Dr. Brown Answers Your Questions

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If Adam and Eve were created in the image of God, how were they able to sin? Why is it that so many churches don’t seem to use the guidelines for character described by Paul to select their leadership? When did the Spirit of God begin to dwell in human beings? It’s that time again! Dr. Brown answers your questions!

Hour 1:

Dr. Brown’s Bottom Line: On the heels of the last call today, I’m reminded of how good God is. As many accusations as people bring against Him, in the end we will find that God is true, and every man a liar; that God is impeccably, wonderfully, eternally good, and we can be with Him and experience that with Him forever!

Hour 2:

Dr. Brown’s Bottom Line: Every day of my life, the greatest confidence I have is not in my goodness, but His goodness; that He has started the work, and He will bring it to completion. I cast myself on Him, believing He is faithful to do what He promised.

Featured Resources:

Answering Jewish Objections to Jesus vol. 2 by Dr. Brown and The Deity of Messiah: Son of God or Chosen Man? (debate)

Prophets & Prophetic Ministry [MP3 Series]

Other Resources:

Revolution: The Call to Holy War by Dr. Brown: This book is not a call for the violent overthrow of the government, nor is it a call to take up arms, nor is it a call to political activism in and of itself. It is a call to something far more extreme, a call to live out the gospel…

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How Saved Are We? by Dr. Brown: This unsettling book challenges us to ask ourselves what kind of born-again experience we have had if it calls for almost no personal sacrifice, produces virtually no separation from the world, and breeds practically no hatred of sin.

23 Comments
  1. Of course I trust Dr. Brown’s word over anyone at MSNBC. Thought I better make sure I was clear on that. 🙂

  2. And note that the article itself ends with a note that most of the scholars involved in the project are Orthodox Jews!

    “Considering that the nature of their work would be considered controversial, if not offensive, by many religious people, it is perhaps surprising that most of the project’s scholars are themselves Orthodox Jews.

    “‘A believing Jew claims that the source of the Bible is prophecy,'” said the project’s bearded academic secretary, Rafael Zer. “‘But as soon as the words are given to human beings — with God’s agreement, and at his initiative — the holiness of the biblical text remains, even if mistakes are made when the text is passed on.'”

  3. I saw this article on several news outlets and the first thing that crossed my mind was the New Testament Apostles quoted freely from the Septuagint which is not a word for word from the Masoretic text (which in itself is not fixed in stone, according to scholars, which I am not, so that is where I will stop).

    All this to say that this current revision causes me no discomfort at all. I believe the transmission of the Scripture is no less than a MIRACLE – you and I get to hold that MIRACLE in our hands, and when we do, may we remember not to hold it lightly.

    I have had to cry reading the biography of John Huss lately who would rather be burnt at stake than compromise on the Bible – who in turn was greatly influenced by Wicliff. Great men and women such as these, who thought the God of the Bible was worth their cruel deaths! I cannot wait to see their reward!!

  4. Dr. Brown – post script – I just finished listening to your comments on this issue via podcast, and I thank God for your wise and very balanced comments (which I also read in your Jeremiah commentary). Thank you.

  5. As a matter of fact…

    To Anthony,
    Jesus wants you to surrender to Him. Then you will have peace and the answers you are looking for.

    Are you interested in doing that? Seek and you will find.

  6. Jesus is Lord over all those who will have eternal life. We could not be saved without his lordship. He is just, right, and true.

    We come to him because he loves justice, righteousness and truth. We come to him because he paid for our sins and forgave those who crucified him. As he said, they didn’t know what they were doing. (Luke 23:34)

    I was blessed by Joe’s call about Exodus 24, how they saw the God of Israel, Jesus, in the form of God. (Phil 2:6)

    Those that have seen Jesus have seen God. (John 14:9) Those that have seen him in visions or dreams have seen the Word of God and the fruit of the Spirit. (Gal 5:22)

  7. Ray,

    Yes, Jesus is Lord over all. All believers are to submit to his LORDSHIP. If that is not done willingly, at a future day when the Lord Jesus ascends to His own Throne as the King of Kings “…at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth”.

    But it is not the ingredient for Salvation – it is faith in Christ’s finished work that saves us. Salvation is by Grace Alone By Faith Alone in Christ Alone.

