once again demonstrating that this life is something that the saved individual has to work for himself. The young man said that he had kept all these commandments from his youth and asked what he still lacked (v 20). So Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come follow Me.” But the young man was not willing to give up his earthly possessions in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Although the young man was not willing to give up his possessions to have salvation into the Kingdom of God, Perter and the disciples were willing and had given up all and followed Jesus. And because of this Peter asked, “Therefore what shall we have?” (vs 27). “So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me, will also sit on the twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (v. 28).

The Kingdom of heaven is the Messianic Age, when the Son of Man returns sits on the throne of His glory, and rules over the nations for 1,000 years. And just as the disciples who left all and followed Jesus will sit on the thrones in the Kingdom of Heaven and rule over Israel, Any Christian who leaves all and follows Jesus will sit on Jesus’ throne in the Kingdom of heaven and rule over the nations.  26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations— 27 ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’ as I also have received from My Father; Revelation 2:26-27New King James Version (NKJV)

Man was created to have “dominion over all the earth” and God is not going to change His mind about why He created man “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29). Man will realize the purpose for his creation “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. Matthew 25:31New King James Version (NKJV) All Scripture moves toward this purpose.

[i] αἰών (aiōn 165)

ever [KJV]

ages [KJV]

(from ἄω, ἄημι (aō, aēmi) blow, breathe), the life which hastes away in the breathing of our breath, life as transitory; then, course of life, time of life, life in its temporal form; then the space of human life, an age, or generation (αἰών (aiōn 165) looks at a generation from the point of view of duration, while γενεά (genea 1074) does from that of race), αἰών (aiōn 165) always includes a reference to life, filling time or a space of time. Accordingly — the unbounded time, in which the history or life of the world is accomplished; and hence, the world as filling the unmeasurable contents of immeasurable time. Reference(s)

eternal [KJV]

(from ἄω, ἄημι (aō, aēmi) to blow, breathe) the life that hastes away in the breathing of our breath, life as transitory; then, the course of life, time of life, and generally life in its temporal form; then, the space of human life, an age. αἰών (aiōn 165) always includes a reference to the life, filling time or space of time, hence, the unbounded time past and future, in which the life of the world is accomplished; immeasurable time (Genitive plural of ages). Reference(s)

course [KJV]

the life that hastes away in the breathing of the breath, life as transitory, course of life, and generally life in its temporal form; then, the space of human life, a space of time, time as moving, an age, time so far as history is accomplished in it; an age or dispensation. Reference(s)

In phrases:

εἰς αἰών (eis 1519 aiōn 165) ever (for); *with the article, unto the age. [KJV]

εἰς (eis 1519) into, unto.

[ii] Ephesians 3:9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; New King James Version (NKJV) Matthew 13:49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, New King James Version (NKJV)

[iii] Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. New King James Version (NKJV)

[iv] Luke 13:24 “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 4New King James Version (NKJV)

Old Testament Examples

Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

6 Now these things became our examples[i], to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.”[a] 8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now all[b] these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10: 1 – 12)

In the preceding verses, Paul, is speaking to Christians “brethren” and is using the nation of Israel “all our fathers,” to illustrate a point – that just as ALL the nation of Israel was called out of Egypt to a promised land (Earthly), and through disobedience “most of them” fell short of the goal of their calling and failed to enter the land of Israel; All Christians have been called out of the world to a promised land (Heavenly), and though disobedience can fall short of the goal of their calling and fail to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

The whole nation of Israel, when called out of Egypt, was saved (But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. Jude 5). ALL the nation of Israel was saved; just as save as ALL Christians are saved. Only saved individuals can eat “spiritual food” or drink “spiritual drink.” Not only did ALL the nation of Israel drink “spiritual drink” but they drank of  “that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ”. But…

“But with most of them God was not well pleased…” God called the nation of Israel out of Egypt for a purpose – to move into a promised land – the land of Israel. Once they were in the promised land they were to be a “A kingdom of priests and a Holy Nation” (Exodus 19:6), and through them “all the families of the earth (Gen12:3) were to be blessed.

