Kathy L McFarland

April 2, 2024

What is Professional Theology?

Theology is the study and reasoned discourse concerning religious belief and God revealed by Him from all sources including both the Bible and the physical world of God. It is the science of the LORD God’s essential being and His relationship to the universe according to His Word. Professional Theology is one of five different types of theology contained in modern-day belief systems:

Folk Theology – Every living being that seeks answers about God or forms an opinion about His things is participating in folk theology. The Internet is crammed full of folk theologists who present their spiritual ideas to the world that stretch from urban myths, angelic encounters, supernatural events, and even a few out-of-body trips stirred by favorite drugs that offer extra insight into the deeper things in life. But, folk theology is not limited to the ethereal thinkers, but is practiced by almost every being on this planet at one time or another as a connection is made to the difference between the body and the soul, and the connection between one’s own actions and God’s movement.

Lay Theology – Initiated by Christians as spiritual maturity drives them to seek deeper answers from the Word of God. Every believer that is growing in the Word of God becomes a Lay Theologist. By the very nature of their spiritual growth, a seeking heart and an inquisitive mind associate theological ideas in life with Scripture in ever-increasing depth and revelation from God. It is the time when new believers began questioning the spiritual things that are expressed in their church and their life and they begin joining concepts of personal belief in a system that helps them understand. No longer satisfied with blind or rote participation in worship tradition, they seek answers with their search for a more intimate knowledge of God.

Ministerial Theology – This type of theology defines a significant effort toward connecting the things God has revealed to mankind to human life and existence. Explanations that are sought for difficult times are carefully answered by Ministerial Theologists who offer comfort and reassurance that God is in control. Ministerial theology is practiced by ministers and pastors, as well as by Christian parents, who participate in life by sharing the things of God with others to uphold, sustain, and encourage growth toward Him as common life and the mundane, as well as life assist with difficulties and support celebrations toward God and His things.

Professional Theology – Hard questions concerning God’s movement and revelation often require systematic ordering with a careful contemplation of His Word. Professional Theologists are the Programmers, Professors, Writers, and Teachers that apply detailed study to the things of God in an effort to fully express His will and ways to others. It is a serious commitment to connect revelations that God has given mankind to lay people in an ordered way that gives them support to live their lives as willed by Him. The tools of trade for a Ministerial Theologist are the Bible and the altar to lead parishioners, and for the Academic Theologists the textbooks and the lectern tools are used to lead students. The Professional Theologists’ tools of trade are computers, Bibles, books, movies, films, television, and textbooks with real life applications to lead others closer to God according to His will.

Academic Theology – This type of theology is not connected by God’s moving as much as it is connected to man’s efforts to form systematic ideas that reflect their educational efforts that are built upon others. More often than not, Academic Theology is practiced by an elite group of educated thinkers who awe each other with ever-increasing understanding of very specific, limited ideas, usually in a philosophical, rather than a spiritual, sense. Academic Theologists are less concerned about God, but more interested in the discipline and concepts of belief. Discussion and scholarship in Academic Theology does not rely upon Scripture; it favors textbooks, journal articles, and lectures to advance its field.

Where is the marketplace where Professional Theologists minister?

It is not in the churches. It is in the mission fields. It is in the prisons, hospitals, or on the reservations. It is everywhere, but seldom anywhere familiar to normal, traditional religious gatherings.

A large portion of a Professional Theologist’s ministry will be spent on the Internet, the new marketplace where most people gather. Another place that will be an important part to a Professional Theologist’s ministry is assisting home churches and small group gatherings with the ceremonies, teachings, and guidance necessary to establish strong works for the Lord to come forth out of their gathering. A Professional Theologist’s ministry is lonely, but it is not unsupervised. While most of the duties take place from the quiet home office where their work seems separate from community ministries, their activities are supported by a strong training, commissioning, endorsing, advocating, and restricting body established by Becker Bible Ministries, Inc. and Becker Professional Theology Academy.

The Professional Theologists will perform their duties in the places that people gather in life to inquire about God that is away from traditional churches. All sorts of Christians are chosen to do this quiet, but important work. It can be done with disabilities, seclusion, and differences that are often rejected and ridiculed by traditional religious gatherings. It is the newest career field developed by God to bring people in the marketplace closer to Him, as well as provide keen leadership to the small groups and home churches that have need to be supported by an authoritative agent that is well-trained and righteous.

April 2, 2024

Mission Statement and Vision Statement of Becker Bible Ministries, Inc.

Mission Statement
Becker Bible Ministries, Inc. objective is to define, develop, and establish the new field of Professional Theology and train conservative Christian Theologists to educate those seeking to meet Christ within the marketplaces that are outside traditional religious gatherings.

Vision Statement
One day all people seeking the Lord Jesus Christ will have opportunity to learn about God and His inerrant Word without exclusion, threat, rejection, ridicule, or judgment through the leadership of Professional Theologists trained to guide chosen sinners toward personal spiritual relationships, lives, and works directed by Him.

Our Story
We are in the process for developing the Becker Professional Theology Academy to train Christian leaders to participate in ministries within the marketplace to the unchurched. Sadly, more and more Christians are falling away from participation in churches across America. Though they are leaving the churches, or rejected by them, we believe that Christ intends all to gather together to learn and nurture and build upon His Things.

