Hello friends! This is Doug Batchelor. How about an amazing fact? Long before the initials XP were chosen as the name of a Microsoft operating system, XP was short for a very rare, incurable skin disease found mostly among children called Xeroderma pigmentosum. The nature of the incurable malady prevents skin cells from repairing once they've become sun-damaged.
In healthy people, our skin and eye surfaces are always healing and repairing themselves from the damaging results from normal exposure to sunlight; but not so for those who suffer with XP. Only about one in a million children are affected by this life-threatening disease. But due to their extremely severe sensitivity to UV rays, those afflicted by XP are 1,000 times more likely to develop skin cancers or lose their sight than healthy children.
In order to prolong their lives, children affected by XP must take very radical measures to avoid all direct and indirect sunlight. That even includes light from fluorescent bulbs. In order to decrease their chances of cancer, they must virtually live their lives hiding from the light behind sunglasses, slathered in sunscreen, sequestered in dim shadows and darkness.
These children of the moon can only come out to play after dark and live in virtual fear of daylight. It is so sad to hear how these children with XP must spend their lives in the dark. While there is currently no cure for those afflicted with Xeroderma pigmentosum, there is a cure for God's children who are imprisoned in spiritual darkness.
Stay with us friends. We're going to learn more as Amazing Facts brings you this edition of Bible Answers Live.
[PROGRAM INTRODUCTION]
Pastor Doug: Welcome once again listening friends to a fresh version of Bible Answers Live. Yours truly just got off an airplane from Toronto, Canada because I wanted to be with you again. This is a live, interactive program. If you have any Bible-related question, then please pick up the phone.
It's a toll-free number, 1-800-GOD-SAYS. God's book is our source book; and that is translating into 1-800-463-7297. If you have a Bible question, there are lots of lines open right now. Pick up the phone and give us a call. Now is your chance to get your Bible question in, and we will do our best to claim the promise that if we search together, we will find.
Once again, 1-800-GOD-SAYS, 1-800-463-7297. My name is Doug Batchelor.
Pastor Dick: My name is Dick Devitt. Good evening Pastor Doug.
Pastor Doug: Good evening Pastor Dick.
Pastor Dick: Welcome home!
Pastor Doug: Thank you. It has been a long day, but I'm excited to be back with our friends again and to find out what adventures the Lord has for us.
Pastor Dick: Those long flights are deadly Doug, but we'll do our best to keep you awake tonight. People are waiting to talk to you, so we want to get to the phones as quickly as possible.
Pastor Doug: Let's do that.
Pastor Dick: Let's start with a word of prayer. Heavenly Father, we thank You and we praise You for Your love, and Your grace, and Your mercy; for giving Pastor Doug traveling mercies and protecting him, bringing him safely home.
Pastor Doug: Um-hmm
Pastor Dick: And heavenly Father, we pray that Your Holy Spirit will be in this studio now, that You will open Doug's mind to give him clarity of thought as we seek to hear from You. We want to know the truth from God's Word. What do You say to us today Lord? You have something special that You want to say. So speak to us. Speak to our listeners. And Lord, may You be honored and glorified by what we do and what we say. In Jesus' name, amen.
Pastor Doug: Amen!
Pastor Dick: I must confess, Pastor Doug, there was a major article in the Sacramento Bee here in the capitol of California yesterday about a family who has a young child that is suffering from this disease. My prayers go out to that family. I just can't imagine living in a climate like Sacramento that has so much sunlight that you just can't survive, you know? It's a horrible - -
Pastor Doug: It breaks your heart - -
Pastor Dick: It does.
Pastor Doug: - - because children are so attracted to that which is bright.
Pastor Dick: Yeah
Pastor Doug: For them to listen outside and hear their friends skipping through the meadows, or not be able to walk up a creek on a sunny afternoon.
Pastor Dick: That's right, or jumping in a swimming pool.
Pastor Doug: Yeah. It really is hard to imagine.
Pastor Dick: Now darkness of that kind extends to many other facets of life. People are in depression; people are suffering from grief; people are suffering from pain of physical
ailments of all types, Pastor Doug. How do you get through this on a spiritual level? What does God say about darkness in a human?
Pastor Doug: Well there are a lot of promises in the Word of God, Dick. Obviously, there are many people who can walk out in the sunlight but inside they feel this darkness. And Jesus said in many places that He is the Light of the world. One example would be John 12:46, "I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me should not abide in darkness."
Pastor Dick: Um m
Pastor Doug: There are people who, of course, are in spiritual ignorance. Then there are people who are suffering from just either demonic depression, harassment; or depression that may be medical, or circumstances, and they're waiting for the clouds to part and they need encouragement.
God's Word has so much to say. The Bible says in 1st Peter 2, verse 9, that He has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Pastor Dick: Um-hmm
Pastor Doug: And Jesus said, "I am the light of the world: he who follows me will not walk in darkness but have the light of life." I could go on and on, but the Word of God has the answers.
Pastor Dick: The Word of God does have the answers. I can testify myself that there have been times in my life when I've felt down and without energy, and just sit in the corner somewhere, you know, and not want to go outside. But when I pick up the Word of God and I read, I'm revitalized.
Pastor Doug: Thy word is a lamp - -
Pastor Dick: It is.
Pastor Doug: - - unto our feet, and a light unto our path.
Pastor Dick: And we have something that we want to offer to our listeners tonight Pastor Doug. It's a book that we haven't offered very often. It's called, When Days are Dark. This is a excellent little guide that will help all of us I think, you and me included.
Pastor Doug: Right
Pastor Dick: It has some wonderful, practical advice for those moments in our lives when we just feel as though we're all alone, when it seems like our life just is going nowhere.
Pastor Doug: Yes. Sometimes it seems like there's no sun beyond the clouds.
Pastor Dick: Exactly
Pastor Doug: We're in the valley of the shadow of death, that dark valley.
Pastor Dick: That's right, that's right. When Days are Dark is our offer this evening. If you'd like a copy, call our resource operators right now at 1-800-835-6747. That's a free call and the book is free, and we'll send it to you tonight. It will help you to change your attitude and to become more of an optimist, and less of a pessimist. When Days are Dark, 1-800-835-6747.
