by Peter Galling, AiG–U.S. [the links may not work, if that is the case go to the Answers In Genesis website using the link in the upper left and use their search engine. This information came from them anyway. -Rick]
Anyone familiar with the creation/evolution debate should know that anti-creationists love to lob the accusation that creationists are “anti-science” or that they “reject science.” Evolutionists frequently label creationists “flat-earthers” and even go as far as suggesting that consistent creationists should deny the law of gravity!
What’s more, these assertions are sometimes made with the implication (or outright allegation) that creationists are openly anti-science.1 So, for those who haven’t already made up their minds before hearing us out—or reading what we’ve written many times on this website—are we truly against science? Not at all! Answers in Genesis (like other creationist groups) affirms and supports the teaching and use of scientific methodology, and we believe this supports the biblical account of origins. So why all the disagreement?
Starting Points
Much of the problem stems from the different starting points of creationists and Darwinists. Everyone, scientist or not, must start their quests for knowledge with some unprovable axiom—some a priori belief on which they sort through experience and deduce other truths. This starting point, whatever it is, can only be accepted by faith; eventually, in each belief system, there must be some unprovable, presupposed foundation for reasoning (since an infinite regression is impossible).
For Bible-believing Christians, God’s Word is our starting point: our presupposed foundation through which we interpret and balance fallen man’s ideas, including those derived scientifically. Although some may consider this a foolish faith, everyone has such faith in something. But which is foolish: faith in the unmovable Word of the omniscient creator God or faith in man’s fallible, changing ideas?
Two Kinds of Science
Also causing confusion is the simple distinction some try to make between “faith” and “science.” Answers in Genesis believes this dichotomy is in error, because some form of faith (in a religion) is required to believe in creation or evolution. Both creation and evolution make claims about an unrepeatable past that was not observed by humans. This is distinctly different from normal science, which is a methodological system governing directly observed, repeatable results (such as laboratory experiments). Take a look at the difference between this type of science, called “operational” science, and its counterpart, “origins” science, which requires extrapolation beyond the presently available data—in other words, faith in a story about the unobserved past.
Operations science
Based on: the senses (assuming they are reliable)
Use: experiments
Deals with: the present
Results in: repeatable conclusions, technology
Origins science
Based on: assumptions about the past
Use: extrapolation
Deals with: the past
Results in: unrepeatable stories about the past
Operations science is used by millions of scientists worldwide, who perform experiments and tests that result in discoveries about the world around us and new technologies. A perfect example would be the work of scientist-monk Gregor Mendel, father of genetics. His meticulous operations science involved careful cross-breeding of various pea plants, along with copious notes on the combinations and results. His years of work led to our knowledge of how genes work in the present, and have led to significant scientific advancements.
On the other hand, examine the origins science of Charles Darwin (and others like him). Darwin made observations, yes; he then borrowed the already-existing idea of natural selection and mixed it with a view he assumed was true (based on his rejection of the Bible): uniformitarianism. Thus, by combining observations, scientific ideas, and anti-God philosophy, Darwin published a speculation on how all of life could have descended from a common ancestor.
Although Mendel had presuppositions about how created things would behave, based on biblical ideas, his work was borne of observations + careful, repeated experimentation + testable conclusions. Mendel produced hypotheses whose predictions could be tested. Darwin’s work was the result of observations + philosophical presuppositions + speculation. Darwin produced a story about a past that could neither be observed nor tested experimentally.
Thus, Answers in Genesis argues that evolutionary ideas are origins science, not operational science; evolution is, itself, a religious worldview, just as creation is part of a religious worldview, which affects how scientists do origins science. It is impossible to escape the presuppositions that give rise to one’s theory on origins. Those who portray evolutionism as solid science (contrasting it with [construed as blind] “faith” in creationism) ignore the fact that scientific data must be interpreted through a worldview.
As for operations science, creationists are staunch supporters of it. Furthermore, we believe that the basic principles required for operations science are specifically biblical (that is, operations science requires belief in a understandable universe, in the ability to discover truth, and in the consistent workings of nature). See The Creationist Basis for Modern Science and The biblical origins of science for more on this topic.
Another way our opponents attempt to mislead the public is by claiming that no scientists accept the Bible’s account of creation. But once again, this claim is far from the truth. There are many PhD scientists alive today who accept biblical creation, and many famous scientists of the past accepted the Bible’s account as well. Visit Creation scientists and other biographies of interest to read about some of these individuals and articles about how creation scientists are discriminated against. Answers in Genesis itself employs several PhD scientists, including (for example) Ivy League-educated, award-winning anatomist Dr. David Menton.
The allegations that creationists reject, dislike, or hamper science are all flat-out wrong and/or deceptive. They distract from the real issue and lead to misunderstandings about the nature of (and philosophical assumptions behind) origins science, produce errant stereotypes of creationists, foster close-mindedness and discrimination against creationism, and cause people to forget the biblical basis for science. Creationists are strong supporters of science—but not of naturalistic philosophy masquerading as science.
What about the classroom?
Another of the popular caricatures of creationists in general is of the “book burner” who wants to remove all vestiges of evolution from the public schools. In fact, we are often accused of wanting to force the teaching of creation and suppress all disagreement. However, this is certainly not the case. The classroom is exactly where the evolutionary model should be taught. In fact, we believe that when students are taught evolution—with all its flaws—they are better equipped to understand the bias each scientist carries and better able to understand the differences between operational and origins science. After all, students will encounter Darwinism when they turn on the TV or go through a museum, etc.; it’s important that they understand the theory and the faith behind it.
We are also against mandating the teaching of creation in public schools (although a fair treatment of the issue would be ideal). After all, staunch evolutionists, in particular, may be unlikely to accurately present the creation view if they are forced to discuss both sides. We want students to hear the truth of God’s Word and how science shows a young earth and a global Flood, but forcing someone to teach what they do not accept may be counterproductive. Although creationist teachers have been forced to exclude the Bible from science classes for years and, in many cases, cannot even question the evolutionary paradigm without fear of losing their jobs; we are not asking for the reverse from evolutionists. A searching student should be able to find ample information on the creationist worldview from their churches, parents, or reputable creationist websites. There is a special section, in fact, on AnswerInGenesis.org for students.
We believe that the evidence, when speaking for itself, attests to the faith required to assemble a viewpoint on origins. When students have access to both sides of the argument, we have no doubt they will see that evolution, like creation, is a position supportable only through faith. When they see that many of the “evidences” for evolution are simply suppositions, they will understand that only God can give an eye-witness account. And, as we know from science, first-hand experience is much more reliable than just-so stories.
For more information:
Evolution & creation, science & religion, facts & bias
A look at some myths about scientists
Naturalism, Origin and Operation Science
Evolution Is Religion—Not Science (ICR Impact article)
Q&A: Science
Footnotes
For example, in a widely circulated 2006 Associated Press article, Dylan Lovan wrote, “That [dinosaurs lived with man], of course, is contradicted by science, but that’s the point of [our $27 million] Creation Museum rising fast in rural Kentucky.” We opined then that such inaccuracy could “[give] many readers the false impression that we wholeheartedly agree that our views contradict science—and are spending millions of supporter donations to show it! In fact, Mr. Lovan’s article makes it sound as though we may have signs around the museum that say, ‘Everything you see here, of course, is contradicted by science!’”
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Friday, February 08, 2008
CHURCH CATS
Johnny's mother looked out the window and noticed him "playing church" with their three kittens. He had the kittens sitting in a row, and he was preaching to them.
She smiled and went about her work. A while later she heard loud meowing and hissing and ran to the bathroom and saw Johnny baptizing the kittens in the tub. She said, "Johnny, stop that! Those kittens are afraid of water!" Johnny looked up at her and said, "They should have thought about that before they joined my church."
She smiled and went about her work. A while later she heard loud meowing and hissing and ran to the bathroom and saw Johnny baptizing the kittens in the tub. She said, "Johnny, stop that! Those kittens are afraid of water!" Johnny looked up at her and said, "They should have thought about that before they joined my church."
Thursday, February 07, 2008
It Is Enough
"And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die" (Genesis 45:28).
When someone exclaims, "It is enough," either a requirement has been satisfied, or a need has been fulfilled, or a limit has been reached. This phrase occurs seven times in the Old Testament (two different Hebrew words), and three times in the New (each a different Greek word).
In its first occurrence (in our text), Jacob is overcome with thankful emotion at the news that his beloved son, long given up for dead, is still alive. For a very different reason, Pharaoh later cried: "Entreat the LORD (for it is enough) that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail" (Exodus 9:28).
"It is enough: stay now thine hand" (II Samuel 24:16; I Chronicles 21:15). This command of God to the death angel stopped the destruction of Israel following David’s sin of numbering his people. Later, when Elijah thought he could bear no more, "he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough" (I Kings 19:4).
On the other hand, "There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough: The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough" (Proverbs 30:15,16).
In the New Testament, Jesus said: "It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord" (Matthew 10:25). As the time of His arrest was drawing near, He told His disciples: "It is enough, the hour is come" (Mark 14:41). When they produced two swords, "He said unto them, It is enough" (Luke 22:38).
There obviously are many types of circumstances which can lead one to cry: "Enough!" But "in the ages to come," there will never be an end to "the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:7). We can never get enough of God! HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
February 7, 2008
When someone exclaims, "It is enough," either a requirement has been satisfied, or a need has been fulfilled, or a limit has been reached. This phrase occurs seven times in the Old Testament (two different Hebrew words), and three times in the New (each a different Greek word).
In its first occurrence (in our text), Jacob is overcome with thankful emotion at the news that his beloved son, long given up for dead, is still alive. For a very different reason, Pharaoh later cried: "Entreat the LORD (for it is enough) that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail" (Exodus 9:28).
"It is enough: stay now thine hand" (II Samuel 24:16; I Chronicles 21:15). This command of God to the death angel stopped the destruction of Israel following David’s sin of numbering his people. Later, when Elijah thought he could bear no more, "he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough" (I Kings 19:4).
On the other hand, "There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough: The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough" (Proverbs 30:15,16).
In the New Testament, Jesus said: "It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord" (Matthew 10:25). As the time of His arrest was drawing near, He told His disciples: "It is enough, the hour is come" (Mark 14:41). When they produced two swords, "He said unto them, It is enough" (Luke 22:38).
There obviously are many types of circumstances which can lead one to cry: "Enough!" But "in the ages to come," there will never be an end to "the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:7). We can never get enough of God! HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
February 7, 2008
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
REMEMBER THEM
HEBREWS 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
Pastor Rick Jackson
The United States is a nation that is given to remember. Generally when we say "remember" we mean that we should recall, and not forget, a past event. Rallying cries like "Remember the Alamo!", "Remember the Maine!", & "Remember Pearl Harbor" have stirred the blood of Americans for over 175 years. The Word of God tells us in Heb. 13:3 not to remember a past event, but a present reality. For almost 2000 years Christians have been persecuted all over the world and that is certainly still true today.
