Saturday, April 30, 2011

Question of the Week: What's the truth about "races"?

 
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April 30, 2011

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top leftIn this issue . . .

Q: What's the truth about "races"?

Ken Ham answers: When I first moved to the USA 24 years ago, I was shocked at the racism and prejudice I observed in certain churches in some parts of the country. This sort of racism and prejudice was mainly centered around the shade of one's skin—dark and light. I was also amazed that the American church has not been leading the way in recent times in dealing with racism. Then I began to realize more and more that so much of the church had compromised the book of Genesis or had ignored its history, and they concentrated on moral and spiritual matters pertaining to the New Testament and largely pushing the Old Testament aside. I now understood why the church was not leading in this important area.
In recent times, in many ways the secular world has been leading the way in dealing with issues of "race" relations, particularly as operational (observational) science has confirmed there is only one human race! And this is what God's people should have always understood from the Bible anyway, as we are all descendants of one man and one woman—one biological race.
We are pleased to release my presentation for you to listen to or download free, entitled "One Race, One Blood."
Here is an outline:
  1. Answering the question: Where did Cain get his wife?
  2. Basic genetics—dogs belong to one family.  "Natural selection" and "speciation"—evidence against evolution.
  3. Applying basic genetics to the human family.
  4. Evolution has helped fuel a particular type of racism.
  5. Research confirms one race genetically in humans.
  6. The so called "racial" differences are insignificant—the main differences are cultural.
  7. People groups—not racial groups.
  8. The Tower of Babel helped form different cultural groups/people groups.
  9. Understanding skin "color"—different shades, not different colors.
  10. There is no "curse of Ham."
  11. Understanding "interracial" marriage.
  12. Applying the correct understanding of human history to our everyday world.
You can listen to this talk online or download it free.

News to Note Quick Look

Rapid evolution: Different genome size in two "related" species of cress (genus Arabidopsis) is called the result of a rapid evolutionary process. Read more.

Eyes in the night: Big dinosaur eyes evolved because of the ecologically driven need to hunt food at night . . . so say researchers in a study from UC Davis. Read more.

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Friday, April 29, 2011

Chasing Donkeys

 
 
Bill Rice Ranch - First Light Devotionals 

I Samuel 9:3  "And the asses of Kish Saul's father were lost. And Kish said to Saul his son, Take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek the asses."

 

 

It is amazing how much time we spend chasing things down.  Whether we are chasing down kids at home, pets in our neighbor's yard, a gallon of milk at the store, deadlines at work, or problems in our lives, time can easily fly past at warp speed!  If you are not careful, you can live under the impression that all life is about is chasing these things.

 

The entire ninth chapter of I Samuel appears to be about Saul chasing donkeys.  We can see in this story of Saul chasing his father's donkeys that God may be leading when you think you are chasing.  Sometimes it feels like all we do is chase down "donkeys"-donkeys are not worth much, are a pain in the neck, and provide no hope for the future.  Do the things on your calendar today resemble donkeys?!

 

Many times, when all you see is the donkey you are chasing, there is a God leading you behind the scenes.  You are not chasing; God is leading you.  It is wonderfully comforting when you can tie what you are chasing to God's leading.  So when you cannot see where God is leading, you can trust God.  Don't despise the chasing you are doing, and don't let chasing define your life.  There is a God leading you!

 

I Samuel 9 is not just about chasing donkeys; it is really about the crowning of a king (verses 15-27).  Saul would not have been where God wanted him for his coronation as king if he had not been chasing his father's donkeys!  Maybe your day is completely consumed with mundane tasks-most of our lives are.  Don't miss what God is doing in your life because you are focused on the donkeys!

