The Root of Bitterness

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

Hebrews 12:14-15 (King James Version)

Bitterness is a problem we all face. I have seen it in homes, schools, businesses, churches, relationships, etc. I have seen it towards people, government, church, leaders, followers, the military, etc. One man recently turned against the President, the armed forces, the U.S. Government and me. I think he just got in the habit of being bitter and it grew and consumed his life. He had a legitimate gripe against a few individuals in the military but let it encompass more. He overlooked some faults of himself and others, he maximized the faults of certain individuals while minimizing the blessing these people had been in the past and grew more and more bitter. Unfortunately bitterness is seldom self-contained.


I. THE RISE OF BITTERNESS

1. It is continuous (Heb. 12:15a)

2. It is contagious (Heb. 12:15b)

I have seen good people serving the Lord happily turn negative and quit serving God because they associated with bitter people. I have been tempted myself in this area and prefer to stay away from bitter people. Often this is hard because it may be a friend or relative or fellow church member who is slowly turning bitter before our eyes. Let us all beware the root of bitterness. It's trunk, branches, and fruit are not pleasant.

3. It is contemptuous (Heb. 12:16-17)

II. SOME OF THE ROOTS OF BITTERNESS

1. Dissatisfaction with God's plans (Is. 38:9-20, 39:5-8, Ez. 3:5-14)

2. Dissatisfaction with God's punishments (Lam. 1:1-5)

3. Dissatisfaction with God's person (Rm. 3:10-18, Ps. 2:1-3)

IN ALL OF THESE WE CAN SEE THAT BITTERNESS IS A HINDRANCE TO REVIVAL!

III. SOME PROPER RESPONSES TO BITTERNESS

1. Prayer (I Sam. 1:10, Heb. 12:12)

2. Put it away (Heb. 12:13, Eph. 4:29-5:1)

3. Persevere in holiness (Heb. 12:14-16, Lam. 3:8-26)

"Life is like a box of chocolates..."

The Hillbilly's Ten Commandments- posted on the wall at Cross Trails Church in Gainesboro, TN.

(1) Just one God.
(2) Honor yer Ma 'n Pa.
(3) No tellin' tales or gossipin'.
(4) Git yourself to Sunday meetin'
(5) Put nothin' before God.
(6) No foolin' around with another fellow's gal.
(7) No killin.'
(8) Watch yer mouth.
(9) Don't take what ain't yers.
10) Don't be hankerin' for yer buddy's stuff.

Once again Rose has sent me a good one (above). Hope you all had a good Labor Day. For me and the missus we grilled some steak, burgers and hot dogs (a little off the diet) but we actually labored inside doing so much needed organizing. It necessitated a trip to Wal-mart to get a bookshelf (of sorts) but it all worked out. Now I just have to organize what became unorganized because we organized so much. "Life is like a box of chocolates..."

WHAT TEACHERS MAKE

My friend Rose sent me this one. I taught school for 13 years so I really liked it. Maybe you will too.

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"

He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." To stress his point he said to another guest, "You're a teacher, Susan. Be honest. What do you make?"

Susan, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied,
"You want to know what I make?

"I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.
"I make a C+ feel like the winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor.
"I make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall in absolute silence.

"You want to know what I make?!

"I make kids wonder.
"I make them question.
"I make them criticize.
"I make them apologize and mean it.
"I make them write.
"I make them read, read, read.

"I make them show all their work in Math and perfect their final drafts in English. I make them understand that if you have the brains, and follow your heart, and if someone ever tries to judge you by what you make, you must pay no attention because they just didn't learn."

Susan paused and then continued. "You want to know what I make?
'I MAKE A DIFFERENCE.' What do you make?"

"Teachers make every other profession possible!"

THE NAME OF THE LORD

GENESIS 4:25-26

Rick Jackson

In our western culture names don't always mean anything more than what sounds nice aesthetically. In the eastern cultures this is not always the case, and in the Bible we find that names were very important. Look at the number of people in the Bible who were given new names to indicate a change in their lives (Abram, Sarai, Jacob, and Saul of Tarsus just to name a few).

Over 100 times the Scripture uses the exact phrase "the name of the Lord". There is power in that name because of the person of the Name. There are perils in misusing or abusing the name of the Lord. Then again there is also great potential for those willing to call upon the name of the Lord rightly.

I. THE PERSON ASSOCIATED WITH "THE NAME OF THE LORD"

The phrase "the name of the Lord" is used:

1. By God to declare Himself as God (Ex. 33:12-20, 34:4-9, Joel 2:26-27, Zeph. 3:-12)

2. By men to worship God as God (Gn. 13:4, 16:13, 21:33; Job 1:21-22; Ps. 124:8, 148:5, 13; Pr. 18:10; Jer. 3:17, 22)

3. By God and men to identify Jesus as God (Ps. 118:21-29, Joel 2:32; Mt. 21:9, 23:29, Lk. 19:10, 38, Acts 2:21, 4:10-12, 10:48; Rm. 10:13, I Cor. 6:11)

Have you called upon the name of the Lord and received the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour?

II. THE PERILS ASSOCIATED WITH "THE NAME OF THE LORD"

It may seem strange that there could be danger or peril associated with this wonderful name but the Bible warns us carefully on this very matter. We are warned about:

1. The misuse of the Name (Ex. 20:7; Lv. 24:11, 16; Dt. 5:11; Is. 48:1)

2. The misappropriation of the Name (Dt. 18:22; Zech. 13:3)

3. The misjudging or mistrust of the Name (Jer. 11:21-23, 26:8-10, 20, 44:15-23; II Co. 11:13-15)

Just as there are perils in taking the name of the Lord lightly or wrongly there is also, for those who take the Name rightly,

III. THE POTENTIAL ASSOCIATED WITH "THE NAME OF THE LORD"

1. We can use the name in praise and thanksgiving (Ps. 7:17, 102:21, 113:1-2, 122:4, 135:1, 148:13)

2. We can represent the name as we are called to serve Him (Dt. 18:7, 21:5, 28:10, 32:2-4; I Sm. 17:45; I K. 10:1; I Ch. 21:18-20; II Ch. 33:18; Is. 50:10; Acts 9:29; Col. 3:17; James 5:10)

3. We can love the Name and call upon the Lord in prayer(I K. 18:24, 32; Ps. 116:4-5, 13, 17; Is. 56:6; James 5:14)

Picture of the week.

They crossed a horse with a Dachshund. What did they get?

A) I don't know but it seats three people

B) A Dachshorse!

C) All of the above

D) None of the above

1 excellent bio, 1 good man, 1 GREAT GOD

I have recently read an excellent biography about a man who ended up doing good because of the Great God of the universe. After all, let's give credit where credit is due (Jn. 15). The book is Man Sent From God: A Biography of Dr. John R. Rice by my friend Evangelist Robert L. Sumner (see Biblical Evangelist link on this page). Though I had read this book before it was yet a great blessing to me again. Partially because I now know the author personally and partially because I am older and comprehend a lot more experientially than when I read it as a younger man. Don't misunderstand what I am saying, it is a great read for any age individual but the richer your life the richer the read. I urge you to get it and learn the truth about this man of God. Someone may say, "Well Dr. Sumner was his friend and wrote at Rice's request"... you'd be right about the first part but wrong about the second. About the first however, beloved late evangelist Fred Brown once told me on another matter, "Bob Sumner wouldn't lie if you put a gun to his head!" That settled it for me then and I have NEVER seen any reason to doubt that it is true still. I have been encouraged in my walk with Christ by all three of these men (Rice, Sumner, Brown) and this book in particular.  Available at amazon.com or ebay.com (new and used editions).

WHEN GOD SPEAKS

Over 2000 times in the Bible we are told that God spoke. God still speaks today. Primarily He speaks through His infallible, inerrant Word.

When God speaks:

I. HE SPEAKS AUTHORITATIVELY

1. His Word is true (Jn. 17:17, Titus 1:2)

2. His Word is indestructible (Mt. 24:35)

3. His Word is powerful (Jer. 23:29, Heb. 4:12)

II. HE SPEAKS EXPECTANTLY

1. God expects us to respect His Word (Ps. 119:6, 15, 117,Neh. 8:1-6)

2. God expects us to read His Word
(Neh. 8:8, Jer. 36:6, Mt. 12:3, 5, 19:4, 21:16, 42, 22:31, Col. 4:16, I Th. 5:27)

3. God expects us to react His Word (Lk. 6:46-49, James 1:21-22)

III. GOD SPEAKS COMPASSIONATELY

1. He speaks to the lonely and brokenhearted (Heb. 4:14-15, 13:5)

2. He speaks to the frightened (Is. 41:10)

3. He speaks to the lost and backslidden (Is. 1:18, Mt. 11:28, I Jn. 1:8-9)

The Nerve of some people!

Recently I was in a Subway shop ordering a chicken terayaki (low fat) sub with sweet onion sauce (I don't particularly like onions but...wowsers!)when someone walked in behind me. Not unusual right? But they didn't get in line behind me but rather walked over to a table and sat down with a friend (?) who was already seated. The girl waiting on me had a look of disbelief on her face and I turned and immediately saw why. They had a pizza from another store which they were going to eat in the Subway restaurant! They even had the nerve to come ask the other lady working for FREE plasticware (hey, it ain't silver). They didn't even have the common decency to wait and buy their drinks from Subway! Yeppers, they had bought drinks at the other place too! I knew the girl wanted to say something but probably didn't want to alienate potential or even regular customers.

I thought, "The Nerve of some people!" (How quaint!) To abuse the kindness of Subway providing tables, air-conditioning, and of course, free plasticware and napkins and bring in their inferior pizza (it wasn't even name brand). And then... it hit me. How often have I done the same to God? How often have we used God's air, the health He has given us, the resources He has allowed us to accumulate and then spent those resources (money, talents, time, whatever) on the Devil's inferior pastimes, substitutes, and what have you. How often have we squandered what God has given us on the Devil's cheap thrills. The Nerve of some people!