Indeed we use it the same way sometimes. "Remeber to look both ways before crossing the street." "Remember, I before E except after C." So God says, "Remember Them!"
I. REMEMBER THEM THAT ARE IN BONDS!
1. REMEMBER THEM PURPOSEFULLY! [13:3, 16] - COMMUNICATE!
Galatians 6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
Philippians 4:14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
1 Timothy 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
2. REMEMBER THEM PRAYERFULLY! [13:3] COMMUNE!
Genesis 18:27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:
Exodus 25:22 And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.
3. REMEMBER THEM PROVIDENTIALLY! [13:3] COMMANDED!
II. "AS BOUND WITH THEM"
1. THEY ARE PART OF THE BRETHREN! [10:19, 13:22]
B.A.S.I.C. - brothers and sisters in chains
Acts 15:36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
2 Corinthians 8:23 Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
2. THEY ARE PART OF THE BODY! [13:3]
III. "AND THEM WHICH SUFFER ADVERSITY" Adversity carries with it the idea of maltreatment:--which suffer adversity, torment (but in this case not bondage)
1. THERE IS MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SUFFER [11:25, 37]
2. THERE IS MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SUPPORT
Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
Hebrews 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
Pastor Rick Jackson
The United States is a nation that is given to remember. Generally when we say "remember" we mean that we should recall, and not forget, a past event. Rallying cries like "Remember the Alamo!", "Remember the Maine!", & "Remember Pearl Harbor" have stirred the blood of Americans for over 175 years. The Word of God tells us in Heb. 13:3 not to remember a past event, but a present reality. For almost 2000 years Christians have been persecuted all over the world and that is certainly still true today.
Indeed we use it the same way sometimes. "Remeber to look both ways before crossing the street." "Remember, I before E except after C." So God says, "Remember Them!"
I. REMEMBER THEM THAT ARE IN BONDS!
1. REMEMBER THEM PURPOSEFULLY! [13:3, 16] - COMMUNICATE!
Galatians 6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
Philippians 4:14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
1 Timothy 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
2. REMEMBER THEM PRAYERFULLY! [13:3] COMMUNE!
Genesis 18:27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:
Exodus 25:22 And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.
3. REMEMBER THEM PROVIDENTIALLY! [13:3] COMMANDED!
II. "AS BOUND WITH THEM"
1. THEY ARE PART OF THE BRETHREN! [10:19, 13:22]
B.A.S.I.C. - brothers and sisters in chains
Acts 15:36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
2 Corinthians 8:23 Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
2. THEY ARE PART OF THE BODY! [13:3]
III. "AND THEM WHICH SUFFER ADVERSITY" Adversity carries with it the idea of maltreatment:--which suffer adversity, torment (but in this case not bondage)
1. THERE IS MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SUFFER [11:25, 37]
2. THERE IS MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SUPPORT
Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
Hebrews 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Give Thanks
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (I Thessalonians 5:18).
In everything give thanks? What about when we lose our jobs, or when we get sued for an accident, or when we are laid up with a long illness, or when a loved one dies? It is easy enough to give mental assent to this command, as long as things are going smoothly, but it becomes one of the most challenging passages in the Bible when deep adversity surrounds us.
But it is in the Bible! Furthermore, there are many other passages to the same effect. For example: "Be filled with the Spirit; . . . Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:18,20). And how about this? "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice" (Philippians 4:4).
How can one "glory in tribulations"? (Romans 5:3). There is only one way, of course, and that is by faith, following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5).
No matter what trials we must endure, we will never have to suffer as He did when He, "for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame" (Hebrews 12:2). Likewise, we can "reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18). "Our light affliction" endures only "for a moment" in light of eternity (II Corinthians 4:17).
It is only by faith that "we know that all things work together for good to them that love God" (Romans 8:28). But that faith is in the infinite God who loves us with an everlasting love. Therefore, we must "look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen" (II Corinthians 4:18), and continue to thank and praise God. HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.orgFebruary 5, 2008
In everything give thanks? What about when we lose our jobs, or when we get sued for an accident, or when we are laid up with a long illness, or when a loved one dies? It is easy enough to give mental assent to this command, as long as things are going smoothly, but it becomes one of the most challenging passages in the Bible when deep adversity surrounds us.
But it is in the Bible! Furthermore, there are many other passages to the same effect. For example: "Be filled with the Spirit; . . . Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:18,20). And how about this? "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice" (Philippians 4:4).
How can one "glory in tribulations"? (Romans 5:3). There is only one way, of course, and that is by faith, following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5).
No matter what trials we must endure, we will never have to suffer as He did when He, "for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame" (Hebrews 12:2). Likewise, we can "reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18). "Our light affliction" endures only "for a moment" in light of eternity (II Corinthians 4:17).
It is only by faith that "we know that all things work together for good to them that love God" (Romans 8:28). But that faith is in the infinite God who loves us with an everlasting love. Therefore, we must "look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen" (II Corinthians 4:18), and continue to thank and praise God. HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.orgFebruary 5, 2008
Monday, February 04, 2008
Thine, O Lord
"Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all" (I Chronicles 29:11).
This is one of the great doxologies of Scripture, originally a part of King David's prayer at the time of Solomon's coronation as his successor. Although David and Solomon were the greatest kings of Israel, and two of the greatest kings in the world of their age, David rightly acknowledged that the Lord Himself was the true King, not only of Israel, but of all heaven and earth. He is head, the supreme ruler, over all.
This is the first occurrence in Scripture of the great testimony of worship: "Thine is the kingdom." In the modern world, however, there are relatively few who acknowledge Him as King of Creation. Except for a small minority, most people believe that the universe has evolved, and man is king.
But David's prayer will be echoed again in the great prayer of the cherubim: "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created" (Revelation 4:11). Then, soon afterwards, "the four and twenty elders" utter their prayer: "We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty . . . because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned" (Revelation 11:16,17).
Someday, every knee will bow and every tongue shall confess Him as King of kings and Lord of lords. "Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion. . . . Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. . . . Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him" (Psalm 2:6,10,12). In that day, "there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him" (Revelation 22:3). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
February 4, 2008
This is one of the great doxologies of Scripture, originally a part of King David's prayer at the time of Solomon's coronation as his successor. Although David and Solomon were the greatest kings of Israel, and two of the greatest kings in the world of their age, David rightly acknowledged that the Lord Himself was the true King, not only of Israel, but of all heaven and earth. He is head, the supreme ruler, over all.
This is the first occurrence in Scripture of the great testimony of worship: "Thine is the kingdom." In the modern world, however, there are relatively few who acknowledge Him as King of Creation. Except for a small minority, most people believe that the universe has evolved, and man is king.
But David's prayer will be echoed again in the great prayer of the cherubim: "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created" (Revelation 4:11). Then, soon afterwards, "the four and twenty elders" utter their prayer: "We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty . . . because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned" (Revelation 11:16,17).
Someday, every knee will bow and every tongue shall confess Him as King of kings and Lord of lords. "Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion. . . . Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. . . . Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him" (Psalm 2:6,10,12). In that day, "there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him" (Revelation 22:3). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
February 4, 2008
Sunday, February 03, 2008
QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Is antibiotic resistance proof of evolution?
It is true that certain bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics. On the surface, this may seem like evidence for evolution. After all, these bacteria seemed to have “gained” something—a resistance which they didn’t have before.
It?s easy to see how a student could be intimidated by teachers who push evolution by declaring that bacteria have gained a resistance. Thus, they supposedly evolved.
But, when you study the matter at a molecular level and understand how this resistance came about, it becomes obvious that it has nothing to do with molecules-to-man evolution.
Dr. Georgia Purdom explains:
Mutation and natural selection, thought to be the driving forces of evolution, only lead to a loss of functional systems. Therefore, antibiotic resistance of bacteria is not an example of evolution in action but rather variation within a bacterial kind.
For evolution in the Darwinian sense to occur, an organism has to gain information—information that previously did not exist. Bacterial resistance has nothing to do with a gain of information: it can be inherited from information that already existed, there could be a loss of information, or there could be an exchange of previously existing information from another bacterium. However, none of this has anything whatsoever to do with molecules-to-man evolution.
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
It?s easy to see how a student could be intimidated by teachers who push evolution by declaring that bacteria have gained a resistance. Thus, they supposedly evolved.
But, when you study the matter at a molecular level and understand how this resistance came about, it becomes obvious that it has nothing to do with molecules-to-man evolution.
Dr. Georgia Purdom explains:
Mutation and natural selection, thought to be the driving forces of evolution, only lead to a loss of functional systems. Therefore, antibiotic resistance of bacteria is not an example of evolution in action but rather variation within a bacterial kind.
For evolution in the Darwinian sense to occur, an organism has to gain information—information that previously did not exist. Bacterial resistance has nothing to do with a gain of information: it can be inherited from information that already existed, there could be a loss of information, or there could be an exchange of previously existing information from another bacterium. However, none of this has anything whatsoever to do with molecules-to-man evolution.
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
God Knows What We Don't Know
"I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me" (Psalm 119:75).
One of the most perplexing aspects of the Christian life is trying to understand God's purpose when defeat or affliction comes into our lives, thereby hindering or even halting our ministry and testimony for Him. Many have been the servants of God who were sincerely working for Christ, seeking to obey His will and His word as best they understood them, but then suddenly were laid aside by sickness, or had their ministries stopped by the enemies of God (sometimes even by fellow Christians), or for some other reason, and could not discern why God allowed it.
What then? When affliction comes, we must simply trust God, knowing that whatever He does is right and that our affliction is invested with His faithfulness. He is our Creator and, through Christ, has also become our heavenly Father: "Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?" (Hebrews 12:9). He knows what we don't know, therefore we can "know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
This verse (Romans 8:28) is one of the most familiar and most wonderful promises in the Bible, but it is one of the most difficult to believe in time of affliction or loss. Nevertheless, it is God's promise, and "all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us" (II Corinthians 1:20).
God knows the end from the beginning, and in that wonderful day when Christ returns, "then shall I know even as also I am known" (I Corinthians 13:12). Until then, we must simply trust Him. HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH http://icr.org/February 3, 2008
One of the most perplexing aspects of the Christian life is trying to understand God's purpose when defeat or affliction comes into our lives, thereby hindering or even halting our ministry and testimony for Him. Many have been the servants of God who were sincerely working for Christ, seeking to obey His will and His word as best they understood them, but then suddenly were laid aside by sickness, or had their ministries stopped by the enemies of God (sometimes even by fellow Christians), or for some other reason, and could not discern why God allowed it.
What then? When affliction comes, we must simply trust God, knowing that whatever He does is right and that our affliction is invested with His faithfulness. He is our Creator and, through Christ, has also become our heavenly Father: "Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?" (Hebrews 12:9). He knows what we don't know, therefore we can "know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
This verse (Romans 8:28) is one of the most familiar and most wonderful promises in the Bible, but it is one of the most difficult to believe in time of affliction or loss. Nevertheless, it is God's promise, and "all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us" (II Corinthians 1:20).
