Q: Can an anti-creationist reveal the truth of Scripture?
A: A well-known University of Minnesota–Morris professor who has a history of hate speech against creationists—especially Answers in Genesis and the Creation Museum—inadvertently admitted recently that we were not wrong. This was kind of a blessing in disguise and also reveals much about his character. Professor Paul (P.Z.) Myers said:
First, there is no moral law: the universe is a nasty, heartless place where most things wouldn’t mind killing you if you let them. No one is compelled to be nice; you or anyone could go on a murder spree, and all that is stopping you is your self-interest (it is very destructive to your personal bliss to knock down your social support system) and the self-interest of others, who would try to stop you. There is nothing ‘out there’ that imposes morality on you, other than local, temporary conditions, a lot of social enculturation, and probably a bit of genetic hardwiring that you’ve inherited from ancestors who lived under similar conditions.
Myers admits there is no morality or anything that imposes it either (i.e., God) in his worldview. This means that from his own worldview, there is no such thing as right and wrong. Accordingly, this means that there must be nothing wrong with teaching the truth of creation as revealed in the Bible. Ironically, perhaps, it also means that there is nothing wrong in showing the problems with false religions like humanism and evolution.
Continue reading Bodie Hodge’s commentary on a well-known evolutionist in Anti-creationist Professor Inadvertently Reveals the Truth of Scripture.
News to Note Quick Look
Is God our “separator?”: An Old Testament professor thinks the translations of Genesis should be rewritten—to accommodate her view on what the text actually means. Read more.
Bird Brains VIII: Yet another experimental study teaches us more about the sophisticated (and, perhaps, surprising) intelligence of crows. Read more.
Also:
What about Earth?
Veggie-loving spider
From bone to bone
And Don’t Miss . . .
Prayer Requests
View the current prayer requests to keep track of and pray for current ministry needs. Thank you!
Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program
Adam’s race—are you a member?
“External” features—they’re only minor!
Genetics—it confirms only one race!
Inter-racial relationships—what’s the problem?
Genesis—it has the answer to racism!
After Eden
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.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
The Precious Blood
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Friday, October 16, 2009
Hear What I Pray-Guard What I Say!
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Bill Rice Ranch | 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road | Murfreesboro | TN | 37128 |
Thursday, October 15, 2009
DR. FRED AFMAN NOW WALKING STREETS OF GOLD
When I first went to Temple Baptist Theological Seminary (as it was called back then) in 1978 one of my professors was Dr. Fred Afman. He looked at my name on the class roll, called out "Fred Jackson" and waited for a response. I responded but instead of going on to the next name he asked if Fred was short for something else."Frederick"
"How do you spell that?"
"F-R-E-D-E-R-I-C-K"
"I'm glad to hear you spell it correctly. That's how mine is spelled also."
This was my introduction to one of the greatest Bible teachers of our age. I had many good seminary teachers, two stand out as favorites, Dr. Afman was one of them. Even though I haven't seen him in a number of years I wept when I heard of his passing. Heaven is just getting sweeter and sweeter.
The Bible I preach from is a Rice Reference Bible, Dr. Afman was one of the consulting editors. My view of the Song of Solomon [often called the 3 person view] was greatly influenced by this man of God [it makes way more sense than the more commonly held 2 person view and is Biblically sound].
Dr. Afman never shied away from difficult verses in class. He explained them thoroughly as a good Bible teacher should. One explanation went against the commonly held view of a text but Dr. Afman skillfully laid out the Bible truth of the matter. One student remarked, "You certainly have ruined a lot of good preaching." To which Dr. Afman replied, "I may have ruined some preaching, but since it wasn't Biblical, it wasn't good preaching."
After leaving Chattanooga in 1991 I would occasionally find my way back to the area and when on campus I always tried to go by and see Dr. Afman. He always had time for me [indeed, come to think of it-he always had time for me when I was a student as well] and he always remembered me--- "Brother Jackson, the student who knew how to spell Frederick." I remember you too, Dr. Afman, and I thank God I got to know you and for the part you had in molding my life.
From the website of The International Board of Jewish Missions http://www.ibjm.org/radio.htm comes the following: In January 1972, IBJM went on the air with a weekly radio broadcast called "The Voice of Jacob," hosted by Dr. Orman Norwood. At the time it was only heard over a small, local church outreach called WDYN. By October 1972, the program had merged with another program and had increased to thirty minutes. It featured well-known instructor and expositor, Dr. Fred Afman, a teacher of Old Testament studies at Tennessee Temple University. Dr. Afman has over fifty years experience teaching the Bible, and he has taught every book of the Bible, verse-by-verse, on The Everlasting Nation Radio Broadcast since 1972
Here is his obituary from the chattanoogan:
Dr. Fred Afman
Tennessee Temple University Professor For 35 Years
Dr. Fred Afman, 88, died on Wednesday, October 14, 2009.
Fred Afman was born to Dutch parents, Martinus and Martha Afman on August 17, 1921, in Hopkinsberg, Mi.
After graduating from Plainwell High School, he was called by God to pursue a lifetime of ministry. He attended Bob Jones College in Cleveland, Tn., from 1941-1946. In 1947, he married Martha Elizabeth Fyne. Fred joined the Bible faculty of Bob Jones University in 1948, and taught there for 25 years. During those years he earned his MA and PhD in Old Testament.He preached in churches throughout the Southeast. In 1971, he moved to Chattanooga, and taught at Tennessee Temple University and Seminary for 35 years. Through 60 years of teaching Bible, Dr. Afman influenced over 22,000 students.
Dr. Afman was a faithful member, Sunday School teacher, and usher at Highland Park Baptist Church for as long as his health allowed. Dr. Afman also served with International Board of Jewish Missions, teaching the Everlasting Nation radio program for 35 years.
Fred enjoyed the weekly fellowship of the Christian Businessmen Association, and taught at their fall retreats for over 20 years. Dad was renowned for his kind words and he never met a stranger. He always expressed appreciation and spoke to everyone. A great sense of humor warmed many hearts. He loved playing and enjoyed being a spectator at sporting events. He was a great father and truly loved by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his wife Martha Afman; parents; brother, Bill Afman; and sisters, Marian Cosgrove and Elizabeth Gren.
