GRIN AND SHARE IT: “Suspicious Women”

Posted on July 10, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon

Suspicious Women

Sometimes women are overly suspicious of their husbands….

When Adam stayed out very late for a few nights, Eve became upset.

“You’re running around with other women,” she told her mate.

“Eve, honey, you’re being unreasonable,” Adam responded. “You know
you’re the only woman on earth.”

The quarrel continued until Adam fell asleep, only to be
awakened by a strange pain in the chest. It was his darling Eve
poking him rather vigorously about the torso.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Adam demanded.

“Counting your ribs,” said Eve.

Posted in Grin and Share It | Leave a comment

“Is Christianity a white man’s religion?”

Posted on July 9, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon

 In the past 2,000 years, the vast majority of Christians have been white/European. While Christianity had its beginnings in the Middle East, it spread rapidly to Europe and parts of Asia where Caucasians were the predominant race. The history of Christianity is filled with expansions, but mostly throughout Europe and Asia, then on to the West in the 15th century. Christianity has not had nearly the same success spreading among Middle Easterners, Africans, and Asians, and this has led many to declare that Christianity is a religion for white people.

Christianity was never intended for white people only. The first Christians were all Semitic in ethnicity and likely had light- to dark-brown skin. Christianity having been predominantly a white religion in past centuries has nothing to do with the message of Christianity. Rather, it is due to the failure of Christians to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the world (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). The apostle John declared that Jesus Christ is the propitiation for the sins of the entire world [all races and nationalities] (see 1 John 2:2). Spiritually, men of all races are one due to the presence of a common sickness—sin. Sin entered the human race at the Fall, and because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience, sin has been an inheritance for all of their descendants. Romans 5:12 tells us that, through Adam, sin entered the world and so death was passed on to all men because all have sinned.

But just as sin entered the human race by one man, so does redemption come by one Man, Jesus Christ. Forgiveness of sin, the essence of Christianity, is offered to all races, colors, creeds, and genders, to all “those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness” through Him (Romans 5:18). In giving His life as a substitute for sin, Jesus Christ purchased for God with His blood “men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9). No, Christianity is not a white man’s religion. Christianity is not a black, brown, red, or yellow religion either. The truth of the Christian faith is universally applicable to all people.

Posted in Apologetics, Guest Contributors | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

GRIN AND SHARE IT: “Blue Necks”

Posted on July 9, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon

Blue Necks

Blue Necks are Northerners — the opposite of
Rednecks. Because of Redneck jokes, here are some
takes on how Southern folks look at Northerners (or
how Northerners sometimes think of themselves;)

YOU JUST MIGHT BE A BLUE NECK IF…

Instead of referring to two or more people as “Y’all,”
you call them “you guys,” even if both of them are
women.

You think Heinz Ketchup is really SPICY.

You would never stop to buy something somebody was
cooking on the side of the road. (e.g., boiled
peanuts).

You don’t have any problems pronouncing
“Worcestershire sauce” correctly.

For breakfast, you would prefer potatoes-au-gratin to
grits.

You don’t know what a moon pie is.

You’ve never had an RC Cola.

You’ve never, ever eaten okra — fried, boiled, or
pickled.

You eat fried chicken with a knife and fork.

You’ve never seen a live chicken, and the only cows
you’ve seen are on road trips.

You have no idea what a polecat is.

You don’t see anything wrong with putting a sweater on
your dog.

You don’t have bangs.

You would rather have your son become a lawyer than
grow up to get his own TV fishing show.

You drink either “Pop” or “Soda”- instead of “Cokes.”

You’ve never eaten and don’t know how to make a tomato
sandwich.

You have never planned your summer vacation around a
gun-‘n-knife show.

You think more money should go to important scientific
research at your university than to pay the salary of
the head football coach.

You don’t even have one can of WD-40 somewhere around
the house.

The last time you smiled was when you blocked someone
from getting on an on-ramp to the highway.

You don’t have any hats in your closet that advertise
feed stores.

You have more than one professional sports team in
your home state.

You call binoculars opera glasses.

You can’t spit out the car window without pulling over
to the side of the road and stopping.

You don’t know anyone with at least two first names
(i.e., Joe Bob, Faye Ellen, Billy Ray, Mary Jo, Bubba
Dean, Joe Dan, Mary Alice).

You don’t know any women with male names (i.e.,
Tommie, Bobbie, Johnnie, Jimmie).

You don’t have Maw-maw’s & Pawpaw’s.

You get freaked out when people on the subway talk to
you.

None of your fur coats are homemade.

Posted in Grin and Share It | Leave a comment

“What does the Bible say about soul sleep?”

