What the Bible says about Joan Rivers

This message was preached on Sunday night, September 7, 2014. The message audio is found posted on Podomatic here: http://brucetegg.podomatic.com/entry/2014-09-08T10_35_35-07_00

The Sermon notes are not an exact transcript of the sermon but will help to give the reader a sense of the message content.

As you know, Joan Rivers, went in for a simple “medical procedure” before everything was over, she died, unexpectedly.

There are so many stories and articles and news reports praising Joan Rivers for her courage and her sense of humor.  It is time you see the other side of Joan Rivers.

Joan Rivers was born Joan Alexandra Molinsky on June 8, 1933 in Brooklyn, New York to Russian immigrants Meyer and Beatrice Molinsky.  Her father was a doctor.

It doesn’t take long to hear or read a joke by Joan which was crude and vulgar.  I cannot and will not repeat the many “jokes” she had to say on the subject of body parts and about sex.

She was always trying to make the dirty into something funny.

When it came to God, she was not so funny:

"Everyone reaches God in any way they want to reach God.”

We know by this Joan was not a Christian in any sense of the word.  In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Sadly, Joan is finding out too late you do not reach God in any way you want to reach God.  You can only reach God through the blood of Jesus Christ.  No amount of joking will get Joan out of hell today.

Many people have forgotten Joan’s early years.  Joan Rivers was always openly pro-homosexual.  She did not believe homosexuality was wrong.  In fact she even played the part of a lesbian in a play at Greenwich Village in the 1960’s.  Even more interesting she the woman who played her lesbian lover was Barbara Streisand and they shared a romantic kiss as a part of the play.

“The first play I did was in Greenwich Village in the early ’60s. Barbra Streisand and I played lovers and we kissed,” Rivers recalls. “This was before she was singing, before anything. I knew she was talented, but you never know what someone will be. She was a fabulous kisser, that’s what I knew.”

Rivers previously revealed the play was titled Driftwood and it was performed in New York in 1959. Rivers, then known as Joan Sandra Molinsky, says that the play originally called for a male character, but producers couldn’t cast it and she offered to do the play if the characters were made lesbians. Rivers says Streisand was “really thrilled” with the idea. (Barbara Streisand was 17 years old at the time and Joan Rivers was 26 – what would we call that today?)

God calls homosexuality a sin.  It is the greatest insult a person can give to God’s invention called the family.  Scripture is clear what God thinks of homosexuality – look at Romans 1

Rom 1:18  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Rom 1:19  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

Rom 1:20  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Rom 1:21  Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Rom 1:22  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

Rom 1:23  And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

Rom 1:24  Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

Rom 1:25  Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

Rom 1:26  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:

Rom 1:27  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.

Rom 1:28  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;

Rom 1:29  Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

Rom 1:30  Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Rom 1:31  Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

Rom 1:32  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.

Anyone in their right mind cannot be confused about God’s view of homosexuals after reading this passage.

Many people do not realize but although Joan Rivers was born of Jewish parents and was Jewish in her lineage, she was not Jewish in her faith.

Joan Rivers was an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church and as a minister, she performed the weddings of two different homosexual couples.

This from the Universal Life Church Monastery site, which lists not only Joan Rivers but over 31,000 other “ordained ministers” such as: Sammy Davis Jr.; Glenn Beck; Conan O’Brien; Ian McKellen (Gandolf on Lord of the Rings); Wendy Williams; Lady Gaga; Tony Danza; Kathy Griffin (another vulgar comedian); Hugh Hefner and John Lennon, Ringo Starr, George Harrison and Paul McCartney of the Beatles.

“The Universal Life Church Monastery strongly believes in the rights of all people from all faiths to practice their religious beliefs, regardless of what those beliefs are, be they Christian, Jew, Gentile, Agnostic, Atheist, Buddhist, Shinto, Pagan, Wiccan, Druid or even Dignity Catholics; so long as they do not infringe upon the rights of others and are within the law of the land and one’s conscience.

We ordain ministers, priests, rabbis and clergy worldwide who are totally non-religious or even anti-religious. This may seem contradictory, but we are looking to change the negative perceptions of religion, faith and spirituality, by encouraging people to take control, stand up and speak truth to power by fearlessly stating their personal religious beliefs.”

Joan Rivers was an agent of Satan who degraded the holy as well as honoring the profane with her humor. 

The Bible warns us

Eph 6:10  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

In 2 Corinthians 2:11 we are told we are not ignorant of Satan’s devices and don’t be fooled by the world’s humor.  God enjoys humor and pleasure – it was His invention, but Satan has taken Godly humor and corrupted it so we may embrace sin with a smile on our face.