Survivors include his children, Frederick Martin Afman, Lemoine Elizabeth (Foster) Afman-Radford, Joel Thomas Afman, Martha June (Jim) Lehe, and Jon (Tonya) Afman; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters, Margaret (Earl) Bostwick and Gerry Cave; and brother, Bob (Hilda) Afman.
Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, and 2-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 19, at Woodland Park Baptist Church, 7501 Standifer Gap Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.
Memorial donations may be made to the International Board of Jewish Missions, P.O. Box 1386, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 404 South Moore Road. http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_161021.asp
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
HAVE YOU LEARNED THE LESSONS OF THE STORM?
ACTS 27:1-10
Pastor Rick Jackson
Sometimes we don't learn certain lessons unless they are taught to us by a storm. Now its better if we can learn it from the Word, but as this passage shows, some people don't listen to the Word. Let us not be of that group.
THE STORM TEACHES US:
1. Experts are Not always Right [v. 11]
2. Inconvenience isn't your Biggest Problem [v. 12]
3. Circumstances are not the best Indicators of Action [v. 13]
4. We are Not in Charge [v. 14-15]
5. Sometimes an Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure [v. 16-17a]
6. Our Value System may Need Adjusting [v. 17b-19]
7. Faith in man is Not as secure as Faith in God [v. 20-23]
8. The Christian, in the will of God, is Unsinkable [v. 24]
9. The Christian must Not take God's Will for Granted [v. 25-32]
10. God will Not do for you what you can do for yourself [v. 33-44]
Pastor Rick Jackson
Sometimes we don't learn certain lessons unless they are taught to us by a storm. Now its better if we can learn it from the Word, but as this passage shows, some people don't listen to the Word. Let us not be of that group.
THE STORM TEACHES US:
1. Experts are Not always Right [v. 11]
2. Inconvenience isn't your Biggest Problem [v. 12]
3. Circumstances are not the best Indicators of Action [v. 13]
4. We are Not in Charge [v. 14-15]
5. Sometimes an Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure [v. 16-17a]
6. Our Value System may Need Adjusting [v. 17b-19]
7. Faith in man is Not as secure as Faith in God [v. 20-23]
8. The Christian, in the will of God, is Unsinkable [v. 24]
9. The Christian must Not take God's Will for Granted [v. 25-32]
10. God will Not do for you what you can do for yourself [v. 33-44]
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
QUOTES OF THE WEEK!
A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new. - Albert Einstein
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Romans 12:3-5 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
And that's why your part in this body is critical for the success of the body of Christ. If you're part of our hearing and you don't function- we won't hear well. If you're part of our sight and you won't see- we won't see well. And so we have all of these parts that are critical and important to the functioning of the church.
Think of the choir- if all we had was a choir full of altos. Man, we would miss the tenor part, the bass part, the soprano part- you wouldn't see that harmony, you wouldn't see that blending of all of that coming together. And throughout this church God makes some beautiful music, if His people, gifted by Him, do that which God has called them to do.
{illustrates with a football team center deciding he doesn't won't to do his part anymore so he can catch the ball and you lose the team}
And when you don't have a team you don't have a chance to win. And if we don't function as the body we cannot win! That's God's way, that's God's plan. And we'll lose as a body, a church, and you'll lose as a gifted Christian. But if all of us will say, "I'll seek God's will for me and I'll give God glory, have no will of my own, I'm going to honor God the very best that I can in the place that God has put me- I am going to try to be an All-American in my spot- and I'm going to do my maximum- He'll help the team to win. And when the team wins, the team rejoices. Who's the team? It's the body, it's the church. And when the team wins the Coach is glorified isn't He? Who's the Coach? Jesus. That's right.
Now we all have to give our best. Every single member of Highland Park Baptist Church must do their best in your area for the glory of God, the body of Christ, the church.
{illustrates with when a quarterback gets hit a fan might yell} "Put the boy out the game! All he does is fumble!" It's easy to sit up in that stand, eating your popcorn, and drinking your Coke and holler "Pull the boy out." Right? Let's put you in the game!... you get hit and you won't care where the ball is. You want back in the stands with your popcorn and Coke. You have a new attitude. You see what I am saying? It's easy to sit out there and say why did he fumble the ball?
It's easy to be the pastor when you not the pastor, you know? I've been doing this for 27 years and I've found a whole lot of folks who never pastored even a 5 member class knows how to do it better than I do. You know, years of training, education, everything else, serving the Lord, experience- some good experience- some bad experience- and they know more about pastoring than the pastor does.
It's easy to sit out there and direct the choir when you're not in it. Isn't it? Here's what I think you ought to do... and you couldn't carry a note if your head was... had it in a bucket- amen? Discuss Sunday School teachers, or the bus ministry and you ain't even been near a bus. It's easy to discuss the ushers... if you won't usher. Right? It's easy to discuss Sunday School teachers when you won't teach. It's easy to discuss meals if you won't cook. It's easy to say, "We ought to win this community to Christ" if you don't go visit.
-David Bouler, January 22, 1992
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Even a mistake may turn out to be the one thing necessary to a worthwhile achievement. - Henry Ford
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It's discouraging to make a mistake, but it's humiliating when you find out you're so unimportant that nobody noticed it. - Chuck Daly
-------------------------------------------------------
Today's plans produce tomorrow's results. - J.R. Faulkner
Live by faith today. Can't live yesterday over, can't live tomorrow yet. - J. Don Jennings
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Romans 12:3-5 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
And that's why your part in this body is critical for the success of the body of Christ. If you're part of our hearing and you don't function- we won't hear well. If you're part of our sight and you won't see- we won't see well. And so we have all of these parts that are critical and important to the functioning of the church.
Think of the choir- if all we had was a choir full of altos. Man, we would miss the tenor part, the bass part, the soprano part- you wouldn't see that harmony, you wouldn't see that blending of all of that coming together. And throughout this church God makes some beautiful music, if His people, gifted by Him, do that which God has called them to do.
{illustrates with a football team center deciding he doesn't won't to do his part anymore so he can catch the ball and you lose the team}
And when you don't have a team you don't have a chance to win. And if we don't function as the body we cannot win! That's God's way, that's God's plan. And we'll lose as a body, a church, and you'll lose as a gifted Christian. But if all of us will say, "I'll seek God's will for me and I'll give God glory, have no will of my own, I'm going to honor God the very best that I can in the place that God has put me- I am going to try to be an All-American in my spot- and I'm going to do my maximum- He'll help the team to win. And when the team wins, the team rejoices. Who's the team? It's the body, it's the church. And when the team wins the Coach is glorified isn't He? Who's the Coach? Jesus. That's right.
