New Products Coming Soon!

We're thrilled to be listing new products that are on the way.  We'll keep you posted!

Was the blood that Jesus shed for us man's blood, God's blood, or both?

What a thought-provoking question!

Let me begin by quoting Matthew 1:18, "This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about:  His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit."

Mary had never "known" a man before; she was a virgin in the very technical sense of the word (verse 23).  Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit without the intervention of a human father.  Joseph and Mary did not have sexual intercourse until after Mary gave birth to Jesus.

Now, for a brief biology lesson!  When the male sperm and female ovum (egg) unite in what we refer to as conception, it is the male's seed that determines both the sex of the child and the blood type of the fetus.  Therefore, when Mary conceived, it was in fact the very blood of God that began life in Mary's womb, and that later coursed through the veins of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It was blood that was uncontaminated by sin.  The blood of God bypassed the genetic code of Mary and remained untouched by sin.  Jesus was the spotless Lamb of God.  That's why Paul could write in 2 Corinthians 5:21, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us..."  Hallelujah!

The blood that Jesus shed for our redemption was:

• the blood of God ONLY
• precious blood
• atoning blood

Perhaps I have taken the short, direct route to answer your question, but entire books have been written on this subject.  This doctrine has been challenged, debated and ridiculed by those who try to eliminate our "crimson" salvation, but the Bible makes it clear in so many places that the blood of Jesus was truly an acceptable sacrifice for the sins of mankind.  

In closing, let's allow Hebrews 9:12-14 to speak for itself:

"He [Jesus] did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once and for all by His own blood having obtained eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who were ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean.  How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God."

Only the blood of Jesus--the pure, spotless blood of God qualified to save us from our sins!

Is it wrong to use any Bible other than King James Version?

I heard a pastor say that the only true Bible is the King James Version, and he forbid his people from using any other translations.  What's up with that?

First, let's put to rest the erroneous teaching that Paul used the King James Bible and later authorized its distribution!  Not!  In recent years, battle lines have been drawn both for and against he authorized KJV of 1607.  It is STILL the most popular translation of the Bible.  Its eloquence is STILL unmatched and the King's English is STILL intriguing.  But along with its beauty comes weaknesses in its construction.  The English language has evolved dramatically since 1607, so to say that the KJV is the only right translation does not take into account language antiquity issues.

When Queen Elizabeth of England died in 1603, King James VI of Scotland took the throne as King James I.  There were three popular versions of the Bible at that time:  The Geneva Bible, The Great Bible, and The Bishop's Bible.  In January, 1604, the Puritans asked King James I for a new translation.  Work on the new Bible began in 1607 with 47 translators who met twice each day.  the King James writers immediately recognized translation problems.  In the KJV, the italicized words are actually "extra" words inserted to make the meaning clearer.  These words are not actually found in the Hebrew or Greek language   These words were included to make certain passages read more smoothly in English.

Yes, by all means, keep your KJV.  It is a noble work.  However, keep in mind that languages evolve.  In other words, many words take on new definitions, or fade completely into oblivion.  If you wish, compare today's New King James Version with the 1607 KJV.  You will find many differences, mostly because the King's English is obsolete.  People don't "believeth" anymore; they simply "believe!"

Now, as to the KJV being the only acceptable version of the Bible, let me quote Jesus when Peter spoke out of turn on one occasion:  "I have somewhat to say unto thee!"  

God has used righteous scholars down through history to translate the Scriptures   And each one comes with its inherent strengths and weaknesses.  Why?  Because:

1. Because translators do not draw from the original manuscripts, and
2. Because anything man touches becomes automatically imperfect!

Please remember, however, today's more notable translations for the most part, are dependable.  Any given translation of the bible is probably alright, as long as the central components of God's plan of salvation are left intact.  If in doubt about a given translation, ask someone who is schooled in the Word before you buy it.

A wonderful breakthrough in biblical translation came between 1947 and 1956.  Of course, God had His hand in this miracle!  A Bedouin sheepherder threw a rock into a cave and subsequently heard a noise like the breaking of pottery.  He then came upon several old parchments.  Final discoveries revealed a collection of about 900 documents, including texts from the Hebrew Bible in eleven caves in and around the ruins of the ancient settlement of Khirbet Qumran on the northwest shore of the Dead Sea in the West Bank.  These Dead Sea Scrolls held great religious and historical significance, as they included the oldest known surviving copies of biblical and extra-biblical documents.