Then there are those who haven't even accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour, depending only on Him for salvation. They ignore Him or insult Him by thinking they can add to their salvation as if He had not done enough. The songwriter had it right:

I hear the Savior say,
“Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.”

Refrain

Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

For nothing good have I
Whereby Thy grace to claim,
I’ll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.

Refrain

And now complete in Him
My robe His righteousness,
Close sheltered ’neath His side,
I am divinely blest.

Refrain

Lord, now indeed I find
Thy power and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone.

Refrain

When from my dying bed
My ransomed soul shall rise,
“Jesus died my soul to save,”
Shall rend the vaulted skies.

Refrain

And when before the throne
I stand in Him complete,
I’ll lay my trophies down
All down at Jesus’ feet.

Refrain

The Georgia-Florida connection grows

Rose and Richard sent me this one:

Subject: This isn't Funny, it's the truth

You know you are from Georgia…

1. You can properly pronounce Chickamauga, DeKalb, Dahlonega, Smyrna, Buena
Vista, Valdosta , Okefenokee, and La Fayette.

P.S.. Atlanta = ADD-LANNA not AT-LANT-A.

2. You think people who complain about the heat in their states are sissies.

3. A tornado warning siren is your signal to go out in the yard and look for
a funnel.

4. You know that the true value of a parking space is not determined by the
distance to the door, but by the availability of shade.

5. Stores don't have bags or shopping carts, they have sacks and buggies.

6. You've seen people wear bib overalls at weddings and funerals.

7. You think everyone from a Yankee-state has an accent.

8. You measure distance in minutes.

9. You go to the lake because you think it is like going to the ocean.

10. You listen to the weather forecast before picking out an outfit.

11. You know cowpies are not made of beef.

12. Someone you know has used a football schedule to plan their wedding
date.

13. You know someone who has a belt buckle bigger than your fist.

14. Almost everyone you know is either Baptist or Methodist.

15. A Mercedes Benz isn't a status symbol. A Chevy Silverado Extended Bed
Crew Cab is.

16. You know everything goes better with Ranch dressing.

17. You learned how to shoot a gun before you learned how to multiply.

18. You actually get these jokes and are "fixin'" to send them to your
friends.

19. On one side of the road there's Wal-Mart and on the other is a cotton
field.

20. The directions to your house include "turn off the paved road."

21. "Y'all" is a word.

22. Fried chicken is a major part of your diet.

23. Krispy Kreme doughnuts are the only kind of doughnuts you eat.

24. You call it a cold Christmas if you don't break out in a sweat in your
new sweater.

25. Your whole town completely shuts down for 1 inch of snow or just the
threat of snow.

26. People actually grow, eat and like okra!

27. You know the difference between a hillbilly, a redneck, and a
Southerner.

28. Your dog and your wallet are both on chains.

29. Panama City Beach, Florida is a big deal.

30. You understand that at least once a year your car will turn yellow with
pollen.

31. You know at least one Bubba, and maybe a few guys named Bo.

32. You say "tuna fish sandwich."

33. You use "Sir" and "Ma'am" if there's a remote possibility that person
you're talking to is at least 30 minutes older than you are.

And finally...

34. You are 100% Georgian if you have ever had this conversation:


"You wanna coke?"



"Yeah."



"What kind?"



"Dr Pepper."

Quotes of the Week

"If you ignore the Bible's teachings on creation, what other doctrines are you prepared to ignore also?" -ICR
Visit their website at: http://www.icr.org/

"He may not be henpecked but he has chickenhouse ways about him!"-The Corley Brothers
Visit their website at: http://www.bbsfarmington.org/

"He who throws the first punch loses the right to determine when the fight is over."-Old adage

"While not exactly disgruntled he was very far from being gruntled."-P.G. Wodehouse

"It's not what you know... it's Who you know!" -quoted by Wil Rice 1/9/2001
Visit the website at: http://www.billriceranch.org/

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. 1 John 5:20


And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. John 17:3

ARE YOU A WINNER?

II TIMOTHY 4:7

Rick Jackson

The world remembers some winners and forgets others. Abraham Lincoln is considered a winner by many while Millard Fillmore (13th President) is chiefly forgotten by all but a few. What makes a person a winner? Some people are considered winners now but were largely thought of as losers during their life. Such is the case of a man we consider now.

Here is a man that was habitually in prison. A man that others thought was crazy. A man that was considered a poor example of a public speaker by many though they admitted he could write well. Indeed people did fall asleep when he was long winded. Some thought it was hard to get along with him. At one point he was well respected by the establishment but they turned their backs on him and sought to silence him by any way possible. He finally died in a federal prison by capital punishment. His name was Paul, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus.

I. PAUL KNEW THAT HE WAS A WINNER (II Tm. 4:7, Rm. 8:37)

This was not egotism, this was an understanding of the task God wanted done by him and the knowledge that it had been done.

1. Paul was a winner because of obedient faithfulness (Acts 9:6, I Co. 4:2)

2. Paul was a winner because of observant focusing (Phil. 3:13-14)

3. Paul was a winner because of obstinate faith (Phil. 4:6-7, 10-13)

II. PAUL'S FELLOW BELIEVER'S KNOW THAT HE WAS A WINNER

1. Many have been blessed by his life (Acts 20:17-19)

2. Many have been blessed by his ministry (Acts 20:20-27)

3. Many have been blessed by his writings (Romans through Hebrews)

III. PAUL'S CRITICS HATED KNOWING HE WAS A WINNER

1. His bold testimony infuriated them (Acts 9:21-29)

2. His believing faith subdues them (Acts 16:22-28)

3. His basic sincerity moved them (Acts 24:24-25, 26:27-28, 27:41-43)

Men name their sons after people they admire. Nero once ruled the world, Paul was a habitual prisoner. Men name their dogs "Nero" and their sons "Paul".

Picture of the week

"Ain't no fish ever gonna get the best of me!"

Congrats to the Brays

I just found out last night that Willam and Tonya Bray recently marked their 10 year anniversary as missionaries with Rock of Ages Prison Ministry, Incorporated. This dedicated young couple are serving the Lord Jesus Christ by "serving the inmates of Florida". Souls have been saved and lives changed as a result of their love for the Saviour! I treasure their friendship and have been blessed just by knowing this couple. William's preaching is scriptural, solid and never boring. Congrats!

DARE TO DO RIGHT

II KINGS 18:1-8

Rick Jackson

I. He did the right thing (v. 1-3)

-He set a proper pattern for his life, i.e., David. Our pattern as believers is the Lord Jesus Christ (I Pet. 2:21-22).

-the "wise man is he that doeth the will of God"

-we ought to be more concerned with God's opinion rather than man's (Acts 5)

-James said, "To him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin."

-we shouldn't do things because they are fun or easy to do, we should do things because they are right!

II. He put things in the right place (v. 4a)

-Get priorities right

-get wrong things out of our lives-

-replace the wrong things with right things (Eph. 4:22-32)

III. He called things by their right name (v. 4b)

-sin should be called sin (as opposed to labeling it sickness, an alternate lifestyle, a choice, etc.)

IV. He trusted in the right Person (v. 5)

-who or what are you trusting? (Acts 16:13)

V. He walked in the right path (v. 6)

VI. He chose the right friends (v. 7b)

-friends can often make you or break you (Amnon as opposed to Daniel)

In conclusion, because of choosing the right, the Lord was with him and prospered him (v. 7a, Psalm 1) and God didn't love him anymore than he loves you and I.

"Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you!"

R.A. TORREY'S PRESCRIPTION FOR REVIVAL

"I can give a prescription that will bring a revival to any church or community or any city on earth.

"First, let a few Christians (they need not be many) get thoroughly right with God themselves. This is the prime essential. If this is not done, the rest that I am to say will come to nothing.

"Second, let them bind themselves together in a prayer group to pray for a revival until God opens heavens and comes down.

"Third, let them put themselves at the disposal of God for Him to use as He sees fit in winning others to Christ.

That is all!

"This is sure to bring a revival to any church or community. I have given this prescription around the world. It has been taken by many churches and many communities, and in no instance has it ever failed; and it cannot fail!" R.A. Torrey

Missing Brother Roloff but praising God anyway!

Lester Leo Roloff, like John the Baptist, was one of God's unusual servants. He had a style and voice all his own but God seems to revel in using those the world would not. I have been listening to CDs of his singing and reading some of his writings and was just reminded how great a blessing he was in my life. When was the last time we thanked God for ministers God sent our way and used in our lives. Praise God for Lester Roloff. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

"...I believe our Heavenly Father prefers to come in mercy and not in judgment."

"God is not interested in nations, He is interested in individuals."

"...God reserved the right to interrupt the selfish plans of the disrespectful children of men."

"Where He leads me I will follow, what He feeds me I will swallow."

-Lester Roloff

Quote of the Week (a rather lengthy one at that)

Q: Why would Darwinists be upset with a secular museum?

A: Last year, the Smithsonian made news when it agreed to co-sponsor the national premiere of the film The Privileged Planet. It’s a documentary that focuses on astronomy and Earth’s place in the universe—and that all of this looks “designed.”

Supposedly, when the Discovery Institute, an Intelligent Design group, approached the museum about the film, the staff said they liked it … and would co-sponsor it … for a contribution.

After the invitations had been mailed for a private, invitation-only screening, a New York Times article came out about the film. The museum was flooded with calls and emails from angry Darwinists who demanded the event be canceled.

While the private screening wasn’t canceled, the Smithsonian started backpedaling ... quickly. It returned the $16,000 rental fee and issued the following statement:

“Upon further review, the Museum has determined that the content of the film is not consistent with the mission of the Smithsonian Institution’s scientific research.”

The film didn’t even mention creation or evolution—just the design in the universe.