It is the nature of modern day activities, especially the Internet, that we believe has changed the way people gather information and learn new things. About twelve years ago, we started putting Becker Bible Studies on the Internet, free of charge, to reach the unchurched. Within ten years, we had missionaries (many underground in dangerous places) that used our teachings in every country of the world. We also supplied the same studies to the U.S. Army Chaplains on the front lines during war. I always include this history not to elevate our status, but to relay that God’s movement was quite apparent, in that we operated for that entire period without charging money for our studies yet they were dispersed everywhere.

We gathered many Christians outside the church setting during this period. We always tried to get those we could connected to Christian fellowship. But, soon we discovered that many of the soldiers, especially those broken from PTSD, were coming back to the states and unable to participate in regular worship in neighborhood churches. Then God brought us many, many broken seekers of Christ that had been sexually or physically abused as children; their experiences commonly left them unworthy to even come toward the cross of Christ. Outliers soon followed as the ones we were ministering to brought society’s rejected, oppressed, persecuted, misfit, and lonely to our door. Quickly we realized that these different ministries required much more skill and knowledge than what we and our associates had.

So we all went to school while we ministered as best as we could. Several of us graduated from Liberty University and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary with degrees in religion and counseling and continued on with Master degrees in Divinity. Now that we are equipped with the knowledge we need to do the next part of our ministry, we began to develop Becker Bible Ministries, Inc. with hopes that all of the fruits we first gathered, can be expanded to bring seeking Christians to the salvation of Christ and then mature into strong Christians that can begin works that will glorify Him.

We are conservative in faith. We believe that the Bible is inerrant. We believe that it takes the acceptance of Christ as Savior and the washing of sin with His blood and New Birth through the Holy Spirit to bring salvation, justification, and eternal life. Basically, all that we believe, is believed by most Baptists everywhere.

But, our ministry takes us to places that normal Baptists do not go. While most Christian leadership in Baptist churches must take care to keep their churches sanctified and protected from the heavy-duty sinners within the world, Becker Bible Ministries, Inc., go in the midst of the marketplace to minister to those seeking to know Christ. Many of those we minister to, are not only outside the regular church parameters, but also, rejected by many in the conservative religion base. This has led to some accusations against us that we cater to sinners that should not have the Gospel of Christ until they have changed.

Which gets us to a major principle of our ministry. We absolutely believe that sins within people cannot go away because they wish it, or wrestle with it, or deny it. We believe that only Christ, and his sacrificed blood, and acknowledgement of Him as Lord and Savior can remove the sin from a person. We believe that any religion that demands a sinner to drop their sins before they meet Christ is contrary to His Gospel. We have witnessed many heterosexuals, homosexuals, asexuals, murderers, abortionists, thieves, rapists, abusers, and just plain ornery folks accept Christ, begin a walk with Him guided by our studies and leadings, and keep on their journey as their sins began dropping from them. As the sins loosened, God’s grace and Christ’s love would replace it and cause the sinners to turn away from darkness and desire the light more and more.

We believe becoming a Christian is more than an event that takes place once. Though we believe the saving grace of God is all it takes for eternal life, we believe to walk as a Christian and mature spiritually in order to do great works of God that it is a gradual, ever-increasing process. We believe that a steady increase of spiritual growth, with a good foundation of Scripture, and an encouragement for a personal relationship with Christ creates super Christians that God can use for His things. Certainly, those coming from our ministry have experienced a great deal of hardship. Those arising and becoming strong Christians with relationship with Christ are the type of people you hope to find when the tough times come.

We are just beginning the process of Becker Bible Ministries, Inc. and the formation of professional theologists who are able to take these concepts into the marketplace and offer Christ’s teachings to those that are unable to receive them in a church setting. It is a brand new walk for us. We find ourselves in a position that we have never been in before. It is crucial that we develop workers, volunteers, and funds for God’s works to be completed fully. In the midst of the preparation of this newest ministries, many of our leaders in scary places overseas are facing daily persecutions and some, sadly facing death and destruction of their families and their ways of life.

Questions? Email: beckerbible@gmail.com

April 2, 2024

The Meek will inherit the Earth

Matthew 5:5 (KJV 1900)
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Now let’s reason this together. Throughout the New Testament teachings of Jesus Christ, He tells us over and over that this earth does not belong to us as Christians. He wants us to separate from the world, right? And we know that there will one day be a New Heaven and a New Earth. Reasoning this through is clearly speaking of the New Earth. The meek will be blessed by inheriting the earth.

So, when does the Lord want meekness? Right now, as we inhabit this sinful old earth. It’s not about being angelic and holy towards the earth people today. Secular people are aggressive and loud and political and opinionated and violent. Christians should be apart from this world. Not boisterous and having their views known throughout the world. Meek. Gentle. Mild.

I taught you that I will never be famous and lead hundreds of thousands of people. How do I know? Because meekness will never get me fame. I stay as gentle and mild as I can (difficult always), so I don’t lose the opportunity to teach those that God wants me to teach. Now, I am a strong Christian with the Power God dwelling within me and quite capable of defending myself, my family, and my Lord. But if I use that power and strength to gain the world’s attention, my days of teaching the Word of God to the Christians God has chosen is over. That is how I know I will NOT be famous on this earth.

