Knee-Mail: “Zenas, the Lawyer”
From: Kent Hovind
Sent: December 7, 2009
To: Zenas
Subject: Purpose in Suffering
Posted: February 11, 2010
First Read: Titus 3:13 - “Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.”
KH: Hey, Lord? I noticed that You don’t have a lot of good to say about lawyers (Matthew 22:35; Luke 7:30; 10:25; 11:45-52; 14:3). I admit that I love lawyer jokes. Did You hear the one…
GOD: Yes, Son. I’ve heard them all. The problem is that the lawyers don’t think they are funny and the people don’t think they are jokes.
KH: I see. Are there some lawyers that love You more than money?
GOD: A few, Son. Let’s go meet Zenas. I know you will like him. …That’s him, Son. He’s helping Titus and Apollos load all their supplies on that ship. Go talk with him, Son.
KH: OK, Lord.
KH: Excuse me, sir. Are you Zenas?
ZE: Yes, I am, and this is Titus and Apollos. How can I help you?
KH: Well, I’m visiting from a far country. I was told that you love the Lord.
ZE: Wow! That’s a good reputation (Proverbs 22:1) that I’d be proud to have! Yes, I’m a lawyer and I love the Lord with all my heart. Apollos here is a brilliant Bible scholar and a gifted speaker (Acts 18:24) and Titus is the pastor at our church on Crete (Titus 1:5).
KH: It’s an honor to meet you all. Where are you headed?
ZE: We are headed to Nicopolas, a coastal city in Macedonia.
KH: Wow! That’s 400 miles away! Why are you going way up there?
ZE: Well, the great apostle Paul wrote Titus and asked for all three of us to come (Titus 3:13). It must be important because he said to spare no expense. I suspect he needs legal advice. He seems to stir people up everywhere he goes. All he does is preach the truth. This seems to make the heathen and the civil authorities hate him and give him a hard time. It started shortly after he got saved (Acts 9:20, 23, 29) and got worse from there (Acts 13:9; 13:45, 50; 14:2, 19; 16:20-23; 17:5, 13, 32; 18:6, 12; 19:9, 26; 20:3; 21:21, 27; 22:22; 23:2, 13; 25:1, 6; 28:30). Just about every place he went, he was arrested or beaten or threatened. The Jews in Jerusalem really hated him! They had lots of false charges against him and he fought them all the way through the system to Caesar. After a two-year wait to see Caesar (Acts 28:30), he finally won. So now he’s out of prison and preaching in Nicopolas. All told, it took him three years!
KH: I know how slow the legal system is! Some things never change. Even with computers it’s no faster.
ZE: What’s a computer?
KH: Never mind. That would take a long time to explain! So, why would he need all three of you?
ZE: Well, Apollos speaks Italian and knows the laws and customs of Italy (Acts 18:2) and Titus is Paul’s son in the faith (Titus 1:4), so he must want us to help him set up churches in Greece or Italy that the government will not bother. Paul wants all believers to try to live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:18).
KH: If he’s had all those run-ins with the civil authorities that you mentioned earlier, it sounds like it’s not working very well.
ZE: Oh, he’s had plenty of run-ins, but he never asks for it. He’s been beaten many times and in prison several times (2 Corinthians 11:23-26). He’s getting up in years and wants to finish his race to get as many souls saved as possible (2 Timothy 4:7). It seems that Satan wants to hinder that outreach any way he can (1 Corinthians 9:12).
KH: Does going to prison hinder his outreach?
ZE: Not much. It motivates others to take up his ministry and now there are hundreds of mini-Pauls whom he has inspired that are out preaching. Plus, he writes a lot while he’s locked up. I think his letters will reach as many people as his sermons.
KH: They will reach more people than you could even dream about Zenas! So, how much do you charge Paul for your legal services?
ZE: I never charge a man of God who is trying to win souls. God provides for me just fine as long as I try to put Him first (Matthew 6:33). Paul gives me what he can as a love offering.
KH: That’s what we’ve done in our ministry for twenty years as well. Hey, when you get done helping Paul in Nicopolis, stop by Pensacola, Florida would you? I could use some godly advice on my case.
ZE: Sure. Where is Florida?
KH: Never mind. I’m sure God has more lawyers like you that love Him. Have a good trip guys.
ZE: Thanks. I pray you win your case soon, but while you are locked up, use Paul as your example.
KH: Thanks, I will.
GOD: Let’s go home, Son. …How did you like Zenas?
KH: He was great, Lord! Send one like that for me, would You please? Or, better yet, You be my advocate and plead my case (Psalm 35:1). I hear You never lose a case.
