Question of the Week: Is evolution religious in nature?

Information in today's blog provided by:

originally received on June 10, 2006

Weekly News         Q: Is evolution religious in nature? A: Philosopher of science Dr. Michael Ruse has said, "evolution, akin to religion, involves making certain a priori or metaphysical assumptions, which at some level cannot be proven empirically." In fact, evolution underpins the religion of humanism. The people who composed the Humanist Manifesto, which claims that humanism is "a philosophical, religious, and moral point of view," built their entire way of thinking on the basis of evolution. Julian Huxley and his humanist friends were very clear in claiming that the evolutionary story was the foundation for their new humanist theology. They knew that the long evolutionary past of millions of years, if accepted by society, would remove the Judeo-Christian God from the culture. In place of God would be the "time and chance" of evolution! Sadly, though, when taken to a logical conclusion, if there is no God, people are free of divinely sanctioned laws and codes. In other words, they can do what is right in their own eyes … and justify the selfish desires of their hearts, just as the Bible describes in Proverbs 30 and Romans 1. These humanists understood that evolution was really an anti-God religion, and they said so in their Manifesto. Evolutionary scientists don't want to admit that they are also very religious people, who put a blind faith in time and chance, instead of a real faith in a loving and infinite God. Would you like to read more on this particular topic? See Get Answers: Religion for a more in-depth answer. Evolutionist quote of the week "A religion is essentially an attitude to the world as a whole. Thus evolution, for example, may prove as powerful a principle to coordinate men's beliefs and hopes as God was in the past. Such ideas underlie the various forms of Rationalism, the Ethical movement and scientific Humanism. "Humanism: An outlook that places man and his concerns at the centre of interest. Modern Humanism, which does away with traditional Christianity, is characterised by its faith in the power of human beings to create their own future, collectively and personally." – Ed. Sir Julian Huxley, Growth of Ideas. The evolution of thought and knowledge. 1965, pp. 99, 336.     www.AnswersInGenesis.org

POEM OF THE WEEK

Others

Lord, help me live from day to day
In such a self-forgetful way
That even when I kneel to pray
My prayer shall be for others.

Help me in all the work I do
To ever be sincere and true,
And know that all I’d do for you
Must needs be done for others.

Let "self" be crucified and slain
And buried deep, and all in vain
May efforts be to rise again,
Unless to live for others.

And when my work on earth is done
And my new work in heaven’s begun
May I forget the crown I’ve won
While thinking still of others.

Others, Lord, yes, others;
Let this my motto be.
Help me to live for others,
That I may live like Thee.

—C. D. Meigs

THE HOUR OF CRISIS

I KINGS 12:26-33

Pastor Rick Jackson

The kingdom had just split due to the sins of Solomon and the foolishness of his son Rehoboam. The northern 10 tribes faced a crisis hour due to the fear of their king. The background is laid for us in chapter 12, but let us see what the Lord has for us in chapter 13, in the hour of crisis.

I. THE NEED OF THE HOUR

1. Courage [v. 1-3, Joshua 1:5-7a]

2. Compassion [v. 4-6, Jude 20-22]

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference:

3. Convictions [v. 7-10, Joshua 1:7-9]

II. THE DANGER OF THE HOUR

1. Deception [v. 11-18, Ephesians 4:14, 5:6]

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

2. Compromise [v.19, James 1:14-15, Pr. 1:10-19]

3. Disobedience [v. 19-23, James 1:21-25]

“It’s not the parts of the Bible we don’t understand that give us the most trouble…”