Posted on July 8, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon


“Soul sleep” is a belief that after a person dies, his/her soul “sleeps” until the resurrection and final judgment. The concept of “soul sleep” is not biblical. When the Bible describes a person “sleeping” in relation to death (Luke 8:52; 1 Corinthians 15:6), it does not mean literal sleep. Sleeping is just a way to describe death because a dead body appears to be asleep. The moment we die, we face the judgment of God (Hebrews 9:27). For believers, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23). For unbelievers, death means everlasting punishment in hell (Luke 16:22-23).

Until the final resurrection, though, there is a temporary heaven—paradise (Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 12:4) and a temporary hell—Hades (Revelation 1:18; 20:13-14). As can be clearly seen in Luke 16:19-31, neither in paradise nor in Hades are people sleeping. It could be said, though, that a person’s body is “sleeping” while his soul is in paradise or Hades. At the resurrection, this body is “awakened” and transformed into the everlasting body a person will possess for eternity, whether in heaven or hell. Those who were in paradise will be sent to the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1). Those who were in Hades will be thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). These are the final, eternal destinations of all people—based entirely on whether or not a person trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation.

Present-day defenders of soul sleep include the Seventh Day Adventist church, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christadelphians, and others.

Posted in Apologetics, Guest Contributors | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

GRIN AND SHARE IT: “The Aspiring Psychiatrists”

Posted on July 8, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon

The Aspiring Psychiatrists

The aspiring psychiatrists were attending their first class on
emotional extremes.

“Just to establish some parameters,” said the professor, to the
student from Arkansas, “What is the opposite of joy?”

“Sadness,” said the student.

“And the opposite of depression?” he asked of the young lady from
Oklahoma.

“Elation,” said she.

“And you sir,” he said to the young man from Texas, “How about the
opposite of woe?”

The Texan replied, “Sir, I believe that would be giddy-up.”

Posted in Grin and Share It | Leave a comment

“What is the Salvation Army, and what do they believe?”

Posted on July 7, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon

 The Salvation Army describes itself as “an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church with its own distinctive governance and practices.” Most people recognize the red-and-white shield of the Salvation Army as representing a social services organization that responds to disasters, feeds the homeless, and runs thrift stores. Many do not realize the underlying purpose of those efforts is rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Salvation Army was founded in 1865 by William Booth, who saw a great need for reaching the poor and destitute in England with the gospel of Jesus Christ (Luke 14:21). He began an evangelistic ministry on the streets, and as these people responded to the gospel, Booth directed them to the various churches and chapels in their neighborhoods. As these “undesirables” came into the very proper Victorian churches, they were often rejected because of their unorthodox dress and habits. To provide a place for them to worship and be discipled, William Booth founded the East London Christian Mission. When Booth was dictating a letter referencing believers as God’s army, the name “Salvation Army” was coined, and Booth began forming his mission in a military structure.

Booth named himself the General of the Salvation Army, and his wife, Catherine, was named “Mother of the Salvation Army.” From the beginning, women were given the same freedom and authority as men, and Catherine was an ordained minister in the organization. Ministers were given military officer ranks in keeping with their duties and experience, and church members were called soldiers. One reason for this military identification was a reminder that as Christians, they were in permanent mission to the unconverted. William Booth identified the approach to his work in “three S’s” – Soup, Soap, and Salvation. In order to give the message of salvation, the physical needs of the people were met. That method is still kept today.

While the Salvation Army was started as an independent Christian Church, Booth was careful to avoid criticizing other churches. He viewed each church as a part of the Body of Christ, and therefore harmony and cooperation were to be encouraged. One Salvationist expressed differences between churches this way: “In the overall economy of God there are no inherent contradictions, but there are creative paradoxes.” Since many in the churches seemed to rely on the outward symbols of the faith (baptism & communion), yet didn’t live out a personal faith, Booth eliminated all forms of outward observance in his church. The Salvation Army sees all of life as a sacrament to be lived for God, so baptism and the Lord’s Supper are not practiced, and the style of worship can vary significantly from location to location. The emphasis in the Salvation Army is on personal religion and individual regeneration, with a commitment to unceasingly proclaim the gospel.

The basic doctrines of the Salvation Army are like most evangelical churches: a belief in the Trinity, the full divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ, the full depravity of man at birth, the atoning death of Jesus Christ for man’s sin, and the essential need of repentance and faith for salvation. Following Arminian theology, the Army teaches that continued salvation depends on continued obedience to the Word of God and that the believer can attain whole sanctification in this life by that obedience.