Now we all have to give our best. Every single member of Highland Park Baptist Church must do their best in your area for the glory of God, the body of Christ, the church.
{illustrates with when a quarterback gets hit a fan might yell} "Put the boy out the game! All he does is fumble!" It's easy to sit up in that stand, eating your popcorn, and drinking your Coke and holler "Pull the boy out." Right? Let's put you in the game!... you get hit and you won't care where the ball is. You want back in the stands with your popcorn and Coke. You have a new attitude. You see what I am saying? It's easy to sit out there and say why did he fumble the ball?
It's easy to be the pastor when you not the pastor, you know? I've been doing this for 27 years and I've found a whole lot of folks who never pastored even a 5 member class knows how to do it better than I do. You know, years of training, education, everything else, serving the Lord, experience- some good experience- some bad experience- and they know more about pastoring than the pastor does.
It's easy to sit out there and direct the choir when you're not in it. Isn't it? Here's what I think you ought to do... and you couldn't carry a note if your head was... had it in a bucket- amen? Discuss Sunday School teachers, or the bus ministry and you ain't even been near a bus. It's easy to discuss the ushers... if you won't usher. Right? It's easy to discuss Sunday School teachers when you won't teach. It's easy to discuss meals if you won't cook. It's easy to say, "We ought to win this community to Christ" if you don't go visit.
-David Bouler, January 22, 1992
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Even a mistake may turn out to be the one thing necessary to a worthwhile achievement. - Henry Ford
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's discouraging to make a mistake, but it's humiliating when you find out you're so unimportant that nobody noticed it. - Chuck Daly
-------------------------------------------------------
Today's plans produce tomorrow's results. - J.R. Faulkner
Live by faith today. Can't live yesterday over, can't live tomorrow yet. - J. Don Jennings
Monday, October 12, 2009
How do you spell "Husband"?
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Husbands H. Holy in conduct U. Understanding in relationship with his wife S. Sound in judgment B. Bold (not brash) and clear in communication "Then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, but as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD" Josh 24:15. My wife and our children never wondered if we were going to church on Sunday or Wednesday. We all knew "He is Lord" and we serve Him. "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching" Heb. 10:25. It is just the sensible and scriptural thing to do. A. Ability to provide for his own. "But if anyone dows not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever" 1 Timothy 5:8. Of course there can be exceptions when a man has been injured or physically unable for some reason. The man who squanders his money on drinks, drugs or debauchery of any kind ought to be terribly ashamed of himself. He promised God almighty to take care of her until death do us part. Now do it. N. Noble in character. "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us" Titus 2:7,8. With these characteristics, it is not hard for a family to follow this husband. D. Dependable "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful" 1 Cor. 4:2. Men, you and I are stewards of our selves, our possessions and our families. Being the head of your wife and family not only gives you great privileges but great responsibilities. That dear wife God gave you had so much dependence in you to leave her father and mother and give herself, body and soul, to you. That precious child God gave you has such trust in you. "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life." Rev. 2:10. Kind sir,that will be worth a jillion times more than the Heisman trophy or super bowl ring. You don't have to be a superman to gain this trophy, just a faithful man. Prayer: Father, help us husbands to earn the love and respect of our own families above all else. In Jesus name. All because of Calvary, sumner Click here for the East-West Ministries Web sitehttp://www.eastwest.org/ | |||||
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Sunday, October 11, 2009
FAILURE & SURETY
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. PEOPLE WILL FAIL YOU
1. Lost People Will Fail You [Genesis 41:9]
Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day
2. Saved People Will Fail You [2 Timothy 4:10]
For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
3. You Will Fail Yourself [Romans 7:15-23]
II. THINGS WILL FAIL YOU
1. Money Will Fail You [Matthew 6:19-20]
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
2. Health Will Fail You [Job 1-2] "Well, at least you've got your health!"
3. Governments Will Fail You [Dan. 2:36-43]
III. WHAT DOESN'T FAIL?
1. God does Not Fail [Deuteronomy 31:6]
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Joshua 1:5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Lamentations 3:22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
2. The Bible Does Not Fail [Psalm 19:7]
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Psalm 33:11 The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
3. The New Nature Does Not Fail [1 John 3:1-9]
I. PEOPLE WILL FAIL YOU
1. Lost People Will Fail You [Genesis 41:9]
Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day
2. Saved People Will Fail You [2 Timothy 4:10]
For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
3. You Will Fail Yourself [Romans 7:15-23]
II. THINGS WILL FAIL YOU
1. Money Will Fail You [Matthew 6:19-20]
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
2. Health Will Fail You [Job 1-2] "Well, at least you've got your health!"
3. Governments Will Fail You [Dan. 2:36-43]
III. WHAT DOESN'T FAIL?
1. God does Not Fail [Deuteronomy 31:6]
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Joshua 1:5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Lamentations 3:22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
2. The Bible Does Not Fail [Psalm 19:7]
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Psalm 33:11 The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
3. The New Nature Does Not Fail [1 John 3:1-9]
THE STORY OF JOSEPH, THE STORY OF LIFE, HIS STORY
GENESIS 37:1-2, 41:39-46
Pastor Rick Jackson
Most of us are familiar with the story of Joseph--- how God took this young man and used him to save the fledgling nation of Israel from starvation or absorption by other nations. You might read this story and think the future of Israel was dependent upon a 17 year old boy--- IT WASN'T! Nor was Israel's future dependent upon an 40 year old Moses or an 80 year old Moses. It wasn't dependent upon David as he faced Goliath, or Joshua at the walls of Jericho, or Peter at Pentecost, or Paul and his missionary journeys... The future of Israel & the future of the church, yes, even the future of mankind has always been dependent upon God Almighty.
The future of Bradford Baptist Church does not depend on Rick Jackson or Henry Hodges or anyone else. The future of Bradford Baptist Church depends on God Almighty. Now does God call individuals to do His will? Yes He does. Does God have something He wants us to do? Yes He does. Will all His plans fail if we don't do it? Let Mordecai's words to Esther be the answer.
