Dr. Couch, do you think the Roman Catholic argument that the hundreds of divisions among Protestants prove that they are in error?
ANSWER: Oh, heavens no! Truth does not stand or fall on how people respond to it, but on its very nature. Millions of Protestants are not being taught the Scriptures so confusion is the natural consequences for the lack of teaching. But remember, that human nature thrives on division, and people gravitate to error and their own agendas if they are not looking carefully at the Word of God. All one has to do is look at the problems among the churches that Peter and Paul addressed in their letters.
Catholicism would be divided as well if it did not hold over its members the threat of the loss of salvation if they departed from the Catholic system. This includes the necessity of baptism, the mass, and confession. If the Catholic does not practice these, he is lost! By becoming a visible, earthly system, the glitter holds people and makes them think, "This must be the true church! Look at all the visible confirmation!"
The apostle Paul warned the church at Rome, "Keep your eyes on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which learned, and turn away from them" (Rom. 16:17). That teaching was the truth given by Paul, and recorded in Scripture. If we depart from that, confusion will arise. The Catholic Church does not hold people by biblical truth but by human devices and external threats. Every Catholic I have known said they feared going to hell if they left the Church!
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
TITUS
Many have missed the purpose of the book of Titus. The doctrine of salvation stands out as the main subject of the book. The book is short and simple but necessary or understanding how God saves those who are His. Titus is easy to read and simple in structure but it touches the heart of everyone who reads and studies it. One of the unusual features of the book is that it points out that both God the Father and the Son are Saviors of all believers. God the Father planned salvation and God the Son carried out that plan in time, here on earth.Dr. Mal Couch is known as a teacher of Bible prophecy but he also works the Greek text in helping students understand the depth of the Word of God from the grammar. He works the book of Titus in helping students gain a grasp of the language of the book as Paul wrote it.
$11 per copy. Send donation checks to: Scofield Ministries, 120 CR 3222, Clifton, TX 76634.
Ask Dr. Couch (#337)
Dr. Couch, what is going on?
ANSWER: I've mentioned often before, it's the apostasy prophesied in Scripture! I believe we're moving into the first stages. But there is one good thing coming out of it: I've never seen such unity of opinion among believers as is now taking place. This is giving me much hope that we can somehow, those of us who are seeing what's happening, bring the message of warning, the gospel, pointing out that there is no humanistic hope. We only have the spiritual message of salvation in Christ. I have no hope in what the world may do.
Many Christians simply want "peace" and think that we'll avoid what is happening. They make everything positive and syrupy: "God has a dream for you. He is going to change the world through you!" How dumb!
I'm certain that the church will be taken out of here by the premillennial rapture before the Day of the Lord, the Tribulation, but we may face the gathering storm, the winds of destruction (that Paul calls "the difficult times to come" [2 Tim. 3:1]), which arrive just prior to that awful seven year time of world-holocaust!
By the way, it's mainly premillennial/dispensationalists who are united by what they are now seeing coming upon the world. They read the Scriptures and are far more knowledgeable than the Covenant guys who deny the prophesied future events given in the Word of God! Guess who is going to be right?
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
ANSWER: I've mentioned often before, it's the apostasy prophesied in Scripture! I believe we're moving into the first stages. But there is one good thing coming out of it: I've never seen such unity of opinion among believers as is now taking place. This is giving me much hope that we can somehow, those of us who are seeing what's happening, bring the message of warning, the gospel, pointing out that there is no humanistic hope. We only have the spiritual message of salvation in Christ. I have no hope in what the world may do.
Many Christians simply want "peace" and think that we'll avoid what is happening. They make everything positive and syrupy: "God has a dream for you. He is going to change the world through you!" How dumb!
I'm certain that the church will be taken out of here by the premillennial rapture before the Day of the Lord, the Tribulation, but we may face the gathering storm, the winds of destruction (that Paul calls "the difficult times to come" [2 Tim. 3:1]), which arrive just prior to that awful seven year time of world-holocaust!
By the way, it's mainly premillennial/dispensationalists who are united by what they are now seeing coming upon the world. They read the Scriptures and are far more knowledgeable than the Covenant guys who deny the prophesied future events given in the Word of God! Guess who is going to be right?
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Ask Dr. Couch (#336)
Dr. Couch, is 1 Corinthians 1:7-8 about the second coming of Christ or is it about the rapture of the believers just prior to the terrible Day of the Lord, the coming Wrath?
ANSWER: I believe it is about the rapture of the church for the following reasons: (1) Paul says the Corinthians, and us as well, are "awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 7). Notice that we (also the Corinthians) presently waiting for this next event, which would be the rapture. Many things must take place before His second coming. (2) Verse 8 from the Greek text better reads: "Who shall also in the future establish (bebaioo) you with absoluteness (finality) in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Verse 8 has a similar ring to 1 Thessalonians 3:13: "So that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness at (the time of) the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints." 1 Thessalonians 3:13 is without doubt a rapture passage.
God's work in us will go all the way until the rapture in which we meet the Lord in the air. Paul shows this when he writes: "God is faithful through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Cor. 1:9).
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
ANSWER: I believe it is about the rapture of the church for the following reasons: (1) Paul says the Corinthians, and us as well, are "awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 7). Notice that we (also the Corinthians) presently waiting for this next event, which would be the rapture. Many things must take place before His second coming. (2) Verse 8 from the Greek text better reads: "Who shall also in the future establish (bebaioo) you with absoluteness (finality) in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Verse 8 has a similar ring to 1 Thessalonians 3:13: "So that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness at (the time of) the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints." 1 Thessalonians 3:13 is without doubt a rapture passage.
God's work in us will go all the way until the rapture in which we meet the Lord in the air. Paul shows this when he writes: "God is faithful through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Cor. 1:9).
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Ask Dr. Couch (#335)
Dr. Couch, what do you think of pastors who change their theology away from the Bible, and politicians who are also wishy-washy in order to attract a vote?
ANSWER: Proverbs 24:21-22 speaks about that: "Do not associate with those who are given to change, for their calamity will rise suddenly, and who knows the ruin they will receive from the Lord and from the king?"
The Rabbinical Targum renders the "those" as fools! The Rabbinical commentary on Proverbs adds: "This is about all kinds of light-hearted people departing easily from sound religious and political principles."
Makes you think about what is going on today! Right?
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
ANSWER: Proverbs 24:21-22 speaks about that: "Do not associate with those who are given to change, for their calamity will rise suddenly, and who knows the ruin they will receive from the Lord and from the king?"
The Rabbinical Targum renders the "those" as fools! The Rabbinical commentary on Proverbs adds: "This is about all kinds of light-hearted people departing easily from sound religious and political principles."
Makes you think about what is going on today! Right?
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
Friday, January 27, 2012
Ask Dr. Couch (#334)
Dr. Couch, I have heard people use Proverbs 24:10-12 as referring to abortion. Is this true?
ANSWER: The passage is not about abortion directly but the principle in these verses would certainly fit. Verse 10 reads: "If you are slack in the day of distress, your strength is limited." Or, if you do not respond to issues when things are tough, then your strength, your inner resolve, is weak. Verse 11 seems to add to the thought: If you see injustice and evil taking place in which people are dying (children are being aborted), and you do not respond, or "Hold them back," then you are guilty in letting them go to slaughter.
Verse 12 says there will be a price to pay. "If you say, 'See, we did not know this.' Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? And does He not know it who keeps your soul? And will He not render to man according to his work?"
I believe the issue of abortion is part of what will bring a judgment against the Western world, and of course America. Our nation will be held accountable. Expect a judgment soon concerning this issue and concerning homosexuality!
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
ANSWER: The passage is not about abortion directly but the principle in these verses would certainly fit. Verse 10 reads: "If you are slack in the day of distress, your strength is limited." Or, if you do not respond to issues when things are tough, then your strength, your inner resolve, is weak. Verse 11 seems to add to the thought: If you see injustice and evil taking place in which people are dying (children are being aborted), and you do not respond, or "Hold them back," then you are guilty in letting them go to slaughter.
Verse 12 says there will be a price to pay. "If you say, 'See, we did not know this.' Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? And does He not know it who keeps your soul? And will He not render to man according to his work?"
I believe the issue of abortion is part of what will bring a judgment against the Western world, and of course America. Our nation will be held accountable. Expect a judgment soon concerning this issue and concerning homosexuality!
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
Thursday, January 26, 2012
LIMITED OFFER
We have for a limited time, several scholarships to receive our GATHERING STORM CDs for six months FREE. Next month you could be listening to some of the best Bible teachers in the country explain the Word of God. First come, first served! Send us your name and address quickly. One of the best CD studies ever! --Dr. Mal Couch
Send your name and address to: Scofield Ministries, 120 CR 3222, Clifton, TX 76634 or send your name and address in an email to: drcouch@scofieldprophecystudies.org.
Send your name and address to: Scofield Ministries, 120 CR 3222, Clifton, TX 76634 or send your name and address in an email to: drcouch@scofieldprophecystudies.org.
Ask Dr. Couch (#332)
Dr. Couch, a lot of younger educated Evangelical women seem to have bought into the philosophy of feminism. How do we address that with them?
ANSWER: You are correct, and I have addressed this issue from time to time. Many are unfortunately brainwashed by the culture and don't even know it. They think that to have worth they must have a profession. To care for and raise the children is no longer a calling and a great responsibility. Nor do a lot of women see themselves as a "help and support" to their husbands, as Genesis mandates. I know that there can be occasions when a woman may have to work (though some will disagree with me on that), still the Word of God points to the high calling of wife and mother, and puts this before anything else in the area of responsibility.
