Standing True

The recent Mother's Day ordination of three women at Saddleback Community Church has ignited an important discussion of these biblical issues. The premise behind this issue promises to extend far beyond the church and move directly into our homes. Individuals who would rather watch a 15 minute video on this important subject are invited to Watch an important 15 minute video on this theme..

The following is a message from Exodus 8-10 on preserving light in our dwellings. This is a bilingual Mothers' Day message.

Michael Heiser is known for his The Unseen Realm, the Naked Bible podcast, and his pervasive influence on the wildly popular Bible Project Videos worldview. While we certainly harbor no ill will toward Dr. Heiser personally, his errors are infecting evangelical Christianity systemically. Heiser’s attacks on biblical Christianity are horrific because they strike at the very roots of biblical orthodoxy. In his words, they “inform” every major doctrine of the Bible. • For a fuller treatment of this issue, download The Evangelical Neo Gnostic World View of Michael Heiser.pdf. • Basic charts are also available for download as well as visuals. https://www.internetbiblefellowship.com/heiser.html    

Scientific discussion commonly represents a mix of sound empirical data then interpreted through a series of premises that are anything but scientific. This presentation showcases this typical mix of science and embedded assumptions while undertaking the discussion surrounding Planet 9. It speaks respectfully of science and scientists while challenging these embedded assumptions. It then offers three keys for discerning fact from fancy in scientific discussion. This is the soundtrack for a video with the same title. (StandingTrue.com)

A brief overview of modern views that corrupt the pure and simple gospel of Jesus Christ. 

This is the second of a two-part series clarifying exactly what the Bible means when it teaches us the gospel. We clarify the core elements of the gospel and show how these basic truths can be found throughout the Bible. The gospel of the Kingdom has never saved anyone. This podcast has an associated video and PowerPoint files.

This is a basic study of the term son of man as found in our English Bibles. Its purpose is to simply model a basic analytical study by collecting the scriptures on this subject, organizing them according to theme and building our conclusions. This study is intended to help strengthen our understanding of the role of our Lord Jesus Christ with respect to his humanity. While the associated printout is not necessary, serious students will find it very helpful. It can be downloaded from the Recent Studies page at StandingTrue.com. This podcast is also in a video format and can be viewed from the same URL.

A recent meditation on the goodness of God based on Psalm 143. This message was delivered to a group of folks in assisted care, but it is relevant to us all.  Do you need some encouragement? Visit Psalm 143!

Folks have been disagreeing about the rapture of the church for hundreds of years, and one’s rapture views do not classify him as either heretical or orthodox. The reasoning which we use to defend our position, however, does reveal our true biblical posture, and this is particularly noticeable in the rhetoric of N.T. Wright in his recently revived rapture challenge, Farewell to the Rapture[1], on his blog. Let’s talk about it with six fact checks.   [1] ntwrightpage.com/2016/07/12/farewell-to-the-rapture/

Is the Bible Project LDS? Absolutely no. Is the Bible Project a gateway to LDS theology? Absolutely yes. This podcast identifies four gateways from the Bible Project Spiritual Beings series which blur the lines between biblical truth, Mormonism, Gnosticism, and Paganism. This is a short, but serious addition to our StandingTrue.com 10/90 Video Exposes and other materials that warn about Bible Project confusion.

House Hunting - Things we know about our soon coming houses! Vs. 1 - What We Know Vs. 2-4 - Why This is Important Vs. 5 - How I Know This is True Vs. 6 - When I Know This Will Happen Vs. 8-11 What I Must Do Now (Labor and Persuade) This is a live recording of a chapel service at an assisted care facility - but it's very much relevant to all!

Recently former President Jimmy Carter lost his religion over equality.  Don't make the same mistake!  This 30-minute study deals with the issue of equality within marriage. It clarifies some common misunderstandings.  You won't hear a tirade here - just a good refresher on what the Bible really teaches. Feed your ears with the Word of God! For a script and supplemental information visit us at StandingTrue.com.