ALL the nation of Israel was called out of Egypt to a promised land, but through disobedience to God’s commands “most of them” “were scattered in the wilderness,” short of the goal or purpose for which they had been called. For they lusted “after evil things, “committed “sexual immorality, “tempted “Christ,”, and “complained.”

“now these things became our (Christians) examples”. Examples” is used twice in the preceding verses. The Greek word for “examples” is tupos, meaning, example, ensample, pattern, or exact replica. Thus, the same thing that happened to the nation of Israel can and will happen to Christians. Christians cannot lose their present salvation, which is obtained without merit, “it is a gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Eph.2:8,9), but Christians can lose their future salvation, salvation iinto the kingdom of Heaven.

Christians have been called to a heavenly promised land – the Kingdom of Heaven- and Christian s through disobedience can fall short of this goal “therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. (Hebrews 4:1). Christians have been warned of this fact in the preceding verses “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” and throughout the New Testament.

The Kingdom of heaven is like… For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:2,4).

VERSE REFERENCE FOR THE PRECEDING MESSAGE ARE:

1. 1 Corinthians 10: 1 – 12 Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.”[a] 8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now all[b] these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
2. Jude 5 But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.
3. Exodus 19:6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”
4. Genesis 12:3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
5. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
6. Hebrews 4:1 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.

[i] τύπος (tupos, 5179), -ου, ὁ, (τύπτω), fr. [Aeschyl. and] Hdt. down;

1. the mark of a stroke or blow; print: τῶν ἥλων, Jn. xx. 25a, 25b [where L T Tr mrg. τόπον], (Athen. 13 p. 585 c. τοὺς τύπους τῶν πληγῶν ἰδοῦσα).
2. a figure formed by a blow or impression; hence univ. a figure, image: of the images of the gods, Acts vii. 43 (Amos v. 26; Joseph. antt. 1, 19, 11; 15, 9, 5). [Cf. κύριοι τύπος θεοῦ, Barn. ep. 19, 7; “Teaching” 4, 11.]
3. form: διδαχῆς, i. e. the teaching which embodies the sum and substance of religion and represents it to the mind, Ro. vi. 17; i. q. manner of writing, the contents and form of a letter, Acts xxiii. 25 (3 Macc. iii. 30).
4. an example;

α. in the technical sense, viz. the pattern in conformity to which a thing must be made: Acts vii. 44; Heb. viii. 5, (Ex. xxv. 40).

β. in an ethical sense, a dissuasive example, pattern of warning: plur. of ruinous events which serve as admonitions or warnings to others, 1 Co. x. 6, 11 R G; an example to be imitated: of men worthy of imitation, Phil. iii. 17; with a gen. of the pers. to whom the example is offered, 1 Tim. iv. 12; 1 Pet. v. 3; τύπον ἑαυτὸν διδόναι τινί, 2 Th. iii. 9; γενέσθαι τύπον [τύπους R L mrg. WH mrg.; cf. W. § 27, 1 note] τινί, 1 Th. i. 7; παρέχεσθαι ἑαυτὸν τύπον καλῶν ἔργων, to show one’s self an example of good works, Tit. ii. 7.

γ. in a doctrinal sense, a type i. e. a person or thing prefiguring a future (Messianic) person or thing: in this sense Adam is called τύπος τοῦ μέλλοντος sc. Ἀδάμ, i. e. of Jesus Christ, each of the two having exercised a pre-eminent influence upon the human race (the former destructive, the latter saving), Ro. v. 14. From https://thebible.org/gt/index

But seek first the kingdom of God…  Matthew 6:33[i]

Your kingdom come…Matthew 6:10[ii]

Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” Matthew 16: 28[iii]

Why would any Christian seek the Kingdom of God if he already has it? Why would the Lord Jesus Christ teach us to pray “Your Kingdom Come” if it’s already here? Why would the Lord say that He will be “coming in His Kingdom” if it was already here? The answer is that it’s not already here.