Pastor Doug, we take a couple of Internet questions before we go to the phones.
Pastor Doug: Alright
Pastor Dick: The first one, "Should liturgical dancing be part of the worship service? Where can we find information on this?"
Pastor Doug: Well we get questions periodically about how should a Christian relate to dancing. Generally speaking, most of the dancing that we hear about that's done in the world is not Christian dancing. It is the seductive, worldly gyrations that really have nothing to do with Christianity.
Then there are those who do, I guess, aerobics, and they're doing it for purely athletic advantages; and that would maybe be in a different category than the sexually suggestive, seductive dances that Salome danced for Herod. Of course, he made a rash promise, and John the Baptist was killed.
Then you've got Miriam dancing for the victory when they made it out of Egypt. She led the women in dance.
Pastor Dick: Yes, um-hmm
Pastor Doug: By the way, that was in Exodus 15:20; 2nd Samuel 6:14 is where David danced before the Lord with all his might. You notice it's not men dancing with women in those dances. David danced by himself. Miriam danced with the women and tambourines and a praise.
In none of these cases where they dancing in the temple during a worship service. Matter of fact, you might help me, but I can't think of an example of that in the Bible. Dancing to praise the Lord because you're rejoicing over a victory, that might be one thing; but in the Bible, it seems to say that the Lord is in His temple, that there should be an attitude of reverence - -
Pastor Dick: Um-hmm
Pastor Doug: - - and awe.
Pastor Dick: Um-hmm, um-hmm
Pastor Doug: The whirling and the jumping, you don't really find an example of that; so I can't really point to that as what they're calling liturgical dancing, or dancing in a worship service. I don't find a sample. When David danced before the Ark, it was on a road as they led it through the streets.
Pastor Dick: Um m, um-hmm, um-hmm
Pastor Doug: So it's a little different.
Pastor Dick: Um-hmm
Pastor Doug: That's probably the best I can offer from the Bible on that.
Pastor Dick: Okay. Second question, "How do you witness to someone without using the Bible, to someone who thinks that the Bible is a fairy tale?"
Pastor Doug: Good question. We all have friends and loved ones and many are very good, sincere people, but they are very cynical about the Bible. How do you share your faith with those people? Three simple things that you cannot really improve on.
One is, whenever you want to share your faith with someone, be a good witness by your example and by your words. Pray for them that God will open up opportunities.
Pastor Dick: Um-hmm
Pastor Doug: And then the third thing is, if they're open to information, share it with them. Now one thing you might do is try to establish faith in the Bible by saying, "Well, what if I could show you that the Bible is not a fairy tale, that there are prophecies that were written long before that have been perfectly fulfilled by Daniel chapter 2 and others?" That will arrest the attention of any intelligent person.
That's one of the things that compelled me as an atheist, and you were once an atheist, to believe the Bible. The evidence is just overwhelming if people will take the time to look at it.
Pastor Dick: That's right
Pastor Doug: So, that's one approach. Then the other thing I noticed that if you're consistent in your life, they'll often go through some calamity, and they'll say, "You know, I need some guidance and this person, at least, has convictions. I'm going to ask them." And it often proves true that if you're a good witness, God will bring them through some dark valley, and they'll come to you.
Pastor Dick: That's right, that's right. Alright, very good. Let's go to the phones and take our first caller for the evening. We want to go to Valencia, California first of all tonight and talk with David who's a first-time caller. David, welcome to the program.
David: Hello, can you hear me?
Pastor Doug: Yes, loud and clear. Thank you David, and your question?
David: Alright, thank you. Yes, I was given your number from my mother-in-law. We have an interesting discussion going on about raising my four kids.
Pastor Doug: Okay
David: I need some biblical guidance here.
Pastor Doug: Okay
David: Okay. She has been sending me literature from her particular denomination and in this literature, these are her grandchildren so I respect her, hello?
Pastor Doug: Yes, I'm here, I'm listening.
David: We're having a disagreement over the kids and they're competing in sports, from soccer, football, baseball; and she is trying to tell me that, biblically, that a Christian shouldn't be in competition. I can't seem to find a biblical reference. In the contrary, I find biblical references that say that it shouldn't be a problem.
Pastor Doug: Well, of course, you've got, and I think this may be even a Scripture that you shared with the operator where Paul says in 1st Corinthians 9, "Do you not know that those who run a race all run, but one receives the prize?" Paul citing what the Greeks did in their sports competition isn't necessarily an endorsement. He's using it as an example of running the Christian race.
But do you mind my asking, are your children that are the subject, are they in a Christian or public school?
David: They're in a public school.
Pastor Doug: Public school. Let me just back up and give you the principles and then you can draw your conclusions. I do believe it is possible for Christian young people to be involved in athletics where they may keep score.
I'm certainly not anybody's example, but I play racket ball once or twice a week and I keep score with my friends. The object is not to try to humiliate the other person or to exalt yourself but it's so we can measure when a game is over.
Pastor Dick: Um-hmm
Pastor Doug: If the purpose of the sports is to humiliate somebody else so that--that's what's involved in competition is one wins, one loses. You've probably seen it done in sports before where some of these, even professional athletes, they gloat when they get a touchdown or a basket; and the spirit that is exuded is a really un-Christlike, proud spirit. Pride is the antithesis of Jesus, who is meek.
If they can engage in those kinds of athletics where they don't have that spirit of arrogance that's often seen in competition, that's the issue. It's not that there's anything inherently evil with throwing a ball back and forth over a net. You see what I'm saying?
David: Yes, I understand.
Pastor Doug: What can make the sports an issue is when one group gets together and their object is to humiliate or gloat over the other. That's really not the spirit of Christianity. It's sort of opposite to it.
David: Okay. I understand. I guess what I'm trying to say is my boy plays high school football. When they're going to the State's GIF championship, they're there to win. They're not there to lose, but there is sportsmanship, but it's very competitive.
Pastor Doug: Is your boy a Christian?
David: He is a Christian.
Pastor Doug: How does he feel?
David: He is a competitor. He's out there to--they don't show up to these games to lose. They're there to win; however, - -
Pastor Doug: No, obviously.