III. THE LESSONS FOR THIS HOUR

1. The Wages of Sin Have Never Changed [v. 24, Rm. 6:23]

2. Denying Our Nature is a Price Paid to Serve God [v. 25-28, James 1:13-16]

3. Sin Will Blunt Our Effectiveness [v. 29-34]

Results of Witnessing

Results of Witnessing     "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." (John 15:8)   If any Christian ever becomes discouraged in his witness for Christ, he should remind himself of the many blessings that are promised to those who faithfully bear testimony for His name's sake. First of all, it brings unique joy when he sees the fruit it bears. "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him" (Psalm 126:5-6).   There is also the inestimable worth of even one soul. "Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins" (James 5:20).   Faithful witnessing will eventually lead to revival. In the early church we are told that "daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ" (Acts 5:42) with the result that "the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith" (Acts 6:7).   Then, there are special rewards in heaven for faithful witnessing, not least of which is the very presence of those who would not have been there otherwise: "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?" (1 Thessalonians 2:19). "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever" (Daniel 12:3).   Best of all, however, is the simple knowledge that our witnessing shows Christ our love and brings honor to our heavenly Father. "Herein is my Father glorified." Therefore, "let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Galatians 6:9). HMM   Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

Daily Devotional for October 20, 2010

 

I Corinthians 4:7  "For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?"   God-given Stewardship   Who do you know that is exactly like you?  That's what I thought!  Nobody is exactly like you!  Who made you to be different from everybody else?  God did.  God is a God of diversity and variety.  Being different (in this context) is not a bad thing; it is a good thing because God made us that way!   God has placed us in the body "as it hath pleased him." (I Corinthians 12:18)  Our place in the body and the corresponding gifts have been given as a stewardship from God.  Regarding this stewardship, God says in I Corinthians 4:2, "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."  His standard is faithfulness: nothing more and nothing less.  So don't try to live up to a benchmark that He has not given to you!  Often we make someone else's stewardship the standard.  That's silly!  God has given you a stewardship, and He requires faithfulness in that stewardship.  It would be wise to find out what your particular stewardship entails and then "go for broke" about it!   If I think I am great because of my own efforts, that is "wood, hay, stubble," and everyone will know it soon enough. (I Corinthians 3:12-13)  However, what I truly am is a God-given stewardship; it is not mine to begin with!  Since it is God's, I had better give Him the glory and credit for what I do.   God made each of us different from everyone else, and He has given us everything we need to effectively serve Him.  God has given people to preach, to serve, to teach, and to encourage and comfort.  Since we are each given a unique stewardship, we can rely on the fact that we can do what we should do.  That's true of everyone here on the Bill Rice Ranch, and that's true of you!     Prayer Requests: 1. Services tonight in Lancaster, CA; Clinton, TN; Howard, PA; and Glastonbury, CT 2. Recruiting of college summer staff this week   Browse our fall events schedule on our website: billriceranch.org

Bill Rice Ranch | 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road | Murfreesboro | TN | 37128

One and Many

 

Romans 12:5  "So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another."   One and Many   When we trust Christ, the Bible tells us that God places us in the body "as it hath pleased him." (I Corinthians 12:18)  I don't know where you are in the body of Christ, but I am thankful that we are not all doing the same thing!  Notice the words many and one in Romans 12:4-5: "For as we have many members in one body . . . we, being many, are one body. . . ."   Your physical body is one body, but it is made up of different parts like eyes, ears, toes, and lungs.  They each have a specific purpose, and they are all important.  As for which is more important, I always say that I want to keep everything I came with!   The important truth to keep in mind is that God has placed you where it pleases Him.  He placed you where He wanted you, and you can't do better than that!  You may not know exactly where He has placed you or what He has gifted you to do, but you can be faithful with what you do know right now.  It is wonderful that God never asks more,  or expects less, of you than faithfulness.   There is no room for pride or jealousy in the body of Christ; there is only room for gratitude to God for where He has placed you!  He has placed you in a unique spot, in concert with others around you.  Thank God for His care for you and for the fact that you are not in the body alone.  As you serve the Lord, be thankful you can work with so many different "parts" and serve together as one body!   Browse our fall events schedule on our website: billriceranch.org

Bill Rice Ranch | 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road | Murfreesboro | TN | 37128

