The Berean Call Podcast

BEFORE MAN WAS CREATED, Satan had already rebelled and taken countless angels with him. How many angels and how long before, we don’t know. Tragically, the insurrection spread from heaven to earth. At Satan’s enticement, the first man and woman defied their Maker, bringing destruction and death upon this new race which God had created in His image.This mutiny had not caught God by surprise but was proceeding exactly as He had foreknown. He was still on the throne of the universe. How could man rebel against God’s absolute authority? Clearly, God had sovereignly given man the ability to submit to Him willingly in love. The ability to say yes, however, was meaningless without the equal ability to say no. Thus, the door God opened to loving submission could be slammed shut in willful revolt—as Adam and Eve had done.Some Christians suggest that God willed for Adam and Eve to break His commandment not to eat of the tree of knowledge. Yet sin of any kind is contrary to God’s will. He must therefore have allowed sin to enter this world in order to further His ultimate purpose for mankind, all of whom He loves with an infinite love—the only kind of love that God, who is love, bestows.

We live in strange times. When I became a born-again believer nearly four decades ago following thirty years as a Roman Catholic, not one non-Catholic Christian chided me for leaving the Church of Rome. In those days it was fairly obvious to evangelicals that the teachings and practices of Roman Catholicism were at odds with the teachings of the Bible. Yes, there were a few things, at least superficially, that Catholics and Bible-believing Christians held in common. The virgin birth of Christ, which involved the conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit, is one example. Yet, regarding Christ’s miraculous birth, the Catholic Church added to the virgin Mary the dogmas of her Immaculate Conception, i.e., her having been conceived without sin, and her perpetual virginity. Although those extra-biblical teachings are serious errors, they do not directly contradict the gospel that is essential for salvation...

“Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the Lord. For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” (Jeremiah 2:12-13)Those verses include a warning from the Lord for His people—and the reason for the warning. They are the consequences of His followers forsaking Him by turning from “the fountain of living waters.” Although addressed to the Jewish people during the time of Jeremiah the prophet, God’s words of admonition also seem to be directed at the Christianity of our day.

"The B-I-B-L-E...Yes, that's the book for me!" was once the happy refrain of all believers young and old in churches throughout the land. But years have come and gone since that time. Has the first love of your faith, too, grown old? In this special series, TBC Executive Director T. A. McMahon encourages believers of all ages to "stand alone on the Word of God: the B-I-B-L-E."

"The B-I-B-L-E...Yes, that's the book for me!" was once the happy refrain of all believers young and old in churches throughout the land. But years have come and gone since that time. Has the first love of your faith, too, grown old? In this special series, TBC Executive Director T. A. McMahon encourages believers of all ages to "stand alone on the Word of God: the B-I-B-L-E."

"The B-I-B-L-E...Yes, that's the book for me!" was once the happy refrain of all believers young and old in churches throughout the land. But years have come and gone since that time. Has the first love of your faith, too, grown old? In this special series, TBC Executive Director T. A. McMahon encourages believers of all ages to "stand alone on the Word of God: the B-I-B-L-E."

"The B-I-B-L-E...Yes, that's the book for me!" was once the happy refrain of all believers young and old in churches throughout the land. But years have come and gone since that time. Has the first love of your faith, too, grown old? In this special series, TBC Executive Director T. A. McMahon encourages believers of all ages to "stand alone on the Word of God: the B-I-B-L-E."

"The B-I-B-L-E...Yes, that's the book for me!" was once the happy refrain of all believers young and old in churches throughout the land. But years have come and gone since that time. Has the first love of your faith, too, grown old? In this special series, TBC Executive Director T. A. McMahon encourages believers of all ages to "stand alone on the Word of God: the B-I-B-L-E."

"The B-I-B-L-E...Yes, that's the book for me!" was once the happy refrain of all believers young and old in churches throughout the land. But years have come and gone since that time. Has the first love of your faith, too, grown old? In this special series, TBC Executive Director T. A. McMahon encourages believers of all ages to "stand alone on the Word of God: the B-I-B-L-E."