Darwinists often pull out the stops to protect their sacred religion. Is their belief system really so weak?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For a closer look at the Smithsonian controversy, see The Smithsonian Institution makes “intelligent” decision and the subsequent update in a sidebar in the article, titled “Smithsonian backpedaling.”

From the Answers in Genesis ministry.

Check our helpful "links" section!

Still in the Land of the Living (just Barely)

Wow. What an interesting past 27 hours. Yesterday at noon I left to help my youngest daughter move back to Pensacola, FL to start work on her master's degree. She had her car packed (as well as a lot of my truck}. A brother in Christ, co-worker and longtime friend Wayne rode with me as he was going to pick up a car in Pensacola and we'd convoy back.

The trip to Pensacola was basically uneventful and Wayne and I enjoyed the time of fellowship. Though we minister together we rarely get to sit down and talk (at least for a 5-6 hour stretch like this) and both of us like to challenge the other's intellect and practice our verbal sparring skills. In all modesty I must say, we both did well.

With Beka safely situated we went to see Rachel and Ben (my oldest daughter and my favorite son-in-law). They had a few things I needed to bring back to Starke reality (maybe realty in this case) and the car Wayne was going to bring back was there too. While the kids and I exchanged pleasantries Wayne made the 1989 Lincoln Town Car as road-worthy as possible and soon we were back on the road again. Ben and Rachel were going out to eat with his mother who happened to be in town.

About halfway back we stopped in Tallahasse for the Chick-fil-a treat we had been proming ourselves the whole trip. Alas, it was not to be since they closed at 10 and it was now 10:45. Wayne stopped at a quickie mart and I went to the next exit to a McDonalds. When I got back on the road I asked Wayne where he was (via cell phone) and found he was about 9 miles in front of me. I told him I'd catch up eventually.

A short time later he called me and asked if I had passed him beside the road. I assured him I hadn't and he told me he had hit something and had at least one flat tire! I could see a car beside the road a little ahead of me and I asked him if he had his flashers on. When he replied affirmatively I said, "I see you, I'll be right there!" I also thought I'd try to see what he hit (he wasn't sure). As I got closer to him I saw a 6" x 6" 3' "board" laying just off the roadway but still on the pavement. He was blessed to be right side up I thought.

Sure enough the front right tire was shot. It had taken the brunt of the impact and evidently nothing else was damaged. We couldn't get the tire off and had to call for roadside service. The said they'd be there in an hour. Exactly one hour later Mr. Dennis showed up (he had come from 57 miles away). With all his equipment he had a hard time getting the tire changed and wondered aloud who had put the lugs on so tightly. Finally with our tire changed, Mr. Dennis left with one of my tracts in hand and we were on the road again.

We stopped at the nearest rest area (don't ask) and then were on the road again. I pulled in my driveway at 3:55 AM and Wayne got home probably 5-10 minutes later (I didn't ask). I awoke at 10 AM and started my day afresh but no really refreshed.

Wayne was praising God he was in such a big car (Ben calls it "the Tank") and feels certain has he been in a small car he may not be here to tell the tale. Right after we got on the road from the rest area I thanked God for His mercies.

That though we had a problem:

No-one was injured.

The car was not more badly damaged.

Mr. Dennis didn't refuse the tract.

We were able to make it home.

And the list goes on. Are you thankful?

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." I Th. 5:18

Picture of the week

He better hope they don't know he's a Tennessee Vol. fan.

WHAT WISE PEOPLE DO

Adapted by Rick Jackson from a Lee Roberson message

PSALM 111:10

WARNING LABELS and notices are a great benefit to those who take the time to read them and then heed them. The fact is a warning label can save lives. The Bible has warnings in it that cannot only save our lives but our souls as well.

I. WISE PEOPLE PREPARE

1. Death or the Second Coming of Christ (Heb. 9:27, Mt. 25:13, Amos 4:12)

2. Heaven or Hell (Lk. 16:19-31, Jn. 14:1-6)

3. Prepare or Beware (Jn. 3:16-18, 36; 1:12, Heb. 10:26ff)

II. WISE PEOPLE SERVE

A wise saved person will serve God in gratitude for the wonderful gift of salvation. Not to be saved but because he is saved (II Co. 5:17)

1. Serve God by church attendance (Heb. 10:25)

2. Serve God by Bible study (II Tm. 2:15)

3. Serve God by good works (Eph. 2:10)

3. Serve God by praying (Gn. 13:4, Ex. 33:12-14, I Kings 18:37-39, Jer. 32:17)

III. WISE PEOPLE WITNESS

The greatest event in your life was salvation, the greatest thing we can do for others is witness.

1. Witness by your works (Mt. 5:16)

2. Witness by your words (Acts 5:20, I Co. 15:1-4)

3. Witness by your way (Pr. 11:30)

I WANNA QUIT!

Rick Jackson

You read right. I want to quit. You invest so much in some people only to have them show you how little they appreciate it.

"For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica..." II Tm. 4:10

It's not like I am the first person to be dealing with unthankfulness.

"And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" Lk. 17:17

And it's not like I haven't made plenty of mistakes.

"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus." Phil. 3:12

And I sure ain't the first person who ever wanted to quit!

"Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live... And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live." Jonah 4:3, 8

"But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers." I Kings 19:4

So again, I want to quit, I want to resign. But...

Instead I will re-sign, re-enlist, repent and retry. Why?

Because Heb. 12:4 says, "Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin."

Because Jesus didn't quit, "For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed." Is. 50:7 "And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem..." Lk. 9:51

Because God called me and I know, "... the gifts and calling of God are without repentance." Rm. 11:29

Because I owe Him too much to let Him down if I can help it. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 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. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." Rm. 12:1-3

Come on... the path is straight and our Father is calling!

"But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." Jn. 4:23

LEAVING A LOCAL CHURCH IV

I left a local church in 1976 because unbelievers and cultists were teaching in the denominational schools (which is still going on though the overall leadership is conservative now) I did so on Biblical principles (II Cor. 6, etc.). I had the decency and integrity to go to my pastor and explain why I was leaving. I told him I loved him but I loved the Lord more and had to follow His Word. I could not give money to a church where part was going to support unbelievers tearing up the faith of believers and if I could not support the work financially I shouldn't be a part period. Later I found out I would have had to leave anyway because the local pastor was part of a local ministerial group and they had inter-faith services at Easter and he allowed a cultist to speak in the local church. Denominational sins often end up being local sins. I still consider him my friend and as far as I know he considers me his. The point being, I went to see him and several other church leaders and explained why I was leaving. The pastor was very understanding, some of the others... well... not so much.

Which brings me to my point today. To my recollection, very few people who have left the 3 churches I have pastored have come to me and told me why they were leaving. And of those few who did, none had Scriptural reasons except those who were moving out of town. Of course that's probably why the others didn't come to me in Christian love and duty anyway. No valid reason, just excuses. Some came to me and gave me one reason but told others another reason. One family had 8 different "The reason we are leaving" stories but NOT 1 was Scripturally valid. Do we not realize that:

Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

2 Corinthians 5:9-11

CONSIDER AND UNDERSTAND

II TIMOTHY 2:7

Rick Jackson

Uncle Sam isn't the only one who wants you! The Devil wants you (I Pet. 5:8) and the Lord wants you. Fortunately the Lord gives us somes "Do"s and "don't"s and warns us of the enemy of our souls!

I. DO:

1. Enlist (v. 1, 8) He's paid all costs, join up, don't be a draft dodger!

2. Enjoin (v. 2) "to order with urgency, to admonish", encourage others to enlist!

3. Endure (v. 3, 10) Don't be a quitter! Don't be awol, don't be a deserter!

II. DON'T:

1. Entangle (v. 4, Mk. 14:18-19)

2. Endanger (v. 5, 19)

3. Envy (v. 6, 20-21, Jm. 5:7-11)

III. BEWARE THE ENEMY SEEKS TO:

1. Entrap (v. 9-13)

2. Entice (v. 14-18)

3. Enslave (v. 22-23, 26)

Quote(s) of the Week

"Discontentment always searches for the nearest exit sign." Kent Crockett/Once Was Blind But Now I Squint/AMG Publishers, 2004

A man is a creature who finds it hard to wait 10 minutes for his wife, but can sit motionless for hours for a small fish.

You don't have to go to Paris to become a parasite. Old Union Proverb

Picture of the week

Nothing to lose? Thought we might need a little levity after the heavy subjects we've been blogging lately.

LEAVING A LOCAL CHURCH III

Who is being hurt? Just about everyone. Mostly, the children.

When people leave churches willy-nilly for reasons that aren't Biblical they hurt just about everyone. They hurt the godly pastor and people who don't understand their actions. They hurt the cause of Christ. They hurt their own testimonies. They hurt their children and the children of others. Their own children learn to run from problems (real or perceived). They learn the "cut and run" philosophy from people who should know better.

One family left our church because they said we didn't have enough programs for children. We had enough programs for their children to be saved at our church, to learn to follow the Lord in believer's baptism and to memorize much of God's Word but that evidently wasn't enough. Come to think about it, the parents were also saved through the ministries of the church. These parents seemingly wanted to have the church babysit their children so they (the parents) could do their own thing and no, we didn't have programs for that. Where'd these young parents learn that?

Well maybe from Grandma who left the church because it didn't have enough Sr. programs to entertain her in her retirement (though she never took advantage of the programs the church did offer). What did she owe the church anyway? Not much maybe, I mean, the pastor just led her husband to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ but why be loyal when fun is beckoning? Why indeed. "As for me and my house, we shall SERVE the Lord!"