David: - - should they lose they are taught to be good sportsmen; and if they win, not to rub it in their faces. However, in competition, Christian or not, sometimes the adrenalin gets flowing and these kids see, like you said, these professional athletes exuberate and celebrate in the end zone, you know?
Pastor Doug: Well, let me share with you, this is a very important question.
David: Um-hmm
Pastor Doug: At first blush, my thought would be if you are putting them in a public school, then their involvement in the typical sports in a public school would only be one of many issues that you probably have to grapple with, am I right? I mean, they're probably teaching evolution. There's a lot of things that go on in public schools that could be a moral dilemma for a Christian.
David: Oh sure.
Pastor Doug: Now some Christian parents cannot afford Christian school. They're maybe not close by; and they have to really teach their kids to be missionaries.
David: Um-hmm
Pastor Doug: But the best I can do in the way of an answer, David, is just share the principle. The principle is that the proud and the arrogance, if you can have your son understand that they're engaging in it for the athletic ability, for the camaraderie, and not to humiliate someone else or exalt themselves, then that's the issue.
That's hard for a lot of people to make that distinction. I hope that helps a little bit David. We probably budgeted our time for that subject.
Pastor Dick: It's an excellent discussion; and the idea of course that you hit on right off the top is this idea that we are to be changed into the character of Christ. And what happens to that pride? What happens to that arrogance?
Pastor Doug: You know what I think is funny Pastor Dick, but we've all seen it before; championship boxers, they'll kneel in the corner before they go to try to bludgeon somebody else unconscious and you wonder is there a paradox here?
Pastor Dick: Yeah [chuckles]
Pastor Doug: So, you know, in some of the sports, it's not the best model for Christianity. But there are, I'm sure, dedicated Christian athletes; and some of it may vary from sport to sport a little bit.
Pastor Dick: Um-hm, um-hm
Pastor Doug: For one thing, and I don't want to drag this out too long, but the nature of football is so different from the nature of baseball.
Pastor Dick: Yes, yes, um-hm
Pastor Doug: In football, it's offense, defense. It's almost the terminology of war; whereas baseball, it's sacrificing going home. It's really different. So it varies and sometimes it's team sports, it's individual sports. I'm sorry, but it is a deep subject.
Pastor Dick: Yeah, it is, it is. Let's go on to our next caller for the evening. Bruce is calling from Middletown, California listening to KNDL. Hello Bruce.
Bruce: Hi, how are you guys tonight?
Pastor Dick: Good
Bruce: Good. Now, my question is, I just want you to answer whether I'm thinking the right way or the wrong way. But in Jude, only one chapter but verses 14 through 16 - -
Pastor Doug: Uh-huh
Bruce: - - about Enoch; I mean, it's almost like they expected the Gospel to go on forever the way it exactly was in those days, where they had the book of Enoch, I understand, in the Talmud. Is that where it is?
Pastor Doug: Uh-huh
Bruce: And it has never been removed. Now, the Canon that was put together in around 600 A.D. is removed, certain books of the Bible, and why would they leave this in Jude and not give us reference to the whole book so we'd understand everything Enoch was saying?
Pastor Doug: Well, let me tell you, there are several cases in the Bible, and Dick may want to weigh in on this also, where Bible writers quote from extra biblical sources, but they are inspired to select that passage, which was inspired. In other words, not everything a prophet said is a prophecy.
And not everything, perhaps, in the book of Enoch is inspired, but this passage was; and for whatever reason, we believe that the current assembly of books that we call the Bible was lead and inspired by God through holy men who not only wrote them, but then helped arrange those books that were chosen.
Pastor Dick: Um-hmm
Pastor Doug: For whatever reason, Jude felt that that passage he quotes was inspired and I have no question about that; and there may be more in the book of Enoch. We also must not assume that God never speaks through inspiration outside of the Bible. God does speak through inspiration. According to the Bible, it refers to other inspired writings that aren't in the Bible.
Pastor Dick: Um-hmm
Pastor Doug: But the Bible is a separate assembly of inspiration, in that it is the ultimate, final source of truth. So did that make sense?
Bruce: It does. Now in Revelation chapter 22, verses 18, 19, where they said there's a curse on anybody that removes or adds, - -
Pastor Doug: Uh-huh
Bruce: - - is that just in reference to the book of Revelation, or coincidence that it's the last stage of the Bible? I mean, or is it the whole book?
Pastor Doug: Many people try to make Revelation, the last verses in chapter 22, they try to make that encompass the whole Bible; and to be biblically honest, let me read it for our friends, Revelation 22, verse 18. "For I testify to everyone that hears the words of this prophecy of this book," well he's not talking about the books of the Bible because they were not even assembled; and he's talking about Revelation.
"God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book." Now, when you read that right on the surface, is John here talking about all the assembled books of the Bible? To be accurate, he's talking about the prophecy he's just recorded. I do think it's true that it is a sin to add to or take from the Bible as a whole; but if you're going to use Revelation 22:18 and 19, he really is talking about the book of Revelation.
Bruce: But Jesus, he said, was the spirit of all prophecy, - -
Pastor Doug: Yes
Bruce: - - almost in the same paragraph.
Pastor Doug: Yeah, so I don't know - -
Bruce: At least in the whole, you know?
Pastor Dick: Yes
Pastor Doug: So what are you saying? You're saying that these two verses should apply to the whole Bible?
Bruce: I think Satan is at work. If the book of Enoch was in the Dead Sea Scrolls with many of the New Testament Bibles or books, I'm just saying that uh - -
Pastor Doug: Maybe it should be in the modern Canon? [Cross talking, unintelligible] Well, you know, some day when I get to heaven I'll understand better why God had the books assembled that were assembled. But you realize that in the Old Testament, it refers to other books that we don't even have anymore, like the book of Gad the prophet; and the book of Nathan the prophet; Gad the seer.
You know, our problem actually Bruce, is not that we don't have enough inspiration. We're not living up to what we do have.
Bruce: That's it, no question.
Pastor Doug: Do you agree with that?
Bruce: I really do, thank you.
Pastor Doug: Alright, thanks a lot.
Pastor Dick: Thanks for the call Bruce, good night. Jackie in New York is listening on WMCA. Jackie?
Jackie: Hello?
