COLOSSIANS 4:2-18
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS [V. 2-6]
1. Concerning Prayer [v. 2-4]
(1)-persevere in prayer (faithful, steadfast, proskartereo means to give constant attention to a thing) I Th. 5:17
(2)-watch in prayer (vigilant, alert, gregoreo means to give strict attention to)
(3)-add thanksgiving to prayer
Paul, Oliver B. Greene, John Rice, and others point out that thanksgiving is not prayer but it should often accompany prayer. Prayer is asking.
Phil. 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
(4)-be specific in prayer
2. Concerning your Christian life [v. 5]
(1)-walk in wisdom (not carelessly, peripateo -to order one's behavior)
Eph. 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
(2)-walk as a testimony
I Th. 4:12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without...
(3)-walk as a redeemer of time (exagorazo -to buy up the opportunity for one's self)
Eph. 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
3. Concerning your speech
"A judge says a few words, and a man's life is saved or condemned. A doctor speaks a few words, and a patient either rejoices ecstatically or gives up in despair. Whether the communication is oral or written, there is great power in words. I am told that for every word in Mein Kampf, 125 persons lost their lives in World War II." -Warren Wiersbe
-speak with grace (en chariti -gracious, pleasant)
-season it with salt (salt prevents corruption & flavors items)
Eph. 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
-use wisdom (Pr. 26:4-5)
II. SUPPORT PERSONNEL
No-one, not even Paul, can do it all alone!
1. Tychicus & Onesimus- communicators [v. 7-9]
2. Aristarchus, Marcus & Justus- Jewish coworkers [v. 10-11]
3. Epaphras- prayer warriors [v. 12-13, 1:7-8]
4. Luke & Demas- helpers [v. 14]
III. SINCERE SALUTATIONS
1. Greet the brethren [v. 15]
2. Share the Word [v. 16]
3. Encourage the Servant [v. 17]
4. Remember the bound [v. 18]
Heb. 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
From our newest link:
On this date in 1431 Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for witchcraft. Multitudes have been martyred for Christ and are remembered by God and rewarded for eternity.
"Were they ashamed when they had committed abominations? Nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush" Jer 6:15. How sad. Multitudes are in the same boat today!
"Were they ashamed when they had committed abominations? Nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush" Jer 6:15. How sad. Multitudes are in the same boat today!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
The wisdom of Larry the Cable Guy?
The Great Sandini sent this to me in an email. Neither she nor I can confirm or deny the veracity of its authorship. Whoever came up with it did "purty good" in my opinion. So here it is, true or false, right or wrong, inside out or outside in...
The wisdom of Larry the Cable Guy...
1. A day without sunshine is like night.
2. On the other hand, you have different fingers.
3. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.
4. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
5. Remember, half the people you know are below average.
6. He who laughs last, thinks slowest.
7. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.
8. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap.
9. Support bacteria. They're the only culture some people have.
10. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
11. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.
12. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.
13. How many of you believe in psycho-kinesis? Raise my hand.
14. OK, so what's the speed of dark?
15. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
16. Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.
17. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?
18. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines
19. What happens if you get scared half to death, twice?
20. Why do psychics have to ask you for your name?
21. Inside every older person is a younger person wondering, "What in the world happened?"
22. Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
23. Life isn't like a box of chocolates. It's more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might burn you tomorrow.
The wisdom of Larry the Cable Guy...
1. A day without sunshine is like night.
2. On the other hand, you have different fingers.
3. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.
4. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
5. Remember, half the people you know are below average.
6. He who laughs last, thinks slowest.
7. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.
8. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap.
9. Support bacteria. They're the only culture some people have.
10. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
11. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.
12. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.
13. How many of you believe in psycho-kinesis? Raise my hand.
14. OK, so what's the speed of dark?
15. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
16. Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.
17. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?
18. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines
19. What happens if you get scared half to death, twice?
20. Why do psychics have to ask you for your name?
21. Inside every older person is a younger person wondering, "What in the world happened?"
22. Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
23. Life isn't like a box of chocolates. It's more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might burn you tomorrow.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Memorial Day Musing
What can we say to those who have given their lives that we might be free? To many Memorial Day is just a day off from work. It's more than that. We're free... but this freedom wasn't and isn't free. It was paid for by those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I know of a local family whose son in his 20s was killed because another driver went to sleep at the wheel. That's a tragedy and a waste. Other families are sorrowing because their son died fighting for freedom. That may be a tragedy but it's not a waste, it was a sacrifice.
What can we say? Thank you doesn't begin to say what we need to say. Perhaps if we take that freedom and glorify God with our lives we might begin to utilize the freedom their blood bought for us as well as glorify the One whose blood bought us and another kind of freedom, The Lord Jesus Christ!
Pastor Rick Jackson
From our newest link:
On this date in 1796-United States banned prison terms for debtors. 2000 years ago God banned hell for debtors. Jesus suffered and died for all our sins, paid the debt in full. People don't go to hell because they sinned for Christ has paid the penalty of sin but because they "believe not on me" (Jn 3:36) and believe in themselves that what they do will get them to heaven. Matt 7:22, 23. Love you, ABC Sumner and Celeste
What can we say? Thank you doesn't begin to say what we need to say. Perhaps if we take that freedom and glorify God with our lives we might begin to utilize the freedom their blood bought for us as well as glorify the One whose blood bought us and another kind of freedom, The Lord Jesus Christ!
Pastor Rick Jackson
From our newest link:
On this date in 1796-United States banned prison terms for debtors. 2000 years ago God banned hell for debtors. Jesus suffered and died for all our sins, paid the debt in full. People don't go to hell because they sinned for Christ has paid the penalty of sin but because they "believe not on me" (Jn 3:36) and believe in themselves that what they do will get them to heaven. Matt 7:22, 23. Love you, ABC Sumner and Celeste
Sunday, May 27, 2007
THE WORLD, THE NATION, THE INDIVIDUAL
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE WORLD AT LARGE [GENESIS]
1. Dominion given [1:26-28, 2:15-17]
2. Dominion abdicated [3:1-13]
3. Deliverer promised [3:14-15]
I Co. 15:21-24 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
II. THE NATION IN QUESTION
1. God established the unbreakable Abrahmaic Covenant [Gn. 12:1-3, 13:14-17, 15:1-21]
2. God established chasten for breaking the Mosaic Covenant [Lev. 26:33-46, Dt. 28:63-66]
The Mosaic covenant NEVER annuls the Abrahamic covenant!
Gal. 3:17-18 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
3. God established the Messiah to restore Israel [Is. 7:14, 9:6, 59:20-21, Rm. 11]
III. THE MAN IN NEED
1. The soul that sinneth
Ezekiel 18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
2. The sinner that repenteth
Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Luke 15:10Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
3. The Saviour that satisfies
Rm. 3:24-26 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
I. THE WORLD AT LARGE [GENESIS]
1. Dominion given [1:26-28, 2:15-17]
2. Dominion abdicated [3:1-13]
3. Deliverer promised [3:14-15]
I Co. 15:21-24 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
II. THE NATION IN QUESTION
1. God established the unbreakable Abrahmaic Covenant [Gn. 12:1-3, 13:14-17, 15:1-21]
2. God established chasten for breaking the Mosaic Covenant [Lev. 26:33-46, Dt. 28:63-66]
The Mosaic covenant NEVER annuls the Abrahamic covenant!
Gal. 3:17-18 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
3. God established the Messiah to restore Israel [Is. 7:14, 9:6, 59:20-21, Rm. 11]
III. THE MAN IN NEED
1. The soul that sinneth
Ezekiel 18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
2. The sinner that repenteth
Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Luke 15:10Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
3. The Saviour that satisfies
Rm. 3:24-26 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Creation Question of the Week!
Q: Did ancient man have technology?
A: Most people don’t associate ancient man with advanced technological technological achievements—but what we find is puzzling to evolutionists who believe that ancient man was primitive. We know that some of these ancient people moved huge stones, built monumental structures, and organized complex cultures.
Consider these specific examples: the “Gateway to the Sun” monument in Mexico was carved out of a single block of volcanic rock that weighed 100 tons, and then it was moved and set in place. No one today really knows how they could have accomplished this.
Also consider a Roman temple in Lebanon—it stood on a single foundation stone that had been carefully placed, and it weighed 2000 tons! We wouldn’t dream of lifting such a weight today!
There are many more such examples that defy evolutionists’ pictures of primitive man slowly evolving and gaining intelligence!
But none of this would come as a surprise to those who get their answers from the book of Genesis—after all, the first man, Adam, was highly intelligent. Genesis says that his descendants were building cities and making musical instruments right from the start.
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
A: Most people don’t associate ancient man with advanced technological technological achievements—but what we find is puzzling to evolutionists who believe that ancient man was primitive. We know that some of these ancient people moved huge stones, built monumental structures, and organized complex cultures.
Consider these specific examples: the “Gateway to the Sun” monument in Mexico was carved out of a single block of volcanic rock that weighed 100 tons, and then it was moved and set in place. No one today really knows how they could have accomplished this.
Also consider a Roman temple in Lebanon—it stood on a single foundation stone that had been carefully placed, and it weighed 2000 tons! We wouldn’t dream of lifting such a weight today!
There are many more such examples that defy evolutionists’ pictures of primitive man slowly evolving and gaining intelligence!
But none of this would come as a surprise to those who get their answers from the book of Genesis—after all, the first man, Adam, was highly intelligent. Genesis says that his descendants were building cities and making musical instruments right from the start.
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
HAVE YOU GOT AAADD?
KNOW THE SYMPTOMS.....PLEASE READ!
Thank goodness there's a name for this disorder.
Somehow I feel better,even though I have it!!
Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. - Age
Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.
This is how it manifests:
I decide to water my garden.
As I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over
at my car and decide it needs washing.
As I start toward the garage, I notice mail on the
porch table that I brought up from the mail box
earlier.
I decide to go through the mail before I wash the
car.
I lay my car keys on the table, put the junk mail in
the garbage can under the table, and notice that the
can is full.
So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and
take out the garbage first.
But then I think, since I'm going to be near the
mailbox when I take out the garbage anyway, I may as
well pay the bills first.
I take my check book off the table, and see that
there is only one check left.
My extra checks are in my desk in the study, so I go
inside the house to my desk where I find the can of
Diet Coke I'd been drinking.
I'm going to look for my checks, but first I need to
put the Diet Coke aside so that I don't accidentally
knock it over.
The Coke is getting warm, and I decide to put it in
the refrigerator to keep it cold.
As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke, a vase
of flowers on the counter catches my eye--they need
water.
I put the Coke on the counter and discover my
reading glasses that I've been searching for all
morning.
I decide I better put them back on my desk, but
first I'm going to water the flowers.
I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a
container with water and suddenly spot the TV
remote.
Someone left it on the kitchen table.
I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV, I'll
be looking for the remote, but I won't remember that
it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it
back in the den where it belongs, but first I'll
water the flowers.
I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of
it spills on the floor.
So, I set the remote back on the table, get some
towels and wipe up the spill.
Then, I head down the hall trying to remember what I
was planning to do.
At the end of the day:
the car isn't washed
the bills aren't paid
there is a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter
the flowers don't have enough water,
there is still only 1 check in my check book,
I can't find the remote,
I can't find my glasses,
and I don't remember what I did with the car keys.
Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done
today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy
all day, and I'm really tired.
I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to
get some help for it, but first I'll check my
e-mail....
Do me a favor.
Send this message to everyone you know, because I
don't remember who I've sent it to.
Don't laugh -- if this isn't you yet, your day is
coming!!
[adapted from an email the great Sandini sent me]
Thank goodness there's a name for this disorder.
Somehow I feel better,even though I have it!!
Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. - Age
Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.
This is how it manifests:
I decide to water my garden.
As I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over
at my car and decide it needs washing.
As I start toward the garage, I notice mail on the
porch table that I brought up from the mail box
earlier.
I decide to go through the mail before I wash the
car.
I lay my car keys on the table, put the junk mail in
the garbage can under the table, and notice that the
can is full.
So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and
take out the garbage first.
But then I think, since I'm going to be near the
mailbox when I take out the garbage anyway, I may as
well pay the bills first.
I take my check book off the table, and see that
there is only one check left.
My extra checks are in my desk in the study, so I go
inside the house to my desk where I find the can of
Diet Coke I'd been drinking.
I'm going to look for my checks, but first I need to
put the Diet Coke aside so that I don't accidentally
knock it over.