"The B-I-B-L-E...Yes, that's the book for me!" was once the happy refrain of all believers young and old in churches throughout the land. But years have come and gone since that time. Has the first love of your faith, too, grown old? In this special series, TBC Executive Director T. A. McMahon encourages believers of all ages to "stand alone on the Word of God: the B-I-B-L-E."

"The B-I-B-L-E...Yes, that's the book for me!" was once the happy refrain of all believers young and old in churches throughout the land. But years have come and gone since that time. Has the first love of your faith, too, grown old? In this special series, TBC Executive Director T. A. McMahon encourages believers of all ages to "stand alone on the Word of God: the B-I-B-L-E."

"The B-I-B-L-E...Yes, that's the book for me!" was once the happy refrain of all believers young and old in churches throughout the land. But years have come and gone since that time. Has the first love of your faith, too, grown old? In this special series, TBC Executive Director T. A. McMahon encourages believers of all ages to "stand alone on the Word of God: the B-I-B-L-E."

"The B-I-B-L-E...Yes, that's the book for me!" was once the happy refrain of all believers young and old in churches throughout the land. But years have come and gone since that time. Has the first love of your faith, too, grown old? In this special series, TBC Executive Director T. A. McMahon encourages believers of all ages to "stand alone on the Word of God: the B-I-B-L-E."

The first law of thermodynamics states that energy, the stuff of which the universe is made, can neither be created nor destroyed. Two conclusions follow:1. The total energy in the universe remains constant, and2. Energy must be self-existent and eternal—exactly what the Bible says about God.Is science promoting energy as “God”?The second law of thermodynamics states that while total energy remains constant, usable energy and order continually decrease as entropy increases. Common sense tells us that all fires eventually burn out. Neither our sun nor the other stars could have been burning forever. There must have been a time when neither stars nor the energy of which they consist existed. Clearly, the universe had a beginning, as the Bible declares: “In the beginning...” (Genesis 1:1).

Gary: Welcome to Search the Scriptures 24/7, a radio ministry of The Berean Call featuring T.A. McMahon. I’m Gary Carmichael. It’s great to have you with us! In today’s program, Tom wraps up a two-part series with guest Joe Keim as they address the question: Are the Amish Really Christians? Here’s TBC executive director, Tom McMahon.Tom: Thanks, Gary. Well, this is part 2 of a conversation that I’m having with Joe Keim. The program is about Amish. Joe grew up Amish, as we learned last week, and he’s now a leader in MAP. And MAP is the Mission to the Amish People. Joe, welcome back to Search the Scriptures 24/7.Joe: I appreciate it, Tom. It’s good to be back and to be able to share some of the things that we’ve shared so far.

Join Dave and Tom as they engage in an in-depth, verse-by-verse examination of the Gospel of John. We hope you will be challenged and convicted as you listen to these insightful, exegetical discussions compiled from nearly four years of Search the Scriptures Daily radio programs. Open your Bible and get ready for an edifying pilgrimage into God's Word.

HEBREWS 10:34-35 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.HEBREWS 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.HEBREWS 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.HEBREWS 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.JAMES 5:19-20 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.1 PETER 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:1 PETER 2:16-17 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.1 PETER 3:8-9 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

Tom: The topic for today’s and next week’s program is the Amish and their religious beliefs. Our guest for this two-part series is Joe Keim, who grew up Amish and now is a leader in MAP, which is Mission to Amish People. Joe, welcome to Search the Scriptures 24/7.Joe: Thank you, Tom. Thank you for the opportunity to join you.Tom: Joe, I’m guessing – and I think I’m pretty much right here – that most of our listeners are aware of the Amish, but very few know much about them and their beliefs. So I have little doubt that they’ll find our interview quite interesting as well as an encouragement to pray for the salvation of the Amish and for the missionaries who minister to them.