God knows the end from the beginning, and in that wonderful day when Christ returns, "then shall I know even as also I am known" (I Corinthians 13:12). Until then, we must simply trust Him. HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH http://icr.org/February 3, 2008
Saturday, February 02, 2008
The Unequal Yoke
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" (II Corinthians 6:14).
This is one of the definitive statements in Scripture on the doctrine of Christian separation. Not only should believers refrain from practicing evil teaching and error, they should not join in any formal association with those who do such things, nor should they enter into a binding relationship of any kind with non-Christians.
There may be a question regarding the full scope of this prohibition, though it probably would not apply to civic clubs, professional societies and such like, with no religious connotations. The context of this verse implies an association of Christians with pagan idolaters, compromising God's word with the immoral pantheism of the Greek religions.
The "unequal yoke" seems, therefore, to be one involving an actual "fellowship" and "communion" in some kind of religious or quasi-spiritual union with unbelievers, and this is forbidden, for how "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3). In the modern scene, ancient Greek pantheism has now become one form or another of evolutionary humanism. Thus the prohibition would at least apply to membership in secret lodges or fraternities with a pseudo-religious structure and purpose, as well as membership in liberal churches or cults in the so-called "New Age" orbit. It clearly must also include marriage or partnership or other formal unions with individuals who, as unbelievers in Christ, are either knowingly or unknowingly affected by such pagan beliefs or practices. Instead of such an unequal yoke, we should be joined only to Christ and His followers, "For," said He, "my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:30). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.orgFebruary 2, 2008
This is one of the definitive statements in Scripture on the doctrine of Christian separation. Not only should believers refrain from practicing evil teaching and error, they should not join in any formal association with those who do such things, nor should they enter into a binding relationship of any kind with non-Christians.
There may be a question regarding the full scope of this prohibition, though it probably would not apply to civic clubs, professional societies and such like, with no religious connotations. The context of this verse implies an association of Christians with pagan idolaters, compromising God's word with the immoral pantheism of the Greek religions.
The "unequal yoke" seems, therefore, to be one involving an actual "fellowship" and "communion" in some kind of religious or quasi-spiritual union with unbelievers, and this is forbidden, for how "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3). In the modern scene, ancient Greek pantheism has now become one form or another of evolutionary humanism. Thus the prohibition would at least apply to membership in secret lodges or fraternities with a pseudo-religious structure and purpose, as well as membership in liberal churches or cults in the so-called "New Age" orbit. It clearly must also include marriage or partnership or other formal unions with individuals who, as unbelievers in Christ, are either knowingly or unknowingly affected by such pagan beliefs or practices. Instead of such an unequal yoke, we should be joined only to Christ and His followers, "For," said He, "my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:30). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.orgFebruary 2, 2008
Friday, February 01, 2008
EVOLUTION? THE EARTH'S POPULATION SAYS "NO!"
"And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them" (Exodus 1:7).
Populations can grow very rapidly. For example, one can calculate that the seventy who came into Egypt with Jacob (Genesis 46:27) could easily have multiplied to over five million in just ten generations, assuming only that the average family had six children who lived and reproduced, and that only two generations were living contemporaneously at any one time. This was less than half the number in Jacob's immediate family. The actual count of the grown Israelite men (not including the tribe of Levi) who left Egypt with Moses was "six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty" (Numbers 1:46). The total population was probably between two and three million at the time.
This illustrates how rapidly populations can grow when conditions are favorable. In fact, if a simple geometric growth rate is assumed (which was the assumption made by Charles Darwin in relation to his imagined "struggle for existence" in nature), it would only take about 1100 years--assuming 35 years per generation--to develop the present world population of six billion people. Immediately after the Flood, with only eight people and the whole world before them, with long life spans still prevailing, and with every incentive to have large families, the population surely would have grown explosively. Yet the average annual growth rate since the Flood need only have been one-fourth the present growth rate to produce the world's present population in the 4000 years (minimum) since that time.
All of which indicates that the evolutionary scenario, which assumes that human populations have been on the earth for about a million years, is absurd. The whole universe could not hold all the people! HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.orgFebruary 1, 2008
Populations can grow very rapidly. For example, one can calculate that the seventy who came into Egypt with Jacob (Genesis 46:27) could easily have multiplied to over five million in just ten generations, assuming only that the average family had six children who lived and reproduced, and that only two generations were living contemporaneously at any one time. This was less than half the number in Jacob's immediate family. The actual count of the grown Israelite men (not including the tribe of Levi) who left Egypt with Moses was "six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty" (Numbers 1:46). The total population was probably between two and three million at the time.
This illustrates how rapidly populations can grow when conditions are favorable. In fact, if a simple geometric growth rate is assumed (which was the assumption made by Charles Darwin in relation to his imagined "struggle for existence" in nature), it would only take about 1100 years--assuming 35 years per generation--to develop the present world population of six billion people. Immediately after the Flood, with only eight people and the whole world before them, with long life spans still prevailing, and with every incentive to have large families, the population surely would have grown explosively. Yet the average annual growth rate since the Flood need only have been one-fourth the present growth rate to produce the world's present population in the 4000 years (minimum) since that time.
All of which indicates that the evolutionary scenario, which assumes that human populations have been on the earth for about a million years, is absurd. The whole universe could not hold all the people! HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.orgFebruary 1, 2008
QUOTES OF THE WEEK!
They have been looking for the missing link. I'll tell you where I think the missing link is. I think it is in the fellow's head who is leaving God out of things. - Louis Arnold
Anytime you let business come ahead of God you are going to suffer and your business is going to suffer. - L.A.
When we get out of God's will we always pay a price. - L.A.
Sow a thought, reap an act. Sow an act, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a destiny. - E.D. Boardman
All of our failures are prayer failures. - John R. Rice
Anytime you let business come ahead of God you are going to suffer and your business is going to suffer. - L.A.
When we get out of God's will we always pay a price. - L.A.
Sow a thought, reap an act. Sow an act, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a destiny. - E.D. Boardman
All of our failures are prayer failures. - John R. Rice
Thursday, January 31, 2008
All In All
"Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He" (Deuteronomy 32:3,4).
It is a thrilling exercise to note all the holy and gracious attributes attached to the name of God by the writers of Holy Scripture. In our text, for example, taken from the song of Moses, God is called a "God of truth." According to the prophet Isaiah, the Lord is a "God of judgment" (Isaiah 30:18).
David called God both the "God of my righteousness" and "the God of salvation" (Psalms 4:1; 68:20).
In the New Testament, Stephen called Him "the God of glory" (Acts 7:2). Paul called Him both "the God of hope" and "the God of patience and consolation" (Romans 15:5,13) when he wrote to the persecuted believers in the great capital of the Roman Empire.
To the carnal Christians in Corinth, He was called "the God of all comfort" and "the God of love and peace" (II Corinthians 1:3; 13:11), and to the suffering believers in Philippi, Paul identified Him as "the God of peace" (Philippians 4:9).
The Apostle Peter called Him "the God of all grace" (I Peter 5:10), and the writer of Hebrews recognized Him as both "God the judge of all" and "the God of peace" (Hebrews 12:23; 13:20).
Our God is, indeed, the God who is all in all to His people. He is the God of truth and righteousness, of peace and love, of patience and comfort, of hope and grace, glory, and salvation.
"Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints" (Revelation 15:3). Is He, above all, "Lord of all" in us who know Him? HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.orgJanuary 31, 2008
It is a thrilling exercise to note all the holy and gracious attributes attached to the name of God by the writers of Holy Scripture. In our text, for example, taken from the song of Moses, God is called a "God of truth." According to the prophet Isaiah, the Lord is a "God of judgment" (Isaiah 30:18).
David called God both the "God of my righteousness" and "the God of salvation" (Psalms 4:1; 68:20).
In the New Testament, Stephen called Him "the God of glory" (Acts 7:2). Paul called Him both "the God of hope" and "the God of patience and consolation" (Romans 15:5,13) when he wrote to the persecuted believers in the great capital of the Roman Empire.
To the carnal Christians in Corinth, He was called "the God of all comfort" and "the God of love and peace" (II Corinthians 1:3; 13:11), and to the suffering believers in Philippi, Paul identified Him as "the God of peace" (Philippians 4:9).
The Apostle Peter called Him "the God of all grace" (I Peter 5:10), and the writer of Hebrews recognized Him as both "God the judge of all" and "the God of peace" (Hebrews 12:23; 13:20).
Our God is, indeed, the God who is all in all to His people. He is the God of truth and righteousness, of peace and love, of patience and comfort, of hope and grace, glory, and salvation.
"Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints" (Revelation 15:3). Is He, above all, "Lord of all" in us who know Him? HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.orgJanuary 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
GOD'S LOVE
DEUTERONOMY 7
Pastor Rick Jackson
People are constantly displaying their ignorance concerning God's love by their foolish utterances.
"If God is a God of love why is there so much trouble in the world?"
"If God loves everybody then everybody is going to Heaven."
Such foolishness is not only illogical but it is unbiblical. Let's examine just a few things the Bible tells us about God's love.
I. GOD'S LOVE IS NOT A LOVE:
1. BECAUSE OF [Dt. 7:6-7, Rm. 5:8]
2. (OF) BROKEN PROMISES [Dt. 7:8a-9a]
Galatians 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
3. (OF) BLINDNESS [Dt. 7:9b, Rm. 2:1-16]
II. GOD'S LOVE IS:
1. A SEEKING LOVE [Dt. 7:6]
1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
2. A SECURE LOVE [Dt. 7:8a]
Romans 5:9-11 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement
3. A SACRIFICIAL LOVE [Dt. 7:8b]
Romans 5:6-8 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
III. GOD'S LOVE DOES:
1. SANCTIFY [Dt. 7:6]
Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
2. SPREAD [Dt. 7:9]
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again
3. SEPARATE [Dt. 7:10]
Matthew 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
Luke 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said °, Separate me ° Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
.2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
Jude 1:19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
Pastor Rick Jackson
People are constantly displaying their ignorance concerning God's love by their foolish utterances.
"If God is a God of love why is there so much trouble in the world?"
"If God loves everybody then everybody is going to Heaven."
Such foolishness is not only illogical but it is unbiblical. Let's examine just a few things the Bible tells us about God's love.
I. GOD'S LOVE IS NOT A LOVE:
1. BECAUSE OF [Dt. 7:6-7, Rm. 5:8]
2. (OF) BROKEN PROMISES [Dt. 7:8a-9a]
Galatians 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
3. (OF) BLINDNESS [Dt. 7:9b, Rm. 2:1-16]
II. GOD'S LOVE IS:
1. A SEEKING LOVE [Dt. 7:6]
1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
2. A SECURE LOVE [Dt. 7:8a]
Romans 5:9-11 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement
3. A SACRIFICIAL LOVE [Dt. 7:8b]
Romans 5:6-8 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
III. GOD'S LOVE DOES:
1. SANCTIFY [Dt. 7:6]
Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
2. SPREAD [Dt. 7:9]
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again
3. SEPARATE [Dt. 7:10]
Matthew 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
Luke 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said °, Separate me ° Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
.2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
Jude 1:19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The Complex Cosmos
"He hath made the earth by His power, He hath established the world by His wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by His discretion" (Jeremiah 10:12).