The Coke is getting warm, and I decide to put it in
the refrigerator to keep it cold.
As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke, a vase
of flowers on the counter catches my eye--they need
water.
I put the Coke on the counter and discover my
reading glasses that I've been searching for all
morning.
I decide I better put them back on my desk, but
first I'm going to water the flowers.
I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a
container with water and suddenly spot the TV
remote.
Someone left it on the kitchen table.
I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV, I'll
be looking for the remote, but I won't remember that
it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it
back in the den where it belongs, but first I'll
water the flowers.
I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of
it spills on the floor.
So, I set the remote back on the table, get some
towels and wipe up the spill.
Then, I head down the hall trying to remember what I
was planning to do.
At the end of the day:
the car isn't washed
the bills aren't paid
there is a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter
the flowers don't have enough water,
there is still only 1 check in my check book,
I can't find the remote,
I can't find my glasses,
and I don't remember what I did with the car keys.
Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done
today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy
all day, and I'm really tired.
I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to
get some help for it, but first I'll check my
e-mail....
Do me a favor.
Send this message to everyone you know, because I
don't remember who I've sent it to.
Don't laugh -- if this isn't you yet, your day is
coming!!
[adapted from an email the great Sandini sent me]
Friday, May 25, 2007
HONORING THE LIVING
I have run several pieces lately about men and women of God (Jerry Falwell, Lee Roberson, Viola Walden) who have gone to be with the Lord. Certainly, there's nothing wrong with that. But it's also good to honor those servants of Christ who are living. On April 29th, 2007 the Bradford Baptist Church honored Evangelist Robert L. Sumner for his 60+ years of dedicated service. We presented his wife with a dozen roses and presented Dr. Sumner with the "Unashamed Workman Award".
As well as an evangelist Brother Sumner has been a pastor and still is an author and an editor (see Biblical Evangelist link in the top left of this blog). He certainly has been a friend to this preacher for many years and a blessing even before we met (through his writings). John R. Rice counted him a close friend and faithful columnist and preacher. He is Dr. Rice's official biographer. His pamphlet on water baptism is the finest I have ever read and all of his books will make you want to do more for the Saviour. I can think of no higher compliment.
God bless you Doc! May the dear Lord continue to bless your service for Him!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Quotes of the Week!
"For the most part children do not create problems; they reveal them." W.W. Wiersbe
"The strength of a nation is derived from the integrity of its homes." -Confucius
"Parents often change their minds and create problems for their children, sometimes by swinging from extreme permisiveness to extreme legalism." -Wiersbe
In every church I have pastored there have been parents who punished their children by NOT letting them go to church or some other spiritual activity (the very place they might learn how to better behave). Parents that have done this are hurting themselves in several ways.
"The spirit of a young child is to be carefully and tenderly developed. One cannot crush the spirit of a child with harshness and lack of understanding, and expect that child to develop into a gracious, Christian lady or gentleman. With caution, a tender twig can be bent and shaped; but hasty, rude bending will warp or brake such tender growth." -Oliver B. Greene
"If Dad is unavailable, he should work on his schedule. If he is inacessible, he should work on his attitude." -James T. Dyet
"The strength of a nation is derived from the integrity of its homes." -Confucius
"Parents often change their minds and create problems for their children, sometimes by swinging from extreme permisiveness to extreme legalism." -Wiersbe
In every church I have pastored there have been parents who punished their children by NOT letting them go to church or some other spiritual activity (the very place they might learn how to better behave). Parents that have done this are hurting themselves in several ways.
"The spirit of a young child is to be carefully and tenderly developed. One cannot crush the spirit of a child with harshness and lack of understanding, and expect that child to develop into a gracious, Christian lady or gentleman. With caution, a tender twig can be bent and shaped; but hasty, rude bending will warp or brake such tender growth." -Oliver B. Greene
"If Dad is unavailable, he should work on his schedule. If he is inacessible, he should work on his attitude." -James T. Dyet
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
RELATIONSHIP PRINCIPLES FOR PRINCIPAL RELATIONSHIPS
COLOSSIANS 3:18-4:1
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. PRINCIPLES FOR THE HEAVENLY HOME [V. 18-21]
"The strength of a nation is derived from the integrity of its homes." -Confucius
The Healthy Home is a home with:
1. WILLING SUBMISSION NOT FORCED SUBJECTION [V. 18]
-"submission" here means to rank under, a Sgt. may rank under a Lt. while being an equal or better man, God does all things decently and in order (I Cor. 14:40)
-the husband isn't perfect but God is!
-this willing submission among equals is used to picture Christ willing submitting to the Father (Eph. 5) though they are both equals (Phil. 2)
2. BE LOVING NOT BITTER [V. 19]
-"bitter" means harsh and unkind
-the wife is not perfect but God is!
-the word for love is a form of "agape", the same word used in Jn. 3:16
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
3. OBEDIENCE NOT ORNERYNESS [V. 20]
-parents aren't perfect but God is! (Eph. 6:1)
"For the most part children do not create problems; they reveal them." W.W. Wiersbe
-Honor as well as obey in the Lord
4. INSIGHTFUL NOT INCITING [V. 21]
-"pater" translated father here is translated parents in Heb. 11:23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment
-children aren't perfect but God is!
-assumes points -1 thru 3 are in order
-Parents should strive not to chasten in anger
-are their efforts ever good enough for you?
"Parents often change their minds and create problems for their children, sometimes by swinging from extreme permisiveness to extreme legalism." -Wiersbe
-In every church I have pastored there have been parents who punished their children by NOT letting them go to church or some other spiritual activity (the very place they might learn how to better behave). Parents that have done this are hurting themselves in several ways.
"But they disobeyed me." or "They disappointed me." Are you raising them for yourself or for the Lord?
Psalm 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Malachi 2:15 And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.
"The spirit of a young child is to be carefully and tenderly developed. One cannot crush the spirit of a child with harshness and lack of understanding, and expect that child to develop into a gracious, Christian lady or gentleman. With caution, a tender twig can be bent and shaped; but hasty, rude bending will warp or brake such tender growth." -Oliver B. Greene
"If Dad is unavailable, he should work on his schedule. If he is inacessible, he should work on his attitude." -James T. Dyet
II. PRINCIPLES FOR THE WISE WORKPLACE [3:22-4:1]
These were originally laid down for a society with slaves and masters. Paul was not approving slavery but giving God's guidelines for a situation that existed. That's what the Bible does. It touches where people live, where the rubber meets the road. But from this we can glean some principles for the workplace in our day. Just be careful not to try to make this walk on all fours in your place of business.
1. EMPLOYEE- BE A GOD PLEASER! (v. 22-25)
"It is a sin to do less than your best!" -Bob Jones Sr.
2. BOSS- BE A GOD PLEASER! (3:25-4:1)
Oliver B. Greene thinks 3:25 in context relates to bosses. Of course the principle applies to everyone!
III. GENERAL PRINCIPLES
We have no power over the hearts of others but we can get right ourselves!
1. GIVE OUR BEST TO THE LORD AT HOME!
2. GIVE OUR BEST TO LORD AT WORK!
3. GIVE OUR BEST TO THE LORD AT ALL TIMES!
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. PRINCIPLES FOR THE HEAVENLY HOME [V. 18-21]
"The strength of a nation is derived from the integrity of its homes." -Confucius
The Healthy Home is a home with:
1. WILLING SUBMISSION NOT FORCED SUBJECTION [V. 18]
-"submission" here means to rank under, a Sgt. may rank under a Lt. while being an equal or better man, God does all things decently and in order (I Cor. 14:40)
-the husband isn't perfect but God is!
-this willing submission among equals is used to picture Christ willing submitting to the Father (Eph. 5) though they are both equals (Phil. 2)
2. BE LOVING NOT BITTER [V. 19]
-"bitter" means harsh and unkind
-the wife is not perfect but God is!
-the word for love is a form of "agape", the same word used in Jn. 3:16
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
3. OBEDIENCE NOT ORNERYNESS [V. 20]
-parents aren't perfect but God is! (Eph. 6:1)
"For the most part children do not create problems; they reveal them." W.W. Wiersbe
-Honor as well as obey in the Lord
4. INSIGHTFUL NOT INCITING [V. 21]
-"pater" translated father here is translated parents in Heb. 11:23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment
-children aren't perfect but God is!
-assumes points -1 thru 3 are in order
-Parents should strive not to chasten in anger
-are their efforts ever good enough for you?
"Parents often change their minds and create problems for their children, sometimes by swinging from extreme permisiveness to extreme legalism." -Wiersbe
-In every church I have pastored there have been parents who punished their children by NOT letting them go to church or some other spiritual activity (the very place they might learn how to better behave). Parents that have done this are hurting themselves in several ways.
"But they disobeyed me." or "They disappointed me." Are you raising them for yourself or for the Lord?
Psalm 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Malachi 2:15 And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.
"The spirit of a young child is to be carefully and tenderly developed. One cannot crush the spirit of a child with harshness and lack of understanding, and expect that child to develop into a gracious, Christian lady or gentleman. With caution, a tender twig can be bent and shaped; but hasty, rude bending will warp or brake such tender growth." -Oliver B. Greene
"If Dad is unavailable, he should work on his schedule. If he is inacessible, he should work on his attitude." -James T. Dyet
II. PRINCIPLES FOR THE WISE WORKPLACE [3:22-4:1]
These were originally laid down for a society with slaves and masters. Paul was not approving slavery but giving God's guidelines for a situation that existed. That's what the Bible does. It touches where people live, where the rubber meets the road. But from this we can glean some principles for the workplace in our day. Just be careful not to try to make this walk on all fours in your place of business.
1. EMPLOYEE- BE A GOD PLEASER! (v. 22-25)
"It is a sin to do less than your best!" -Bob Jones Sr.
2. BOSS- BE A GOD PLEASER! (3:25-4:1)
Oliver B. Greene thinks 3:25 in context relates to bosses. Of course the principle applies to everyone!
III. GENERAL PRINCIPLES
We have no power over the hearts of others but we can get right ourselves!
1. GIVE OUR BEST TO THE LORD AT HOME!
2. GIVE OUR BEST TO LORD AT WORK!
3. GIVE OUR BEST TO THE LORD AT ALL TIMES!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Pictures of the Week!
Oh... oh, here's your problem!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
I told you already I'VE GOT IT!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
I told you already I'VE GOT IT!
Humph! I don't see any horsepower!
Monday, May 21, 2007
Kids in church
My sister sent me these. Are they fact or fiction? I'm pretty much ignorant and apathetic on that issue (I don't know and I don't care).
LOT 'S WIFE: The Sunday School teacher was describing how Lot's wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, when little Jason interrupted, "My Mummy looked back once, while she was driving," he announced triumphantly, "and she turned into a telephone pole
GOOD SAMARITAN: A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan, in which a man was beaten, robbed and left for dead. She described the situation in vivid detail so her students would catch the drama Then, she asked the class, "If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?" A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, "I think I'd throw up
DID NOAH FISH? A Sunday school teacher asked, "Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark?"
"No," replied Johnny. "How could he, with just two worms."
HIGHER POWER: A Sunday school teacher said to her children, "We have been learning how powerful kings and queens were in Bible times. But, there is a higher power. Can anybody tell me what it is?" One child blurted out, "Aces!"
MOSES & THE RED SEA: Nine-year-old Joey, was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday school. "Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his army build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then, he radioed headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved."
"Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?" his mother asked. "Well, no, Mom. But, if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!"
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD: A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible; Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the verse. Little Rick was excited about the task -- but, he just couldn't remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line. On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, "The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know."
UNANSWERED PRAYER? The preacher's 5 year-old daughter noticed that her father always paused and bowed his head, for a moment, before starting his sermon. One day, she asked him why. "Well, Honey," he began, proud that his daughter was so observant of his messages, "I'm asking the Lord to help me preach a good sermon." "How come He doesn't do it?" she asked.
BEING THANKFUL A rabbi said to a precocious six-year-old boy, "So your mother says your prayers for you each night? Very commendable. What does she say?" The little boy replied, "Thank goodness he's in bed!"
UNTIMELY ANSWERED PRAYER During the minister's prayer, one Sunday, there was a loud whistle from one of the back pews. Gary's mother was horrified. She pinched him into silence and, after church, asked, " Gary, whatever made you do such a thing?" Gary answered, soberly, "I asked God to teach me to whistle ... And He just then did
TIME TO PRAY A pastor asked a little boy if he said his prayers every night.. "Yes sir," the boy replied. "And, do you always say them in the morning, too?" the pastor asked. "No sir," the boy replied. "I ain't scared in the daytime."