The Bible seems to assume that even in Paul's day, women were tempted to short change their womanly calling of wife and mother. There are qualities and characteristics that are given to women which are priceless, and the Scriptures spell them out. Women, especially younger women, have to be taught these things. And how a woman presents herself is not simply a cultural mandate, it is a spiritual calling.
Those of you who are reading this need to ponder: What would happen if I mentioned this Q&A to my wife? More than likely she would fight you (or with Paul and me), again, because she has been brainwashed! My counselor wife, Dr. Lacy Couch, has a theory that comes from years of experience counseling women. Many women do not like themselves in their role as a woman. Many women think that what a man does is more glamorous and exciting, so they want to do manly things and hang around in the company of men. They want to be "one of the guys." Too, some simply want to show that they can do some of the things that men have traditionally done just to show that they are equal to the same task. They have joined the sisterhood just to make a point.
Every Christian woman needs to read what Paul says about her position as a Christian woman. She needs to ask, "Do these qualities characterize me?" A woman needs to read 1 Timothy 2:9-15; Titus 2:1-8. Many passages of Scripture address what men are to be like but these two passages especially are aimed at women. If your wife resists, she is not treating the Word of God as authoritative and applicable to her as a woman, wife, and mother.
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
ANSWER: You are correct, and I have addressed this issue from time to time. Many are unfortunately brainwashed by the culture and don't even know it. They think that to have worth they must have a profession. To care for and raise the children is no longer a calling and a great responsibility. Nor do a lot of women see themselves as a "help and support" to their husbands, as Genesis mandates. I know that there can be occasions when a woman may have to work (though some will disagree with me on that), still the Word of God points to the high calling of wife and mother, and puts this before anything else in the area of responsibility.
The Bible seems to assume that even in Paul's day, women were tempted to short change their womanly calling of wife and mother. There are qualities and characteristics that are given to women which are priceless, and the Scriptures spell them out. Women, especially younger women, have to be taught these things. And how a woman presents herself is not simply a cultural mandate, it is a spiritual calling.
Those of you who are reading this need to ponder: What would happen if I mentioned this Q&A to my wife? More than likely she would fight you (or with Paul and me), again, because she has been brainwashed! My counselor wife, Dr. Lacy Couch, has a theory that comes from years of experience counseling women. Many women do not like themselves in their role as a woman. Many women think that what a man does is more glamorous and exciting, so they want to do manly things and hang around in the company of men. They want to be "one of the guys." Too, some simply want to show that they can do some of the things that men have traditionally done just to show that they are equal to the same task. They have joined the sisterhood just to make a point.
Every Christian woman needs to read what Paul says about her position as a Christian woman. She needs to ask, "Do these qualities characterize me?" A woman needs to read 1 Timothy 2:9-15; Titus 2:1-8. Many passages of Scripture address what men are to be like but these two passages especially are aimed at women. If your wife resists, she is not treating the Word of God as authoritative and applicable to her as a woman, wife, and mother.
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Ask Dr. Couch (#331)
Dr. Couch, I have been reading about the Messianic Jewish movement and about how they believe in Jesus. But it seems many put their allegiance in following the Law of Moses. What can you say about them?
ANSWER: There is an explosion of Messianic assemblies here in this country, in Europe and even in Israel. For this I am most grateful. But many groups are not well taught dispensationally. They place themselves under the Law, feeling they have to culturally keep it as Jews. Where there are good dispensational instructors and teachers, this is not happening. In other words, they have a theological problem, and many do not realize their deficiency in this area.
There are certain passages of Scripture they need to thoroughly study: Acts 15 and the Jerusalem Council, the entire book of Galatians, and specific passages such as Romans 3:21-31; 4:13-15. However, what often happens is that the Messianic Jews will argue with these portions of Scripture. Some even go so far as to say that Paul was mistaken in his theology!
If you are confused, I hope you study through these verses, let them speak to you, and take them at face value.
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
ANSWER: There is an explosion of Messianic assemblies here in this country, in Europe and even in Israel. For this I am most grateful. But many groups are not well taught dispensationally. They place themselves under the Law, feeling they have to culturally keep it as Jews. Where there are good dispensational instructors and teachers, this is not happening. In other words, they have a theological problem, and many do not realize their deficiency in this area.
There are certain passages of Scripture they need to thoroughly study: Acts 15 and the Jerusalem Council, the entire book of Galatians, and specific passages such as Romans 3:21-31; 4:13-15. However, what often happens is that the Messianic Jews will argue with these portions of Scripture. Some even go so far as to say that Paul was mistaken in his theology!
If you are confused, I hope you study through these verses, let them speak to you, and take them at face value.
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Ask Dr. Couch (#330)
Dr. Couch, I hear a lot of flattering words and great speeches full of pomposity! Certain Christian leaders make you feel that they are going to change our world by their awesome speeches. What do you think of them?
ANSWER: We are into the apostasy of the church, and because this is so, spiritual departure will grow and grow, though "religion" will flourish. And only those who know the Word of God will be able to discern what is really happening. The others will be fooled and led astray.
Psalm 12 speaks to what is taking place now. The psalm warns that the faithful will disappear from the scene but among the "sons of men" there will come those who "speak falsehood to one another" (v. 2). They will use flattering lips and have a "double heart," that is, they will believe one thing but speak something else. God will judge those who "speak great things" (v. 3), and who say, "With our tongue we will prevail" (v. 4a). "Our great speeches and our lips, they are the lord over us!" (v. 4b). This psalm also says the wicked "strut about" and their vileness "is exalted among the sons of men" (v. 8). People rush to them and hang on every word and thought they utter.
Today, people are not able to properly discern the lie from the truth. Our Evangelical brothers listen to the "big" preachers and their flattery words. Thousands are following New Age deception. But few will turn about because they have no solid understanding of the Word of God. It no longer is being taught with clarity and soundness from the pulpit.
Thanks for bringing this up.
Dr. Mal Couch
ANSWER: We are into the apostasy of the church, and because this is so, spiritual departure will grow and grow, though "religion" will flourish. And only those who know the Word of God will be able to discern what is really happening. The others will be fooled and led astray.
Psalm 12 speaks to what is taking place now. The psalm warns that the faithful will disappear from the scene but among the "sons of men" there will come those who "speak falsehood to one another" (v. 2). They will use flattering lips and have a "double heart," that is, they will believe one thing but speak something else. God will judge those who "speak great things" (v. 3), and who say, "With our tongue we will prevail" (v. 4a). "Our great speeches and our lips, they are the lord over us!" (v. 4b). This psalm also says the wicked "strut about" and their vileness "is exalted among the sons of men" (v. 8). People rush to them and hang on every word and thought they utter.
Today, people are not able to properly discern the lie from the truth. Our Evangelical brothers listen to the "big" preachers and their flattery words. Thousands are following New Age deception. But few will turn about because they have no solid understanding of the Word of God. It no longer is being taught with clarity and soundness from the pulpit.
Thanks for bringing this up.
Dr. Mal Couch
Monday, January 23, 2012
Ask Dr. Couch (#329)
Dr. Couch, morally America seems to be sinking deeper into the slime. What is going on?
ANSWER: Once our nation departed from the Word of God, the inventions of the evil heart and soul began to rule. And in my opinion, there is no turning back. Everyday I see television commercials that are becoming more and more evil! If the commercials are vile and gross, what must the programs be like? Prepare yourself for the filth to pile higher and higher with this fall's programming offered to the public. Because they have been raised on television, our younger generation is wallowing in evil. Thank the Lord that this may not be happening to all of them, but the numbers are growing. Even our Evangelical crowd, all the way up to the thirties, are not able to discern what is taking place within their own hearts. And because the Scriptures are not taught in the average church, their hearts and souls are no longer being fortified with the truth. Oh, they may have a lot of shouting, prancing, emotional outbursts, but this does not substitute for the line upon line teaching of the Scriptures.
It is my opinion that spiritual, moral, and social anarchy is not far away. Because our licentiousness is combined with our social freedoms, this is giving birth to a deadly brew of evil that will destroy our culture.
I cannot help but be reminded of Proverbs 28:4-5. The verses read:
Those who forsake the law
praise the wicked, but those
who keep the law strive with them.
Evil men do not understand justice,
but those who seek the Lord understand
all things.
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
ANSWER: Once our nation departed from the Word of God, the inventions of the evil heart and soul began to rule. And in my opinion, there is no turning back. Everyday I see television commercials that are becoming more and more evil! If the commercials are vile and gross, what must the programs be like? Prepare yourself for the filth to pile higher and higher with this fall's programming offered to the public. Because they have been raised on television, our younger generation is wallowing in evil. Thank the Lord that this may not be happening to all of them, but the numbers are growing. Even our Evangelical crowd, all the way up to the thirties, are not able to discern what is taking place within their own hearts. And because the Scriptures are not taught in the average church, their hearts and souls are no longer being fortified with the truth. Oh, they may have a lot of shouting, prancing, emotional outbursts, but this does not substitute for the line upon line teaching of the Scriptures.
It is my opinion that spiritual, moral, and social anarchy is not far away. Because our licentiousness is combined with our social freedoms, this is giving birth to a deadly brew of evil that will destroy our culture.
I cannot help but be reminded of Proverbs 28:4-5. The verses read:
Those who forsake the law
praise the wicked, but those
who keep the law strive with them.
Evil men do not understand justice,
but those who seek the Lord understand
all things.