GOD: I’ve got it under control, Son. Go sing in the choir. I’ve got your back.
And so, while you are waiting out for the Lord our God to send you the right “people”, I have been impressed by the Spirit to let you know that today, and for the next few days, my prayers for you specifically, brother, are from Ephesians 3:16-21. Today, it is that “according to His riches in glory, [that you, Kent] be strengthend with all might through the Spirit in the inner man.” He who is Sovereign over all your situation will continue to give you that song in the night. I pray you keep singing, as well !
Grace to you, dear brother in Christ. Maranatha !
Bro. Hovind, thank you for staying strong and sharing these writings with us. It is such an encouragement. I will continue to pray for you and your dear wife.
Tobitha Bousman
Dear Kent,
I too look for God’s Judgement on your case.
Jesus received a judgement sending him to death, but God overturned the ruling and gave him his life back.
So don’t lose heart, even in the worst case scenario keep looking to the Lord, because whatever happens God will always Judge righteously.
Proverbs 29:26 Many seek the ruler’s favor; but every man’s judgment cometh from the LORD.
Lots of Love
Jason x
Hi Kent,
As always, remembering your bonds and praying for your strength and for your family.
love and warmest thoughts,
a brother
The Armor of GOD
Ephesians 6:10-20
(Amplified Bible)
10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].
11 Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
13 Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,
15 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the [a]firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness [b]produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.(A)
16 Lift up over all the [covering] shield of [c]saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].
17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit [d]wields, which is the Word of God.
18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).
19 And [pray] also for me, that [freedom of] utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news (the Gospel),
20 For which I am an ambassador in a coupling chain [in prison. Pray] that I may declare it boldly and courageously, as I ought to do.
Yes there ARE God-loving-servant-lawyers, dear Brother. I know, because I am one. In California, if that doesn’t seem impossible.
No matter what this looks like from here, your Friend, your Savior, our God of the universe has this under control. Entirely. It may look like the judges and lawyers and IRS are in charge, but nothing touches God’s children without His authorization. Recently, someone told me, “Just because the devil wants it for you, doesn’t mean God doesn’t want it for you too. The difference is: God will use it for good, no matter how hard the devil tries to make it for evil.”
Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Stand brother. Just stand.
In Christ –
Cheri’ Olson, California
Brother kent, something to look at when you get the chance
“from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people” Ex 8.31
“in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants, and in the sight of the people.” Ex 11.3
God is drawing a line between the executive, the public service and the common man. Three groups of people are identified/ not exactly equal.
When you get to meditate on these few verses a theme emerges.
Even the public service know that the executive has gone mad!
example: Time magazine apparently just tried to run a story that the record snow falls were evidence for global warming. I am not joking!
meanwhile bro. increased forest growth rates are now showing up with the slightly increased CO2 levels that we have. You are vindicated on your theories about a hyperbaric atmosphere, at least with respect to O2, CO2, and total life densities.
The limiting factor to growth for many a thing is diffusion gradients of O^2 and CO^2
ie. swarming probably meant swarming. Teeming with life is God’s plan of abundance.
Thanks again. You helped me.
God 1, Climate Pseudo Scientists 0
“Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great.” Genesis 18.20
Brother Kent, I have spent a long time pondering these words. Three times the Holy Spirit tells us Sodom and Gomorrah were crying.
While the bible doesn’t contain the word ‘democracy’, I wonder if yet, God isn’t the perfect proponent of it.
Sodom was crying and God went down to answer their cry; putting to an end the misery of the place, cleaning it with fire.
Peoples’ faces tell a story. While their mouths might talk prosperity their faces are twisted and contorted in pain.
I have flicked through National Geographics for the photo journalism, it is unmatched. Occasionally one sees the face of some third world backwaters child that arrests you with, beauty, elegance and joy, innocence, excitement, enthusiasm, love, laughter and light. Unrehearsed, unpaid for, unsolicited crashing beauty – otherworld beauty.
The meek shall inherit the earth.
My will is that you be released, returned to your home, reunited with your family, friends and wife.
I know I am not the only one thinking this.
Beloved Brother Kent Hovind,
The Lord Jesus Christ who is our mediator & our faithful advocate is advocating for you.
We look up to him & I ask for the peace of the Lord Jesus that surpasses all understanding for you at this trying times.
Never despair brother. When all doors seems locked and there seems to be no way out, the beleivers of old looked up to the only help – our living God; and the Lord did undertake & led them through the way of escape.