Keeping with the social efforts that began the mission, the Salvation Army has always included social justice and charitable work as a key part of its ministry. In World War II, the Salvation Army operated 3,000 service units for soldiers and sailors, which led to the formation of the USO. Today the Army carries on a wide range of work, including prison visits, disaster response, refugee assistance, addiction and dependency treatment, daycare and children’s homes, homeless and domestic violence shelters, thrift stores, hospitals, clinics, and schools. They are recognized worldwide as a charitable organization which exists to help others. In fact, the Salvation Army is one of the world’s largest providers of social help. It has permanent ministries in 115 countries and 175 languages and provides assistance to millions of people every year.

Posted in Apologetics, Guest Contributors | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

GRIN AND SHARE IT: “Elvis’ Senior Citizen Song”

Posted on July 7, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon

Elvis’ Senior Citizen Song

Are you lonesome tonight, does your tummy feel tight?
Did you bring your Mylanta and Tums?
Does your memory stray, to that bright sunny day…
When you had all your teeth and your gums?
Is your hairline receding, are your eyes growing dim?
Hysterectomy for her, and its prostate for him.

Does your back give you pain…do your knees predict rain?
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?

Is your blood pressure up, your cholesterol down?
Are you eating your low-fat cuisine?
All that oat bran and fruit, Metamucil to boot,
keeps you like a well-oiled machine.
If it’s football, or baseball…he sure knows the score.
Yes, he knows where it’s at…but forgets what it’s for.

So, your gall bladder’s gone, and his gout lingers on.
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?

When you’re hungry, he’s not.
When you’re cold, then he’s hot.
Then you start that old thermostat war.
When you turn out the light, he goes left, you go right.
Then you get his great symphonic snore.
He was once so romantic, and witty and smart.
How’d he turn out to be such a cranky old fart?

So don’t take any bets, this is as good as it gets.
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight.

Posted in Grin and Share It | Leave a comment

“Do we become angels after we die?”

Posted on July 6, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon


Angels are beings created by God (Colossians 1:15-17) and are entirely different from humans. They are God’s special agents to carry out His plan and to minister to the followers of Christ (Hebrews 1:13-14). There is no indication that angels were formerly humans or anything else—they were created as angels. Angels have no need of, and cannot experience, the redemption that Christ came to provide for the human race. First Peter 1:12 describes their desire to look into the Gospel, but it is not for them to experience. Had they been formerly humans, the concept of salvation would not be a mystery to them, having experienced it themselves. Yes, they rejoice when a sinner turns to Christ (Luke 15:10), but salvation in Christ is not for them.

Eventually, the body of the believer in Christ will die. What happens then? The spirit of the believer goes to be with Christ (2 Corinthians 5:8). The believer does not become an angel. It is interesting that both Elijah and Moses were recognizable on the Mount of Transfiguration. They had not transformed into angels, but appeared as themselves—although glorified—and were recognizable to Peter, James and John.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Paul tells us that believers in Christ are asleep in Jesus; that is, their bodies are dead, but their spirits are alive. This text tells us that when Christ returns, He will bring with Him those who are asleep in Him, and then their bodies will be raised, made new like Christ’s resurrected body, to be joined with their spirits which He brings with Him. All believers in Christ who are living at the return of Christ will have their bodies changed to be like Christ, and they will be completely new in their spirits, no longer having a sin nature.

All the believers in Christ will recognize one another and live with the Lord forever. We will serve Him throughout eternity, not as angels, but along with the angels. Thank the Lord for the living hope He provides for the believer in Jesus Christ.

Posted in Apologetics, Guest Contributors | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

GRIN AND SHARE IT: “Juggling A Ticket”

Posted on July 6, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon

Juggling A Ticket

An Alexander County Deputy pulled a car over on I-57 about
2 miles north of the Missouri state line. When the Deputy asked
the driver why he was speeding, the driver answered that he was
a magician and a juggler and he was on his way to Branson to do
a show that night and didn’t want to be late.

The deputy told the driver he was fascinated by juggling, and
if the driver would do a little juggling for him that he wouldn’t give
him a ticket.

The driver told the deputy that he had sent all of his equipment
on ahead and didn’t have anything to juggle. The deputy told him
that he had some flares in the trunk of his squad car and asked
if he could juggle them. The juggler stated that he could, so the
deputy got three flares, lit them and handed them to the juggler.

While the man was doing his juggling act, a car pulled in behind
the squad car, a drunk got out and watched the performance briefly,
he then went over to the squad car, opened the rear door and got in.

The deputy observed him doing this and went over to his squad car,
opened the door and asked the drunk what he thought he was doing.

The drunk replied, “Might as well take myself to jail, there’s no way
I can pass that test.”

Posted in Grin and Share It | Leave a comment

“Is there any conclusive proof of God?”