WHAT THINK YE OF CHRIST? WHOSE SON IS HE? II

MATTHEW 22:41-46

LUKE 2:41-52

IN HIS DEITY

1. The Son of the Blessed (Mk. 14:61-62)

-speaks of Christ filled with the Father's power (Mt. 28:18)

2. The Son of the Highest (Mk. 5:7, Lk. 1:32, 8:28, Ps. 132:11)

-speaks of Christ fulfilling the Father's promise

3. The Son of God (Mt. 16:16, Jn. 1:18, 34, 3:16, 10:30, 11:27, Rm. 1:4, 8:32, Col. 1:13, I Jn. 1:1-3, 4:14, II Jn. 3)

-speaks of Christ's person as God and the plan of salvation

4. The Beloved Son (Mt. 3:17, 17:5)

-speaks of Christ pleasing the Father (Jn. 8:29, II Pt. 1:17)

LEAVING A LOCAL CHURCH II

People often have a weird sense of what is important.

A pastor preaching against premarital and extramarital sex said that sex in its proper place (marriage) is good and certainly not sinful. God designed it, blessed it and determined its lawful use. Well, a member of the church we'll call "Dave" got upset with this pastor, even though what he said was Biblical. Dave left the church taking his wife and daughter with him. It didn't matter to him that the pastor had led both the Dave's wife and daughter to Christ. Nor did it matter that the pastor was preaching exactly what the Bible teaches. It didn't matter that the pastor apologized if he had said it somewhat indelicately (he didn't). Dave left. Well, all in all, better that someone leaves your church because you preach the truth than if you don't preach the truth. Unfortunately it was the beginning of the end for Dave. His wife and daughter eventually left him and he died a lonely man. Cause and effect? Not for me to judge. But I do know that pastor would have been a good ally to help hold the family together as both wife and daughter highly regarded him, but Dave had burnt that bridge and tied the pastor's hands.

If you have reason to leave a local church or even a denomination make sure it's Biblical. I left a church my family had been associated with for decades because the pastor didn't believe the Bible was God's Word, didn't believe in a personal devil and was a wolf in sheep's clothing. The local church itself gave a man's office of elder to his wife when he moved away. He moved because his wife was having an affair, divorced her husband and married her "lover". All this was common knowledge, and yet the church honored her with an office. The denomination itself no longer followed the Bible and openly supported many anti-Biblical causes. Even as a young Christian, recently saved and just starting to read his Bible I knew those things weren't right. So I left, looking for a church where the Bible was preached. Eventually I found one. Now I pastor one. All glory to God for the great things He hath done.

LEAVING A LOCAL CHURCH

I have been attending churches for 49 years and have been pastoring for over 20 years so I have seen a lot of people quit attending local churches. Most of the time they are for the wrong reasons. I don't say there aren't some right reasons, but the vast majority of "church tramps", as my Grandfather used to call them ("tramps" in the sense of hobos, bums, etc.), have invalid and unscriptural "reasons" for leaving.

One example is a fellow who quit a church I was pastoring because "He never preaches on _________." I don't remember the specific subject he named but at the time I did because I had just preached on it recently. But since he only came occasionally on Sunday mornings, and never on Sunday or Wednesday nights he didn't know what I preached over two-thirds of the time! His excuse was either a lie, or just that, an excuse.

A pastor friend related to me that a man told him he couldn't come to church because he has milk in the refrigerator! When asked what that had to do with it he smiled and replied, "Really preacher, isn't one excuse just as good as another?" Someone has said, "An excuse is a lie stuffed in the skin of a reason." Reasons for not doing something are by definition, well, reasonable. Excuses? Well, reasonableness not required. A missionary said, "He who wants to do something bad enough will find a way. He who doesn't will find an excuse."

More later...

WHAT THINK YE OF CHRIST? WHOSE SON IS HE?

MATTHEW 22:41-46

IN HIS HUMANITY

1. The Son of David (Mt. 22:42-45, 1:1, II Chr. 21:7)

-speaks of His Kingship, His Messiahship, & fulfills the Davidic covenant

2. The Son of Abraham (Mt. 1:1, Gn. 12:1-3, Gal. 3:14-18)

-speaks of His Jewishness & fulfills the Abrahamic covenant

3. The Son of Mary (Mk. 6:3, Gn. 3:15, Is. 7:14, Jer. 31:22)

-speaks of His virgin birth & fulfills the Adamic covenant

4. The Son of Joseph (Lk. 3:23, 4:22, 41)

-speaks of men's ignorance & God's accuracy)

5. The Son of Man (Mk. 9:12, 10:33-34, I Cor. 15:20-22, 45-50, Rm. 5:11-21)

-speaks of God's plan, purpose & persistence)

WHO IS THIS?

MATTHEW 21:1-10

What a question. If you talk about what Jesus did, John said, "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." (Jn. 21:25) The whole Bible talks about Who He is and What He does. How can we even begin to scratch the surface? We can't, but that's part of what makes Him so great. The songwriter said, "Oh for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise!" There are many ways to approach this.

I. THINK OCCUPATIONALLY

To the archaeologist HE'S THE ROCK OF AGES

To the baker HE'S THE BREAD OF LIFE

To the criminal HE'S OUR ADVOCATE

To the lawyer HE'S THE JUDGE

To the builder HE'S THE CORNER STONE

To the architect HE'S THE FOUNDATION

To the farmer HE'S THE HUSBANDMAN

To the rancher HE'S THE OWNER OF THE CATTLE ON A THOUSAND HILLS

To the philosopher HE'S THE TRUTH

To the wise HE'S THE WISDOM OF GOD

To the soldier HE'S THE PRINCE OF PEACE

To royalty HE'S THE KING OF KINGS

To the ruler HE'S THE LORD OF LORDS

To the sinner HE'S THE SAVIOUR

II. THINK ALPHABETICALLY

JESUS IS:

A FRIEND OF PUBLICANS AND SINNERS

A FRIEND THAT STICKETH CLOSER THAN A BROTHER

A LAMB WITHOUR BLEMISH OR SPOT

A MAN OF SORROWS

ALMIGHTY

ALPHA

AUTHOR OF OUR FAITH

CAPTAIN OF THE LORD OF HOSTS

CHRIST OUR PASSOVER

CHRIST THE LORD

COUNSELLOR

EMMANUEL

EVERLASTING FATHER

FINISHER OF OUR FAITH

GOD MY SAVIOR

GOD WITH US

GREATER THAN JONAH

GREATER THAN MOSES

GREATER THAN SOLOMON

I AM

MASTER

MY DELIVERER

MY FORTRESS

MY DELIVERER

MY SHEPHERD

OMEGA

REDEEMER

THAT PROPHET LIKE UNTO MOSES

THE ANCIENT OF DAYS

THE BRANCH OF THE LORD

THE CARPENTER

THE DOOR

THE FIRST

THE GOOD SHEPHERD

THE GREAT HIGH PRIEST

THE GREAT PHYSICIAN

THE GREAT SHEPHERD

THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL

THE HORN OF OUR SALVATION

THE KING OF GLORY

THE LAST

THE LIFE

THE MIGHTY GOD

THE PROPITIATION FOR OUR SIN

THE RESURRECTION

THE ROCK OF MY SALVATION

THE ROCK THAT IS HIGHER THAN I

THE ROOT OF JESSE

THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER

THE SEED OF THE WOMAN

THE SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

THE TRUTH

THE UNSPEAKABLE GIFT

THE VINE

THE WAY

THE WORD

III. THINK TEXTUALLY (our text Mt. 21)

1. According to the multitudes (v. 6-11)-Son of David, the Highest, Jesus the prophet

2. According to Zechariah the prophet (v. 4-5)-the King of Sion (Zion)

3. According to Himself (v. 1-3)-the Lord

Under the Weather

I have had a really bad summer cold that came on me Monday Night and still hasn't completely left my system. The Lord was gracious and I felt much better Wednesday night and was able to preach but I relapsed on Thursday. This is to explain my lack of consistent posts this week. At least this week I have a reason.

3 HOMES GOD WANTS YOU TO HAVE

I. A BLESSED EARTHLY HOME (EPH. 5:15-6:4)

1. Relationships-though some are automatic, all need work & God's help

2. Fellowship-comes from the work, automatic when everyone puts Christ first!

3. Leadership-Bible leadership is key, God knows better than we do!

II. A BIBLICAL CHURCH HOME (HEBREWS 10:19-25, 13:5-17)

1. Relationships-trust Christ, join a Bible-based local church (Jn. 1:12)

2. Fellowship-live for Christ, then they are all automatic (I Jn. 1:5-2:11)

3. Leadership-Bible leadership is key! (pastor, deacons)

III. A BEAUTIFUL HEAVENLY HOME (REV. 21:9-22:5)

1. Relationships-trust Christ, then they are all automatic!

2. Fellowship-perfect since no sin natures to ruin things

3. Leadership-perfect, God rules, we follow gladly!

Picture of the week

Wow. Now this car has a great passing gear!

EVERYBODY IS RELIGIOUS, BUT THAT'S NOT NECESSARILY A GOOD THING

Rick Jackson

JAMES 1:26-27

In these verses we see a dichotomy of religion. A religion can be empty and vain or it can be the result of truth showing forth the fruits of its goodness. How can we discern the difference, in our own lives, and in the lives of others?

I. WHAT IS RELIGION?

1. Religion is a system of belief (Gal. 1:14-15)

Even atheists are religious. Their system of belief declares that God doesn't exist. They have no proof of this, in fact, the evidence is all against them, but they believe it nonetheless. They even have their own myth of origins-evolution.

Other people hold to differing beliefs or even non-beliefs but that is what makes them religious.

2. Religion is a series of actions based on belief (Gal. 1:13)

II. WHAT IS WRONG WITH MOST RELIGIONS?

They have:

1. The wrong origin (James 1:16-27)

The problem in a nutshell is where the religion originates. If it has originated anywhere besides the God who created everything and gave us His Word then it is just a fairy tale and of no more value than Little Red Riding Hood or Shrek. You might as well pray to Superman as to Buddha or Thor.