Pastor Dick: Hello
Jackie: Hi, God bless.
Pastor Dick: Thank you, and your question please?
Jackie: How are you? Hi Pastor Doug.
Pastor Doug: Hi, how are you?
Jackie: Actually, my question has to do with the Sabbath. We were fellowshipping and today, one of the subjects that came up was which day is the Sabbath day. And one day was quoted as Sunday, the other one was Saturday. So I'm a bit confused. I couldn't answer myself, so I don't know what day is the Sabbath. But if there is a day, is it in the Bible? Where can I find it?
Pastor Doug: Oh good question. Well, let me first say for the record, of course, there are many millions of Christians that gather every Sunday, which is the first day of the week, to worship God; and I'm sure the Lord meets with them. But that is not the Bible Sabbath.
Even Billy Graham will admit if you're going to go biblically, the seventh day is Saturday; and that was the day that God blessed at Creation. That was the day that Jesus and the apostles kept. They kept it, of course, in the wilderness; and there's no record in the Bible that that Commandment was changed to another day.
Nowhere in the Bible does God say, "Remember now to keep holy the first day as the Sabbath," or anything like that. So, if we still believe the Ten Commandments are intact, as I believe they are, because of course, it's absurd to say the other nine Commandments that we can break them and now commit adultery, or kill, or steal or any of that, - -
Jackie: Right
Pastor Doug: then the Sabbath Commandment is still intact. If it says God blessed the seventh day, we have to say, "Well what day is that?" Look at a calendar, look in the dictionary, it's what we call Saturday.
Jackie: Right
Pastor Doug: I try to be faithful on this program, and I'm of the opinion that, though it may not be popular, if you're going to go by the Bible, the seventh day is the Sabbath, and I keep it.
Pastor Dick: Um-hmm, I keep it.
Jackie: Right, okay. Okay, thanks a lot. That really helped out, thank you.
Pastor Doug: Alright. Don't go away Jackie.
Jackie: Uh-huh?
Pastor Doug: We'll send you a free study guide on that if you'd like, and anyone else that would like to. Just call Amazing Facts, and ask for the booklet called, Why God Said Remember.
Jackie: Oh okay, that's great. Thank you.
Pastor Dick: Okay Jackie, the phone number to call is 1-800-835-6747.
Jackie: Thank you
Pastor Doug: Alright
Pastor Dick: You're welcome.
Pastor Doug: God bless
Jackie: God bless, good night.
Pastor Doug: Good night
Pastor Dick: To Scottsburg, Indiana. Becky is a repeat caller on 3ABN. Hello Becky.
Becky: Hello Pastor Doug and hello Dick.
Pastor Dick: Yes
Becky: How are you guys?
Pastor Doug: Good tonight.
Becky: Good
Pastor Doug: A little tired; its been a long day but I'm glad to be here.
Becky: Oh yes. So well we're glad to have you. I really enjoy your program. I have a question. The seven last plagues, I've heard several different, well actually two different things as to how long this is going to take. I've heard someone say it's going to take a year.
Pastor Doug: Yes
Becky: And then I did hear--I think I heard you say 45 days. Now, are we talking 45 days of our days, or is the year our year, or, I'm a little confused.
Pastor Doug: Alright. Let me do my best to give you a quick answer before our break.
Becky: Okay
Pastor Doug: In Revelation 18:8 when it talks about the plagues falling, you can read where it says, "Therefore her plagues will come in one day," and of course, it's in Revelation 15 and 16 the plagues fall. A day typically in prophecy is a year; but the way this is written in Greek, when it says "her plagues will come in one day," it doesn't say her plagues will last one day. It means all of this happens within one year's time, which could be any part of a year.
In other words, if a business is transferred from one company to another and they say it all happened in one year, well that could mean it happened in one month, or two months; it all happened in one year's time.
Becky: Um-hmm
Pastor Doug: I don't believe it's going to take 365 days for those seven last plagues to fall - -
Becky: Okay
Pastor Doug: - - because, first of all, the seven plagues are similar to the plagues that fell on Egypt. When you look in the Bible, the plagues that fell on ancient Egypt, it took a matter of weeks.
Becky: Right
Pastor Doug: You just add it up. The plagues that fell on Job, again, a matter of weeks. And then what I did, the reason I came up with the 45 days, and for everybody listening, this is not the Gospel according to the Bible. This is Doug's opinion; - -
Becky: Right
Pastor Doug: - - and I have to say like Paul said, "I don't say this by commandment, but by permission." In Daniel 12, there is a 45-day time period that separates what they call the 1335 days from the 1290 days. I have theorized that that may be the length of the plagues, which fits in with the other times I just gave you in the Bible.
Becky: Right
Pastor Doug: I mean, you think about how long can the world last when the oceans are blood, and the fresh water is blood, and the men are being scorched with great heat, and they've got noisome boils, and the seat of the beast is dark. And you look at the seven last plagues and, how can it last a year? It has to be less than that.
So, my opinion is it's a matter of a few weeks, maybe 45 days at most.
Becky: That's great.
Pastor Doug: And I feel comfortable enough with that, based on the Bible, to share that. You can tell we're going to take a break Becky. I'm sorry that we ran out of time for your question,
but friends, that is not the end. We've really just built up our steam for the second half; and we hope you'll stay tuned.
In a moment, Pastor Dick will share some important announcements. You may want to grab a pencil. Also, make sure and write down our Internet address, which is AmazingFacts.org, AmazingFacts.com will get you there also. Check out BibleUniversity.com. Maybe you've wanted to better understand the Bible.
You can sign up and go through this Bible study series right online, and it's all free; and you will graduate and receive your diploma in Bible prophecy by going to BibleUniversity.com. We hope you'll take advantage of that. Also, check out BibleUniverse.com for your personal devotions. Be right back.
[COMMERCIAL BREAK]
Pastor Doug: Welcome back listening friends. My name is Doug Batchelor.
Pastor Dick: My name is Dick Devitt.
Pastor Doug: This is Bible Answers Live. I was going to say we had a line open but it just rang. If you don't get through right away, you may still get on the program. So call 1-800-GOD-SAYS, that's, toll-free call, 1-800-463-7297. What do you think Pastor Dick? Can we go right back to the phones?