When the Lord was in the world proclaiming these things, He was speaking to a saved Jewish nation, the Israelites.

Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, Deuteronomy 33:29[iv]

O God of Israel, the Savior!… Israel shall be saved by the Lord With an everlasting salvation; You shall not be ashamed or disgraced Forever and ever. Isaiah 45:15, 17[v]

When Christ was in the world, and speaking to a saved Jewish nation, He was offering them salvation into the kingdom of heaven/ the kingdom of God, not salvation from eternal damnation.

But the Jewish nation as a whole rejected the message, and rejected the Messenger. Therefore, the kingdom of heaven was taken from them, and given to a new nation, yet to be born. a holy nation,
(1 Peter 2:9) Christians[vi]

“Therefore I say to you, [the Jewish Nation (added for clarification) ]the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. Matthew 21:43[vii]

Had the Jewish nation received their King and His message, they would have received the salvation He was proclaiming to them and He would have them set up the Kingdom, but they rejected it.

Today, through the Holy Scriptures, Christians, who have already been saved, just as the saved Jews in past time, are being offered the same salvation that Christ offered the Jews, the same salvation they rejected and was taken from them, salvation into the kingdom of heaven. And just as saved Jews in time past rejected the kingdom, most Christians are rejecting it today, and it will be taken from them.

“20 you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. 22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. romans 11:20-22[viii]

The Spirit of God is in the world today searching for a bride for His Son Jesus Christ. When the search is complete, all Christians will be removed from the world, and appear before the judgment seat of Christ to “receive the things done in the body” (2 Corinthians 5:10)[ix]

Faithful Christians who denied themselves in this present world, will be given positions of power and authority in the world to come, the Kingdom of Heaven. Unfaithful Christians who loved this present world, will be denied positions of power and authority in the world to come, the Kingdom of God.

This salvation into the Kingdom of heaven is the salvation of your soul, and can be gained or lost. Christians cannot lose their present salvation, the salvation of your spirit. Man, is a tri-part being: spirit, soul, and body, and Christians have been saved, are being saved, and will be saved.

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.1 Thessalonians 5:23[x]

and through Christians cannot lose the salvation they currently possess the salvation of their spirit, they can lose the salvation of their souls, salvation into the Kingdom of heaven.

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life [“in this world” John 12:25] will lose it, but whoever loses his life   [“in this world” John 12:25] for My sake will find it. [the world to come, Hebrews 2:5] For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. 28 Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” Matthew 16:24-28[xi]

[i] But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33

[ii] Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10

[iii] Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” Matthew 16: 28

[iv] Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, The shield of your help and the sword of your majesty! Your enemies shall submit to you, and you shall tread down their high places.” Deuteronomy 33:29

[v] Truly You are God, who hide Yourself, O God of Israel, the Savior! Isaiah 45:15 But Israel shall be saved by the Lord With an everlasting salvation; You shall not be ashamed or disgraced Forever and ever. Isaiah 45:17

[vi] But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;1 Peter 2:9

[vii] “Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. Matthew 21:43

[viii] 20 Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. 22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. romans 11:20-22

[ix] For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10

[x] Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.1 Thessalonians 5:23

[xi] Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. 28 Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”Matthew 16:24-28

He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. John 12:25

For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. Hebrews 2:5

Hi Jim, since you are so good at defending our faith, I was wondering if you would read the following response a friend of mine from my high school days posted on FB. I have tried discussing these matters with her but she gets very defensive. I would be glad to know how you would respond to her comments point by point. “The bible is not the basis of our Constitution. I wholeheartedly disagree. And recorded history does too. I am currently reading the biography of Alexander Hamilton and I have read The Federalist Papers, biographies of most of the Founding Fathers, and a number of history books. The common denominator is their desire to avoid a national religion. The bible is not factual. There is too much hard scientific evidence to the contrary. While I believe that you have the freedom to believe what you want, I have the freedom from your beliefs too. The bible has 11 cases of incest, and has been used to justify slavery, child abuse, discrimination, and war. I do not want government based on that.” Thanks for your help with this

