How to Handle an Atheist's Attack on the Bible -- by ROD ANDERSON

There are what appear to be contradictions, some irreconcilable, in the Bible, but there are ways to handle them in an honest way, says Michael Brown, a Messianic Jewish apologist and host of the talk radio show "The Line of Fire."

"First thing, don't stick your head in the sand as if they don't exist," says Brown, the president of FIRE School of Ministry, in the latest episode of his show, "How Do We Explain Bible Contradictions?"

"Second thing, don't pull your hair out as if it's the end of the world," Brown suggests.

We should look to see if there's a textual or manuscript issue, he says.

"Could it be that a predominant number of manuscripts repeat a wrong number or an error that easily crept in, and other manuscripts indicate that that's not the original text. … Sometimes, the contradictions disappear just like that," he explains.

Another way to look at it is, he adds, "sometimes there's an overall harmony even if the details we can't quite bring together."

Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/talk-show-host-michael-brown-how-to-handle-contradictions-in-the-bible-160370/#sl1uMTWmRH0DB6Oe.99

Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/how-to-handle-atheists-attack-on-the-bible-160502/#zfTOmb3tGKVgGtj6.99

Strangers On A Plane -- by Veronica Philips

It had been 12years in the making, so with a smile, he finally agreed to his son's request to take him to work with him. Being an Engineer means getting up at 4am; which is no easy task for a 12year old, but he did it like a Champ. As they ordered his 1st Right of Passage, and made their way to the station, he realized that it may just be fun, to have his son spend the day with him. 6am is shift change, so he asked his son to go sit down, while he reviewed the notes from the night before. "Can I go outside Dad and look at the river?". "Sure, but stay close. Train will be by soon". He answered. It wasn't until 1st warning signal that he remembered his son was still outside....it wasn't until the final approach....that he realized where he was....Strangers on a train....sometimes what we don't know...is heartbreaking.

As his son struggled helplessly on the tracks, the father knew that if he didn't pull the lever, 200+ people, strangers on a train, were going to perish. If he did pull the lever, his son, his only begotten son; with whom he was so well pleased, was going to die. His son had done nothing wrong, the passengers never realized they were in need of saving....He, the Engineer, held the balance of life and death in his hand.....Sigh....As the train made it's way over the bridge, he had to turn his face....they would NEVER KNOW, COULD NEVER know.....the sacrifice that had been made to save their life that day....or would they?

He kept the clippings, he heard the talk. The articles mocking him, the jokes judging him, "We didn't ASK him to die for us" they jeered, and sneered....."I would have NEVER done that".....it's easy to mock what we don't understand, but there were those, upon realizing the sacrifice made to save them, received their 2nd chance and changed their life. As we celebrate Good Friday, the Day Christ Died, let us do so with the reverence of knowing, that while we were still just strangers on a train, He sacrificed His Son...to save us. Often we look at Easter from the Son's Perspective, but how much more painful must it have been, to be The Father...? The choice could have been much different....we could have perished. Let us rejoice in knowing that our life was worthy....worthy enough for a King to die. Thank you Father....I'm trying to make the best, of my 2nd chance....Be Blessed. Remember you set the Tone, you ARE the Example. 

BE KIND to each other. Show GRACE and MERCY to all those who cross your path today. With your Daily Affirmations complete, enjoy Good Friday....let us remember that while we were still sinners....Christ died....for us. Amen.

Amish carpenters nearing completion of life-sized Noah’s Ark --- By Mark Ellis & Chad Dou

                                

A mind-blowing full-scale replica of Noah’s Ark is nearing completion in Williamstown, KY, displaying the remarkable grandiosity of the all-wood colossus.

While Noah and his family spent 100 years toiling on the ark, Ken Ham and his construction team — including dozens of Amish carpenters — will have taken five years by the time they are finished in July and it opens to the public.

“We want to reach millions more about the truth in the Gospel, the words of God,” said Ham, who is also the founder of the Creation Museum located 40 miles from the Ark. “I believe that the Ark of Noah is the greatest reminder we have for salvation.”