And by the way, if you carry guns, knives, machetes aggressively, concealed or otherwise, you are not being meek. You are arming yourself to be powerful and overcome others. Yes, sometimes you must war, or defend your country, or your loved ones, and that is acceptable for righteousness’s sake. But posturing and attention-seeking with a weapon assumes you want power over others (or you are a coward), and that is not being meek. You run the risk of losing your inheritance of the New Earth if you become too powerful on this one.

Another problem with meekness that Christians have is their dress. If women are showing their bosoms, and wearing tight clothes, that is not meek; it is attention-seeking. If men wear tight pants and buy expensive clothing to take pictures to show their wealth or good looks, that is attention-seeking also. If believers dance with HOLINESS for the LORD God in worship inside a church setting, that can be meek, because it is done inside the church walls. But if that church opens its doors to invite the world within, and dance for entertainment’s sake with their dance moves emulating sex to possibly attract men or women, then that is attention-seeking.

I am meek as I do my job, I am promised by the Lord to inherit the New Earth. I will not have to be meek on the New Earth. I will live my life with my loved ones and do the ministry that the Lord directs with my full righteousness and personality. But today, I am meek, and do not gain the world’s attention. I will be blessed on the New Earth because I am going to inherit it. Does this make sense?

If the Lord has chosen a Christian for a specific work that requires him or her to gain the attention of the world, then whatever the Christian is equipped with should be used. There are times when the Lord does not want meekness to be defined with large works. However, in most cases, staying meek is the behavior that should be emulated in this world that does not belong to us.

April 2, 2024

Why do Protestants NOT follow Tradition?

Why do Protestants claim to go by scripture alone when we read in the Bible itself that we are to follow tradition and scripture? For example, in 2 Thessalonian 2:15, St Paul commands us to “stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter.” So why not follow St Paul’s command?

Protestants often hang their hat on a couple of strong verses of warning in Scripture:

Matthew 15:1-9

“Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to [his] father or [his] mother, [It is] a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, [he shall be free]. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. [Ye] hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with [their] lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:1-9 KJV)

Colossians 2:4-8

“And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, [so] walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” (Colossians 2:4-8 KJV)

Most Protestants believe that Catholics have faulty doctrine, and that their traditions emulate that untruth. I don’t think most are against tradition, and in fact, many practice their own traditions in their own churches. However, when many Protestant believers criticize the Traditions of Catholicism, I think they are actually addressing the false doctrines that the Tradition hides in its pageantry and beauty.

So, instead of confronting the differences of belief, searching Scripture and finding common ground, some old-fogey Protestants attack the tradition and avoid the real issues that separate our fellowship. I think that many Protestants attack Catholic Traditions because, underneath the traditions lies doctrine that is false. If Protestants attack Catholic Traditions, then the area of their contention remains unaddressed; specifically, the conflicts concerning the Truth of God and the apparent misinterpretations that these Traditions reflect. On the other hand, many Catholics defend their Traditions, and are completely unaware of the confused doctrines that their traditions represent.

It goes both ways! and that’s what is wrong with tradition. When the focus is solely upon Tradition (whether it possesses Roman Catholic nature or Protestant nature), and the Word of God is neglected, misused and misinterpreted, both Protestants and Catholics get it wrong. However, if any Protestant thinks that tradition has no place in the worship of God, I personally believe they are missing out and subverting the expression of the holiness of God. On the other hand again, if any Catholic thinks that tradition is the complete worship of God, I personally believe they also are missing out by subverting His teachings and their ability to grow stronger toward Him.

If Tradition is based upon the Truth, IT’S VERY GOOD! If Tradition is based upon false teachings, IT’s VERY BAD! Our job, as Christians, is to make sure that everything we do is based and conforms upon His Word and glorifies Him!

Now to the crux of your question and its suggestion that all Protestants arbitrarily deem Catholic traditions as traditions of men, while not addressing the actual difference themselves. The answer is “Yes, sometimes.” There are SOME Protestants that do just that. I can only offer you that explanation for those Protestants that attack Tradition without explanation of the real reason for their disdain.

Some Protestants are like some Catholics; yearning to have a growing relationship with the LORD God through Jesus Christ, and experiencing life with as much flavor as God places in their life. Regrettably, others, on both sides of Christian belief, aren’t like that at all.

I don’t think that most Protestants are convinced that the present-day Roman Catholic Church is the established Church of Jesus Christ. Please recognize I am not a spokesman for all Protestants; however, I think this reflects their views somewhat. Protestants believe that the Roman Catholic Church was established to replace the falling Roman Empire; that this group became just as corrupted as the government it replaced, and as a result the spiritual things of God were corrupted within it.

Interestingly, the father of Protestantism, Martin Luther, accepted Roman-ruled religion, and tried to change the corruption from the inside-out. Apparently that was NOT the Will of God, because, instead, Luther was moved away from the established Roman rule, and started a movement that put Bibles in the people’s hand, gave them a right to approach the LORD God through Jesus Christ, and allowed them to walk with Him. Since then, regrettably, Protestants splintered off into so many different groups, some corrupted, some not. Many Protestant churches are now approaching the same levels of corruption that have been perpetrated upon believers by the powers that lead within the Roman Church.

