Of the many doctrines in the holy scriptures, it may surprise you to know that we can even learn energy from the Bible! A much-needed and valuable element, COAL, has several uses.
Many descriptions of the Lord God Almighty indicate that coals of fire accompany Him:
2 Sam 22:9 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
2 Sam 22:13 Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled.
Job 41:21 His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth.
Psa 18:8 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
Psa 18:12 At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire.
Psa 18:13 The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire.
Aaron, the high priest, used coal to burn incense in the tabernacle:
Lev 16:12,13 And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail:
13 And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not:
Coals of fire were used in baking foods:
An angel baked a cake with coals for Elijah:
1 Kings 19:5,6 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
6 And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.
Bread can be baked, and meat can be roasted over coal:
Isa 44:19 And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?
Coal was used to cook fish sandwiches:
John 21:9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.
Coals of fire generate heat for warmth:
Isa 47:14 Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it.
John 18:18 And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.
Coals produce extremely hot flames of fire:
Song of Sol 8:6 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.
Safety warning label! As with any hot product, use coal with caution! Do not walk on hot coals or burn injury will occur!
Prov 6:28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?
Coal was useful in molding and melting metal:
Isa 54:16,17 Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.
17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
Lastly, coal was used in an example to show kindness in the face of adversity. Sometimes the best revenge is mercy:
Rom 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Let’s be thankful for the natural resources God planted in the earth and make good use of them, as we see exampled in His Word.
This is David Dowell, saying, "Think about it!"
Monday, June 29, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
All Mouth - No Manners!
Recently I read an article about a 'unity' conference in a quarterly that was filled with name-calling, like idiots, racists, stupid fools, wimps, phony fakers, cowards, compromisers, and infidels. That’s quite a list of slander to sling at preachers, regardless of their convictions. It is certainly understandable to disagree on doctrines, but to use such malicious descriptions of men who claim to be grace teachers, is, at the very least, impolite. Using belittling words about preachers is not attractive from any spout.
Titus 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
Each of us have been wrong about issues. When we are challenged about our beliefs, if we realize that we cannot defend them with the verses, rightly divided, then it behooves us to line up with the scriptures, regardless of whether or not we personally ‘like’ the person who pointed out our error. It is more embarrassing to insist we are right when we are proven wrong, than it is to change and be right from then on. When two people disagree on an issue, either, they are both wrong .... or one is wrong and the other is right. But both cannot be right. Someone has to be wrong. Anyone can be wrong. The best thing to do when we discover it, is to admit it and correct it as quickly as possible.
Titus 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
But now that we’re saved, we are not supposed to act like that anymore:
Titus 3:4-8 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
God’s Word teaches ministers how to instruct others who are in error. God’s method is certainly not to call them derogatory names. Even if we would like to, in our flesh, we should refrain:
2 Tim 2:24-26 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
If we have a problem with doctrine a man is preaching, as far as the doctrine is concerned, it is proper to expose it publically, and even name the man who promotes it .... but as far as the man is concerned, we ought to not to assail him with personal criticism or rude labels.
Gal 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
I do not mind preachers debating doctrines among themselves, though I do not believe it would be profitable in a 'public' Bible conference. I myself sponsor a grace Bible conference annually, and in order to present a clear message, it is important to me to have a unified platform among all the preachers behind the pulpit there. However, this is not my understanding of the intent of the 'unity' conference. I thought it was an open forum where conflicting views will be presented as truth. In my opinion, this is bad organization and it will produce an uncertain sound, which I expect cannot be edifying to the listeners.
It is odd to me that a man who so boldly defends the KJV would plaster a title from The Living Bible in front of his own name on his website and use it in his literature. To call oneself a pastor (which is a shepherd) while teaching people that they are not sheep .... is conflicting. The KJV clearly shows the overseer in a church is a bishop .... not a pastor, as The Living Bible says.
1 Tim 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
This is David Dowell, saying, "If the ‘cowboy’ boot fits .... wear it! Think about it!"
Titus 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
Each of us have been wrong about issues. When we are challenged about our beliefs, if we realize that we cannot defend them with the verses, rightly divided, then it behooves us to line up with the scriptures, regardless of whether or not we personally ‘like’ the person who pointed out our error. It is more embarrassing to insist we are right when we are proven wrong, than it is to change and be right from then on. When two people disagree on an issue, either, they are both wrong .... or one is wrong and the other is right. But both cannot be right. Someone has to be wrong. Anyone can be wrong. The best thing to do when we discover it, is to admit it and correct it as quickly as possible.