This verse gives a fascinating insight into God's primeval creation of the universe, especially on the first four days of His week of creative work. The "earth" refers to the geosphere, or the inorganic components of the globe, the "world" to its biosphere, especially the plant life, and the "heavens" to the atmosphere and astrosphere.
God's "power" refers to the tremendous energy or force required to organize the complex systems and physio-chemical processes which govern the earth. The "wisdom" of God speaks of the skillful planning by which He set up the plant biosphere and the hydrologic systems to maintain it. His "discretion" is the infinite intelligence necessary to spread out the infinite cosmos filled with innumerable stars and clusters of stars, all individually distinct from all others.
The infinite, complex, highly energized universe could never in all eternity have evolved itself out of primeval chaotic nothingness, as evolutionists delude themselves into believing. The universal law of entropy now operates in such a way in the universe as to dissipate its energy and disintegrate its complexity, as it heads downward towards chaos and death. It is absurd to think that the cosmos could have "organized" itself by the same processes which are now "disorganizing" it.
The two preceding verses say it well. "But the LORD is the true God, He is the living God, and an everlasting king: . . . The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens" (Jeremiah 10:10,11). We do well, therefore, to trust Him in all things. "I am the LORD," says He, "the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?" (Jeremiah 32:27). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.orgJanuary 29, 2008
This verse gives a fascinating insight into God's primeval creation of the universe, especially on the first four days of His week of creative work. The "earth" refers to the geosphere, or the inorganic components of the globe, the "world" to its biosphere, especially the plant life, and the "heavens" to the atmosphere and astrosphere.
God's "power" refers to the tremendous energy or force required to organize the complex systems and physio-chemical processes which govern the earth. The "wisdom" of God speaks of the skillful planning by which He set up the plant biosphere and the hydrologic systems to maintain it. His "discretion" is the infinite intelligence necessary to spread out the infinite cosmos filled with innumerable stars and clusters of stars, all individually distinct from all others.
The infinite, complex, highly energized universe could never in all eternity have evolved itself out of primeval chaotic nothingness, as evolutionists delude themselves into believing. The universal law of entropy now operates in such a way in the universe as to dissipate its energy and disintegrate its complexity, as it heads downward towards chaos and death. It is absurd to think that the cosmos could have "organized" itself by the same processes which are now "disorganizing" it.
The two preceding verses say it well. "But the LORD is the true God, He is the living God, and an everlasting king: . . . The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens" (Jeremiah 10:10,11). We do well, therefore, to trust Him in all things. "I am the LORD," says He, "the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?" (Jeremiah 32:27). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.orgJanuary 29, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
GOOD-BYE ABRAHAM, HELLO JACOB!
GENESIS 25
Pastor Rick Jackson
As the title implies Genesis 25 gives us the last years of Abraham and early glimpses into the life of Jacob. Isaac's life is not over but it is somewhat overshadowed by his more well-known father - Abraham, and his more well known son- Jacob. Isaac will continue to play a pivotal role in the hall of faith.
I. THE LAST DAYS OF ABRAHAM [v. 1-11]
1. FIGHTING LONELINESS [v. 1-4]
2. FOLLOWING THE LORD [v. 5-6]
3. FULFILLING LIFE [v. 7-11]
II. THE LINEAGE OF ABRAHAM [v. 12-26]
1. ISHMAEL'S LINE [v. 12-18]
2. ISAAC'S PRAYER [v. 19-21]
3. REBEKAH'S INQUIRY [v. 22-26]
III. THE LEGACY OF ABRAHAM [v. 27-34]
Though Abraham was able to leave all his children some earthly possessions his greatest legacy has less to do with the visible and more to do with the invisible. His legacy of faith is far greater than any earthly possessions. We know Isaac was a man of faith and that he married a woman of faith and we will see that at least one grandson saw the importance of that legacy above all else.
1. A PERFECT PORTRAIT [v. 27]
Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field. There's nothing wrong with that being a part of your life... but that was all of his life. He could well have been the man in Luke 12:20 that the world would call a success, But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? Heb. 12 says he was a fornicator and a profane person.
Jacob is called a plain man, dwelling in tents. Some have tried to apply our modern definition of plain to this verse but nothing could be farther from the truth. The word "plain" here means "complete; usually (morally) pious; specifically, gentle, dear:--coupled together, perfect, plain, undefiled, upright". It's the same word translated "perfect" in Job 1:8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
Jacob may not have been the outdoorsman his brother was but he was no weakling as we shall see. He was strong physically but he was strong spiritually too! Not perfect certainly, but strong.
2. A PARENTAL PROBLEM [v. 28]
When parents have favorites, everyone suffers, including the parents.
3. A PRECONCEIVED PREJUDICE [v. 29-34]
I have often heard this story from the viewpoint that Jacob was a schemer, slyly waiting for the opportunity to trick his brother out of that which he desired. His poor brother was dying and he took advantage of him and tricked him. That may be the common presentation but a careful reading of the Scriptures do not agree. If Jacob was a deceiver (later he was, but not here), he was a reluctant one.
v. 29-30 Jacob was cooking, Esau was tired from hunting (note Esau even got a nickname from this event)
v. 31 Henry Morris suggests Jacob may have even been joking here, in any case, he realized the value of this spiritual birthright. The boys had probably spoken of this together. Esau wanted the double portion but as we shall see could care less about the spiritual aspect of the birthright.
v. 32 Esau is exaggerating. Remember this is a rich family with flocks, herds, servants and plenty. Esau just wanted what he wanted when he wanted it.
v. 33 Jacob may have been kidding before but his brother is serious and he now is as well.
v. 34 Note the lack of condemnation in the Scripture (except for cry-baby Esau later) of Jacob in this matter. The Scripture does mention this event in the New Testament: Hebrews 12:16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
If there be any wrong on Jacob's part here it is impatience. How many of us have that same problem?
Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Psalm 37:34 Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
Proverbs 20:22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee
Pastor Rick Jackson
As the title implies Genesis 25 gives us the last years of Abraham and early glimpses into the life of Jacob. Isaac's life is not over but it is somewhat overshadowed by his more well-known father - Abraham, and his more well known son- Jacob. Isaac will continue to play a pivotal role in the hall of faith.
I. THE LAST DAYS OF ABRAHAM [v. 1-11]
1. FIGHTING LONELINESS [v. 1-4]
2. FOLLOWING THE LORD [v. 5-6]
3. FULFILLING LIFE [v. 7-11]
II. THE LINEAGE OF ABRAHAM [v. 12-26]
1. ISHMAEL'S LINE [v. 12-18]
2. ISAAC'S PRAYER [v. 19-21]
3. REBEKAH'S INQUIRY [v. 22-26]
III. THE LEGACY OF ABRAHAM [v. 27-34]
Though Abraham was able to leave all his children some earthly possessions his greatest legacy has less to do with the visible and more to do with the invisible. His legacy of faith is far greater than any earthly possessions. We know Isaac was a man of faith and that he married a woman of faith and we will see that at least one grandson saw the importance of that legacy above all else.
1. A PERFECT PORTRAIT [v. 27]
Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field. There's nothing wrong with that being a part of your life... but that was all of his life. He could well have been the man in Luke 12:20 that the world would call a success, But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? Heb. 12 says he was a fornicator and a profane person.
Jacob is called a plain man, dwelling in tents. Some have tried to apply our modern definition of plain to this verse but nothing could be farther from the truth. The word "plain" here means "complete; usually (morally) pious; specifically, gentle, dear:--coupled together, perfect, plain, undefiled, upright". It's the same word translated "perfect" in Job 1:8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
Jacob may not have been the outdoorsman his brother was but he was no weakling as we shall see. He was strong physically but he was strong spiritually too! Not perfect certainly, but strong.
2. A PARENTAL PROBLEM [v. 28]
When parents have favorites, everyone suffers, including the parents.
3. A PRECONCEIVED PREJUDICE [v. 29-34]
I have often heard this story from the viewpoint that Jacob was a schemer, slyly waiting for the opportunity to trick his brother out of that which he desired. His poor brother was dying and he took advantage of him and tricked him. That may be the common presentation but a careful reading of the Scriptures do not agree. If Jacob was a deceiver (later he was, but not here), he was a reluctant one.
v. 29-30 Jacob was cooking, Esau was tired from hunting (note Esau even got a nickname from this event)
v. 31 Henry Morris suggests Jacob may have even been joking here, in any case, he realized the value of this spiritual birthright. The boys had probably spoken of this together. Esau wanted the double portion but as we shall see could care less about the spiritual aspect of the birthright.
v. 32 Esau is exaggerating. Remember this is a rich family with flocks, herds, servants and plenty. Esau just wanted what he wanted when he wanted it.
v. 33 Jacob may have been kidding before but his brother is serious and he now is as well.
v. 34 Note the lack of condemnation in the Scripture (except for cry-baby Esau later) of Jacob in this matter. The Scripture does mention this event in the New Testament: Hebrews 12:16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
If there be any wrong on Jacob's part here it is impatience. How many of us have that same problem?
Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Psalm 37:34 Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
Proverbs 20:22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee
Sunday, January 27, 2008
"BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL!"
PSALM 103
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. WHAT EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD DO! [v. 1-2]
The truth is that every person should be a believer! The first part of Psalm 19 says that Creation is enough evidence that there is a God, and the second part says that Revelation tells us Who God is and how He will save the person who comes to trust in Him. The second half of Romans 1 tells us that those who reject the witness of Creation are fools without excuse and the first half of Romans 1 declares that the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation, to everyone that believeth!
EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD:
1. BLESS THE LORD WITH EVERY FIBER OF HIS BEING! [v. 1a]
The word "bless" is the Hebrew word "barak" (baw-rak'; a primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God -as an act of adoration).
Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
Romans 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord °, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
2. BLESS GOD'S HOLY NAME [v. 1b]
Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
3. FORGET NOT ALL GOD'S BENEFITS! [v. 2]
Note that this is told us in the negative sense, He didn't say "remember", He said "Forget not!".
The word "forget" is "shakach" and is a primitive root meaning: to mislay, i.e. to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention:-- (cause to) forget. It carries with it the idea of intentional neglect, sort of like Peter saying that some are "willingly ignorant". God says, the believer should NOT do this!
Sometimes when we argue with an individual we may deliberately forget some valid point they made, or positive action they performed. "You never fix food I like." "We always do what you want!" God doesn't want us doing that to Him! Elijah said, "I am the only one left." He knew better! And so do we!
II. WHAT EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD NOT FORGET! [v. 3-16]
EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD NOT FORGET:
1. GOD HAD FORGIVEN HIM COMPLETELY! [v. 3a]
2. GOD HAS A PERFECT BODY PREPARED FOR HIM IN GLORY! [v.3b]
3. GOD HAS GIVEN YOU NEW LIFE TO LIVE [v. 4a]
The plowing of the wicked is sin... the believer has been "raised to walk in newness of life"!