Esther 4:14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
But this is the story of life... to be used of God... to live for him is spite of circumstances this fixes our place in His Story. Look at Joseph's life, look at the:
I. YEARS OF BURDENS
1. Caused by the Looks of Others [37:3-4, 17-21, 25-28, 36]
2. Caused by the Lies of Others [39:7, 10-20]
3. Caused by the Lack of Others [40:1-8, 12, 20-21, 23]
but when we are in the Lord's will, the Years of Burdens can also be:
II. YEARS OF BLESSINGS
1. even if considered a Dreamer for believing God [37:5, 19]
2. even if considered a Slave for obeying God [39:8-9]
1 Corinthians 7:21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.
1 Corinthians 7:22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.
1 Corinthians 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
3. even if considered a Prisoner for living for God [39:20-23]
Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called
2 Timothy 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
yes, they were years of Burdens ad they were years of Blessings because God was using them as:
III. YEARS OF BUILDING
1. God was Building a Man [41:14-16, 25, 28, 32-40]
2. God was Building a Leader [41:41-44]
3. God was Building a Life[41:45-46, 50-52, 42:5-9, 45:1-8]
Pastor Rick Jackson
Most of us are familiar with the story of Joseph--- how God took this young man and used him to save the fledgling nation of Israel from starvation or absorption by other nations. You might read this story and think the future of Israel was dependent upon a 17 year old boy--- IT WASN'T! Nor was Israel's future dependent upon an 40 year old Moses or an 80 year old Moses. It wasn't dependent upon David as he faced Goliath, or Joshua at the walls of Jericho, or Peter at Pentecost, or Paul and his missionary journeys... The future of Israel & the future of the church, yes, even the future of mankind has always been dependent upon God Almighty.
The future of Bradford Baptist Church does not depend on Rick Jackson or Henry Hodges or anyone else. The future of Bradford Baptist Church depends on God Almighty. Now does God call individuals to do His will? Yes He does. Does God have something He wants us to do? Yes He does. Will all His plans fail if we don't do it? Let Mordecai's words to Esther be the answer.
Esther 4:14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
But this is the story of life... to be used of God... to live for him is spite of circumstances this fixes our place in His Story. Look at Joseph's life, look at the:
I. YEARS OF BURDENS
1. Caused by the Looks of Others [37:3-4, 17-21, 25-28, 36]
2. Caused by the Lies of Others [39:7, 10-20]
3. Caused by the Lack of Others [40:1-8, 12, 20-21, 23]
but when we are in the Lord's will, the Years of Burdens can also be:
II. YEARS OF BLESSINGS
1. even if considered a Dreamer for believing God [37:5, 19]
2. even if considered a Slave for obeying God [39:8-9]
1 Corinthians 7:21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.
1 Corinthians 7:22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.
1 Corinthians 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
3. even if considered a Prisoner for living for God [39:20-23]
Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called
2 Timothy 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
yes, they were years of Burdens ad they were years of Blessings because God was using them as:
III. YEARS OF BUILDING
1. God was Building a Man [41:14-16, 25, 28, 32-40]
2. God was Building a Leader [41:41-44]
3. God was Building a Life[41:45-46, 50-52, 42:5-9, 45:1-8]
Saturday, October 10, 2009
QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Has irreducible complexity been disproved?
Q: Has irreducible complexity been disproved?
A: The titles of two recent science news articles caught my attention, “More ‘Evidence’ of Intelligent Design Shot Down by Science” and “Intelligent Design ‘Evidence’ Unproven by Real Science.” The evidence in question is a molecular machine. Members of the Intelligent Design Movement and creation scientists have often stated that molecular machines are irreducibly complex and could not be formed by evolution. However, evolutionists now claim the mechanism of “pre-adaptation” is a way that these molecular machines could have evolved.
Molecular machines are complex structures located inside of cells or on the surface of cells. One popular example is the bacterial flagella. This whip-like structure is composed of many proteins, and its rotation propels bacteria through their environment. The molecular machine of interest in a recent PNAS article is a protein transport machine located in the mitochondria. This machine transports proteins across the membrane of mitochondria so they can perform the very important function of making energy.
Molecular machines are considered to be irreducibly complex. An irreducibly complex machine is made of a number of essential parts, and all these parts must be present for it to function properly. If even one of these parts is missing the machine is non-functional. Evolution, which supposedly works in a stepwise fashion over long periods of time, can’t form these complex machines. Evolution is not goal-oriented; it cannot work towards a specific outcome.
Continue reading as Dr. Georgia Purdom defends cellular design in The End of Irreducible Complexity?
News to Note Quick Look
A cache of cash: Archaeologists may have found evidence for the Joseph of Genesis in Egypt, a news agency has reported. Read more.
A cache of eggs: Scientists have turned up dozens and dozens of dinosaur eggs in southern India, BBC News reports. Read more.
Also:
Faking a fake?
See no extinction, hear no extinction
A cache of compromise
And Don’t Miss . . .
Prayer Requests
View the current prayer requests to keep track of and pray for current ministry needs. Thank you!
Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program
Time and death—or sin and death?
Aboriginal legends—related to Genesis?
Evolution and creation—it’s an authority issue!
Creation—He did it His way!
Radiometric dating—it shows a young earth!
After Eden
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
A: The titles of two recent science news articles caught my attention, “More ‘Evidence’ of Intelligent Design Shot Down by Science” and “Intelligent Design ‘Evidence’ Unproven by Real Science.” The evidence in question is a molecular machine. Members of the Intelligent Design Movement and creation scientists have often stated that molecular machines are irreducibly complex and could not be formed by evolution. However, evolutionists now claim the mechanism of “pre-adaptation” is a way that these molecular machines could have evolved.
Molecular machines are complex structures located inside of cells or on the surface of cells. One popular example is the bacterial flagella. This whip-like structure is composed of many proteins, and its rotation propels bacteria through their environment. The molecular machine of interest in a recent PNAS article is a protein transport machine located in the mitochondria. This machine transports proteins across the membrane of mitochondria so they can perform the very important function of making energy.