At 510 feet long, 85 feet wide and 51 feet high, the replica is so big it actually shatters previous records — becoming the biggest all-timber structure in the world, according to Ham.

To mount the massive construction, Ham employed several dozen Amish carpenters to apply their traditional carpentry skills to meet the Genesis specs. The interior of the ark will have three stories and 130 exhibits, including animal specimen and statues of Noah.

The Ark Encounter website hopes the project will dispel the aura of childhood fantasy that is associated with the Ark story. “We consider the fairy-tale ark that appears in the drawings, kids’ books and toys, looking like a bathtub with the giraffes’ heads sticking out and modern animals on board, to be dangerous. The biblical account of the Ark and the Flood is not a fun story about an old man and lots of cute animals. It’s about God judging an exceedingly wicked world while sparing a righteous man, his family, and representatives of the land animals from destruction.”

The Soul That Sinneth - It Shall Die --- by June Samuel

God has decreed it. In the Garden of Eden, God said to Adam, “in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die”. Genesis 2:17. Adam disobeyed God and ate of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Adam died spiritually that day.

Esau, Adam’s son offered a sacrifice of the fruit of the ground to God. God rejected it. Why? No animal was killed as his brother Abel had offered. No blood was spilt. The fruit came from the earth that God cursed, because of Adam’s sin.

God in His grace and mercy instituted the slaying of lambs, bulls and goats upon an altar of earth for the temporal forgiveness of sins. In order to appease God’s wrath this ordinance was given to the people of Israel, and to the strangers within their borders, who would embrace this sacrificial offerings for the forgiveness of sins. Note the word “sins”. The annual sacrifices could only atone for sins committed. It could not atone for the sin root - our sin nature that we inherited from Adam.

That is why Jesus came to this earth. He came to die. When God decreed that the soul that sins, it shall die (Ezekiel 18:4), He knew His Son would have to die to pay the penalty of sin. The Lord Jesus is the only one in the universe qualified to die for the sin of Adam’s race.

As an old favorite hymn (There is a green hill far away) is written:

                                           “He died that we might be forgiven,

                                            He died to make us good” (fit for God’s presence)

                                           “That we might go at last to heaven

                                             Saved by His precious blood.”

The Lord Jesus paid the death penalty for our sin. Now we can go free only if we accept God’s offer of redemption. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6: 23. That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10: 9-10.

This is the reason the Lord Jesus is called the last Adam. He has created a new race of people – a people saved by His precious blood. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

All quotes NKJV

Impartation: Sons vs Servants ----- By Curtis D. Whiteman

                                                            

                                                           

In Bible days, a mantle was an outer cloak used for additional covering and warmth, especially at night. The mantle was essentially the only "blanket" the person had so even when used as a pledge the law required it be returned before bedtime.

From the idea of something that "covers" in the natural, a mantle easily comes to represent spiritual covering also. Mantles usually refer to spiritual authority and anointing. A great example of a spiritual mantle which passed from one person to another is Elijah and Elisha.

Elijah was a prophet in Israel and Elisha was his student or disciple. Elisha ministered to Elijah and studied under him, earnestly desiring to operate the way he did. He realized that the time was drawing near when Elijah would leave the earth. Elijah also knew the time was soon and repeatedly told Elisha to depart from him. Instead, Elisha pressed in closer and refused to leave him.

Before Elijah was translated into heaven, he said; "'Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you.' And Elisha said, 'Please, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.'" (2 Kings 2:9) It was Elijah's mantle which proved whether or not Elisha received his request.

Elijah told him; "'You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.'" (Verse 10) Elisha did see Elijah leave in a chariot of fire. He then tore his own garment in two pieces and "took up the mantle of Elijah that fell from him." (Verse 13) Thereafter, he also took up the work of his spiritual father and operated in his anointing.

Impartation is the transference of anointing from a higher spiritual vessel to another

Jesus says, we are no longer servants but his friends.The following is look at the differences between servants and sons and daughter. I used the term sons when I mean sons and daughters.

Fathers use their servants. Fathers love their sons.

Servants have limited access. Sons have full access to all the Father has.