The 10/90 Report is a series of Reports dealing with ecumenical issues inside evangelicalism and fundamentalism. For a full discussion of the 10/90 Principle, visit us at StandingTrue.com. This short segment deals with the impact Dr. Falwell had on ecumenism with his recent effort to reduce a biblical, spiritual issue to a social issue.

We're wrapping the Corinthians series up with the same important reminders Paul provided by his own example and teaching. On the one hand, we must always share a deep love and respect for the brethren, and on the other, we must never compromise God's truth. To better understand what brings about division and how to remedy it, learn the three things which are the source of all division in the body of Christ. We end by addressing two questions, how do we strike the balance between love for all the brethren while maintaining biblical integrity, and how do we respond to that long dismissed command "Greet the brethren with a holy kiss"?  Thank You! Thanks for listening in on this series. If you would like more podcasts on another book, be sure to let us know.

God's people are being pressured to fit into a mold which is simply not found in the Word of God. Return to the biblical mindset where men are men and women are women. Learn five important characteristics of real men - and still eat your quiche, hug your kids, and shed your tears. Leave macho behind and embrace true manhood at its best.

We have them in all of our churches, a colorful variety of servants of Christ who fill out a whole catalogue of personality traits! We can go through life resisting these varying temperamental styles, or we can find ourselves nurturing, valuing, and nudging these dear servants of Christ along. Learn from a master "people person" as he schools these Corinthians in the proper treatment of Christ's servants.

We're taking a short but practical, down to earth look at purposing sound plans for ministry. We'll set those discussions about "vision casting" and other nonsensical ideas aside and simply focus on the examples and principles found in Paul's own ministry and planning. Learn why we need to plan, how to avoid extremes in planning, and what biblical planning requires. The best part of all is that we are learning these things first hand as Paul applies them to his own service for Christ!

When the subject of giving to the Lord surfaces among God's people tales regarding personal and institutional mismanagement will soon follow. In Paul's usual style, he approaches the issue of giving at Corinth from the perspective of principles. You won't find any "giving rules" in this passage, but the careful reader will discover a fine complement of biblical principles to aid him as he seeks to lay up treasures in heaven. We hope you'll invest eighteen short minutes in this study, and, by the way, we won't be taking up an offering!

This lion (death) has no teeth! Paul's instruction concerning the rapture of the church of Jesus Christ is actually part of an ongoing discussion of the broader theme of our resurrection. As Paul continues to instruct us on the nature of the resurrection and the glorious hope it gives to each of us, we learn about this "mystery" of the rapture and the trumpet which will announce it. We'll discover why the "last trumpet" is a symbol of the rapture, how this trumpet differs from the Day of the Lord trumpets in Revelation and why this whole rapture discussion is presented with precise military terminology - and we'll do it all in a very non-technical way. Invest 12 minutes in this important consideration!

Folks can easily miss the point that the rapture of the church was a mystery which was initially taught by Christ and, later, expanded more fully by Paul. In the passage before us Paul treats the rapture in the context of the resurrection and reveals a mystery that others had not yet understood, namely: "We shall not all sleep..." Spend ten or eleven minutes with us as we differentiate between the rapture and the resurrection here in 1 Corinthians 15.

In this session we learn more about the contrast between our earthy, soulish bodies and our coming spiritual bodies. Learn exactly what it means to be soulish as we look into the matters of durability, dignity, ability, operability, psychology, priority, integrity, and destiny - and yes, we really do cover them all in 14 minutes!  Join us!

We've been moving down through a list of seven questions regarding the resurrection. Paul answers the mockers  and gives us all a unique peek behind the curtain of death. While our resurrection bodies will hold some surprises for us all, it's also surprising to know how much insight we can glean from this one chapter. There are spiritual lessons to learn as well as we ponder how to treat and understand our bodies now in a way which gives testimony to what will soon happen to them!