Join Dave and Tom as they engage in an in-depth, verse-by-verse examination of the Gospel of John. We hope you will be challenged and convicted as you listen to these insightful, exegetical discussions compiled from nearly four years of Search the Scriptures Daily radio programs. Open your Bible and get ready for an edifying pilgrimage into God's Word.

1 THESSALONIANS 3:10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?1 THESSALONIANS 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.2 THESSALONIANS 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet [fitting], because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity [love] of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; 2 TIMOTHY 1:16-18 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.2 TIMOTHY 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.TITUS 1:5-9 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.TITUS 3:14 And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.PHILEMON 1:5-7 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels [hearts] of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.HEBREWS 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.HEBREWS 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. HEBREWS 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

My guest for today – this is part 2 of an interview with my good friend Carl Kerby – and as I mentioned last week, he’s the head of a ministry called Reasons for Hope. He was involved with Answers in Genesis as one of their speakers and, actually, as a founding board member. And I know I keep saying this (because it’s true, folks!), Carl’s one of the best communicators that I know, not just because he’s a fun guy but because of how he presents content. And I’m not a science guy, but if you can help me understand it, you’ve just moved…you’re the man! (Laughing)So, Carl, we’re going to talk about young people, and we have… So welcome back to Search the Scriptures 24/7.

Join Dave and Tom as they engage in an in-depth, verse-by-verse examination of the Gospel of John. We hope you will be challenged and convicted as you listen to these insightful, exegetical discussions compiled from nearly four years of Search the Scriptures Daily radio programs. Open your Bible and get ready for an edifying pilgrimage into God's Word.

Throughout the Old Testament, God warns the children of Israel of the consequences associated with their rebellion against Him. As the end of the divided monarchy approached, He said through Jeremiah, “…my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water” (Jer 2:13). Because of their sin, which included God’s commandment to observe a sabbath year, the children of Israel were taken into a 70-year captivity in Babylon (Jer 25:9-13; 27:6; 32:28; Dan 9:2, etc.). Israel was warned that her continual rebellion against her loving Lord would lead to her becoming a proverb and a byword among the nations of the world (Deut 28:15,37; 1 Kings 9:7, etc.), and so it happened. The children of Israel have faced unique persecution, a persecution worse than that experienced by any other people.

Gary: Welcome to Search the Scriptures 24/7, a radio ministry of The Berean Call featuring T.A. McMahon. I’m Gary Carmichael. Thanks for joining us! In today’s program, Tom launches a two-part series with guest Carl Kerby as they address the question, “Are Your Kids Hungry for the Truth?” Here’s TBC executive director Tom McMahon.Tom: Thanks, Gary. My guest for today and next week’s program is my good friend Carl Kerby. Prior to his ministry Reasons for Hope, Carl was a founding board member and international speaker for Answers in Genesis. Carl’s my buddy, but, seriously, folks, he’s one of the best communicators I know dealing with issues related to biblical creation. But his passion is to proclaim the authority and accuracy of the Bible and to engage the minds and hearts of believers and unbelievers in biblical truth, especially young people. Carl, welcome back to Search the Scriptures 24/7.Carl: Thanks, Tom. It’s always a blessing to be with you guys.

Join Dave and Tom as they engage in an in-depth, verse-by-verse examination of the Gospel of John. We hope you will be challenged and convicted as you listen to these insightful, exegetical discussions compiled from nearly four years of Search the Scriptures Daily radio programs. Open your Bible and get ready for an edifying pilgrimage into God's Word.

Tom: Well, this is part two of our discussion about issues related to the Roman Catholic Church. But it’s not just about the Roman Catholic Church (but that’s the focus here), and we’ll get into how this goes beyond the Catholic Church. My guest to talk about this is Greg Durel. He’s the pastor of Heritage Bible Church of Gretna, Louisiana, and he has a weekday radio ministry that’s devoted to educating Catholics in biblical doctrine. Greg, welcome back to Search the Scriptures 24/7.Greg: Thanks for having me, Tom.