Our help comes from the Lord & we trust him to lead you through the way of escape in this situation in Jesus name.
The joy of our Lord Jesus Christ will remain your strength.
Your sister in Christ,
Sade Tennyson
I have been an avid fan of yours for almost my whole life (ever since I was 4). I’ve always loved your material and you are my biggest role model.
In the simplest words, I’m praying for you and I hope you’re doing well!
Stay strong, God bless.
-Josh D.
Dear Dr. Bro. Hovind,
This is long overdue, but I heartily thank God for you and your faith in Him. I grew up in church, but was not saved until I was twenty years old in August of 2003. I first came in touch with the CSE ministry and the seminar series in 2004. I don’t know exactly when, but my Pastor, Bro. Bill Pickel, of Calvary Hill Baptist Church in Pacolet, SC, came across them and they trickled down to me and those who were my roommates at the time. At first, we were amazed at the striking resemblance between you and a man who went to our church, who now pastors in Pennsylvania. It was not the entire series, but rather a few copies from the seminars, topical, and debates. Since then I have the seminar series and many of the topicals for myself and have watched them several times over, gleaning and storing. Every now and then I go through another wave and bring them out again. I’m thankful the Lord brought these my way early in my Christian life before I really began to wonder where the dinosaurs fit in and all the rest. I fail the Lord miserably, but He has allowed opportunities to come my way where I have used material from the seminars in talking to people about the Lord, some being in my own family. I only wish I had trusted Christ sooner and had this knowledge in school and college, because I did have some of “those professors.”
When I first heard the news of your arrest, my heart sank. And though I still wish the case would have been overturned or whatever, I love seeing how God is using you greatly in these circumstances. God bless you, brother! I love you.
In Christ, Jason Belue
Dear Dr. Hovind,
I salute your perseverance in The Faith, even in bondage.
I held my young wife close for thirteen years as cancer slowly destroyed her body. We prayed many times for healing, it did not come to pass.
One thing I know – if God could have changed it, He would have. But He is not a god of chaos, He is The God of Order. One day He will right all wrongs and wipe away every tear, but today He can only hold us close amid our trials and give us His Word for comfort and reassurance. We are a fallen creation, and sin – corporate and individual – condemns us all to an eventual common fate.
I still believe in miracles though. Every day is comprised of so many miracles we simply take for granted. But big, awesome miracles are real also – your ministry is a pretty amazing miracle just in the fact that it ever existed in the first place. I am praying of course for your soon and unconditional release – but even if the obvious desired result we as simple earthly creatures seek does not come quickly, please continue your work. You make a difference.
I have a beautiful new bride who cares for me better than anyone ever has. I went through hell to get to her, but now here we are. God is good, and His desire is that we prosper and be in good health always. Be a blessing.
Hi Bro. Hovind and Family and CSE staff
We are still praying for you. Keep up the good work of the Lord.
We’ve just been starting to watch your DVD’s at home again and I’m amazed everytime about the amount of logic and science that just totally crush the evolution (in previous generations known as pantheism [same story, different name]) tale. Praise the Wonderful Creator of everything Who also died for our sins.
I had a man get angry at me the other day for stating that he was made in the image of God. I wonder if I used Charlie Darwin’s line about his daddy being an ape and his grandpa being a rock, whether I would have gotten the same response??? The lack of logic is so sad. The Bible gave us a compliment, Charlie gave an insult, yet these pantheists believe the insult rather than the compliment.
Bro. Hovind, Jesus is coming soon! Be strong in the LORD!
God bless
Meyer family
UK
Thank you for all you’ve done and are doing! God bless you and your family. You have been such a blessing to so many.
Brother hovind, you and your family are in my prayers. blessed are you when people persecute you for my names sake. your reward is in heaven. give to ceasar what is ceasars and give to G-d what is G-ds. give them their filthy worthless money, the ceasars inscription is on the coin. your testamony is a great blessing to me.we need your teaching us on the outside. in his service Google bloodhive.
Good news, Phillip Day of Credence Publishing/ Campaign for Truth in Medicine has come out and declared himself a creationist with the writing of a book simply called “Origins”.
Phillip Day has made a successful career out of promoting under-reported medical research. For him to come out and declare himself a creationist would not be without personal expense to his core business of selling the alternative paradigms for health improvement and maintenance.
there is one more player on this team.
Keep praying for a miracle. Miracles never happen. Your case is a perfect example. Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. Either there is no God there or he has no sympathy for your “cause”. One would of figured somewhere along the way you would of been clued in on this.