2. Strayed from the right origin (Acts 26:5-11)

3. Opposed the truth while claiming to believe it (Mt. 15:1-14, Jn. 5:39, Acts 17:11)

III. WHAT MAKES BIBLE CHRISTIANITY THE ONLY TRUE "RELIGION"?

1. It has the right origin (James 1:16-17)

2. It has stayed with the right origin (James 1:18-25)

3. It embodies the truth by being it (John 14:1-6)

From the Answers in Genesis website:

Kicking off News to Note!
A new weekly feature examining the news from a biblical viewpoint

with Andrew McKenzie, AiG–USA

July 29, 2006

What a week to kick off AiG’s new weekly breaking-news feature, News to Note! I’m Andrew McKenzie, and I’ll be taking you on a brief tour of top news each week, looking at how major stories should be understood within the biblical worldview and how Christians should respond to the turmoil around us—from “wars and rumors of wars” to discoveries that “confirm” evolution. As Christians, we must have answers to the questions of modern society, and looking at the news—if done in balance and with the right attitude—is an important way to understand the questions people have and will have.

1. UPI: Second DNA code is discovered

With every added layer of complexity we discover about our cells, we realize that God’s design goes beyond our own understanding, and see that the likelihood that such complexity arose from chance is absurdly low. To learn more about the significance of DNA, take a look at Michael Matthews’ DNA—what does it prove? and Dr. Gary Parker’s The origin of life: DNA and protein.

2. Fox News: Bone Marrow Found Intact in Ancient Fossils & National Geographic: Fossils Yield 10-Million-Year-Old Bone Marrow -- A First

Findings like this one illustrate the rigidity of the millions-of-years paradigm. Just as in the case of the soft dinosaur tissue discovered awhile back, scientists admit being shocked that tissues—in this case, bone marrow of fossilized frogs and salamanders—could last so long. “It pushes back the boundary for how far [soft tissue] fossilization can go,” according to the study leader.

Of course, there’s no real evidence that soft tissue can last that long; it’s certainly not something scientists have demonstrated in a laboratory! One can only swallow the idea that the tissues are millions of years old if one unyieldingly presupposes that fossils take millions of years to develop and, therefore, that these fossilized animals lived millions of years ago. To draw on The Parable of the Candle a bit (go ahead; read it—I’ll wait), let’s say Lucy proceeds to determine that the candle has been burning for at least a whole day. Then, on the table next to the candle, she discovers a bowl full of cold ice cream. Yet she unquestioningly believes, based on her estimate of how long the candle’s been burning, that no one has been in the room in the past day. So instead of allowing the bowl of ice cream to overturn her notion that no one’s been in the room (and realizing that someone has been there rather recently!), she instead remarks to Chris, “Well, this just shows you that ice cream can take an awfully long time to melt!” Even if she doesn’t accept Manuel’s note that says he’s only been gone since 2:30, the bowl of ice cream shows that someone had to have been in the room recently with the bowl of ice cream, otherwise it would have melted.

3. Baltimore Sun: Water ballet has a bit of fun with Darwin

Personally, I’m not worried that a whole slew of people are going to change their views on Darwinism based solely on this water ballet. But still, what does it say about a society in which Bible plays and Nativity scenes have, in areas public and private, been replaced by comedies about the theory of evolution?

It's impossible, Krandle says, to take the show too seriously.

Says Ted Alsedek, director of the Darwin-and-monkey scene: "We try to reflect both sides."

"And make fun of both sides," Beall chimes in.

Is it possible to be flippant about the creation/evolution debate? Maybe for some people. But if you don’t think the controversy matters that much, read Tragic truth, and see if that changes your mind.

4. CNN: Cassini finds evidence of hydrocarbon lakes on Titan

Scientists increasingly focus on other bodies in our solar system, and now, on other stellar systems, all in the hope of finding alien life. However, as Ken Ham points out in Any little green men out there?, these scientists who spend millions of taxpayer dollars to find life “out there,” and who would offer ostentatious fanfare over the slightest sign of alien intelligence, are the same who will ignore the abundant evidence for a Designer and Creator here on Earth (see Romans 1:20).

5. CNN: [Latest in conflict between Israel and Hezbollah]

The top story on most news outlets this week has been the continuing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon. This is yet another reminder that peace on Earth cannot come through man’s attempts, but only comes from above. In this situation of strife, what can we remember? Well, first, Matthew 5:9—we are to be peacemakers. Second, Matthew 5:44—we are to love our enemies. Third, Matthew 24:6–7—war is to be expected in this fallen world. It’s easy to get upset when war comes, for it goes against our God-given understanding of the way things are supposed to be. But by sticking to a biblical worldview, and understanding the Corruption that happened in Eden and the Consummation that God will bring one day, we can trust God to take care of us now and forever.

6. BBC: Geckos inspire 'super-adhesive'

Take a peek at this article, which shows how we are just now beginning to try to copy some of God’s most incredible designs. The BBC also reported on bees’ amazing ability to find their way around, even traveling up to eight miles (thirteen kilometres) away from their home hive. We have many articles on the topic of design in nature. How much more impressive were the original animals God created, before thousands of years of harmful mutations came into the picture? We can only imagine!

7. CNN: California heat wave death toll tops 130 & French heatwave toll reaches 64

Well, when I read about worldwide heat waves, I can’t help but wonder about global warming. You see, I’m no expert on global warming; I only know that the term is passed around frequently these days (that, and I remember my junior high science teacher’s greenhouse explanation).

So, in addition to praying for those afflicted with extreme heat, you might want to learn more about global warming: what it is, what the prognosis is for the future, and what a biblical response to the topic is. I’ve seen a preview of the upcoming fall/winter Answers magazine issue, and am pleased to report that you will find a comprehensive article on global warming in it. So pick up a copy when it comes out, and join me in learning more about what’s causing all the heat!

8. CNN: Seattle stunned by 'bizarre' killings; see also Police: Teen shot at vehicles to 'relieve pressure'

For those of us blessed to live in areas where violence is low, the thought of any murder can be very frightening—of course, in this regard, we must remember Matthew 6:27. But these stories are really just more sad reminders of the nature of man in our fallen state; despite what secular humanists would have us believe, we struggle with the dark consequences of the Fall each day. The world, even for all its technological advances, is not getting better.

I recall thinking these same thoughts when, during the attempted evacuation preceding Hurricane Katrina last year, snipers began shooting at people helping evacuate hospitals in New Orleans. What makes the killings in Seattle so “bizarre,” really, is the seeming randomness of them. Decades and centuries ago, killings were much more about blind passion, greed, revenge, etc.—none of them justifications for murder, but reasons that society could “understand.” For example, if someone killed a bank teller during a bank robbery fueled by the love of money, society wouldn’t condone that, but would at least understand how the murder was rationalized in the killer’s mind.

But as evolution soaks into the minds of millions of people and poisons the conscience of entire generations, we begin to see murder used not as a tool to further avarice, lust, or revenge, but rather, just as an end unto itself. This is why I included the link to the story about Zachariah Blanton, who shot at highway vehicles to “relieve pressure.” You see, as a young person, I recognize an increasingly “Greek” mentality among my peers. I’m told that years ago, when children were taught do not murder, the teacher could point right to Exodus 20:13 and Genesis 4:10 as a justification, and everyone understood that this was a mandate from, literally, the mouth of God.

But when I went through the public school system, the idea of not murdering was either (A) not justified, because it was assumed everyone would agree that it was wrong, or (B) it was justified based on some idea of a “social contract” to respect the lives of others. Regarding (A), it’s only a matter of time before society, as we “progress” farther and farther from Thou shalt not kill, loses the common understanding that “it’s just wrong.” Those who learn the (B) justification will eventually run into philosophical difficulties grasping what makes a social contract binding, especially for a generation already suicidal!

9. The Queens Gazette: Hall of Science Studies How Children Learn

This article really speaks for itself, I’m afraid. Basically, a new project—backed by a $2.5 million grant from the taxpayer-funded National Science Foundation—will “research how children acquire the concepts of biological evolution and look at new ways to engage children in exploring the topic.” The result of this study will be a “traveling exhibition on evolution geared to children and their parents.”

The project is yet another step to further the evolutionary indoctrination children go through in public schools and in the public arena. It’s not enough, humanists argue, to present the theory of evolution—exclusively—in junior high and high school science classes; rather, it must be drilled into the minds of students as young as five (the youngest age this study will target; the oldest age is twelve). I don’t doubt that these efforts are, in a large part, due to the increasing frequency and strength of attacks on evolutionary theory.

At one point, the article states, “Current research in cognitive psychology indicates that if children are introduced to these concepts at an early age, they are more likely to see the natural world through a scientific perspective.” I don’t disagree with the former part; actually, the Bible emphasized that educating children establishes their belief system quite a few years before “current research in cognitive psychology” did! But as for the latter part—will this program make children more likely to see “the natural world through a scientific perspective” or, instead, make them more likely to see the scientific world through a natural[ist] perspective?

And because this program is funded by the US government, those of us who work for Answers in Genesis–USA will be supporting this project!

10. nature.com: Extreme sports push hearts; see also National Geographic: Nepalese Porters May Be World’s Most Efficient Haulers

While carpooling to work last week with a coworker who helps produce Answers in Genesis DVDs, we had a discussion about what sort of incredible physical abilities Adam (and Eve) must have had. Society spends much time these days looking for the world’s strongest man, trying to set new records for foot races and so forth. But in our conversation, we wondered what Adam could have done physically. How far could he free dive? How fast could Adam run? What astounding, almost “inhuman” abilities, now lost through the Curse and millennia of mutations, did he have?

The so-called “fitness gene” must be a remnant of some of the genes Adam had for participating in “extreme sports” in the Garden of Eden, though Adam’s heart wouldn’t have tired as indicated in the article. And as for the study on Nepalese porters, might Adam have been able to lift loads of several hundred pounds almost effortlessly?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well, I’m going to call it a wrap for this week! If you see a news story that might merit some attention, let us know about it! And since News to Note is a new feature, don’t forget to tell us what you think. Hope to see you next week!