BEWARE OF TRASH One particular four-year old prayed, "And forgive us our 'trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets."
ALL MEN / ALL GIRLS? When my daughter, Kelli, was 3, she and my son, Cody, would say their nightly prayers, together As most children do, we have to bless every family member, every friend and every animal (current and past). For several weeks, after we had finished the nightly prayer, Kelli would say, "And all girls." As this soon became part of her nightly routine, to include this at the end, my curiosity got the best of me and I asked her, "Kelli, why do you always add the part about all girls?" Her response, "Because we always finish our prayers by saying 'All Men'!"
SAY A PRAYER Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his Grandmother's house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away. "Johnny wait until we say our prayer." "I don't have to," The boy replied. "Of course, you do," his mother insisted. "We say a prayer, before eating, at our house." "That's our house," Johnny explained. "But this is Grandma's house and she knows how to cook!
LOT 'S WIFE: The Sunday School teacher was describing how Lot's wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, when little Jason interrupted, "My Mummy looked back once, while she was driving," he announced triumphantly, "and she turned into a telephone pole
GOOD SAMARITAN: A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan, in which a man was beaten, robbed and left for dead. She described the situation in vivid detail so her students would catch the drama Then, she asked the class, "If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?" A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, "I think I'd throw up
DID NOAH FISH? A Sunday school teacher asked, "Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark?"
"No," replied Johnny. "How could he, with just two worms."
HIGHER POWER: A Sunday school teacher said to her children, "We have been learning how powerful kings and queens were in Bible times. But, there is a higher power. Can anybody tell me what it is?" One child blurted out, "Aces!"
MOSES & THE RED SEA: Nine-year-old Joey, was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday school. "Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his army build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then, he radioed headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved."
"Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?" his mother asked. "Well, no, Mom. But, if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!"
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD: A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible; Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the verse. Little Rick was excited about the task -- but, he just couldn't remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line. On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, "The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know."
UNANSWERED PRAYER? The preacher's 5 year-old daughter noticed that her father always paused and bowed his head, for a moment, before starting his sermon. One day, she asked him why. "Well, Honey," he began, proud that his daughter was so observant of his messages, "I'm asking the Lord to help me preach a good sermon." "How come He doesn't do it?" she asked.
BEING THANKFUL A rabbi said to a precocious six-year-old boy, "So your mother says your prayers for you each night? Very commendable. What does she say?" The little boy replied, "Thank goodness he's in bed!"
UNTIMELY ANSWERED PRAYER During the minister's prayer, one Sunday, there was a loud whistle from one of the back pews. Gary's mother was horrified. She pinched him into silence and, after church, asked, " Gary, whatever made you do such a thing?" Gary answered, soberly, "I asked God to teach me to whistle ... And He just then did
TIME TO PRAY A pastor asked a little boy if he said his prayers every night.. "Yes sir," the boy replied. "And, do you always say them in the morning, too?" the pastor asked. "No sir," the boy replied. "I ain't scared in the daytime."
BEWARE OF TRASH One particular four-year old prayed, "And forgive us our 'trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets."
ALL MEN / ALL GIRLS? When my daughter, Kelli, was 3, she and my son, Cody, would say their nightly prayers, together As most children do, we have to bless every family member, every friend and every animal (current and past). For several weeks, after we had finished the nightly prayer, Kelli would say, "And all girls." As this soon became part of her nightly routine, to include this at the end, my curiosity got the best of me and I asked her, "Kelli, why do you always add the part about all girls?" Her response, "Because we always finish our prayers by saying 'All Men'!"
SAY A PRAYER Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his Grandmother's house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away. "Johnny wait until we say our prayer." "I don't have to," The boy replied. "Of course, you do," his mother insisted. "We say a prayer, before eating, at our house." "That's our house," Johnny explained. "But this is Grandma's house and she knows how to cook!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
THE DEVIL'S MOUTHPIECE
LUKE 6:26
Pastor Rick Jackson
Jerry Falwell went to be with the Lord recently and it didn't take the enemies of the gospel long to rejoice that his voice was silenced while lamenting that it had ever spoken. Every now and then you read something that just makes your blood boil. For me, it was Cynthia Tucker's article entitled "Falwell was GOP's prophet of intolerance"in yesterday's Gainesville Sun and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The article was a hodgepodge of lies, idiocy, hypocrisy, arrogance and ignorance. I have never claimed to agree with everything Brother Jerry did but then I don't agree with everything anyone does. I don't even agree with everything I do! I have no doubt that Jerry Falwell was one of God's men, nor do I doubt for a minute that at least for this article, Cynthia Tucker was the Devil's mouthpiece. As Christians we must be careful not to be a spokesman for the wrong side (Peter made that mistake as have we all).
We need to see the tools of the Devil's mouthpiece, to be not ignorant of his devices, to beware the wiles of the Devil. We need to separate the factual from the fictitious. You may be thinking, why bother? She's just talking about a man. The problem is her attack isn't just on Jerry Falwell, which would be bad enough, but her attack is on the Word of God and the God of the Word! Let's compare her article to the genuine article, the Bible!
I. THE TOOLS OF THE DEVIL'S MOUTHPIECE
1. MISREPRESENTATION
By the time of his death last week, Jerry Falwell had become a caricature, a victim of his egomania and verbal excesses. The organization he founded in 1979, the Moral Majority, had long since disbanded and his name had become associated with right-wing dogma. He will be remembered as much for his ridiculous pronouncements — such as blaming gays and feminists, among others, for the 9/11 attacks — as for anything else.
This tool is one Satan used in Eden on Eve (Gn. 3). Tucker resorts to name calling here and purports to know the heart of Falwell when she doesn't even know her own heart (Jer. 17:9). The Moral Majority lives on today in various groups and individuals. She implies the MM was ineffective while decrying the affect it had on America!
Dogma is "a settled opinion or belief". Falwell's name is associated with right-wing dogma just as certainly as Tucker's name is associated with left-wing dogma. It's a badge Falwell wore with honor. The pronouncements she alludes to were most likely taken out of context but certainly America's sins played a part in God allowing the 9/11 attacks.
2. HYPOCRISY
Nevertheless, his influence on American politics has, sadly, been profound. He and his fellow theocrats have created a climate of intolerance for diversity, distrust of science and disrespect for the wall of separation between church and state. Thomas Jefferson would weep for the republic he helped to birth.
Falwell was not a theocrat. He did not think God would directly control the country. But he did want the blessing of God on the country. He knew that a theocracy was not in the plan of God until the millennium. But he did want America to return to her Christian roots.
Intolerance? What about Ms. Tucker's intolerance for the Christian worldview? Diversity has it's limits. Do we accept the Ted Bundy's of the world in the name of diversity? Bible Christians don't distrust science, we distrust science falsely so-called (I Tm. 6:20). Science isn't afraid for people to see the pros and cons of theories but the evolutionists have no tolerance for any other viewpoints. Thomas Jefferson would weep for the republic he helped birth but not because of his fellow Virginian Jerry Falwell but because of people like Tucker who take his words and twist them to say the opposite of what he intended. Separation of church and state in Jefferson's mind was to protect the church from government intrusion, not to make sure no Christian thoughts were ever publicly expressed by Christians even if they were government officials.
3. LIES.
Falwell was among a handful of ambitious activists who saw the potential in marrying the Republican Party to ultraconservative Christianity, an alliance that magnified the influence of the South in national politics and boosted the fortunes of a born-again governor named George W. Bush.
We could easily change this quote around. "A handful of ambitious activists saw the potential in marrying the Democratic Party to ultra-liberalism, an alliance that magnified the influence of certain individuals in national politics and boosted the fortunes of a power hungry governor and his wife."
Falwell openly stated he learned from the liberals how to influence government. But it wasn't ultraconservative Christianity (ultraconservatives see Falwell as more liberal than themselves) but she tries to paint Falwell with an unflattering caricature. Evidently she feels we Southerners shouldn't have as much influence in government as others- aren't we Americans too?
Ascendant Christian conservatives forced traditional Republicans — those who believed in a more circumspect government that stayed out of adults' bedrooms as well as their pockets — to swallow their principles.
Traditional Republicans and old time Democrats had always backed the laws the liberals destroyed and removed.
The Grand Old Party is now hostage (what?) to a group of flat-earthers (We are not a flat earthers and neither was Falwell) who deny evolution,(because it's not true) mock gays,(preach against all sexual sin) denounce stem cell research, (have no problem with adult stem cells which have already proven to be helpful but deny the right to kill babies to harvest cells that have never been proven to help fight any illnesses) suspect contraceptives (?) and believe all Muslims are going to hell. (Jn. 14:6 any who reject Christ-even Baptist preachers!) Indeed, some of them actually want a conflagration in the Middle East because they believe it will hasten the Second Coming of Christ. (Ridiculous accusation. Notice how she misrepresents Christian eschatology.)
The rest of her article is likewise filled with misrepresentation, hypocrisy and downright lies.
And that's not all. When Bush ascended to the White House, he allowed loyalty to him and to Christian fundamentalism to dominate the hiring process. Competence no longer matters. Neither do top-notch educational credentials and expertise. Applicants are judged on their fealty to Bush, the Republican Party and the dogma of Falwell, Pat Robertson and James Dobson. (not that I agree, I think she's overstating it, but she would rather have them judged on their loyalty to abortion on demand, welfare and other special interest groups).
Graduates of fundamentalist Christian institutions, especially Falwell's Liberty University and Robertson's Regent University, have been given free rein. (Well respected but less dogmatic universities founded with a Christian mission, such as Notre Dame, are suspect.)
She shows her ignorance of true Christianity with that.
Regent law school graduate Monica Goodling — who recently quit the Justice Department because of her central role in the scandal there — was given broad control over hiring attorneys, despite her limited experience.
I don't know about this particular case but given Tucker's track record of innuendos, playing loose with the facts and suspect implications I'd question her facts anywhere.
In his book "Imperial Life in the Emerald City," Washington Post reporter Rajiv Chandrasekaran wrote that similar loyalty tests were used in the hiring process for those charged with rebuilding Iraq. Never mind whether you could speak Arabic or knew anything about getting the electricity grid to work. Two applicants told Chandrasekaran they were asked their views on Roe v. Wade. Given those priorities, the reconstruction process was doomed from the start. [People with an axe to grind aren't the most reliable sources but then Tucker doesn't really seem to care about that. Given that the liberal media has done everything it can to turn the public against the Bush administration I'd say it was hampered from the start!]
Democrats, too, have been intimidated by the religious right and brainwashed by the idea that "values voters" can turn an election. The values endorsed by theocrats, however, are dangerous to democracy. Jefferson, whose letter to the Danbury Baptists spoke of the wall of separation between church and state, understood the grave risks of allowing the religious views of any group — large or small — to dominate civil institutions. Doesn't the sectarian strife in Iraq tell us all we need to know? [Again she misuses Jefferson's letter to the Baptists, he wasn't warning them, he was reassuring them. The strife in Iraq indeed tells us this is a war in the hearts and souls of people and the same thing will happen here if America doesn't return to God.]
The war on science fostered by fundamentalist Christians is also dangerous to a nation struggling to maintain its economic hegemony. Our major universities do not produce enough scientists or engineers to keep the nation competitive. [This has nothing to do with Christians, the dumbing down of America came after kicking God out of our schools.]
President Bush should have launched a major initiative to boost scientific education, as the nation did in the 1950s and '60s. [Note how she tries to blame Bush for this, wasn't Clinton president of 8 years?]
If the nation is to free itself from its addiction to Middle Eastern oil, we need a program of federally funded research into alternative fuels that has the urgency and priority of the Manhattan Project. Instead, the president has ignored, until quite recently, evidence of man-made climate change and refused to fund broadened stem cell research. [She's using the shotgun approach now, nothing is connected but she makes it so.]
Perhaps it's no great surprise, then — though I was dumbstruck by the spectacle — that three Republican presidential candidates would raise their hands during a debate and say they do not believe in evolution. [The majority of Americans don't either, and many scientists are beginning to see the failure of the evolutionary thought. It doesn't gel with known facts.]