  
  
Prayer Requests:
1. Services tonight in Buckfield, ME and Pecatonica, IL
2. West Branch Ladies Spring Getaway in Flagstaff, AZ tomorrow
3. Ranch evangelists preaching this weekend in Franklin, TN; Kodiak, AK; and Flagstaff, AZ 

Looking for more devotionals? Visit the archives here
 
   
 
Bill Rice Ranch | 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road | Murfreesboro | TN | 37128

Thursday, April 28, 2011

The Oracles of God



Days of Praise
The Oracles of God
April 28, 2011
 
"Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?" (Romans 3:2-3)
 
This striking synonym for the Scriptures ("the oracles of God") occurs just three times in the Bible. In our text, Paul is emphasizing the great privilege and responsibility that was committed to the Jews when God gave His "oracles" to them, a word implying "divinely inspired utterances."
 
Then the author of Hebrews rebuked those Hebrew Christians who had still not learned the very "first principles of the oracles of God," despite having been professing Christians for a long time (Hebrews 5:12). Finally, the apostle Peter urged his readers: "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God" (1 Peter 4:11). That is, anyone who presumes to speak for the Lord must "preach the word" (2 Timothy 4:2). It is not our words, but His words that are "quick, and powerful" (Hebrews 4:12). In fact, Stephen called them "the lively |or 'living'| oracles" (Acts 7:38).
 
In all these references, it is clear that these "oracles of God"--that is, the Holy Scriptures--constitute the very utterances of the living God. They were given to and through believing Jews and are preserved for us now in our Bibles. They obviously should be believed, studied, obeyed, and proclaimed by all who consider themselves to be Christians.
 
The fact that many people reject the Bible, even claiming it is wrong in what it teaches, is irrelevant. Such claims merely display human arrogance. God's Word has been "for ever . . . settled in heaven" and "is true from the beginning" (Psalm 119:89, 160). It will endure even after this present world has passed away (Matthew 24:35) and will finally be the criterion by which its detractors will be judged in the last day (Revelation 20:12; 22:18-19). HMM
 
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Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229



Wednesday, April 27, 2011

CAN YOU STAND THE HEAT?

DANIEL 3

Pastor Rick Jackson*

I. THEIR FAITH WAS CHALLENGED

1. By the Government [v. 1-3]

2. By Peer Pressure [v. 4-5]

3. By the Threat of Punishment [v. 6]

II. THEY WERE TEMPTED TO COMPROMISE

1. To Not Be Considered Peculiar [v. 7-13]

2. To Not Be Considered Politically Incorrect [v. 14]

3. To Not Be Punished [v. 15]

“Do not be afraid that you will ever lose by obedience to the Book.” - H.A. Ironside

III. THEY WERE CONFIDENT IN GOD

1. They Believed in the Power of God [v. 16-17]

2. They Believed in the Purpose of God [v. 17-18]

3. They Believed in the Presence of God [v. 19-30]

*adapted from and inspired by a message given by Evangelist Tim Lee

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

The Watchers

Days of Praise
 
The Watchers
 
April 26, 2011
 
"I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven." (Daniel 4:13)
 
It is only in this chapter of Daniel (see also verses 17 and 23) that certain angelic beings called "watchers" are mentioned. Whether the term applies to all God's holy angels or only to a certain order of angels has not been revealed in Scripture.
 
However, we do know that at least some of the angels, if not all of them, are intensely occupied with observing events among humans here on earth. For example, Paul said that he and the other apostles had been made "a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men" (1 Corinthians 4:9).
 
The word "spectacle" in this verse is actually "theatre," and is so translated the only other time it is used in the New Testament (Acts 19:29, 31). It is sobering, as well as surprising, to realize that Christians--especially Christian leaders--are on a stage, as it were, being carefully watched by an audience which even includes the angels.
 
Paul also cautioned Christian women to maintain a covering on their heads "because of the angels" (1 Corinthians 11:10). Perhaps the watching angels are also included in the great "cloud of witnesses" who observe us as we "run with patience the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1).
 
But why should these mighty angels, these "holy ones," these heavenly "watchers," have such a "desire to look into" these things here on earth? (1 Peter 1:12). Perhaps they are anxious, like us, to "see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God" (Ephesians 3:9-10). HMM
 
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Monday, April 25, 2011

All and Only

 
Bill Rice Ranch - First Light Devotionals 

I Samuel 7:3  "And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines."