So what do we, as believers, do?

We must first look to our God and our Savior. We must trust that Christ will Shepherd us and lead us through the complicated mess that religion has made. We have one guidebook, and that is His Word. For me personally, life is too complicated and religion too corrupted for me to be led by anyone but Him. I have personally chosen to use the Bible as the final authority on all things that I do, with the moving of the Holy Spirit as my guide.

For instance, I say that Mary, the mother of Jesus, is blessed among all women, because that is in the Bible. In my studies and worship, I have gone further in meeting Mary on a more personal contemplation, through the moving of the Holy Spirit. However, I cannot take it that next step and place her upon a pedestal equal with Christ, and as co-ruler of Heaven, because the Word of God does not reflect this as Truth, even though the Roman Catholic Traditions reflect this in their practices.

At some point, every Christian must decide where their line is. My line is resting firmly on the Word of God, and looking greatly forward to the day when I can participate fully in the pomp and circumstance in celebration of my Lord. But in these times, and in my life, I have no other choice but to draw my line between tradition and the Bible; the Bible is the only thing I know to be Truth completely. If I’m wrong, then when I meet my Lord, I imagine He will point out some of the areas in my life that could have received comfort from the “Tradition” that was given; however, he will not find fault with my belief because it is based upon God’s Truth.

Now you didn’t write me to hear my personal views, however, I don’t think you can understand a Protestant’s belief, unless it is personalized. While a Catholic believer practices his faith corporately, Protestant’s practice their faith personally. That’s why the nature of the arguments always escalate to ugliness among the uneducated and the impassioned. One side is talking from a supposed elevated position representing a big world of believers, while the other side speaks generally of one personal belief that usually becomes offended to just discuss these issues. In the end, we all lose out.

I’ve enjoyed our conversation. If you have any more Protestant questions, you can find this middle-of-the-road Protestant Catholic right here, ready to figure it out with you.

Thanks for sharing.

April 2, 2024

What are some good KJV Bible Studies for Women

One of the things that bothers me in these times is specialized Bible studies for the different sexes. The reason it bothers me is because it has reduced our Christian women to believe they are of a class that should focus merely on women in the Bible with application to homemaking, childrearing and supporting their husbands.

While all of these things are important and required by God, women are just as easily used, and often more effectual in teaching and bringing the things of God to those He Wills. In fact, He is bringing many strong Christian women to the table and preparing them for vital works in the exact same way that He prepares men.

Women can NOT be the head of a church as a primary leader of the congregation according to the Word of God because she lacks God’s authority to be a shepherd over the flock. However, NO authority is required for teaching and writing and doing the things of God when guided by the Holy Spirit. Christians can read and learn and hear the teachings of God from a woman, and determine whether it has the authority of the Holy Spirit that is guiding them to grow spiritually. That is what a strong Christian woman leader can do!

Women can raise those preachers (both their children and others) to perfectly handle the Word of God. The Word of God does not prohibit women from writing books, participating in social protests, implementing social change, bringing religious doctrine closer to the Will of God, teaching His things and leading the lost, homeless, disabled, confused and young to find His path. For these reasons, I include women in all areas of our Bible Studies, and in fact, they are my best authors and teachers.

I understand you asked a simple reference, and I seem to be preaching a larger sermon; but, this issue is so close to my heart that I jump at every opportunity to share my view. Simply stated, the capabilities of spiritual works have been severely limited in women as a direct result of bad doctrine, arrogant interpretations by pretend Christians and a constant oppression by the devil himself. Many of our women have been subjected to the most heinous of assaults, both sexual and mental, as young girls to prevent them from accomplishing the LORD God’s Works later in life. Churches prepare simplified women’s Bible studies to focus them on simple spiritual stories of Ruth to bring loyalty to mother-in-laws of Faith, and basic training of Esther to manipulate men to achieve God’s Will. While these stories bring a certain feeling of mattering to most Christian women, they result in few spiritual Works being accomplished.

I have committed to raise up the spiritual potential of all Christian women, and I believe the only way to accomplish this is to require the same demanding of learning the things of God, being held to the same accountability to rightly divide His Word. That means I expect all my women students to start at the basic studies of foundation and move on to the deeper things as God Wills. I believe that our Becker Bible Studies are a perfect teaching tool for this goal, and I have seen many strong Christian men and women learn His Word, and do His Works led by the Holy Spirit to accomplish great things of His as a result.

I encourage you to look at our various studies online and prepare to teach your Bible study for women with the same commitment that is displayed continuously for the training up of Christian men. start with our Foundation of Jesus Christ Bible study, and move on to the deeper things as He leads.

God’s Blessings in your important Works for Him.

April 2, 2024

Shining a Light on False Prosperity Gospel

If you give your hard earned dollars or your easily acquired inheritances or your paid for homes to our ministry at Becker Bible Ministries Inc., you will not automatically prosper. Your donation to further our efforts to teach the Word of God to hungry Christians all over the world will not result in a blessing of flowing wealth to come upon you with thanks from the LORD God Himself. In fact, it is not only our ministry that will NOT bring fortunes to you, but every true ministry that is guided and moved by Him.