Join Dave and Tom as they engage in an in-depth, verse-by-verse examination of the Gospel of John. We hope you will be challenged and convicted as you listen to these insightful, exegetical discussions compiled from nearly four years of Search the Scriptures Daily radio programs. Open your Bible and get ready for an edifying pilgrimage into God's Word.

Join Dave and Tom as they engage in an in-depth, verse-by-verse examination of the Gospel of John. We hope you will be challenged and convicted as you listen to these insightful, exegetical discussions compiled from nearly four years of Search the Scriptures Daily radio programs. Open your Bible and get ready for an edifying pilgrimage into God's Word.

2 CORINTHIANS 8:16-17 But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.2 CORINTHIANS 11:8-9 I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.2 CORINTHIANS 12:13-19 For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.B ehold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile. Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?19 Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.2 CORINTHIANS 13:9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.GALATIANS 1:3-5 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.GALATIANS 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.GALATIANS 4:11 I am afraid of [for] you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.GALATIANS 4:13-15 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. And my temptation [trial] which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.GALATIANS 5:13-14 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.GALATIANS 6:1-2 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.GALATIANS 6:9-10 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Gary: Welcome to Search the Scriptures 24/7, a radio ministry of The Berean Call featuring T.A. McMahon. I’m Gary Carmichael. Thanks for joining us. In today’s program, we begin a two-part series with guest Greg Durel as they discuss the New Catholicism. Here’s TBC executive director Tom McMahon.Tom: Thanks, Gary. Well, today and next week we’re going to discuss a number of issues related to the Roman Catholic Church, and my guest to talk about this is Greg Durel. He’s the pastor of Heritage Bible Church of Gretna, Louisiana, and he has a weekday radio ministry that is devoted to educating Catholics in biblical doctrine—biblical doctrine. Greg, like me, grew up a Roman Catholic, so he knows Catholicism experientially as well as from a study of Catholic Church tradition and its dogmas.Greg, welcome to Search the Scriptures 24/7.Greg: Always great to be with you, Tom. 

Join Dave and Tom as they engage in an in-depth, verse-by-verse examination of the Gospel of John. We hope you will be challenged and convicted as you listen to these insightful, exegetical discussions compiled from nearly four years of Search the Scriptures Daily radio programs. Open your Bible and get ready for an edifying pilgrimage into God's Word.

1 CORINTHIANS 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity [love], it profiteth me nothing.1 CORINTHIANS 13:5 [Love] Doth not behave itself unseemly [shameful], seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;1 CORINTHIANS 14:18-19 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 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.2 CORINTHIANS 1:5-6 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 2 CORINTHIANS 1:8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:2 CORINTHIANS 4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.2 CORINTHIANS 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound [abound] to the glory of God.2 CORINTHIANS 5:13-14 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. For the love of Christ constraineth us.2 CORINTHIANS 5:14-15 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again2 CORINTHIANS 7:3 I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.

Tom: Thanks, Gary. In this second part of our program – I’ve been talking to Gary Gilley. Gary’s a pastor and author. His books are This Little Church Went to Market, which is available from their website as a downloadable pdf. Gary, give us – right now – give us your website address.Gary: Okay, it’s svchapel.org.Tom: Great. Gary’s also written I Just Wanted More Land, dealing with the Prayer of Jabez; This Little Church Stayed Home, and This Little Church Had None. Gary, you have a new book?

It is imperative that everyone who follows Jesus Christ understands that we are in a war. It's a war that is spiritual, but it may have physical consequences. If you're not aware that you are in that kind of war, you very likely have already been taken captive. If you are a pacifist in this war, you have been at least effectively neutralized. Neutrality is capitulation. There is no fence-sitting as the battle rages. Jesus said that he who is not with Him is against Him (Matthew 12:30).So, if we are indeed in a war, what's it all about? It's a war for the hearts of humanity—and the adversaries are God and Satan."Tom, are you serious? Are you telling me that God couldn't defeat Satan in a heartbeat—that one of His created beings is a match for Him?" No. I know that God could wipe out Satan in an instant and, for that matter, all the rest of God's created, rebellious beings collectively, should He so desire. He did it once before, save eight.The war on God's part is not about defeating His adversary. It is a battle over the prize. It's about winning the hearts of mankind. "My son, give me thine heart" (Proverbs 23:26).