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Ask Dr. Couch (#328)
Dr. Couch, Christ said in Matthew 5:42 that we should give to someone whatever they ask of us, and "do not turn them away who wants to borrow from you." Would this include giving to them things that would hurt them, drugs, liquor, or whatever?
ANSWER: Well, of course not. And that is assumed in the larger context of these verses called the Sermon on the Mount. The larger context is established in verse 16 where Christ said "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
Doing "good works" and not "evil works" is what the Lord is talking about. To give something harmful to someone would be evil and not good! It is assumed also in the passage that the asking for help is in reference to a true need and that the person is asking for assistance with all sincerity. He needs honest charity. But it is also important to note that he is not simply "a taker." He is willing to borrow and even able to return what he has borrowed.
In working with people the Bible is assuming we are using common sense and discernment in what we are doing. We are supposed to note the character of the borrower and not simply doing what our Federal government does today—"Come one and come all! We're going to just give it all away in our socialistic government handout!"
In our present socialistic system in America, we are practicing SYMPATHETIC HUMANISM! That is, we are not requiring responsibility. This all started under President Lyndon Johnson who created what is known as the Entitlement Program. He gave billions away for women who had children out of wedlock, and free housing. This removed responsibility from a certain segment of our society. It also allowed them to stop working and it enabled them in their sin. Unmarried women started having more and more children, and, the men involved, had their sexual "fun" without being responsible! "Have all the illegitimate children you want! The government will pay for it all!"
We are to be BIBLICALLY HUMANISTIC when there is a genuine need and when the person is truly helpless. That is not the case today. It has been documented that most of the homeless are not really homeless. They honestly want to live on the streets and be irresponsible. They like that life-style and would have it no other way. But they want the freebies and not be held accountable.
It takes a proper judgment call to discern when there is a real need and when you are simply dealing with takers!
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
ANSWER: Well, of course not. And that is assumed in the larger context of these verses called the Sermon on the Mount. The larger context is established in verse 16 where Christ said "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
Doing "good works" and not "evil works" is what the Lord is talking about. To give something harmful to someone would be evil and not good! It is assumed also in the passage that the asking for help is in reference to a true need and that the person is asking for assistance with all sincerity. He needs honest charity. But it is also important to note that he is not simply "a taker." He is willing to borrow and even able to return what he has borrowed.
In working with people the Bible is assuming we are using common sense and discernment in what we are doing. We are supposed to note the character of the borrower and not simply doing what our Federal government does today—"Come one and come all! We're going to just give it all away in our socialistic government handout!"
In our present socialistic system in America, we are practicing SYMPATHETIC HUMANISM! That is, we are not requiring responsibility. This all started under President Lyndon Johnson who created what is known as the Entitlement Program. He gave billions away for women who had children out of wedlock, and free housing. This removed responsibility from a certain segment of our society. It also allowed them to stop working and it enabled them in their sin. Unmarried women started having more and more children, and, the men involved, had their sexual "fun" without being responsible! "Have all the illegitimate children you want! The government will pay for it all!"
We are to be BIBLICALLY HUMANISTIC when there is a genuine need and when the person is truly helpless. That is not the case today. It has been documented that most of the homeless are not really homeless. They honestly want to live on the streets and be irresponsible. They like that life-style and would have it no other way. But they want the freebies and not be held accountable.
It takes a proper judgment call to discern when there is a real need and when you are simply dealing with takers!
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Ask Dr. Couch (#327)
Dr. Couch, some argue that the rapture of the church will take place on Pentecost because that is when the Holy Spirit came upon the church in Acts 2. What is wrong with that position?
ANSWER: The pouring out of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 first of all has to do with the launching of the New Covenant, which will benefit the church, though the New Covenant is promised for Israel. The New Covenant replaces the dispensation of the Law of Moses. The Spirit of God is the sign that the New Covenant has come. He is the Activator of that Covenant.
That the New would replace the Covenant of Moses (the Law) is spelled out clearly in Jeremiah 31:31-37. "I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt [the Mosaic Covenant]." Peter then quotes all of Joel 2:28-32 to show that what was happening in Acts 2 had to do with the launching of that New Covenant. "I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind …" (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17).
It is important to note that Acts 2 is not a "fulfillment" of Joel 2 but a launching of the New Covenant. It will be fulfilled with Israel when God works again in the dispensation of the Kingdom, when the Jews come home to the Holy Land and believe in Jesus their Savior and their King.
The church presently benefits from the New Covenant. It is now in operation but not completed in the sense of being fulfilled and finalized. Note that all Peter says is "This is that." He does not say "This is a fulfillment of …" Neither does he say that what was happening was but "an illustration" of the New Covenant, as some of my theological buddies say.
That the church benefits from the New Covenant is alluded to in three places in the NT. Paul says that the circumcision of the heart is "by the Spirit, not by the letter [of the Mosaic Law] …" (Rom. 2:29). And he says again in 7:6 that "we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter [of the Mosaic Law]." Then in 2 Corinthians 3:4-8 he writes that we in the church dispensation now are "adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter [of the Mosaic Law], but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." Note he does not say "fulfillment" nor that it happened in Acts 2 as some kind of illustration! But he does show how presently the church is benefiting by it.
The problem has been that many older dispensational teachers confused what was happening in Acts 2 as first and foremost for the church. This is not true. Some went so far as to say there were two New Covenants, one for Israel and one for the church. They were extremely conscious about not mixing the church and Israel But, in my opinion, they went too far to make their point.
The New Covenant has been launched, the church presently benefits by it, but it will be finally fulfilled in the Kingdom when the nation of Israel accepts Christ as Savior and King. This will be the work of the Holy Spirit, and not (obviously) the work of the Law!
This is not a co-mingling of Israel and the church. The two entities are still distinct and separate.
To summarize: Acts 2 is about the launching (not fulfilling) of the New Covenant. It contrasts with and replaces the Mosaic Law. The church presently benefits from that New Covenant, and, it will have its ultimate fulfillment in the Kingdom.
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
ANSWER: The pouring out of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 first of all has to do with the launching of the New Covenant, which will benefit the church, though the New Covenant is promised for Israel. The New Covenant replaces the dispensation of the Law of Moses. The Spirit of God is the sign that the New Covenant has come. He is the Activator of that Covenant.
That the New would replace the Covenant of Moses (the Law) is spelled out clearly in Jeremiah 31:31-37. "I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt [the Mosaic Covenant]." Peter then quotes all of Joel 2:28-32 to show that what was happening in Acts 2 had to do with the launching of that New Covenant. "I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind …" (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17).
It is important to note that Acts 2 is not a "fulfillment" of Joel 2 but a launching of the New Covenant. It will be fulfilled with Israel when God works again in the dispensation of the Kingdom, when the Jews come home to the Holy Land and believe in Jesus their Savior and their King.
The church presently benefits from the New Covenant. It is now in operation but not completed in the sense of being fulfilled and finalized. Note that all Peter says is "This is that." He does not say "This is a fulfillment of …" Neither does he say that what was happening was but "an illustration" of the New Covenant, as some of my theological buddies say.
That the church benefits from the New Covenant is alluded to in three places in the NT. Paul says that the circumcision of the heart is "by the Spirit, not by the letter [of the Mosaic Law] …" (Rom. 2:29). And he says again in 7:6 that "we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter [of the Mosaic Law]." Then in 2 Corinthians 3:4-8 he writes that we in the church dispensation now are "adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter [of the Mosaic Law], but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." Note he does not say "fulfillment" nor that it happened in Acts 2 as some kind of illustration! But he does show how presently the church is benefiting by it.
The problem has been that many older dispensational teachers confused what was happening in Acts 2 as first and foremost for the church. This is not true. Some went so far as to say there were two New Covenants, one for Israel and one for the church. They were extremely conscious about not mixing the church and Israel But, in my opinion, they went too far to make their point.
The New Covenant has been launched, the church presently benefits by it, but it will be finally fulfilled in the Kingdom when the nation of Israel accepts Christ as Savior and King. This will be the work of the Holy Spirit, and not (obviously) the work of the Law!
This is not a co-mingling of Israel and the church. The two entities are still distinct and separate.
To summarize: Acts 2 is about the launching (not fulfilling) of the New Covenant. It contrasts with and replaces the Mosaic Law. The church presently benefits from that New Covenant, and, it will have its ultimate fulfillment in the Kingdom.
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
Friday, January 20, 2012
Ask Dr. Couch (#326)
Dr. Couch, is the Day of Christ the rapture of the church? It seems to be.
ANSWER: Yes, the expression Day of Christ, used in seven references in the New Testament, is about the rapture of the church. Sometimes this fact is overlooked. But the contexts of each passage make that clear. The expression is found in: 1 Cor. 1:7-8; 5:5; 2 Cor. 1:14; Phil. 1:6, 10; 2:16.
Scofield has an excellent note on this subject in his Study Bible. He writes:
The expression "the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, identified with His coming (1 Cor. 1:;7), is the period of blessing for the Church beginning with the rapture. This coming day is referred to as "the day of the Lord Jesus" (1 Cor. 5:5; 2 Cor. 1:14), "the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:6), and "the day of Christ" (Phil. 1:10, 2:16). "The day of Christ" in all six (seven) references in the NT is described as relating to the reward and blessing of the Church at the rapture.
The expression "The Day of the Lord" has to do with the tribulation and the seven year period of the wrath of God upon the sinful and rebellious world, which I believe we are coming close to. However, the rapture of the church must come first. If we are getting close to the Day of the Lord, we are getting close to the rapture of the church, the Day of Christ!