Titus 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
But now that we’re saved, we are not supposed to act like that anymore:
Titus 3:4-8 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
God’s Word teaches ministers how to instruct others who are in error. God’s method is certainly not to call them derogatory names. Even if we would like to, in our flesh, we should refrain:
2 Tim 2:24-26 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
If we have a problem with doctrine a man is preaching, as far as the doctrine is concerned, it is proper to expose it publically, and even name the man who promotes it .... but as far as the man is concerned, we ought to not to assail him with personal criticism or rude labels.
Gal 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
I do not mind preachers debating doctrines among themselves, though I do not believe it would be profitable in a 'public' Bible conference. I myself sponsor a grace Bible conference annually, and in order to present a clear message, it is important to me to have a unified platform among all the preachers behind the pulpit there. However, this is not my understanding of the intent of the 'unity' conference. I thought it was an open forum where conflicting views will be presented as truth. In my opinion, this is bad organization and it will produce an uncertain sound, which I expect cannot be edifying to the listeners.
It is odd to me that a man who so boldly defends the KJV would plaster a title from The Living Bible in front of his own name on his website and use it in his literature. To call oneself a pastor (which is a shepherd) while teaching people that they are not sheep .... is conflicting. The KJV clearly shows the overseer in a church is a bishop .... not a pastor, as The Living Bible says.
1 Tim 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
This is David Dowell, saying, "If the ‘cowboy’ boot fits .... wear it! Think about it!"
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Good to Know
In uncertain times, it is good to know right division of the Holy Scriptures. As the songwriter of The Solid Rock expressed, "When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay." Life on earth, as we have known it, is changing, and we’re headed in the wrong direction. In the financial market, unstable funds have caused many folks I know to lose about half of their retirement savings. Lots of independent businessmen are closing their companies because they are no longer profitable. In the spiritual realm, the values of our society have been brain-washed away in the name of tolerance and education. Bible believers are ridiculed and scorned. Paul assured the Corinthian believers:
2 Cor 1:3,4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
If we follow the example of our apostle Paul, it’s good to know that we will be able to rise above the fear:
2 Cor 7:4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
When Paul closed his epistle, he encouraged the saints:
2 Cor 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
We have a Source of comfort. It is good to know the love of God shown at Calvary, and the heavenly promise that God has in store for those that love Him:
2 Thess 2:16,17 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
I constantly remind myself, "This world is not my home, I’m just a-passing through!" What a comfort! It’s good to know! Think about it!
2 Cor 1:3,4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
If we follow the example of our apostle Paul, it’s good to know that we will be able to rise above the fear:
2 Cor 7:4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
When Paul closed his epistle, he encouraged the saints:
2 Cor 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
We have a Source of comfort. It is good to know the love of God shown at Calvary, and the heavenly promise that God has in store for those that love Him:
2 Thess 2:16,17 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
I constantly remind myself, "This world is not my home, I’m just a-passing through!" What a comfort! It’s good to know! Think about it!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Report on the Conference
We had a GREAT time at the GREAT Smoky Mountains GRACE Bible Conference! The word was preached, some folks were saved, and the saints were edified.
Our second daughter is now engaged, and the young man who is her fiance was rejoicing in grace teaching with all of us. He is thankful to now know sound doctrine.
My wife and I, along with many others, enjoyed hearing our children play gospel music, hymns, and bluegrass at our annual Music in the Mountains concert. Lots of people participated in Singin’ in the Smokies, too.
The new facilities were wonderful. Nearly everyone told us they were planning to attend again next year.
The theme for 2010 will be showing very soon (maybe now) on the website www.magnifiedword.com. Hope you can make arrangements to be there!
Our second daughter is now engaged, and the young man who is her fiance was rejoicing in grace teaching with all of us. He is thankful to now know sound doctrine.
My wife and I, along with many others, enjoyed hearing our children play gospel music, hymns, and bluegrass at our annual Music in the Mountains concert. Lots of people participated in Singin’ in the Smokies, too.
The new facilities were wonderful. Nearly everyone told us they were planning to attend again next year.
The theme for 2010 will be showing very soon (maybe now) on the website www.magnifiedword.com. Hope you can make arrangements to be there!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Getting Ready for the Conference
We’re busy preparing for a GREAT time of preaching and Bible study at the Great Smoky Mountains GRACE Bible Conference in scenic, action-packed Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We’re still making last minute plans and confirming with restaurants and activities to be able to provide "something for everyone!" We hope YOU can join us there as we also enjoy fellowship with saints!
Rom 1:12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
This year’s theme is "Rescue the Perishing." We’ll have plenty of interesting messages brought by various grace preachers that will be sure to give you lots to "think about." Many of the titles and topics are listed on our website http://www.magnifiedword.com/.
1 Cor 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
It’s not too late to phone in your reservations. Just call 1-800-782-3119 and tell them you’re attending the conference to get the special room rate of $61.65 per night. Holiday Inn has remodeled everything and looks brand new! It’s beautiful! Hope to see you there! It's never too late until it's over!