(I wondered if they would also swear off antibiotics, since evolutionary theory lies at the foundation of modern biology.) [A lie. "The basic laws of science, the laws of thermodynamics, are precisely predicted by creation theory. They show that evolution by strictly natural processes violates natural law, and therefore is impossible. Furthermore, a look at the fossil record provides no evidence that evolution did occur: No basic category of life ever changed into any other basic category. This even includes dinosaurs, mentioned in the Bible as dragons and preserved in legend from every continent, especially China. The fossils show sudden appearance and stasis, just as predicted from the creation model. The incredible design of living things demonstrates the necessity of a Designer behind it all. Neither natural selection and mutation, or any other theory of evolution, provides a credible explanation for this high degree of order. Many scientists throughout the world have recently abandoned evolutionary theory. It has never been supported well by science. In fact, most of the great scientific giants of the past were Christians and creationists. Because of this view of nature, the West has prospered in science and technology in recent centuries. Large groups of creationist scientists exist today in Europe, America, Korea, Russia, Japan, Australia, and throughout the world.
The Bible identifies man as created by an all-knowledgeable God. His body is well-designed for life. Given the chance, the body will maintain and heal itself. Eastern medicine utilizes great wisdom that the West has to a large degree forgotten. To use the body's own defense mechanisms is a Biblical approach, but makes no sense from a chance-driven evolutionary viewpoint. In fact, evolutionary thinking has done great harm in medicine, for instance, in deeming certain useful organs as vestigial, evolutionary leftovers. This comes from lack of knowledge and wrong thinking...
Many degenerative diseases, such as cancer and arthritis, are not totally understood. To some extent, they are genetically controlled, but most, if not all, are brought on by environmental factors and/or personal habits, such as smoking, alcoholism, improper diet, worry, loneliness, fear, stress, bitterness, or grief, each placing an undue burden on the immune system. Likewise, in those countries where sexual freedom is championed, venereal diseases of all sorts rage, and antibiotics are less effective now. Unwed mothers, abused children, dysfunctional families, etc., are the tragic offshoots of these undesirable practices. Homosexual behavior leads to a much reduced life span, even without AIDS.
The Bible gives guidelines for living which reduce instances of disease, if followed. Self-control in these areas, reliance on a local community of believers for support, a focus on eternal things, and the love and care of an extended family all reduce disease and promote overall health, and a society without these influences will degenerate rapidly." Dr. John D. Morris is President of the Institute for Creation Research.
Falwell is dead, but the damage of his fundamentalist revolution is already done. [Falwell is more alive now than ever. The salt and light he helped provide probably has given America more years of life than if he had never surrendered to the Saviour.]
II. THE TOOLS OF THE LORD'S MOUTHPIECE (MT. 16)
1. Saturate yourself in the revelation of God (v. 15-17)
Pastor Rick Jackson
Jerry Falwell went to be with the Lord recently and it didn't take the enemies of the gospel long to rejoice that his voice was silenced while lamenting that it had ever spoken. Every now and then you read something that just makes your blood boil. For me, it was Cynthia Tucker's article entitled "Falwell was GOP's prophet of intolerance"in yesterday's Gainesville Sun and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The article was a hodgepodge of lies, idiocy, hypocrisy, arrogance and ignorance. I have never claimed to agree with everything Brother Jerry did but then I don't agree with everything anyone does. I don't even agree with everything I do! I have no doubt that Jerry Falwell was one of God's men, nor do I doubt for a minute that at least for this article, Cynthia Tucker was the Devil's mouthpiece. As Christians we must be careful not to be a spokesman for the wrong side (Peter made that mistake as have we all).
We need to see the tools of the Devil's mouthpiece, to be not ignorant of his devices, to beware the wiles of the Devil. We need to separate the factual from the fictitious. You may be thinking, why bother? She's just talking about a man. The problem is her attack isn't just on Jerry Falwell, which would be bad enough, but her attack is on the Word of God and the God of the Word! Let's compare her article to the genuine article, the Bible!
I. THE TOOLS OF THE DEVIL'S MOUTHPIECE
1. MISREPRESENTATION
By the time of his death last week, Jerry Falwell had become a caricature, a victim of his egomania and verbal excesses. The organization he founded in 1979, the Moral Majority, had long since disbanded and his name had become associated with right-wing dogma. He will be remembered as much for his ridiculous pronouncements — such as blaming gays and feminists, among others, for the 9/11 attacks — as for anything else.
This tool is one Satan used in Eden on Eve (Gn. 3). Tucker resorts to name calling here and purports to know the heart of Falwell when she doesn't even know her own heart (Jer. 17:9). The Moral Majority lives on today in various groups and individuals. She implies the MM was ineffective while decrying the affect it had on America!
Dogma is "a settled opinion or belief". Falwell's name is associated with right-wing dogma just as certainly as Tucker's name is associated with left-wing dogma. It's a badge Falwell wore with honor. The pronouncements she alludes to were most likely taken out of context but certainly America's sins played a part in God allowing the 9/11 attacks.
2. HYPOCRISY
Nevertheless, his influence on American politics has, sadly, been profound. He and his fellow theocrats have created a climate of intolerance for diversity, distrust of science and disrespect for the wall of separation between church and state. Thomas Jefferson would weep for the republic he helped to birth.
Falwell was not a theocrat. He did not think God would directly control the country. But he did want the blessing of God on the country. He knew that a theocracy was not in the plan of God until the millennium. But he did want America to return to her Christian roots.
Intolerance? What about Ms. Tucker's intolerance for the Christian worldview? Diversity has it's limits. Do we accept the Ted Bundy's of the world in the name of diversity? Bible Christians don't distrust science, we distrust science falsely so-called (I Tm. 6:20). Science isn't afraid for people to see the pros and cons of theories but the evolutionists have no tolerance for any other viewpoints. Thomas Jefferson would weep for the republic he helped birth but not because of his fellow Virginian Jerry Falwell but because of people like Tucker who take his words and twist them to say the opposite of what he intended. Separation of church and state in Jefferson's mind was to protect the church from government intrusion, not to make sure no Christian thoughts were ever publicly expressed by Christians even if they were government officials.
3. LIES.
Falwell was among a handful of ambitious activists who saw the potential in marrying the Republican Party to ultraconservative Christianity, an alliance that magnified the influence of the South in national politics and boosted the fortunes of a born-again governor named George W. Bush.
We could easily change this quote around. "A handful of ambitious activists saw the potential in marrying the Democratic Party to ultra-liberalism, an alliance that magnified the influence of certain individuals in national politics and boosted the fortunes of a power hungry governor and his wife."
Falwell openly stated he learned from the liberals how to influence government. But it wasn't ultraconservative Christianity (ultraconservatives see Falwell as more liberal than themselves) but she tries to paint Falwell with an unflattering caricature. Evidently she feels we Southerners shouldn't have as much influence in government as others- aren't we Americans too?
Ascendant Christian conservatives forced traditional Republicans — those who believed in a more circumspect government that stayed out of adults' bedrooms as well as their pockets — to swallow their principles.
Traditional Republicans and old time Democrats had always backed the laws the liberals destroyed and removed.
The Grand Old Party is now hostage (what?) to a group of flat-earthers (We are not a flat earthers and neither was Falwell) who deny evolution,(because it's not true) mock gays,(preach against all sexual sin) denounce stem cell research, (have no problem with adult stem cells which have already proven to be helpful but deny the right to kill babies to harvest cells that have never been proven to help fight any illnesses) suspect contraceptives (?) and believe all Muslims are going to hell. (Jn. 14:6 any who reject Christ-even Baptist preachers!) Indeed, some of them actually want a conflagration in the Middle East because they believe it will hasten the Second Coming of Christ. (Ridiculous accusation. Notice how she misrepresents Christian eschatology.)
The rest of her article is likewise filled with misrepresentation, hypocrisy and downright lies.
And that's not all. When Bush ascended to the White House, he allowed loyalty to him and to Christian fundamentalism to dominate the hiring process. Competence no longer matters. Neither do top-notch educational credentials and expertise. Applicants are judged on their fealty to Bush, the Republican Party and the dogma of Falwell, Pat Robertson and James Dobson. (not that I agree, I think she's overstating it, but she would rather have them judged on their loyalty to abortion on demand, welfare and other special interest groups).
Graduates of fundamentalist Christian institutions, especially Falwell's Liberty University and Robertson's Regent University, have been given free rein. (Well respected but less dogmatic universities founded with a Christian mission, such as Notre Dame, are suspect.)
She shows her ignorance of true Christianity with that.
Regent law school graduate Monica Goodling — who recently quit the Justice Department because of her central role in the scandal there — was given broad control over hiring attorneys, despite her limited experience.
I don't know about this particular case but given Tucker's track record of innuendos, playing loose with the facts and suspect implications I'd question her facts anywhere.
In his book "Imperial Life in the Emerald City," Washington Post reporter Rajiv Chandrasekaran wrote that similar loyalty tests were used in the hiring process for those charged with rebuilding Iraq. Never mind whether you could speak Arabic or knew anything about getting the electricity grid to work. Two applicants told Chandrasekaran they were asked their views on Roe v. Wade. Given those priorities, the reconstruction process was doomed from the start. [People with an axe to grind aren't the most reliable sources but then Tucker doesn't really seem to care about that. Given that the liberal media has done everything it can to turn the public against the Bush administration I'd say it was hampered from the start!]
Democrats, too, have been intimidated by the religious right and brainwashed by the idea that "values voters" can turn an election. The values endorsed by theocrats, however, are dangerous to democracy. Jefferson, whose letter to the Danbury Baptists spoke of the wall of separation between church and state, understood the grave risks of allowing the religious views of any group — large or small — to dominate civil institutions. Doesn't the sectarian strife in Iraq tell us all we need to know? [Again she misuses Jefferson's letter to the Baptists, he wasn't warning them, he was reassuring them. The strife in Iraq indeed tells us this is a war in the hearts and souls of people and the same thing will happen here if America doesn't return to God.]
The war on science fostered by fundamentalist Christians is also dangerous to a nation struggling to maintain its economic hegemony. Our major universities do not produce enough scientists or engineers to keep the nation competitive. [This has nothing to do with Christians, the dumbing down of America came after kicking God out of our schools.]
President Bush should have launched a major initiative to boost scientific education, as the nation did in the 1950s and '60s. [Note how she tries to blame Bush for this, wasn't Clinton president of 8 years?]
If the nation is to free itself from its addiction to Middle Eastern oil, we need a program of federally funded research into alternative fuels that has the urgency and priority of the Manhattan Project. Instead, the president has ignored, until quite recently, evidence of man-made climate change and refused to fund broadened stem cell research. [She's using the shotgun approach now, nothing is connected but she makes it so.]
Perhaps it's no great surprise, then — though I was dumbstruck by the spectacle — that three Republican presidential candidates would raise their hands during a debate and say they do not believe in evolution. [The majority of Americans don't either, and many scientists are beginning to see the failure of the evolutionary thought. It doesn't gel with known facts.]
(I wondered if they would also swear off antibiotics, since evolutionary theory lies at the foundation of modern biology.) [A lie. "The basic laws of science, the laws of thermodynamics, are precisely predicted by creation theory. They show that evolution by strictly natural processes violates natural law, and therefore is impossible. Furthermore, a look at the fossil record provides no evidence that evolution did occur: No basic category of life ever changed into any other basic category. This even includes dinosaurs, mentioned in the Bible as dragons and preserved in legend from every continent, especially China. The fossils show sudden appearance and stasis, just as predicted from the creation model. The incredible design of living things demonstrates the necessity of a Designer behind it all. Neither natural selection and mutation, or any other theory of evolution, provides a credible explanation for this high degree of order. Many scientists throughout the world have recently abandoned evolutionary theory. It has never been supported well by science. In fact, most of the great scientific giants of the past were Christians and creationists. Because of this view of nature, the West has prospered in science and technology in recent centuries. Large groups of creationist scientists exist today in Europe, America, Korea, Russia, Japan, Australia, and throughout the world.
The Bible identifies man as created by an all-knowledgeable God. His body is well-designed for life. Given the chance, the body will maintain and heal itself. Eastern medicine utilizes great wisdom that the West has to a large degree forgotten. To use the body's own defense mechanisms is a Biblical approach, but makes no sense from a chance-driven evolutionary viewpoint. In fact, evolutionary thinking has done great harm in medicine, for instance, in deeming certain useful organs as vestigial, evolutionary leftovers. This comes from lack of knowledge and wrong thinking...