Coming before that is what the Bible describes as the apostasy of the church. And I think we are already moving into that time known as the falling away from THE TRUTH, and from THE FAITH, spoken of by both Paul and Peter. Peter warns about the apostasy, the day coming "when false teachers will arise among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves, ... and because of them the WAY OF THE TRUTH will be maligned" (2 Pet. 2:1-2). And Paul adds that the time will come when the congregations "will not endure sound (healthy) doctrine (teaching); but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own lusts; and WILL TURN AWAY their ears from THE TRUTH, and will turn aside to MYTHS (Lies)" (2 Tim. 4:3-4). We're arriving at this point now!
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
ANSWER: Yes, the expression Day of Christ, used in seven references in the New Testament, is about the rapture of the church. Sometimes this fact is overlooked. But the contexts of each passage make that clear. The expression is found in: 1 Cor. 1:7-8; 5:5; 2 Cor. 1:14; Phil. 1:6, 10; 2:16.
Scofield has an excellent note on this subject in his Study Bible. He writes:
The expression "the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, identified with His coming (1 Cor. 1:;7), is the period of blessing for the Church beginning with the rapture. This coming day is referred to as "the day of the Lord Jesus" (1 Cor. 5:5; 2 Cor. 1:14), "the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:6), and "the day of Christ" (Phil. 1:10, 2:16). "The day of Christ" in all six (seven) references in the NT is described as relating to the reward and blessing of the Church at the rapture.
The expression "The Day of the Lord" has to do with the tribulation and the seven year period of the wrath of God upon the sinful and rebellious world, which I believe we are coming close to. However, the rapture of the church must come first. If we are getting close to the Day of the Lord, we are getting close to the rapture of the church, the Day of Christ!
Coming before that is what the Bible describes as the apostasy of the church. And I think we are already moving into that time known as the falling away from THE TRUTH, and from THE FAITH, spoken of by both Paul and Peter. Peter warns about the apostasy, the day coming "when false teachers will arise among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves, ... and because of them the WAY OF THE TRUTH will be maligned" (2 Pet. 2:1-2). And Paul adds that the time will come when the congregations "will not endure sound (healthy) doctrine (teaching); but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own lusts; and WILL TURN AWAY their ears from THE TRUTH, and will turn aside to MYTHS (Lies)" (2 Tim. 4:3-4). We're arriving at this point now!
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
Monday, January 16, 2012
Ask Dr. Couch (#325)
Dr. Couch, does 2 Corinthians 1:20 relate in any way to the last part of Revelation 19:10?
ANSWER: Yes, I thank it could, at least to some degree. Revelation 19:10b reads: "For the testimony of [about, concerning] Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." And, 2 Corinthians 1:20 reads: "For as many as may be the promises of God, in Him they are yes; wherefore also by Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us."
Thomas writes on Revelation 19:10b: "He who has the spirit of prophecy will convey Jesus' testimony. … In essence, this statement means that the testimony given by Jesus is the substance of what the Spirit inspires Christian prophets to speak." This has to do with the prophets of Scripture, probably Old as well as New Testament. It is not about the average Christian being a divinely inspired prophet giving prophetic messages.
The promises of God are in Him, in Jesus. He is the Amen, the Verily! The Right On! Revelation 3:14 also calls Christ "the Amen"! On 2 Corinthians 1:20 Hodge writes in His 2 Corinthians commentary:
The promises of God are amen in Christ, because He is the sum and substance of them. … We say Amen, it is even so, to all God had promised, when we come to know Christ. … We Christians render a glad assent to the promises thus ratified in Christ. … In Christ, therefore, the promises were fulfilled. … To receive God's testimony concerning His Son, to say Amen, and to believe, all mean the same thing.
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
ANSWER: Yes, I thank it could, at least to some degree. Revelation 19:10b reads: "For the testimony of [about, concerning] Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." And, 2 Corinthians 1:20 reads: "For as many as may be the promises of God, in Him they are yes; wherefore also by Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us."
Thomas writes on Revelation 19:10b: "He who has the spirit of prophecy will convey Jesus' testimony. … In essence, this statement means that the testimony given by Jesus is the substance of what the Spirit inspires Christian prophets to speak." This has to do with the prophets of Scripture, probably Old as well as New Testament. It is not about the average Christian being a divinely inspired prophet giving prophetic messages.
The promises of God are in Him, in Jesus. He is the Amen, the Verily! The Right On! Revelation 3:14 also calls Christ "the Amen"! On 2 Corinthians 1:20 Hodge writes in His 2 Corinthians commentary:
The promises of God are amen in Christ, because He is the sum and substance of them. … We say Amen, it is even so, to all God had promised, when we come to know Christ. … We Christians render a glad assent to the promises thus ratified in Christ. … In Christ, therefore, the promises were fulfilled. … To receive God's testimony concerning His Son, to say Amen, and to believe, all mean the same thing.
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Ask Dr. Couch (#324)
Dr. Couch, everyone I know realizes that something is happening in America that will lead us to destruction. I agree with all that you say on the Scofield website. I know you are correct when you point out that the coming fall of this country will be because of sin. The Bible speaks to what is going on today. Do you agree?
answer: Yes. The Scriptures point out that a nation will not get away with moral corruption, especially in the corruption that ends in gross homosexuality. Read Deuteronomy 32:28-33.
This section begins by pointing out that a nation will fall that refuses Godly counsel, and has lost its understanding of what is right and wrong (v. 28). The wise that possess understanding are gone (v. 29a). But what is most interesting is the fact that that nation can no longer discern the future. "Understanding is gone that they would discern their future!" (v. 29b). For that wayward nation, it will be so bad that one soldier is able to chase and put to flight "a thousand" or even two warriors can "put to flight ten thousand" because God, their Rock, has sold them into slavery with "even their enemies will be judging them" (v. 30).
But it gets worse! What they produce will be like planting vines, "the vine of Sodom, and from the fields of Gomorrah" (v. 32a). "Their grapes are grapes of poison, their clusters are bitter. Their wine is the venom of serpents, and the deadly poison of cobras" (v. 32b-33). Homosexuality will come forth like the clusters of grapes!
America exports Hollywood evil and gross sin! We are now beholding to the world. We no longer lead the nations! We must print billions of dollars each day in order to pay our national deficit. Many groups have found ways to steal from the government. Many couples live together, and are not married, with the woman having a child in order to get government support. Illegal foreigners who are women come across our borders in order to have a child. Then they are able to be given citizenship and abuse our laws. Fifty percent of our teens have a social disease. Filth from Hollywood tempts our children but school teachers are told they cannot speak of what is right or wrong. They cannot speak of morality!
In my opinion we are into the first stages of the apostasy. And the world is dictating even to Christians what they should be doing morally.
There is no turning back!
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
answer: Yes. The Scriptures point out that a nation will not get away with moral corruption, especially in the corruption that ends in gross homosexuality. Read Deuteronomy 32:28-33.
This section begins by pointing out that a nation will fall that refuses Godly counsel, and has lost its understanding of what is right and wrong (v. 28). The wise that possess understanding are gone (v. 29a). But what is most interesting is the fact that that nation can no longer discern the future. "Understanding is gone that they would discern their future!" (v. 29b). For that wayward nation, it will be so bad that one soldier is able to chase and put to flight "a thousand" or even two warriors can "put to flight ten thousand" because God, their Rock, has sold them into slavery with "even their enemies will be judging them" (v. 30).
But it gets worse! What they produce will be like planting vines, "the vine of Sodom, and from the fields of Gomorrah" (v. 32a). "Their grapes are grapes of poison, their clusters are bitter. Their wine is the venom of serpents, and the deadly poison of cobras" (v. 32b-33). Homosexuality will come forth like the clusters of grapes!
America exports Hollywood evil and gross sin! We are now beholding to the world. We no longer lead the nations! We must print billions of dollars each day in order to pay our national deficit. Many groups have found ways to steal from the government. Many couples live together, and are not married, with the woman having a child in order to get government support. Illegal foreigners who are women come across our borders in order to have a child. Then they are able to be given citizenship and abuse our laws. Fifty percent of our teens have a social disease. Filth from Hollywood tempts our children but school teachers are told they cannot speak of what is right or wrong. They cannot speak of morality!
In my opinion we are into the first stages of the apostasy. And the world is dictating even to Christians what they should be doing morally.
There is no turning back!
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Ask Dr. Couch (#323)
Dr. Couch, does Luke 17:21 say that the kingdom is here already, dwelling within the believer? And does this substantiate the argument of the Progressive Dispensationalists of their kingdom view: "Already but not yet," that is, that the kingdom is here within believers even though the historic kingdom is also supposed to be set up some day?
ANSWER: Oh, heavens no! Their view will not fly in any form or fashion! The messianic kingdom will be actual, historic, and a specific event that unfolds in time. To fully understand Luke 17:21 you must tie it together with 10:9, 11. In my Luke commentary on 17:21 I write: "in every reference to the arrival, or the coming of the kingdom in the Gospels, the verb is in the Perfect Tense. In Luke the NASB translates 10:9, 11 correctly: 'The kingdom of God has come near you." It has come up to the present, up to the moment, but it has not been inaugurated. 'It has been on its way, and it has arrived, but it has in no way begun!'" "Has come" is egiken in Greek and is from the verb engizo. It is a Perfect Active Indicative and this verb form is used almost always to convey the idea that the kingdom is presented but not inaugurated or fulfilled. That is, the "coming" of the kingdom has reached a finished state. If the Jews had repented as a nation, in theory, the kingdom would have started. Of course the God in His Prescience knew they would reject it! "It has finished coming" but is not necessarily now in operation. There is a cogent reason that the Perfect Tense is used so consistently when discussing the kingdom arrival. Dana & Mantey, the great Greek grammarians, write: "It is best to assume that there is a reason for the Perfect [Tense] wherever it occurs."