4. GOD CONTINUES TO BLESS US UNDESERVEDLY [v. 4b-5]
5. GOD IS KEEPING PERFECT BOOKS! [v. 6]
6. GOD HAS GIVEN US HIS PRECIOUS WORD! [v. 7]
7. GOD CONTINUES TO BE MERCIFUL & GRACIOUS! [v. 8-12]
8. GOD LOVES US! [v. 13]
9. GOD KNOWS OUR WEAKNESSES [v. 14-16]
Remember these things on purpose. Rehearse them in your heart and you will easily bless the Lord!
III. WHAT EVERY PERSON SHOULD REALIZE! [v. 17-22]
1. GOD'S MERCY IS AVAILABLE! [v. 17a]
2. GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS IS AVAILABLE [v. 17b-18]
3. GOD'S VICTORIOUS REIGN IS INEVITABLE! [v. 19-22]
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. WHAT EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD DO! [v. 1-2]
The truth is that every person should be a believer! The first part of Psalm 19 says that Creation is enough evidence that there is a God, and the second part says that Revelation tells us Who God is and how He will save the person who comes to trust in Him. The second half of Romans 1 tells us that those who reject the witness of Creation are fools without excuse and the first half of Romans 1 declares that the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation, to everyone that believeth!
EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD:
1. BLESS THE LORD WITH EVERY FIBER OF HIS BEING! [v. 1a]
The word "bless" is the Hebrew word "barak" (baw-rak'; a primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God -as an act of adoration).
Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
Romans 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord °, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
2. BLESS GOD'S HOLY NAME [v. 1b]
Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
3. FORGET NOT ALL GOD'S BENEFITS! [v. 2]
Note that this is told us in the negative sense, He didn't say "remember", He said "Forget not!".
The word "forget" is "shakach" and is a primitive root meaning: to mislay, i.e. to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention:-- (cause to) forget. It carries with it the idea of intentional neglect, sort of like Peter saying that some are "willingly ignorant". God says, the believer should NOT do this!
Sometimes when we argue with an individual we may deliberately forget some valid point they made, or positive action they performed. "You never fix food I like." "We always do what you want!" God doesn't want us doing that to Him! Elijah said, "I am the only one left." He knew better! And so do we!
II. WHAT EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD NOT FORGET! [v. 3-16]
EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD NOT FORGET:
1. GOD HAD FORGIVEN HIM COMPLETELY! [v. 3a]
2. GOD HAS A PERFECT BODY PREPARED FOR HIM IN GLORY! [v.3b]
3. GOD HAS GIVEN YOU NEW LIFE TO LIVE [v. 4a]
The plowing of the wicked is sin... the believer has been "raised to walk in newness of life"!
4. GOD CONTINUES TO BLESS US UNDESERVEDLY [v. 4b-5]
5. GOD IS KEEPING PERFECT BOOKS! [v. 6]
6. GOD HAS GIVEN US HIS PRECIOUS WORD! [v. 7]
7. GOD CONTINUES TO BE MERCIFUL & GRACIOUS! [v. 8-12]
8. GOD LOVES US! [v. 13]
9. GOD KNOWS OUR WEAKNESSES [v. 14-16]
Remember these things on purpose. Rehearse them in your heart and you will easily bless the Lord!
III. WHAT EVERY PERSON SHOULD REALIZE! [v. 17-22]
1. GOD'S MERCY IS AVAILABLE! [v. 17a]
2. GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS IS AVAILABLE [v. 17b-18]
3. GOD'S VICTORIOUS REIGN IS INEVITABLE! [v. 19-22]
Saturday, January 26, 2008
QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Was Noah’s Ark Big Enough?
One of the most frequently asked questions posed by Christians and skeptics alike concerns how Noah could fit all the animals on the Ark. Secular evolutionists mock those of us who take the account of the Ark and a global Flood as literal history. They claim Noah couldn’t have fit the supposed millions of animals needed on board.
But a little research shows clearly that Noah didn’t need millions of animals. Only representatives of each kind of land-dwelling and air-breathing animal were needed. Creationists have shown that there can be many different species within each kind—for example, dingoes, wolves, coyotes, and domestic dogs all of these belong to the same kind.
Based on the dimensions given in Scripture (Genesis 6:14–17), the Ark was huge. Only a third of the Ark’s space was needed for the animals. Even though there was plenty of room, only Noah’s family believed and were saved.
Noah’s Ark is also a picture of salvation that God offers through His Son, Jesus Christ. Have you believed and been saved?
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
But a little research shows clearly that Noah didn’t need millions of animals. Only representatives of each kind of land-dwelling and air-breathing animal were needed. Creationists have shown that there can be many different species within each kind—for example, dingoes, wolves, coyotes, and domestic dogs all of these belong to the same kind.
Based on the dimensions given in Scripture (Genesis 6:14–17), the Ark was huge. Only a third of the Ark’s space was needed for the animals. Even though there was plenty of room, only Noah’s family believed and were saved.
Noah’s Ark is also a picture of salvation that God offers through His Son, Jesus Christ. Have you believed and been saved?
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
Friday, January 25, 2008
What is Sin?
"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law" (I John 3:4).
The Bible warns that "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23), and "The soul that sinneth, it shall die" (Ezekiel 18:20). These are strange days, however, and there are many "that call evil good, and good evil" (Isaiah 5:20). Who is to say what is right and wrong, when even our U.S. Supreme Court implies that there are no absolutes?
God is the one who defines sin, because it is He who will judge sin. The definition is multi-faceted, for sin takes many forms. Most basically, as our text says, "sin is the transgression of the law"--not just certain laws, but all of God's law, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all" (James 2:10).
But there must be more than just formal obedience to God's commands, for "All unrighteousness is sin" (I John 5:17). Furthermore, there are sins of omission, as well as sins of commission. "To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin" (James 4:17).
When there is no specific law or command to guide our actions in a particular situation, the principle to follow is that of faith--that is, the confident inward assurance that we are doing that which honors the Lord, for "whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Romans 14:23).
There is much more that could be noted, but it is clear that no one could ever measure up even to these demands, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). All of us deserve the wages of sin: "But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Now "the righteousness of God without the law is manifested. . . . Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ" (Romans 3:21,22). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
The Bible warns that "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23), and "The soul that sinneth, it shall die" (Ezekiel 18:20). These are strange days, however, and there are many "that call evil good, and good evil" (Isaiah 5:20). Who is to say what is right and wrong, when even our U.S. Supreme Court implies that there are no absolutes?
God is the one who defines sin, because it is He who will judge sin. The definition is multi-faceted, for sin takes many forms. Most basically, as our text says, "sin is the transgression of the law"--not just certain laws, but all of God's law, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all" (James 2:10).
But there must be more than just formal obedience to God's commands, for "All unrighteousness is sin" (I John 5:17). Furthermore, there are sins of omission, as well as sins of commission. "To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin" (James 4:17).
When there is no specific law or command to guide our actions in a particular situation, the principle to follow is that of faith--that is, the confident inward assurance that we are doing that which honors the Lord, for "whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Romans 14:23).
There is much more that could be noted, but it is clear that no one could ever measure up even to these demands, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). All of us deserve the wages of sin: "But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Now "the righteousness of God without the law is manifested. . . . Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ" (Romans 3:21,22). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
Thursday, January 24, 2008
QUOTES OF THE WEEK!
Madame, that is by far the ugliest nose I have ever seen, and I compliment you on it—it suits you!—Peter Sellers, "The Pink Panther"
The saint in the will of God is unsinkable! - Evangelist Wendell Calder
The saint who keeps his eyes on Jesus is unsinkable! - Calder
The Bible is the rock upon which this replublic stands. - President Andrew Jackson
A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. - Winston Churchill
Shin: a device for finding furniture in the dark. - Steven Wright
T-Shirt Quotes
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons... for you are crunchy & taste good with ketchup!
There's a place for all... creatures ...right next to the Potatoes & Gravy!
The saint in the will of God is unsinkable! - Evangelist Wendell Calder
The saint who keeps his eyes on Jesus is unsinkable! - Calder
The Bible is the rock upon which this replublic stands. - President Andrew Jackson
A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. - Winston Churchill
Shin: a device for finding furniture in the dark. - Steven Wright
T-Shirt Quotes
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons... for you are crunchy & taste good with ketchup!
There's a place for all... creatures ...right next to the Potatoes & Gravy!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
UNSINKABLE?
MATTHEW 14:22-33
Pastor Rick Jackson
It was said of the Titanic (though not officially), "God Himself couldn't sink this ship!" Of course, God didn't have to. The arrogance of man, the ignorance of man, and the ill-preparedness of man was all that was necessary for the great ship to sink on its maiden voyage.
Because of their proximity to the Lord Jesus Christ the disciples saw and did things that no-one else has ever experienced. This is one of those occasions.
I. THE EVER-PRESENT SAVIOUR! [v. 22-23]
Jesus was always exactly where He was supposed to be. Others sometimes thought He wasn't (Mary & Martha, his brethren, his disciples, etc.) but He was! Even here Jesus is where He needs to be.
1. He was in the place of purpose [v. 22-23a]
2. He was in the place of prayer [v. 23b]
3. He was in the place of privacy [v. 23c]
Matthew 6:5-6 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
II. THE IGNORANT SAINTS [v. 24-27]
Ignorant doesn't mean "stupid" it merely means you don't know everything. "Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects." Of course there are areas in which we should NOT be ignorant. The disciples were ignorant on this occasion.
1. They were in the place of preparation [v. 22] Sent by Jesus!
2. They were in the place of pressure [v. 24] Known by God!
3. They were in the place of His presence! [v. 25-27] Accompanied by God!
III. THE ARROGANT SAYINGS
1. Stepping out on faith is NOT blind faith. [v. 28-29, Rm. 10:17]
2. Losing your focus is NOT irreparable [v. 30-31, Heb. 12:2, Is. 26:3]
3. Worshipping God is NOT a sign of weakness (i.e., true faith in the true God is NOT a crutch) [v. 32-33]
Part of this message was adapted from a sermon by Evangelist Wendell Calder which I heard over 15 years ago.
Pastor Rick Jackson
It was said of the Titanic (though not officially), "God Himself couldn't sink this ship!" Of course, God didn't have to. The arrogance of man, the ignorance of man, and the ill-preparedness of man was all that was necessary for the great ship to sink on its maiden voyage.
Because of their proximity to the Lord Jesus Christ the disciples saw and did things that no-one else has ever experienced. This is one of those occasions.
I. THE EVER-PRESENT SAVIOUR! [v. 22-23]
Jesus was always exactly where He was supposed to be. Others sometimes thought He wasn't (Mary & Martha, his brethren, his disciples, etc.) but He was! Even here Jesus is where He needs to be.
1. He was in the place of purpose [v. 22-23a]
2. He was in the place of prayer [v. 23b]
3. He was in the place of privacy [v. 23c]
Matthew 6:5-6 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
II. THE IGNORANT SAINTS [v. 24-27]
Ignorant doesn't mean "stupid" it merely means you don't know everything. "Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects." Of course there are areas in which we should NOT be ignorant. The disciples were ignorant on this occasion.