Pastor Dick: You bet. Let's go to Orlando, Florida and talk with Mike who's listening on WTLN. Hello Mike.
Mike: Hello, thanks for taking my call.
Pastor Dick: You bet.
Mike: Well, my question is I've been doing some research and study on church history, from the ascension of Christ from the early church on through to the Emperor Constantine in the Roman influence in the Dark Ages, then to the Reformation onto today; and I'm deeply burdened. I've been a Christian for about four years and I'm burdened because I feel like I have been very unfaithful, and I'm just not--you guys started off the show with talking about spiritual darkness.
Pastor Doug: Um-hmm
Mike: I'm struggling because I can't seem to find a church that I believe is right for me. Based on what I've read and what I've studied from the history of what churches, I'm trying to find a body to relate with that has the right mix of being intellectual at the same time. You know, men of integrity and true leadership and faithful people; and people who have a heart for the poor. I just, basically, I'm - -
Pastor Doug: Can I--do you mind?
Mike: Yeah
Pastor Doug: Let me interrupt you for a second Mike.
Mike: Sure
Pastor Doug: I'm hearing you say some things; and I think you're goal is the best goal. I think that some of the details on how you achieve that are needing to be redefined. There are a few wrinkles.
Mike: Okay
Pastor Doug: When a person picks a church, I actually wrote a book called How to Survive and Thrive in Church, where the first chapter is called, "How Do You Find a Church?"
Mike: Um-hmm
Pastor Doug: The criteria that people often use is, "Where did my parents go to church?" and that's how they pick the church; or, "What's close to the house?" or, "Do they have a charismatic pastor?" or, "How's the music?" "Is there a good children's program?" "What does the building look like?" You'd be surprised.
Mike: Right
Pastor Doug: These are some of the criteria people use. Everybody would like to go to a church where their family goes, where they've got a good pastor, and where they've got good music, good building, and close to the house and all these things, but none of those are really the right reason to pick a church.
There's really only one right reason to pick a church, and that would be are the teachings of the church, the foundational teachings, not what a few people in the church may believe, but what are the foundational teachings of that church? And are they the teachings of Christ and His Word?
Pastor Dick: Amen
Pastor Doug: They may have a choir that doesn't sing on key. They may have tears in the fabric of their pews. They may have a building that needs repairs. The preacher may not always be firing live ammo; and yet, it's still God's church, if the foundational teachings of that movement are in harmony with the Bible, you see what I'm saying?
Mike: Yes sir
Pastor Doug: Because otherwise, you could find a church where they've got a charismatic pastor and a great music program and a nice building, but they're teaching some doctrine of devils in their foundational teachings. It really disqualifies them. You've heard about cults that do that.
Mike: Um-hmm
Pastor Doug: They'll have a very charismatic leader, and all the other features they've got. I joined the church I joined because when I looked into the foundational teachings of that movement--I mean I went beyond what the average member believes. I wanted to find out what does the church teach.
When I went into that, I felt very comfortable. It was a biblical foundation, and that's the best reason. Now I may have not answered exactly what you're asking.
Mike: No, you did, you did. I'm just kind of struggling because I haven't been going faithfully lately.
Pastor Doug: Would you like us to send you a book that gives you a lot more information? It's called, Search for the True Church.
Mike: Yes, that would be wonderful.
Pastor Doug: You call our resource number. It's a classic book written by the late Joe Crews called, Search for the True Church.
Mike: Okay
Pastor Dick: Mike, here's the phone number.
Mike: Yes sir
Pastor Dick: It's 1-800-835-6747, - -
Mike: Okay
Pastor Dick: - - and ask for Search for the True Church.
Pastor Doug: This book will actually give you the Scriptures so you'll know how do you find the true church biblically, where do you go, what criteria do you use, okay?
Mike: Thank you gentlemen.
Pastor Doug: Thank you
Pastor Dick: Alright Mike, thanks for the call. Let's go next to um, well let's go to Sacramento, California. Stacy is a first-time caller on KFIA. Stacy, welcome to the program.
Stacy: Hi. I was wondering if there's anything in the Bible about UFOs or aliens, if it's in God's plan to have these other beings as well, because I saw a documentary and I kind of almost believe in them now, even though I'm a Christian.
Pastor Doug: Well, be very careful about believing things that may not be supported by the Bible.
Stacy: Uh-huh
Pastor Doug: Let me share a few thoughts with you. First of all, I understand the Bible to teach that there is life on other planets. Matter of fact, I don't think that there could be any question about that. For instance, Hebrews chapter 1, verse 2, "God has in these last days spoken to us by his Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things," notice this, "through whom he made the worlds," plural, and if I'm not mistaken Dick, that's in the Greek too.
Pastor Dick: In the Greek.
Pastor Doug: He made the worlds. Then the Bible talks about, of course, a time when the sons of God came to gather before the Lord. Satan comes, and God says to the devil, this is Job chapter 1, "Where did you come from?" and Satan says, "I came from the earth." Well here's this heavenly meeting and there's, obviously, extraterrestrials there. That means people who are not on this terrain.
So, we know He has angels, and cherubim, and seraphim, and the Bible speaks in Revelation about creatures around His throne. No question that God does have other life. Here's the issue Stacy, or, how do I say your name? Stacia?
Astacia: Astacia actually.
Pastor Doug: Astacia. I'm sorry. The issue is, according to the Bible, the only non-humans that are allowed to intermingle on earth are God's messengers; His angels; and then, of course, the devil's fallen angels.
Astacia: Um-hmm
Pastor Doug: Look at it this way. Our planet has a disease called sin. It is a deadly, contagious disease. Our planet has been quarantined, like in a hospital, and the only ones who can deal with these patients that are sick are God and His hospital staff called angels. Until our planet is healed of sin, we cannot travel throughout the universe. Once we are, we will see God face to face.
We will, as it says in that song Rock of Ages, "We'll soar to worlds unknown." We won't be sequestered on this planet. But right now, I believe the devil creates these illusions of aliens and his fallen angels to confuse people.
Astacia: Well, President Reagan also believed in them too.
Pastor Doug: Well he's not our criteria, as much as I respect the man.