In the Greek text of 10:9, near is the Preposition epi with the root idea here of upon. The point is that the kingdom has made its arrival because the King is present, but this does not mean that the kingdom has started. "The kingdom of God is resting over you Pharisees but has not begun!" It is impossible that the idea of 17:21 would be that the kingdom is now operating within believers. Christ is talking with the Pharisees who, for the most part, were not true believers!
The BKC says:
Some feel that the force of the expression is "within your possession or within your reach," Jesus' point was that He was standing right in their midst. All they had to do was acknowledge that He is indeed the Messiah who could bring in the kingdom—and then the kingdom would come.
In the book The End Times Controversy (eds. Tim LaHaye & Tommy Ice) I wrote:
Based on the grammar and context of a given passage, engus may simply mean that something is coming near, approaching, or being brought near. But does this guarantee that the referred-to event will take place immediately? If John the Baptist and Christ said the "kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 3:2; 17; 10:7), is it inherent in the verb that the kingdom will come right then? Could the kingdom be near or certain but not actually arrive because of some other factors? As well, could the verb tens simply be telling us that that the kingdom is certainly on its way? Could it be that the Jewish rabbis understood that the kingdom would not be announced yet, not arrive because the nation of Israel was unworthy — that it was not inaugurated because of the sins of the nation? Can it be shown by the writings of the church fathers that they understood this problem? The church fathers indicate that the kingdom was yet to arrive—perhaps in their day, or beyond.
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
ANSWER: Oh, heavens no! Their view will not fly in any form or fashion! The messianic kingdom will be actual, historic, and a specific event that unfolds in time. To fully understand Luke 17:21 you must tie it together with 10:9, 11. In my Luke commentary on 17:21 I write: "in every reference to the arrival, or the coming of the kingdom in the Gospels, the verb is in the Perfect Tense. In Luke the NASB translates 10:9, 11 correctly: 'The kingdom of God has come near you." It has come up to the present, up to the moment, but it has not been inaugurated. 'It has been on its way, and it has arrived, but it has in no way begun!'" "Has come" is egiken in Greek and is from the verb engizo. It is a Perfect Active Indicative and this verb form is used almost always to convey the idea that the kingdom is presented but not inaugurated or fulfilled. That is, the "coming" of the kingdom has reached a finished state. If the Jews had repented as a nation, in theory, the kingdom would have started. Of course the God in His Prescience knew they would reject it! "It has finished coming" but is not necessarily now in operation. There is a cogent reason that the Perfect Tense is used so consistently when discussing the kingdom arrival. Dana & Mantey, the great Greek grammarians, write: "It is best to assume that there is a reason for the Perfect [Tense] wherever it occurs."
In the Greek text of 10:9, near is the Preposition epi with the root idea here of upon. The point is that the kingdom has made its arrival because the King is present, but this does not mean that the kingdom has started. "The kingdom of God is resting over you Pharisees but has not begun!" It is impossible that the idea of 17:21 would be that the kingdom is now operating within believers. Christ is talking with the Pharisees who, for the most part, were not true believers!
The BKC says:
Some feel that the force of the expression is "within your possession or within your reach," Jesus' point was that He was standing right in their midst. All they had to do was acknowledge that He is indeed the Messiah who could bring in the kingdom—and then the kingdom would come.
In the book The End Times Controversy (eds. Tim LaHaye & Tommy Ice) I wrote:
Based on the grammar and context of a given passage, engus may simply mean that something is coming near, approaching, or being brought near. But does this guarantee that the referred-to event will take place immediately? If John the Baptist and Christ said the "kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 3:2; 17; 10:7), is it inherent in the verb that the kingdom will come right then? Could the kingdom be near or certain but not actually arrive because of some other factors? As well, could the verb tens simply be telling us that that the kingdom is certainly on its way? Could it be that the Jewish rabbis understood that the kingdom would not be announced yet, not arrive because the nation of Israel was unworthy — that it was not inaugurated because of the sins of the nation? Can it be shown by the writings of the church fathers that they understood this problem? The church fathers indicate that the kingdom was yet to arrive—perhaps in their day, or beyond.
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
Friday, January 13, 2012
Ask Dr. Couch (#322)
Dr. Couch, I appreciate your many short teachings about the sovereignty of God. As I read I find more and more such statements about God's absolute providence in Scripture that I had never noticed before. I found a statement just yesterday in 2 Kings that was fascinating. Thanks for sharing this with us on the web.
ANSWER: Yes, 2 Kings 10 tells us just who is in charge in this world. I used to ask my students: "Who is in charge?" And, "Who do we think we are?" By the way, this is not popular today as our churches go into the apostasy. We think we are in charge, and, humanism is now replacing God as God
Hezekiah prayed before the Lord in regard to the evil of king Sennacherib of Assyria. He pleaded for God to hear his petition: "O Lord, … see; and listen to the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God" (v. 16). "O Lord our God, I pray, deliver us from his hand that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that Thou alone, O Lord, art God" (v. 19).
God responds to Hezekiah and says, "Because you have prayed to Me about Sennacherib king of Assyria, I have heard you" (v. 20). The Lord then reminds the pagan king that He put into place a plan that started to come about that He declared long ago. God said to Sennacherib: "Have you not heard? Long ago I did it; from ancient times I planned it. Now I have brought it to pass" (v. 25). The Lord then adds: "I know your sitting down, and your going out and your coming in, and your raging against Me. … I will put My hook in your nose, and My bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back by the way which you came" (vv. 27-28).
God knows before hand, and God plans before hand! He is in charge of history even though it seems as if mankind is sovereign! People are not really in charge. God is
Thanks for your comments
Dr. Mal Couch
ANSWER: Yes, 2 Kings 10 tells us just who is in charge in this world. I used to ask my students: "Who is in charge?" And, "Who do we think we are?" By the way, this is not popular today as our churches go into the apostasy. We think we are in charge, and, humanism is now replacing God as God
Hezekiah prayed before the Lord in regard to the evil of king Sennacherib of Assyria. He pleaded for God to hear his petition: "O Lord, … see; and listen to the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God" (v. 16). "O Lord our God, I pray, deliver us from his hand that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that Thou alone, O Lord, art God" (v. 19).
God responds to Hezekiah and says, "Because you have prayed to Me about Sennacherib king of Assyria, I have heard you" (v. 20). The Lord then reminds the pagan king that He put into place a plan that started to come about that He declared long ago. God said to Sennacherib: "Have you not heard? Long ago I did it; from ancient times I planned it. Now I have brought it to pass" (v. 25). The Lord then adds: "I know your sitting down, and your going out and your coming in, and your raging against Me. … I will put My hook in your nose, and My bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back by the way which you came" (vv. 27-28).
God knows before hand, and God plans before hand! He is in charge of history even though it seems as if mankind is sovereign! People are not really in charge. God is
Thanks for your comments
Dr. Mal Couch
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Ask Dr. Couch (#321)
Dr. Couch, what do you think of those who are civil libertarians who advocate the position that we should make drugs and prostitution legal so that government can cut costs and the police can get on with other more important things?
ANSWER: You know what I would think! Paul says in Romans 13 that God ordains government for what is good not to maintain what is evil. In my opinion we are going into the apostasy, both of the church and the world. The crush is coming and it will get worse just before the rapture of the church, though I absolutely believe in the imminence of His coming. The Lord knows when that will be; we do not
Sin and humanism is coming forth like never before. There is no stopping as to what is now going on. People have said, "Oh, it has always been said that we are in the end times!" Yes, but Israel was not back in the land! That is the key to understanding the fact that we are moving to the end of days!
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
ANSWER: You know what I would think! Paul says in Romans 13 that God ordains government for what is good not to maintain what is evil. In my opinion we are going into the apostasy, both of the church and the world. The crush is coming and it will get worse just before the rapture of the church, though I absolutely believe in the imminence of His coming. The Lord knows when that will be; we do not
Sin and humanism is coming forth like never before. There is no stopping as to what is now going on. People have said, "Oh, it has always been said that we are in the end times!" Yes, but Israel was not back in the land! That is the key to understanding the fact that we are moving to the end of days!
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
THE HARRY POTTER STUDY BIBLE
Southern Baptist pastor Jared Moore has written a study guide to the Harry Potter movies and books. Moore, is a graduate of Liberty University, a conservative school started by Jerry Falwell. I knew a few years back that Liberty would go liberal. While this does not prove the same it shows that the graduates are not getting the biblical education they should be receiving in order to properly defend the faith from error. And Harry Potter is the epitome of witchcraft error!
The book is actually called "The Harry Potter Bible Study." It is published by the Associated Baptist Press, and while there are some conservative warnings in the publication this is only half true. There are many things in the booklet that are spiritually misleading to youngsters. The Harry Potter series represent the "unfruitful works of darkness." Children should not be exposed to any of the material that can be so seductive. This is further a picture of the sign of the times! --Dr. Mal Couch (1/12)
The book is actually called "The Harry Potter Bible Study." It is published by the Associated Baptist Press, and while there are some conservative warnings in the publication this is only half true. There are many things in the booklet that are spiritually misleading to youngsters. The Harry Potter series represent the "unfruitful works of darkness." Children should not be exposed to any of the material that can be so seductive. This is further a picture of the sign of the times! --Dr. Mal Couch (1/12)
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
CATHOLICS ARE AFTER EPISCOPALIANS
The Catholic Church is reaching out to married Episcopalians to get them into the Catholic fold. While they cannot be priests they can become members of the Church. The reason this is happening is because the Episcopalians are becoming so liberal and the Catholics are saying, "See, we are still conservative and you can feel comfortable here with us!"
