Independent Fundamental Baptist Network
Pastor Al's Comments
6 Jul 17
Special Program: Proclaiming Justice To the Nations, June 25
6 Jul 17
Special Program: Proclaiming Justice To the Nations, June 25
Sunday, June 25, we were joined in studio by Laurie Cardoza-Moore, founder and President of Proclaiming Justice To the Nations (PJTN), and Michael Goldstein, Ohio Director for PJTN
PJTN was founded in 2001 in response to 9/11. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, PJTN has grown into a nation wide organization with a world wide influence dedicated to educating, alerting, informing, and motivating Christians to stand up for Israel and the Jewish people and against the rising tide of anti-Semitism.
You can listen the program at: 25 Jun 9 - Proclaiming Justice To the Nations.
16 Jun 17
Pastor Al Guest Hosts For the Cause of Christ, June 9
Last week, on June 9, I filled in for Pastor John Lutz on his program, For the Cause of Christ. Bro. Lutz is the pastor of the North Coast Baptist Church in Lakewood, Ohio. During the program I addressed the question of whether or not Jesus is the only way to heaven or are there other ways?
You can listen the program at: Jun 9 - Part 1. You can also listen to our regular program, which immediately followed at: Jun 2 - Part 2.
Special Guest, Jack McElroy, June 2
We had a special guest, Jack McElroy, on our program Friday, June 2. Jack McElroy is the author of a fascinating and insightful book, Which Bible Would Jesus Use?. McElroy starts with a very simple premise, if Jesus walked into your church today, which Bible version would He use? McElroy builds on this simple question as he examines various English Bible versions in a fresh, common sense manner yielding some surprising conclusion to help explain and resolve this controversial issue.
You can listen the program at: http://live.mapleknoll.us/2jun17.mp3
31 May 17
D-Day Prayer Addition to WW2 Memorial
Chris Long, President of the Ohio Christian Alliance was our special guest during the first half of out program this past Sunday night, May 28. We discussed the World War II memorial in Washington, D.C., and the effort to add the historical D-Day prayer given by President Franklin Roosevelt to it.
You can listen to our discussion about this important project, and hear President Roosevelt's prayer in its entirety at: http://live.mapleknoll.us/chrislongdday.mp3. You can also visit the Ohio Christian Alliance website at ohioca.org to learn more and to see how you can contribute to the success of this project.
27 May 17
Program Note:
Chris Long, President of the Ohio Christian Alliance will be joining us on Sunday night, May 28. We will be talking about the World War II memorial in Washington, D.C.
Chris Long and the Ohio Christian Alliance have spearheaded the effort to make President Franklin Roosevelt's stirring D-Day prayer a permanent part of the WWII memorial. now, the project is moving into its final stages. Chris Long will update us on the history and progress of this important project and share how our listeners can have a part in making in bringing this project to fruition.
24 May 17
Atheism or Anti-god Deism?
I recently read an article entitled, Way More Americans May Be Atheists Than We Thought. On the show, and at our church, I discussed the article and commented that I don't believe that most who claim to be atheists really are.
In my experience, most atheists that I have known are really God-denying deists. They may claim to believe that God does not exist, but upon questioning them it becomes apparent that they actually do believe in a God. It's just that they believe in a God that they don't like. My old college roommate, for instance, claimed to be an atheist but actually viewed God as an angry old man sitting on a cloud just waiting to strike down someone who did something he didn't like. Maybe that's why the attitude of so many atheists could be summed up with the statement, "There is no God, and I hate him!"
Our challenge is to present the God of the Bible to them. The God who, "...commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement." (Romans 5:8-11)
6 May 17
Question from listener about tongues
I recently had a question from a listener regarding speaking in tongues and being slain in the spirit. The following is the answer that emailed back to him:
Hi,
Thanks for the questions. Hopefully the following will help as I've used this passage many times on the radio and at our church when teaching on tongues:
"How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God...For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." (1 Corinthians 14:26-28,33)
My approach, when using this passage, is to ask people to compare any tongues experience they may have seen or experienced with the rules set down in Scripture for the practice of speaking in tongues in the early church (before the Bible was completed). According to 1 Corinthians 14:26-28, only 2 or 3 people were permitted to speak in tongues at any given service. Not 2 or 3 dozen or 2 or 3 hundred. Just 2 or 3 individuals. Therefore, if more than 2 or 3 speak in tongues, it is not scriptural.
The same passage makes it clear that those speaking in tongues were to speak "by course", meaning to speak in succession and not all at once. The first person speaks, followed by the second, and, at most, followed by the third person. Therefore, if more than one person speaks in tongues at one time, it is not scriptural. A third restriction is that there must be an interpreter present. If there is no interpreter, then there is to be no speaking in tongues. This suggests that the person speaking in tongues was to know before speaking that there is someone there to interpret. If not, he is to "keep silence in the church". Therefore, if someone speaks in tongues and no one interprets it is not scriptural. Also, 1 Corinthians 14:26-28 indicates that speaking in tongues was under the control of the speaker. Consequently, any teaching or practice of tongues that urges, suggests, commands, or otherwise requires the speaker to relinquish control runs contrary to the statement in verse 33 that, "...God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." Therefore, any lack of self control that causes confusion by allowing someone to speak without an interpreter or more than 2 or 3 people to speak in tongues at the same time is not scriptural. Additionally, Acts 2:6-11, which is the first instance of speaking in tongues in the New Testament, clearly tells us that the tongues were known languages:
"Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God." (Acts 2:6-11)
Paul's comment in 1Corinthians 13:1, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." is not a contradiction or exception to this fact. It is metaphorical rather than a recognition or endorsement of speaking in a "heavenly language" as some claim.
As far as being "slain in the spirit" goes, there is nothing in the Bible commanding this practice. Besides, those who encountered Christ or an angel of the Lord fell forward, not backward. The one exception is the enemies of Jesus that came to arrest Him in the garden; hardly an endorsement of those who love God falling head over heals backwards in worship services. Besides, as mentioned above, 1 Corinthians 14:33 states that, "...God is not the author of confusion". Instead, the Bible commands, "Let all things be done decently and in order." (1 Corinthians 14:40). It is hardly decent and orderly when a church has to have blankets on hand to throw over women in dresses and skirts who are slain in the spirit to protect their modesty. Those women may be being slain by some spirit but it is certainly not the Holy Spirit!
Also, I have a couple of excerpts from my program available online dealing with tongues. You can listen to them at:
God Bless,
Pastor Al
3 May 17
Program Funding Notes
Praise God for keeping us on the air in Tampa on Faith Talk 570 & 910 WTBN!
We have said from the beginning that if God wants us to stay on the air in Tampa He would supply the need. Our contract with Faith Talk 570 & 910 WTBN ran though the end of April, which meant that this past Sunday would have been our last program in Florida. Thanks to the gifts and prayers of God's people, however, we renewed our contract for another six months, meaning we will be on in Florida through the end of October.
Although, $3300 has been given towards keeping us on the air in Tampa, the actual amount needed for 6 months is $4680. We feel confident that God will provide the difference of $1380 in the next few months and plan to keep our Go Fund Me campaign going.
Thank you again for your prayers and for your generosity. God bless!
29 Apr 17
Pastor Al Guest Hosts For the Cause of Christ
I had the opportunity to fill in for Pastor John Lutz on his radio program, For the Cause of Christ, on Friday, Arpil 28. Bro. Lutz is the pastor of the North Coast Baptist Church in Lakewood, Ohio
Most of the program was spent discussing the fact and timing of the rapture, or catching away, of the church and how it can bring hope to Christians in the latter days
You can listen to the segment by clicking here: Hematidrosis or Bloody Sweat
Program Funding Notes
Praise the Lord for His blessings! Thanks to the generosity and prayers of God's people, we now have enough money donated that we can commit to another 6 months in Florida.