The Third Firmament

The Third Firmament   "And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above." (Ezekiel 1:22)   The English word "firmament" in the Bible is a translation of the Hebrew raqia, meaning "expanse." Its meaning is not "firm boundary" as biblical critics have alleged, but might be better paraphrased as "stretched-out thinness" or simply "space."   Its first occurrence in the Bible relates it to heaven: "And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. . . . And God called the firmament Heaven" (Genesis 1:6, 8). This firmament obviously could not be a solid boundary above the sky, but is essentially the atmosphere, the "first heaven," the "space" where the birds were to "fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven" (Genesis 1:20).   There is also a second firmament, or second heaven, where God placed the sun, moon, and stars, stretching out into the infinite reaches of space. "And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth" (Genesis 1:17).   The firmament in our text, however, is beneath the very throne of God, and above the mighty cherubim (Ezekiel 1:23) who seem always in Scripture to indicate the near presence of God. This glorious firmament, brilliantly crystalline in appearance, must be "the third heaven" to which the apostle Paul was once "caught up" in a special manifestation of God's presence and power, to hear "unspeakable words" from God in "paradise" (2 Corinthians 12:2-4).   All three heavens "declare the glory of God" and all three firmaments "sheweth his handiwork" (Psalm 19:1). Therefore, we should "praise God in his sanctuary" and also "praise him in the firmament of his power" (Psalm 150:1). HMM   Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

Quotes of the Week

All the quotes today were taken from the book THE KING'S WATER BOY by Lee Roberson

Paul wrote 14 books of the New Testament. Now some people do not get much from Paul's writing because they do not share his convictions. They fail to see what Paul was doing, and so they get little from his writings. Paul was a fundamentalist! He believed the Word of God.

The devil will try to make you a rebellious Christian every day of your life.

Don't bargain with God- just take His Word and follow it.

The Lord is calling for you to to live in such a way that others can see Christ in your life.

How blessed it is to know that you are ready to meet your Lord. How good it is to have all accounts straightened up and to know that if He should call you at any moment, you are ready to meet Him.

How wonderful it is to know that we have a Christ who is concerned about us. We are never out of His sight, never away from His love. In the hour of need, the eye of faith can look upward and see and know that Christ is watching over us.

There's More!

 

Romans 11:33  "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!"       This summer, an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico exploded, and the resulting millions of gallons of oil that spewed out captivated our nation and much of the world.  Each passing day, there was endless work with the hope that the oil would stop, but it just kept coming!  About that oil rig you could say, "There is more where that came from."   In the Pacific Ocean, there is a place called the Mariana Trench.  It is nearly 36,000 feet deep-almost 7 miles!  If you were in a submarine and on your way to the bottom, you could say, "There is more where that came from!"   If you are ever hiking out of the Grand Canyon on Bright Angel Trail, I have some good news and some bad news.  The good news is, there is great ice cream at the top; the bad news is, looking back at the trail you've already hiked, there's more where that came from!   In the early summer, a thirteen-year-old boy summited Mount Everest.  The summit is 29,028 feet elevation!  Base camp at Everest is 14,000 feet.  Most of us have never been to 14,000 feet, and that is only half way up!  Many a hiker has said on his way up Everest, "There is more where that came from."   The four examples above pale in comparison to God's supply.  Romans 11 reminds us that there is more where that came from!  God's wisdom and knowledge is never depleted.  Have you ever needed wisdom that you didn't have?  God's supply is deeper than your greatest need!  What's more, His ways even defy our ability to comprehend.  He truly is God!   You will never run dry if you are tapped into God.  If you are tapped into yourself, you'll run dry before the day is done!  God has all the wisdom, energy, and strength you lack.  You would sooner drain the Mariana Trench with a straw than exhaust what God has available.  I can't think of a better encouragement for today than verse 36: "For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen."   Browse our fall events schedule on our website: billriceranch.org

Bill Rice Ranch | 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road | Murfreesboro | TN | 37128

WHEN BRUTALITY MEETS FAITH

JOB 18-19

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. BILDAD’S BELLIGERENCE [18]

