Mark N. Posey
#1 The Blood of His Cross
Blood has always played an important part in God’s plan of things (Genesis 4:4; Hebrews 9:6-10). Thus, without blood, there is no salvation (Colossians 1:20; Hebrews 9:22). The blood of Jesus’ cross is justifying blood (Romans 5:9; 3:23-26). The blood of His cross is sanctifying blood (Hebrews 13:12; 1 Peter 1:2). It is redeeming blood (Ephesians 1:7; Acts 20:28). Furthermore, the blood of His cross is reconciling blood (Ephesians 2:16; Colossians 1:20), and it is cleansing blood (John 15:3; Romans 6:3-4). Thank God for the blood of Jesus that flowed down the Old Rugged Cross (2 Corinthians 9:15).
#2 John 3 Is a “Must Read” Chapter of the Bible.
There are four prominent “musts” in John 3. The sinner’s must is “you must be born again”(John 3:3). The Savior’s must is “so must the Son of Man be lifted up”(John 3:14). The Sovereign’s must is “He must increase”(John 3:30). The servant’s must is “I must decrease”(John 3:30).
#3 Living a Life that Magnifies Christ!
“Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death” (Philippians 1:20 NKJV). “I am set for the defense of the gospel” (1:17 KJV). I rejoice with the preaching of Christ (1:18). I live for Christ and gain in death (1:21). I make right choices (1:22). I have a strong desire to be with Christ (1:23). I strive to help others (1:24). I rejoice in faith (1:25). I long for fellowship with fellow Christians (1:26).
Robert Johnson
As the report in the newspaper stated, you just can’t make this stuff up. A person by the name of Bradley Fowler is suing Zondervan Publishing, along with Thomas Nelson Publishing, claiming 20 years of emotional distress because his family’s preacher used a translation of the Bible published by Zondervan which uses the word “homosexual” in its translation of 1 Corinthians 6:9. As a result, Bradley claims his family considered him a sinner, and he suffered. He is suing Zondervan for $60 million and Thomas Nelson for $10 million. Zondervan issued a statement saying that it does not translate the Bible, but only publishes the Bible. The translations are determined by a committee of qualified scholars.
There are several things that come to mind when considering all this. Has this person ever considered the fact that Scripture claims to be the Word of God? Has he stopped to think that what is said are not the words of men but the very words of God, our Creator and ultimately our Judge? Paul reminds us that all Scripture is inspired, God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16). It did not originate with the men God chose to reveal it, but with God Himself. Those men who gave us the Word of God were moved, or carried along, by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). The reason God gave us His Word is so we might live faithfully by it (Matthew 7:21). Perhaps this individual, and others like-minded, need to stop and consider who they are really opposing, and what the consequences will be in judgment.
The integrity of those translating Scripture also comes to mind. His main complaint is the use of the word homosexual in 1 Corinthians 6:9. The New American Standard Bible translates this verse “nor effeminate, nor homosexuals.” This is exactly what the Greek means. The English Standard Version footnotes this verse, “The two Greek terms translated by this phrase refer to the passive and active partners in consensual homosexual acts.” One does not have to stop here, however, to understand God hates this practice. “For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done” (Romans 1:26-28). The description here is very clear and unmistakable. These passages are correctly translated.
I do not know what motivated Mr. Fowler to initiate this lawsuit. Perhaps it is the allure of $70 million. Perhaps it is the notoriety he is gaining from the press reporting on this. No matter the motives, it is a reflection of our society trying to reshape the will of God to the desires of the flesh. I do not know what will happen if it gets into the court system, but I do know what I will continue to preach. I also know what God’s opinion will be, whether humans try to rewrite His Word or not. It should cause us all to stop and reflect on how we respond to the Word of God. Do you accept what is written? Are there passages you chose to ignore because of your lifestyle, your beliefs or your preferences? It is not what we want for ourselves that will commend us to God on the Day of Judgment, but what He has given us in His Word. “‘All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.’ And this word is the good news that was preached to you” (1 Peter 1:24-25). We must allow God to mold us in His image for eternity; there is no other way.