Michelle, one of the first things we must recognize is hard core evolutionist/ atheist most likely cannot be changed, 2 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12, Romans 1: 28. the 2nd point is argument is never the answer, they do get on the defensive. So, it really depends upon the person you’re speaking to when determining how to approach them, (1 Peter 3:15 tells us to defend the word…. meekly and humbly) we must lead them into a “conversation”.

It appears to me in your message that the following are the arguments she poses:

1. “The bible is not the basis of our Constitution.
2. The bible is not factual. There is too much hard-scientific evidence to the contrary.
3. While I believe that you have the freedom to believe what you want, I have the freedom from your beliefs too.
4. The bible has 11 cases of incest, and has been used to justify slavery, child abuse, discrimination, and war.

I will give you my answers at the end of this message.

One thing I find interesting about your statement is she doesn’t want government based upon the bible, (you and I know that is a scary thing, every other government has absolutely been as she described, when not based upon the Bible, consider Hitler’s Germany for instance)  and all the examples of abuse, and such that she quotes… she obviously has never read the bible, let alone understands it, nor does she understand much about our countries history, nor does she know much about science, all she knows in all these subjects is what another atheist has told her. The bible hasn’t changed, science has, it is always moving towards biblical statements concerning scientific facts. She apparently has her mind set on believing the lie, without evidence.

Normally the way I respond to atheist is to ask them if they are interested in truth…. Biblically or not… and all of them will say yes and state that as the reason for rejecting scripture (but you must remember Liberals are not really interested in the truth, even though they think they are).

Your response should be something like this: “if you are truly interest in learning the truth, if you are truly committed to knowing the truth then you must be willing to examine both sides of the issue, consider all the facts, with an open mind, and until you are ready to do that, you are rejecting the truth, and are only interested in a philosophy that supports your desired lifestyle. (Always, always remember the part about meekness and humility)

A person truly committed to truth, will seek truth diligently, and when they find it, will live by it.

A good question is simply to ask them is “What if I could prove to you God does exist, and He is the author of the bible, would that change your view”?

I tell the guys in the prison, that I can do exactly that, but so what? What difference does it make if they do not let this truth change their lives?

We can give scientific and mathematical proof of creation being the true reason for our existence (vs. evolution) all day long (literally, all day long), and the committed atheist/ evolutionist will reject it, and come up with some answer such as …. Well given enough time…

This is the reason I am developing the new class called the two witnesses. These are facts contained in scripture that cannot be argued by anyone. They are the scientific facts stated in the bible such as the jet stream circuit (verified by during world war II by airmen), that there are springs in the bottom of the ocean (verified by scientist in the 1970’s), and all the health facts long before mankind had any proof, or idea of the facts being presented.

2^nd are the prophesies in the bible, predictions of the future which are now history, of which there are some 2,500 of them and all except a few last day prophesies have been fulfilled exactly as predicted. For instance, Daniels 70 “7’s” (predictions of 70 – 7 year periods of time ending with the crucifixion of Christ) are so accurate that even bible scholars thought that it was history being passed off as prophecies, until they found the dead sea scrolls in 1948 that predated the prophesies, proving it was prophecy.

They cannot be argued, because they are in the bible and are proven scientific or now historical facts, and, it can be proven the bible has not changed (we have thousands of very early copies, even 4 -5 thousand of just the new testament)

One technique I like to use is to tell people in the theaters of their minds to picture a chalk board like they had in school, stretching from the beginning of time to today. Start by drawing line on your board at the very top, all the way across, in a straight line and label that line “The Bible” because it is the same all through time, it never changes and never will. Secondly start a line at the bottom left and title it “Science” and as we progress through the course they will move that line up every time science changes it position due to more evidence… the line will always head towards the Bible line, and eventually if we’re around long enough it will meet up with the bible line and join it, but will never go above it.