1. Arrogant Questions [v. 1-4a]

2. Pointed Proverbs [v. 4b-15]

3. Cruel Mockings [v. 16-21]

II. JOB’S FRUSTRATION [19:1-22]

1. At Being Attacked [v. 1-6]

2. At the Silence of Heaven [v. 7-12]

3. At Being Abandoned [v. 13-22]

III. JOB’S FAITH [19:23-29]

1. His Desire [v. 23-24]

2. His Declaration [v. 25-27]

There are some great declarations in the Scripture. This ranks right up there with:

Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Matthew 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

3. His Denunciation [v. 28-29]

CHARACTERISTICS OF A SOLID CHRISTIAN

ACTS 20:13-38

Pastor Rick Jackson

The Apostle Paul was one of the most solid Christians that ever lived, unlike those “carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive”. Paul, like John the Baptist, was no reed shaken with the wind. He was as solid as they come. But why can we not be as solid as Paul? Did God love Paul more than He loves us? Does God not have the power He had in Paul’s day? He is the same yesterday, today and forever. How then can we be a solid Christian? What characteristics do we need to develop, maintain and use for the glory of God?

I. CONSISTENCY

1. All Seasons [v. 17-18]

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

2. All Scripture [v. 20-21, 2 Timothy 4:2]

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

3. All Souls [v. 26-28]

II. COMPREHENSION

1. Of Whom We Serve [v. 19a, 24]

2. Of How We Should Serve [v. 19b, I Pet. 5:3-7]

3. Of When We Serve [v. 18, 22-23, 32, 36]

III. COMPASSION

1. For our Lord [v. 19]

2. For our Field [v. 29-31]

3. For Our Friends [v. 37-38]

Question of the Week

 

answersingenesis.org | newsletter archives | contact us October 16, 2010 a weekly look at answersingenesis.org
In this issue . . . Q&A: Man's wisdom or God's wisdom? Video On Demand: Why 66, Part 1 (Sidebar) Ken's Blog (Sidebar) News to Note Quick Look Biblical Authority Devotionals Answers ... with Ken Ham After Eden Network with Us! Job Opportunities at Answers in Genesis (Sidebar) Q: Man's wisdom or God's wisdom? A: The approach for studying God's Word, understanding the natural world, and living our lives for the Lord rests upon a very important question: "Should I use man's wisdom or God's wisdom?" The desire for man's wisdom as opposed to God's wisdom within the scientific community has resulted in the tendency to look to man's wisdom on the science of origins and disregard God's wisdom. This broad disregard for God's wisdom has resulted in a struggle for creationists to help our brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as helping the unbelieving world understand that it was in wisdom that God has made all things (Psalms 104:24). The understanding that God is our Creator, according to Genesis, is the basis for our looking first and foremost to the Bible for answers. As Christians, our lives, our faith, and understanding the world around us is based upon the authority of the Word of God (the Bible). The Bible touches every aspect of our lives, and it is by the Spirit's leading that we are able to discern the differences between man's wisdom and God's wisdom. As we study the Bible, it is interesting to discover that the Apostle Paul also considered the issue of whose wisdom we use to be very important for the first-century believers. Similar to today, the first-century church had a problem discerning the differences between man's wisdom and God's wisdom. Continue reading to learn more about the history of the conflict between man's opinion and God's Word, and take an in-depth look at some fascinating evidence in nature of God's design. News to Note Quick Look ET can't phone home: If true, it would be perhaps the most revolutionary discovery in human history: a planet twenty light-years from earth that is not only habitable, but that has its own life-forms. There's only one problem: scientists aren't even sure the planet is there. Read more. Let rotting fish lie: How can rotting fish join the origins battle on the creationist side? Read more. Also: Monarch butterfly, PharmD An arm-wrestling dinosaur? Coyne the crusader And Don't Miss . . . Biblical Authority Devotionals Did God Really Say the Flood Was Global? Did God Really Say? Why Is the Trinity Important? How Should We Respond to the Holy Spirit? How Does the Holy Spirit Help Us Pray? Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program Evolutionists—they're on the march! Geckos—missionary lizards on your ceiling! Dinosaurs—RE-discovered in the 1800s! Flying dragons—what were they? The dinosaur mystery—now is it really? After Eden Network with Us! Answers in Genesis Answers in Genesis Creation Museum Creation Museum Answers Magazine   Answers VBS   Note: Facebook and Twitter are both social networking sites with user-contributed content. Children should not visit the sites without parental supervision.  Free app for iPhone / iPod Touch / iPad	This Week . . . Feedback: Dinosaurs in the Lobby (Oct 15) Section 4 of The Pilgrim's Progress (Oct 14) Peat Moss—Man's Wisdom or God's Wisdom? (Oct 13) Religion and Politics—They Do Mix (And Often Rather Well) (Oct 12) Book Review: Reclaiming Genesis by Melvin Tinker (Oct 11) Trace Your Family History through DNA Testing (Oct 10) Video On Demand Why 66, Part 1 Watch Video Ken's Blog Creation Evangelism in Bulgaria How Does an Atheist Cope with Emotional Personal Issues? Excited About All the Knowledge "Christmas Town" Benefit Dinner Answers for Women—A Unique Webinar Tuesday Previous entries Prayer Requests View the current prayer requests to keep track of and pray for current ministry needs. Resources Answers Magazine Subscription: United States Advent Calendar (Christmas Quiz CD-ROM) Creation vs. Evolution: Irrefutable Proof 2011 Creation Calendar More current bestsellers Upcoming Events California Answers in Genesis Conference (near San Jose), October 17–18 Florida Answers in Genesis Conference - Fort Lauderdale, October 23–25 West Virginia I Am Not Ashamed ( Charleston Municipal Auditorium ), November 6 West Virginia Sunday Speaking, November 7 Georgia Answers in Genesis Conference, November 14–15 More events Job Opportunities Armed Public Safety Officer A/V Technician Bookstore Sales Associate Constituent Data Administrator (CDA) Cook Food Service Assistant Manager Graphic Designer Senior Database Administrator (Senior DBA) Video Editor/Animator/VFX Warehouse Specialist Web Designer Zoo Keeper
This material provided by: Answers in Genesis 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg, KY 41080 Customer service: 1-800-778-3390