Join Dave and Tom as they engage in an in-depth, verse-by-verse examination of the Gospel of John. We hope you will be challenged and convicted as you listen to these insightful, exegetical discussions compiled from nearly four years of Search the Scriptures Daily radio programs. Open your Bible and get ready for an edifying pilgrimage into God's Word.

ROMANS 15:5-7 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.ROMANS 16:3-4 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.1 CORINTHIANS 6:1-8 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.1 CORINTHIANS 8:9-13 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.1 CORINTHIANS 9:19-23 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.1 CORINTHIANS 10:24: Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth [well-being].1 CORINTHIANS 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:32-33 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.1 CORINTHIANS 12:25-26 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

Today and next week I’ll be discussing a couple of related topics and their adverse influence on those who profess to believe in Jesus Christ. The topics are “12 Steps” and “Alcoholics Anonymous,” along with a number of associated programs promoting codependency.Joining me in the discussion is pastor and author Gary Gilley. Gary’s books include This Little Church Went to Market, which is available as a free downloadable pdf. He’s also written I Just Wanted More Land, related to the Jabez deal that was going on…”I just wanted more land,” as the title says – a problematic teaching that Gary’s addressed. Also This Little Church Had None, and he’s a contributor of articles for the Personal Freedom Outreach Quarterly Journal, which I highly recommend, and maybe we can give you some more information about that.

[Dave Hunt’s “A Call to Repentance” cites numerous Christian leaders and dozens of passages of scripture as it indicts 21st-century Christianity. It is as compelling today as it was when first published. We hope that it blesses you as it has us.]It is now nearly 500 years since October 31, 1517. We need a new Reformation—this time more biblical and thorough. We are drowning in “political correctness.” Having changed from a president who couldn’t define “is,” we have one who persists in calling Islam “peace” in the face of mountains of evidence to the contrary. What the Bible clearly calls sin is whitewashed as “alternate” styles of living. Nothing is wrong, so nothing is right. The church has joined the world, the gospel has been compromised, and we think God doesn’t care. Elijah’s words come across 3,000 years of history to rebuke us as he did Israel:How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. (1 Ki 18:21)

Join Dave and Tom as they engage in an in-depth, verse-by-verse examination of the Gospel of John. We hope you will be challenged and convicted as you listen to these insightful, exegetical discussions compiled from nearly four years of Search the Scriptures Daily radio programs. Open your Bible and get ready for an edifying pilgrimage into God's Word.

This is part two of my discussion with Warren Smith. As I mentioned last week, I consider him to be the foremost expert on the subject of the New Age, not only because of the time he spent in it but his scrutiny of it from a biblical perspective in many of the books such as The Light That Was Dark: From the New Age to Amazing Grace; he did a book on Deceived on Purpose, dealing with Rick Warren’s teachings. But a book that I think everybody has to have, especially because of the influence of Jesus Calling, Warren wrote Another “Jesus Calling.” So, Warren, thanks for joining me again on Search the Scriptures 24/7.

Join Dave and Tom as they engage in an in-depth, verse-by-verse examination of the Gospel of John. We hope you will be challenged and convicted as you listen to these insightful, exegetical discussions compiled from nearly four years of Search the Scriptures Daily radio programs. Open your Bible and get ready for an edifying pilgrimage into God's Word.

Tom: Thanks, Gary. Today and next week I’ll be discussing the New Age movement – or, aspects of the New Age movement – with someone that I consider to be the foremost expert on that subject, both from his experience in it and his critical knowledge of it. He’s my friend, Warren Smith, and some of his books include The Light That Was Dark: From the New Age to Amazing Grace and Deceived on Purpose, as well as another very valuable book that we discussed in detail on Search the Scriptures 24/7, “Another Jesus” Calling. So, Warren, thanks for joining me today on Search the Scriptures 24/7.Warren: Good to be with you.