This is like the wolf in the sheep's clothing. They are getting new members, and the Episcopalians don't see the snare awaiting them. This new approach and program is called "The Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter." The concerts will be full-fledged Catholics, expected to pray to the Pope and to oppose contraception and abortion. They will be allowed to preserve revered verses from their Book of Common Prayer.
This is a giant step toward a one world religion, driven by the Catholic Church. --Dr. Mal Couch (1/12)
This is like the wolf in the sheep's clothing. They are getting new members, and the Episcopalians don't see the snare awaiting them. This new approach and program is called "The Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter." The concerts will be full-fledged Catholics, expected to pray to the Pope and to oppose contraception and abortion. They will be allowed to preserve revered verses from their Book of Common Prayer.
This is a giant step toward a one world religion, driven by the Catholic Church. --Dr. Mal Couch (1/12)
Monday, January 9, 2012
Ask Dr. Couch (#320)
Dr. Couch, does it not seem that the Lord's anger is growing against an evil and sinful world?
ANSWER: Absolutely! And, in my opinion, we are moving towards the final days so quickly it makes our head swim! Our younger generation of Christians do not see what is happening. You can see it even in their belief system. They may be born again but they are absorbing the attitudes and thought forms of our evil culture. They do not discern where all of this is going. Statistics show that the Y generation of Evangelicals are turning liberal. For example, more and more of them do not think that abortion is so bad, and they are shifting rapidly to the left in their politics. They have little understanding about wisdom, maturity, and experience. They will select leaders who will be blind guides of the blind!
As we dispensationalists and premillennialists knew years ago, that without solid teaching and doctrine, this younger generation would turn against Israel. They are biblically ignorant and like it that way! They are extremely ignorant about biblical prophecy and what the Lord says about the final days. They are spiritually asleep as to where all of this is going!
But back to your question, yes, I believe we're rapidly moving into the final days with evil compounding itself. This will lead us to the judgment of the wrath of God, even though the Lord on a continual basis pours His anger out on the world. Because of sin, God "makes the nations great, then destroys them; He enlarges the nations then leads them astray (America?). He deprives of intelligence the leaders of earth's people, and makes them wander in a pathless waste. They grope in darkness with no light, and He makes them stagger like a drunken man" (Job 12:23-25).
Psalms 7:11 says: "God is a righteous judge, and a God who has indignation [against the world] every day." Even though His mercy is always available in the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, that truth, that message, is being more and more ignored and repudiated!
Our evil world does not understand what is coming. In Proverbs 28 we read: "Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand all things" (v. 5). Other verses in this chapter seem to speak of our times. "He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, even his prayer is an abomination" (v. 9). And, "An arrogant man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper" (v. 25). In 1 Thessalonians 1:10, the Greek text says that the wrath of God is on its way! And the verse could read that Jesus, IS our Deliverer who will deliver us out from (ek) that wrath that will nearly destroy the world. Paul is here speaking about the rapture of true believers!
In my opinion the dispensation of mercy and grace is almost over. Those who trust Christ will be taken out of here before the Day of the Lord arrives! I believe we are now coming into the period known as the Apostasy.
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
ANSWER: Absolutely! And, in my opinion, we are moving towards the final days so quickly it makes our head swim! Our younger generation of Christians do not see what is happening. You can see it even in their belief system. They may be born again but they are absorbing the attitudes and thought forms of our evil culture. They do not discern where all of this is going. Statistics show that the Y generation of Evangelicals are turning liberal. For example, more and more of them do not think that abortion is so bad, and they are shifting rapidly to the left in their politics. They have little understanding about wisdom, maturity, and experience. They will select leaders who will be blind guides of the blind!
As we dispensationalists and premillennialists knew years ago, that without solid teaching and doctrine, this younger generation would turn against Israel. They are biblically ignorant and like it that way! They are extremely ignorant about biblical prophecy and what the Lord says about the final days. They are spiritually asleep as to where all of this is going!
But back to your question, yes, I believe we're rapidly moving into the final days with evil compounding itself. This will lead us to the judgment of the wrath of God, even though the Lord on a continual basis pours His anger out on the world. Because of sin, God "makes the nations great, then destroys them; He enlarges the nations then leads them astray (America?). He deprives of intelligence the leaders of earth's people, and makes them wander in a pathless waste. They grope in darkness with no light, and He makes them stagger like a drunken man" (Job 12:23-25).
Psalms 7:11 says: "God is a righteous judge, and a God who has indignation [against the world] every day." Even though His mercy is always available in the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, that truth, that message, is being more and more ignored and repudiated!
Our evil world does not understand what is coming. In Proverbs 28 we read: "Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand all things" (v. 5). Other verses in this chapter seem to speak of our times. "He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, even his prayer is an abomination" (v. 9). And, "An arrogant man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper" (v. 25). In 1 Thessalonians 1:10, the Greek text says that the wrath of God is on its way! And the verse could read that Jesus, IS our Deliverer who will deliver us out from (ek) that wrath that will nearly destroy the world. Paul is here speaking about the rapture of true believers!
In my opinion the dispensation of mercy and grace is almost over. Those who trust Christ will be taken out of here before the Day of the Lord arrives! I believe we are now coming into the period known as the Apostasy.
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Ask Dr. Couch (#319)
Dr. Couch, have you noticed that there seems to be more cruelty to animals these days reported in the news?
ANSWER: Yes, indeed, I have! And most of it is coming from "foreign" cultures coming into this country who virtually torture their animals, especially those to be eaten, such as goats, chickens, etc. It absolutely makes me sick! These people do not come from either a Calvinistic-European or Judeo-Christian culture. They are cruel at heart and lock up their animals in small cages without water or food. And then they slaughter them in their bathtubs, throw out the skin and bones, and make their grounds and yards very unsanitary. While there has always been animal cruelty from pagan minded people, this seems to be growing worse in America because of the invasion of different societies.
Thank the Lord that some cities have inspectors who can even lock up those who are the most cruel.
Proverbs 12:10 says: "A righteous man regards the life of his animal; but (even) the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel." The great Puritan and English writer Joseph Parker writes in his 1891 commentary on this passage: "A righteous man knows the feelings of animals. He gives them credit for feelings; he does not look upon them as merely so much animated matter, but as standing in some relation to himself, but the wicked man becomes so debased as to lose all sense of distinction. His senses into the most utter severity and cruelty of nature."
The Mosaic Law says that one should not be so cruel as to keep the ox from eating the grain that he is grinding for his master. "You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing" (Deut. 25:4). That would be a form of torture and cruelty. And Christ added: "What man shall there be among you, who shall have one sheep and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out?" (Matt. 12:11).
Putting all these verses together we find a pattern of how to property treat one's animals. But there are those who do not know the Scriptures and have cruelty in their hearts.
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
ANSWER: Yes, indeed, I have! And most of it is coming from "foreign" cultures coming into this country who virtually torture their animals, especially those to be eaten, such as goats, chickens, etc. It absolutely makes me sick! These people do not come from either a Calvinistic-European or Judeo-Christian culture. They are cruel at heart and lock up their animals in small cages without water or food. And then they slaughter them in their bathtubs, throw out the skin and bones, and make their grounds and yards very unsanitary. While there has always been animal cruelty from pagan minded people, this seems to be growing worse in America because of the invasion of different societies.
Thank the Lord that some cities have inspectors who can even lock up those who are the most cruel.
Proverbs 12:10 says: "A righteous man regards the life of his animal; but (even) the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel." The great Puritan and English writer Joseph Parker writes in his 1891 commentary on this passage: "A righteous man knows the feelings of animals. He gives them credit for feelings; he does not look upon them as merely so much animated matter, but as standing in some relation to himself, but the wicked man becomes so debased as to lose all sense of distinction. His senses into the most utter severity and cruelty of nature."
The Mosaic Law says that one should not be so cruel as to keep the ox from eating the grain that he is grinding for his master. "You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing" (Deut. 25:4). That would be a form of torture and cruelty. And Christ added: "What man shall there be among you, who shall have one sheep and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out?" (Matt. 12:11).
Putting all these verses together we find a pattern of how to property treat one's animals. But there are those who do not know the Scriptures and have cruelty in their hearts.
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Ask Dr. Couch (#317)
Dr. Couch, should believers listen to secular music, and especially country music?
ANSWER: I have found that you can start a fist fight among Christians over music, to listen or not to listen to this or that! The problem is we have to be careful falling on one side or another—legalism or license. To me the key word is: discernment, discernment, discernment! There is a lot of good and acceptable music created by the secular world that we can all listen to. And personally, I don't think it is that difficult to discern what is acceptable or not.
Many do not know it but Dr. John F. Walvoord just loved jazz music! Now my taste does not run in that direction but it did for him. And I'm sure he did not listen to "trashy" jazz music. Knowing him, I'm sure he practiced discernment.
I can remember the day when country music was clean. A lot of the songs talked about sin and restitution. Many country pieces spoke about the Lord. And TV country music programs always closed with a hymn. But then the demons were let out of the pit and country music joined other forms of expression and became totally filthy. So there are many pieces of country music, and other types, that are just plain filthy and without a doubt are corrupting those who listen to it.