This latest gift of $3000 was just what we needed to make a firm commitment to our Tampa affiliate, Faith Talk 570 & 910 WTBN. Our deadline for resigning with them was this coming Monday, April 10. Up until this afternoon (Friday, April 7), we only had $240, which was not enough for us to make a commitment to Tampa.
The actual amount needed for 6 months is $4680 and we feel confident that God will provide the difference. We still, however, plan to keep our Go Fund Me campaign going and hope to raise enough to keep us on the air in Tampa for another full year.
Thank you again for your prayers and for your generosity. God bless!
14 Apr 17
Hematidrosis or Bloody Sweat
Did Jesus really sweat great drops of blood as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night He was betrayed? Is it even possible? Listen as to a "Science In the Bible" segment where I discuss the medical phenomena of hematidrosis or bloody sweat in light of Luke 22:41-44 where Jesus is described as sweating "as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground."
"And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground."
(Luke 22:41-44)
You can listen to the segment by clicking here: Hematidrosis or Bloody Sweat
Program Funding Notes
Praise the Lord for His blessings! Thanks to the generosity and prayers of God's people, we now have enough money donated that we can commit to another 6 months in Florida.
This latest gift of $3000 was just what we needed to make a firm commitment to our Tampa affiliate, Faith Talk 570 & 910 WTBN. Our deadline for resigning with them was this coming Monday, April 10. Up until this afternoon (Friday, April 7), we only had $240, which was not enough for us to make a commitment to Tampa.
The actual amount needed for 6 months is $4680 and we feel confident that God will provide the difference. We still, however, plan to keep our Go Fund Me campaign going and hope to raise enough to keep us on the air in Tampa for another full year.
Thank you again for your prayers and for your generosity. God bless!
14 Feb 17
Pastor Al Testifies Before Ohio House Committee
I spoke before the Ohio House Community and Family Advancement Committee in favor of H.B. 36, the Ohio Pastor Protection Act, on Wednesday, February 8. Attached is a copy of my testimony. Please pray for the passage of this bill. If you live in Ohio, please contact your Ohio state representative and urge them to support this important bill.
You can read my testimony at: Pastor Alfred B. Davis Testimony in Support of Ohio House Bill 36, the Ohio Pastor Protection Act, 8 February 2017
Chris Long, President of the Ohio Christian Alliance joined me on the following Friday program to talk about the hearings and the bill. You can listen to that program at: http://live.mapleknoll.us/10feb17.mp3
.Pastor Al hosts Where Is God's Word
I was asked to guest host for Bruce Musselman on his program, Where Is God's Word, February 7.
My topic for the program had to do with verses missing from modern Bible versions. It was based on a short article that I put together, Can you find these 15 verses in your Bible?
Program Funding Notes
Please note that we had enough money to extend our Sunday night program in Tampa, Florida, WTBN AM 570 WTBN & AM 910 WWTD through April 2017. I want to than everyone who has given and prayed to make this possible.
Or by sending your gift to:
Bible Baptist Church
P.O. Box 452
Richfield, OH 44286
Your gift is tax deductible because it goes to the Bible Baptist Church in Richfield, Ohio, and will be used for the support of our radio outreach ministry, Live with Pastor Al.
26 Jan 17
New Article: Why was Jesus made a "little lower than the angels"?
Recently, a listener sent me a message via Facebook asking about a statement in Hebrews 2:5-8 and if it applies to Jesus Christ:
For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. (Hebrews 2:5-8)
What started out as a short answer soon began to grow into an essay about the incarnation of Jesus Christ and how and why Jesus is 100% God and 100% man.
You can read the article here at Why was Jesus made a "little lower than the angels"?
Combined Programs: Inauguration Review
On Friday, January 20, Pastor John Lutz of the North Coast Baptist Church in Lakewood, Ohio, and I combined our programs again. It was Inauguration Day and we wanted to take the time to share our observations about the inauguration and thoughts about the new Trump Presidency.
You can listen to the programs by clicking here:
Inauguration Review - Part 1
Inauguration Review - Part 2
18 Jan 17
Program Funding Notes
I just got word today that the cost for our Tampa broadcast on Sunday nights is going up to from $175.00 per episode to $180.00. The cost of our Cleveland and Warren broadcasts also went up this year, from $150.00 per episode on Friday afternoons and Sunday nights to $160.00. Consequently, the cost of our Florida broadcast is going up from $700-$875 per month, depending on whether it is a 4 or 5 Sunday month, to $720-$900. Likewise, Ohio has gone from $1200-$1500 to $1280-$1800 per month, depending on the number of Fridays and Sundays in each month.
The primary sponsor of our program is our home church, the Richfield Bible Baptist Church. That support includes the amounts given to the church designated to support our radio outreach ministry, as well as money from the general fund as needed to keep the bills paid each month for Ohio. Fortunately, we have had several substantial individual donations in the past that have enabled us to be able to pay for Florida six months in advance.
Now, keep in mind that our home church is not a very big church. In fact, out our total income for 2016 was $33,660.00. That includes everything; designated, undesignated, special, missions, everything. Out of that $33,660 we spent $15,870 on our radio outreach ministry.
Consequently, when we added the Tampa broadcast we were already nearly maxed out in how much we could spend on radio just covering the cost of our existing Cleveland and Warren broadcasts. However, when the opportunity to add Florida came along, we felt led to do it so long as God provided the funds to go on the air in Tampa for at least six months. Thanks to the generosity of several individuals, we were able to commit to that first six months, and then to extend it for six months at a time several more times.
All of which brings us to today. We are now at the point where we must decide what to do regarding our Florida broadcast. Committing to another six months means either coming up with $4680 or paying month to month. Another alternative is to commit to three months, which would be about $2340.
Unfortunately, paying month to month is not a realistic option for our church. If our total monthly income in 2017 is consistent with our average total income of $2805 for 2016, then we would be obligating ourselves to spending $2000-$2700 a month, depending on the number of Sundays and Fridays, instead of the $1280-$1800 a month that we are already obligated to. As you can see, that doesn't leave much left over for such trivial expenses as missions, the pastor, Bibles and tracts, telephone, etc.
Consequently, we are now at the point where we have to count the cost before deciding what to do about continuing our Florida broadcast. After all, Jesus said in Luke 14:28-30,
"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish."
Right now, since we only have $1138 on hand for Florida, we are going to commit to three months and trust that God enables us to come up with the remaining $1202. If that does not work out, then we will be faced with the very real possibility of cancelling our Florida broadcast. So, please pray with us for direction so that we can be both wise stewards of God's money as well as willing to step out on faith as He directs.
When we started out in this radio ministry, our goals were simple. We wanted to provide a live, interactive, radio program that could help people make sense out of the Bible. We wanted to lift up and glorify the Jesus Christ, point unsaved people to the Saviour, and help Believers grow in their knowledge and understanding of God's Word, encourage them in their walk with Christ, and help them develop a Biblical worldview. In order to do so, we went with the call-in format, allowing listeners to call with their questions about the Bible and current events in light of God's Word, along with the occasional special guest, rather than the basic preaching/teaching format.