Molecular machines are considered to be irreducibly complex. An irreducibly complex machine is made of a number of essential parts, and all these parts must be present for it to function properly. If even one of these parts is missing the machine is non-functional. Evolution, which supposedly works in a stepwise fashion over long periods of time, can’t form these complex machines. Evolution is not goal-oriented; it cannot work towards a specific outcome.
Continue reading as Dr. Georgia Purdom defends cellular design in The End of Irreducible Complexity?
News to Note Quick Look
A cache of cash: Archaeologists may have found evidence for the Joseph of Genesis in Egypt, a news agency has reported. Read more.
A cache of eggs: Scientists have turned up dozens and dozens of dinosaur eggs in southern India, BBC News reports. Read more.
Also:
Faking a fake?
See no extinction, hear no extinction
A cache of compromise
And Don’t Miss . . .
Prayer Requests
View the current prayer requests to keep track of and pray for current ministry needs. Thank you!
Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program
Time and death—or sin and death?
Aboriginal legends—related to Genesis?
Evolution and creation—it’s an authority issue!
Creation—He did it His way!
Radiometric dating—it shows a young earth!
After Eden
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, October 09, 2009
October 9 - By Faith
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Divine Blueprint
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Bill Rice Ranch | 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road | Murfreesboro | TN | 37128 |
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Haste Makes Waste
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Wednesday, October 07, 2009
THE SUCCESSFUL SOLDIER
Jeremiah 12:5 If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?
Pastor Rick Jackson*
II Tm. 2
This message revolves around the truth that Christians are in the Lord's army. Every born again, blood washed, believer is a soldier of the cross whether he likes it or not. He must realize this truth and live accordingly [v. 1].
Paul had an opportunity to study soldiers up close. He spent a lot a time with soldiers. So he writes to us about being a good or successful soldier. There are soldiers and there are successful soldiers. What makes the difference?
I. EDUCATION [v. 2]
II. ENDURANCE [v. 3a]
To endure is to withstand a time of testing or period of difficulty without giving up or giving in. A successful soldier realizes a sacrifice can involve your life.
In WWII, in the Pacific, during the last part of the Guadalcanal Campaign, the Japanese Navy made a last attempt effort to reinforce their troops on the island. General Vandergriff and the Marines had the Japanese on the ropes. he Japanese were going to bring in a fleet through the strait with their reinforcements.
Admiral Halsey called in 2 admirals over 3 banged up cruisers and a destroyer flotilla and told them Vandergriff was counting on them keeping those reinforcements off the island. They replied, "We'll do our best. We may not stop them- but there won't be many left."
When the smoke cleared 2 cruisers were lost and 7 destroyers were sunk. The Japanese had been forced to withdraw. the 2 admirals had gone down with their ships- they died doing their task without seeing the result.
We may not see the results either but we must do the task!
III. EMPLOYMENT [v. 3b]
A good soldier recognizes his occupation is worthwhile. Attitude is key here not understanding. Many a Bible character shone because of his attitude even when his understanding was limited (Daniel, Job, Joseph). A good soldier may not understand but he says, "Hey, I'm doing my job!"
Like the Roman army facing the Carthaginian General Hannibal in 200 BC. Hannibal had elephants. Elephants are, as you know, rather large creatures. The Romans had never seen one up close 'til one day they were in formation and saw these creatures charging them at full speed. They had 2 choices- RUN or STAND STILL and be trampled. The stood still and were trampled.
From that experience the Romans learned 2 things. 1st-elephants will crush you - and - 2nd they're relatively slow. The Roman General said, "Aha, - now we have a game plan."
The Romans stood 'til the last second, jumped aside and slashed the elephants legs and then killed the Carthaginian soldiers on them.
The sacrifice of the first Roman soldiers wasn't worthless. You may feel unappreciated... the world's against you... sugar's been licked off your lollipop- and you feel like quittin'. That's the time to be a good soldier.
What will you do when the elephants come? You may be trampled- but your being trampled may help someone else!
IV. ENTANGLEMENT FREE [4a]
V. EMPHASIS [4b]
In 1864 U.S. Grant was given the job of destroying Lee's army. The North said Lee wasn't a bad guy but he's got to go. South took issue with this. The Battle of the Wilderness- entangled area - thickets. Trees were shot down (good ol' days) 75-100 yards apart using 58 caliber rifles. Casualties high. 7000 men in 45 minutes, 67,000 in 3 months.
Battle of the Bloody Angle. Lee ordered Hood's Brigade. Lee started to take point but the men refused to let him. They said they would do it and they did!
Some men paid $300 to let someone else do the fighting for them. These men became known as goldbricks. Are you a gold brick?
*adapted from a message given by Dr. Lexie Wiggins (a Christian History Professor)
Pastor Rick Jackson*
II Tm. 2
This message revolves around the truth that Christians are in the Lord's army. Every born again, blood washed, believer is a soldier of the cross whether he likes it or not. He must realize this truth and live accordingly [v. 1].
Paul had an opportunity to study soldiers up close. He spent a lot a time with soldiers. So he writes to us about being a good or successful soldier. There are soldiers and there are successful soldiers. What makes the difference?
I. EDUCATION [v. 2]
II. ENDURANCE [v. 3a]
To endure is to withstand a time of testing or period of difficulty without giving up or giving in. A successful soldier realizes a sacrifice can involve your life.
In WWII, in the Pacific, during the last part of the Guadalcanal Campaign, the Japanese Navy made a last attempt effort to reinforce their troops on the island. General Vandergriff and the Marines had the Japanese on the ropes. he Japanese were going to bring in a fleet through the strait with their reinforcements.
Admiral Halsey called in 2 admirals over 3 banged up cruisers and a destroyer flotilla and told them Vandergriff was counting on them keeping those reinforcements off the island. They replied, "We'll do our best. We may not stop them- but there won't be many left."
When the smoke cleared 2 cruisers were lost and 7 destroyers were sunk. The Japanese had been forced to withdraw. the 2 admirals had gone down with their ships- they died doing their task without seeing the result.
We may not see the results either but we must do the task!
III. EMPLOYMENT [v. 3b]
A good soldier recognizes his occupation is worthwhile. Attitude is key here not understanding. Many a Bible character shone because of his attitude even when his understanding was limited (Daniel, Job, Joseph). A good soldier may not understand but he says, "Hey, I'm doing my job!"