The point to the two witnesses is simply this; for early man to record all these facts of science and the future, they had to have a source of higher intelligence, a higher power, that higher power is what we refer to as “God” and to the logical mind it proves the bible had to be inspired by God.

Remember the apostles when they were evangelizing made the statement that the Jews found the gospel a stumbling block, and the Greeks considered it nonsense… the reason is the Jews had basic understanding, the Greeks didn’t. The Pew research institute tells us people born in 1996 and later only about 50% have any knowledge of scripture at all. Which means half of America today (Liberals) are merely modern day Greeks… it sounds like nonsense to them, and they consider it intellectual suicide to even consider the possibility of the Bible being the truth. So, anytime you are dealing with an atheist you need to determine that. However, you do have some inside knowledge about her… she and everyone else who claims to be an atheist are lying (Romans 1:18 – 19) The Brown trucking company in Georgia polygraphed everyone applying for a job with them until 1988. One of the questions they asked everyone is if they believed in God… when a confirmed atheist would answer no, in every case the machine indicated they were lying, and they tested over 15,000 people.

Now to answer her statements:

1. “The bible is not the basis of our Constitution.
   1. A simple study of American history proves that the Bible/ Christianity is absolutely the basis of our Constitution, and our very existence, in addition:
      1. In the beginning the education of children was the responsibility of the church
      2. All school children learned from the McGuffey reader which was based upon bible scriptures

• If you go to court, you swear to tell the truth by placing your hand on a bible (liberals may have had this changed…. Wouldn’t surprise me) indicating, truth, and the commitment to it was found in the Bible

1. Congress and the Senate began, and I think they still do, with prayer.
2. All courthouse, and federal buildings generally have the ten commandments posted or some other scripture.

2. The bible is not factual. There is too much hard-scientific evidence to the contrary.
   1. There are over a hundred examples of science now proving the truth and consistency of scripture, basically science is just catching up to biblical statements concerning our cosmos and our Earth.
3. While I believe that you have the freedom to believe what you want, I have the freedom from your beliefs too.
   1. This is a biblical principle, God only wants those to come to Him voluntarily.
4. The bible has 11 cases of incest, and has been used to justify slavery, child abuse, discrimination, and war.
   1. People over time have misused biblical scriptures to preform evil acts, there is no doubt about this, the crusades are a good example of this. However,
      1. Slavery is a fact of history, began in Africa (this is just a fact of life, and the bible does not hide from facts.)
      2. Child abuse has been prevalent throughout history. Various societies have used children in their temple worship (not Christian or Jews) for sexual purposes all through time (for instance, and for obvious reasons, I like to use Amy Carmichael as an example of this, who went to India to save the little girls from this abuse, and later the little boys as well. (Again, this is just a fact of life, and the bible does not hide from facts.)
         1. A simple reading of scripture tells us God is against this, and anyone commits this crime will suffer harsher judgment than anyone else.

• Incest is much more common than we like to admit, it’s like the old joke that some family trees do not have branches. Again, this is just a fact of life, and the bible does not hide from facts.
  1. In the beginning, everyone was a brother and sister, all born of Adam, so there was no option.
  2. In the ark, these eight people were all relatives, again no option.
  3. In early America, in the small villages across the land, very often the only mate available was a cousin.
  4. President Roosevelt was married to his 1^st