When and Where to Plant Seeds

From: sumnerwempwritings@eastwest.org

Where to plant seed with tracts
Where to plant
Put one in every letter you mail. I have stories about that. Give them to waitresses as they take your order. The Holy Spirit can then work on them. I gave one to a waitress in Salt Lake City as she took my order.

How God works
As I was eating she came to the table and said, "I read your paper. I did not know that." I said, you did not know what? Tears came to her eyes as she said, "I did not know Jesus died for my sins." It was easy to tell her how the Lord Jesus suffered and died for our sins was buried and rose again. She gladly prayed out loud with me to receive the Lord Jesus. Wish I had time to tell how the missionary out there discipled her.

Sow plentifully
"Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully" 2 Cor. 9:6. I have given out thousands of tracts where that was all I could do. I saw no results. YOU never fail when you plant good seed. Five things happen when you give out a tract. First, you obeyed God, secondly, they then have a chance to go to heaven, thirdly, it frees you of guilt for not getting the gospel to them, fourthly, it will give you the most satisfying inward peace and joy. Fifthly, you are laying up treasures in heaven. I am sure we will be staggered when we get to heaven and find how God used the tracts and see people who were saved from them. It will be worth it all when we see Jesus.

A tool
Here is a tool everyone can use. God uses tracts do you? Be like Peter when Jesus said,"Cast your net in" and Peter said, "I will do as you say" Lk. 5:5. He caught the greatest catch of is life. Dear People do it for His glory and the people's good. You people are the greatest. God loves you and so do I, ABC sumner

Father, You are so wonderful. You give us the privilege of being ambassadors for You. Help Your dear people to use every means, even tracts, to get the gospel to people on a regular basis and use them greatly.. In Jesus name

---

We would love to hear your evangelism stories.
Write us at sumnerwempwritings@eastwest.org

 