Like the Roman army facing the Carthaginian General Hannibal in 200 BC. Hannibal had elephants. Elephants are, as you know, rather large creatures. The Romans had never seen one up close 'til one day they were in formation and saw these creatures charging them at full speed. They had 2 choices- RUN or STAND STILL and be trampled. The stood still and were trampled.
From that experience the Romans learned 2 things. 1st-elephants will crush you - and - 2nd they're relatively slow. The Roman General said, "Aha, - now we have a game plan."
The Romans stood 'til the last second, jumped aside and slashed the elephants legs and then killed the Carthaginian soldiers on them.
The sacrifice of the first Roman soldiers wasn't worthless. You may feel unappreciated... the world's against you... sugar's been licked off your lollipop- and you feel like quittin'. That's the time to be a good soldier.
What will you do when the elephants come? You may be trampled- but your being trampled may help someone else!
IV. ENTANGLEMENT FREE [4a]
V. EMPHASIS [4b]
In 1864 U.S. Grant was given the job of destroying Lee's army. The North said Lee wasn't a bad guy but he's got to go. South took issue with this. The Battle of the Wilderness- entangled area - thickets. Trees were shot down (good ol' days) 75-100 yards apart using 58 caliber rifles. Casualties high. 7000 men in 45 minutes, 67,000 in 3 months.
Battle of the Bloody Angle. Lee ordered Hood's Brigade. Lee started to take point but the men refused to let him. They said they would do it and they did!
Some men paid $300 to let someone else do the fighting for them. These men became known as goldbricks. Are you a gold brick?
*adapted from a message given by Dr. Lexie Wiggins (a Christian History Professor)
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Ways and Acts
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Bill Rice Ranch 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road Murfreesboro TN 37128 |
Monday, October 05, 2009
More on Marriage
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More on marriage, her part, love your husband "You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine: Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children" Titus 2:1-4. Love your husband The word "love" is Philos, it is friendship love, you should be the BEST FRIEND HE HAS. Sumner, do you mean young women need to be TAUGHT how to love their husbands? You had better believe it. That is what this verse is saying. How to love your husband "Exhort (encourage) one another daily, Heb. 3:13. Man doesn't live by bread alone, he needs buttering up "daily." If you dear wives learn this we men are sunk, we will be melted butter in your hands. Men need admiration Wives need attention men need admiration. Men are wired with this macho chromosome, this male ego. It is no more wrong or evil than the wives need for attention, the need to be noticed by her husband. I mentored a man who rose like a rocket in his firm. He was greatly admired by all in his company. Everything he did went right. All day he would hear one accolade after another. He would come home and his wife had seen and knew all of his faults and pointed them out routinely. It crushed him. Jesus said, "A prophet (a man) is not without honor but in his own country and among his own kin and IN HIS OWN HOUSE" Mark 5:4. Believe me dear ladies, he desperately wants and needs your admiration, your praise, your encouragement. If you want his TLC let him know he is the greatest guy in all the world. You do this, daily, and you will have him wrapped around your little finger. He was put down on the job Maybe he was put down, crushed, scorned, messed up on the job and he needs that reassurance from the one he loves the most, his wife. Give it to him and you will be the queen on the throne every day. Yes, you need that TLC everyday but I have learned that women are far more apt to lead the way in the home, to be the wife she needs than he is to be the husband h needs to be. It is often like a game of checkers, its your move. A lady told me she was brought up not to brag on people. Well, you had better learn to brag on your husband, rave about him and he will be putty in your hands. Prayer: Father, bless this home. So much is expected of men to day. Help this wife to make her husband the greatest guy on earth, for her good and for Your glory. IN Jesus name This is so true and they only way we can truly love one an other as husband and wife is if our eyes are fixed on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Click here for the East-West web site. | |||||
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Sunday, October 04, 2009
THE PATMOS EXPERIENCE II
REVELATION 1:17-19
Pastor Rick Jackson
Have you ever found yourself in a place NOT of your own choosing? [Prison=Joseph, John the Baptist, Paul, Peter, Jeremiah, John Bunyan, Lester Roloff, etc. / Sorrow=Job / Mission field=Jonah / Exile=John]Respond properly and while it may not be the place of your choosing it may be the place of God's great blessing! For John, that place was Patmos.
I. JOHN’S TESTIMONY [v. 17a]
1. We Need to See Him as He Is “And when I saw Him…”
2. We Need to Settle Who He Is “I fell at His feet”
3. We Need to Substitute His Life for Ours “As dead” [Gal. 2:20]
1 Corinthians 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
II. JOHN TOUCHED [v. 17b-18]
1. The Second Time [Mt. 17:1-9]
2. The Singular Touch [v. 17]
3. The Saviour’s Touch [v. 18] not touched by an angel like Daniel or Isaiah
III. JOHN TOLD [v. 19]
1. Be A Witness - write what he has seen
2. Be A Watchman - write what is
3. Be A Warner - write what will be
"Twas battered and scared, and the auctioneerThought it scarcely worth his whileTo waste much time on the old violin,But he held it up with a smile."What am I bidden, good folks," he cried,"Who'll start bidding for me?A dollar, a dollar - now who"ll make it two _Two dollars, and who"ll make it three?
"Three dollars once, three dollars twice,Going for three". . . but no!From the room far back a gray-haired manCame forward and picked up the bow;Then wiping the dust from the old violin,And tightening up the strings,He played a melody,pure and sweet,As sweet as an angel sings.
The music ceased and the auctioneerWith a voice that was quiet and low,Said: "What am I bidden for the old violin?"And he held it up with the bow;"A thousand dollars - and who'll make it two?Two thousand - and who'll make it three?Three thousand once, three thousand twiceAnd going - and gone," said he.
The people cheered, but some of them cried,"We do not quite understand -What changed its worth?" The man replied:"The touch of the masters hand."And many a man with life out of tune,And battered and torn with sin,Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd.Much like the old violin.
A "mess of pottage," a glass of wine,A game and he travels on,He's going once, and going twice -He's going - and almost gone!But the MASTER comes, and the foolish crowd,Never can quite understand,The worth of a soul, and the change that's wroughtBy the touch of the MASTER'S hand.