People who turn to religion often have reached a point of lost dreams and direction. They are easy targets for the prosperity gospel to flourish under the manipulative hands of the pretend Christian leaders who seek to make fortunes in this world to finance their opulent lifestyles. Sadly, many of the depressed, lonely, lost, confused, widowed, disabled and poor brothers and sisters in Christ are tricked by these virulent techniques to transfer their small change into the pockets of the pretend Christian Evangelist charlatans.

God does not want to bless the Faithful with earthly riches! Now hold on! I know there are many Scriptures that are quoted often by the pretenders that convince the hopeful that He truly wants His People to prosper. However, when the true nature of the LORD God, Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit are known, and when believers sincerely seek to do His Will, money is the furthest thing from their minds! Why? Because true Christian workers are confident that when a work is given to them by the LORD God, all things are provided by Him to complete that job! Money is neither a worry nor a focus of true workers of God!

We have donation buttons on almost every page of our Becker Bible Ministries, Inc. for just this reason. When God moves faithful people to donate money to fund our ministry, they do it. They receive no blessing for that act alone, but rather will receive great reward from Him as they allow themselves to be used and moved according to His Will. In most cases, those rewards will not come to the generous faithful until they receive their crowns in Heaven. This will be the time when a Christian’s works will be judged and rewarded accordingly.

1 Corinthians 3:11-15

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)

It is then and only then when reward is received. We cannot expect the life of luxury to be given to us in this world, but rather look for hope of great reward of prosperity in the Kingdom of God. There is only one way to receive this reward, and that is to complete the Works God moves us to do!

Not all of us can minister throughout the world. Not all of us can shelter the homeless, feed the hungry, comfort the saddened, or adopt the orphans. Some are given these tasks by God, and some are given the works by God to specifically support these efforts through generous financial support as He moves them.

If the LORD God is moving you to support our ministry, then push that donation button at the top of our Facebook page and give according to His Will. If He is not moving you to give financial support, then don’t do it! Regardless, don’t expect great blessing to come to you in this life; financial support does not guarantee an easy life nor an easy judgment!

Every penny that you give to support the Works of God should always be given only as He moves, without any expectations of personal benefit! Care should always be taken that it is His Will and His Word and His Ministry that is being accomplished, and not the ministry of the world that preaches a false gospel of prosperity!

The staff, authors and teachers at Becker Bible Ministries, Inc. thank each of you that supported our works for the LORD God this year. We do not have the words to express our deep gratitude for responding to the moving of Him through your generous givings. We remember each of you in our prayers, not only for your generosity, but also your commitment to ensuring His Works are completed according to His Will.

There are so few faithful workers, with so little time left to complete our tasks. Your support has shined the light of our ministry and His Grace into places of deep worldly darkness, and given hope to hungry Christians all over the world who crave morsels of His Word and His People to strengthen their own works for Him. Thank you for your support.

1 Corinthians 9:13-18

“Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live [of the things] of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” “But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for [it were] better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation [of the gospel] is committed unto me. What is my reward then? [Verily] that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:13-18)

April 2, 2024

VOLUNTARY Humbleness is NOT Good

Colossians 2:18–23 (KJV 1900)
18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

Definitions:

Voluntary – 2527 θέλω (thelō): vb.; ≡ Str 2309; TDNT 3.44—1. LN 30.58 purpose, will, decide (Col 1:27), for another interp, see next; 2. LN 25.1 desire, want to

Humility – 5425 ταπεινοφροσύνη (tapeinophrosynē), ης (ēs), ἡ (hē): n.fem.; ≡ Str 5012; TDNT 8.1—LN 88.53 humility, humbleness, modesty (Ac 20:19; Eph 4:2; Php 2:3; Col 2:18, 23; 3:12; 1Pe
5:5+)

Beguile – 2857 καταβραβεύω (katabrabeuō): vb.; ≡ Str 2603—LN 30.121 disqualify (for a prize), decide against giving out a reward (Col 2:18+)

1. Voluntary humility (humbleness) as spoken in Colossians 2:18 is NOT a good standard.

a. Voluntary humility means that you purposely make yourself appear humble.

b. Colossians 2:18 says that a man can beguile you of the reward due you if you have voluntary humility.

c. “Beguile” means to disqualify a reward.

d. If a pretend Christian shows “voluntary humbleness,” it is equal to worshipping the angels, and vainly puffed up in fleshly concerns. It is definitely NOT good!

2. To be pleasing to the LORD God and Lord Jesus Christ, you must display an honest INVOLUNTARY humility.

a. We know this because it is the exact opposite of voluntary humility.

b. Involuntary humbleness shows wisdom in worship and humility.

c. Involuntary humbleness neglects the body and does not satisfy the flesh.

d. It is GOOD to have involuntary humbleness!