JOHN THE BAPTIST, A MAN GOD ADMIRED

We have been studying men God admired. Men he mentions by name as having his approval. Not perfect men because outside of the Lord Jesus there are no perfect men, but men God so admired He pointed them out specifically in the Bible as having traits that should be desirable to each and every one of us. Not only desirable, but attainable. Here this morning we see John the Baptist, quirky by the world's standards, eccentric even by Christian standards, but a man God admired.

I. GREATNESS FORETOLD (LUKE 1:11-15a)

He was to be separated:

1. From worldliness (exemplified by total abstinence-1:15)

2. To God (exemplified by total obedience-1:15)

3. For witnessing (exemplified by total focus 1:16-17, Jn. 3:30)

II. GREATNESS UNFOLDED

Greatness has nothing to do with:

1. Performing miracles (Jn. 10:40-42)

2. Personality manifestations (Mt. 11:7-19)

3. Prolonged life (killed in his early 30s- Mark 6:14-17)

III. GREATNESS EXTOLLED

Greatness in God's eye's is:

1. Standing for right (Mk. 6:17-20)

2. Doing God's will (Mt. 12:47-50, Acts 13:25)

3. Serving in faithful humility (Lk. 7:24-28, James 4:4-10)

Picture of the week

Many believe while on vacation you should do things you normally don't do.

WHAT DO WE DO DURING WORLD WAR III?

Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House and possible Republican presidential candidate has gone on record as saying we are already in WWIII. Whether or not he is right for the present time is a moot point for this message. What isn't a moot point is how should Christians live during WWIII? Or before it? Or after it? How?

I. STAND IN THE LORD (PH. 4:1)

1. Stand on His foundation (I Co. 10:12, II Tm. 2:14-19, Mt. 7:24-27)

2. Stand in His faith by faith (Rm. 11:20, I Co. 16:13, II Co. 1:24)

3. Stand in His force (I Co. 2:5, Eph. 6:10-14)

While you are standing, be sure to...

II. STICK TO THE PLAN (ACTS 5:20, MT. 28:18-20)

1. Give the Gospel to the lost (II Co. 4:1-6)

2. Give milk to the immature (I Pt. 2:2, I Co. 3:2, Heb. 5:12-13)

3. Give meat to the mature (Heb. 5:14)

III. STAY ON COURSE

1. Focus on it! (Acts 20:24, Eph. 2:2)

2. Pray about it! (II Th. 3:1)

3. Finish it! (Acts 13:25, II Tm. 4:7)

GOD (THE FATHER) HASN’T CHANGED

JAMES 1:16-17

Rick Jackson

Think of that. The unchanging Father. NO variableness! NO shadow of turning (turning can be so slow has to be imperceptible but the shadows tell the story). What a blessing to know that God hasn’t changed!

I. GOD HASN’T CHANGED

1. His love hasn’t changed (John 3:16, I Jn. 4:7-12)

2. His longing hasn’t changed (Rom. 5:8, II Pet. 3:9)

3. His loyalty hasn’t changed (I Cor. 1:9, 10:13)

II. GOD’S WORD HASN’T CHANGED

1. Same comfort (II Cor. 1:3-4, Rm. 15:4)

2. Same hope (Rm. 15:4, Acts 26:6, )

3. Same promises (Gal. 3:16, II Pt. 1:4)

III. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP HASN’T CHANGED

When we moved to Tennessee we joined the Highland Park Baptist Church. Before the next Wednesday night they had a “new members class” which Dr. Lee Roberson taught. He stressed five things in that class that he shared with new members for over 40 years as pastor there.

1. Attend church
2. Read the Bible
3. Pray
4. Be a witness
5. Give

These things haven't changed. Every born again Christian ought be a member of a good Bible-believing, Bible-preaching church and be faithful in these 5 areas.

MOSES & SAMUEL, MEN GOD ADMIRED

Rick Jackson

JEREMIAH 15:1

I. SAMUEL WAS A GREAT MAN (HEB. 11:32)

1. He was a prophet (I Sam. 3:19-21; 19:20, II Chr. 35:18, Acts 13:20)

2. He was a priest (I Sam. 2:18, 27-28; 7:9; 13:8-11, Ps. 99:6)

3. He was a judge (I Sam. 7:6, 15-17; 12:8-12, 18)

II. MOSES WAS A GREAT MAN

1. Moses was a faithful man (II Chr. 24:9, I Co. 4:2, Heb. 3:2-5, 16)

2, Moses was a God-respecting man (Acts 7:32, Heb. 11:24-26)

3. Moses was a man of faith (Heb. 11:27-29)

III. SAMUEL AND MOSES WERE ADMIRED MEN (JER. 15:1)

1. Moses was known as an interceder (Ex. 30:30-32, Num. 11:2, 21:7, Ps. 106:23)

2. Samuel was known as an interceder (I Sam. 7:5, 12:23)

3. Jesus is known as an interceder (Heb. 4:14-16, 7:11-8:1, I Jn. 2:1-2)

To be admired by God, strive to be like Jesus!

COMMUNICATION & CONFLICTS

Lack of communication during a conflict often causes serious damage to the relationship. Be it friendship, marriage, parents & children or even man's relationship to God a lack of communication is not a good thing.

I. THE BEST OF COMMUNICATION

1. Listening carefully (Pr. 18:13) mouth shut, ears & mind open

2. Speaking carefully (Pr. 29:20, Col. 4:6, Jm. 1:19)

3. Thinking carefully (I Co. 10:12, 13:5, Ph. 4:8)
-Feelings matter but aren't exact, justified or not, they count)

II. THE BEAST OF ANGER
-Uncontrolled anger is dangerous, it creates animosity and distance (Eph. 4:26)

1. Discuss thoughts & feelings without anger (Eph. 4:30-32, Col. 3:7-9)

2. Determine the real cause of anger (Mk. 3:5, Jn. 7:22-24)

3. Decide to apologize, forgive, or both (Luke 6:37, 11:4, 17:3-4)

III. THE BLESSING OF FORGIVENESS

1. For the sinner (Mk. 2:7-10, Acts 13:38, 26:18, Eph. 1:7, 4:32)

2. For the saint (I Jn. 1:8-9)

3. For the brethren (II Co. 2:7)

FOREKNOWLEDGE, PREDESTINATION & ELECTION

ROMANS 8:29

Rick Jackson

There are so many theories today concerning F, P, and E that have confused the average Christian as well as turned off any lost person who chances upon them. Many don’t know what to believe. God is not the author of confusion so lets see what He has to say about F, P, & E.

I. FOREKNOWLEDGE

1. Definition-“to have knowledge of things to be”. God is omniscient, He knows everything- past, present, and future. Foreknowledge is His knowing the future. He knows who will be saved and who won’t.

2. Explanation-Foreknowledge is part of an attribute of God (omniscience). Election and predestination are acts of God (not attributes).

3. Application-Foreknowledge does not cause election and/or predestination. It is not a determining or causative factor, it is only knowledge of things beforehand.
-Our scientists have foreknowledge of solar/lunar eclipses
-TV guide
-God has perfect knowledge but it is not causative or God would be the author of sin (I Jn. 1:5)
-God even knows alternate futures, He doesn’t make those happen either

II. PREDESTINATION

1. Definition-Predestination is the act of God whereby He makes anyone that
trusts Christ to eventually be like Christ.

2. Explanation-P. is never for the lost man. It is only for the saved man (like the
indwelling Holy Spirit). Salvation is a matter of “whosoever will”
God knows who will be saved and has predestined them to be like
Christ.
3. Exposition-Rm. 8:29a “to be conformed to the image of His Son” Things that
happen to you are going to be used by God to make Christians more like Jesus (Rm. 8:28) a process which will be completed at the rapture (I Jn. 3)
-Eph. 1:25 “unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ” blessings for the saved man, not salvation, is in view here. Our adoption means to make a child “a son”, the Jews “adopt” their own children (bar/bat mitzvahs). Adoption means to declare as a son (Gal. 4). It is the time appointed by the father when his boy ceases to be considered a child and is recognized as a son. We are God’s children by faith in Jesus Christ and will one day be made “sons” before the whole universe (Rm. 8:23) just like Jesus was by His resurrection (Rm. 1:3-4).
-Eph. 1:11-12 “Predestinated according to the purpose of Him” note its for those who are saved “that we should be to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 5:25-27)

III. ELECTION Eph. 1:4

1. Definition-New Testament words “chosen, choose and election” are the same.
Old Testament word is simply “chosen”.

2. Explanation-Many feel God chooses some to be saved and some to be lost. E
has to do with service not salvation. Though God intends for all
His children to serve Him. Angels serve Him too (I Tm. 5:21)!

3. Exposition-Rm. 9:9-13 Election has to do with service, not salvation. “The
elder will SERVE the younger” Vs. 13 quotes Mal. 1:2-3 written
centuries after they lived regarding their descendants faith or lack
thereof (like “if any man come unto me and hate not his father and
mother)
-Jn. 15:16 Jesus elected (chose) the disciples for service (for 11 of
them their salvation was already settled, Judas was given chances
for salvation while he was serving but never was)
-Is. 41:8 Israel was God’s chosen people, are they all saved? No!
Israel was chosen for service, to give us the Bible and the Saviour!
-Is. 42:1 says Jesus is the chosen servant of God. Chosen for
salvation? No, for service (I Pt. 2:6, Phil. 2:8)
-Eph. 1:4 then means, knowing we would trust Christ He has
chosen us for service and sanctification (2:8-10). Salvation has
been, is now, and always will be “Whosoever will” (Rev. 22:17).

FIREWORKS DON’T LAST

RICK JACKSON

We often want good times or good things to last forever. We conversely are glad that bad times and/or bad things don’t last. Like the man who said his favorite verse of the Bible was “it came to pass” and he used that to comfort him in troubled times. Fireworks are beautiful and exciting, eliciting oohs and aahs from appreciative onlookers, but they don’t last. Some things do, some things don’t.