Hopefully, we've accomplished our goals and been a blessing and an encouragement to others along the way. If you think we have and would like to partner with us and help us stay on the air in Florida, you can give by clicking on the PayPal link below:
Or by sending your gift to:
Bible Baptist Church
P.O. Box 452
Richfield, OH 44286
Your gift is tax deductible because it goes to the Bible Baptist Church in Richfield, Ohio, and will be used for the support of our radio outreach ministry, Live with Pastor Al.
Even if you cannot give at this time, please hold us up in prayer. After all, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16)"
6 Jan 17
If you are interested in donating via PayPay to help keep Live with Pastor Al on the air, I just enabled the following direct PayPal donation link. Please note, the donation is tax-deductible and goes to the Richfield Bible Baptist Church, designated for Live with Pastor Al. Thanks & God bless!
31 Dec 16
27 Dec 16
What does it cost?
Live with Pastor Al currently airs on four radio stations:
- AM 1220 WHKW, Cleveland, Ohio, on Fridays and Sundays
- AM 1440 WHKZ, Warren, Ohio, on Sundays
- AM 570 WTBN, Tampa, Florida, on Sundays
- AM 910 WTBN, Tampa, Florida, on Sundays
Early in 2017, "Live with Pastor Al" will also air on a new FM station being launched in Cleveland, Ohio, on both Fri & Sun).
The cost per program to air "Live with Pastor Al" each week currently is $475.00. Effective 1 January 2017, it is $495.00 each week. Those costs include both our half-hour Friday program and our full hour Sunday program on all stations. That breaks down, effective January 1, to $160.00 each Friday and $335.00 each Sunday. Or, to put it another way, $320.00 each week for Ohio and $175.00 each week for Florida. (Please note that these costs are only for the air time. I get no money, other than what I get as the pastor of the Bible Baptist Church in Richfield, Ohio, for doing these programs.)
We would love to expand the program in the coming year to other stations and/or times, should God make the resources to do so available. So far, the cost to air "Live with Pastor Al" has been mostly underwritten by the Bible Baptist Church in Richfield, Ohio, along with sponsorship from East Coast Pizza in Garfield Heights, Ohio, and occasional gifts from God's people. However, because we are a very small church, without much outside sponsorship we are already more than maxed out trying to maintain the current stations and times.
We appreciate your prayers, because that is the most important thing in keeping "Live with Pastor Al" on the air. However, If you would like to help financially as well, you can send your tax deductible gift to:
Bible Baptist Church
P.O. Box 452
Richfield, OH 44286
Please designate your gift for "Live with Pastor Al".
Also, although we are not a big ministry with lots of fancy "give-aways", I would like to print out a copy of our Christmas reading, "The Birth of Christ as Recorded In the Scriptures" to send as a gift to you if you would like to write and request a copy.
Thanks and may God richly bless you in the coming New Year!
Program Note: New Year's Day
Just to let you know, we will be live on New Year's Day. Amongst other things, I plan to talk about the importance of reading the Bible in the coming year and some suggestions for developing your own Bible reading plan.
20 Dec 16
Website Updates!
I've been having some problems updating the website lately (more than not having the time to get to it...). For some unknown reason all the files on my computer associated with the webpage, more recent than 2010, disappeared. Thankfully, they reappeared shortly after asking on the radio for prayer about them and I can now update the site!
Friday, November 25, Program Preempted
The Friday, November 25, is not missing from the list of past programs on the right. We were preempted by the pre-game program for a ball game that day. Other than missing the program, it made for a nice post-Thanksgiving Day break and the opportunity to enjoy some turkey sandwiches.
Special Guests: Pastor Alan Jenkins & Bro. Chris Long
We had a busy program Friday, December 2.
During the first half of the program, Pastor Alan Jenkins, of the Columbia Road Baptist Church, joined us to talk about the devastating fires in eastern Tennessee and their planned relief efforts. If you would like to help out with or donate to their ongoing disaster relief efforts, visit Nehemiah's Network online or contact Pastor Jenkins at (440) 777-7539 to see what you can do or give to help. The Columbia Road Baptist Church is located at 4116 Columbia Road, North Olmsted, OH 44070.
Next, Chris Long, President of the Ohio Christian Alliance, called to talk about late breaking developments with H.B. 286, The Ohio Pastors Protection Act. H.B. 286 unexpectedly made it out of committee and was poised to go to the House floor for a vote. Unfortunately, H.B. 286 never made it to the floor and died without being voted on. Now, back to square one in our efforts to protect pastors and churches in Ohio from the threat of legal liabilities and lawsuits for not performing, participating in, celebrating, or condoning same-sex marriages. Unfortunately, certain politicians in Columbus did not want this bill to pass and finally succeeded in killing it. Hopefully, it will come back in some form during the next session.
You can listen to the radio program at:
http://live.mapleknoll.us/2dec16.mp3
Program Note: Christmas Day
Just to let you know, we will be live on Christmas Day. I will be doing our annual Christmas reading of the Birth of Christ as Recorded In the Scriptures
If you would like a free e-copy of the reading, you can go to:
http://www.mapleknoll.us/birthofchrist.html.
23 Nov 16
Special Guest Phillip Chapman for National Hospice Month
November is Nation Hospice and Palliative Care Month. Consequently, Phillip Chapman, who is a chaplain with All Caring Hospice, joined us during our Friday, November 18, radio program to discuss what hospice is and is not.
You can learn more about hospice by clicking on: All Caring Hospice.
Or, you can listen to the radio program here at:
http://live.mapleknoll.us/18nov16.mp3
Post-Election Discussion with Pastor Al and Pastor John Lutz
Friday, November 11, Pastor John Lutz of the North Coast Baptist Church in Lakewood, Ohio, and I combined our radio programs once more in order to discuss the November 8 elections.
You can listen to the programs by clicking here:
Election Review - Part 1
Election Review - Part 2
7 Nov 16
Pray for the Election and Polling Places
During last night's program, I had an idea regarding Tuesday's election. I was talking with a caller from Canada who was sharing her concern for America and the need for Christians to fast and pray for this election. During the conversation I mentioned hearing about someone in Kentucky who had headed up an effort to get Christians praying around the county courthouses in every county in Kentucky. I also mentioned how prayer over and around Cleveland made a profound difference during the Republican National Convention. That's when it hit me, what might happen if Christians literally surround this election in prayer?
I mean literally. What if we literally surround our polling places with prayer over the next two days. On Monday, many polling places may be accessible for Christians to go inside, or a least walk around outside the building and pray. On Tuesday, so long as you do not disrupt or interfere with the voting process, you can pray silently inside your polling location while waiting to vote. Then, after voting, you can also walk around outside your polling place, and others, praying for the elections as they are being conducted.
Just remember, though, whether you pray out loud or silently, you must not impede anyone who is coming to vote. There may also be restrictions outside as to how close you can come to the polling location due to state and local laws. A good rule of thumb would be, if you see people campaigning or passing out literature and materials, you can probably walk around in that area praying silently or out loud.
So why don't you join me and my wife, and others, who plan to pray in and around polling places across America on Monday and Tuesday for this election. Together, I believe we can make a difference through prayer. Remember, the Bible says, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14).
And while you're at it, don't forget to vote!
You can listen to the clip about prayer here:
http://live.mapleknoll.us/prayforpollingplaces.mp3
Or, you can listen to the entire program here:
http://live.mapleknoll.us/6nov16.mp3
Interview with US Congressional Candidate Beverly Goldstein (Ohio District 11)
Friday's interview with US Congressional Candidate Beverly Goldstein (Ohio District 11) is now online at:
http://live.mapleknoll.us/4nov16.mp3
You can also find out more about Beverly by visiting her website, Beverly4Congress.com.