April 2, 2024

Measure the Teachings Between New and Mature Christians

Check out this ride! I was riding high! I had a killer job, a good paycheck, and was able to buy my first car. I cannot even explain to you how pretty and very, very fast it was. I won’t bore you with the under hood stats; but, it would hit sixty in under three seconds. Much under it! Though I grew up driving the Kansas straight highways, where 100 mph was common to me, navigating the streets of Spokane were a bit different. Every stoplight in town became life threatening to everyone in my path. I could drive fast on the freeway, but, the car was too powerful for me to handle. No matter how hard I tried to anticipate the lights, I would always screech to a stop. Then on the green, I would leave all cars behind me, and usually some rubber. I didn’t want to admit to my family that the car was too much for me to handle. But it was. I was not yet skilled enough in perfect clutch control or the fine muscle uses of the accelerator. I drove to the dealership after having it only a few months, and was looking at a van that was more practical for my growing family. As I was looking, I saw my Trans Am leave the lot. I found an old boring van and the dealer was really happy, since he had already sold the Trans Am to someone that had seen it drive into the lot, even before I signed the papers!!! Oh it was a beautiful car!

As a Christian leader today, I have the crucial responsibility to measure Bible teachings to the appropriate level for each student. If I teach a babe in Christ (a brand new Christian with only folk training) a lesson meant for a mature Christian, two things can happen. The first would be the total failure of learning that Scripture since it was not based on foundational learning. The second problem can lead to young Christians reading a great deal of magical spirituality and misrepresent the Word of God. Just like my fast car, tragedy is just around the corner. That misunderstanding can lead to false teachings and possibly a loss of salvation. Scripture says:

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? (1 Corinthians 3:1-3)

Some churches that are especially far away from Christ’s teachings often ignore the babes, or promote the babes way past their understanding, which leads to those churches getting worse and worse in the presentation of the Gospel of Christ. Most of the famous television ministries play to the babes and promise riches and power to come to them if only they send payment. So, the babes in Christ are taken advantage of and suffer greatly.

But, more and more, the babes in Christ just sit in a pew or send spiritual messages to each other on the Internet, and think this is all they must do to be right with Christ. That is error. Strong Christian leaders must try to teach every Christian that comes to them, including the babes. We must analyze spiritual growth correctly, and insure a foundation of Christ is laid. Then, we must go on to teach the Christian more advanced things of the Word of God which one day can lead to the revelation of the mysteries and supernatural doings of the LORD God. But, that is a long journey for a student of God’s, and it can never be hustled. My car was too much for me to handle at that point in my life; give it to me now, and I would perfectly operate the vehicle. The Word of God is even more powerful, and in the right hands, the LORD God can be known by many. However, those that study the Word of God must be given stair steps of training, with brick upon brick laid to the foundation, so the believer can eventually be fully equipped with the Word of God.

April 2, 2024

Salvation Fundamentals

What does salvation really mean?

Many Christians think Salvation is the forgiveness of sin and a ticket to Heaven. Others believe that Salvation cleanses you of sin, and prepares you for the Great Judgment Day, when you are resurrected from your grave and face Jesus Christ for His verdict of life or death. One of the great divisions among Faithful Christians is caused because they define Salvation differently. Usually, unaware that their definitions differ, they condemn each other’s doctrines for being legalistic or too conservative or too liberal and separate themselves from each other in anger.

If only we could get this definition nailed down and agree on this one important concept in our Christian faith, then many of the splinters and chasms between our Faithful brothers and sisters could be healed. More importantly, our Evangelistic efforts could become more focused, as all the Christians agree on the terminology and add to each other’s ministries as they go out to preach and teach to the unsaved.

The doctrine of Salvation is often wadded up into this big ball that encompasses prayer, baptism, forgiveness, hell, Heaven, faith, peace, righteousness, gifts, and evangelism. When we leave our
churches prepared to fulfill the great commission of Jesus Christ, to spread the Good News to all corners of the world, Salvation is the one word every Christian, on every Mission, speaks and the one word that cannot be defined confidently because of this confusion.

The word Salvation has become corrupted, as various doctrines of various beliefs defined it differently. Eventually, these different definitions combined, confused, and crippled the Evangelist and the sinner, as the unified definitions of Salvation became so confusing that no one dares try to explain it, for fear of looking stupid and faithless. It’s time we understand this important concept completely, and reach agreement to the basic tenets of Salvation, so our own Christian walk, and our evangelization efforts are fruitful and reveal the wonderful Grace of our LORD God.

What does it mean to be saved?

The Hebrew word for Salvation that is written in the Old Testament of the Word of God is “yeshuwah” and means literally “something saved” and abstractly “deliverance.” The Greek word for Salvation that is written in the New Testament of the Word of God is “soteria” and means literally the act of “physical and moral rescue”.

Salvation means deliverance!

In all my travels, in remembering all the words spoken by preachers, Teachers and Evangelists through the Word of God that is the meaning they understood. DELIVERANCE! Every Christian Church, every Christian Leader, every Christian Faithful believes that Salvation means DELIVERANCE!

It is not the definition of the word Salvation that causes the chasms to develop, to misdirect the focus of the Word of God. We all agree on the meaning of Salvation; the disagreement amongst our faithful brethren lies with the things we are delivered from, what results after we are delivered and why we need deliverance in the first place!

What do we need DELIVERED from?

Salvation means deliverance from our sinful nature!

Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23)

1. Our souls are not condemned because we do great sin. We are condemned because of our sinful state!

2. All unsaved people do bad actions because their heart, their core, their complete being has sin that originated from Adam’s transgression against the Will of God.