Astacia: Uh-huh
Pastor Doug: His wife also consulted psychics for his calendar, - -
Astacia: That's right, that's right.
Pastor Doug: - - so Christians shouldn't do that.
Astacia: Okay. It would be a hardship on me to believe that, because I believe that we're in all God's love, and that I wouldn't want His love to be given to another, you know, beings there, or whatever.
Pastor Doug: Right
Astacia: You see what I mean?
Pastor Doug: Yeah, well, the devil has created a lot of confusion and distractions about extraterrestrials.
Astacia: Uh-huh, yeah
Pastor Doug: The devil would like us to believe this Star Trek scenario of the universe that is very much evolutionary and that we are working our ways up to be in higher forms of aliens. So don't buy into that.
Astacia: Okay [chuckles]
Pastor Doug: Alright?
Astacia: Thank you Pastor Doug.
Pastor Doug: Thank you Astacia.
Astacia: Bye bye
Pastor Dick: Let's go next to Sterrett, Alabama. We want to talk with Hannah who's listening on 3ABN. Welcome Hannah.
Hannah: Thank you. Thank you for taking my call.
Pastor Dick: You're welcome. Get real close to your phone.
Hanna: Can you hear me now?
Pastor Dick: Yes
Pastor Doug: Loud and clear.
Hannah: Alright. I'm asking you a question about Daniel chapter 1, verse 9, - -
Pastor Doug: Alright, let me go there real quick.
Hannah: - - how God had brought Daniel into favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
Pastor Doug: Okay
Hannah: What is the translation? What Hebrew word is used for love?
Pastor Doug: Well let me find that for you real quick. I've got a good computer program here. I use Parson's Quick Verse. Alright, the word for love is, you know what?
Hannah: What?
Pastor Doug: The word love is not in the original Hebrew. Let me quote it for you from Hebrew. It says, "Now God brought Daniel into tender favor with the prince of the eunuchs." The word that you do find is the word "favor," which is "chanan," and it means love, kindness, favor, kindly mercy.
So it's a different kind of love than romantic love. It just means that he had found a kind favor with the prince of the eunuchs. I'm sure I'm pronouncing it wrong. "Chesed" is the word. That's what it means.
Hannah: Um-hm
Pastor Doug: Okay?
Hannah: Alright. I had never read that, then I heard that, then it just smacked me. I wanted to know what - -
Pastor Doug: What kind of love that is, yeah. It means merciful mercy, pity, and favor, and that's what it means.
Hannah: Thank you
Pastor Doug: Alright
Pastor Dick: Thanks for the call Hannah. Let's go next to Lexington, South Carolina. Doug is listening on WBAJ. Doug, welcome to the program.
Doug: Hi Doug and Dick
Pastor Dick: Yes sir
Pastor Doug: Hi, how are you doing?
Doug: Good. I've got a friend who was raised in the denomination that does not allow musical instruments in the sanctuary.
Pastor Doug: Yes. I've preached in that denomination before too.
Doug: And I was wondering where it says in the Bible that musical instruments are allowed in the sanctuary?
Pastor Doug: Well I hope that if something is allowed in heaven, you would hope it would be allowed in a church. If you read in Revelation 5, verse 8, it talks about the elders around the throne of God. Every one of them took their harps. Then in Revelation 14:2, again, it talks about, "I heard the voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, like the voice of loud thunder: and I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps:"
Let me share something with you. Do you know how to say the word "guitar" in Spanish?
Doug: No
Pastor Doug: It's "guitarra."
Doug: Okay
Pastor Doug: You know how you say the word "harp" in Greek? It's "kithara." Now a guitar is really a modification of a harp. It is the same principle. It's a sounding board and a stringed instrument. It's, by all definitions, really it's a harp. I don't know if that means we're going to be playing Spanish guitars in heaven.
Pastor Dick: [Laughs]
Pastor Doug: We probably won't be playing the electric version, but it's a beautiful, beautiful instrument. I play guitar, and I love the sound of guitar; and it's a harp, practically. So definitely, there will be instruments to enhance the melody of our voices as we praise God. There's nothing in the Bible that says there's anything inherently wrong.
Of course, you go to Psalm 150, have you looked at that before?
Doug: Oh yeah
Pastor Doug: It's the last of the Psalms. Let me look at this with you real quick. Just give me a moment to find that.
Doug: Okay
Pastor Doug: It takes awhile to thumb through 150 Psalms. "Praise the LORD. Praise him in his sanctuary." And it goes on to say, "Praise him with the sound of trumpet: praise him with the lute and the harp. Praise him with the timbrel and the dance: praise him with stringed instruments and flutes. Praise him with loud cymbals."
Obviously, instruments are used to praise God. So I don't think that there's a problem, biblically, with using instruments. Now the instruments should not detract from the words in a song. A lot of the modern instrumentation just buries the words and you lose the message.
Pastor Dick: Um-hmm
Pastor Doug: The music should be there to enhance the words. For instance Doug, in the book of Psalms, you've got 150 songs. We don't even know what the music is anymore. We have the words, don't we?
Doug: Right
Pastor Doug: So the priority is the words, not the melodies.
Doug: Okay
Pastor Doug: Hope that helps a little.
Doug: That helps a lot. I appreciate it. Thank you very much.
Pastor Doug: Thank you
Pastor Dick: Thanks for the call Doug. Let's go next to Sacramento, California. Jennifer is listening on KFIA. Welcome Jennifer.
Jennifer: Hi, how are you?
Pastor Doug: Good
Jennifer: My question is about familiar spirits.
Pastor Doug: Okay
Jennifer: How do I find comfort, because I hear and see things. I understand about a spiritual warfare; but I'm a born-again Christian and I just don't understand it. I rebuke them. I bind them up and I cast them out like, you know, I think I'm suppose to.
Pastor Doug: Now you feel like you're being harassed by these spirits?
Jennifer: Yes sir
Pastor Doug: Alright
Jennifer: But you know what? It seems like they're real people. That's what I don't understand. It's like - -
Pastor Doug: That's not uncommon.
Jennifer: Okay
Pastor Doug: A lot of people who are harassed by spirits, they seem to have personalities.