Servants have no authority, they simply obey. Sons have authority.

Servants are chained to their past and pessimistic of the future. Sons are free from their past and have hope for the future.

Servants need to prove their worth. Sons know they are worthy due to relationships.

Servants are looking for their identity. Sons have identity.

A good son considers the needs of his parents, and will often do more than that which he was asked to do. A good son will love his parents and receive their love in return. He will seek to do the things that are needed. Impactation and succession comes through relationship! Although there's levels to relationships if both parties are dedicated to building through instructions and rebuke the son can and will grow into their gift and calling

By Curtis D. Whiteman

Curtis D. Whiteman is a Husband, father, and inspirational speaker. FollowCurtis' Twitter account for inspirational and wisdom packed tweets that will enrich your walk with Christ.

This Easter, Don't Forget About the Power of the Cross Read ----- By Shane Idleman , CP Guest Contributor.

                                                      

"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world," (Galatians 6:14).

Why is the world offended by the cross? Why are so many disturbed when the name of Jesus is mentioned? Why is His name, above all others, often taken in vain?

The answer is simple: There is power in His name, and there is power in the cross — power that shakes the spiritual realm. Philippians 2:9-11 says that God has highly exalted Jesus and has given Him a name that is above every other name, that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

No wonder the world hates the cross and the name of Jesus — they convict. The cross, sin, and repentance have never been popular terms even though they are at the heart of the Christian faith. Jesus Himself said that the cross would be offensive. Sadly, many today water down the gospel and avoid talking about the cross. They want the Bible to be more appealing and marketable. But truth is not marketable! We are to guard it, proclaim it, and defend it, but never compromise it.

A.W. Tozer addressed this decades ago, "There has come in modern times a new cross into popular evangelical circles. It is like the old cross, but different; the likenesses are superficial, the differences fundamental. The old cross slew men; the new cross entertains them. The old cross condemned; the new cross amuses. The old cross destroyed confidence in the flesh; the new cross encourages it. The old cross brought tears and blood; the new cross brings laughter."

Tozer continues, "Any objection to the carrying on of our present gold-calf [lukewarm] Christianity is met with the triumphant reply, 'But we are winning them!' And winning them to what? To true discipleship? To cross-carrying? To self-denial? To separation from the world? To crucifixion of the flesh? To holy living? To nobility of character? To a despising of the world's treasures? To hard self-discipline? To love for God? To total committal to Christ? Of course the answer to all these questions is … No."

This pleasant, "new cross" view, often leaves people confused and deceived because they believe in a self-promoting, self-seeking Christianity that bears no resemblance to Jesus' sobering call to full surrender…to dying to self. For this reason, it's been said that one of the greatest mission fields in the world today is the church, as a whole, in America.

In our zeal to lead people to Christ, many paint a false picture of discipleship, or water it down altogether. Jesus didn't say, "Follow me and you won't have to change anything"; He said, "Deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24). Jesus wants us to understand what's involved when we follow Him — there is a cost. The cross cost Him and it will cost us.

If current statistics hold true, many will continue to embrace a glamorized Christianity and be led astray. Life is a battleground not a playground!

If you've never sincerely repented and trusted in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, there is no better time than now. Many who are trapped in religion go through life lacking passion, direction, and purpose, often living with a sense of remorse and guilt. They wonder, "Have I been good enough?" A relationship with Christ changes that. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." Your past is forgiven, your present secure, and your future certain.

The resurrection and the cross set us free from sin and death: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

No matter what you've done, you have the opportunity to believe in Jesus and be forgiven of sin. Acknowledge that you are a sinner in need of a Savior (Romans 3:23). Acknowledge that Jesus died for your sins (John 3:16). Repent and turn from your sins (Acts 3:19). Live your life for Him (Hebrews 12:1-2).

This Easter, although we rejoice in the empty tomb, don't forget about the power of the cross. The cross cleanses, redeems, releases, crushes, and triumphs. It offers hope and peace to a dying world. "There is no peace until we see the finished work of Jesus Christ — until we can look back and see the cross of Christ between our sins" (D.L. Moody).