Why a sermon about Joan Rivers?  Because you will not hear the truth from the TV, radio or news sources.  We need to tell “the rest of the story” and let people know, Joan Rivers is not in a better place today.  The worse place on earth, even if you are experiencing excruciating pain for years, is still better than one day in hell.  Sadly, Joan knows this now better than anyone.

It is too late for Joan – but it is not too late for you.  Are you saved?  Does your humor serve the Lord Jesus Christ, or Satan?  Who will you tell the truth to this week?

In Answer to an Article by Mr. Danny Zacharias

A friend of mine currently serving in the U.S. Army asked me to read and review an article.  This was written in hopes of helping to clear up the confusion. This is only a brief explanation of this complex conglomeration of issues.

Danny Zacharias, in his article, “Why Zionism is so Attractive—and Should be Rejected by Christians” argues against “Zionism” and yet does not fully define “Zionism.”  He also speaks against a collection of other issues and beliefs while attacking his version of “Zionism” leading the reader to believe all of these issues are interconnected, but they are not.  His article can be read here: http://www.dannyzacharias.net/blog/why-zionism-is-so-attractive-and-should-be-rejected-by-christians#.VAdkspV0zDd

Mr. Zacharias begins by asking several questions: “Do I believe that the Jewish people were promised and given that land by God? Do I believe that the people of God are only those who are in Christ? Do I think all this is part of the unfolding of prophecy in the Bible? Or is it just political circumstances?”  Here is a short evaluation of a few of his errors.

The Bible is God’s Word.  God alone is the Author and men were only the writers.  This means the entire Bible is from One Mind, and is both without error and without contradiction.  Every verse, when taken in proper context, compliments every other verse, not contradicts.  Two verses cannot say two conflicting ideas, or else God would be contradicting Himself.

Mr. Zacharias makes the statement, “Yet, in matters such as these, there comes a clear dividing line – Christians believe the NT is scripture and Jewish people do not.”  I know many Jewish people who believe the New Testament is Scripture.  I also know many Jewish people who have received Jesus as their Saviour and Lord – they are called “Christian Jews.”  I believe Mr. Zacharias was meaning to say Orthodox Jews do not believe the New Testament is Scripture.

Apparently, Mr. Zacharias does not agree with the statement: “...God has promised the land of Israel to the descendants of Israel and the promise will be fulfilled at some point.”  Also he seems to believe, “...Christ is the end/fulfillment (telos) of the law (Rom 10:4; 2 Cor 1:20; Heb 8:13), thus the OT cannot be used as any sort of support for the modern secular state of Israel.”  Finally, in this same paragraph Mr. Zacharias states, “it is hard to ignore the OT teaching that fulfillment of God's covenant promises was conditional on the people's covenant obedience (read Deuteronomy).”

I will address these three issues at this time: 1) Did God promise any land to the descendants of Abraham?  2) Is the Old Testament law no longer in effect?  3) Were all of God’s covenant promises conditional on the people’s covenant obedience?

First, the Bible says God promised a special land to the descendants of Israel and since the promise has yet to be fulfilled, and God is not a liar, the promise will be fulfilled at some point.  To understand the “promised land” you must go back to Genesis.  The Promised Land is actually the same land originally created for Adam and Woman (she wasn’t named Eve until after sin), prior to the fall.  Notice the East and West borders of the Garden of Eden:

Gen 2:13  And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia. 14  And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.

This means the Garden of Eden was bordered on the West by the Gihon (Nile) river in Ethiopia and on the East by the Euphrates, between Iraq and Iran.  Compare this to what was promised to Abram in Genesis 15 when God, Himself, established the covenant.  (As you know, a contract says, “If you keep your part, I will keep my part.”  A covenant says, “I will keep my part even if you do not keep your part.”)

Gen 15:17  And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces. 18  In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

Notice the words, “have I given” used here in a past tense, an action already completed.  Look again at, “Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:”  What is the condition of this promise?  None.  There was no, “If you, then I,” statement.  Look also at Genesis 13:15, 17:8, 35:12 and notice the lack of condition.

Notice how these are the borders of the original Garden of Eden.  Many people don’t get it but the true Promise Land was actually the old Garden of Eden being given to the descendents of Abraham.

Now someone may ask: “When will this land be given to Abraham’s Descendants to possess?”  As we can see, at no time in all of history has the descendents owned all the land from the Nile to the Euphrates.  There is no time where we can see the fulfillment of this covenant.  So, either God is a liar, and we know God never lies, or it is yet to be fulfilled.