    “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

    Salvation is a very simple transaction with profound implications. God wants us to trust very simply to HIS offer of Salvation – child like faith in the Finished Work of Christ – that He took my punishment, that He set me Free, that He is now the author of Everlasting life for me. Read the Gospel of John – Lordship folks have the hardest time with this simple Gospel. Look at Martha’s question and Jesus’ answer at the tomb of Lazarus. Look at John 3:16 and then ask yourself, does it say anything about submitting to HIS Lordship there…but once one is a believer, HE is immediately taken out of the enemy camp and put in the Family of God, with a loving relationship with the Abba Father – and immediately under the Lordship of Christ.

  8. I also want to add this too. When we accept Jesus’s free gift of Eternal Life and Forgiveness, we need to change from our old ways. We need to repent. Die to self. Pick up our cross and follow Him.

    Be that refection of a walking bible. Let the light of Christ shine in us.

    Why wouldn’t we?

  9. Yes it’s the cross Jesus bore for us that established the law. Those who will not bear it, but lay it down and walk away from it, can not establish the law. (the righteousness of it)

    I just read John 8:39, and I consider what the works of Abraham were. Genesis 18:19 comes to mind.

    How many churches today are all about doing justice and judgment, teaching the congregation all about the ministry of reconciliation, pleading the cause, asking for mercy on the behalf of anyone oppressed to their oppressor, if they should ever have anything against another that is the cause of any present distress… etc?

    I wonder how many of us are really the children of Abraham? Can it be proved by our works? Do our works tell the world that we are indeed the children of Abraham through faith?

    First we have to believe the gospel, but then… doesn’t that mean our faith will be put into some type of meaningful action in order that we may be fellow laborers with God, to bring in the harvest of souls Jesus bled and died for, that he may get his full reward?

  10. Ray,

    Thank you for your reply. I am not sure what you mean by “Yes it’s the cross Jesus bore for us that established the law.” Romans 10:4 clearly states that

    “Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.”

    It is my humble opinion that there is a great misunderstanding in Christendom between the topics of “Salvation” (which is by Grace Alone by Faith Alone in Christ Alone), and “Discipleship which leads to Rewards” (which follows faith, and is by Works Alone – “Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God has before prepared that we should walk in them.)

    For Salvation – our Father Abraham followed Faith Alone to be Justified –

    What shall we say then that Abraham our father according to flesh has found? For if Abraham has been justified on the principle of works, he has whereof to boast: but not before God; for what does the scripture say? And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. Now to him that works the reward is not reckoned as of grace, but of debt: but to him who does not work, but believes on him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness. (Rom 4:1-5)

    You mention John 8:39

    …”If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would do the things Abraham did.

    The point of the comparison has nothing to do with Abraham’s Salvation status – but everything to do with the life of Faith lived out by Abraham because of his Faith in God’s Promises. So the Lord Jesus is taking exception to the Religious Authorities of his day, who took pride in their lineage – and yet were not following the footsteps of their father Abraham, whose life was exemplified by Faith.

    It is critically important that we as believers put ourselves unreservedly under the Lordship of Christ, but this is something not part of how one comes to Faith in Christ (which, again, is by Grace through Faith in Christ – and Faith means putting our simple trust in Christ’s Promises)

    I hope this is helpful.

  11. Guess I didn’t get the “>” in there, or something. Try it this way:

    Ray,

    You wrote: “I just read John 8:39, and I consider what the works of Abraham were. Genesis 18:19 comes to mind.”

    Does this ever come to mind when you think of the works of Abraham?

    Genesis 26
    5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.

    Are we really children of Abraham if we do not do the works of Abraham?

    Shalom

  12. Ray,

    Because, as you said,

    “I wonder how many of us are really the children of Abraham? Can it be proved by our works? Do our works tell the world that we are indeed the children of Abraham through faith?”

    Shalom

  13. Bo,

    I appreciate your perspective – but just consider this thought, if works are the test of salvation (if I understand you correctly in your above post) – then there are many fine Hindus, Buddhists and Mosolems, even Atheists, and nominal Christian (folks who call themselves Christian because they carry a Christian name or were born into a Christian family) who do great works – even better works than Christians.

    One can do good works because of their relationship with the Father through faith in Lord Jesus Christ (because God is Good). Abraham was an obedient man because of his faith in God and God’s promises – so much so that at the Word of the Lord he was ready to sacrifice his only son –

    Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death. (Heb 11:19)

  14. Debbie,

    Thank you for your comment – “When we accept Jesus’s free gift of Eternal Life and Forgiveness, we need to change from our old ways. We need to repent. Die to self. Pick up our cross and follow Him. ”

    Precisely! I hate to keep pointing this out (but the distinction is very important, which is why I do it) but Lordship position reverses this order – it would have you do this first before you can be called a believer.