I. THINGS THAT DON’T LAST PASS AWAY EVENTUALLY

1. The fashions of this world (I Cor. 7:31)

2. The lifetime of men (James 1:10)

3. The world as it is (II Pt. 3:10, I Jn. 2:17, Rev. 21:1, 4)

II. THEN THERE ARE THE THINGS THAT ARE ETERNAL

1. The souls of mankind (Mt. 25:46, Lk. 16, Rev. 20)

2. Damnation in Hell (Mk. 3:29, Heb. 6:2, Jude 1:7)

3. Salvation

Mt. 25:46-And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Jn. 3:15-That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Jn. 10:28-And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

Jn. 17:3-And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Rm. 5:21-That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Rm. 6:23-For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

II Co. 5:1-For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Titus 1:2-In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

Titus 3:7-That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Heb. 9:12-Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

I Pt. 5:10-But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

I J. 5:11-13-And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

I Jn. 5:20-And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

III. DECISIONS MADE HERE AFFECT ETERNITY

1. What you do with Christ (Rm. 6:23, Jn. 1:12)

2. What you do for Christ (I Cor. 3:10-13)

BIBLICAL SEPARATION AND FELLOWSHIP

Freely adapted from John R. Rice & Robert L. Sumner (see Biblical Evangelist link)

I. Fellowship freely with Christians that live by the Word (Ps. 119:63, Eph. 6:23-23)

II. Fellowship carefully with "weak" Christians (Rm. 14:1-8)

III. Do not fellowship with Christians living in outrageous sin (Rm. 13:8-14, I Cor. 5:11-13, Mt. 18:17, Gal. 6:1) [The object being restoration]

IV. Do not "fellowship" with modernists, cultists, and the lost (II Cor. 6:14-18, II Jn. 7-11, I Cor. 5:9-10) [Obviously we can witness to the lost but that is not fellowship.]

FAITH OF OUR FATHERS (IV)

HEBREWS 11:20-28

“FAITH IN 3-D”

Rick Jackson

I. THE DEATH OF FAITH (V. 20-22, unlike death w/o faith I Th. 4:13)


1. Faith shapes “wills” (v. 20- blessings, last will)

2. Faith secures worship (v. 21, Job 13:15)

3. Faith senses deliverance (v. 22)


II. THE DYNAMIC OF FAITH (V. 23-25- “God over…”)


1. God over government (v. 23-communism, socialism, extreme liberalism)

2. God over position (v. 24)

3. God over pleasure (v. 25)


III. THE DELIVERANCE OF FAITH (V. 26-28)- Faith delivers from:


1. Temporal-ness (v. 26)

2. Fearfulness (v. 27, I Jn. 4:18)

3. Destruction (v. 28, Mt. 10:28, I Th. 5:23)

Picture of the week

Altogether now... awwwww!

JOB, A MAN GOD ADMIRED

Rick Jackson

I. WHAT WE LEARN FROM EZEKIEL 14

1. Job would stand for God regardless of others (v. 12-14)

2. Job could positively influence others in almost any circumstances (v. 15-18)

3. Job would trust God until He could understand (v. 19-23)

II. WHAT WE LEARN FROM JAMES 5

1. True patience recognizes the end is near (v. 7-10)

2. True patience recognizes happiness is near (v. 11a)

3. True patience recognizes God is near (v. 11)

III. WHAT WE LEARN FROM JOB

1. Job trust in God's redemption (1:1-5)

2. God trusted in Job's reputation (1:6-8, 20-22, 2:3, 9-10)

3. God and Job knew Job wasn't perfect (42:1-6)

Highlighting "Answers in Genesis "

If you haven't noticed, this is one of our links. Very good website. This particular information came from their weekly update email. -Rick

Q: What evidence for evolution do the world’s leading science museums display?

A: We would expect to see abundant evidence in the science museums of Washington D.C., London and so on. However, as we have visited these museums and looked in the glass cases at what scientists have actually found, we’ve never seen any evidence for evolution. The interesting thing is that the so-called evidence is pasted on the glass case—it’s the printed text on the display! But this isn’t evidence; it’s a scientist’s story about the past.

For example, distinct kinds of animals and plants are displayed inside these glass cases—not transitional forms. There’s no real evidence for evolution at all.

Even a senior fossil expert at the British Museum of Natural History in London once admitted that they didn’t have any undisputed transitional forms showing one kind of animal changing into another. These “gaps” in the fossil record overwhelmingly support the creation account. God created—just as the Bible says.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information on the lack of transitional forms in the fossil record, read Luther Sunderland’s interview of leading museum paleontologists at Those fossils are a problem.

Evolutionist quote of the week

“Hind limbs of Basilosaurus appear to have been too small relative to body size … to have assisted in swimming, and they could not possibly have supported the body on land. However, maintenance of some function is likely … The pelvis of modern whales serves to anchor reproductive organs, even though functional hind limbs are lacking. Thus hind limbs of Basilosaurus are most plausibly interpreted as accessories facilitating reproduction.”

– Philip D. Gingerich, B. Holly Smith and Elwyn L. Simons, Hind limbs of Eocene Basilosaurus: evidence of feet in whales, Science, Vol. 249, p. 156, July 13, 1990.

"What I AM"

Wednesday, October 20th 2004 (Washington Post)

You’re a Republican???

In today’s America, ask a growing number of high school and college students; their teachers and professors; the self-anointed media elite and/or hard working men and women of all ethnicities, the question, “What is a Republican?”, and you’ll be told “… a rich, greedy, egotistical individual, motivated only by money and the desire to accumulate more and more of it, at the expense of the environment … the working poor ….and all whom they exploit…”

I am a Republican … I am none of those things… and I don’t know any Republicans who are.

WHAT I AM … first and foremost, is a loving husband of some 52 plus years, the father of four and an American who’s proud of his country… and his country’s heritage.

WHAT I AM … is the grandson of immigrants who risked everything, including their lives and those of their children, to escape tyranny in search of freedom.

WHAT I AM … is a man who grew up during the Depression and witnessed, first hand, the effects of the Stock Market crash and the soup lines that followed. I watched as both my parents and grand parents, who had very little themselves, share what food they had with a half dozen other families, who had even less.

WHAT I AM … is someone who worked his way through college by holding down three and four jobs at a time and then used that education to build a better life.

WHAT I AM … is a husband who, at age 24, started his own business for the “privilege” of working 60, 70 and 80 hours a week, risking everything I had, including my health, in search of a better life for myself and my loved ones.

WHAT I AM … is a businessman whose blood, sweat and tears…. and plenty of them…, made it possible for me to provide a secure living, not only for my family and myself, but also for literally hundreds of my employees throughout the years. Employees, who in turn, were able to buy their own homes, raise their own families and give back to their communities and their country.

WHAT I AM … is a man who believes in God; a God who has blessed this country… and all for which it stands.

WHAT I AM … is someone who knows, if you doubt miracles exist in today’s world, you need only to look into the face of those who received them … and the eyes of those who give them.

WHAT I AM … is an American who’s proud that his President embraces a belief in God; proud of a President who understands, as “politically incorrect” as it may be, there is evil in this world and for the security and safety of all freedom loving people everywhere, it must be confronted… and it must be defeated.

WHAT I AM … is an American who takes comfort in the knowledge that our President refuses to allow decisions concerning the very safety and security of this nation, to be governed by the political whims of foreign governments.

WHAT I AM … is tired of hearing from leading Democrats who see only negativity in America; racism in her people; class warfare in her society and “political incorrectness” in her character.

WHAT I AM … is a former democrat who now understands that it is the soldier and not the reporter that guarantees us our freedoms of press, speech and dissent.

WHAT I AM … is a man who believes in the sanctity of life. A man who is repulsed by the pandering of the political left for votes, at the expense of the unborn.

WHAT I AM … is a husband and father who believes in the sanctity of marriage and the preservation of the family unit.

WHAT I AM … is a movie go-er who is repulsed by those insecure, socially inept, elementary thinking, ego-inflated “entertainers” who have appointed themselves “experts” in the fields of national security and geo-politics and then use their forum to attack this nation, its leaders and its actions…. much to the delight and encouragement of our enemies.

WHAT I AM … is an American who understands the difference between “censorship” and “choice”. Evidently, these individuals do not, because when these same “celebrities” receive public ridicule for their offensive actions, the first thing they yell is “Censorship!”. What they seem incapable of understanding is… the right of free speech and dissent is shared equally by those offended… as well as those who offend. I support and will continue to support those films and performers whom I choose to … and refuse to support those I don’t. It is my right as an American … a right I will continue to enthusiastically exercise.

WHAT I AM … is a voter, tired of politicians, who, every time their voting records are subjected to public scrutiny, try to divert attention from their political and legislative failures by accusing their opponents of “attack ads” and “negative campaigning”…. and the news media who allow them to get away with it.

WHAT I AM … is a Catholic who loves his God and his Faith… and who’s been taught to respect all religions whose teachings are based in love, peace and charity. As such, I am embarrassed and ashamed of those individuals, in both private and public life, whose decisions and actions are devoid of any sense of character or morals; individuals who are only driven by what’s best for them … rather than what’s right … often times at the expense of many …. including our national security.

WHAT I AM … is a realist who understands that the terrorist attack that murdered hundreds of innocent Russian children could have occurred here, in our heartland. That’s why I sincerely believe America needs now, more than ever, a President who sees with a clear and focused vision and who speaks with a voice when heard by both friend and foe alike, is understood, respected and believed.

WHAT I AM … is eternally grateful to Ronald Reagan for having the bravery to speak out against Communism and the courage of his convictions in leading the fight to defeat it; and George W. Bush for the vision, courage, conviction and leadership he has shown in America’s war on terrorism amidst both the constant and vicious, personal and political attacks both he and his family are made to endure.