We know in Revelation, Satan will be bound for 1,000 years.  We also know we will reign with Christ as kings and priests on this earth for that 1,000 years. (Revelation 1:6; 5:10; 20:6)

We find more clues in the book of Isaiah.

Isa 19:23  In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians. 24  In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land: 25  Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.

“That day” is a theological term referring to when Jesus Christ will come to earth to judge the inhabitants and establish the Millennial Kingdom.  Notice what will happen here.  Verse 23 says there will be a “highway” made from Egypt (on the West) and from Assyria (on the East) through Israel.  Egypt has the Nile river, Assyria has the Euphrates river, and Israel will be between them.  This is when Israel will possess the land created for Adam and promised to Abraham.

Mr. Zacharias later says, “They do it because they believe that the OT prophets' words about returning to the land is for our future (though it is plain in the OT that the fulfillment happened already, Neh 9:23). They also misunderstand God's promise to the land and the fact that it was conditional (Lev 26:33, 42; Ezek 33:25-29).” 

God’s promise was not to the land, it was to a man.  In fact, it wasn’t a promise, it was a covenant.  Covenants are to be upheld in spite of what the other party does, not because of it.  As shown above, Abraham’s descendants were required to do nothing to receive the land, except for being a descendant of Abraham.

The Abrahamic Covenant was NOT fulfilled in Nehemiah’s time.  The prophecies of Isaiah were clearly not fulfilled in Nehemiah’s time or at any time since sin has entered into the world.

Isa 11:6  The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. 7  And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8  And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. 9  They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Israel will be in their land when “that day” comes and, when “that day” arrives the wolf will dwell with the lamb and the leopard will lie down with the kid and the lion will eat straw like the ox.  When has this ever happened?  Only in the Garden of Eden prior to sin entering into the world.

Again, Mr. Zacharias says, “But above all, they do it because they think they are helping to fulfill prophecy to bring Jesus back quicker. It is this religious motivation that ends up blinding them- they forget about the other human beings, specifically Palestinians.”

The Bible states in the New Testament the Temple will be rebuilt.  Look at 2Thessolonians 2:

2Th 2:3  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4  Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

This clearly says the Beast will be sitting in “the temple of God”.  Since this has not happened yet, it obviously has fulfillment in the future.  Some people try to wrongly claim this passage refers to Antiochus Epiphanes.  Only problem with their claim is Antiochus Epiphanes was already dead when this was written.  In fact Antiochus died before Jesus was born.

Can we “help” Jesus come earlier? In no way.  Jesus will come at the appointed time, no earlier and no later.  We cannot speed it up or slow it down.

Mat 24:36  But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.  37  But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38  For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39  And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

This leaves us with the final issue I will address here: “Is the Old Testament law no longer in effect?”  Look at what Jesus said about the Old Testament: 

Mat 5:17  Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18  For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19  Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20  For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

If the Old Testament is no longer in effect, why does every Christian carry one attached to their New Testament?  Why do we still hear sermons preached from it?  Why do we still give authority to the “Ten Commandments”?  Why read the Psalms or Proverbs?

Actually, when Jesus was still alive so was the Old Testament.  The New Testament could not begin until the death of Jesus Christ.  Once Jesus died the New Testament could begin.  Even after the New Testament began, what did Paul, Peter, John and the other writers quote as if it still had authority? The Old Testament.

Just two more pieces of evidence to prove my point, although there are several, look at Acts 2. 

Act 2:16  But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17  And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18  And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19  And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 20  The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: 21  And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

If, as Mr. Zacharias says, all the Old Testament was fulfilled in Jesus Christ making the Old Testament a thing of the past, what is Peter doing quoting it as being fulfilled in the New Testament, after the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ? 

Finally, look at what Paul said to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:14-17,

2Ti 3:14  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Notice how Paul speaks of the “holy scriptures” Timothy was taught as a child.  This was obviously the Old Testament.  Observe how ALL Scripture (Old Testament and New Testament) is given by the breath (inspiration) of God and both are profitable for DOCTRINE, REPROOF, CORRECTION AND INSTRUCTION.  If you throw out the Old Testament, you violate God’s testimony of its value.

I do agree we need to be reaching the lost, both Jews and non-Jews and I believe much money is wasted trying to build a temple which is going to be built anyway.  We need to be investing in the winning of souls and not the building of a building, but the bad behavior of a few people should not change our understanding of true biblical theology.

Thank you for reading.