3. Some unsaved do terrible sins, and some unsaved have no sign of the terrible condition of sin.

That does not mean that some are greater sinners than others. Every living human being has the full sinful nature inside him. Some may well be able to subdue those basic instincts, while others
are controlled by the same sinful natures to do grievous harm to others; both the noble and the derelict have the same nature inside them. If an unsaved person does not outwardly sin, self-control may be present, but the sinful nature still exists. The actions of the unsaved may well differ in degree, but not in guilt or cause!

4. Unsaved sinners must understand that they have sinful natures and are unable to save themselves.

5. All human beings begin life with the sinful nature and fall short of the glory of God.

The LORD God is not present in the sinful realm. Sin is offensive to God. It doesn’t matter how much good people do in the world, if their works were done while they harbored their sinful natures. The greatest works in humanity, religion, science, art, medicine, education, and government are made null by the presence of sin, and the LORD God will not see dead works. Those who come from families of “good stock,” those who are well-educated and able to advance the human condition to rightful places, those who do good daily and give all they have to others, and those who struggle daily to live an honest life, are all short of the glory of God, because they have the natures of sin within them.

Salvation means deliverance from eternal death!

Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

6. Sinners die, no matter what they do in this lifetime. The wages that come to the unsaved is death. Until death is brought to that sinful nature, then it remains inside the unsaved, leading them toward their promised destiny.

7. It takes more than the death of the sinful natures to give the unsaved hope, however. Unsaved people that die and are placed in their graves, are dead unsaved people. Eventually, the unsaved
people will be resurrected to face the Judgment of Jesus Christ to answer for the things they did with their sinful natures, but until then, the unsaved lay dead in their graves.

8. The LORD God gives eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord, to those who seek deliverance from their sinful natures.

Salvation means deliverance from the ways of the worldly!

Ephesians 2:1-3
“And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” (Ephesians 2:1-3)

9. The unsaved people with their sinful natures walk according to the course of the world. The “course of the world” encapsulates the entire degrading, grotesque, ugly things that have developed and become perilously established within our world today. They include those very things spoken of in 2 Timothy 3:1-7…

2Timothy 3:1-7
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, With out natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, overs of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Timothy 3:1-7)

Sexual perversion, the sacrifice of our children, the dirty habits of obscene self- love and self-focus are the ways of the world; these are just of a few of the carnal things of sinful nature that entrap the unsaved in these Last Days.

Salvation means deliverance from the control of Satan!

10. The unsaved that are entrapped by their sinful natures, are led by the prince of the power of air. The prince of the power of air is Lucifer, also known as Satan, the Devil.

Salvation means deliverance from the Wrath of God!

11. People with the unsaved and sinful nature are children of LORD God’s wrath.

Salvation means deliverance from a lack of faith!

Ephesians 2:8-9
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

12. Salvation can only be received through FAITH. FAITH is the gift of God, given to believers through His wonderful and underserved Grace.

13. The Unsaved cannot give FAITH to themselves. If they could, they would boast of their godly ability. Only the LORD God gives those He Wills the faith to turn toward Him, reject their own sinful natures, and reach toward the righteous and holy nature of God, through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Salvation means deliverance from eternal damnation and a sentence to Hell!

Revelation 20:11-15
“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:11-15)

14. Everyone will one day stand before the Judgment Seat of the Lord Jesus Christ and be judged according to their works or their sins.

15. Those works done by the unsaved are nullified and void; thus it is only their sinful thoughts and deeds that are placed before the Judge Jesus Christ. All works of a sinner are vanity. Works are not measured living and righteous when done while the workers had the natures of sin.

16. If the Unsaved maintained their status in their lifetime to their death, then they have no living works that can be measured.

17. Those with dead works, those who chose to go to their grave with their sinful nature and reject the Grace of the Lord God and the salvation through Jesus Christ, will be judged guilty and
sentenced to eternal damnation and be cast into the lake of fire.

How does Salvation come to the sinners?

Acts 4:10-12
“Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:10-12)

Salvation comes to believers through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ!

18. Through the belief and acceptance of the shed blood of Jesus Christ, and His Resurrection from the dead, the unsaved can receive salvation. Acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the only way salvation can come to them, free them from the sinful nature, and make them whole.

How do the Unsaved receive the gift of Salvation from the LORD God?

19. Salvation is a two-step process. The first step is one of belief, and the second step is one of action. If the Unsaved believe, but do nothing, they remain unsaved. If the Unsaved do not believe, but go through the action of a repentant sinner, they too remain unsaved.

Romans 10:9-10
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10)

Salvation comes by faith in Jesus Christ only!

Steps to Salvation
1. Know that you are a sinner and cannot save yourself.
2. Confess the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior
3. Believe that Jesus Christ’s sacrifice was sufficient to atone for your sins.
4. Be confident that Jesus Christ physically rose from the dead.

What are the results of Salvation?

Galatians 2:20
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for
me.” (Galatians 2:20)

21. The confessors of Jesus Christ as Savior are crucified with him. (Note…Our Crucifixion is joined to the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ through our Faith. Our Burial is the acceptance of the Baptism of
Jesus Christ, which we will speak of in our foundational study of “The Baptism of Jesus Christ”)

Salvation brings more faith and the love of the LORD God!