 

On a recent family trip, I stood in a Welcome Center trying to find information about area attractions which my family could do in Sedona, Arizona.  A hostess inside recommended a chapel nearby called "Chapel of the Rock" which delivers a beautiful view of the valley below.  The building is really not all that impressive, but the view is spectacular.  I suspect this structure was built to, as they say, "get close to God."  Some people think that they can get closer to God if they are in the right building or location.  Being close to God is not a matter of geography-it is a matter of the heart!

 

Israel thought that having the ark back in their possession would bring a closeness to God.  But they were no closer to God than they were when "the glory [was] departed from Israel." (6:22)  What they needed was exactly what Samuel prescribed in verse 3: "...return unto the LORD with all your hearts...put away...prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only."  Nearness to God is a matter of the heart!  Your proximity to some sort of spiritual place can never replace the proximity of your heart to God!

 

Places are important. I thank God for the Bill Rice Ranch, and I think it is a special place.  I know a preacher who can point out specific spots on the Ranch where he made great spiritual decisions.  There is nothing wrong with looking fondly to a specific place, camp, or school; but ever be on guard against making a god out of a place.  No place can replace your heart!

 

God wants your heart-completely and exclusively.  Samuel told the Israelites to return to the Lord "with all [their] hearts...and serve him only."  All and only are important words!  Following God completely requires following God exclusively.  That means He gets 100% in each area of your life, and 100% of the areas.

 

How should you serve God today?  All and only!  I Samuel reminds us of the important truth that closeness to God is not a matter of geography; it is a matter of the heart.  Serve God completely and exclusively, and you'll find a closeness to God beyond compare!

  
  
Prayer Requests:
1. Services tonight in Troy, OH; Buckfield, ME; and Pecatonica, IL
2. West Branch Ladies Spring Getaway in Flagstaff, AZ this weekend 

Looking for more devotionals? Visit the archives here
 
   
 
Bill Rice Ranch | 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road | Murfreesboro | TN | 37128

Quotes of the Week

I have learned that when God says do something-- never dispute it, do it. - Oswald Chambers

I had rather be in the heart of Africa, in the will of God, than to be anywhere else on earth out of it. - Dr. David Livingstone

Never speak of "Jesus," it suits the Unitarian too well, and the critical student as well; employ the biblical phrase "the Lord Jesus Christ." Defend His claim; decry His critics; declare His deity. - Sir Robert Anderson

We are getting along well; we have 87 cents, plus the promises of God. - J. Hudson Taylor

Augustine said he was amazed that God could love man so much and man could love God so little. - Evangelist Robert L. Sumner

Tell me thy company and I'll tell thee what thou art. - Miguel de Cervantes

People are also judged by the company they keep away from. - Joseph C. Salak

Sunday, April 24, 2011

THE BEST IMITATION

EPH. 5:1-17

Pastor Rick Jackson

On the old Andy Griffith show Goober Pyle was under the impression he did a perfect imitation of Cary Grant. The humor was of course in that he did not do it very well. You may or may not be able to do many imitations but if you are a Christian the Eph. 5:1 says there is one imitation you should do, and you should work on it until you have it down perfectly. The word “follower” is mimetes, mim-ay-tace'; an imitator:--follower.
Oh, if you will notice many of the famous imitators you soon learn it’s not just the voice, it’s the mannerisms, sometimes- it’s even the walk. [John Wayne, Jack Benny, Groucho Marx, John Rambo, Hercule Poirot, Boris Karloff, etc.]