1. Discrimination:
   1. This is common among all people groups, and not just a white man’s invention. And there are many examples of this, not just skin color even though that is the common reason. The sad thing is evolutionist preach there are five races of mankind, but the bible teaches us there is only one race: the human race, and now DNA has proven the bible to be correct, again proving evolution to be wrong. And, there is only one skin color; brown with various shades depending on how much of what I call food coloring is present.
2. War: Again, this is just a fact of life, and the bible does not hide from facts.
   1. War has existed all through history.
      1. America has been involved in war many times, generally dragged into it by other countries, such as in world war II when we were attacked without provocation in Pearl Harbor by a country that did not believe in God, nor the bible.
         1. Also by Germany, and contrary to what many will tell you, Hitler was not a Christian.
         2. The American revolution… to gain freedom from England and establish our country as a Christian country, following the precepts of Christ, but giving religious freedom to all (the idea of course Christian religion, and even those who claimed this really meant their brand of Christian religion which for the most part was their own brand of Christian beliefs.

• The civil war, in which the conservative republicans recognized that slavery was an evil practice being defended by the liberal democrats of the day (in addition the KKK later was the strong arm of the democratic party… not the republicans) When John Kennedy supported the civil rights bill in the 1960’s he was considered a traitor to his party, and his reward was assignation.

1. God uses war in the scriptures for several reasons, including to punish the Jews who turned their backs of Him.
2. He used wars and battles to demonstrate His great power, that it was He who was in control, allowing just a handful of men defeat great armies, and at time sending angels to destroy evil empires and armies.

Let’s look at the other options. A godless society: Our government today has approved of homosexual activity as legal, even to the point of gay marriages in direct opposition to God’s word. It has opened girl’s restrooms in the schools, and public, as well as private buildings, subjecting our little girls to any perverts, to whatever abuse they choose to perpetrate on these children.

God says thou shall not murder, yet the godless society says that is Okay… genocide against the aged, with the idea that anyone over 80 should not receive medical care outside of pain killers to make them more comfortable (I guess that is their idea of compassion). We have murdered 60 million innocent babies, by tearing the them literally, limb from limb, knowing full well they feel that pain, and then crushing their skulls… great example of a compassionate yet godless society.

Even if the Bible wasn’t true (and it is proven to be true, by science) I would still prefer is precepts over the godless societies that have emerged from time to time, including the United States in the last 8 years.

I hope you will look around this website, you find overwhelming evidence that proves the bible to be the Inspired Word of God.

“…chose you this day whom ye will serve…” – Joshua 24:15

The vision I have for the Faith and Character Program here at DCCC is that it continues to strike deep in the hearts of all those who are truly trying to change and better themselves, taking accountability for the choices they have made ad will make.

Since we are all in the business of making choices, my hope is that before these choices are made, some thought goes into them.

Many of us get caught in the moment and regret some of those choices.

Having a relationship with GOD will point us in the right direction “GOD is faithful b whom (we) were called into the fellowship of HIS SON JESUS CHRIST our LORD (1 Corinthians 1:9).

Since there are consequences to every action, and the choices you make today could be the situation you deal with in the future.

Spreading kindness and positive vibes can only benefit all those who are involved. The love you have for your fellow human beings is the love that you shall receive one way or another! 1 John 4:7 commands: “Beloved, let us love on another; for love is of GOD.” Pay it forward and you shall be blessed beyond anything you have ever known.

Change is not easy, but it is always necessary as the world turns; so we shall move with our best foot forward and our heads to the sky, leaving a positive print on this earth that never will be destroyed. Love yourselves and love each other. JESUS said; “This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you” – John 15:12.

Remember, it is never too late to change.

The FCCP is looking for individuals who have made up their minds that they want something different out of this life and realize they have something positive to contribute to humanity.

We are looking for those who truly want to change for the better.

“…be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2

By Victor Davis

Before I came to prison, my ego was not well developed. This fact was marked by a lack of maturity and an underdeveloped sense of responsibility. I could procreate, but spiritually I was a child and an apostate. I lived life according to my own philosophical values. Although I believed in YAHSHUA, I was my own idol and lived as a womanizer, a substance abuser, and worst of all, an unreliable parent.

On January 10, 2014, I officially came into DOC custody, and everything I ever feared becoming, became a reality and a nightmare that I could not wake up from.