1. They were in the place of preparation [v. 22] Sent by Jesus!
2. They were in the place of pressure [v. 24] Known by God!
3. They were in the place of His presence! [v. 25-27] Accompanied by God!
III. THE ARROGANT SAYINGS
1. Stepping out on faith is NOT blind faith. [v. 28-29, Rm. 10:17]
2. Losing your focus is NOT irreparable [v. 30-31, Heb. 12:2, Is. 26:3]
3. Worshipping God is NOT a sign of weakness (i.e., true faith in the true God is NOT a crutch) [v. 32-33]
Part of this message was adapted from a sermon by Evangelist Wendell Calder which I heard over 15 years ago.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
God's Sovereignty
"And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?" (Exodus 4:11).
This divine rebuke to Moses was occasioned when Moses complained of his inability to speak eloquently for God before Pharaoh. It is also a rebuke to each of us who would dare question God's wisdom in making us as we are--even with all our innate defects and handicaps. With our very limited knowledge of God's purposes and our very shortrange view of eternal priorities, we are ill-equipped to prejudge His ways with us.
To those who questioned why a man should be born blind, for example, Jesus answered: "Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him" (John 9:3). As another example, when certain believers complained about the lethal illness of a loved one, Jesus replied: "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby" (John 11:4).
The steadfastness of Stephen's faith as he was stoned to death led to Paul's conversion, though at the time it must have seemed difficult for his Christian brethren to understand and accept. In another context, but stating a principle highly relevant to such questions, Jesus reminds us: "What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter" (John 13:7). God is not capricious, but He is sovereign. Whatever He does is right, by definition, and whatever He allows is for a holy purpose. "Shall the thing formed say to Him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?" (Romans 9:20).
It should be enough for now to know that He knows, and that when suffering comes, for His sake, it is "for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness" (Hebrews 12:10). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
January 21, 2008
This divine rebuke to Moses was occasioned when Moses complained of his inability to speak eloquently for God before Pharaoh. It is also a rebuke to each of us who would dare question God's wisdom in making us as we are--even with all our innate defects and handicaps. With our very limited knowledge of God's purposes and our very shortrange view of eternal priorities, we are ill-equipped to prejudge His ways with us.
To those who questioned why a man should be born blind, for example, Jesus answered: "Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him" (John 9:3). As another example, when certain believers complained about the lethal illness of a loved one, Jesus replied: "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby" (John 11:4).
The steadfastness of Stephen's faith as he was stoned to death led to Paul's conversion, though at the time it must have seemed difficult for his Christian brethren to understand and accept. In another context, but stating a principle highly relevant to such questions, Jesus reminds us: "What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter" (John 13:7). God is not capricious, but He is sovereign. Whatever He does is right, by definition, and whatever He allows is for a holy purpose. "Shall the thing formed say to Him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?" (Romans 9:20).
It should be enough for now to know that He knows, and that when suffering comes, for His sake, it is "for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness" (Hebrews 12:10). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
January 21, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
THE SERVANT AND THE BRIDE
GENESIS 24
Pastor Rick Jackson
This is the longest chapter in Genesis. it tells the true story of how Isaac and Rebekah were married. It seems odd, does it not, that this account is given more space than the Creation or the fall of man? God has many important lessons for mankind in this account and let's not miss them.
I. FINDING THE RIGHT PERSON [v. 1-9]
1. The Serious business of finding a mate [v. 1-2]
2. The Sacred business of finding a mate [v. 3-4, II Cor. 6:14, I Cor. 7:39]
3. The Strict business of finding a mate [v. 5-9]
II. FOLLOWING THE RIGHT PATTERN [v. 10-49]
1. A pattern of prayer [v. 10-15a]
Recently a godly man (F.F.) married a little later in life than most of his peers. He married a Christian lady some years younger than him. When I met his new wife I told her I had been praying for him for years. She said, "I have too!"
2. A pattern of good works [v. 15-21]
Titus 2:7-8 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
Think of the pattern Rebekah had demonstrated in her life. She took care of her appearance (v. 16), she was pure and undefiled, she was industrious and kind.
3. A pattern of praise [v. 22-27]
4. A pattern of priorities [v. 28-33, Mt. 6:33]
5. A pattern of Providence [v. 34-49]
III. FOCUS ON THE RIGHT PERCEPTION [v. 50-67]
Many Bible characters show us the right perception. Abraham looked for a city... David saw how small Goliath was... Joseph saw the hand of God in his situation... Paul realized he should glory in his infirmities
1. Be thankful [v. 50-52]
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning
2. Be burdened [v. 53-56]
Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
3. Be ready [v. 57-61]
4. Be comforted [v. 62-67]
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
1 Thessalonians 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
2 Thessalonians 2:17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
IV. FACE THE RIGHT PROPHECY
We already know from Hebrews that Isaac was a type of Christ when Abraham was going to offer him up. Isaac pictured Christ resurrection "in a figure". Here the picture continues. The miraculous birth, the substitutionary death, the resurrection and now the receiving of the bride! Abraham pictures God the Father, Isaac pictures the Lord Jesus Christ, the servant pictures the Holy Spirit and Rebekah pictures the bride, the church.
Pastor Rick Jackson
This is the longest chapter in Genesis. it tells the true story of how Isaac and Rebekah were married. It seems odd, does it not, that this account is given more space than the Creation or the fall of man? God has many important lessons for mankind in this account and let's not miss them.
I. FINDING THE RIGHT PERSON [v. 1-9]
1. The Serious business of finding a mate [v. 1-2]
2. The Sacred business of finding a mate [v. 3-4, II Cor. 6:14, I Cor. 7:39]
3. The Strict business of finding a mate [v. 5-9]
II. FOLLOWING THE RIGHT PATTERN [v. 10-49]
1. A pattern of prayer [v. 10-15a]
Recently a godly man (F.F.) married a little later in life than most of his peers. He married a Christian lady some years younger than him. When I met his new wife I told her I had been praying for him for years. She said, "I have too!"
2. A pattern of good works [v. 15-21]
Titus 2:7-8 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
Think of the pattern Rebekah had demonstrated in her life. She took care of her appearance (v. 16), she was pure and undefiled, she was industrious and kind.
3. A pattern of praise [v. 22-27]
4. A pattern of priorities [v. 28-33, Mt. 6:33]
5. A pattern of Providence [v. 34-49]
III. FOCUS ON THE RIGHT PERCEPTION [v. 50-67]
Many Bible characters show us the right perception. Abraham looked for a city... David saw how small Goliath was... Joseph saw the hand of God in his situation... Paul realized he should glory in his infirmities
1. Be thankful [v. 50-52]
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning
2. Be burdened [v. 53-56]
Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
3. Be ready [v. 57-61]
4. Be comforted [v. 62-67]
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
1 Thessalonians 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
2 Thessalonians 2:17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
IV. FACE THE RIGHT PROPHECY
We already know from Hebrews that Isaac was a type of Christ when Abraham was going to offer him up. Isaac pictured Christ resurrection "in a figure". Here the picture continues. The miraculous birth, the substitutionary death, the resurrection and now the receiving of the bride! Abraham pictures God the Father, Isaac pictures the Lord Jesus Christ, the servant pictures the Holy Spirit and Rebekah pictures the bride, the church.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Is evolution science?
When most people hear the word science, they think in terms of all the wonderful technology we have today: computers, jet planes, cell phones, and so on. And certainly, scientists have accumulated much knowledge about this world and the laws which govern the universe. This has enabled us to build the wonderful technology we use today—the technology that sent you this email. (This blog item was sent to me as an email- Rick)
But when most people hear the word evolution, they think in terms of Darwin’s ideas concerning the supposed evolution of animals and man. Darwinian evolution teaches that life evolved from non-life millions of years ago and that over millions of years, one kind of animal changed into another. Finally, man arose from some ape-like ancestor.
Studying evolution is very different from studying present-day processes that have led to many amazing technologies. Molecules-to-man evolution is a belief concerning what supposedly happened in the past, but no one was there to see it happen. Thus, evolutionists are free to postulate stories about abiogenesis (non-living chemicals evolving into life), stellar evolution, or ape-men without direct observation. Such scenarios are merely belief statements.
The ideas Darwin espoused were his beliefs concerning the past. They are not science in the sense of scientists being able to observe these things actually happening.
However, we do not have to depend on mere guesses about the origin of the universe and life. We can thankfully refer back to the eye-witness account—the Bible
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
But when most people hear the word evolution, they think in terms of Darwin’s ideas concerning the supposed evolution of animals and man. Darwinian evolution teaches that life evolved from non-life millions of years ago and that over millions of years, one kind of animal changed into another. Finally, man arose from some ape-like ancestor.
Studying evolution is very different from studying present-day processes that have led to many amazing technologies. Molecules-to-man evolution is a belief concerning what supposedly happened in the past, but no one was there to see it happen. Thus, evolutionists are free to postulate stories about abiogenesis (non-living chemicals evolving into life), stellar evolution, or ape-men without direct observation. Such scenarios are merely belief statements.
The ideas Darwin espoused were his beliefs concerning the past. They are not science in the sense of scientists being able to observe these things actually happening.
However, we do not have to depend on mere guesses about the origin of the universe and life. We can thankfully refer back to the eye-witness account—the Bible
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Judging Error
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple" (Romans 16:17,18).
In order to mark and avoid those professing Christian teachers and leaders who are promoting doctrinal heresy (thus causing divisions among Christian believers), it is obvious that we must exercise sound Biblical discernment and judgment. This judgment must be based on "the doctrine which ye have learned" from God's word. "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:20).
Such decisions are not to be based on supposed scholarship, tolerance, or eloquence, for such teachers "by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." Instead, we must know and apply God's word, the Holy Scriptures. We must be like the Bereans, who, when they heard new teachings, "searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11).
It is sadly true today that many who call themselves Christians have compromised with the pseudo-scientific worldview of evolutionary humanism that controls all secular schools and colleges, hoping thereby to avoid the "offense of the cross" (Galatians 5:11), and to remain on good terms with "the princes of this world" and "the wisdom of this world" (I Corinthians 2:6).
They do this for their own personal gain or prestige, however, not serving Christ, "but their own belly" (Romans 16:18). Those who are "simple," Bible-believing Christians are, therefore, not to be "deceived" by their "good words," but to "mark" and "avoid" them. HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH http://www.icr.org/
In order to mark and avoid those professing Christian teachers and leaders who are promoting doctrinal heresy (thus causing divisions among Christian believers), it is obvious that we must exercise sound Biblical discernment and judgment. This judgment must be based on "the doctrine which ye have learned" from God's word. "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:20).
Such decisions are not to be based on supposed scholarship, tolerance, or eloquence, for such teachers "by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." Instead, we must know and apply God's word, the Holy Scriptures. We must be like the Bereans, who, when they heard new teachings, "searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11).