From this wonderful finding came many of the translations we enjoy today.  God has preserved His Word!  While we may not have the original manuscripts, these Dead Sea manuscripts generally date between 150 B.C. and 70 A.D.  Contemporary translators of God's Word then, are able to provide works that are indeed closer to the original manuscripts.  Hallelujah!

Yes, the KJV is wonderful, but to say it's the only translation we should use is ridiculous.  Many good translations line the shelves of Christian bookstores.  I personally love and use the New American Standard Version.  Others love the New International Version.  Some stick with the New King James Version.  And of course, a good number rely on the original KJV.  As previously mentioned, all of them have their strengths and weaknesses, but let me encourage you to be versatile.  "Study to show yourself approved unto God..."  Compare the different translations and enjoy the many insights the Holy Spirit has given Bible scholars.  After all, He's the REAL AUTHOR AND TEACHER!

Perhaps you have a question that you'd like for me to address? Send it to me by Facebook or email it to: loomisrl@windstream.net.

Does God love "saved" people more than "unsaved" ones?

I don't believe the Lord makes a distinction at all between the two.  Let me take you to two verses that most Christians are quickly introduced to after their conversion:

1. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).  God didn't just love the world (lost people everywhere); He SO LOVED the world!  Do you sense the divine passion in that phrase?  God is madly in love with everyone--saints or sinners.  I believe the Bible illustrates that God loves people the same--regardless of their spiritual condition.  Saved people, of course, delight His heart, but I don't think that the lost state of unbelievers lessens His love toward mankind.  God's very nature is to love people.  His passion is to see everyone (the world) come into a relationship of the saving kind with Him.  His love is all-encompassing.
2. "But God commends His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).  The Greek word for "commends" parallels our word, "directs."  In other words, "For God so directed His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us."  1 John 4:17 tells us that "God is love."  The beloved disciple of Jesus makes no distinction between saints and sinners.  God loves us--period!

Surely, unsaved people must sadden the heart of our loving God.  But that doesn't mean He loves them any less than He does we who have accepted His Son's sacrifice on the cross.  Let me give you this example:

A couple may have children who delight their hearts and who walk in total obedience to their parenting.  That same couple may also have children who openly defy them and walk in harsh rebellion.  That couple may grieve over their prodigal children, but their love for them remains intact and equal.  Keep in mind that love is not an emotion; it's something we set our hearts to do.  Those parents may experience anger, frustration and every emotion in between the two, but that does not mean they love their difficult children any less.  God's love is not established on emotion, but on His character.  He can't do anything BUT love.

Yes, continued spurned love will one day bring His judgment and wrath, but until then, I believe this wonderful "hound of heaven" relentlessly stays on the trail of both the saved and unsaved.  It is love that drives our heavenly Father, and it "is the kindness (goodness) of God that leads men to repentance" (Romans 2:4).  That verse is tucked away in the middle of a discourse on God's righteous judgments.

Do you remember the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15)?  That father loved both of his sons, even when one chose to squander his inheritance.  How it must have hurt his heart to see his son waste his life "on riotous living."  Yet, he loved them both and it was his fierce determination that held out for the boy's comeback.  Love certainly does cover a multitude of sin, doesn't it!

Perhaps you have a question that you'd like for me to address? Send it to me by Facebook or email it to: loomisrl@windstream.net.

Am I Supposed to be AFRAID of the Lord?

Am I supposed to be AFRAID of the Lord?

The Scriptures do speak of the fear of the Lord, but perhaps not in the way you may be thinking.  To begin, let me give three dictionary definitions of fear:

1. Feeling of anxiety--an unpleasant feeling of apprehension caused by the presence or anticipation of danger.
2. Frightening thought--an idea, thought or other entity that causes feelings of fear.
3. Reverence--respect or awe for somebody or something.

Sadly, many unbelievers and even many Christians fear God according to definitions 1 and 2.  These definitions, however, do not describe the fear of the Lord as mentioned in the Bible.  Simply put, a healthy fear of the Lord involves a respect or awe of His Person and presence.  He is an awesome God who is worthy of our highest admiration and praise.  We need not be afraid or scared of the Lord, but we should honor and reverence His Name.

Several verses in the Bible mention the fear of the Lord, but none more poignantly than in the Proverbs.  Let me list a few:

1:7 --  "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge."

2:1-5-- "My son, if you receive my words,  and hide my commandments with you: so that you incline your ear unto wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; if you cry after knowledge, and lift up your voice for understanding; if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasure; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God."

3:7--"Don't be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord."

8:13--"The fear of the Lord is to hate evil..."

9:16--"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom..."