22. Our crucifixion with Christ allows us to receive more faith and the love of the LORD God. Salvation makes the Saved holy, unblameable and unreproveable in the LORD God’s sight!

Colossians 1:19-23
“For it pleased [the Father] that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be]
things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and [be] not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;” (Colossians 1:19-23)

23. Salvation establishes peace with the LORD God.

24. Salvation makes Faithful Believers holy, unblameable and unreproveable in the LORD God’s sight.

Salvation brings Eternal Life!

John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

25. Everlasting life is given those who believe in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the LORD God.

Salvation brings the Power of God to your Life!

2 Corinthians 13:4-5
“For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:4-5)

26. The Power of the LORD God is with all saved Faithful through Jesus Christ.

What is NOT Salvation?

Hebrews 4:2
“For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard [it].” (Hebrews 4:2)

Salvation does not come to the Unsaved by simply the physical act of uttering words in prayer form! Their heart must be in it with the expression of solid faith.

If the UNSAVED receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ and hear with their heart and agree, then their confession will be heard. Without the understanding and repentant heart, the prayers of the Unsaved
are worthless.

Salvation is NOT the physical act of walking down the church aisle following an invitation from the Pastor. The Unsaved can be anywhere, at any time, and receive salvation through their belief and confession in Jesus Christ. It doesn’t take a church, and it doesn’t take people. It just takes a sincere and repentant heart to accept Jesus Christ and be saved!

Salvation is not contingent on great emotion (or lack of) during the conversion experience. Some feel great elation, some a quiet peace, and some don’t feel anything at all. It is a uniquely individual experience, and emotions vary with the experience surrounding the conversion as well as from the scars, blocks, and pains hidden deeply within a person from a life hard-lived.

Salvation does not come to a person just because they want to be saved from going to Hell! The question of whether someone would prefer Heaven to Hell is pointless. Anyone would readily choose Heaven if given the ability to discern the differences between the dwelling place of the most Holy God contrasted with the fiery pits of Hell.

Salvation comes to those who accept the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior; it does not come to those just trying to hedge their bets and cover all bases “just in case.”

Does Salvation guarantee Eternal Life?

Yes! Yes! Yes! Your belief in Jesus Christ brings salvation to you, and you are guaranteed eternal life. Your faith in Christ alone is all that is necessary for eternal life.

PRAISE BE TO GOD!

About the Author: Kathy L. McFarland is a Becker Bible Studies Teacher and Author of Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians. She has received her Bachelor of Science degree in Religious Studies and the Master of Divinity from Liberty University. Kathy is a noted expert on Old Testament exegesis, Christian apologetics, and Bible typology and mysteries.

April 2, 2024

Six Standards of Measurements for the Giving of Faith

Romans 12:1–3 (KJV 1900)
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

The LORD God’s mercy allows you to be a living sacrifice, giving yourself fully and yielding to His control.

The Reasonable Service of a Believer that gives control fully to God must become holy. “Reasonable Service” means a reward or notice will not be given by God for holiness for doing His will. The type of “Reasonable Service” expectations of the LORD God requires Believers to seek His will deeply and live as He wants.

It is the LORD God that deals to each man a measure of faith! It is unworthy for a holy believer of God to take credit for holiness that comes from God alone.

There are six standards measured by the LORD God to determine how much faith a person is to receive.

a. A measure of their giving themselves to the LORD God as a living sacrifice

b. A measure of how holy a Believer develops

c. A measure of how acceptable a believer is to the LORD God.

d. A measure of how non-conforming to this world a believer exists

e. A measure of how much a believer transforms through renewal of mind

f. A measure to be able to prove what is good, acceptable, perfect will of the LORD God

Consider these six standards. There are just three measurements that the LORD God considers “Reasonable Service.” They are:

a. The first is the measure of living sacrifice
b. The second is the amount of holiness that is achieved by the Believer
c. The third is the degree to which the Believer is acceptable by the LORD God.

There are NO rewards for achievement given by the LORD God or by the Lord Jesus Christ for the three standards of Reasonable Service.

21. There are three measurements for faith that DO NOT fall under the Reasonable Service standard.

a. Be non-conforming to this world
b. Be able to transform yourself by the renewing of your mind
c. Be able to prove what is the good, acceptable, perfect will of God

The six measurements that the LORD God uses to determine the amount of faith given to a person directly develops a Christian’s standards of faith for spiritual growth. When a person is given higher level faith, then confidence can be assured the believer has the adequate amount of spirituality to handle the faith award or increase perfectly.

This important concept contrasts those who receive just a little faith. It should be the goal of the Church, Christian leaders, Pastors, Counselors, Teachers, Chaplains, Parents, and Mentors to help
develop the six-steps of standards of faith to prepare Believers to receive the granting of more faith from the LORD God.

Being a “Living Sacrifice” IS your spirituality. It is the amount of yourself that is given to the LORD God by your choice.

When you are a “Living Sacrifice,” your spirituality is measured, and faith given to you by the LORD God. What you do as a “Living Sacrifice” is spiritual works directed by the LORD God.

Being a “Living Sacrifice” IS NOT your faith!

Being a “Living Sacrifice” IS NOT your works!