  15. James,

    My point is not that works can save you or make you a “Christian.” My point is that we will all be judged by our works, whether we believe in Messiah or not. We would not want to do despite to the Spirit of grace by knowing what YHWH’s instructions are failing to put them into practice by obeying His voice, and keeping His charge, His commandments, His statutes, and His laws.

    Hebrews 10
    26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
    27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
    28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
    29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
    30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
    31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

    Since we have been empowered by YHWH’s spirit and His grace, we should be able to walk the way Y’shua walked on a consistent basis. More is expected of us than was expected of those that only had YHWH’s torah written on stone. The very same torah is supposed to be on our hearts now. If it is, we want to do it and it is not a burden to us. If it is not on our hearts or is grievous to us, can we really say that we walking in the new covenant?

    It seems that the conclusion of the matter is the same as it always was. True faith, which equals faithfulness, and keeping YHWH’s commandments out of love for Him and His word are both necessary.

    Ecclesiastes 12
    13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

    Revelation 14
    12 Here is the endurance of the saints; those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

    Revelation 22
    11 He who acts unjustly, let him act unjustly still; and the filthy, let him be filthy still; and the righteous, let him do righteousness still; and the holy, let him be sanctified still.”
    12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to each one according to his work.
    13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
    14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, so that their right shall be to the tree of life, and they may enter by the gates into the city.

    Those that ONLY have the testimony of Y’shua do not seem to be allowed to eat from the tree of life. Man was removed from the garden which contained the tree of life because of breaking YHWH’s commandments, and Adam and Eve both believed in YHWH. Will we be allowed to eat of it if we do not learn to be obedient during this life? Or will we be unclean/filthy and unrighteous still…and left out. If YHWH went to the trouble of telling us what things constitute righteous and holy behavior and we continue to reject His standards for our own ideas, will we hear:

    Luke 19
    17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

    Or will we hear:

    Matthew 7
    21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
    22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’
    23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

    So in your mind is a person saved, if he is not allowed to eat from the tree of life? Can he have been saved and then fail the grace of YHWH? The slogan, “Salvation is by Grace Alone By Faith Alone in Christ Alone.” sounds good, but does not seem to take the second half of the equation into account.

    Shalom

  16. James,
    I am learning from you. All these titles and view points others have concerning Jesus.

    “Lordship position” Interesting reasoning they have. Interesting does not mean it is correct.

  17. Bo,

    There is no confusion in the statement: Faith Alone by Grace Alone in Christ Alone. I believe the confusion is in our interpretation of the Bible.

    1. Life = Salvation from Eternal Separation from God = Born from Above = New Birth IS {by Faith Alone by Grace Alone in Christ Alone}

    Eph 2:9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”

    2. Rewards {by Works Alone – but follows faith}

    Rev 22:12 – Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.

    Take a look at the Letters to the 7 Churches in Revelations:

    Rev 2:2 I know thy works, ….(Ephesus)
    Rev 2:9 I know thy works, ….(Smyrna)
    Rev 2:13 I know thy works, ….(Pergamos)
    Rev 2:19 I know thy works, ….(Thyatira)
    Rev 3:1 …I know thy works, ….(Sardis)
    Rev 3:8 I know thy works: ….(Philadelphia)
    Rev 3:15 I know thy works, ….(Laodiceans)

    Life is based on Faith alone not works. Rewards is based on Works that follow faith.

  18. Debbie,

    I would highly recommend you get a copy of “Absolutely Free” by Zane Hodges – and read it carefully with your Bible open and praying to God to reveal His truth to you. If you have only heard one side of the argument, it would be very helpful to hear the other side for the sake of fairness.

    I would beg every believer to do the same, to get this confusion out of the way for such a vital subject. I don’t make a cent out of the sale of this book, my only connection to the late Zane Hodges is that I respect his scholarship and I knew him personally as a dear man of God while he was alive.

    Test everything. Hold on to the good. (1 Thes 5:21)

  19. It seems to me that a church that occupies itself about words is _________?

    Is it a sign that some practical work is missing?

    Maybe it’s a sign that we’re missing out on something.

    Is it the sign of an idle church?

    What kind of work should a church be doing?

    Have so many churches missed it’s calling for ministry as well as missed it’s guidelines for character in leadership?

    I will tell you what I’ve seen. I’ve seen a church that lost the ministry of reconciliation, and everything fell apart.

    The first thing lost was the ministry of reconciliation.

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