Television has also hit the bottom. Be prepared every fall season to be filled with even more forms of sin. The producers now know that there is no one out in TV land who will stop their march into the open visual expression of dirt.
By the way, Christian TV is getting awful itself. It is moving rapidly into programs that deal with Gnosticism and mysticism. Satan is indeed alive and well in our culture. I believe we are now moving rapidly into the predicted Apostasy spoken of by Paul. He wrote: "For the time will come when they will not endure "healthy' doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate to themselves teachers in accordance to their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to lies" (2 Tim. 4:3-4).
I believe we are there!
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
ANSWER: I have found that you can start a fist fight among Christians over music, to listen or not to listen to this or that! The problem is we have to be careful falling on one side or another—legalism or license. To me the key word is: discernment, discernment, discernment! There is a lot of good and acceptable music created by the secular world that we can all listen to. And personally, I don't think it is that difficult to discern what is acceptable or not.
Many do not know it but Dr. John F. Walvoord just loved jazz music! Now my taste does not run in that direction but it did for him. And I'm sure he did not listen to "trashy" jazz music. Knowing him, I'm sure he practiced discernment.
I can remember the day when country music was clean. A lot of the songs talked about sin and restitution. Many country pieces spoke about the Lord. And TV country music programs always closed with a hymn. But then the demons were let out of the pit and country music joined other forms of expression and became totally filthy. So there are many pieces of country music, and other types, that are just plain filthy and without a doubt are corrupting those who listen to it.
Television has also hit the bottom. Be prepared every fall season to be filled with even more forms of sin. The producers now know that there is no one out in TV land who will stop their march into the open visual expression of dirt.
By the way, Christian TV is getting awful itself. It is moving rapidly into programs that deal with Gnosticism and mysticism. Satan is indeed alive and well in our culture. I believe we are now moving rapidly into the predicted Apostasy spoken of by Paul. He wrote: "For the time will come when they will not endure "healthy' doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate to themselves teachers in accordance to their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to lies" (2 Tim. 4:3-4).
I believe we are there!
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Ask Dr. Couch (#314)
Dr. Couch, in R. C. Sproul's book The Last Days According to Jesus, he argues that the meeting with Christ in the air (1 Thess. 4:17) is an expression used of a Roman general who returns in triumph to a given city. The general waits outside the city until the people are ready to "meet" him. How do we answer this?
ANSWER: My answer is "So?" The context of the passage is clear no matter how a given word is used in some secular historical narrative. You need to quote all that Sproul writes on this issue in his lightweight book on pages 168-69. I have never seen a Bible teacher so confused and unclear as he is on this subject. To get rid of prophetic fulfillment he suggests that this rapture passage is but "apocalyptic imagery." He quotes several preterists to try to argue that way. He says, "The rapture imagery may have been designed to communicate that the people of Christ would join him in his triumphant return. The rapture imagery may be symbolic in this sense, in terms of what the rapture represents. But the rapture imagery is not symbolic in the sense that the rapture is altogether invisible" (p. 169).
Thus, he teaches an invisible rapture of the church? What in the world did Sproul just say?
What amazes me is that many Bible students do not want the solid grammatical goodies that explain the Bible. They run to a Sproul who is terrible confused. On this meeting I write in my technical Greek commentary (The Hope of Christ's Return, AMG, p. 128) on 1 & 2 Thessalonians:
Going up into the sky, into the air (aera), is an unmistakable description. Jesus is not coming down to establish His kingdom nor to judge men on earth. The Church saints are going upward. The reasons seem to be clearly stated in 5:9—to escape the coming wrath or Tribulation that falls upon the earth. "To meet" is actually a prepositional phrase—"into [eis] a meeting" (apantesis) with the Lord. The word implies a nonhostile meeting, a civic, public welcome to rulers upon their arrival at a city (Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament). It means also a "going toward."
On 1 Thessalonians 4:17, I further write: "Paul sets forth the results of the miracle of the Rapture. In Greek it reads, 'And so always [pantote] together with the Lord, we shall ourselves be [eimi, present middle indicative].' 'This rapture of the saints (both risen and the living who are changed) is a glorious climax to Paul's argument of consolation. … This is the outcome, to be forever with the Lord.'" (A. T. Robertson)
This is quoting the great grammarian A. T. Robertson who does not hold to the rapture in the same sense as I do, but he still calls 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 a rapture passage. Remember in chapter 5 the apostle tells us the reason for the rapture. The judgment of the Day of the Lord is coming (5:1-4) and the church escapes that terrible period of wrath poured out on the world by the Lord. "For God has not destined us for wrath but for obtaining deliverance through our Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 9).
I keep wondering what is wrong with the anti-rapture people. All of this is so plain and simple. What is their problem? I have come to a conclusion with two answers: (1) they are deep in their souls anti-Semitic because after the rapture comes the tribulation and then the restored Davidic Kingdom, and (2) the anti-rapture people have a fear of what is coming upon the earth. I can find no other reasons why they "protesteth so much" against the plain and obvious teaching of Scripture!
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
ANSWER: My answer is "So?" The context of the passage is clear no matter how a given word is used in some secular historical narrative. You need to quote all that Sproul writes on this issue in his lightweight book on pages 168-69. I have never seen a Bible teacher so confused and unclear as he is on this subject. To get rid of prophetic fulfillment he suggests that this rapture passage is but "apocalyptic imagery." He quotes several preterists to try to argue that way. He says, "The rapture imagery may have been designed to communicate that the people of Christ would join him in his triumphant return. The rapture imagery may be symbolic in this sense, in terms of what the rapture represents. But the rapture imagery is not symbolic in the sense that the rapture is altogether invisible" (p. 169).
Thus, he teaches an invisible rapture of the church? What in the world did Sproul just say?
What amazes me is that many Bible students do not want the solid grammatical goodies that explain the Bible. They run to a Sproul who is terrible confused. On this meeting I write in my technical Greek commentary (The Hope of Christ's Return, AMG, p. 128) on 1 & 2 Thessalonians:
Going up into the sky, into the air (aera), is an unmistakable description. Jesus is not coming down to establish His kingdom nor to judge men on earth. The Church saints are going upward. The reasons seem to be clearly stated in 5:9—to escape the coming wrath or Tribulation that falls upon the earth. "To meet" is actually a prepositional phrase—"into [eis] a meeting" (apantesis) with the Lord. The word implies a nonhostile meeting, a civic, public welcome to rulers upon their arrival at a city (Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament). It means also a "going toward."
On 1 Thessalonians 4:17, I further write: "Paul sets forth the results of the miracle of the Rapture. In Greek it reads, 'And so always [pantote] together with the Lord, we shall ourselves be [eimi, present middle indicative].' 'This rapture of the saints (both risen and the living who are changed) is a glorious climax to Paul's argument of consolation. … This is the outcome, to be forever with the Lord.'" (A. T. Robertson)
This is quoting the great grammarian A. T. Robertson who does not hold to the rapture in the same sense as I do, but he still calls 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 a rapture passage. Remember in chapter 5 the apostle tells us the reason for the rapture. The judgment of the Day of the Lord is coming (5:1-4) and the church escapes that terrible period of wrath poured out on the world by the Lord. "For God has not destined us for wrath but for obtaining deliverance through our Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 9).
I keep wondering what is wrong with the anti-rapture people. All of this is so plain and simple. What is their problem? I have come to a conclusion with two answers: (1) they are deep in their souls anti-Semitic because after the rapture comes the tribulation and then the restored Davidic Kingdom, and (2) the anti-rapture people have a fear of what is coming upon the earth. I can find no other reasons why they "protesteth so much" against the plain and obvious teaching of Scripture!
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
THE GOVERNMENT CLOSING US DOWN
In New York State the Department of Education is no longer allowing religious services to be held in schools or community facilities such as government supported housing projects. Such services have been very successful in stopping crime in such places. This will probably spread from State to State. It reminds us of how Nazi Germany slowly put the clamps on churches and caused the them to bow down to the government. Things are happening more quickly than we can imagine! We must change the government in Washington or we are all doomed as to the ministry of Christ.
Be prepared for rough times coming! --Dr. Mal Couch (1/12)
Be prepared for rough times coming! --Dr. Mal Couch (1/12)
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
RUPERT MURDOCH OWNS ZONDERVAN
His company that turns out porn material now owns Christian publishers Thomas Nelson and Zondervan! As well, the subsidiary, HarperCollins Publishers. These publications used to be owned and operated by Christians but no more! "Madness" and evilness is driving the money that causes such companies to be sold to the devil. Where will it end?
Monday, January 2, 2012
Ask Dr. Couch (#315)
Dr. Couch, you really have a great and informative website. I know you've had great experiences and outstanding training from some of the great dispensational giants of the past. What wisdom can you share from studying under those men?
ANSWER: I have been exceedingly blessed to study under the most Godly and wise dispensational leaders of a past generation. Your question is good because I think that God places us in positions where He wants us to be in order that we may learn from those who have gone before. I've always told my students that we are like links in a chain. Someone has strengthened us and in turn we are to strengthen the generation that comes after us. To your question: What did I learn from them?
1. I learned that when I was sitting under their teaching I did not appreciate what I was getting. It was only later that it dawned on me of the blessings I received.
2. In being taught the dispensational nature of the Scriptures, years later I was able to confirm that what they gave me was correct and right! I received the tools to find out what was correct. I always say dispensationalism is not simply a system. The Word of God IS dispensational!