It was a surreal experience. Within a year’s time, I received the wages of my sins. Everything I identified with, and everyone I found security with was taken away from me. My life was desolate.

During my incarceration, I began to re-establish my relationship with YAHVEH through prayer, faith, and by being a Berean.

In addition to this, HE started to answer my prayers, even those that didn’t come in the form I thought they would.

However, YAHVEH pruned my heart through these things. As I have come to accept, YAHSHUA as YAHVEH, as well as my eternal SAVIOR, 1 have learned to be content and steadfast by trusting on HIM solely for all of my needs through endurance and not on the things of the world that I believed defined me.

so, what has YAHSHUA done for me since I’ve been incarcerated? HE has refined my heart by giving me His character.

My FATHER,

Enlarge my heart, warm my affections, open my lips, supply words that proclaim ‘Love lustres at Calvary. ‘

There grace removes my burdens and heaps them on thy SON, made a transgressor, a curse, and sin for me; There the sword of thy justice smote the man, thy fellow; There thy infinite attributes were magnified, and infinite atonement was made; there infinite punishment was due, and infinite punishment was endured.

CHRIST was all anguish that I might be all joy, cast off that I might be welcomed as a friend, surrendered to hell’s worst that I might attain heaven’s best, stripped that I might be clothed, wounded that I might be healed, athirst that I might drink, tormented that I might be comforted, made a shame that I might inherit glory, entered darkness that I might have eternal light.

My SAVIOUR wept that all tears might be wiped from my eyes, groaned that I might have endless song, endured all pain

that I might have unfading health, bore a thorny crown that I might have a glory-diadem, bowed HIS head that I might uplift mine, experienced reproach that I might receive welcome, closed his eyes in death that I might gaze on unclouded brightness, expired that I might for ever live.

O FATHER, who spared not thine only SON that thou mightest spare me, all this transfer thy love designed and accomplished; Help me to adore thee by lips and life. O that my every breath might be ecstatic praise, my every step buoyant with delight, as I see my enemies crushed, Satan baffled, defeated, destroyed, sin buried in the ocean of reconciling blood, hell’s gates closed, heaven’s portal open.

Go forth, O conquering GOD, and show me the cross, mighty to subdue, comfort and save.

 by Aaron Hughes

I Peter 5:6 says “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of GOD, that HE may exalt you in due time. ” Before we can expect GOD to do anything for us, we must first humble ourselves. Humbling myself was the hardest thing for me to do. My sense of entitlement kept me from being able to bend my knee in service. I couldn’t understand how to get over my pride or how to set aside my false, so called “entitlement.”

Then I read I Peter 5: 7: “Casting all your care up-on HIM; for HE careth for you. ” Now I understand that HE is the ONE who makes all things possible, and if I want to humble myself, I have to die to self and allow HIM to do HIS perfect work.
Understanding that this process isn’t necessarily a work completed overnight, the last part of verse 6 says “That HE may exalt you in due time, ” not in my time, but in HIS time. I must stay persistent in seeking HIS will if I want to be exalted by the ALMIGHTY. Will it always be an easy road? Absolutely not, but it will be worth it.
There is nothing more desirable than to be exalted by GOD ALMIGHTY. So, please keep striving for HIS desires because the tribulations of this world cannot even hold a candle to HIS EVERLASTING GLORY.

 by Miguel (Juan Carlos Caballero)

First of all, thanks be to our Heavenly FATHER for HIS great loving kindness toward us, HIS  people. It’s just because of HIS mercy that I am still alive today. Looking back into my life, I can see that there is no possible way that I could have survived by myself in the world, doing all the wrong things that I was doing.

Now I can tell that nothing else but the protection of the LORD kept me alive. I could be dead by now, but today I can say, without a shadow of doubt, that my Heavenly FATHER, the LORD GOD ALMIGHTTY, the CREATOR of the universe, kept me alive until the day I repented of all my sins and surrendered my life completely to HIM!