WHAT I AM … is a human being, full of numerous faults and failures, but a man nonetheless, who, though not always successful, has continually strived to do “what’s right” instead of “what’s easy”. A man who is challenging the religious leaders of all faiths, to not only preach to their congregations the fundamentals of “what’s right” and “what’s wrong”, but to also then hold them accountable for their actions in both the public and private sectors.

WHAT I AM … is disgusted with the Courts who, on one hand, call the murder of a pregnant woman a “double homicide” but then refer to the abortion of her baby as, “pro-choice”.

WHAT I AM … is someone deeply troubled by a political party which embraces a candidate whose primary “leadership” qualities center around his protesting of the Vietnam war and his labeling the honorable men and women who fought in it, (50,000 of whom gave their lives in that action), as rapists, and war criminals. That same political party then stepped forward this year to block the appearance of a true Vietnam war hero, retired Admiral and former United States Senator, Jeremiah Denton, (a man who spent seven years and seven torturous months in a North Vietnam prison), from speaking before an open session of the California legislature as part of that state’s 4th of July celebration. The reason Democrats gave for refusing to allow this American hero to speak before their state legislature was because of the “conservative” nature of his views. As an American, that troubles me deeply ….as well it should you.

WHAT I AM … is a man who feels the need to spend, $104, 655.60,(tax paid) of his own money, to purchase this advertisement, in order to set the story straight. Some may say this money would have been better spent feeding the world’s poor. At the risk of sounding self-serving, as an American and as a Republican, for the last six decades of my life, I have done exactly that… and more. Following the examples of my parents and grand parents, I have used my earnings to feed the poor, shelter the homeless, provide housing for the elderly and medical care for the sick….. and continue to do so… and I’m not alone in that work.

WHAT I AM … is someone who is paying for this announcement, at my sole expense, in hopes of opening the eyes of those led blindly by ill-informed elements of our great nation, who, through either ignorance, or malicious intent, repeatedly attack and belittle those of us who belong to a political party that holds true to the belief, “… the rights of the governed, exceed the power of the government”. For those interested, I am speaking only as a tax-paying individual who is in no way associated with The Republican National Committee, nor with any of its directors, or delegates.

WHAT I AM … is a man who understands, “the American way of life” is a message of self-empowerment for all.

WHAT I AM … is an American who is grateful that our nation gives each of us the opportunity of self-determination and the right to benefit from the fruits of self achievement.

WHAT I AM … is an American who wants to preserve that way of life for all who seek it.

WHAT I AM … is blessed to be an American…. and proud to be Republican.

George J. Esseff, Sr.
george@esseff-foundation.org

For a free reprint of this “Open Letter,” go to www.whatiam.net

A PATTERN FOR BELIEVERS

6 PRINCIPLES TO LIVE BY WITH ONE GREAT UNDERLYING THEME!

Rick Jackson

1. Compassion (I Pet. 3:8, Jude 22)

2. Holiness (Rm. 6:22, II Co. 7:1, I Th. 4:7)

3. Rejoicing (I Th. 5:16, Ph. 4:4)

4. Interceding (I Tm. 2:1)

5. Strength (I Co. 16:13, Eph. 6:10, II Tm. 2:1)

6. Trusting (Pr. 3:5-6)

So what's the one great underlying theme? Go back and take the first letter of the 6 principles stated. The Theme is CHRIST! He is the source for us of these principles and the chief example of them all (I Pe. 2:21).

1. Mk. 6:34, Heb. 5:2

2. Acts 3:13-15, Rm. 1:4

3. Mt. 18:12-14, Lk. 10:21

4. Rm. 8:26-27, 34; Heb. 7:25

5. Rev. 12:10, 18:8

6. Mt. 27:41

Back in the saddle again

I was out of town on an anniversary trip with my wife (30th)...uh, 30th anniversary not 30th wife. One and only wife. We went to St. Augustine where we had met at Flagler College in 1974. Maybe more pictures later. Rick

BE LIKE...WISE (LIKEWISE)

Rick Jackson

I PETER 2-3

I. "MAN" BE CHRISTLIKE (2:19-25) (Biblically based)

1. Let conscience rejoice (2:19-23, Mt. 5:10-12)[Be long-suffering]

2. Live Christ's righteousness (2:24)[Be saved]

3. Let Christ rule (2:25)[Be surrendered]

II. WIVES BE LIKEWISE (3:1-6)

1. Live the lifestyle (v. 1-2)

2. Love the Lord (v. 3-4)

3. Trust God and do well (v. 5-6)

III. HUSBANDS BE LIKEWISE (3:7)

1. Get to know your wife!

2. Give honor to her physical state!

3. Give honor to her spiritual state!

DANIEL, A MAN GOD ADMIRED

Rick Jackson

Ezekiel 14:14-20, Mk. 13:14

I. A YOUTH WITH PURPOSE

1. He purposed in his head (v. 1-4)

2. He purposed in his heart (v. 5-8)

3. He purposed in his humility (v. 9-16)

II. A MAN WITH PRINCIPLES

1. He had the right kind of friends (1:11, 17; 2:13-18)

2. He had the right kind of faith (1:12)

3. He had the right kind of faithfulness (6:1-5, I Co. 4:1-2)

III. A MAN OF PRAYER

1. He prayed courageously (6:10)

2. He prayed consistently (6:10, I Th. 5:17, Lk. 18:1)

3. He prayed confidently (6:10, 2:19-23) Gave thanks as he prayed (6:7)

The story is told of a Christian man who praised the Lord he was robbed. He was asked how he could thank the Lord for being robbed. He replied, "I thank the Lord that I have never been robbed before, that though they took my money they did not take my life, and I thank God that I was the one being robbed and not the one doing the robbing."

Picture of the week

Stick 'em up!

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE, THE MORE THINGS STAY THE SAME

JEREMIAH 36

Rick Jackson

I. THE WORD OF GOD (v. 1-4, PS. 119:89, JN. 10:35)

1. Always against sin (v. 1-2)

2. Always for forgiveness (v. 3)

3. All given by inspiration (v. 4, II Tm. 3:16-17)

II. THE WORLD OF MEN (V. 5-26)

1. A world of possibilities (v. 5-9)

2. A world of potential (v. 10-19)

3. A world of pride (v. 20-26)

III. THE WAY OF THE LORD (V. 27-32)

1. He preserves His Word (v. 27-28)

2. He punishes the Wicked (v. 29-31)

3. He persists in His Work (v. 32, Ps. 2)

The UN-ACLU has no clue what this day is all about. These fellows do. God bless our leaders, God bless our troops, and God bless America!

FAITH OF OUR FATHERS (III)

HEBREWS 11:11-19

Rick Jackson

I. THE JOY OF FAITH (V. 11-12)


1. Is our strength (v. 11, Ez. 6:22, Ne. 8:10, Col. 1:11)

2. Is a result of deliverance (v. 11, Lk. 15:10, Jn. 16:21)

3. Is based on God’s faithfulness (v. 11-12, II Co. 1:24, Ga. 5:22, Ph. 1:25, Hb. 12:2)


II. THE JOURNEY OF FAITH (V. 13)


1. “See” afar off (v. 13)

2. Are persuaded (v. 13)

3. Embrace it (v. 13)


III. THE JUSTIFICATION OF FAITH (V. 14-19)


1. The Heavenly land v. 14-16a, Rev. 21:10-21

2. The Heavenly hand (v. 16b, Rev. 21:22-23, Is. 59:1, 62:1-3,66:14)

3. The Heavenly band (v. 17-19, Rev. 21:24-27)

FAITH OF OUR FATHERS (II)

HEBREWS 11:8-10

Rick Jackson

I. THE GOD OF FAITH (V. 8)


1. God calls people (v. 8, Mt. 9:13, 11:28)

2. God promises a place (v. 8, Jn. 14:1-6)

3. God keeps His promises (v. 8, Acts 2:39, 13:16-41)


II. THE LIFE OF FAITH (V. 9)


1. Based on promises (v. 9, II Pt. 1:4)

2. Is temporary (v. 9, II Pet. 1:13-14, Rm. 8:17-25, II Co. 5:1)

3. Should be shared (v. 9, II Pet. 1:16-21)


III. THE END OF FAITH (V. 10)


1. The Heavenly city (v. 10, Rev. 21:10)

2. The Heavenly Builder (v. 10, Heb. 3:4)

3. The Heavenly Building (v. 10, Mt. 16:18, I Co. 3:9)

AMERICAN DECLARATIONS

Rick Jackson

As we approach the 230th birthday of the United States of America let us take the time to consider some American Declarations in the light of Scripture.

I. "NO KING BUT JESUS" -A DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE

In the days of the early church many Christians died because they would not recognize Caesar as a god. They replied in effect, "We have no King but Jesus". In the 1700s when faced with the tyranny of an English crown many of the colonists took up the cry "NO KING BUT JESUS" before, during, and after the Revolutionary War! What did it mean to them and what should it mean to us?

1. We do believe in God (Ps. 146:1-2, Gn. 1:1, Heb. 11:6)

2. We don't believe in the divine right of kings (Ps. 146:3)

3. We do believe the Bible that Jesus is the coming King (II Tm. 4:1, II Pt. 1:11)

II. NOT SO MODERN DECLARATIONS OF IGNORANCE

1. "We don't have to believe the Bible" (Gn. 2:16-17, 3:1, I Pt. 1:18-25, 5:8)

2. "We don't have to believe in God" (Ps. 14:1, Rm. 1:18-23)

3. "We don't have to believe in Jesus" (Jn. 1:11-12, Ph. 2:9-11)

III. THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

1. We believe in creation (Gn. 1-2)

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator..."

2. We believe in individual rights (Mosaic Law, etc.)

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men..."

3. We believe in individual responsibility (Lk. 12:48)

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

"We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."