So, where do you stand on the resurrection, and why? When men reject the idea of the resurrection a long list of things come into play. While the Gnostics were advancing the idea of baptism for the dead, they were at the same time rejecting the physical resurrection of Christ - and for that matter, the bodily resurrection of us all. Watch how Paul builds his case and fortify yourself at the same time against those who continue to teach baptism for the dead to this very day.

We're delving more deeply into the wonderful arguments of the scriptures regarding the doctrine of resurrection. We have understood the resurrection in terms of the first fruits and the fact that it is one event which occurs in phases. In today's brief study we set aside the common idea that there is one general resurrection in favor of what Paul teaches here. There is one resurrection, but it is not general. It occurs in orderly phases which are in accordance with God's grand plans for the universe. The operative word here is order. We hope you'll take a few minutes to absorb yourself in this study!

While no true Bible believer would ever discount the importance of the resurrection, fewer truly understand its scope. In this series on the resurrection we answer seven key questions regarding the resurrection. Each is important in our lives today. We'll show just how and why the Spirit of God associates the doctrine of the resurrection with the doctrine of firstfruits, and we'll begin to understand the resurrection of the body, both Christ's and ours, is absolutely essential.

Very few of us have missed out on the experience of working long and hard on a project or endeavor, only to find that all of our work was useless. I remember working many months on a project, only to have it scrapped at the last minute by management higher up. Our team was never told their reasons or criterion. Such is life. Of this we may be sure, however, we never need to wonder if we are (or are not) laboring in vain in the gospel. Invest twelve short minutes with us as we take a refresher course on how to make sure our lives and ministries actually add up to eternal good!

Make no mistake, there are multiple versions of the gospel of Jesus Christ being paraded as the real thing, and sadly, some of them are right inside our evangelical churches. We pervert the gospel when we oversimplify it by neglecting one or more of its precious elements, when we confuse it with contradicting statements, when we add the requirements of our church to it, and when we seek to make it a hard-to-believe gospel by insisting that men must check off a list of items from which to repent, or when we offer a probationary salvation (sometimes incorrectly named Lordship salvation.) Have you been confused by a perverted gospel? Find out in this important study.

We have devoted roughly ten minutes to an "external" discussion of what comprises the false tongues movement in our time. Arguing from the character of God, we cite some general reasons why tongues do not qualify as a language - either on earth or in heaven, either in witness or in a personal ecstatic experience. Even more importantly, we deal with the fruits of this movement which so many see as a mighty wave of the Holy Spirit.

It seems almost perfunctory to go back into the study of the rules governing the practice of tongues and prophecy, especially if your church does not teach that the biblical forms of these gifts are observable today.  And yet, the opposite is true. This is because Paul never treats an issue merely on its own merits. He always uses issues to teach us important underlying principles. The principles relating to order in worship which we discover here are still in play and will be until the return of Christ! Spend a few minutes with us as Paul demonstrates his pastoral skills for our benefit.

We have been aligning ourselves with what God's Word says about spiritual gifts, both sign gifts and gifts for edification. Two of the most powerful gifts given to the New Testament church were tongues and prophecy. They shared some things in common, but they also differed. When we learn the actual purpose they served in the early church we learn some valuable principles for governing our own assemblies - especially in day when the worship elements in our services eclipse the good old down-deep teaching and ministry of God's Word. Learn the parallels between early church abuses and our own!