Jennifer: Yeah, and the weird thing about it is it seems like even my own family members, it seems like real people in my life. I just don't, and, and - -
Pastor Doug: Well keep in mind Satan's fallen angels can reproduce any kind of behavior and they obviously know what your family is like and they may use those characteristics.
Jennifer: Now how do I combat this, because I don't want to be out there like those familiar spirits against anyone.
Pastor Doug: Alright, let me tell you. It's interesting you would ask this. I just finished a book last week called Broken Chains and it's about the devil.
Jennifer: Uh-huh
Pastor Doug: It's actually not on the bookshelves yet. It's going to take a couple more weeks. But it's about when Jesus cast the demons out of the demoniac in Mark chapter 5 and Luke chapter 8. There's a section in there that talks about if a person ever dares to venture on doing combat with the devil, what can we do to cast out devils? No question, but Jesus said, "You shall cast out devils."
Jennifer: Right
Pastor Doug: Paul did it. The apostles did it. It's not something that we should pursue; but if we encounter it, first of all, the devil is afraid of the Scripture. So fill your mind with the Word. When Jesus was tempted by the devil, He quoted Scripture, didn't He?
Jennifer: Definitely, definitely. Yeah He did.
Pastor Doug: Paul cast out devils in Jesus' name. Always invoke the power of Christ's name.
Jennifer: Yeah; and what I like to do is listen the Light, you guys, for teaching. I don't listen to secular music anymore.
Pastor Doug: That's good. That's one way to cast devils in, some of the modern music.
Jennifer: Yeah, and I say, "Thank you Jesus" all the time out loud.
Pastor Doug: That was the next thing. Jennifer, stay in communion with the Lord; and where there is light, darkness is not comfortable.
Jennifer: They can't--I know, they hate it [laughs]
Pastor Doug: And then the other thing is, don't let the devil intimidate you. So what, you hear voices.
Jennifer: Uh-huh
Pastor Doug: I have seen things go bump in the night and some people say, "Oh, what do you think? That was the devil!" I say, "So what. I know there's a devil."
Jennifer: Yeah
Pastor Doug: So he doesn't need to make things shake and rattle and hear voices to convince me. I already know he's there.
Jennifer: Right
Pastor Doug: So ignore him.
Jennifer: Yeah I've been told that.
Pastor Doug: But the Bible says, "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." So don't give him attention. And if you hear the voices, ignore them and move on. Then the other thing, and I need to move on, but it says, "Overcome evil with good."
Jennifer: Yeah, I read that just today, yeah.
Pastor Doug: When Jesus said a devil was cast out, He said you must replace it with something good or he'll come back with seven others.
Pastor Dick: Um-hmm
Jennifer: Um-hmm
Pastor Doug: So fill your life with that which is good. If the wrong thoughts are in your mind, become absorbed in something that requires you to think about good things, and you overcome evil with good.
Jennifer: Okay
Pastor Doug: That's a quick overview. Get the book Broken Chains in a few weeks when it comes out, and that may help also.
Jennifer: Okay. Is there anything you can send to me or any kind of book or anything?
Pastor Doug: Yes we do. We have a free book we can send you called, Spirits From Other Worlds. That may help you.
Jennifer: Oh yeah, okay.
Pastor Doug: Well, there's a book by Joe Crews called, Satan in Chains. It really deals with the millennium, but it talks about how to combat the devil. I'm looking through our library right here.
Jennifer: Okay
Pastor Doug: I think you ought to send for Spirits From Other Worlds; and that may give you some tools.
Jennifer: Okay. How do I....
Pastor Dick: 1-800-835-6747, Spirits From Other Worlds.
Pastor Doug: Yes, by Joe Crews.
Jennifer: Okay. Thank you so much gentlemen.
Pastor Dick: Alright, thanks for the call.
Pastor Doug: God bless.
Jennifer: Okay
Pastor Dick: Bye bye. To Newark, Ohio, Mel is listening on WJHE. Mel, welcome to the program.
Mel: How's it going guys?
Pastor Doug: Good. How can we help you?
Mel: My ex-girlfriend back home in Texas once told me this and I am totally unsure if it's true or not. But my question is this, is there a verse in the Bible that literally stops bleeding?
Pastor Doug: Well you know what she may be talking about, there is a story in the Bible of a woman who had a continual flow of blood; and she reached out and she grabbed Jesus' robe and the bleeding stopped. But that is not a promise, that's not an arbitrary promise in the Bible that everybody who reads that is going to stop bleeding.
Mel: Um-hmm
Pastor Doug: But it does tell how the Lord helped her stop bleeding. That's the only verse, Pastor Dick, I know of. I don't know if you know of anything else?
Pastor Dick: No
Mel: I see.
Pastor Doug: So she may be referring to that. Do you want me to find where that is for you real quick?
Mel: Go ahead.
Pastor Doug: Let me see what I'm going to type in here to find that.
Pastor Dick: An issue of blood I think?
Pastor Doug: Yeah, let me look that up here.
Pastor Dick: Yeah. She had an issue of blood.
Pastor Doug: Matthew 9, verse 20. Thank you Pastor Dick, that was it. Matthew 9, verse 20 tells you about it. You can also find it in Mark 5:25.
Mel: Um-hmm
Pastor Doug: It tells about the woman whose her bleeding would not stop for 12 years until she touched Jesus. So you might look there and claim the promise and pray. Why are you asking this? Are you a hemophiliac?
Mel: No, no, no, no, no. It's just that my ex-girlfriend back home in Texas, she told me that somebody had gotten cut up real bad in her family, and they called another certain family member; and she said, "Okay, where is she bleeding?" or something like that. And she (unintelligible) found something in the Bible that she said it automatically stopped the bleeding. I just wanted to find out if it's true or not?
Pastor Doug: Well, you know what I would say? My guess would be that they may have quoted this verse, but ultimately, it was their faith that made them whole.
Pastor Dick: Amen, amen!
Pastor Doug: I don't think there's any Bible verse that is a magic formula.
Pastor Dick: Right
Pastor Doug: Hope that helps a little bit Mel.
Pastor Dick: Thanks for the call Mel. Let's go on to Decatur, Illinois and talk with David who's listening on 3ABN. Hello David.