~Myra B. Welch
Pastor Rick Jackson
Have you ever found yourself in a place NOT of your own choosing? [Prison=Joseph, John the Baptist, Paul, Peter, Jeremiah, John Bunyan, Lester Roloff, etc. / Sorrow=Job / Mission field=Jonah / Exile=John]Respond properly and while it may not be the place of your choosing it may be the place of God's great blessing! For John, that place was Patmos.
I. JOHN’S TESTIMONY [v. 17a]
1. We Need to See Him as He Is “And when I saw Him…”
2. We Need to Settle Who He Is “I fell at His feet”
3. We Need to Substitute His Life for Ours “As dead” [Gal. 2:20]
1 Corinthians 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
II. JOHN TOUCHED [v. 17b-18]
1. The Second Time [Mt. 17:1-9]
2. The Singular Touch [v. 17]
3. The Saviour’s Touch [v. 18] not touched by an angel like Daniel or Isaiah
III. JOHN TOLD [v. 19]
1. Be A Witness - write what he has seen
2. Be A Watchman - write what is
3. Be A Warner - write what will be
"Twas battered and scared, and the auctioneerThought it scarcely worth his whileTo waste much time on the old violin,But he held it up with a smile."What am I bidden, good folks," he cried,"Who'll start bidding for me?A dollar, a dollar - now who"ll make it two _Two dollars, and who"ll make it three?
"Three dollars once, three dollars twice,Going for three". . . but no!From the room far back a gray-haired manCame forward and picked up the bow;Then wiping the dust from the old violin,And tightening up the strings,He played a melody,pure and sweet,As sweet as an angel sings.
The music ceased and the auctioneerWith a voice that was quiet and low,Said: "What am I bidden for the old violin?"And he held it up with the bow;"A thousand dollars - and who'll make it two?Two thousand - and who'll make it three?Three thousand once, three thousand twiceAnd going - and gone," said he.
The people cheered, but some of them cried,"We do not quite understand -What changed its worth?" The man replied:"The touch of the masters hand."And many a man with life out of tune,And battered and torn with sin,Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd.Much like the old violin.
A "mess of pottage," a glass of wine,A game and he travels on,He's going once, and going twice -He's going - and almost gone!But the MASTER comes, and the foolish crowd,Never can quite understand,The worth of a soul, and the change that's wroughtBy the touch of the MASTER'S hand.
~Myra B. Welch
THE PATMOS EXPERIENCE
REVELATION 1
Pastor Rick Jackson
Have you ever found yourself in a place NOT of your own choosing? [Prison=Joseph, John the Baptist, Paul, Peter, Jeremiah, John Bunyan, Lester Roloff, etc. / Sorrow=Job / Mission field=Jonah / Exile=John]
Respond properly and while it may not be the place of your choosing it may be the place of God's great blessing! For John, that place was Patmos.
I. WHAT JOHN SAID [v. 9-10a]
1. I am your Brother / you are family [v. 9]
Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
2. I am your Companion in Tribulation / You are not alone [v. 9]
1 Peter 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
3. I am your Example [v. 10a] / You are without excuse
when his baby died what did David do? when he lost everything-what did Job do? When he was sold as a slave and thrown in prison what did Joseph do? when he was taken captive to Babylon what did Daniel do? what are you doing?
II. WHAT JOHN HEARD [v. 10b-11]
1. The Great Voice [v. 10b] burning bush/Saul, Saul/Follow me/Go Ye
1 Kings 19:9-12 And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
2. of The Great God [v. 11]
Isaiah 41:4 Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.
Isaiah 44:6 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
3. calling me to Do a Great Work [v. 11]
Little is much when God is in it... anyone here know Daisy Hawes? Edward Kimball? Betty R. Cabbage?
III. WHAT JOHN SAW [v. 12-16]
1. One Familiar yet Unfamiliar [v. 12-15]
2. One Over 7 Real Yet Representative Churches [v. 12-13, 16, 20]
3. One Whose Voice You Can See Yet His Light You Cannot (Fully) [v. 12, 16, Mt. 17:1ff]
Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
Pastor Rick Jackson
Have you ever found yourself in a place NOT of your own choosing? [Prison=Joseph, John the Baptist, Paul, Peter, Jeremiah, John Bunyan, Lester Roloff, etc. / Sorrow=Job / Mission field=Jonah / Exile=John]
Respond properly and while it may not be the place of your choosing it may be the place of God's great blessing! For John, that place was Patmos.
I. WHAT JOHN SAID [v. 9-10a]
1. I am your Brother / you are family [v. 9]
Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
2. I am your Companion in Tribulation / You are not alone [v. 9]
1 Peter 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
3. I am your Example [v. 10a] / You are without excuse
when his baby died what did David do? when he lost everything-what did Job do? When he was sold as a slave and thrown in prison what did Joseph do? when he was taken captive to Babylon what did Daniel do? what are you doing?
II. WHAT JOHN HEARD [v. 10b-11]
1. The Great Voice [v. 10b] burning bush/Saul, Saul/Follow me/Go Ye
1 Kings 19:9-12 And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
2. of The Great God [v. 11]
Isaiah 41:4 Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.
Isaiah 44:6 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
3. calling me to Do a Great Work [v. 11]
Little is much when God is in it... anyone here know Daisy Hawes? Edward Kimball? Betty R. Cabbage?
III. WHAT JOHN SAW [v. 12-16]
1. One Familiar yet Unfamiliar [v. 12-15]
2. One Over 7 Real Yet Representative Churches [v. 12-13, 16, 20]
3. One Whose Voice You Can See Yet His Light You Cannot (Fully) [v. 12, 16, Mt. 17:1ff]
Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Church Football
sent to me some time back in an email by my sister...
Quarterback Sneak - Church members quietly leaving during the invitation.]
Draw Play - What many children do with the bulletin during worship.
Half-time - The period between Sunday School and worship when many choose to leave.
Benchwarmer - Those who do not sing, pray, work, or apparently do anything but sit.
Backfield-in-Motion - Making a trip to the back (restroom or water fountain) during the service.
Staying in the Pocket - What happens to a lot of money that should be given to the Lord's work.
Two-minute Warning - The point at which you realize the sermon is almost over and begin to gather up your children and belongings.
Instant Replay - The preacher loses his notes and falls back on last week's illustrations.
Sudden Death - What happens to the attention span of the congregation if the preacher goes "overtime".
Trap - You're called on to pray and are asleep.