As you have read, the fear of the Lord is a positive thing--so necessary, and its benefits are wonderful!  Generally speaking, scriptural teaching on the fear of the Lord produces believers who seek after godly knowledge, understanding and wisdom.  Mostly, those who fear the Lord will want to live above the pull of sin, the flesh and the devil.  They will weep over those things that cause God to weep, and rejoice over the things that gladden the heart of God!

Perhaps you have a question that you'd like for me to address? Send it to me by facebook or email it to: loomisrl@windstream.net.

Blindly Follow Leaders? Really?

Psalm 105:15 is often quoted in defense of preachers who ask their followers to blindly follow them.  Anyone who asks questions or who disagrees with those in authority, even when their concerns are expressed in love and respect, is branded as being rebellious.  What is this verse REALLY saying?"

Thank you for asking a very legitimate question.  Being one of the preachers and leaders you mention, I too have wondered about this verse.  I think it's time to put it into a proper context, and then to confront any misapplications.  The psalmist writes, "Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm" (NIV).

While I appreciate those around me who pray for, love and support me, I'm always mindful of the fact that I, too, need accountability.  Nobody is right all the time.  Preachers are not infallible; however, the Scriptures require that those who labor in the gospel be treated with respect.

Admittedly, God uses imperfect vessels to deliver His perfect message!  To be sure, the Bible tells us in 1 Timothy 5:17 that "the elders (pastors) who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching."  The writer to the Hebrews tells us to "obey your leaders and submit to their authority.  They keep watch over you as men who must give an account.  Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you" (13:17).

With this being said, I personally find it difficult to receive correction, criticism and/or rebuke from those who do not support my calling and ministry with their prayers, friendship, and respectful attitudes.  It is equally difficult to submit to leaders who seldom come around, or who never invest themselves in my life.  However, these verses need to be put into balance.

I don't believe anyone should be manipulated, maligned, or mistreated in the house of God.  It should be a safe haven.  Pastors should not lord over their people and the "sheep" should honor the position of pastor, each submitting to one another in the fear of the Lord.  The Apostle Peter makes this clear: "To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who will also share in the glory to be revealed.  Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted  to you, but being examples to the flock.  And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away" (1 Peter 5:1-4).  It's both wonderful and sobering to know that true pastors one day are going to receive a crown of glory!

Let's go back to the original question.  I do think that some misguided pastors and church leaders who maintain unreasonable control and who micro-manage their people sometimes quote Psalm 105:15 to support their delinquency.  This is tragic.  Yes, there are "Alexander the coppersmiths" (2 Timothy 4:14) in every church at some point.  I know, because I've pastored some of them!  You may recall that Alexander the coppersmith was the "metalworker [who] did the Apostle Paul much harm."  He was an evil man who followed Paul and continually undermined his ministry.  However, such people are very rare.  Thank God!  Surely you would agree that blatantly evil people should be dealt with decisively and harshly.  Souls are at stake!

I keep diverting...Psalm 105:15 is nestled in a brief account of Israel's wanderings.  God had promised the children of Israel, the descendants of Abraham, the land of Canaan "as the portion they would inherit" (verse 11).  When kings and nations tried to oppress God's people, He intervened.  His people never suffered destruction, even when famine destroyed the land.  God always raised up a leader, a protector, a guardian of His covenant.  In this case, He raised up Joseph (verses 17-19).

The "anointed ones" in verse 15 refer to the people of Israel--God's covenant people.  The "prophets" refer to God's spokesmen who revealed God's Word and ways for each successive generation.  Psalm 105:15 balances God's loving concern for those who lead with those who are led.  By the way, this same passage is found in 1 Chronicles 16:19-22.  In today's economy of grace, we who are indwelled by the Spirit are all "anointed."

As far as I can tell, the psalmist understood the priesthood of all believers--those who are indwelled by the Holy Spirit--and reminds them that God is their covenant maker and covenant protector.  None of us--preachers included--should use this verse to justify wrong attitudes and actions in the house of God.  The Christian life is best lived out in mutual love and respect for others.  None of us should try to control, manipulate, judge, or wrongly use our influence, and when challenged use this verse to justify our actions.

You see, we do the Word, God, others and ourselves a gross injustice when we pull Bible verses out of context to support our misguided attitudes.  Pulling rabbits out of a hat may be alright at the circus, but pulling verses out of context and at random always gets us into trouble.