And the very same day that I came to HIM  in true repentance, HE forgave me for all the sins that I committed during my life. HE forgave every single dirty thing I did in thoughts, words, and deeds. HE also gave me the power to live a victorious life, to overcome sin, the world, and the devil. HE gave me a new life. filled me with the HOLY SPIRIT; HE also filled me with the peace of GOD, HIS peace, “the peace that passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

When I was living outside for myself, the world, and the devil, I always had this feeling, this void, this emptiness in my heart. I knew that I was looking for something. I didn’t know at that time what I was looking for to fill my emptiness and make me feel complete.

So, I started trying to fix my problems with drugs, money, sex, prestige, and so on. But none of these things was helping me to fill the longing I had in my heart. Instead of helping me, all of these things were just making my life worse.

It was only the day I received JESUS as my LORD and SAVIOR that my searching stopped. When HE came to live in my heart, HE filled all of my emptiness. Now I can say with all confidence, I am complete in JESUS, who is the head of all principalities and power (Colossians 2:10). I’m alive! I have the real life, the abundant life, because JESUS lives in me!! Now I can confidently say:

“I’m not just existing, I am living!! ‘

Thank you, JESUS!! My friend, if you are still trying to fill the emptiness of your heart, TRUST in JESUS today. Ask IÆIIVI to come into your heart and be your LORD and SAVIOR. Ask HIM to save you from your sins; HE will do it.

HE is “the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). With GOD, there is no partiality. HE did it for me, and I-E will also do it for you. I-IE saved me. HE will save you also. Just trust 1-11M and believe HIS WORD. “Behold, I (JESUS) stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with ME” (Revelation 3:20).

 by Gary J. Doby

Baseball has been honored as the “Perfect Game” and as “America’s Pastime. ” The ideal distances of 60′ 6″ from the rubber to the plate and 90′ baselines are just right. Three out at-bats and four ball, three strike counts at the plate move the game accordingly. The prescribed rules maintain order and form.

Yet those with a frue understanding of the game recognize certain “fundamentals” and how to best execute them, fundamentals that bring aesthetic satisfaction and victory to the team that performs. The timing and surprise of the “suicide squeeze ” make it the most exciting play in baseball. And following the basic tenet “Never make the last out at third base” can be the difference between victory and defeat.

After nine innings and 54 outs, however, it’s over for the day. The teams go on to pray another day. Yogi Berra famously pronounced: “It ain’t over ’til it’s over. ” Yet, in baseball, there’s always another game or another team.

Life, however, is not a mere “game. ” We are given, blessed with, a limited number of days to live and “once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 10:27). There are no double-headers, not 154 game schedules and no one has the promise of a tomorrow: “For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14).

GOD has blessed us in HIS WORD with basic rules and fundamentals to assure us of “Victory in JESUS. ” The commands are clearly given in Exodus 20 and in the WORDS of CHRIST throughout HIS ministry.

CHRIST made the “rules ” clear and established several fundamentals necessary for salvation, victory over the grave. When HE commanded (John 3:7) “Ye must be born again, ” HE revealed to Nicodemus a basic tenet of CHRISTIANITY.

The means to the re-birth are certain. Every person must accept the fact that “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD” (Romans 3:23) and that “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD ” (Romans 6:23).

CHRIST has guaranteed that Satan and sin cannot defeat us. Peter stated, “He that believeth on HIM shall not be confounded” (I Peter 3:6). JESUS said that 1—IE came so that “Whosoever believeth on HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Yet HE warned in John 3:18: “He that believeth not is condemned already.

Life is a gift, not a game. But there are fundamentals and rules for living. To “lose” is eternal damnation and separation from GOD.  CHRIST has already provided our victory. Just believe, accept GOD’s grace, and be saved. Where are you today?

“He that believeth on the SON hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the SON -shall not see life;