It is sadly true today that many who call themselves Christians have compromised with the pseudo-scientific worldview of evolutionary humanism that controls all secular schools and colleges, hoping thereby to avoid the "offense of the cross" (Galatians 5:11), and to remain on good terms with "the princes of this world" and "the wisdom of this world" (I Corinthians 2:6).
They do this for their own personal gain or prestige, however, not serving Christ, "but their own belly" (Romans 16:18). Those who are "simple," Bible-believing Christians are, therefore, not to be "deceived" by their "good words," but to "mark" and "avoid" them. HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH http://www.icr.org/
Thursday, January 17, 2008
TOP 10 REASONS WHY: CAPTAIN KIRK IS BETTER THAN CAPTAIN PICARD
10. KIRK CAN BEAT UP A KLINGON BARE HANDED!
9. IF KIRK FINDS A STRANGE PROBE, HE BLOWS IT UP!
8. KIRK APPRECIATES SHAKESPEARE, BUT HE DOESN'T SHOW IT!
7. WHEN KIRK SAYS; "BOLDLY GO", HE MEANS IT!
6. KIRK HAS MORE DATES THAN HIS FIRST OFFICER!
5. DIPLOMACY FOR KIRK IS A PHASER AND A SMIRK!
4. KIRK ONCE FOUGHT A GREEK GOD, AND WON!
3. KLINGONS DIDN'T HAVE A WORD FOR SURRENDER BEFORE KIRK!
2. KIRK NEVER DRINKS TEA... NEVER!
1. ONE WORD: HAIR!
I was recently going through some old clothes a found a T-shirt with the above printed on it. As well as the words (in small print) "This is a parody." I confess that when I hear the words "Star Trek" my first thought is Kirk, Spock & McCoy. The original series characters... much imitated... never bettered.
9. IF KIRK FINDS A STRANGE PROBE, HE BLOWS IT UP!
8. KIRK APPRECIATES SHAKESPEARE, BUT HE DOESN'T SHOW IT!
7. WHEN KIRK SAYS; "BOLDLY GO", HE MEANS IT!
6. KIRK HAS MORE DATES THAN HIS FIRST OFFICER!
5. DIPLOMACY FOR KIRK IS A PHASER AND A SMIRK!
4. KIRK ONCE FOUGHT A GREEK GOD, AND WON!
3. KLINGONS DIDN'T HAVE A WORD FOR SURRENDER BEFORE KIRK!
2. KIRK NEVER DRINKS TEA... NEVER!
1. ONE WORD: HAIR!
I was recently going through some old clothes a found a T-shirt with the above printed on it. As well as the words (in small print) "This is a parody." I confess that when I hear the words "Star Trek" my first thought is Kirk, Spock & McCoy. The original series characters... much imitated... never bettered.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
THERE IS BETTER AND THERE IS...
Pastor Rick Jackson
Numbers 14:3 And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?
Psalm 118:8-9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
Proverbs 15:16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
I. GOD'S PLAN OF SALVATION IS BETTER! [Mt. 18:1-11, Heb. 1:4, 7:19, 22; 8:6, 9:23, 12:24]
Think about it...
1. It works -- you don't! [Rm. 1:16, Eph. 2:8-9]
2. He saves -- you can't! [Rm. 5:6-11]
3. He finishes -- you wouldn't! [Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ]
II. GOD'S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE IS BETTER!
1. It is the way that's right - Psalm 37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
2. It is the way of love - Psalm 63:3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
3. It is the way of quality - Psalm 84:10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
4. It is the way of instruction - Psalm 119:72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
III. GOD'S PLAN FOR ETERNITY IS BETTER!
Hebrews 10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
Philippians 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
THINK OF...
the worst meal you ever ate... think of the best... well, in Heaven meals are FAR BETTER!
the worst you ever felt physically... now the best... well, in Heaven you will feel FAR BETTER!
the worst you ever felt mentally... now the best... well, in Heaven you will feel FAR BETTER!
the worst you ever felt emotionally... now the best... well, in Heaven you will feel FAR BETTER!
the worst you ever felt socially... now the best... well, in Heaven you will feel FAR BETTER!
the worst you ever felt spiritually... now the best... well, in Heaven you will feel FAR BETTER!
Numbers 14:3 And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?
Psalm 118:8-9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
Proverbs 15:16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
I. GOD'S PLAN OF SALVATION IS BETTER! [Mt. 18:1-11, Heb. 1:4, 7:19, 22; 8:6, 9:23, 12:24]
Think about it...
1. It works -- you don't! [Rm. 1:16, Eph. 2:8-9]
2. He saves -- you can't! [Rm. 5:6-11]
3. He finishes -- you wouldn't! [Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ]
II. GOD'S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE IS BETTER!
1. It is the way that's right - Psalm 37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
2. It is the way of love - Psalm 63:3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
3. It is the way of quality - Psalm 84:10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
4. It is the way of instruction - Psalm 119:72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
III. GOD'S PLAN FOR ETERNITY IS BETTER!
Hebrews 10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
Philippians 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
THINK OF...
the worst meal you ever ate... think of the best... well, in Heaven meals are FAR BETTER!
the worst you ever felt physically... now the best... well, in Heaven you will feel FAR BETTER!
the worst you ever felt mentally... now the best... well, in Heaven you will feel FAR BETTER!
the worst you ever felt emotionally... now the best... well, in Heaven you will feel FAR BETTER!
the worst you ever felt socially... now the best... well, in Heaven you will feel FAR BETTER!
the worst you ever felt spiritually... now the best... well, in Heaven you will feel FAR BETTER!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Take Heed
"And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many" (Matthew 24:4,5).
This warning by Christ has special relevance in these latter days when there are multitudes of "false Christs, and false prophets" (Matthew 24:24), not only in the so-called "New Age" movement but also (in view of the fact that "Christ" means simply "anointed") in all kinds of religious, political, and educational areas of influence, and are, as Jesus warned, deceiving many. Therefore His urgent warning: "Take heed!"
This is a frequent emphasis in the New Testament. For example, Paul warned the Ephesian elders: "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers. . . . For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you" (Acts 20:28,29). Note also the warning to the Hebrew believers: "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God" (Hebrews 3:12). To anyone who feels overconfident in his own ability to withstand such deceptions and temptations, Paul warns: "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (I Corinthians 10:12).
Many similar warnings exist, and therefore we do well to take heed also to the safeguards that God has provided. "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee" (I Timothy 4:16).
Continue in sound Biblical doctrine! For "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place" (II Peter 1:19). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
This warning by Christ has special relevance in these latter days when there are multitudes of "false Christs, and false prophets" (Matthew 24:24), not only in the so-called "New Age" movement but also (in view of the fact that "Christ" means simply "anointed") in all kinds of religious, political, and educational areas of influence, and are, as Jesus warned, deceiving many. Therefore His urgent warning: "Take heed!"
This is a frequent emphasis in the New Testament. For example, Paul warned the Ephesian elders: "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers. . . . For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you" (Acts 20:28,29). Note also the warning to the Hebrew believers: "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God" (Hebrews 3:12). To anyone who feels overconfident in his own ability to withstand such deceptions and temptations, Paul warns: "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (I Corinthians 10:12).
Many similar warnings exist, and therefore we do well to take heed also to the safeguards that God has provided. "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee" (I Timothy 4:16).
Continue in sound Biblical doctrine! For "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place" (II Peter 1:19). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
Monday, January 14, 2008
QUOTES OF THE WEEK!
Going to church doesn't make a man a Christian anymore than going into a garage makes him an automobile! - Billy Sunday
Hell will be so full of church members that their feet will be sticking out the windows! - Sunday
I met a man on a train some years ago, down in Texas. I did not know him but he knew me. He was a preacher, a very solemn sort of brother. He said, "It costs a good deal to be true to the gospel."
I replied, "Does it? I did not know that. What do you mean? What does it cost you?"
"I get a good many kicks."
To which I replied once more, "Oh, is that all? A preacher is not worth his salt to God or man until he has received so many kicks he cannot feel them any longer." And that is true. - T. T. Shields
To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society. - Theodore Roosevelt
The public cannot be too curious concerning the characters of public men. - Samuel Adams
Today, when a concerted effort is made to obliterate this point, it cannot be repeated too often that the Constitution is a limitation on the government, not private individuals- that it does not prescribe the conduct of private individuals, only the conduct of the government- that it is not a charter for government power, but a charter of the citizen's protection against the government. - Ayn Rand
All the quotes today were taken from the Sept.-Oct. 2007 issue of THE BIBLICAL EVANGELIST, the best Christian newspaper I know of. It is more like THE SWORD OF THE LORD when John R. Rice was still at the helm than the current Sword. And why shouldn't it be? The editor of the BE (Evangelist Robert L. Sumner) was the OFFICIAL biographer of John R. Rice. They were close friends and Dr. Rice regularly published sermons of Sumner's in the Sword, printed books and pamphlets by the same, and gave him a weekly (at the time) column in the Sword to write! Use the link in the upper left and find out more!
Hell will be so full of church members that their feet will be sticking out the windows! - Sunday
I met a man on a train some years ago, down in Texas. I did not know him but he knew me. He was a preacher, a very solemn sort of brother. He said, "It costs a good deal to be true to the gospel."
I replied, "Does it? I did not know that. What do you mean? What does it cost you?"
"I get a good many kicks."
To which I replied once more, "Oh, is that all? A preacher is not worth his salt to God or man until he has received so many kicks he cannot feel them any longer." And that is true. - T. T. Shields
To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society. - Theodore Roosevelt
The public cannot be too curious concerning the characters of public men. - Samuel Adams
Today, when a concerted effort is made to obliterate this point, it cannot be repeated too often that the Constitution is a limitation on the government, not private individuals- that it does not prescribe the conduct of private individuals, only the conduct of the government- that it is not a charter for government power, but a charter of the citizen's protection against the government. - Ayn Rand
All the quotes today were taken from the Sept.-Oct. 2007 issue of THE BIBLICAL EVANGELIST, the best Christian newspaper I know of. It is more like THE SWORD OF THE LORD when John R. Rice was still at the helm than the current Sword. And why shouldn't it be? The editor of the BE (Evangelist Robert L. Sumner) was the OFFICIAL biographer of John R. Rice. They were close friends and Dr. Rice regularly published sermons of Sumner's in the Sword, printed books and pamphlets by the same, and gave him a weekly (at the time) column in the Sword to write! Use the link in the upper left and find out more!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
SARAH'S "SHORT" SOJOURN
GENESIS 23
Pastor Rick Jackson
By our standards Sarah lived a long time. In light of eternity however her life was like "a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." If the Lord tarries all of us will travel this same path. May we do so as well as she did.
I. EARTHLY LEGACY [v. 1]
Sarah is the only woman in the Bible whose age at the time of her death is given to us.
1. She left a legacy of faith. [Hebrews 11:11]
Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
2. She felt a legacy of faithfulness. [Hebrews 11:13]
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
3. She left a legacy to follow. [I Peter. 3:1-7]
II. EARTHLY REALITY [v. 2]
1. The reality of sin. [Rm. 6:23a]
"The wages of sin is death..."