The Passion of Stewardship

The Passion of Stewardship August 17, 2010   "And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." (Mark 12:33)   The regular diet of TV and Hollywood productions--which have grown far worse in many ways than in the radical 1960s--is rarely scrutinized or criticized. Yet vitriolic attacks on "religion" in the media are both commonplace and increasingly intense. Is there a reason for this passionate aggression?   God has a rather "passionate" view about His character and His unique authority in the universe: "I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. . . . For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else" (Isaiah 45:5-6, 18).   We do not and cannot know many details about the great work of God as Creator and on Calvary as Savior. What is very clear, however, is that the same God who created the worlds (Hebrews 1:2) also died on the cross (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17).   It is nothing short of blasphemy to profess that the omniscient and omnipotent God of love and grace would have effected His creation through the horrific, purposeless, waste-filled and age-long death of billions of living things prior to the rebellion of Adam (Romans 5:12). The naturalistic and volutionary scheme of atheistic man is contradictory to God's Word and His revealed character. We are to be committed to what God has said--whether the majority is passionately against it or not. HMM III   Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

THE LIFE TO LIVE

GAL. 2:20, I SAMUEL 17

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. ACCEPT WHAT YOU ARE [v. 26, 29-36, 39]

1. Consider the Divine Acceptance [John 1:12, 2 Corinthians 6:2]

(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

2. Consider the Divine Activity [Ephesians 1:6, 2 Corinthians 5:17]

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

3. Consider the Divine Appointment [v. 16-23, 2 Corinthians 5:18-21]

Remember-God could have anyone He wanted where you are [Esther 4:14 …and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

II. USE WHAT YOU HAVE [v. 40, 49-51]

1. By Divine Expertise - all we have, He gave us [1 Corinthians 4:7]

For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

2. By Divine Enablement - all we can do, He enables us [1 Corinthians 15:10]

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

3. By Divine Excellence [2nd Corinthians 4:5-7]

III. GIVE GOD ALL THE GLORY [v. 45-47]

1. His Power [v. 37, Acts 1:8]

2. His Plan [Is. 55:8, 1 Corinthians 1:26-28]

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

3. His Purpose [1 Corinthians 1:29-31]

[Inspired by a message Rev. Jimmy Winburn preached at Highland Park Baptist Church's morning "Deaf Church" service on Sept. 10, 1978]

The Way of Man

The Way of Man September 13, 2010 "O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." (Jeremiah 10:23) A nineteenth-century poet boasted: "I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul." The twentieth-century Humanist Manifesto proclaims: "No deity will save us; we must save ourselves." A popular song proudly asserts: "I did it my way!" The fact is, however, that humanism has failed. Whether exercised at the level of government paternalism or individual self-sufficiency, the notion that any man or group of men can make decisions and go their own ways with no regard to the will of their Creator is arrogant foolishness. "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs 14:12). God does have a will for both men and nations. "In times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. . . . And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent" (Acts 14:16; 17:30). It would make a tremendous impact for world peace and national happiness if only our national and world leaders would formulate their policies in accordance with the revealed will of God, through His Word. But this ideal may never be approached until Christ Himself returns. In the meantime, He has promised guidance in each individual life when that life is truly yielded to His will. No man can really "direct his steps," as our text points out, but "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and . . . none of his steps shall slide" (Psalm 37:23, 31). God's will is always in accordance with His Word, of course, for He cannot contradict Himself. We can therefore confidently act on His promise: "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:6). HMM Print this article More Days of Praise articles Institute for Creation Research 1806 Royal Lane Dallas TX 75229

QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

The Bible plainly commands worship. There is no way for us to worship too much. Yet, some people begin to absent themselves from the house of God. They do it so often that they lose the consciousness of their sin. Missing the Sunday evening service or the Wednesday evening prayer service- these become ordinary acts in the lives of some Christians. - Lee Roberson

The question comes, "Am I my brother's keeper?" Yes, you are your brother's keeper. The answer is found throughout the entire Word of God. God is holding you accountable for giving the Gospel to those who are lost in sin. The world wants you to forget this. The devil will try to blind your eyes. The flesh is weak and will try to escape this responsibility. - Lee Roberson