2 Nov 16
If God Exists, Why Does He Allow Evil and Suffering?
I recently saw a video clip of Stephen Fry decrying the existence of a god that allows evil and suffering. In the video, Stephen Fry brings up one of the most common arguments of atheists. That is, if God exists, then why does He allow evil and suffering in the world?
The short answer is this: God did not create a world with evil and suffering. He created a world that was perfect, without evil and suffering, for his glory, honor, and pleasure (Isaiah 43:7; Revelation 411) and He called it "very good" (Genesis 1:31). God choose to populate His creation with beings that would be able to enjoy and appreciate His creation and to love Him freely. In order to do so, God created both human beings (Adam and Eve) and angels with a free will. However, since free will involves the ability to choose between two legitimate choices, God gave both humans and angels the ability to choose between loving Him and not loving Him. Choosing to love Him would allow us to experience His presence and provision. Choosing not to love Him would separate us from His presence and provision. To make the choices legitimate, God not only allowed us to make the choice, but also promised us that He would abide by the consequences of our choice.
Unfortunately, many, like Stephen Fry, refuse to love God. Instead, they rage against God for not sparing them from the consequences of their own sin, while rejecting very means of escape from those consequences that the God who loves them has provided. They are like a man standing outside the house during a heavy rainstorm shaking his fist at the house saying, "How dare you let me get wet! What kind of a house are you that you won't protect me from this storm?" The man rages against the house for his suffering when all he has to do is walk through the open door that the house has already provided.
To read the entire article, go to:
http://pg.mapleknoll.us/why_evil_and_suffering.html
27 Oct 16
New 30 Second Radio Program Promos on AM 1220 WHKW
We recently began putting together some new 30 second promos to air on AM 1220 WHKW. The ones that we have been using do a fine job telling about the variety of subjects we cover but these new ones are designed to pique the interest of listeners by addressing a variety of topics.
Here is our first one. It is titled, "When Does Life Begin?"
Here is the second in our new series. It is titled: "Why Am I Here?"
Filling In On For the Cause of Christ Friday, October 21
I want to thank Pastor John Lutz, of the North Coast Baptist Church for allowing me to filling for him on his program, For the Cause of Christ, on Friday, October 21. Since Halloween is just around the corner I decided to take a look at a Biblical ghost story, found in 1 Samuel 28:3-20. This account is unique in that God actually allows the spirit of the late prophet Samuel to meet with King Saul. It also illustrates the dangers of getting involved with occult as well.
You can listen to the programs by clicking here:
For the Cause of Christ
17 Oct 16
Special Combined Program with Pastor John Lutz Discussing the Presidential Election
Pastor John Lutz, of the North Coast Baptist Church, and I combined our radio programs on Friday, October 14. We discussed the presidential election and the need for Christians to be aware and involved and praying.
We began on Pastor Lutz's program, For the Cause of Christ, at 1:00 PM and continued on our program, Live with Pastor Al, at 1:30 PM.
You can listen to the programs by clicking here:
Pastor Lutz & Pastor Al - Part 1
Pastor Lutz & Pastor Al - Part 2
11 Oct 16
Special Combined Program with Pastor John Lutz Planned for October 14
Pastor John Lutz, of the North Coast Baptist Church, and I will be combining our radio programs on Friday, October 14. We will be discussing some of the key issues, positions of the presidential candidates, and possible ramifications of the November election on our religious freedom. We also plan to talk about the importance of praying for the coming election and the tremendous need for repentance and spiritual revival in our country.
Pastor Lutz's program, For the Cause of Christ, starts at 1:00 PM. After a short station break, our program will start at 1:30 PM, and will continue the discussion.
This could very well be the most important election of our lifetime. On the national level, it is more than just who will be president for the next four years. It is who will control the U.S. House and Senate for the next two years. It is who will shape the direction and outlook of the U.S. Supreme Court for next 30-40 years.
I hope you will join us this Friday.
Pastor Al on News In Focus with Chris Long this past Thursday
Last Thursday, October 6, I was a guest with Chris Long, President of the Ohio Christian Alliance on his program, News In Focus. On the program, we talked about the Decision America prayer rally that took place earlier that day in Columbus at the Ohio Statehouse.
Although some in the media sought to downplay the event, thousands of people from across Ohio showed up, prayed, sang some songs, and heard Franklin Graham speak on the need for repentance, prayer, revival, and salvation in our state and nation.
You can listen to the entire program by clicking on this link: Prayer Rally at the Ohio Statehouse, October 6, 2016
Special Guest, Chris Long, on Live with Pastor Al October 7
Chris Long, President of the Ohio Christian Alliance, joined me on the air this past Friday to discuss the recent prayer rally in Columbus, Ohio, on our program this past Friday. You can listen to the program at this link: http:live.mapleknoll.us/7oct16.mp3.
8000-9000 People Singing "America" in Front of the Ohio State Capital Building
The sound of 8000-9000 people singing "America, America, God shed His grace on thee. And crowned thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea" was both an incredible sight and sound:
1 Oct 16
Where Is God's Word?
I normally assist Evangelist Bruce Musselman with his radio program, Where Is God's Word?, which airs every Tuesday night at 6:30 PM on AM 1220 WHKW radio.
Normally I do a short piece about science and the Bible as well as mention the web page for Bro. Musselman's radio program and highlight some of the things on it. However, Bro. Musselman had something come up at the last minute on the day we record the program and so he asked me to do the whole episode, whickh I was glad to do.
Since the purpose of the program is to defend the King James Bible and the Received Text that it is based upon, I took the opportunity to draw some parallels between Satan's attacks on God's Word in Genesis 3:1-5 and the attacks on the nature of the Triune Godhead in 1 John 5:6-8 by modern Bible versions such as the New International Version.
In Genesis 3:1-5 the devil attacks God's Word with both doubt, "Yea, hath God said?", and denial "Ye shall not surely die".
Amazingly, the same sort of attack occurs in the NIV in regards to 1 John 5:7-8. The NIV removes much of verse 7 and 8, changing the reading from:
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. [KJV]
To:
For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water, and the blood: and the three are in agreement." [NIV]
The NIV then uses doubt by adding a footnote that says, "Late manuscripts of the Vulgate testify in heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one. And there are three that testify on earth", causing people to wonder, "Yea, hath God said?"
The doubt attack is quickly followed by denial of God's Word in the footnote with an outright false statement, "(not found in any Greek manuscript before the sixteenth century)".
These attacks are amazingly bold, in that a wealth of translations and writings from as early as the second and third centuries included the KJV reading. Even Wycliffe, when translating on of our earliest English Bibles in 1380, managed to find it when he translated the Greek New Testament into English in the 14th century. (The last time I checked, the 14th century occurred PRIOR to the 16th!)
The devil used doubt and denial to attack the foundational doctrine of accuracy and authority of God's Word in Genesis 3. The NIV uses doubt and denial to attack the fundamental doctrine of the Triune Godhead in 1 John 5.
Ever wonder why?
You can listen to the program here at: Where Is God's Word?
2 Sep 16
Is Jesus a Created Being?
A Periscope listener had a question Sunday night about Colossians 1:15 and what it means by saying that Jesus is "the firstborn of every creature."
Although the Bible teaches clearly that Jesus is God and is the Creator of all things, the term, "firstborn of every creature," in Colossians 1:15 can be a bit confusing at first. However, it is further clarified in verse 18 as the "firstborn from the dead."