Frankly, this is the most difficult episode in the series and it is not for sissies. We're going to put you to work with 25 minutes of straight talk about the second most hotly debated subject among God's people - the issue of tongues. We'll show from the Word of God why biblical tongues are not present, and why present tongues are not biblical. We'll explain their nature, classification and use in Biblical times and deal with those claims that tongues still function as a prayer language. We present this study because we love those who are caught up in falsely imagined manifestations, and we want to protect the next generation from making the same errors. Will you let your experience dictate your belief, or rest firmly on the Word of God? Serious learners may want to listen to this podcast twice. Remember, we're always here to interact :)

You may be sure that the more precious the gift from God, the more relentlessly Satan will work to spoil it. What we commonly call the baptism of the Holy Spirit, our placement into the body of Christ, is the most wonderful gift God has provided for us. Not only are we saved as a result of it, we become one with each other and one with Christ. It is the testimony of our community and fellowship, regardless of our church preferences. We, being many, are one - in Christ! Don't be seduced by those who suggest that this baptism comes after salvation, thus implying that there are two classes of believers - the Spirit baptized and the non-Spirit baptized. You're in the body now, and the ground is level at the foot of the cross!

A truly biblical understanding of spiritual gifts begins with an understanding of biblical signs, their definition, their stated purpose, and the biblical prophecies concerning them.  Once these come into focus, it becomes easy for the Christian to discern between false and true signs.  The modern day signs and wonders movement have moved a long distance from these biblical foundations.  Join us in this important study!

As usual, where great controversy lies, so does some great truth that our adversary wants to obscure. We're dipping our toes into some of the most debated passages in God's Word, and as we will see, the problem doesn't lie with the Bible. It lies with our careless reading. Spiritual gifts are a precious legacy of our placement in Christ - equipping us to minister His Word. Lay the foundation of our study with us. It would be very helpful for you to download the supplemental handout entitled Spiritual Gifts Visuals A B and C at the bottom of our podcast page.

All New Testament doctrines have their roots in Old Testament truth. There are no exceptions. To approach the study of spiritual gifts without digging into the Old Testament roots which support these truths leads us to inevitable confusion. Before tackling all the issues surrounding this important study we'll open our Old Testaments and learn: How and why these gifts are associated with the Holy Spirit, how they relate to spiritual conflict, and why spiritual gifts are associated with building Christ's New Testament "temple," the church.  If at all possible, please follow along with your open Bible. We'll be covering some heavy duty scripture!

For every truth of God, a counterfeit has been laid alongside. For every true worship experience, a false one has been trumpeted by the forces of evil. Before the apostle Paul ever discusses the use and abuse of spiritual gifts, he gives us a short course in false spiritual manifestations and teaches us explicitly how to avoid these pitfalls. While some Bible believers can discern truth from error, a much smaller percentage can discern false worship and the exercise of false spiritual gifts. It's time to hone our skills once again, lest we and our own loved ones fall into the ecstasy trap!

Things can get animated very quickly when the discussion of spiritual gifts pops up in our conversation. We have devoted nine segmented studies in the podcasts which follow -in order to eat the proverbial elephant one bite at a time. While you do not need to listen to this overview you will benefit by it :).

Mind your manners! Just as we are now eating more meals in front of our TV's than at our dinner tables, we are also diminishing the importance and practice of the Lord's table or communion. A healthy believer will be as enthused about sharing the Lord's supper as he is about his daily meals. Neglected tables always result in neglected health! Take a refresher course on good "table manners," as we consider the use and abuse of this most precious tradition - given to us by the Lord Himself.

Step out of the auditorium with me and into the study. We need to have a quiet conversation about the matter of authority - as it relates to the practices of husbands and wives in the assembly. We'll also be dealing with the touchy issue of head coverings. We'll underscore the dominating principle Paul is setting down, and when we do understand it, we'll find it much easier to determine our own positions regarding the head covering issue. If at all possible, however, we urge you visit StandingTrue.com and download the handout associated with this study entitled: Hair Today. You will find a link at the bottom of our Standing True Podcast page.

There! We actually did it! We used the "s" word! The rich and profound doctrine of biblical separation has been abused by legalists, vilified by liberals, and totally ignored by the majority of folks who live between these extremes. In our present passage, Paul links the discussion of separation with the principle of participation. By helping us understand what our participation in the Lord's table teaches he gifts us with a dynamic, working tool which will settle the issue of what separation is (and is not) once and for all. Do you know where to draw the lines in your home and church? Learn the principle and walk away from the debate once and for all.