This is David Dowell, saying, "Think about it!"
Rom 1:12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
This year’s theme is "Rescue the Perishing." We’ll have plenty of interesting messages brought by various grace preachers that will be sure to give you lots to "think about." Many of the titles and topics are listed on our website http://www.magnifiedword.com/.
1 Cor 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
It’s not too late to phone in your reservations. Just call 1-800-782-3119 and tell them you’re attending the conference to get the special room rate of $61.65 per night. Holiday Inn has remodeled everything and looks brand new! It’s beautiful! Hope to see you there! It's never too late until it's over!
This is David Dowell, saying, "Think about it!"
Monday, February 23, 2009
Enjoy!
Recently we met a man and his wife who have come to understand right division for about two years. They told me of the frustration they experience listening to their preacher. They squirm in their seats during every Sunday morning message they hear from the pulpit, realizing the unsound doctrine that it being taught week after week. They are unable to enjoy the scripture that says:
Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
Maybe you’ve guessed their situation. They are members in a denominational church. They are unable to enjoy the scripture that says:
Rom 12:4,5 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Not only did they join that religious organization, but they also volunteered to teach the children’s classes twice a week, so now they are committed to a season of service there. Initially, they reasoned this action would opt them out of repeated internal doctrinal disagreement, though never outwardly expressed to their so-called 'pastor,’ (who is scripturally a 'bishop' that doesn't know his own office - 1 Tim 3:1). They also figured they would be able to help the children by tailoring the denominational curriculum with the knowledge they had of right division. However, after speaking with us awhile, they realize it is improper for them to work around or avoid the umbrella of authority to which they submitted themselves. Their best move is to move .... and get out of the system. They are unable to enjoy the scriptures that say:
1 Cor 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
Phil 3:16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
They told us they had privately discussed how to leave their church without instigating controversy. We advised them not to avoid, but to cause, a stir of conversation when they pull out. "Don’t worry about rocking the boat .... go ahead, and flip it over!" Then they will be able to enjoy the scriptures that say:
Gal 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Phil 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Their leaving will create an opportunity for them to tell their friends why they made the decision, and maybe influence others to follow the same pathway to enjoy the scriptures rightly divided:
1 Cor 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
This is David Dowell, saying, "Think about it!"
Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
Maybe you’ve guessed their situation. They are members in a denominational church. They are unable to enjoy the scripture that says:
Rom 12:4,5 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Not only did they join that religious organization, but they also volunteered to teach the children’s classes twice a week, so now they are committed to a season of service there. Initially, they reasoned this action would opt them out of repeated internal doctrinal disagreement, though never outwardly expressed to their so-called 'pastor,’ (who is scripturally a 'bishop' that doesn't know his own office - 1 Tim 3:1). They also figured they would be able to help the children by tailoring the denominational curriculum with the knowledge they had of right division. However, after speaking with us awhile, they realize it is improper for them to work around or avoid the umbrella of authority to which they submitted themselves. Their best move is to move .... and get out of the system. They are unable to enjoy the scriptures that say:
1 Cor 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
Phil 3:16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
They told us they had privately discussed how to leave their church without instigating controversy. We advised them not to avoid, but to cause, a stir of conversation when they pull out. "Don’t worry about rocking the boat .... go ahead, and flip it over!" Then they will be able to enjoy the scriptures that say:
Gal 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Phil 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Their leaving will create an opportunity for them to tell their friends why they made the decision, and maybe influence others to follow the same pathway to enjoy the scriptures rightly divided:
1 Cor 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
This is David Dowell, saying, "Think about it!"
Friday, February 13, 2009
Holi days
Many folks celebrate holidays. That’s really a play on letters or words, as "holy days" has been combined to become "holidays." Just like "Christ mass" put together has been made into "Christmas." I’m not fond of giving respect to Saint Valentine, Saint Patrick, nor Saint Nicholas! And I don’t think those are what the Holy Spirit via Paul had in mind when he wrote:
Col 2:16,17 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
God gave holy days to the nation Israel to remember, but they have nothing to do with our program today in the dispensation of grace.
Personally, I enjoy the freedom to NOT use a holi-day to send my wife flowers or chocolates! .... and I don’t go in the dog house! We have an understanding in my household that makes every day sweet. It comes from the Holy Bible (KJV):
1 Cor 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
Eph 5:33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Col 2:16,17 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
God gave holy days to the nation Israel to remember, but they have nothing to do with our program today in the dispensation of grace.
Personally, I enjoy the freedom to NOT use a holi-day to send my wife flowers or chocolates! .... and I don’t go in the dog house! We have an understanding in my household that makes every day sweet. It comes from the Holy Bible (KJV):
1 Cor 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
Eph 5:33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
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