Tom: Thanks, Gary. Today and next week I’ll be discussing the New Age movement – or, aspects of the New Age movement – with someone that I consider to be the foremost expert on that subject, both from his experience in it and his critical knowledge of it. He’s my friend, Warren Smith, and some of his books include The Light That Was Dark: From the New Age to Amazing Grace and Deceived on Purpose, as well as another very valuable book that we discussed in detail on Search the Scriptures 24/7, “Another Jesus” Calling. So, Warren, thanks for joining me today on Search the Scriptures 24/7.Warren: Good to be with you.

Join Dave and Tom as they engage in an in-depth, verse-by-verse examination of the Gospel of John. We hope you will be challenged and convicted as you listen to these insightful, exegetical discussions compiled from nearly four years of Search the Scriptures Daily radio programs. Open your Bible and get ready for an edifying pilgrimage into God's Word.

MATTHEW 5:41-42 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.MATTHEW 10:38-39 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.MATTHEW 16:24-25 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. MATTHEW 20:25-28 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant. Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.MATTHEW 23:11-12 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.MARK 8:34-37 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?MARK 9:33-35 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.LUKE 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.LUKE 8:2-3 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto Him of their substance.LUKE 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.LUKE 10:30-37 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

My guest for today’s program – actually, this is part two – is Ray Yungen. Ray’s the author of A Time of Departing and For Many Shall Come in My Name, and these are published by Lighthouse Trails. He also writes articles for them for their blog site. So what we’re going to do in this part two is pick up where we left off. We have been talking about the issue of contemplative spirituality, which is stunning to Ray, to me – although, you know what? The Word of God says that we’re in the Apostasy, these are the last days, and that error is going to increase, even exponentially.So, one issue – and a major issue – is moving in the evangelical church and particularly the world, whether it be through yoga, through all kinds of methods and techniques and so on, they are moving into what we’re calling “Contemplative Spirituality,” which they say, they claim, the goal is to draw closer to God – to have greater experiences with God. And we’ve been asking the question: Okay, sounds good - but is it biblical? And I think we pretty much laid that point to rest in our first session.But, Ray, you mentioned… oh, by the way, Ray, welcome back!

Join Dave and Tom as they engage in an in-depth, verse-by-verse examination of the Gospel of John. We hope you will be challenged and convicted as you listen to these insightful, exegetical discussions compiled from nearly four years of Search the Scriptures Daily radio programs. Open your Bible and get ready for an edifying pilgrimage into God's Word.

2 PETER 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:2 PETER 1:5-8 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue [moral goodness]; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; [self-control] and to temperance [self-control] patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity [love]. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.1 JOHN 3:21-23 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.1 JOHN 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.1 John 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.1 JOHN 5:4-5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?1 JOHN 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.1 JOHN 5:11-13 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.REVELATION 2:19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.REVELATION 13:9 If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.REVELATION 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Gary: Welcome to Search the Scriptures 24/7, a radio ministry of The Berean Call with T.A. McMahon. I’m Gary Carmichael. It’s great to have you tuned in. In today’s program, Tom begins a two-part series with guest Ray Yungen as they address the topic “Contemplative Spirituality Goes Mainstream?” Here’s TBC’s executive director Tom McMahon.Tom: Thanks, Gary. My guest for today’s program is Ray Yungen. Ray is the author of A Time of Departing and For Many Shall Come in My Name.” In addition to his excellent books, he also writes articles for the Lighthouse Trails blog site. Today and next week, the Lord willing, we’re going to address the issue of Contemplative Spirituality. So, Ray, welcome back to Search the Scriptures 24/7.Ray: Thank you very much, Tom. I’m glad to be here.

Join Dave and Tom as they engage in an in-depth, verse-by-verse examination of the Gospel of John. We hope you will be challenged and convicted as you listen to these insightful, exegetical discussions compiled from nearly four years of Search the Scriptures Daily radio programs. Open your Bible and get ready for an edifying pilgrimage into God's Word.