Likewise, the term "firstbegotten," in Hebrews 1:6, is clarified as referring to the the resurrection of Jesus Christ by the discussion of Jesus, in verses 3-5, having, "by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high," which refers to His sacrificial death, His resurrection from the dead, and His ascension into heaven.
This is made clear by the statement in verse 5, "Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee," a clear reference to the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Revelation 1:5 further emphasizes the same thing by describing Jesus as "the first begotten of the dead."
Clearly, the Bible is not using the terms "firstborn" and "firstbegotten" to teach that Jesus is a created being but, rather, to teach that He is the first of the resurrection. This meaning is further underscored by the use of the term "firstfruits" in 1 Corinthians 15:20 where, after a discussion of the importance of the resurrection, Paul writes:
"But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept."
You can listen to my explanation by clicking here: Is Jesus a Created Being?
2 Sep 16
Program Note
Dr. Beverly Goldstein, candidate for Congress will be joining us today at 1:30 PM.
Dr. Goldstein is running as the Republican candidate for US Congressional District 11 against incumbent Democrat candidate Marcia Fudge.
District 11 is an extremely diverse district encompassing some of the poorest neighborhoods of the east side of Cleveland a western Akron, along with some of the wealthiest suburbs of eastern Cuyahoga County and northwestern Summit County. It is also the district that I live in and where our church, the Richfield Bible Baptist Church is located.
We will be discussing some of Dr. Goldstein's positions and why she is running, as well as what she hopes to accomplish when elected both on behalf of the 11th District and the nation.
Even if you don't live in District 11, you will enjoy listening to Dr. Beverly Goldstein and hearing what she has to say about how to turn this country around. I hope you will join us!
20 Aug 16
10th Anniversary of Late Night Live with Pastor Al on the radio!
Ten years ago today Late Night Live with Pastor Al made its debut on the radio. Join us as we celebrate our 10th anniversary on the air Sunday night, August 21. We'll be talking about the history of the program, how we came to be on the radio, taking your calls starting at 11:00 PM.
You can listen to Late Night Live with Pastor Al on the radio on the following AM stations:
- 570 WTBM (Tampa, Florida)
- 910 WWTD (Tampa, Florida)
- 1220 WHKW (Independence, Ohio)
- 1440 WHKZ (Warren, Ohio)
You can also listen online at:
We hoped and prayed that we could last at least a year when we first started. Little did we know at the time, but 10 years later we would expand the program from one station to four, and add a second, half hour program on Friday afternoons. We have also been blessed to be able to reach out on the internet via our web page and Facebook, and now with Periscope as well.
Please pray for us as we move into our second decade on the radio that God would enable to expand the program and our outreach further so we can continue to uplift and glorify Jesus Christ and His Word, point the lost to the Saviour, and encourage Believers in their daily walk.
22 Jul 16
Republican National Convention In Cleveland, Ohio
The Republican National Convention was here this past week and what a busy past couple of weeks it has been. Thankfully, it came off with relatively minor incidents that were few and far between and no major protests disrupted the convention.
Our church, and a number of other churches throughout the area, spent time in prayer in the weeks ahead of the convention and preparing for evangelistic outreaches. Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams even requested churches and Christians to join in prayer for the event and was seen praying with people -- even protesters -- on the streets frequently during the convention. A number of pastors, including myself, also recorded prayers that were broadcast on AM 1220 WHKW during the week.
I started off joining Chris Long of the Ohio Christian Alliance on a prayer walk around Quicken Loans Arena, Progressive Field, Tower City, and Public Square on Monday, July 11, praying for peace and safety during the convention.
There was also a large prayer service held at the Wolstein Center, on the campus of Cleveland State University, on Saturday, July 16.
On Monday, July 18, the first day of the convention, I was invited to attend a special pastors briefing with Chad Connelly and Bob Crawford at Cleveland Baptist Church.
While there, Chad Connely asked if I was going to the convention. I said that I would be in the downtown area but did not have a pass to actually get inside. Chad said to not run off because he might be able to get me one. Bob Crawford came up to me afterwards and gave me this:
The following day, the second day of the convention, I joined Pastor John Lutz (North Coast Baptist Church) in Cleveland passing out Welcome to Cleveland RNC evangelistic outreach packets. Each packet had a John & Romans booklet, with a How To Get To Heaven From the RNC cover, and a gospel tract with the Welcome2Cleveland website address. Things were peaceful with no one causing any serious problems or disruptions where we were. People for the most part cheerful and friendly. I'm sure that both the heavy police and security presence, along any people praying, contributed.
The third day of the RNC, Wednesday, I used my pass to get into the convention site itself. I arrived about noon and did not leave until midnight.
I managed to get interviewed by AJ+ (Al Jezeera Media Network). I was asked to day some positive things about a number of people she had pictures of. A Secret Service officer complimented me on my response to the Hillary Clinton picture. I said I was positive she should be in jail because I had the same type of clearance she had and I know people who went to jail for a lot less. They wanted me to say something good about her so I said she was good at staying out of jail (only the last part of that got into their online video!).
I was also there for the now infamous Senator Cruz speech. He entered to enthusiastic applause and a significant number of booes. Within a few minutes he had even his detractors cheering. Everyone was expecting an endorsement, especially after he congratulated Trump for winning the nomination.
All Cruz had to do was say something like, "Join with me to defeat Hillary Clinton in November as I fulfill my pledge to support the nomination of my party!" and the whole arena would have exploded with cheers. He wouldn't have even had to mention Trump's name. Instead, in the last minute or two of his speech, starting with the "vote your conscience" line, he turned virtually the entire crowd against him and he was booed off the stage. Cruz had the crowd in the palm off his hand. He could have even said, "Donald and I have had our personal differences, but now is the time to put aside personal animosities and rise above them for the good of our country." Instead, he committed political suicide.
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28 Jun 16
Disaster Relief for West Virginia
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. (Galatians 6:9-10)
You have no doubt heard of the devastating floods that hit West Virginia recently. You may even have family or friends there. You may have even wondered what you can do to help those affected by the flooding. Well, there is something you can do to help!
Pastor Alan Jenkins joined us on last Friday's program (July 1) to talk about his recent trip to West Virginia with the Nehemiah's Network disaster relief team. Pastor Jenkins, and several men from the Columbia Road Baptist Church in North Olmstead, Ohio, took a load of relief supplies down to West Virginia this past week and, along with several local churches in the flood ravaged areas, helped with the relief and cleanup efforts. They plan to return with another load of relief supplies next week.
If you would like to help out with or donate to the Nehemiah's Network disaster relief efforts, please contact Pastor Jenkins at (440) 777-7539, or go to their website at Nehemiah's Network, to see what you can do or give to help.
The Columbia Road Baptist church is located at 4116 Columbia Road, North Olmsted, OH 44070.
28 Jun 16
Orlando Terrorist Attack a False Flag Attack?
A caller last Sunday night asked if I thought the Orlando terrorist attack could have been a false flag attack. Well, here is yet another reason to believe that it was not:
Al Qaeda urges lone wolves to target whites, to avoid 'hate crime' label
Apparently, the jihadis are worried that they might not be getting full credit for the attack...
Possible Prophetic Implications of Brexit
European Ministers sounding the death knell of the European Union in the wake of the British vote to leave the EU. Could this be the "deadly wound" to one of the heads of the beast in Revelation 13?
Listen to an excerpt from our Friday, June 24, program as I discuss the possible prophetic implications of Brexit.