Just as we have seen five pitfalls to avoid, we now learn five ways to avoid those sins, and more importantly, how to overcome that sin that has you trapped. As a believer, you will begin to overcome your sin when you lift your eyes off the floor and onto the one who is by your side. Our Lord never lets the repentant believer suffer alone with his temptation. Learn the secret embedded in this precious Bible promise.

When we condense the lessons we learn from Israel's past, five ultimate practices stand out as our prime examples - examples, that is, of what not to do. Among the deadly sins listed in this passage, we now examine what may be the most dangerous of them all. Because murmuring is so common we fail to see its consequences in our personal lives, our homes, our nation, and in our churches. Let's take a few minutes to fortify ourselves.

When we struggle with disobedience, the thought that we could be testing God is the farthest thing from our minds. Paul shortens that distance quickly as he shows exactly how Israel tested God, how quickly God reacted, and how prone we all are to testing God today. In human terms we may speak of pushing someone's "buttons." In a spiritual context, we might say that pushing God's buttons can prove to be very hazardous to our spiritual welfare. Presuming God is not merely disobeying Him, it's making some dangerous assumptions about His goodness and mercy. Learn why God responds to the sins of presumption - and why they hurt us more than they hurt him!

Listen, if you dare. Lot's of meat here, but no sugar coating. Can you defend yourself and your loved ones from the ravages of fornication?

While one may argue that an idol is anything that one desires more than God, the Bible has a much larger target in its scope when it brings the subject up. Learn the real essence of idolatry, how it tripped Israel up, and how it is tripping up evangelicals today. Warning: This is probably the most controversial podcast in the series. While it is presented in love, the truth will hurt. 

When one hears the word "lust" his mind generally goes to one area of human temptation. Interestingly, when Israel was accused of lusting in the Old Testament, it focused on her natural desire for food and water.  Why in the world would someone be accused of lusting who only wanted water and a decent variety of food? The answer is profound and its implications carry right over into the way we "do church" today! This first study in the list of Israel's "bad examples," is worth our time!

This simple devotional, which was shared on June 9 to folks in a local assisted living center, focuses on a few of the wonderful truths we can learn about our heavenly Father and His care for us. 

It's not just a rookie mistake, its a common mistake that Bible teachers make everywhere: The passage in front of us has nothing to do with striving against sin or seeking to aspire to a higher level of spiritual awareness! We do have a race to run and a crown to gain. We're not talking about salvation. To be sure, God has provided that for us. Rather, we are talking about the race to bring lost souls to Christ, and the soul winner's crown! In today's study learn what the race is and what the requirements are for running it successfully!

Many have chosen to seek the lost by compromising the purity of the gospel, even cooperating with those who openly oppose it. In contrast to this, God's Word gives us a sure-fire evangelistic tool which never fails! You've mastered the message of the gospel, but are you equipped to use the most productive tool God has ever provided for bringing the lost to Him?  Learn about it - in practical terms - in this study!

We might well tag Paul "The Transparent Apostle," for when it comes to a man who opens his whole mind, emotions, and heart to us, few can compete with Paul. In today's study, he uses the example of his own personal and financial practices in order to teach us how to properly prioritize our own lives and ministries. He establishes his privileges, defends the right to use them, and then gladly surrenders them in an effort to keep the gospel from being misunderstood. He forges a path of principles which are as relevant now as they were then.

There are ten thousand questions relating to practical living which God intentionally leaves unanswered in our Bibles. However, God does provide us with the perfect tools we need to determine His will and His chosen path regarding every one of those questions. Using the backdrop of a typical question the Corinthians were asking, Paul helps us know when to rely on principles and when to codify our behavior for the sake of the body. Learn the principles which will free you from the excesses of legalism, so called, and liberty!