I. WALK IN LOVE [4:31-5:2]

1. The Example of God [4:31-32]

2. The Example of Children [5:1]

3. The Example of Christ [5:2, 1 Peter 2:21]

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

II. WALK AS CHILDREN OF LIGHT [5:3-8]

1. Avoid Dark Acts [v. 3]

2. Avoid Dark Speech [v. 4]

3. Avoid Dark Companions [v. 5-8]

III. WALK CIRCUMSPECTLY [v. 9-17]

1. A Separated Walk [v. 9-12]

2. A Shining Walk [v. 13-14, I Jn. 1:5-7]

“That is what is needed. Just turn on the light and it will show up everything that is contrary to it. In other words, you live the pure, holy, Christlike, godly, devoted life, and that in itself will be reproof enough of the iniquity abounding upon every hand.” - H. A. Ironside

3. A Wise Walk [v. 15-17]

ONE ANGEL’S FIRST EASTER

MATTHEW 28:1-8

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE ANGEL’S MISSION [v. 1-2]

1. A Mission For a Heavenly Person [v. 1-2]

2. A Mission with an Earthly Purpose [v. 2]

3. A Mission Requiring Great Power [v. 2]

II. THE ANGEL’S MENACE [v. 3-4]

1. A Demonstration of Power [v. 2, 4]

2. A Demonstration of Light [v. 3-4, Revelation 4:5]

And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
8:5 And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.
11:19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
16:18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.

3. A Demonstration of Derision [v. 2, Psalm 2:1-7]

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee
Acts 13:33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

III. THE ANGEL’S MESSAGE [v. 5-8]

1. A Message of Fulfillment [v. 5-6]

2. A Message of Responsibility [v. 7, 18-20]

3. A Message of Joy [v. 8, Matthew 2:10]

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Psalm 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Question of the Week? - Who Will God Use?

 
Bill Rice Ranch - First Light Devotionals 

Ruth 4:17  "And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David."

 

 

 

What kind of person will God use?  A person who is perfect?  A person who is smart?  A person who has great ability?  That is an important question, and the answer is illustrated for us in the book of Ruth.  Ultimately, the story of the book of Ruth is not about Ruth, Naomi, or Boaz; at the end of the book, you find the genealogies of the Lord Jesus Christ!

 

The royal line of David, from which the Messiah came, is intriguing.  You find a bunch of flawed people!  Pharez was a man born from a shameful relationship (Genesis 38).  Boaz was a descendant of a harlot (Rahab).  Ruth was a Moabitess.  These were all unlikely players to be in the genealogy of King David and the Messiah who came!

 

God uses faithful people who are flawed, but He will not use flawed people who are not faithful.  In Ruth, all the characters had pasts that were flawed, but they were faithful in the time that God granted to them.  There is not an excuse for wickedness, but God will use a faithful person.

 

Each of us has a flawed past.  If you look hard enough, you can probably find things in your life and the lives of your ancestors that are neither honoring to God nor encouraging to you.  However, if you are going to serve God, you must serve Him in the time He has given you and not dwell on your flawed past.  Being flawed is our nature; being faithful is by God's grace.  In the daily decisions you make today, don't let your flawed past keep you from being faithful to God!

  
  
Prayer Requests:
1. Deaf Rally this weekend in Memphis, TN

Looking for more devotionals? Visit the archives here
 
   
 
Bill Rice Ranch | 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road | Murfreesboro | TN | 37128

Friday, April 22, 2011

The Living Savior

Days of Praise
The Living Savior
 
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9)
 
There is a popular Christian song whose chorus ends with these words: "You ask me how I know He lives; He lives within my heart." This may sound spiritual, but this is not how we know He lives! We are saved because of the objective fact that He died for our sins and then rose bodily from the tomb, triumphant over sin, death, the curse, and Satan, alive in His glorified body, for evermore. It is this which we must believe in our hearts and confess with our lips. For Him to rise bodily from the grave means that He is nothing less than God, the very Creator Himself. It is only because of who He is that He could do what He did, and this is what we must believe in our hearts.
 
There are people who believe that Buddha lives in their hearts, or the spirit of "the gods" indwells their hearts, or even that "the Christ" is in their hearts, but "the heart is deceitful above all things" (Jeremiah 17:9). We can believe many things, and feel many things that are not so. We know Jesus Christ is a living Savior, not because we feel His presence in our hearts, but because He rose from the grave on the third day and "shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days" (Acts 1:3). The gospel of our salvation does not rest on our feelings, nor on someone's teachings, but on the objective, proven, certain facts of history. Jesus Christ is alive, whether anyone feels Him living in their hearts or not, and He is at this moment bodily in heaven, at the right hand of the Father (e.g., Romans 8:34).
 
"Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25). HMM
 
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Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229



Thursday, April 21, 2011

WHO OWNS IT?























Bill Rice Ranch - First Light Devotionals




I Samuel 2:11-12 "And Elkanah went to Ramah to this house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest. Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD."

Who Owns It?

History records the story of President Lyndon B. Johnson walking across the White House lawn towards Marine One (the Presidential helicopter). Incidentally, he was heading toward the wrong helicopter. A sheepish, young Secret Service agent intercepted the President and said, "Mr. President, you are going to the wrong helicopter! That's not your helicopter; your helicopter is over here." President Johnson reportedly replied, "Son, they're all my helicopters."

The President is entrusted with a great deal of responsibility, and there are many privileges that come with the position. Ultimately, the President may view the resources at his disposal as belonging to him; or he may recognize them to be a stewardship entrusted to him by the American people. As a Christian, you have a stewardship far greater than the presidency-the stewardship that God has given you. This stewardship is greater because God Almighty is the Source! So what do you consider yours, and what do you consider God's?

How you treat what you have depends on who you think owns it. In I Samuel 2, we find someone who viewed what they had as a stewardship of God. We also find others who viewed what they had as an entitlement. Verses 11 and 12 tell us that Samuel "did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest," but Eli's sons "were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD." What a contrast! Samuel belonged to God and was dedicated to serve. His mother realized that even a child is a stewardship given by God. Likewise, Samuel viewed his service to God as a stewardship and not an entitlement.

On the other hand, the sons of Eli were born to a position and job. They saw their priestly service as an entitlement and took advantage of their position (verses 15-17). The Bible says that "the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD." They lightly esteemed the stewardship that God had given them.

What do you own? What do you own that you think God does not own? The truth is, God owns everything! Recognize that what you have is not an entitlement or a right. Instead, see what you have as a stewardship from the hand of God. Samuel realized this truth, and may God help us do the same in our lives today.








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Bill Rice Ranch 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road Murfreesboro TN 37128

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

REMINDERS

I CORINTHIANS 11:17-34

Pastor Rick Jackson


I. REMINDERS CONCERNING OUR PERSONS [v. 17-22]


1. We are Sinners Saved by Grace [v. 17-18] Not Perfect People

2. We are Two Natured Individuals [v. 19-20] Not New Nature Only

3. We are Part of the Body of Christ [v. 21-22] Not Islands unto Ourselves


II. REMINDERS CONCERNING OUR LORD [v. 23-26]


1. His Virtuous Life [v. 23-24]

2. His Vicarious Death [v. 25-26a]

3. His Victorious Resurrection & Return [v. 26b]


III. REMINDERS CONCERNING OUR RESPONSIBILITIES [v. 27-33]


1. To the Legislation of Ourselves [v. 27-32]

2. To the Love of Others [v. 33]

3. To the Lord of Order [v. 34, 14:36-40]

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

The Prepared Body


Days of Praise
The Prepared Body
 
April 19, 2011
 
 
"Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me." (Hebrews 10:5)
 
 
The author of Hebrews had just pointed out that, despite all the animal sacrifices offered up by the people of Israel over the centuries, "it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins" (Hebrews 10:4). That would require the once-for-all offering of "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).
 
 
But that perfect Lamb could be none other than God Himself, in the person of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. No ordinary man, however powerful or wise or morally upright he might be, could ever accomplish such a mighty task. Neither could an angel remove human sin from the world. Only God could do that, but He must also be a man in order to pay the death penalty for man's sins, then also defeat death and live forever with those who would receive Him as Savior. He must be both eternal God and perfect man.
 
 
For this mission, He must have a human body, but it must be a very special body, with no genetically inherited mutational blemishes and no inherited Adamic sin nature. Thus His great testimony: "A body hast thou prepared me."
 