20 Jun 16
California Pastor Celebrates Killing of Homosexuals
I did not get a chance to mention this article on Sunday night's radio program, but when I saw it, the name of this pastor sounded familiar. He has been identified in the media as the pastor of an independent, fundamental Baptist church in Sacramento, California. However, that is not entirely accurate. Pastor Roger Jimenez is a protege of the infamous Pastor Steve Anderson of Tempe, Arizona. Anderson is the ideological heir apparent to the late Pastor Fred Phelps, of Westboro Baptist Church fame (also independent, fundamental Baptist in name only).
Among other things, Jimenez and Anderson believe and teach that the church will go through the Tribulation, but be raptured away before God's Wrath (as if there is no wrath during the Tribulation!); that the seal, trumpet, and vial judgments during the Tribulation are all restatements of the same 7 judgments; and that the Holocaust never happened, the State of Israel is illegitimate, and those calling themselves Jews today are not really Jews.
I first encountered Anderson's material when someone sent me a link to one of Anderson's sermons where he claimed that America is under judgment because men are urinating sitting down (the text, I believe, was taken from either 1 Kings 14:10 or 1 Kings 21:21.) Later, someone sent me a bunch of their DVDs. Unfortunately, unlike Phelps, they sprinkle just enough truth and good points in their messages and materials to suck in the gullible.
Jimenez and Anderson, like Phelps, may call themselves independent, fundamental Baptists, but this independent, fundamental Baptist pastor repudiates them and wants nothing to do with them.
Evidence of the Left's Desire to Label the Bible as Hate Speech
Human Rights Campaign Senior Vice President of Policy and Political Affairs JoDee Winterhof said recently:
House Speaker Paul Ryan and the other members of the House Republican Leadership have a responsibility to immediately condemn Representative Allen's vile and dangerous remarks this morning at an official meeting of the House Republican Conference, during which he said LGBT people are 'worthy of death.' At a time when LGBT people face staggering rates of discrimination, harassment and violence, Representative Allen's comments spread hate that does real harm. Representative Allen should apologize or be censured -- and Republican leaders must make clear that they will not tolerate lawmakers who sow hatred and violence against LGBT people.
Actually, Romans 1:26-32 states how God views certain sins and reminds us that the Bible tells us that the "wages of sin is death":
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
It also underscores our need of a Saviour because, "...all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)" "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)"
It's not Rep. Allen's remarks that are "vile and dangerous," it is JoDee Winterhof's demand that Rep. Allen's remarks should be censored that are "vile and dangerous."
16 Jun 16
Pastor Al and Tom Wallace Discuss the Orlando Terrorist Attack
Sunday, June 12, Tom Wallace, of Fortress of Faith joined me on the program to discuss the recent terrorist attack in Orlando, Florida. You can listen to the program here at: http://live.mapleknoll.us/12jun16.mp3
I mentioned this on the program, though I haven't heard much talk about this since Sunday, that there are several articles online talking about the ACLU lawyer, and other progressives, who found a way to blame the Christian Right for the jihadi terrorist attack in Orlando. The basic thought (or lack thereof) is that the Muslim shooter was motivated by the Christian bigotry and hatred of the LGBT community, rather than the Islamic State's call to kill infidels in America during Ramadan. Nor did Sheikh Farrokh Sekaleshfar's sermon just a few weeks ago in an Orlando area mosque titled, “How to deal with the phenomenon of homosexuality,” have anything to do with it. (The esteemed Imam said in a similar message at the University of Michigan in 2013, “Death is the sentence. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about this. Death is the sentence...We have to have that compassion for people. With homosexuals, it’s the same. Out of compassion, let’s get rid of them now.”)
You can click here to see how the left tries to blame Christians for Orlando: ACLU Lawyer Sounds Off on 'Islamophobia,' Blames Christian Right for Orlando Carnage
Here is the link to the article about the esteemed preacher of peace, Sheikh Farrokh Sekaleshfar: Imam who called for execution of gays preached at Orlando-area mosque weeks before massacre
Here's a bonus link as well to an article discussing what Islam says about homosexuals: Killing Homosexuals Is Not ISIS Law, It Is Muslim Law
4 Jun 16
Pastor Al guest hosts again on AM 1220 WHKW...
Friday, May 27, I once again had the opportunity to fill in as a guest host for another program that originates on AM 1220 WHKW. Pastor John Lutz asked me to fill in for him once more on his program, For the Cause of Christ, which airs Firday afternoons from 1:00 to 1:30, just before our program. You can listen to that program at: http://live.mapleknoll.us/27may16ftcoc.mp3.
It was a real blessing to be asked to fill in for Pastor Lutz again. Let me encourage you to listen to his program on a regular basis if your are not already doing so. He is a great Bible teacher and preacher.
14 May 16
Pastor Al guest hosts for two programs on AM 1220 WHKW recently...
Recently, I had the opportunity to fill in as a guest host for two programs that also originate on AM 1220 WHKW. The first was Where Is God's Word?, hosted by Evangelist Bruce Musselman, which airs Tuesday nights at 6:30. Tuesday, 26 April 2016, I filled in for Bruce Musselman on his program, Where Is God's Word? You can listen to the program at: http://whereisgodsword.mapleknoll.us/26apr16.mp3. Then, on Friday, 29 March 2016, I filled in for Pastor John Lutz on his program, For the Cause of Christ. You can listen to that program at: http://live.mapleknoll.us/29apr16ftcoc.mp3.
14 May 16
Pastor Al guest hosts for two programs on AM 1220 WHKW recently...
Recently, I had the opportunity to fill in as a guest host for two programs that also originate on AM 1220 WHKW. The first was Where Is God's Word?, hosted by Evangelist Bruce Musselman, which airs Tuesday nights at 6:30. Tuesday, 26 April 2016, I filled in for Bruce Musselman on his program, Where Is God's Word? You can listen to the program at: http://whereisgodsword.mapleknoll.us/26apr16.mp3. Then, on Friday, 29 March 2016, I filled in for Pastor John Lutz on his program, For the Cause of Christ. You can listen to that program at: http://live.mapleknoll.us/29apr16ftcoc.mp3.
Lobbyists for a day...
My wife, Kim, and I had the opportunity to visit the Ohio Statehouse and meet several representatives on behalf of the Ohio Pastor Protection Act, H.B. 286, this past Wednesday.
You can see the press conference from that day at https://www.ohiochannel.org/video/press-conference-legislative-ohio-pastor-protection-act
26 Apr 16
Why Offend the Least When You Can Offend the Most?
Sunday night I spoke at length about the recent decision of Target to allow customers and staff to use the restrooms and changing rooms of their choice. With this decision, Target has decided to potentially offend, put at risk, or at least make uncomfortable, more than 99.7% of the population of America in order to not offend less than 0.3%.
Now, no matter which way Target decided on this issue, they were bound to offend somebody. Common sense says that if you are going to offend somebody no matter what you do, then do that which offends the least rather than the most. Unless your goal is to offend...
Here's the link to the article I discussed: Target proudly welcomes men to use its ladies’ rooms
This situation is all the more reason to believe that we are living in the last days and the return of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is near:
Luke 17:26-30 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.
You can listen to the program at:http://live.mapleknoll.us/24apr16.mp3
9 Apr 16
Why the Richfield Bible Baptist Church Cannot Be a Member of the Richfield Interfaith Coalition
This past Friday I discussed on the program why the church I pastor cannot affiliate with the local interfaith coalition.
The Richfield Interfaith Coalition was formed in 2015 to celebrate the diversity of religious faiths and groups in Richfield.