Many degenerative diseases, such as cancer and arthritis, are not totally understood. To some extent, they are genetically controlled, but most, if not all, are brought on by environmental factors and/or personal habits, such as smoking, alcoholism, improper diet, worry, loneliness, fear, stress, bitterness, or grief, each placing an undue burden on the immune system. Likewise, in those countries where sexual freedom is championed, venereal diseases of all sorts rage, and antibiotics are less effective now. Unwed mothers, abused children, dysfunctional families, etc., are the tragic offshoots of these undesirable practices. Homosexual behavior leads to a much reduced life span, even without AIDS.
The Bible gives guidelines for living which reduce instances of disease, if followed. Self-control in these areas, reliance on a local community of believers for support, a focus on eternal things, and the love and care of an extended family all reduce disease and promote overall health, and a society without these influences will degenerate rapidly." Dr. John D. Morris is President of the Institute for Creation Research.
Falwell is dead, but the damage of his fundamentalist revolution is already done. [Falwell is more alive now than ever. The salt and light he helped provide probably has given America more years of life than if he had never surrendered to the Saviour.]
II. THE TOOLS OF THE LORD'S MOUTHPIECE (MT. 16)
1. Saturate yourself in the revelation of God (v. 15-17)
2. Savour the things of God (v. 21-23)
3. Surrender to the will of God (v. 24-27)
ROACHES, SUSHI & GOD
ACTS 2, 4-5, 7
Pastor Rick Jackson
Before December 4, 2002 Shoko (a young Japanese lady) thought Jesus was only a hero in some long-ago folk tale. As a young adult, she had lived a messed-up life, being crushed as she went from one problem to the next. During one emotional moment, she grabbed a New Testament and hastily looked for comfort and "stumbled" upon I Corinthians 10:13:
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
She reasoned that the problems she had were lessons from God. Surely He would prepare a way out. From then on she remembered this verse, whenever going through difficult times.
Because she didn’t believe in Jesus and didn’t really understand the Bible, she quickly turned back to the gods of the temples and the shrines of her ancestors. At her lowest point, she was involved in many distressing situations and had been lied to so many times that she was emotionally exhausted. She used ntidepressants and sleeping pills to get by. She said, "I had no dreams, no hope, and no light in my life. I couldn’t trust anyone and couldn’t even laugh anymore. One day I cried out, 'I don’t want this struggle anymore! I don’t want the pain!'” With that she decided there was no better time than on her birthday, July 15, 2002, to commit suicide.
Not long after making this decision, Mr. and Mrs. Aida came to her real estate office. They told her that through ABWE missionary Natalie Beck they had heard about her office and were seeking an apartment for a Mr. Tago. Shoko had first met Natalie when showing her a house. Later there was an unusual outbreak of cockroaches and a host of them raided Natalie’s home. Shoko hired an exterminator and went to her home to check up on the progress, and while there Shoko and Natalie became friends.
She had been turning away new customers because of her planned suicide. But since Natalie referred Mr. Aida to her, she agreed to help. Mr. Tago would not arrive until August, so she decided to postpone her suicide. August came and she found an apartment for Mr. Tago. The day his contract was complete was to be the last day of her life. She canceled her cell phone and prepared her suicide letter.
The day came, and with everything all set she sat in the middle of her room, quieted her heart, and closed her eyes. Then, suddenly, the doorbell rang, and a boy’s familiar voice cried out, “Sister!” She opened the door to her friend’s son. “What’s wrong?” she asked. “Mom had to leave for the day, and she told me to buy something to eat, so I also bought something for you.”
Hastily, he handed her a package of sushi, then ran away. Shoko was overjoyed that he would do something like this for her, but then thought, “What if I die leaving this behind? He would think I didn’t want it.” She realized she was running away from reality. She remembered I Cor. 10:13 and was overwhelmed with all that she had prepared to do. She cried as she ate the sushi—the best she'd ever tasted. Without the love of a little boy and I Corinthians 10:13 seared in her memory she surely would have been dead.
Natalie invited her to a singles meeting. She was nervous about meeting Christians, but their love and welcome made a big impression upon her. She was amazed when the missionary lady quoted I Corinthians 10:13 and said, “We all experience troubles and tribulations in our lives. But this Bible is for us when we have troubles and we don’t know what to do. If we read it, God can lead us in the right direction.” Later, Natalie asked her if she wanted to be part of a Bible study. Shoko cringed at first, but since she was constantly looking for new insights to her problems, she thought a Bible study might actually be a positive thing.
Shoko said, "Throughout the study, Natalie explained that I am a sinner and that Jesus gave His life for me. She asked me if I wanted to believe. It took awhile, but I finally answered, “Yes, I believe,” and an unusual peace swept over me and made my heart at rest. I prayed to God with Natalie, and He forgave my sins and made me His child.
As I thought about all my sins being forgiven, I was overjoyed! I felt like a puppet whose strings were finally cut. I kept asking Natalie, “Are you sure my sins are forgiven?” She would answer, “All of your sins are forgiven and today is your new birthday.”
Even when I chose death, God was working through my friends to save me. Had Mr. and Mrs. Aida not come to my office, had they not mentioned Natalie’s name, had Mr. Tago come a day later—if even one of these events had happened differently—I believe I would be dead today. Had Natalie’s house been free of cockroaches, we would have not become friends. And I would not have studied the Bible or been introduced to Christ. From the bottom of my heart, I’m thankful that He provided my way of escape.
(Adapted from http://message.abwe.org/vol55no01/My-Way-of-Escape.html)
Shoko's story illustrates some truths for us that the Bible expounds over and over. Let's look in the book of Acts for some Biblical examples of three great truths.
I. GOD'S WAY MAY NOT BE WHAT YOU EXPECT BUT IT'S ALWAYS RIGHT! [Acts 2]
1. God uses the Willing [v. 22]
2. God uses the Wicked [v. 23]
3. God uses the Word [v. 24-31]
4. God uses the Witnesses [v. 32-37]
II. GOD'S WORK MAY NOT BE WHAT YOU EXPECT BUT IT'S ALWAYS RIGHT! [Acts 4]
1. Not everyone is delighted when you do God's work [v. 7-17]
2. Not everyone is dedicated enough to do God's work [v. 18-20]
3. Not everyone is devoted enough to do God's work [v. 29-33]
You can't do God's work God's way without God's help!
III. GOD'S WILL MAY NOT BE WHAT YOU EXPECT BUT IT'S ALWAYS RIGHT!
[Acts 5, 7]
1. The will of God mainly involves obedience [5:25-29]
2. The will of God may involve suffering [5:40-42]
3. The will of God might involve death [7:54-60]
Pastor Rick Jackson
Before December 4, 2002 Shoko (a young Japanese lady) thought Jesus was only a hero in some long-ago folk tale. As a young adult, she had lived a messed-up life, being crushed as she went from one problem to the next. During one emotional moment, she grabbed a New Testament and hastily looked for comfort and "stumbled" upon I Corinthians 10:13:
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
She reasoned that the problems she had were lessons from God. Surely He would prepare a way out. From then on she remembered this verse, whenever going through difficult times.
Because she didn’t believe in Jesus and didn’t really understand the Bible, she quickly turned back to the gods of the temples and the shrines of her ancestors. At her lowest point, she was involved in many distressing situations and had been lied to so many times that she was emotionally exhausted. She used ntidepressants and sleeping pills to get by. She said, "I had no dreams, no hope, and no light in my life. I couldn’t trust anyone and couldn’t even laugh anymore. One day I cried out, 'I don’t want this struggle anymore! I don’t want the pain!'” With that she decided there was no better time than on her birthday, July 15, 2002, to commit suicide.
Not long after making this decision, Mr. and Mrs. Aida came to her real estate office. They told her that through ABWE missionary Natalie Beck they had heard about her office and were seeking an apartment for a Mr. Tago. Shoko had first met Natalie when showing her a house. Later there was an unusual outbreak of cockroaches and a host of them raided Natalie’s home. Shoko hired an exterminator and went to her home to check up on the progress, and while there Shoko and Natalie became friends.
She had been turning away new customers because of her planned suicide. But since Natalie referred Mr. Aida to her, she agreed to help. Mr. Tago would not arrive until August, so she decided to postpone her suicide. August came and she found an apartment for Mr. Tago. The day his contract was complete was to be the last day of her life. She canceled her cell phone and prepared her suicide letter.
The day came, and with everything all set she sat in the middle of her room, quieted her heart, and closed her eyes. Then, suddenly, the doorbell rang, and a boy’s familiar voice cried out, “Sister!” She opened the door to her friend’s son. “What’s wrong?” she asked. “Mom had to leave for the day, and she told me to buy something to eat, so I also bought something for you.”
Hastily, he handed her a package of sushi, then ran away. Shoko was overjoyed that he would do something like this for her, but then thought, “What if I die leaving this behind? He would think I didn’t want it.” She realized she was running away from reality. She remembered I Cor. 10:13 and was overwhelmed with all that she had prepared to do. She cried as she ate the sushi—the best she'd ever tasted. Without the love of a little boy and I Corinthians 10:13 seared in her memory she surely would have been dead.
Natalie invited her to a singles meeting. She was nervous about meeting Christians, but their love and welcome made a big impression upon her. She was amazed when the missionary lady quoted I Corinthians 10:13 and said, “We all experience troubles and tribulations in our lives. But this Bible is for us when we have troubles and we don’t know what to do. If we read it, God can lead us in the right direction.” Later, Natalie asked her if she wanted to be part of a Bible study. Shoko cringed at first, but since she was constantly looking for new insights to her problems, she thought a Bible study might actually be a positive thing.
Shoko said, "Throughout the study, Natalie explained that I am a sinner and that Jesus gave His life for me. She asked me if I wanted to believe. It took awhile, but I finally answered, “Yes, I believe,” and an unusual peace swept over me and made my heart at rest. I prayed to God with Natalie, and He forgave my sins and made me His child.
As I thought about all my sins being forgiven, I was overjoyed! I felt like a puppet whose strings were finally cut. I kept asking Natalie, “Are you sure my sins are forgiven?” She would answer, “All of your sins are forgiven and today is your new birthday.”
Even when I chose death, God was working through my friends to save me. Had Mr. and Mrs. Aida not come to my office, had they not mentioned Natalie’s name, had Mr. Tago come a day later—if even one of these events had happened differently—I believe I would be dead today. Had Natalie’s house been free of cockroaches, we would have not become friends. And I would not have studied the Bible or been introduced to Christ. From the bottom of my heart, I’m thankful that He provided my way of escape.
(Adapted from http://message.abwe.org/vol55no01/My-Way-of-Escape.html)
Shoko's story illustrates some truths for us that the Bible expounds over and over. Let's look in the book of Acts for some Biblical examples of three great truths.
I. GOD'S WAY MAY NOT BE WHAT YOU EXPECT BUT IT'S ALWAYS RIGHT! [Acts 2]
1. God uses the Willing [v. 22]
2. God uses the Wicked [v. 23]
3. God uses the Word [v. 24-31]
4. God uses the Witnesses [v. 32-37]
II. GOD'S WORK MAY NOT BE WHAT YOU EXPECT BUT IT'S ALWAYS RIGHT! [Acts 4]
1. Not everyone is delighted when you do God's work [v. 7-17]
2. Not everyone is dedicated enough to do God's work [v. 18-20]
3. Not everyone is devoted enough to do God's work [v. 29-33]
You can't do God's work God's way without God's help!
III. GOD'S WILL MAY NOT BE WHAT YOU EXPECT BUT IT'S ALWAYS RIGHT!
[Acts 5, 7]
1. The will of God mainly involves obedience [5:25-29]
2. The will of God may involve suffering [5:40-42]
3. The will of God might involve death [7:54-60]
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Dr. Falwell writes of his friend Dr. Roberson
On May 4, 2007, Dr. Falwell writes of his friend, Dr. Roberson just eleven days before joining him in glory.
From: Jerry Falwell
Date: May 4, 2007
A Friend Goes Home
Earlier this week, Dr. Lee Roberson, longtime pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga , Tenn. , and founder of Tennessee Temple University , went home to be with his Lord at the age of 97.
Dr. Roberson was one of the finest Christian men I have ever known. He was one of my mentors and role models. In 1968, Dr. Roberson and his Tennessee Temple University conferred a Doctor of Divinity upon me.
As our nation has accelerated toward politically-correct systems that promote religious and cultural diversity, this old war horse of the faith never wavered in his bold proclamation that the crucified Christ is the only way to heaven and the only way to discover true spiritual peace.