 
The Greek word for "prepared" is a strong word, connoting something like "made perfect" in most of its occurrences. It is used only one other time in Hebrews, in the very next chapter. "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God" (Hebrews 11:3). This correlation assures us that God "prepared" the human body of His Son, to be placed in Mary's virgin womb with the same perfect wisdom and care with which He had "framed" the worlds. Both were made "very good," perfectly designed, created, and made to accomplish His great eternal plan. HMM
 
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Monday, April 18, 2011

QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

We can't acquaint Him [God] with anything. - Henry Hodges

A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. - Unknown

It's better to come up from a grave then come down from a cross. - S. M. Lockridge

The Bible says my King is a seven-way king, He's the King of the Jews- that's a racial king, He's the King of Israel- that's a national King, He's the King of Righteousness, He's the King of the Ages, He's the King of Heaven, He's the King of Glory, He's the King of kings, and He's the Lord of lords. That's my King. Well....I wonder, do you know Him?

David said, "The Heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork. My King is a sovereign King. No means of measure can define His limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply. No barrier can hinder Him from pouring out His blessings. He's enduringly strong, He's entirely sincere, He's eternally steadfast, He's immortally graceful, He's imperially powerful, He's impartially merciful. Do you know Him?

He's the greatest phenomenon that ever crossed the horizon of this world. He's God's Son, He's a sinner's Saviour, He's the centerpiece of civilization, He stands in the solitude of Himself, He's august and He's unique, He's unparalleled, He's unprecedented, He's the loftiest idea in literature, He's the highest personality in philosophy, He's the supreme problem in higher criticism, He's the fundamental doctrine of true theology, He's the cardinal necessity for spiritual religion, He's the miracle of the age, He's the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him, He's the only one qualified to be an all sufficient Saviour. I wonder if you know Him today?

He supplies strength for the weak, He's available for the tempted and the tried, He sympathizes and He saves, He strengthens and sustains, He guards and He guides, He heals the sick, He cleanses lepers, He forgives sinners, He discharges debtors, He delivers captives, He defends the feeble, He blesses the young, He serves the unfortunate, He regards the aged, He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek. I wonder if you know Him?

Well, my King is the King. He's the key to knowledge, He's the wellspring to wisdom, He's the doorway of deliverance, He's the pathway of peace, He's the roadway of righteousness, He's the highway of holiness, He's the gateway of glory. Do you know Him?

Well- His office is manifold, His promise is sure, His light is matchless, His goodness is limitless, His mercy is everlasting, His love never changes, His word is enough, His grace is sufficient, His reign is righteous and His yoke is easy, and his burden is light. I wish I could describe Him to you, but He's indescribable, He's incomprehensible, He's invincible, He's irresistible.

Well, you can't get Him out of your mind, You can't get Him off of your hand, You can't out live Him, and you can't live without Him. The Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him. Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn't get their testimonies to agree. Herod couldn't kill Him. Death couldn't handle Him, and the grave couldn't hold Him. Yea!!!, that's my King, that's my King.

Father, "Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory Forever"....and ever, and ever, and ever, and ever. How long is that? And ever...and ever...and when you get through with all the forevers, then.... AMEN!....AMEN! Do you know Him? - S.M. Lockridge

Sunday, April 17, 2011

DON’T WALK---WALK

EPHESIANS 4:17-32

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE WALK OF THE LOST [v. 17-19]

1. It is a Depraved Walk [v. 17, 2 Peter 2:18]

For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

2. It is a Hard Walk [v. 18, Mark 3:5]

And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

3. It is a Filthy Walk [v. 19, 2 Peter 2:7, 18]

And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

II. THE WALK OF LEARNING [v. 20-25]

1. Learn to Put Off [v. 20-22, Romans 13:12]

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
Ephesians 4:22, 25 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Colossians 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

2. Learn to Put On [v. 23-24, 6:11, 14]

3. Learn to Put Away [v. 25, Hebrews 12:1]

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
1 Peter 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings

III. THE WALK OF LIFE [v. 26-32]

1. A Life of Grace [v. 26-29]

2. A Life of the Spirit [v. 30, Gal. 5:16-25]

3. A Life of Christ [v. 31-32, Philippians 1:29]

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
 
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