3. I never believed what a great Bible teacher taught me simply because he said it. I realized that I could look at truth on my own and confirm the rightness of it.
4. I realized that the great Bible teachers of the past were not perfect. I could see years later that on minor details I disagreed with a few things they taught. But minor differences of opinion do not matter. I realized that what I received in the overall scheme of things was absolutely correct.
5. The four areas of knowledge that changed my life were: (1) hermeneutics, (2) heavy and comprehensive systematic theology, (3) Hebrew, and (4) Greek. On both the undergraduate and graduate level I probably received more Greek than anyone you may know. The same can be said of systematic theology. Many of my classmates threw away their language skills when they left seminary. I did not. I continue to study both Hebrew and Greek each week. I am not a fast reader but hopefully I try to be thorough in my translation work. Now none of this blessed exposure made me a genius. (I actually learn slowly!) I really consider myself fortunate and humbled. I feel blessed each day for what I received going through three graduate schools. But the tools were given to me that have made me thoroughly appreciate the Word of God. I see Christ more clearly, and I see the Plan that the Lord is unfolding in the Bible!
I also had in college and various graduate schools large chunks of history and church history. This gave me the ability to compare and contrast what I see happening in the world today and in the life of the church.
We cannot move forward without knowledge, but at the same time, God is not impressed with all that we have learned. He is testing us by faithfulness and obedience.
The men I was blessed with as my instructors did not play the intelligentsia card. They desired to be thorough, yes, but even more importantly, they wanted to be clear as to what the Word was saying.
The greatest concern I now have is for men who are forty years of age and younger. In my opinion, they are not receiving the classical education I was blessed with. They are getting more of philosophy and less and less of systematics and of the biblical language. For so many their courses in theology do not have a dispensational base. But too, they have a different mind-set about the world and the Word of God. I sense a slippage away from revelation. They are not seeing what I see! I see many who look down at classical dispensationalism. They want to be accepted by the covenant theologians. They are not willing to remain "basic" and simple in teaching God's Word. They pride themselves in academia but this does not impress the Lord!
I don't know if what I've written above helps but I trust that it will. I feel sorry for those of you who want more because I believe that solid teaching, as I measure teaching, is quickly slipping away!
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch (1/12)
ANSWER: I have been exceedingly blessed to study under the most Godly and wise dispensational leaders of a past generation. Your question is good because I think that God places us in positions where He wants us to be in order that we may learn from those who have gone before. I've always told my students that we are like links in a chain. Someone has strengthened us and in turn we are to strengthen the generation that comes after us. To your question: What did I learn from them?
1. I learned that when I was sitting under their teaching I did not appreciate what I was getting. It was only later that it dawned on me of the blessings I received.
2. In being taught the dispensational nature of the Scriptures, years later I was able to confirm that what they gave me was correct and right! I received the tools to find out what was correct. I always say dispensationalism is not simply a system. The Word of God IS dispensational!
3. I never believed what a great Bible teacher taught me simply because he said it. I realized that I could look at truth on my own and confirm the rightness of it.
4. I realized that the great Bible teachers of the past were not perfect. I could see years later that on minor details I disagreed with a few things they taught. But minor differences of opinion do not matter. I realized that what I received in the overall scheme of things was absolutely correct.
5. The four areas of knowledge that changed my life were: (1) hermeneutics, (2) heavy and comprehensive systematic theology, (3) Hebrew, and (4) Greek. On both the undergraduate and graduate level I probably received more Greek than anyone you may know. The same can be said of systematic theology. Many of my classmates threw away their language skills when they left seminary. I did not. I continue to study both Hebrew and Greek each week. I am not a fast reader but hopefully I try to be thorough in my translation work. Now none of this blessed exposure made me a genius. (I actually learn slowly!) I really consider myself fortunate and humbled. I feel blessed each day for what I received going through three graduate schools. But the tools were given to me that have made me thoroughly appreciate the Word of God. I see Christ more clearly, and I see the Plan that the Lord is unfolding in the Bible!
I also had in college and various graduate schools large chunks of history and church history. This gave me the ability to compare and contrast what I see happening in the world today and in the life of the church.
We cannot move forward without knowledge, but at the same time, God is not impressed with all that we have learned. He is testing us by faithfulness and obedience.
The men I was blessed with as my instructors did not play the intelligentsia card. They desired to be thorough, yes, but even more importantly, they wanted to be clear as to what the Word was saying.
The greatest concern I now have is for men who are forty years of age and younger. In my opinion, they are not receiving the classical education I was blessed with. They are getting more of philosophy and less and less of systematics and of the biblical language. For so many their courses in theology do not have a dispensational base. But too, they have a different mind-set about the world and the Word of God. I sense a slippage away from revelation. They are not seeing what I see! I see many who look down at classical dispensationalism. They want to be accepted by the covenant theologians. They are not willing to remain "basic" and simple in teaching God's Word. They pride themselves in academia but this does not impress the Lord!
I don't know if what I've written above helps but I trust that it will. I feel sorry for those of you who want more because I believe that solid teaching, as I measure teaching, is quickly slipping away!
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch (1/12)
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Ask Dr. Couch (#313)
Dr. Couch, could Isaiah 3:1-12 be speaking about Israel during the Day of the Lord?
Yes, in fact the passage is speaking about not only what will come on Israel but upon all the Gentile nations. The full context actually begins in chapter 2 where God tells Isaiah what "will come about in the last days" (v. 2). The passage starts out describing the coming of the Messiah bringing a worldwide peace, at which time "Nation will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they learn war" (v. 4). But before His reign of peace begins there will be a judgment upon the world and upon Israel. "For the Lord of hosts will have a day of reckoning" (v. 12). As mentioned in Revelation 6, men will go into the caves of the rocks" because of the terror of the Lord. "He arises to make the earth tremble" (v. 19). People will hide "Before the terror of the Lord and the splendor of His majesty, when He arises to make the earth tremble" (v. 21).
This of course is the Wrath of God, the Day of the Lord, the seven year Tribulation period!
I believe what God says next about what will be happening with Israel will also be happening among the Gentile nations. Culture and society will be turned upside down. "The capricious children will rule over [the elders], and the people will be oppressed" (3:4-5). "The youth will storm against the elder" (v. 5). Homosexuality will be in openly practiced, as it is now. "The expression of their faces bears witness against them. And they [will] display their sin like Sodom; they will not even conceal it. Woe to them! For they will have brought evil on themselves" (v. 9).
But look what will happen among the women of the world! "Their oppressors are children, and women [will] rule over them. O My people! Those who guide you lead you astray, and confuse the direction of your paths" (v. 12). Because of this, God will bring a harsh judgment upon women (vv. 16-24). He will bring diseases upon them and "He will make their foreheads bare" (v. 17). But because of the terrible things happening to women, because they have destroyed God's natural order of the sexes, they will seek safety in the company of men. "For seven women will take hold of one man in that day, saying, 'We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothes, only let us be called by your name; take away our reproach'" (4:1).
On 3:12, Unger writes, the reference to women "perhaps means weak, effeminate men, or men dominated by vain women such as those described in verses 16-26, leading them astray and confusing the direction of their paths (9:16; 28:14-15)."
Thanks for asking. And I do indeed believe we are coming into such days, though the rapture of true believers will take place before this terrible period falls in its full strength on the world. [Pastors, please share this with your church.]
Dr. Mal Couch
Yes, in fact the passage is speaking about not only what will come on Israel but upon all the Gentile nations. The full context actually begins in chapter 2 where God tells Isaiah what "will come about in the last days" (v. 2). The passage starts out describing the coming of the Messiah bringing a worldwide peace, at which time "Nation will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they learn war" (v. 4). But before His reign of peace begins there will be a judgment upon the world and upon Israel. "For the Lord of hosts will have a day of reckoning" (v. 12). As mentioned in Revelation 6, men will go into the caves of the rocks" because of the terror of the Lord. "He arises to make the earth tremble" (v. 19). People will hide "Before the terror of the Lord and the splendor of His majesty, when He arises to make the earth tremble" (v. 21).
This of course is the Wrath of God, the Day of the Lord, the seven year Tribulation period!
I believe what God says next about what will be happening with Israel will also be happening among the Gentile nations. Culture and society will be turned upside down. "The capricious children will rule over [the elders], and the people will be oppressed" (3:4-5). "The youth will storm against the elder" (v. 5). Homosexuality will be in openly practiced, as it is now. "The expression of their faces bears witness against them. And they [will] display their sin like Sodom; they will not even conceal it. Woe to them! For they will have brought evil on themselves" (v. 9).
But look what will happen among the women of the world! "Their oppressors are children, and women [will] rule over them. O My people! Those who guide you lead you astray, and confuse the direction of your paths" (v. 12). Because of this, God will bring a harsh judgment upon women (vv. 16-24). He will bring diseases upon them and "He will make their foreheads bare" (v. 17). But because of the terrible things happening to women, because they have destroyed God's natural order of the sexes, they will seek safety in the company of men. "For seven women will take hold of one man in that day, saying, 'We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothes, only let us be called by your name; take away our reproach'" (4:1).
On 3:12, Unger writes, the reference to women "perhaps means weak, effeminate men, or men dominated by vain women such as those described in verses 16-26, leading them astray and confusing the direction of their paths (9:16; 28:14-15)."
Thanks for asking. And I do indeed believe we are coming into such days, though the rapture of true believers will take place before this terrible period falls in its full strength on the world. [Pastors, please share this with your church.]
Dr. Mal Couch
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