My dear friend Dr. John Rawlings, now 93, is one of the last members of that generation of post-World War II preachers and evangelists who dramatically impacted countless lives, including mine. He continues to be on the cutting edge of ministry today, leading in church-planting efforts worldwide through the Rawlings Foundation.
That generation of church leaders - including Drs. B.R. Lakin, G.B. Vick, Dallas Billington, Billy Graham, Bob Jones Sr., W.A. Criswell, J. Harold Smith, Bill Bright and many others - were fearless representatives of Christ. They continue to inspire me and younger generations today.
Dr. Roberson was one of the great preachers of that generation and was once described as the Charles Spurgeon of his time. Born in a two-room log cabin in a small Indiana town, he was led to Christ by his Sunday school teacher, Mrs. Daisy Hawes of Cedar Creek Baptist Church outside of Louisville , Ky. , at age 14. Little did she know then that the young man in her class would be blessed by God to impact his nation with the Gospel.
In 1942, after serving God in evangelistic work and in churches that included the First Baptist Church in Fairfield , Ala. , he became pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga , where he would later found Tennessee Temple Schools.
He was noted for his great sermons, some of which were: "Have Faith in God," "A Mother's Faith," "Be Ye Therefore Steadfast" and "Does Jesus Live at your House?" His sermons could penetrate the soul of the most rigid heart so that people could see the need of Jesus Christ in their lives.
Readers interested in reading and hearing some of Dr. Roberson's sermons may visit the Go to the Bible website: http://www.gotothebible.com/HTML/RobersonLee.html
J.R. Faulkner, in "Get a Glimpse of the World's Largest Church " in 1973, wrote: "[Dr. Roberson] has set an example of faithfulness and devotion to his family and to his convictions before his church and to the entire world. At home, he has sought to teach his children in the fear and admonition of the Lord around a daily family altar, which has reflected itself in the lives of the children."
That is the picture of the godly man that should be the foundation of every Christian home today. If it were, the Church today would not be struggling with overwhelming problems of divorce and family discontent. We truly need to get back to the basics that men like Dr. Roberson understood and lived out daily.
Dr. Roberson was preceded in death by daughter Joy Caroline and wife Caroline. He is survived by son his John (and wife Donna), daughter LeeAnne Nichols (and husband Dr. L.W. "Buddy" Nichols), daughter June Ormesher (and husband Bill), eight grandchildren and, as Tennessee Temple noted on its website, "by the countless thousands who accepted the new life of salvation under his ministry."
I am thankful to have known Dr. Roberson and pray that future generations of Christian leaders will be inspired by his faithfulness to Jesus Christ and to world evangelization
From: Jerry Falwell
Date: May 4, 2007
A Friend Goes Home
Earlier this week, Dr. Lee Roberson, longtime pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga , Tenn. , and founder of Tennessee Temple University , went home to be with his Lord at the age of 97.
Dr. Roberson was one of the finest Christian men I have ever known. He was one of my mentors and role models. In 1968, Dr. Roberson and his Tennessee Temple University conferred a Doctor of Divinity upon me.
As our nation has accelerated toward politically-correct systems that promote religious and cultural diversity, this old war horse of the faith never wavered in his bold proclamation that the crucified Christ is the only way to heaven and the only way to discover true spiritual peace.
My dear friend Dr. John Rawlings, now 93, is one of the last members of that generation of post-World War II preachers and evangelists who dramatically impacted countless lives, including mine. He continues to be on the cutting edge of ministry today, leading in church-planting efforts worldwide through the Rawlings Foundation.
That generation of church leaders - including Drs. B.R. Lakin, G.B. Vick, Dallas Billington, Billy Graham, Bob Jones Sr., W.A. Criswell, J. Harold Smith, Bill Bright and many others - were fearless representatives of Christ. They continue to inspire me and younger generations today.
Dr. Roberson was one of the great preachers of that generation and was once described as the Charles Spurgeon of his time. Born in a two-room log cabin in a small Indiana town, he was led to Christ by his Sunday school teacher, Mrs. Daisy Hawes of Cedar Creek Baptist Church outside of Louisville , Ky. , at age 14. Little did she know then that the young man in her class would be blessed by God to impact his nation with the Gospel.
In 1942, after serving God in evangelistic work and in churches that included the First Baptist Church in Fairfield , Ala. , he became pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga , where he would later found Tennessee Temple Schools.
He was noted for his great sermons, some of which were: "Have Faith in God," "A Mother's Faith," "Be Ye Therefore Steadfast" and "Does Jesus Live at your House?" His sermons could penetrate the soul of the most rigid heart so that people could see the need of Jesus Christ in their lives.
Readers interested in reading and hearing some of Dr. Roberson's sermons may visit the Go to the Bible website: http://www.gotothebible.com/HTML/RobersonLee.html
J.R. Faulkner, in "Get a Glimpse of the World's Largest Church " in 1973, wrote: "[Dr. Roberson] has set an example of faithfulness and devotion to his family and to his convictions before his church and to the entire world. At home, he has sought to teach his children in the fear and admonition of the Lord around a daily family altar, which has reflected itself in the lives of the children."
That is the picture of the godly man that should be the foundation of every Christian home today. If it were, the Church today would not be struggling with overwhelming problems of divorce and family discontent. We truly need to get back to the basics that men like Dr. Roberson understood and lived out daily.
Dr. Roberson was preceded in death by daughter Joy Caroline and wife Caroline. He is survived by son his John (and wife Donna), daughter LeeAnne Nichols (and husband Dr. L.W. "Buddy" Nichols), daughter June Ormesher (and husband Bill), eight grandchildren and, as Tennessee Temple noted on its website, "by the countless thousands who accepted the new life of salvation under his ministry."
I am thankful to have known Dr. Roberson and pray that future generations of Christian leaders will be inspired by his faithfulness to Jesus Christ and to world evangelization
Friday, May 18, 2007
Sick pic #2 (not what you think... okay, maybe it is)
This is what my head feels like it is in today.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Sick pic (not what you think)
I am sick today. I can't really think that clearly but I thought I'd post a "pic" descriptive of how I feel.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
"LET"TERS & DOERS
COL. 3:15-17
The word "rule" literally means to umpire. The umpire determines when something is in bounds or out of bounds, according to the rules or against the rules, qualified or disqualified. Don't argue with the umpire. The person who is living "in the Spirit" can use the peace of God to determine things not specifically stated in the Scripture. In doing this we must see:
1. The Superiority of the Scriptures!
Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
2. The Framework of our Focus!
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Like a river glorious, is God’s perfect peace,Over all victorious, in its bright increase;Perfect, yet it floweth, fuller every day,Perfect, yet it groweth, deeper all the way.
Refrain -Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blestFinding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.
Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.
Every joy or trial falleth from above,Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love;We may trust Him fully all for us to do.They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.
3. The Power behind the Peace!
"When we obey the will of God, we have His peace within: but when we step out of His will (even unintentionally), we lose His peace... We must beware... of a false peace in the heart. Jonah deliberately disobeyed God, yet he was able to go to sleep in the hold of a ship in a storm!" -Wiersbe
Jer. 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
This is our calling in one body. Every Christian should do this as should every church. It is part of the individual calling and the collective calling.
And BE THANKFUL! In His Peace, for His Peace, and with His peace!
II. LET THE WORD OF CHRIST DWELL IN YOU RICHLY [3:16]
1. It Should Be At Home (the meaning of dwell) not a stranger
2. It Should Be Abundantly Housed ("richly" plousios=abundantly) not a small kcick-knack, majorly used furniture)
II Tm. 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
3. It Should Be Admonished Heartily (Scriptural songs to and from the heart)
psalms=Psalms, hymns=songs of praise to God like How Great Thou Art, spiritual songs=other types of Scriptural songs like Nothing But the Blood, Amazing Grace)
III. DO EVERY THING IN THE NAME OF CHRIST [3:17]
1. It's all inclusive [v. 17a)
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men
2. It's all exclusive
Acts 15:26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
3. It's all expressive
Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. LET THE PEACE OF GOD RULE IN YOUR HEART. [v. 15]The word "rule" literally means to umpire. The umpire determines when something is in bounds or out of bounds, according to the rules or against the rules, qualified or disqualified. Don't argue with the umpire. The person who is living "in the Spirit" can use the peace of God to determine things not specifically stated in the Scripture. In doing this we must see:
1. The Superiority of the Scriptures!
Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
2. The Framework of our Focus!
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Like a river glorious, is God’s perfect peace,Over all victorious, in its bright increase;Perfect, yet it floweth, fuller every day,Perfect, yet it groweth, deeper all the way.
Refrain -Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blestFinding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.
Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.
Every joy or trial falleth from above,Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love;We may trust Him fully all for us to do.They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.
3. The Power behind the Peace!
"When we obey the will of God, we have His peace within: but when we step out of His will (even unintentionally), we lose His peace... We must beware... of a false peace in the heart. Jonah deliberately disobeyed God, yet he was able to go to sleep in the hold of a ship in a storm!" -Wiersbe
Jer. 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
This is our calling in one body. Every Christian should do this as should every church. It is part of the individual calling and the collective calling.
And BE THANKFUL! In His Peace, for His Peace, and with His peace!
II. LET THE WORD OF CHRIST DWELL IN YOU RICHLY [3:16]
1. It Should Be At Home (the meaning of dwell) not a stranger
2. It Should Be Abundantly Housed ("richly" plousios=abundantly) not a small kcick-knack, majorly used furniture)
II Tm. 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
3. It Should Be Admonished Heartily (Scriptural songs to and from the heart)
psalms=Psalms, hymns=songs of praise to God like How Great Thou Art, spiritual songs=other types of Scriptural songs like Nothing But the Blood, Amazing Grace)
III. DO EVERY THING IN THE NAME OF CHRIST [3:17]
1. It's all inclusive [v. 17a)
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men
2. It's all exclusive
Acts 15:26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
3. It's all expressive
Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Pictures of the Week!
Dog... gone!
Jada makes up for the difference in size by going for Bessie's back legs.
Kung Fu? What's that?
Can't resist... cookie.
Jada makes up for the difference in size by going for Bessie's back legs.
Kung Fu? What's that?
Can't resist... cookie.
That's okay, they better check their shoes for a little surprise.
Monday, May 14, 2007
SMOKEY BONES GETTIN' RARE
My wife and I discovered our favorite restaurant in Pensacola, Fl a couple of years ago. A place called Smokey Bones. At first I thought it was going to be a one time visit because they didn't serve baked potatoes (they do now) and my dear wife likes her baked potatoes with her favorite food... which is steak! (I like steak BUT I prefer a good hamburger). So while we waiting we talked about how unusual it was for a place not to have baked potatoes to serve with steaks and... oh well... yadda yadda yadda. Well, the steak was soooooo goooood she said she didn't care. This is where we would come to eat while in Pensacola! Later they added baked potatoes and so now she's really happy!
We were in Pensacola last week (hence the paucity of blogs during that time) and lo, and behold, Smokey Bones had closed! Arrghhh! We feared this would be true of the one we discovered in Orange Park, FL (closer to Starke reality) but a quick check on the Internet when we returned allayed those fears. Orange Park hadn't but 40+ Smokey Bones had closed down. Not a good sign.
Listen folks, Smokey Bones has some good eats. Their ribs are fantastic (which you should expect from a restaurant called Smokey Bones). Their baked beans are to break a diet for! Their hamburgers are freakishly delicious and their steaks are good enough to eat without a baked potato (though those are now available). So do me a favor, if you are ever out looking for a place to eat... and you see a Smokey Bones, give 'em a shot, keep 'em opened.
Ah yes, and the service! Last night for mother's day we went out to... SMOKEY BONES in Orange Park after church! Our server was a new guy named Ryan but he was already top-notch! He sure kept those diet cokes coming and was very knowledgeable. Good job Ryan! We will do our best to keep your place open!
p.s. don't bring your little ones. It's more of a grown-up place. Make it a date with that someone special! Even if it ain't Mother's day for another year!
We were in Pensacola last week (hence the paucity of blogs during that time) and lo, and behold, Smokey Bones had closed! Arrghhh! We feared this would be true of the one we discovered in Orange Park, FL (closer to Starke reality) but a quick check on the Internet when we returned allayed those fears. Orange Park hadn't but 40+ Smokey Bones had closed down. Not a good sign.
Listen folks, Smokey Bones has some good eats. Their ribs are fantastic (which you should expect from a restaurant called Smokey Bones). Their baked beans are to break a diet for! Their hamburgers are freakishly delicious and their steaks are good enough to eat without a baked potato (though those are now available). So do me a favor, if you are ever out looking for a place to eat... and you see a Smokey Bones, give 'em a shot, keep 'em opened.