Some women wear enough paint to paint a battleship and enough powder to blow it up. -Lehman Strauss

Philip said, "Lord, 200 pennyworth is not enough to give each person just a little bit." Jesus said, "Philip, I'm not in the little bit business!" - James Smith, 11-6-1985

Many a man has a bad liver because he is one. - Evangelist Hugh Pyle

I would just as soon curse as worry. Both are sins. - D.L. Moody

Heaven's choir came down to sing when Heaven's King came to be born. - Moody

I'd rather cuss than compromise, and I don't cuss. - Evangelist Lester Roloff

Boys will be boys and girls will be girls. It's also true that boys will be men and girls will be women. What kind they will be depends on what they are now. You are what you have been becoming. - Coach Paul Villas

ELIPHAZ VS. JOB, ROUND 2

JOB 15-17

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE HYPOCRISY OF ELIPHAZ [15]

1. Accuses Job of being a Windbag [v. 1-6]

2. Accuses Job of being a Know-it-all [v. 7-16]

3. Accuses Job of being more Wicked than Most [v. 17-35]

II. THE REBUTTAL OF JOB [16]

1. It’s Easy to Criticize [16:1-6, Galatians 6:1]

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

“Critics are a dime a dozen. Any fool can criticize.” - Lee Roberson

2. It’s Easy to Accuse [16:7-14, 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.

3. It’s Hard to Live [16:15-22, 1 John 2:1]

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

III. THE LAMENT OF JOB [17]

1. I Feel Alone [v. 1-6]

2. I Am Mocked [v. 7-10]

3. I Am Doomed [v. 11-16]

The Deceitfulness of Riches

The Deceitfulness of Riches October 10, 2010   "And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful." (Mark 4:18-19)   There is currently a widespread teaching among evangelicals that material prosperity is a right which accrues to the Christian who will do certain things. This "prosperity gospel," however, is merely a false front for the old-fashioned sin of "covetousness, which is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5).   The Lord Jesus, in His parable of the sower, warned that this "deceitfulness of riches" along with "the cares of this world" and then "the lusts of other things" could soon choke out whatever place the Word of God might once have had in the believer's life. In no way does the Lord ever promise material wealth to a Christian, but the desire for money and its power has surely crushed the spiritual lives and testimonies of multitudes. "They that will [i.e., desire to] be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts. ...  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (1 Timothy 6:9-10). If, by His grace, the Lord does enable a Christian to acquire wealth, it should be regarded as a divine stewardship and opportunity for ministry.   The apostle Paul, who died penniless in this world but with great treasures laid up in heaven, expressed it thus: "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come" (1 Timothy 6:17-19). HMM   Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

HEAVEN’S SURPRISES

Revelation 8:1

Pastor Rick Jackson

Here are text describes a future heavenly event that will surprise or stun Heaven’s occupants into silence. Some people will be surprised that there are surprises in Heaven. Here are just a few.

I. WE WILL BE SURPRISED AT SOME PEOPLE WE SEE IN HEAVEN

1. Some Saved People Don’t Live Right [Gn. 19, 2 Peter 2:7]

And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

2. Some Saved People Backslide [2 Samuel 11:1, Romans 4:6-8]

Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

3. Some Saved People Belong to Heretical Groups [Gal. Galatians 1:6-9, 3:1-3]

II. WE WILL BE SURPRISED AT SOME PEOPLE WE DON’T SEE IN HEAVEN

1. Some Lost people Claim to be Saved [Mt. 7:21, John 6:29]

Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

2. Some Lost People Preach [Mt. 7:22a]

3. Some Lost People Do Good Works in Jesus Name [Mt. 7:22b-23]

III. WE WILL BE SURPRISED AT SOME THINGS IN HEAVEN

1. Ignorance [Revelation 6:9-10]

2. Judgment [1 Cor. 3:11-13, 2 Cor. 5:6-11]

3. Tears [Revelation 7:17, Revelation 21:4]

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.