End Run - Getting out of church quickly without speaking to any guest or fellow member.
Flex Defense - The ability to allow absolutely nothing said during the sermon to affect your life.
Halfback Option - The decision of 50% of the congregation not to return for the evening service or Bible study.
Blitz - The rush for the restaurants following the benediction.
Quarterback Sneak - Church members quietly leaving during the invitation.]
Draw Play - What many children do with the bulletin during worship.
Half-time - The period between Sunday School and worship when many choose to leave.
Benchwarmer - Those who do not sing, pray, work, or apparently do anything but sit.
Backfield-in-Motion - Making a trip to the back (restroom or water fountain) during the service.
Staying in the Pocket - What happens to a lot of money that should be given to the Lord's work.
Two-minute Warning - The point at which you realize the sermon is almost over and begin to gather up your children and belongings.
Instant Replay - The preacher loses his notes and falls back on last week's illustrations.
Sudden Death - What happens to the attention span of the congregation if the preacher goes "overtime".
Trap - You're called on to pray and are asleep.
End Run - Getting out of church quickly without speaking to any guest or fellow member.
Flex Defense - The ability to allow absolutely nothing said during the sermon to affect your life.
Halfback Option - The decision of 50% of the congregation not to return for the evening service or Bible study.
Blitz - The rush for the restaurants following the benediction.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Q: Do six ordinary days limit God?
Q: Do six ordinary days limit God?
A. Since God is omnipotent, He could have created everything in six seconds, six minutes, six days, or any time period He chose. But the point is that it’s not what God could have done, it’s what He said He did.
There are many, even in the church, who justify their acceptance of evolutionary time periods by saying, “You literal six-day creationists are limiting God! I allow God billions of years to create—I don’t limit Him to six days!”
However, believing that God created everything in six literal days is not limiting Him. Rather, we are limiting ourselves by letting God tell us what He did. We don’t tell God what He did. After all, only He was there.
Many Christians don’t seem to understand that the reason we believe God created in six days is because we are letting God speak to us through the language of the Bible. We can’t impose our ideas on God’s Word—we must let God’s Word speak to us.
When we take this approach, it’s obvious from the language of Genesis that God created in six literal days. Relying on the Bible alone, there’s really no debate.
If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. (1 Timothy 4:6)
For more information, see: Could God Really Have Created Everything in Six Days?
Movie Review: The Golden Compass
AiG’s Stacia McKeever reviews both the book and the movie. Read the review.
News to Note Quick Look
Biologist fired for beliefs, suit says: Should employers have the right to mandate a belief that they say is integral to the work? Read more.
Chimps Beat Humans in Memory Test: Based on test results published in Current Biology, chimpanzees have “an extraordinary photographic memory that is far superior to ours.” The tests were devised by Japanese scientists and pitted university students against three pairs of mother-and-child chimps. Read more.
Also: An archaeological find that may be a wall mentioned in the Bible and a devilish poll. Read more.
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
A. Since God is omnipotent, He could have created everything in six seconds, six minutes, six days, or any time period He chose. But the point is that it’s not what God could have done, it’s what He said He did.
There are many, even in the church, who justify their acceptance of evolutionary time periods by saying, “You literal six-day creationists are limiting God! I allow God billions of years to create—I don’t limit Him to six days!”
However, believing that God created everything in six literal days is not limiting Him. Rather, we are limiting ourselves by letting God tell us what He did. We don’t tell God what He did. After all, only He was there.
Many Christians don’t seem to understand that the reason we believe God created in six days is because we are letting God speak to us through the language of the Bible. We can’t impose our ideas on God’s Word—we must let God’s Word speak to us.
When we take this approach, it’s obvious from the language of Genesis that God created in six literal days. Relying on the Bible alone, there’s really no debate.
If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. (1 Timothy 4:6)
For more information, see: Could God Really Have Created Everything in Six Days?
Movie Review: The Golden Compass
AiG’s Stacia McKeever reviews both the book and the movie. Read the review.
News to Note Quick Look
Biologist fired for beliefs, suit says: Should employers have the right to mandate a belief that they say is integral to the work? Read more.
Chimps Beat Humans in Memory Test: Based on test results published in Current Biology, chimpanzees have “an extraordinary photographic memory that is far superior to ours.” The tests were devised by Japanese scientists and pitted university students against three pairs of mother-and-child chimps. Read more.
Also: An archaeological find that may be a wall mentioned in the Bible and a devilish poll. Read more.
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, October 02, 2009
Christ Our Intercessor
"Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (Romans 8:34)
One of the most glorious truths of the Christian life is that the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose for our justification, now lives to intercede for us before God. The greatest example of intercessory prayer in the Bible is in John 17, where the Lord poured out His heart for His disciples. "I pray for them," He said, "I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine" (John 17:9). But that was not all! "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word" (John 17:20). And that's us! That includes us!
What is it that He prays for us? First of all, He prays for our security. "Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are" (John 17:11). Then He prays that we might have real victory over sin and the devil. "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil or 'the evil one'" (John 17:15).
His next request is: "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:17). Our sanctification will come, therefore, not through some special experience, but through God's Word. He also prays for true unity among His true disciples: "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me" (John 17:21).
Finally, He prays for our ultimate glorification. "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me" (John 17:24).
We can be assured that the Father will grant these requests of His beloved Son. HMM
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Institute for Creation Research 1806 Royal Lane Dallas TX 75229
One of the most glorious truths of the Christian life is that the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose for our justification, now lives to intercede for us before God. The greatest example of intercessory prayer in the Bible is in John 17, where the Lord poured out His heart for His disciples. "I pray for them," He said, "I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine" (John 17:9). But that was not all! "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word" (John 17:20). And that's us! That includes us!
What is it that He prays for us? First of all, He prays for our security. "Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are" (John 17:11). Then He prays that we might have real victory over sin and the devil. "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil or 'the evil one'" (John 17:15).
His next request is: "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:17). Our sanctification will come, therefore, not through some special experience, but through God's Word. He also prays for true unity among His true disciples: "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me" (John 17:21).
Finally, He prays for our ultimate glorification. "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me" (John 17:24).
We can be assured that the Father will grant these requests of His beloved Son. HMM
Print this article More Days of Praise articles
Institute for Creation Research 1806 Royal Lane Dallas TX 75229
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