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."
Ezekiel 18:20a The soul that sinneth, it shall die...
2. The reality of sorrow. [I Th. 4:13-18]
3. The reality of salvation. [Rm. 6:23b] but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
III. EARTHLY ACTIVITY [v. 3-20]
1. It should be activity with grace. [v. 3-9]
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
2. It should be activity without arrogance. [v. 10-16]
Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
3. It should be activity with assurance. [v. 17-20]
Acts 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
1 Thessalonians 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
Hebrews 6:11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Pastor Rick Jackson
By our standards Sarah lived a long time. In light of eternity however her life was like "a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." If the Lord tarries all of us will travel this same path. May we do so as well as she did.
I. EARTHLY LEGACY [v. 1]
Sarah is the only woman in the Bible whose age at the time of her death is given to us.
1. She left a legacy of faith. [Hebrews 11:11]
Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
2. She felt a legacy of faithfulness. [Hebrews 11:13]
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
3. She left a legacy to follow. [I Peter. 3:1-7]
II. EARTHLY REALITY [v. 2]
1. The reality of sin. [Rm. 6:23a]
"The wages of sin is death..."
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."
Ezekiel 18:20a The soul that sinneth, it shall die...
2. The reality of sorrow. [I Th. 4:13-18]
3. The reality of salvation. [Rm. 6:23b] but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
III. EARTHLY ACTIVITY [v. 3-20]
1. It should be activity with grace. [v. 3-9]
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
2. It should be activity without arrogance. [v. 10-16]
Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
3. It should be activity with assurance. [v. 17-20]
Acts 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
1 Thessalonians 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
Hebrews 6:11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
ARE YOU READY?
Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Pastor Rick Jackson
Evangelist D. L. Moody said, "Now there are 3 things that every man should be ready for in this world: ready for life, ready for death, and ready for judgment. Judgment after death is as sure as life; judgment is as sure as death. There are 3 sure things... It is of very little account how we die, or where we die, if we are only prepared, if we are only ready."
Interestingly enough you should be ready in reverse order. Instead of being ready for life, then death, then judgment if you ARE ready for judgment then you are ready for death and if you are ready for death then you are ready for life!
I. ARE YOU READY FOR JUDGEMENT? [Hb. 9:27]
1. No lost person is ready for judgment.
II Thess. 1 says, "when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;"
2. No carnal Christian is ready for judgment. [2 Corinthians 5:10-11]
3. Only a spiritual Christian is ready for the judgment. [II Tm. 4:5-8]
Are you ready for the judgment? Luke 12:39-47
II. ARE YOU READY FOR DEATH? [Hb. 9:27]
1. Are you being foolish? [Lk. 12:20]
But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
2. Are you prepared? [Amos 4:12]
Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.
3. Are you ready? [Ps. 88:15]
I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.
III. ARE YOU READY TO LIVE? [Hb. 9:27]
2 Samuel 15:15 And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.
Ecclesiastes 5:1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.
Romans 1:15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
1 Timothy 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
are you ready? ARE YOU READY?
Revelation 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
Pastor Rick Jackson
Evangelist D. L. Moody said, "Now there are 3 things that every man should be ready for in this world: ready for life, ready for death, and ready for judgment. Judgment after death is as sure as life; judgment is as sure as death. There are 3 sure things... It is of very little account how we die, or where we die, if we are only prepared, if we are only ready."
Interestingly enough you should be ready in reverse order. Instead of being ready for life, then death, then judgment if you ARE ready for judgment then you are ready for death and if you are ready for death then you are ready for life!
I. ARE YOU READY FOR JUDGEMENT? [Hb. 9:27]
1. No lost person is ready for judgment.
II Thess. 1 says, "when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;"
2. No carnal Christian is ready for judgment. [2 Corinthians 5:10-11]
3. Only a spiritual Christian is ready for the judgment. [II Tm. 4:5-8]
Are you ready for the judgment? Luke 12:39-47
II. ARE YOU READY FOR DEATH? [Hb. 9:27]
1. Are you being foolish? [Lk. 12:20]
But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
2. Are you prepared? [Amos 4:12]
Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.
3. Are you ready? [Ps. 88:15]
I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.
III. ARE YOU READY TO LIVE? [Hb. 9:27]
2 Samuel 15:15 And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.
Ecclesiastes 5:1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.
Romans 1:15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
1 Timothy 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
are you ready? ARE YOU READY?
Revelation 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Are creationists anti-science?
One of the most common arguments that evolutionists use against creation researchers is the old refrain that creationists are “against” or “anti-” science. However, the same critics fail to answer one important question. Ken Ham explains:
Recently a reporter from a secular magazine interviewed me for an article on the creation/evolution issue. One of the first things he asked was, “How do you react to those who claim you creationists are against science?”
As I always do in such instances, I asked him: “What do you mean by science?” He just looked at me and said, “Good question—so how do you define science?”
This is a question that many do not consider when examining the issue of creation versus evolution. The word science has the root meaning of “knowledge.” Scientists can make repeatable, testable observations about our present world and gain knowledge about the present—such knowledge has built the technology that puts humans into space.
Scientists also try to obtain knowledge about our past—our origins. But this sort of knowledge is very different from knowledge about the present. It must involve assumptions about how the universe and life arose—when no human was there to see it all happen. Fossils, rocks, dating methods, all of these require the observer to interpret the evidence, and this interpretation is always filtered through beliefs about the past.
There is a major difference between observational (or operational) science—what we can observe in the present—and origins science—interpretations about the past with no direct observation. Creationists are not against science, but they do want people to understand what the word science means.
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
Recently a reporter from a secular magazine interviewed me for an article on the creation/evolution issue. One of the first things he asked was, “How do you react to those who claim you creationists are against science?”
As I always do in such instances, I asked him: “What do you mean by science?” He just looked at me and said, “Good question—so how do you define science?”
This is a question that many do not consider when examining the issue of creation versus evolution. The word science has the root meaning of “knowledge.” Scientists can make repeatable, testable observations about our present world and gain knowledge about the present—such knowledge has built the technology that puts humans into space.
Scientists also try to obtain knowledge about our past—our origins. But this sort of knowledge is very different from knowledge about the present. It must involve assumptions about how the universe and life arose—when no human was there to see it all happen. Fossils, rocks, dating methods, all of these require the observer to interpret the evidence, and this interpretation is always filtered through beliefs about the past.
There is a major difference between observational (or operational) science—what we can observe in the present—and origins science—interpretations about the past with no direct observation. Creationists are not against science, but they do want people to understand what the word science means.
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
VIDEO OF THE WEEK!
THE DUCK & THE DOG
Becky sent me this one. If the link doesn't work copy it and paste it in your browser. It's worth the effort.
http://www.sonnyradio.com/duckanddog.html
Becky sent me this one. If the link doesn't work copy it and paste it in your browser. It's worth the effort.
http://www.sonnyradio.com/duckanddog.html
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
HOW TO BE GREAT IN 2008
LUKE 1:13-17
Pastor Rick Jackson
Everyone should want to be great at something. For many it is some type of sports. For some it might be singing, or some talent that would make them lots of money and bring them fame. Perhaps some would like to be a great dad or mom, or still others may desire to be great at making money. Then again, there's the whole matter of who you want to think you are great. A person great at sports may be thought a horrible failure at life. Mike Tyson was a great boxer but an unlikable person, Hitler was a great orator but a horrible human being, John Wilkes booth was considered an excellent actor of his time but he is remembered as the assassin who shot Abraham Lincoln. Greatness, then, is conditional. Great at what? Great to who?
Verse 15 says of John the Baptist, "For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord". In the end there can be no greater success than that. When 1 years is past will you still be considered great? 10 years? 100 years? 1000 years? If you are great in the Lord's eyes that will not change throughout eternity. How did John accomplish this greatness. He was as human as you and I, he had weaknesses and faults just as you and I, and yet he was great in the eyes of the Lord.
I. JOHN WAS CHARACTERIZED BY DEATH TO SELF! [v. 15a]
1. John knew his place [v. 15-16] He didn't choose his place...
2. John knew his purpose [v. 16-17] He didn't choose his purpose...
3. John knew his power [v. 15b, 17a] He didn't create his power...
BUT HE ACCEPTED GOD'S PLACE FOR HIM, GOD'S PURPOSE FOR HIM & GOD'S POWER!
II. JOHN WAS CHARACTERIZED BY DEVOTION TO THE SAVIOUR! [v. 15b]
1. He sought confirmation from Jesus [7:19-23]
2. He showed courage for Jesus [7:24-28]
3. He spoke the Counsel of God and was commended by Jesus [7:29-35]
III. JOHN WAS CHARACTERIZED BY DEDICATION TO SERVICE! [v. 16]
1. His service was to prepare a people [1:76]
2. His service was to preach the Gospel [1:77]
3. His service was to proclaim the Word [1:78-80]
This was the man who said, "He must increase and I must decrease"
We too, must be ready to give an answer to every man...
We also must plant the seed, water seed, and wait for God to give the increase!
Pastor Rick Jackson
Everyone should want to be great at something. For many it is some type of sports. For some it might be singing, or some talent that would make them lots of money and bring them fame. Perhaps some would like to be a great dad or mom, or still others may desire to be great at making money. Then again, there's the whole matter of who you want to think you are great. A person great at sports may be thought a horrible failure at life. Mike Tyson was a great boxer but an unlikable person, Hitler was a great orator but a horrible human being, John Wilkes booth was considered an excellent actor of his time but he is remembered as the assassin who shot Abraham Lincoln. Greatness, then, is conditional. Great at what? Great to who?
Verse 15 says of John the Baptist, "For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord". In the end there can be no greater success than that. When 1 years is past will you still be considered great? 10 years? 100 years? 1000 years? If you are great in the Lord's eyes that will not change throughout eternity. How did John accomplish this greatness. He was as human as you and I, he had weaknesses and faults just as you and I, and yet he was great in the eyes of the Lord.
I. JOHN WAS CHARACTERIZED BY DEATH TO SELF! [v. 15a]
1. John knew his place [v. 15-16] He didn't choose his place...
2. John knew his purpose [v. 16-17] He didn't choose his purpose...
3. John knew his power [v. 15b, 17a] He didn't create his power...
BUT HE ACCEPTED GOD'S PLACE FOR HIM, GOD'S PURPOSE FOR HIM & GOD'S POWER!
II. JOHN WAS CHARACTERIZED BY DEVOTION TO THE SAVIOUR! [v. 15b]
1. He sought confirmation from Jesus [7:19-23]
2. He showed courage for Jesus [7:24-28]
3. He spoke the Counsel of God and was commended by Jesus [7:29-35]
III. JOHN WAS CHARACTERIZED BY DEDICATION TO SERVICE! [v. 16]
1. His service was to prepare a people [1:76]
2. His service was to preach the Gospel [1:77]
3. His service was to proclaim the Word [1:78-80]
This was the man who said, "He must increase and I must decrease"
We too, must be ready to give an answer to every man...
We also must plant the seed, water seed, and wait for God to give the increase!
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