Ah yes, and the service! Last night for mother's day we went out to... SMOKEY BONES in Orange Park after church! Our server was a new guy named Ryan but he was already top-notch! He sure kept those diet cokes coming and was very knowledgeable. Good job Ryan! We will do our best to keep your place open!
p.s. don't bring your little ones. It's more of a grown-up place. Make it a date with that someone special! Even if it ain't Mother's day for another year!
Sunday, May 13, 2007
WANTED: THE RIGHT KIND OF MOTHERS
I SAMUEL 1
Pastor Rick Jackson
There are have been and there are many kinds of mothers in the world. Every human except Adam & Eve had a mother and she was the first mother! Unfortunately most mothers are not the right kind of mothers just like most fathers are not the right kind of fathers...
God give us the right kind of mothers! Almost any little girl will tell you when she grows up she wants to be a mommy. They may change their mind later due to the influence of others but I believe God put that desire in that little ones heart and there is NO calling in the world higher than to be the RIGHT kind of mother!
But just what is the right kind of mother. There are many women in the Bible who could show us this truth. Mary, Elisabeth, Lois, Eunice to name but a few. But one who stands out is found in the book of I Samuel, the book bears her sons name, the mother's name is Hannah. Hannah is an example of the right kind of mother.
The right kind of mother is a mother:
I. WHO LOVES HER CHILDREN [V. 1-8]
Hannah wanted a child to love. Some women don't love their children like they should. They love their careers more (or TV, fun. sleep, friends, things, etc.). The need is for mothers that love their children. Love them enough to:
1. Fend for them-will involve time (food)
Pr. 31: 15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household
2. Spend for them-may involve sacrifice (the right kind of clothes)
Pr. 31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
3. Tend to them-will involve discipline
Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
Pr. 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
Pr. 19:18Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
II. PRAYS FOR HER CHILDREN [1:10]
1. She should be saved [2:1]
2. She should be separated [1:15-16]
3. She should pray with and for her children
I Sam. 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: (where might Samuel have learned this?)
III. TRAINS HER CHILDREN [1:11, 22]
1. In the way of salvation [II Tm. 1:5, 3:15]
2. In the way of service
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
3. In the way of sacrifice [Rm. 12:1-2]
Yes we need the right kind of mothers. But we also need the right kind of fathers. ...sons & daughters... young people... adults... husbands... wives... singles...
Pastor Rick Jackson
There are have been and there are many kinds of mothers in the world. Every human except Adam & Eve had a mother and she was the first mother! Unfortunately most mothers are not the right kind of mothers just like most fathers are not the right kind of fathers...
God give us the right kind of mothers! Almost any little girl will tell you when she grows up she wants to be a mommy. They may change their mind later due to the influence of others but I believe God put that desire in that little ones heart and there is NO calling in the world higher than to be the RIGHT kind of mother!
But just what is the right kind of mother. There are many women in the Bible who could show us this truth. Mary, Elisabeth, Lois, Eunice to name but a few. But one who stands out is found in the book of I Samuel, the book bears her sons name, the mother's name is Hannah. Hannah is an example of the right kind of mother.
The right kind of mother is a mother:
I. WHO LOVES HER CHILDREN [V. 1-8]
Hannah wanted a child to love. Some women don't love their children like they should. They love their careers more (or TV, fun. sleep, friends, things, etc.). The need is for mothers that love their children. Love them enough to:
1. Fend for them-will involve time (food)
Pr. 31: 15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household
2. Spend for them-may involve sacrifice (the right kind of clothes)
Pr. 31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
3. Tend to them-will involve discipline
Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
Pr. 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
Pr. 19:18Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
II. PRAYS FOR HER CHILDREN [1:10]
1. She should be saved [2:1]
2. She should be separated [1:15-16]
3. She should pray with and for her children
I Sam. 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: (where might Samuel have learned this?)
III. TRAINS HER CHILDREN [1:11, 22]
1. In the way of salvation [II Tm. 1:5, 3:15]
2. In the way of service
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
3. In the way of sacrifice [Rm. 12:1-2]
Yes we need the right kind of mothers. But we also need the right kind of fathers. ...sons & daughters... young people... adults... husbands... wives... singles...
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Q: Intelligent design—an intelligent solution?
A: Because of the so-called “separation of church and state” issue in America’s public schools, some Christians and other evolution opponents have been looking for ways to allow students to hear the scientific problems with molecules-to-man evolution and to learn different views on origins. So, is teaching intelligent design the way to accomplish this?
While we believe that design arguments can be useful for opening any discussion on origins, we don’t recommend that science teachers be mandated to teach an alternative idea like ID. It can actually be counterproductive to require teachers, many of whom are evolutionists, to teach something they totally reject.
As we predicted, recent efforts by a school board in Pennsylvania to require science teachers to make their students aware of ID failed in a federal court. The judge ruled it unconstitutional to require public school science teachers to refer to ID as an alternative to evolution.
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
While we believe that design arguments can be useful for opening any discussion on origins, we don’t recommend that science teachers be mandated to teach an alternative idea like ID. It can actually be counterproductive to require teachers, many of whom are evolutionists, to teach something they totally reject.
As we predicted, recent efforts by a school board in Pennsylvania to require science teachers to make their students aware of ID failed in a federal court. The judge ruled it unconstitutional to require public school science teachers to refer to ID as an alternative to evolution.
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
THE QUESTION IS "WHY"? (with answers from John)
THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
Pastor Rick Jackson
Why? We've asked it and been asked it. Sometimes the answer is forthcoming, sometimes it is not. Vance Havner wisely said, God marks some of our days, "Will explain later!"
I. BECAUSE THE WORLD MUST BE SHOWN [14:1, 27-31]
1. That peace is available in a trouble world [14:1, 27]
2. That the will of God is a matter for rejoicing [14:28-29]
3. That submission is an indication of love [14:30-31]
II. BECAUSE WE NEED PRUNING [15:1-14]
1. To make us more fruitful [15:1-2]
2. To encourage abiding [15:3-6]
3. To enable us to get out prayers answered [15:7]
4. To glorify the Father as disciples of Jesus Christ [15:8]
5. Because obedience brings joy [15:9-14]
III. BECAUSE WE BELONG TO JESUS [15:18-25]
1. The world hates Jesus [15:18]
2. We are not of the world [15:15-17, 19]
3. The world does NOT know the true God [15:20-25]
Years ago a teacher put the question, "Why?" on a test. I answered, "Because." She marked it wrong and said the answer was "Why not?" Personally I think both are equally correct. Sometimes the answer is "Because." Sometimes the answer is "Why not?"
Pastor Rick Jackson
Why? We've asked it and been asked it. Sometimes the answer is forthcoming, sometimes it is not. Vance Havner wisely said, God marks some of our days, "Will explain later!"
I. BECAUSE THE WORLD MUST BE SHOWN [14:1, 27-31]
1. That peace is available in a trouble world [14:1, 27]
2. That the will of God is a matter for rejoicing [14:28-29]
3. That submission is an indication of love [14:30-31]
II. BECAUSE WE NEED PRUNING [15:1-14]
1. To make us more fruitful [15:1-2]
2. To encourage abiding [15:3-6]
3. To enable us to get out prayers answered [15:7]
4. To glorify the Father as disciples of Jesus Christ [15:8]
5. Because obedience brings joy [15:9-14]
III. BECAUSE WE BELONG TO JESUS [15:18-25]
1. The world hates Jesus [15:18]
2. We are not of the world [15:15-17, 19]
3. The world does NOT know the true God [15:20-25]
Years ago a teacher put the question, "Why?" on a test. I answered, "Because." She marked it wrong and said the answer was "Why not?" Personally I think both are equally correct. Sometimes the answer is "Because." Sometimes the answer is "Why not?"
3000 WORDS FOR THE AGES
PSALM 5
Pastor Rick Jackson
The saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words" explains the title of this message. David gives us considerably less than 3000 words in this Psalm but in it he paints three pictures that have stood the test of time. Here are three pictures that have spoken volumes to multitudes and should they fail to impress you the fault would be explained by the third picture. Before we get there let's look at the first two pictures presented to us in this Psalm.
I. THE PICTURE OF GOD [V. 1-6]
A little boy was drawing a picture and his mom asked him what he was drawing and he replied, "God." She said, "Honey, nobody knows what God looks like." He said, "They will when I get done." The Psalmist David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit shows us a much more accurate picture than any camera could take.
1. We see an awe-inspiring God [v. 1-2]
In verse one He is called "LORD" in all caps. That means it is the name "Yahweh" or, as some pronounce it, "Jehovah". It is derived from the Hebrew word "havah" meaning "to be" or "being" speaking of existence or rather, self-existence. Thus Yahweh is the eternal, self-existent One without beginning or end. (Heb. 13:8, Rev. 4:8) This is how He revealed Himself to Moses in Ex. 3:14 and how Jesus revealed Himself to the Jews in John 8:58.
In verse 2 David calls Him "My King" and "my God". Elohim is derived from two root words. "El" meaning unlimited energy, might, power , strength (Gn. 1:1) It celebrates the divine attribute known as Omnipotence. (Heb. 1:3, Ps. 19:1). "Alah" meaning "to swear". It celebrates the divine attribute of truth and activity of giving His Word. The covenant making and keeping God. (Num. 23:19, Heb. 6:17-18, Jn. 14:6, 17:17). "Elohim" is a plural noun. (Gn. 1:26, 3:22, 11:7) This fits in perfectly with the doctrine of the Trinity expounded in the O.T. and N.T. alike (Ps. 2, Mt. 28:19, II Cor. 13:14)
Here's a truth the Apostle Thomas grasped when he saw the resurrected Lord and exclaimed with the psalmist, "My Lord and my God!" (Jn. 20:28). Thomas condensed a thousand words into five English words but what a picture!
Not only an awe-inspiring God but...
2. We see a prayer-hearing God [v. 1-3]
Oh the compassion of God. Oh the grace of God. oh the goodness of God! No wonder the Bible says, [Romans 2:4] Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
And then...
3. We see a sin-hating God [v. 4-6]
Pr. 6:16-19 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
The next picture is...
II. THE PICTURE OF A WISE BELIEVER [V. 7-8]
Pastor Rick Jackson
The saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words" explains the title of this message. David gives us considerably less than 3000 words in this Psalm but in it he paints three pictures that have stood the test of time. Here are three pictures that have spoken volumes to multitudes and should they fail to impress you the fault would be explained by the third picture. Before we get there let's look at the first two pictures presented to us in this Psalm.
I. THE PICTURE OF GOD [V. 1-6]
A little boy was drawing a picture and his mom asked him what he was drawing and he replied, "God." She said, "Honey, nobody knows what God looks like." He said, "They will when I get done." The Psalmist David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit shows us a much more accurate picture than any camera could take.
1. We see an awe-inspiring God [v. 1-2]
In verse one He is called "LORD" in all caps. That means it is the name "Yahweh" or, as some pronounce it, "Jehovah". It is derived from the Hebrew word "havah" meaning "to be" or "being" speaking of existence or rather, self-existence. Thus Yahweh is the eternal, self-existent One without beginning or end. (Heb. 13:8, Rev. 4:8) This is how He revealed Himself to Moses in Ex. 3:14 and how Jesus revealed Himself to the Jews in John 8:58.
In verse 2 David calls Him "My King" and "my God". Elohim is derived from two root words. "El" meaning unlimited energy, might, power , strength (Gn. 1:1) It celebrates the divine attribute known as Omnipotence. (Heb. 1:3, Ps. 19:1). "Alah" meaning "to swear". It celebrates the divine attribute of truth and activity of giving His Word. The covenant making and keeping God. (Num. 23:19, Heb. 6:17-18, Jn. 14:6, 17:17). "Elohim" is a plural noun. (Gn. 1:26, 3:22, 11:7) This fits in perfectly with the doctrine of the Trinity expounded in the O.T. and N.T. alike (Ps. 2, Mt. 28:19, II Cor. 13:14)
Here's a truth the Apostle Thomas grasped when he saw the resurrected Lord and exclaimed with the psalmist, "My Lord and my God!" (Jn. 20:28). Thomas condensed a thousand words into five English words but what a picture!
Not only an awe-inspiring God but...