Yes, honor the men and women of God who teach and preach.  And pray that they "live a life worthy of the calling [they] have received" (Ephesians 4:1).  Remember, however, that verse 2 balances out the whole thing:  "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

The Bible was not given to be used as a club when we need support and justification.  It is a double-edged sword that exposes the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

Perhaps you have a question that you'd like for me to address? Send it to me by facebook or email it to: loomisrl@windstream.net.

We Give...But Yet We've Lost. What's Up With This? (Part 2)

We have consistently paid our tithes and given considerably large offerings over the years.  We recently lost our home to foreclosure and my husband lost his job.  Can you help me understand the apparent contradiction in what we were taught?

If you missed Part 1 of this answer, please go back and read it as a background for my continuing response.

I believe we should give generously and cheerfully.  I believe we should give not because we have to, but because we love Christ!  Attitude when we give is always more important than the amount we give.  Obedience always follows love!  Simply stated, I believe that God honors giving.  He gives us resources to use and invest for Him.  Paul uses the illustration of seeds to explain that the resources God gives us are not to be hidden, foolishly devoured or thrown away, but cultivated in order to produce more crops.  When we invest what God has given us in His work, He will provide us with even more to give.  We all understand that we won't reap if we don't sow.  If we plow and don't plant, we won't reap!

However, along with finances, Paul emphasizes spiritual rewards for those who give generously to God's work.  We should not expect to become wealthy through giving.  Those who receive our gifts will be helped, will praise God, and will pray for us.  As we bless others, we are blessed!

Now, back to the foreclosure and unemployment.  How do we incorporate these realities into the before-mentioned verses of Scripture?  I believe that giving to God does place a protective bond around our lives.  However, we live in a world where inequities abound. Many things that happen to us in life are unfair.  The important thing, and I believe the overriding principle for believers to remember, is that giving to God assures that we will not be "devoured."

People of all ages, races and descriptions suffer loss of properties and things every day.  But God still causes us to triumph!  Obviously, losing a house or a job is a very heart-rending, difficult thing.  However, there are worse things that can happen to a believer.  During times of loss, I believe we have to look to God for a deeper interpretation of the facts, and for His grace, which sustains us even in the darkest of times.  If we compare our plight to other believers, we may very well become discouraged and bitter.  Asking "why" during times of loss is perfectly okay; however, dwelling on the apparent inequity may cause us to stumble in our faith.  I believe in the sovereignty of God, which says to me, that no matter what may happen in my life, Jesus is still Lord and He will provide a way of escape.  

Sometimes the promises of God do seem to contradict our way of thinking.  For example, what about those heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11, who walked in faith and yet did not realize the outcome of promises received?  God's promises are unfailing, but His timing is often called into question by we who hold on indefinitely without seeing the results of promises given.  God sees the larger picture, so we are called upon to place our total trust and faith in His all-sustaining grace.

May I share a personal struggle I had when a promise in the Scriptures seemed to contradict reality?  Psalm 91:11 says, "For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways."  However, in March, 1995 my in-laws (pastors) were traveling in a foggy rain to visit a man in an Indianapolis hospital.  Just outside of Frankfort, another preacher ran a stop sign, resulting in the instant death of my father-in-law and five weeks later my mother-in-law.  That accident ushered in some of the most trying days of my life.

What happened seemed to directly contradict the promise of Psalm 91:11.  No, I did not get bitter, but I certainly questioned the Lord as to His ways.  Is the Bible true?  Yes indeed!  However, God's ways are above ours; His thoughts are higher than ours.  He's sovereign (all-powerful) and we're not.  He makes decisions based out of His sovereignty.  To us, these times may seem to contradict His Word.  Times of inexplicable loss have always plagued the hearts of men.  Ask Job!

You have lost your home and your job.  I don't know the reasons why, and I would not begin to wax eloquently or even to defend what may appear to be God's indifference.  What I do know, however, is that because you have been faithful with your tithes and offerings, God is obligated to fulfill His Word in your lives.  What appears to be so unfair and contradictory in the scheme of life and God's promises, I believe, will "produce for [you] an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

This is not "preacher talk," but if we obsess over the inequities and all the unfair things that happen to us in this life, we could very well jeopardize our faith and become cynical, even bitter.  Let me encourage you to look ahead and believe that God has placed a "replacement clause" in your life.  Job came out on top and you will, too!  Keep tithing.  Keep giving offerings as He directs.  And know that in the future you have every right to make heavenly withdrawals because you have made earthly deposits.  Let me know how God turns your circumstances around for your good and His glory.

Perhaps you have a question that you'd like for me to address? Send it to me by facebook or email it to: loomisrl@windstream.net.