David: Hi Pastor Doug
Pastor Doug: Hi, how are you doing?
David: Pretty good. Hey, I've been looking at Daniel and Revelation and Jude, and they all mention Michael.
Pastor Doug: Yes
David: And I was wondering, who is Michael?
Pastor Doug: Alright. Whenever I answer this question, I almost feel like I need to issue a disclaimer because people get more shook up over this than almost anything.
David: Okay
Pastor Doug: When we say, "Who is Michael?" for our listening friends, the Bible makes several references to Michael. Once of twice it calls Him "Michael the archangel" and people want to know who is this. No other angel is called an archangel. Gabriel is never called an archangel. I think in the Catholic church they've got Rafael, but he's never mentioned in the Bible.
Pastor Dick: Um-hmm
Pastor Doug: We have a book, before we lose you, it's called, "Who is Michael the Archangel?" We'll send that to you for free, but let me give you a quick answer. Many of the Bible commentators, including Matthew Henry, believe that this individual, who is sometimes called Michael and sometimes called the archangel, is another pre-incarnation name for Jesus.
David: Good
Pastor Doug: Now, that does not mean that Jesus is an angel. The word "angel" is used for simply "messenger" in the Bible. Even King David is called an angel at times. It doesn't mean he's a cherub or that he has feathers or wings or anything like that. "Michael" is a phrase that means "who is as God."
For instance, it says in Daniel 12 at that time Michael will stand up, the great prince that stands for the children of your people, and then the end of the world comes. Well that's not an angel. That's Christ. It tells us in the New Testament, "The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with the voice of the archangel."
There it says the Lord has the voice of the archangel. Well, who is that? It must be Jesus, the greatest messenger. That's what archangel means. So, it's a deep study; and I recommend people get the book. We'll send it to anybody who wants it, "Who is Michael the Archangel?" Does that help a little David?
David: Yeah. That's what I was thinking. I just wanted to clarify that.
Pastor Doug: Alright
Pastor Dick: Okay
David: Thank you
Pastor Doug: God bless.
Pastor Dick: You bet, thanks for the call. Let's go to Judy in Huntsville, Alabama next. Judy is listening on WOTC. Hi Judy.
Judy: Hi, how are you?
Pastor Doug: Good, how can we help you tonight?
Judy: Tell me what is the inspired Bible? I do go to a Bible-teaching church, but often people are using in the pulpit a new version. Which Bible is inspired? I grew up believing it was only the King James Version. Could you clarify that for me?
Pastor Doug: I will do my best. Right off the top, I'll tell you Amazing Facts has a book that deals with that also. If you jot this down and use the number Pastor Dick has been sharing, we'll send it to you free. It's called, The Faithful Witness, and it deals with Bible translations and what some of the dangers are.
But to answer you quickly, the Bibles that we read are all translations into English from original languages Judy, right?
Judy: Uh-huh
Pastor Doug: They're coming from Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, maybe a few Latin phrases; and there's a few manuscripts that they come from. I believe, as many do, that the most faithful translations come from what they call the Textus Receptus, and that means "the received text."
That is the one that was used, primarily, for the King James Version. It's also the manuscript that was used for the New American Standard, I believe, and the New King James Version. The New King James Version is almost the same as the King James. They just modernized a few words that are kind of archaic.
Some of the other translations came from other manuscripts called the Sinaiticus, the Vaticanus, and that would be your New International Version and the Living Bible, which is, I think, even a paraphrase.
Pastor Dick: Um-hmm, paraphrase.
Pastor Doug: I am more suspicious of those. It doesn't mean God can't save a person through those translations, but I am more comfortable with the Bible translations that came from the Textus Receptus, like the King James Version.
Judy: Alright
Pastor Doug: And you know what? Also, just as a Pastor, Judy, you know what's frustrating for me, and Dick may feel this way also. When I try to get my church to quote Scripture together, sometimes it sounds like the Tower of Babel because everybody has these different translations.
Pastor Dick: [Laughs]
Judy: Exactly, and that's how I feel sometimes. It's very disconcerting.
Pastor Doug: You try to get your kids to memorize Scripture and they say, "Well, what version?" And, you know, you lose a certain amount of uniformity. But one more thought. Let me give you a little bit of cynicism.
Judy: Um-hmm
Pastor Doug: The King James Version is public domain because it's so old. Nobody can copyright it. In order for publishers to make money on Bible translations, they almost need to come up with their own version so they can copyright it and then get paid royalties on it whenever it's used. That's one reason there are so many new versions out there. It's a money issue.
Judy: Okay
Pastor Doug: So, not that there aren't some benefits in other translations, but does that help you a little bit?
Judy: It does, it does, but I guess what you're also saying there is not just one version that is, quote, "the inspired version"?
Pastor Doug: Well principally, that's true. I would be unfaithful if I said to you anything other than King James is from the devil, because quite frankly, the King James Version does use some old English and archaic terms that people don't even understand and those things need to be modernized.
The King James Version was translated by people that are not perfect. But it is my favorite version. When I preach, I typically use the King James and the New King James because of its sheer beauty and the way it deals with the English language. It has had more of a profound effect on English around the world than any other document.
Judy: Thank you so very much.
Pastor Doug: And you know what else? One more thought. We're probably out of time for other questions, so I may as well draw this out. One more thought Judy is, I think sometimes
we dumb down our Bible so that we don't ask young people and others to elevate their language and learn how to speak some of that royal language, and so it's unfortunate. We should learn it.
Judy: I think so.
Pastor Doug: Anyway, I hope that helps.
Judy: Thank you
Pastor Doug: God bless. Order the book, The Faithful Witness. Pastor Dick will give the number one more time in our tie-off. Before we go to that announcement, I want to remind our listening friends, we're all faith-based. We've just saved the last few minutes before you turn the dial to remind you Amazing Facts is 100% listener-supported.
We hope you'll stand with us and keep us going. If you hear us on the air, it's because somebody just like you said, "Hey, I believe in what they're doing. They've blessed me, I'm want to bless them back." You can donate online. Drop us a letter. Let us know that you appreciate the program.
Send us your Bible questions. Go to AmazingFacts.org. God bless until next week.
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