2. We see a prayer-hearing God [v. 1-3]
Oh the compassion of God. Oh the grace of God. oh the goodness of God! No wonder the Bible says, [Romans 2:4] Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
And then...
3. We see a sin-hating God [v. 4-6]
Pr. 6:16-19 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
The next picture is...
II. THE PICTURE OF A WISE BELIEVER [V. 7-8]
1. We see a person unashamedly embracing God's mercy [v. 7a]
2. We see a person worshipping God openly [v. 7b]
3. We see a person wisely seeking God's leading [v. 8]
III. THE PICTURE OF THE UNBELIEVER [V. 9-12]
1. See the inner character of the wicked [v.9]
2. See the impending consummation of the wicked [v. 10]
3. See the only chance of the wicked [v. 11-12]
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Q: Did God create animals to eat other animals?
A: No, God did not make carnivores at the beginning. When God first made the animals, He instructed them in Genesis 1:30 that they were to eat plants. In other words, they were to be vegetarian originally. Genesis chapter 1:29 teaches that humans were also to be vegetarian originally.
Before sin, God described everything as “very good”—there was no death in the world. Humans and animals ate plants. But … sin changed everything. After the global Flood, God told Noah that humans could then begin to eat animals.
While the Bible doesn’t tell us exactly when animals started eating each other, it’s obvious this happened before the Flood. The fossil record of dead things—most of which was formed by the Flood of Noah’s day—contains the fossils of animal bones in the stomachs of other animals. Thus, some animals were eating each other before the Flood.
We don’t know if carnivores developed quickly or slowly after sin. Regardless, though, we now live in a fallen world that’s definitely no longer “very good.”
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
Before sin, God described everything as “very good”—there was no death in the world. Humans and animals ate plants. But … sin changed everything. After the global Flood, God told Noah that humans could then begin to eat animals.
While the Bible doesn’t tell us exactly when animals started eating each other, it’s obvious this happened before the Flood. The fossil record of dead things—most of which was formed by the Flood of Noah’s day—contains the fossils of animal bones in the stomachs of other animals. Thus, some animals were eating each other before the Flood.
We don’t know if carnivores developed quickly or slowly after sin. Regardless, though, we now live in a fallen world that’s definitely no longer “very good.”
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
Friday, May 04, 2007
LIPSTICK IN SCHOOL
My niece Melissa sent me this one...
According to a news report, a certain school in Garden City, MI was recently faced with a unique problem. A number of 12-year-old girls were beginning to use lipstick and would put it on in the washroom.That was fine, but after they put on their lipstick they would press their lips to the mirror leaving dozens of little lip prints. Every night, the maintenance man would remove them and the next day the girls would put them back.
Finally the principal decided that something had to be done. He called all the girls to the washroom and met them there with the maintenance man. He explained that all these lip prints were causing a major problem for the custodian who had to clean the mirrors every night. To demonstrate how difficult it had been to clean the mirrors, he asked the maintenance man to show the girls how much effort was required. He took out a long-handled squeegee, dipped it in the toilet, and cleanedthe mirror with it. Since then, there have been no lip prints on themirror.
THE MORAL OF THIS STORY.., There are teachers, and then there are Educators
More or less confirmed by www.snopes.com
According to a news report, a certain school in Garden City, MI was recently faced with a unique problem. A number of 12-year-old girls were beginning to use lipstick and would put it on in the washroom.That was fine, but after they put on their lipstick they would press their lips to the mirror leaving dozens of little lip prints. Every night, the maintenance man would remove them and the next day the girls would put them back.
Finally the principal decided that something had to be done. He called all the girls to the washroom and met them there with the maintenance man. He explained that all these lip prints were causing a major problem for the custodian who had to clean the mirrors every night. To demonstrate how difficult it had been to clean the mirrors, he asked the maintenance man to show the girls how much effort was required. He took out a long-handled squeegee, dipped it in the toilet, and cleanedthe mirror with it. Since then, there have been no lip prints on themirror.
THE MORAL OF THIS STORY.., There are teachers, and then there are Educators
More or less confirmed by www.snopes.com
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Blogging and bogging (down)
394 posts and a little over 1 year. I missed the anniversary of this blog last month. I never thought it'd be this much a part of my life. It has become a friend as well as a foe, a chore and a challenge, a joy and a joke. Okay... I will stop with the contrasting. It has been therapeutic to me as well as a blessing (I hope) to others.
Yep, that fat guy is me. I am currently on yet another weight reduction program. Someone told me they quickest way I could lose 20 pounds of ugly fat would be to have my head surgically removed. Not funny... quit laughing... stop it... you'd better stop or I will sit on your lap! Yeah... I thought that would do it.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
IT'S SETTLED! IT'S SPIRITUAL!
COLOSSIANS 3:9-17
Pastor Rick Jackson
Last week we saw that when a person trusts Christ that they are quite a few things that become settled. Since certain thins are settled, certain changes should be made, certain things should be done, certain truths should be accepted. these things are largely of a spiritual nature... it's settled, it's spiritual!
I. WHAT WAS DONE [V. 9-11]
1. The "old man" was dethroned [v. 9] "rendered inoperative"
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Galatians 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
Wuest says, "Lie" is a present imperative in a prohibition, forbidding the continuance of an action already going on. It is, "Stop lying to one another."
About what? About who they were, who they are, and in whom they are! Read verses 10-11 for the general idea and then we'll go back for a little more instruction.
2. The enlightened new man has been enthroned [v. 10]
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
Ephesians 4: 20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
3. The new man has an All powerful, Awe-inspiring Allied-commander [v. 10b-11]
II. WHAT SHOULD BE DONE [V. 12-14]
1. This is who we are [v. 12a]
The Word elect means chosen of God. -W.W.Wiersbe (We are chosen of God in Christ- Eph. 1:4)
There is a great deal of discussion about this matter of election. the fact of the matter is that if you have trusted Christ, you have on this new garment, and you are one of the elect. -J. Vernon McGee
2. This is what we should "wear" [v. 12b-13]
--bowels of mercies-- heart of compassion
--kindness-- a profitable gentleness
--humbleness of mind-- Humility is not thinking poorly of one's self. Rather, it is having the proper estimation of one's self in the will of God. -W.W.W.
--meekness--
--long-suffering -- as opposed to being short fused. It is good to be able to get angry, for this is a sign of holy character. But it is wrong to get angry quickly at the wrong things for the wrong reasons. W.W.W.
--forbearing one another-- God is forbearing toward sinners in that He holds back His judgement. W.W.W.
--forgiving one another--
3. This is what ties it all together [v. 14]
A man's belt does many things. It holds up his pants, keeps his shirt tucked in, gives stability, holds phones, tools, etc. it's multifunctional and helps other items of clothing to do their job well. So it is with agape love.
III. HOW IT SHOULD BE DONE [V. 15-17]
1. Let the peace of God rule in your heart. [v. 15]
Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
2. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you righly [v. 16]
3. Do everything in the name of Christ [v. 17]
Pastor Rick Jackson
Last week we saw that when a person trusts Christ that they are quite a few things that become settled. Since certain thins are settled, certain changes should be made, certain things should be done, certain truths should be accepted. these things are largely of a spiritual nature... it's settled, it's spiritual!
I. WHAT WAS DONE [V. 9-11]
1. The "old man" was dethroned [v. 9] "rendered inoperative"
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Galatians 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
Wuest says, "Lie" is a present imperative in a prohibition, forbidding the continuance of an action already going on. It is, "Stop lying to one another."
About what? About who they were, who they are, and in whom they are! Read verses 10-11 for the general idea and then we'll go back for a little more instruction.
2. The enlightened new man has been enthroned [v. 10]
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
Ephesians 4: 20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
3. The new man has an All powerful, Awe-inspiring Allied-commander [v. 10b-11]
II. WHAT SHOULD BE DONE [V. 12-14]
1. This is who we are [v. 12a]
The Word elect means chosen of God. -W.W.Wiersbe (We are chosen of God in Christ- Eph. 1:4)
There is a great deal of discussion about this matter of election. the fact of the matter is that if you have trusted Christ, you have on this new garment, and you are one of the elect. -J. Vernon McGee
2. This is what we should "wear" [v. 12b-13]
--bowels of mercies-- heart of compassion
--kindness-- a profitable gentleness
--humbleness of mind-- Humility is not thinking poorly of one's self. Rather, it is having the proper estimation of one's self in the will of God. -W.W.W.
--meekness--
--long-suffering -- as opposed to being short fused. It is good to be able to get angry, for this is a sign of holy character. But it is wrong to get angry quickly at the wrong things for the wrong reasons. W.W.W.
--forbearing one another-- God is forbearing toward sinners in that He holds back His judgement. W.W.W.
--forgiving one another--
3. This is what ties it all together [v. 14]
A man's belt does many things. It holds up his pants, keeps his shirt tucked in, gives stability, holds phones, tools, etc. it's multifunctional and helps other items of clothing to do their job well. So it is with agape love.
III. HOW IT SHOULD BE DONE [V. 15-17]
1. Let the peace of God rule in your heart. [v. 15]
Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
2. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you righly [v. 16]
3. Do everything in the name of Christ [v. 17]
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Arrangements for DR. LEE ROBERSON
For instructions to Listen to the service on WDYN via the web and Dr. Roberson's eight minute message. See below.
Services for Dr. Lee Roberson, longtime pastor of the Highland Park Baptist Church and Founder of Tennessee Temple University, will be held Thursday, May 3rd in the main auditorium of the Highland Park Baptist Church. Dr. Roberson, age 97, went to glory Sunday morning.
The family will receive visitors from 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-9:00 PM at the East Chapel of the Chattanooga Funeral Home at 404 South Moore Road.
Dr. Roberson's body will lie in state in the Highland Park Baptist Church from 11:30 until 1:00 PM on Thursday. Officiating at the service will be Dr. David Bouler, pastor of the church and Chancellor of Tennessee Temple University. Dr. Paul Dixon, Chancellor of Cedarville University, Cedarville, Ohio and an alumnus of Tennessee Temple University, will bring the message.
Special reflections will be given Dr. J. R. Faulkner, Cliff Robinson, Clarence Sexton, James Ray, Curtis Adams and Gary Gober. Son-in-law Buddy Nichols will deliver the benediction.
Graveside services will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery at 2013 Greenwood Road under the direction of Dr. David Bouler and Dr. Danny Lovett, President of Tennessee Temple University.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorial contributions may be sent to the Lee Roberson Foundation, 2327 Red Tail Lane, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
John Roberson, Dr. Lee Roberson's son, said his father's desire was that his home going into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, be "a time of celebration" rather than a time of sorrow.
*******
To Listen to the service via the web on WDYN click HERE and click on WDYN link. Download the file and then open file at 1:00, May 3rd. It is best to set up file early. Best results will be on high speed access.
Click HERE to listen to possibly the last message of Dr. Roberson to HPBC and TTU. This is an eight minute audio.
Services for Dr. Lee Roberson, longtime pastor of the Highland Park Baptist Church and Founder of Tennessee Temple University, will be held Thursday, May 3rd in the main auditorium of the Highland Park Baptist Church. Dr. Roberson, age 97, went to glory Sunday morning.
The family will receive visitors from 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-9:00 PM at the East Chapel of the Chattanooga Funeral Home at 404 South Moore Road.
Dr. Roberson's body will lie in state in the Highland Park Baptist Church from 11:30 until 1:00 PM on Thursday. Officiating at the service will be Dr. David Bouler, pastor of the church and Chancellor of Tennessee Temple University. Dr. Paul Dixon, Chancellor of Cedarville University, Cedarville, Ohio and an alumnus of Tennessee Temple University, will bring the message.
Special reflections will be given Dr. J. R. Faulkner, Cliff Robinson, Clarence Sexton, James Ray, Curtis Adams and Gary Gober. Son-in-law Buddy Nichols will deliver the benediction.
Graveside services will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery at 2013 Greenwood Road under the direction of Dr. David Bouler and Dr. Danny Lovett, President of Tennessee Temple University.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorial contributions may be sent to the Lee Roberson Foundation, 2327 Red Tail Lane, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
John Roberson, Dr. Lee Roberson's son, said his father's desire was that his home going into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, be "a time of celebration" rather than a time of sorrow.
*******
To Listen to the service via the web on WDYN click HERE and click on WDYN link. Download the file and then open file at 1:00, May 3rd. It is best to set up file early. Best results will be on high speed access.
Click HERE to listen to possibly the last message of Dr. Roberson to HPBC and TTU. This is an eight minute audio.
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