Despite the invitation, Our church cannot be a part of this group. The reason why has to do with intolerance. The Richfield Interfaith Coalition is intolerant of what we believe and the Bible is intolerant of what they believe.
You can read the article I wrote at: Why the Richfield Bible Baptist Church Cannot Be a Member of the Richfield Interfaith Coalition.
You can listen to the program at:http://live.mapleknoll.us/8apr16.mp3
1 Apr 16
Defending Easter
Last Sunday I spent the first half of the program defending the use of the word "Easter", both in reference to the holiday and in its use in Acts 12:4 in the King James Bible.
Up until recently I had been of the opinion, as mentioned in the program, that Easter was actually derived from the name of the fertility goddess Ishtar, also known as Astarte or Ashtaroth. This made sense, on one level, because the two words, Ishtar and Easter, sound similar. In fact, Alexander Hislop, in his book, "The Two Babylons", makes the case that Easter is derived from Ishtar mostly from the fact that they sound similar.
However, a year or so ago I was challenged on this issue. A friend asked if the use of Easter is a mistake because the Greek word translated as Easter is actually pascha, not ishtar. After all, pascha appears 29 times in the New Testament and is translated as passover each time, except in Acts 12:4. Nowhere is it a reference to the pagan feast of Ishtar, though it was a spring festival like Passover as well.
Searching out the issue, I found out that Easter, despite its similar sound, is not entomologically related to Ishtar, but rather derives from ester/oster. Also, it is used in Acts 12:4 in reference to the Christian pascha, which was a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as opposed to the Jewish Passover, which, as Luke points out in Acts 12:3, had already passed ("Then were the days of unleavened bread"). (The articles listed below go into the details of the Saxon and Teutonic roots of Easter, which have nothing to do with ishtar and everything to due with the resurrection.)
I also pointed out that if Easter is indeed a reference to the pagan Ishtar, then there is a mistake in either the King James Bible or the underlying Greek Textus Receptus. If the KJB is correct using Easter, then the TR should read ishtar rather than pascha in Acts 12:4. Conversely, if the TR use of pascha is correct, then the KJB use of Easter is not only incorrect but unwarranted.
The first part of the program is separated out as a stand alone audio clip, Defending Easter . Or, you can listen to the entire program at 27 Mar 16.
The articles I mentioned are listed below. They go into this subject in much more detail than I had time to cover on the program.
- Easter or Passover by Scott Jones
- Why We Should Not Passover Easter (Part 1) by Nick Sayers
- Why We Should Not Passover Easter (Part 2) by Nick Sayers
- Why We Should Not Passover Easter (Part 3) by Nick Sayers
23 Mar 16
What Day was Jesus Crucified On?
What day was Jesus Christ actually crucified on? If you are like most people, you probably answered, "Friday." After all, that's what the Bible says, right?
Well, I used to believe that, too. That is, until I got to thinking about a specific, prophetic statement that Jesus made regarding His death, burial, and resurrection. In Matthew 12:38 the Bible tells us that "certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees" said to Jesus, "...Master, we would see a sign from thee."
Jesus answered in verses 39-40, "…An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."
Now, if Jesus was crucified on Friday, we have a problem. Jesus would have been in the tomb ("the heart of the earth") Friday night through Sunday morning. That gives us two days, Saturday and Sunday, and two nights, Friday night and Saturday night. Of course, we could be generous and count parts of days as full days, which is not an uncommon or unreasonable thing to do. Unfortunately, while that does give us three days, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, it still only gives us two nights, Friday night and Saturday night. Of course, this would not be a problem if Jesus had not specifically said that He would be "three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." Not simply three days, but three days AND three nights. Try as we may, there is simply no way to fit three days and three nights between Friday night and Sunday morning.
...We'll be talking about this and more on our Friday, March 25, program.
8 Mar 16
Is Socialism Biblical?
A few weeks ago I mentioned that a friend of mine's pastor was promoting a socialist candidate for president at church. He wanted to know what I thought about it.
That prompted me to do a monologue regarding socialism in light of the Bible on our Friday, February 12, program. In doing so, I brought out how socialism promotes breaking at least two of the 10 Commandments: "Thou shalt not covet" and "Thou shalt not steal".
I also looked at the parable, in Matthew 20, of the man who hired people to work in his vineyard. I used that parable to refute socialism and illustrate the Biblical moorings of the free market system, while underscoring the need for compassion in the free market system.
The clip can be heard here at Is Socialism Biblical?
Both the clip and the whole program, along with other clips and programs, are all listed and linked to on the right as well.
2 Mar 16
Eternal Security, Part Two
Sunday night, February 21, we had a couple of callers with questions regarding the Bible doctrine of eternal security.
The first caller to the program wanted to know if it is possible to lose your salvation or if we are eternally secure. Later in the program, another caller strongly disagreed with my defense of the Bible doctrine of eternal security.
You can listen to the first clip here at Eternal Security Part One.
The second clip can be heard here at Eternal Security Part Two.
Or, if you prefer, you can listen to the entire program at Sunday, February 21.
Both clips and the whole program, along with other clips and programs, are all listed and linked to on the right as well.
27 Feb 16
Eternal Security, Part One
Last Sunday night we had a couple of callers with questions regarding the Bible doctrine of eternal security.
The first caller to the program wanted to know if it is possible to lose your salvation or if we are eternally secure. That prompted an in depth examination of what the Bible says about salvation in John chapters 3 and 10 and Romans chapter 3, as well as Hebrews chapter 6.
I especially looked at the words "eternal" and "everlasting" and the phrases "should not perish" and "shall never perish". Also, I examined Hebrews 6:4-6 to see if it really teaches that you can lose your salvation or if it is actually teaching that an unsaved person who has been enlightened as to the truth of the gospel cannot get saved when he is rejecting the very gospel of salvation that he has been made to understand.
You can listen to the clip here at Eternal Security Part One.
I will be posting a "Part Two" later, in which I deal with a woman who strongly disagreed with my defense of the Bible doctrine of eternal security.
26 Feb 16
Epigenes and the Search for Intelligent Life
The incredible complexity and information density of the DNA language is mid boggling in and of itself. Now the discovery of epigenes and the epigenetic language, which is layered over the DNA, raises the level of complexity and information density of the genetic code exponentially and cries out for a Supreme Intellect (God) to create it. This is taken from our Sunday, January 31, 2016, program.
You can listen to the clip here at Epigenes and the Search for Intelligent Life.
23 Feb 16
Is socialism compatible with Christianity?
Avowed socialist, Bernie Sanders, recently said that Pope Francis is a socialist — just like himself!
So, let's see, is socialism compatible with Christianity?
The Bible says: "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's. (Exodus 20:17)" Yet, socialism says, "Be envious and covet the money and things of those who have more than you."
The Bible says: "Thou shalt not steal.(Exodus 20:15)" Yet, socialism says, "Let's take from those that have more than us."
Hmmm, sounds pretty compatible to me...
2 Feb 16
Correction to Link Above
I recently found that the link in the Listen to a Pastor Al Favorite above was broken. I apologize if you have tried to listen to the program segment, First & Second Amendments to the United States Constitution, and were unable to do so. Here is the correct link:
Listen to a Pastor Al Favorite:
First & Second Amendments to the United States Constitution
25 Jan 16
A Couple of Thoughts...
...When society devalues and denies life to the youngest among us, the unborn, it is only a matter of time before society devalues and denies life to the oldest among us. In other words, a society that allows abortions will eventually move towards accepting and promoting euthanasia for the elderly, the handicapped, and the ill.