Posted on July 5, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon

 The answer to this question depends greatly on what is meant by “conclusive” proof. Can we reach out and touch God or see Him in the same way that we touch and see people? No. But there are countless ways one can know assuredly that God does exist, that He is real, and He is who He says He is. We will look briefly at three ways of proving His existence using both science and the Bible.

1. The Law of Cause and Effect. This law of science states that every cause has its effect and every effect has its cause. This law is the basis of all science. As such, this law bears a relationship to the origin of the heavens and the earth. In fact, scientists agree that the universe has not existed forever, that it had a beginning at some point in time.

The theory of relativity which is almost universally accepted among scientists has certain implications for this Law of Cause and Effect. One is that the universe, defined as time, space, matter, and physical energy had a beginning, that it is not eternal. And it is through Einstein’s equations that scientists can trace the development of the universe back to its very origin, back to what is called the “singularity event” when it actually came into being. Science has proven that the universe really did have a beginning. This obviously means that if the universe had a starting point in history, then it obviously began to exist, and it must have a cause for its existence.

Therefore, if the universe needs a cause for its coming into being, then that cause must be beyond the universe—which is time, space, matter, and physical energy. That cause must be something similar to what Christians call “God.” Even Richard Dawkins, probably the most prominent proponent for atheism of our modern times, admitted in a “Time” magazine article that “there could be something incredibly grand and incomprehensible and beyond our present understanding.” Yes, and that is God!

We can best summarize this cosmological evidence with the following statements:
1. Whatever begins to exist must have a cause for its existence.
2. The universe began to exist.
3. Therefore, the universe must have a cause for its existence.
4. The attributes of the cause of the universe (being timeless, existing outside of space, and so on) are the attributes of God.
5. Therefore, the cause of the universe must be God (Genesis 1:1).

2. The Law of Teleology is the study of design or purpose in natural phenomena. This law of science essentially means that when an object reflects a purpose, goal or design, it must have had a designer. Simply put, things do not design themselves. This holds true for the things in the universe which proves that it had to have a Designer.

For example, the earth in orbiting the sun departs from a straight line by only one-ninth of an inch every 18 miles—a very straight line in human terms. If the orbit changed by one-tenth of an inch every 18 miles, it would be vastly larger and we would all freeze to death. If it changed by one-eighth of an inch, we would be incinerated. The sun is burning at approximately 20 million degrees Celsius at its interior. If the earth was moved 10% further away, we would soon freeze to death. If it was moved 10% closer, we would be reduced to ashes. Are we to believe that such precision “just happened”? Think about it: the sun is poised at 93 million miles from earth, which happens to be just right. Did this happen by chance or by design? It’s no small wonder that the Psalmist alludes to God as the grand designer when he declared: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other” (Psalm 19:1,6).

3. The Laws of Probability and Fulfilled Prophecy. There are 1,093 prophecies in the Bible that refer to Jesus and His Church, and each one of those prophecies was fulfilled! The Old Testament contains 48 prophecies that pertain to the crucifixion of Jesus. When applying the laws of probability to calculate the likelihood of several events taking place at or near the same time, all probabilities have to be multiplied together. For example, if the probability of a single even occurring randomly is 1 chance in 5 and the probability of a separate event occurring is 1 chance in 10, then the probability that both events will occur together or in sequence is 1 in 5 multiplied by 1 in 10 which yields 1 in 50.

In considering the fact that several different prophets who lived in separate communities over a span of a 1,000 years made predictions of Christ 500 years before His birth, the odds against these prophecies coming true are simply beyond our wildest comprehension. For example, the chances of one man (Jesus) fulfilling just 8 of the prophecies attributed to Him are one in 10 to the 17th power (that’s a number with 17 zeroes).

Consider this: imagine covering the entire state of Texas with silver dollars to a level of two feet deep. The number of silver dollars needed to cover the whole state would be 10 to the 17th power. Drop one of those silver dollars marked with an “X” from an airplane and thoroughly stir all the silver dollars all over the state. Then blindfold a man and tell him he can travel wherever he wishes in the state of Texas. Then somewhere along the way, stop and reach down into the two feet of silver dollars and pull up the one silver dollar that has been marked. What are the chances of his doing this? The same chance the prophets had of eight of their prophecies being fulfilled in any one man in the future.

The Bible with all its fulfilled prophecies proves the existence of God. Through the law of probability and the mathematical odds of prophecy being fulfilled we can know assuredly that there was a divine Designer and Author of the Bible. The same One who brought into existence the universe. “You may say to yourselves, ‘How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD?’ If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously” (Deuteronomy 18:21-22).

Finally, God, the Creator of the universe and author of our salvation tells us: “Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please” (Isaiah 46:9-10).

Posted in Apologetics, Guest Contributors | Tagged | Leave a comment