What does the cross mean to you? You cannot live your life with a question mark here.

Watch the sermon here: https://vimeo.com/159695691

Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/easter-dont-forget-about-the-power-of-the-cross-jesus-christ-159885/#uus8hMkWz5EhmGvc.99

The Danger of Living Like Satan and Demons Don't Exist --- BY MATT MOORE

                                              

Unless you dish out $10.75 to watch some poor fictional family be terrorized by them on the big screen, you aren't going to hear much talk about Satan or demons nowadays.

Contemporary thinking is far too "advanced" to entertain the existence of such entities. Most westerners classify the devil and his demons alongside trolls, poltergeists, and vampires — they're a little scary to think about, but make-believe nonetheless.

Even in modern Christian culture (at least the Baptist circles I run in), there is very little dialogue about these invisible beings the Bible quite clearly teaches are real. We talk a lot about the evil powers of sin and the flesh but tend to gloss over the evil powers of Satan and his army of spiritual hellions.

We don't deny their existence, but the way we process our experiences in this life often reflects we don't really believe they are present and working. When it comes to our various inward battles, many of us are quick to blame merely our flesh . . . or more "rational" culprits — a bad diet, not enough sleep, a chemical imbalance, rough circumstances.

Sometimes our inward battles are solely the workings of our sinful flesh. Sometimes anxiety, depression, or crazy-intense levels of temptation do have natural causes. But I think many times there is something more going on in our mental and emotional struggles that we are hesitant to acknowledge.

Satan and demons are an inescapable reality of the New Testament.

In Mark chapter 9, Jesus heals a boy who was possessed by a demon that made him foam at the mouth, grind his teeth, and throw himself into fire and water. In Luke chapter 9, Jesus encounters a man filled with many demons that caused him to run about naked and cut himself. Luke 13 tells of a woman who was physically crippled by a demonic spirit. I know these are all extreme situations, but there are more subtle examples of demonic activity in the Bible, as well. In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul describes his thorn in the flesh as a "messenger from Satan." Also in his letters to the Corinthians, Paul writes that demonic spirits tempt us to sin sexually (1 Cor 7:5), seek to outwit us (2 Cor 2:11), and disguise themselves as angels of light to lead us away from the truth of the gospel (2 Cor 11:13-15).

Believers, we have real enemies. Satan is real. Demons are real. And they are relentlessly utilizing every tool at their disposal to destroy our faith. We must really believe this if we are to interpret our experiences rightly and fight accordingly!

If demonic forces afflict us and we respond as if the problem is merely a chemical imbalance or the effects of a bad diet (again, these all can be valid causes), we are going to get nowhere fast. We can take medication and cut sugar out of our diet all day long, but if we don't acknowledge the reality of demonic attacks and fight them accordingly, we are destined to be defeated.

We have to respond to spiritual attacks spiritually — just as Paul instructed the believers in Ephesus to do:

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints." – Ephesians 6:10-18

If we want to triumphantly endure the attacks of Satan, we've got to make putting on the armor of God our way of life. Soldiering-up isn't supposed to be a mere defense to individual demonic attacks; we are to always be soldiered-up, living on the spiritual offensive!

Day in and day out we have to be filling our minds with the truth of the gospel and allowing our hearts to be saturated by the Spirit. As many of us know, episodes of spiritual warfare don't always subside quickly. They can last for days or weeks or months. We need to be so grounded in the gospel, so filled with the Spirit, and so protected by the armor of God that we don't crumble after a few days of oppression. To quote the writer of Hebrews, we have need of endurance.

Until we get to heaven, Satan will be relentless in seeking to destroy our faith. He wants to get into our minds and beat us down day after day until our joy in God disintegrates. He will strive to create in us so much grief and turmoil that we begin to disbelieve God's love for us. He will whisper all sorts of vile things into our ears, seeking to stir up the lusts of our flesh so that we will fall into faithless debauchery and question our ability to continue living a life of repentance. He wants us powerless, hopeless, and despairing. Don't let him have his way!

"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." – 1 Peter 5:8-10.

Originally posted at moorematt.org.