...Scientists who deny "In the beginning God" are now claiming that you don't need something (God) to create something (the universe). Instead, they claim that the universe sprung into existence out of nothing. However, they now claim that nothing is really something because, on the quantum level, particles are continually coming into existence and going out of existence as fast as they come into existence so that, on the balance, something is really nothing. This convoluted reasoning that nothing is really something which is actually nothing is in order to substantiate their claim that nothing created something because nothing is really something which is effectively nothing. If that sounds confusing, think of it this way: If I give you one dollar and then take that dollar back from you right away, you never really had the dollar. Or, to put it another way, if they say this makes sense and then immediately deny the sense they claim, they never really had any sense...
31 Dec 15
Happy New Year!
I want to thank our listeners and readers of this blog for your faithful prayers and support over the past year. You have helped keep Live with Pastor Al on the air and moving forward.
Please continue to hold us up in prayer in the coming year. With your continued prayers and support, we'll be able to stay on the air and even grow the program in 2016.
My Bible Reading Plan
With the New Year only hours away from when I write this, let me encourage you to read you Bible more in 2016. To help, I wrote an article on Bible reading that I hope will help you.
The article, My Bible Reading Plan is available at http://live.mapleknoll.us/biblereadingplan.html
8 Dec 15
Biblical Eunuchs
Pastor David Koehler of Loudonville Baptist Temple, called in as a special guest on Sunday, November 29 to discuss a fascinating, and surprisingly relevant, topic that most of us have never heard much about.
Pastor Koehler joined me to talk about what the Bible has to say about eunuchs and how that can provide answers and insight in dealing with those struggling with homosexuality and sexual confusion.
You can listen to the program here at: http://live.mapleknoll.us/29nov15.mp3
Pastor Al's Father Graduates To Heaven
My father, Roy Davis went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 28, at 88 years of age. I want to thank everyone for praying for him during his struggle with cancer and for upholding my family in prayer as well during this time.
I preached his funeral on Wednesday, December 2, from Psalms 91:14-16:
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
I later used 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 for the committal service:
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Again, I want to thank everyone for praying for my family and me. We had a long, emotional day, but it is reassuring to know that, according to 2 Corinthians 5:8, to be absent from the body, for the believer, is to be present with the Lord. Your prayers definitely made a difference.
28 Nov 15
Biblical Eunuchs: Sunday Night, November 29!
What do you think a eunuch is? Chance are, you are only partially correct in your answer.
Join our special guest, Pastor David Koehler of Loudonville Baptist Temple, as we discuss what the Bible has to say about this fascinating, and surprisingly relevant, topic this Sunday night, November 29.
16 Nov 15
Pastor Al and Tom Wallace Discuss Islamic Terror Attack In Paris
Tom Wallace, of Fortress of Faith, joined us last night to discuss Islam and the November 13 Islamic terror attack in Paris. We took several phone calls from listeners and discussed a variety of points regarding the subject ranging from:
- Is the Islamic terror Threat real?
- Would disengaging from the Middle East make the terrorist threat go away?
- What does the Quran teach about violence/terror?
- What should our response as Bible believing Christians be in regards to Islam and Muslims?
- Are all Muslims terrorists or potential terrorists?
- Should we and/or can we reach Muslims with the Gospel?
- ...and more!
You can listen to the program right here at:
http://live.mapleknoll.us/15nov15.mp3.
14 Nov 15
Islamic Terror Attack In Paris - Special Guest Tomorrow Night!
Tom Wallace will join us tomorrow night to discuss the recent Islamic terror attack in Paris. Tom has been on the program with us before to discuss Islam and hosts a program, Fortress of Faith, devoted to informing Christians about Islam and reaching Muslims with the Gospel.
Join us tomorrow night at 11:00 PM as we try to make sense out of these terrorist attacks and how to respond to them in light of God's Word!
New Science Short: The Waters Above
Recently, a listener sent me a question about water in space in relation to Psalm 148:4. I used that question as the basis for a Science In the Bible segment that aired this past Tuesday night on another program that I help out with.
The question was about an article, Scientists Discover Oldest, Largest Body of Water In Existence - In Space , in relation to Psalms 148:4, "Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens."
While the linked article discusses a huge volume of water in space, that is, within the heavens. Psalm 148:4 talks about "waters that be above the heavens", which would seem to be waters existing outside of space. Or, as I mention in the linked Science In the Bible segment, waters that possibly contain or surround the universe.
You can find the clip at: The Waters Above
Program with Evangelist Chris Hofacker, Law to Grace Ministries, is now available online
Chris worked in law enforcement for for many years and has an extensive record of defensive tactics and use of force training. With just over two years before retirement, God called Chris into full time ministry as an evangelist out of Beacon Baptist Church in Lorain, Ohio. Now, in addition to preaching the Word of God, Bro. Hofacker uses his law enforcement training and experience to help churches with security training and awareness.
Our Sunday, November 8, program is now available online at http://live.mapleknoll.us/8nov15.mp3.
24 Oct 15
New Science Short: Falling Leaves
The Bible says in Isaiah 6:13 But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof.
While talking about the judgment that was to come upon Judah, God uses the example of when the teil tree and the oak tree cast their leaves. They may appear to be dead but their "substance" is yet in them. Their is a great scientific truth engrained in that statement regarding how and why deciduous trees lose their leaves in the autumn. Listen to the latest uploaded "Science in the Bible" clip...
21 Oct 15
Special Guest: Chris Long (Ohio Christian Alliance) on Ohio Issue 3 (Ohio Marijuana Legalization Initiative)
Our Friday, October 16, program with Chris Long (Ohio Christian Alliance) is now available online at http://live.mapleknoll.us/16oct15.mp3.
Remember, vote NO on Issue 3 (Ohio Marijuana Legalization Initiative - legalizes medical and recreational marijuana use in Ohio and enshrines special economic/monopolistic advantages into the Ohio State Constitution for the investors who initiated Issue 3) and YES on Issue 2 (Ohio Initiated Monopolies Amendment - prevents enshrining monopolies special economic advantages into the Ohio State Constitution, such as in Issue 3)!
You can also go to the Ohio Christian Alliance website and download a printable OCA Voter Guide Bulletin Issues Insert dealing with Issues 2 & 3 at ohioca.org.
Pastor Al Guest Hosts Where Is God's Word?
I had the opportunity to fill in for Bruce Musselman on his program, Where Is God's Word? last Tuesday night, October 20.
Bro. Musselman was unable to host his program and needed someone to fill in for him. Thankfully, he thought of me and so, there I was. You can listen to the program at: http://whereisgodsword.mapleknoll.us/11oct15.mp3
As some of you know, I normally help Bro. Musselman out with his program, Where Is God's Word?, which airs Tuesday nights at 7:30 PM on AM 1220 WHKW. Normally I help with some behind the scenes work, make some announcements for him, and do a Science In the Bible segment (which is where my Science In the Bible segments at the right come from).
9 Oct 15
New Science Short: Singing Stars
The Bible says in Psalms 148:3, "Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light." And, in Job 38:4,7, "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding...When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?"
Do the stars literally sing and praise the Lord? Listen to the latest uploaded "Science in the Bible" clip...
You can listen to the audio here: Singing Stars
Our Sunday, September 6 Program
Tom Wallace, with Fortress of Faith joined us on the program a few weeks ago to discuss civilizational jihad and reaching Muslims with the gospel.
Although the program link has been available for several weeks at the right under the listing of previous programs, I neglected to post a notice here in this section. You can listen to the program at:
http://live.mapleknoll.us/6sep15.mp3
