A: Vestigial organs are often used as evidence to argue in favor of Darwinian evolution. These organs are allegedly left over from our ancestors but are no longer useful or needed. Evolution proponents typically contend that such structures are best explained as remnants of evolutionary history. Supposedly, the best explanation for these non-functional traits is that they once served a purpose in our ancestor but now no longer do.
In a recent article for New Scientist, Laura Spinney discusses five vestigial organs in the human body and refers to them as “useless relics of our evolutionary past.” Five organs that humans no longer need are provided to counter the claims of creationists who supposedly deny that vestigial organs exist at all.
Before addressing the specific organs that are covered in her article, it is necessary to clarify how creationists should view vestigial organs. The classic definition of a vestigial organ is an organ or structure in an organism that is not functional, but is derived from an ancestor that had a use for that organ or structure. Creationists understand that there has been degeneration and mutation since the Fall. We also expect that there would be a significant loss of information for many genes. The loss of genes for organs that do not significantly impact survival in a negative way could be quite prevalent. Thus, for the creationist, there should be no problem with an organ or structure in man that has lost some functionality. However, another possibility is that we have just not determined or understood the function properly yet.
Creationists do not deny that there are organs in man that have lost some of their functionality. However, they do reject the notion that those organs were inherited from a common ancestor with apes or other animals. Evolutionists typically point to these presumed non-functioning organs and insist that they are evidence that we evolved from a common ancestor with more primitive organisms. Just because humans have organs with reduced functionality does not really count as evidence of common ancestry. This is perhaps because God created Adam and Eve with those organs, but they have lost some functionality in their descendants.
To read a response to all five supposedly vestigial organs, including goosebumps and the tailbone, see Setting the Record Straight on Vestigial Organs.
News to Note Quick Look
Boxed in: A new study of Idaho’s Box Canyon suggests the canyon was formed by “a megaflood—a catastrophic outpouring of massive amounts of water in a relatively short period.” Read more.
Pterosaur Rex: Mighty pterosaurs may have landed and strolled about on land when it was time to dine, reports LiveScience on a study published in PLoS ONE. Read more.
Also: overcoming racism, born alive and old, and converging plants. Read more.
New Questions. New Answers.
People complain about The New Answers Book. They say that it’s so good at giving short, substantive answers that they want more. Well, we listened! In The New Answers Book 2 you’ll find 31 more great answers to big questions for the Christian life. Many view the original New Answers Book as an essential tool for modern discipleship. Both of these books answer such questions as: Can natural processes explain the origin of life? Can creationists be real scientists? Where did Cain get his wife? Is evolution a religion? and more!
Featuring 20 authors such as Ken Ham (who also served as general editor), Dr. David Menton, Dr. Georgia Purdom, Dr. Tommy Mitchell, Dr. Jason Lisle, Dr. Terry Mortenson, Dr. Monty White, and Paul Taylor, The New Answers Book 2 is designed to give lay Christians answers to false worldviews such as evolution and millions of years that pervade today’s culture!
Find out 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.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
POEM OF THE WEEK
For want of a nail
the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe
the horse was lost.
For want of a horse
the rider was lost.
For want of a rider
the battle was lost.
For want of a battle
the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want
of a horseshoe nail.
the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe
the horse was lost.
For want of a horse
the rider was lost.
For want of a rider
the battle was lost.
For want of a battle
the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want
of a horseshoe nail.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
The True Origin of the Internet
I got this in an email. Go figure.
In ancient Israel, it came to pass that a trader called Abraham of Com
did take unto himself a young wife by the name of Dot.
And Dot of Com was a comely woman, broad of shoulder and long of leg.
Indeed, she had been called 'Amazon Dot Com'.
And she said unto Abraham, her husband,
'Why dost thou travel far from
town to town with thy goods when thou can trade without ever leaving thy
tent?'
And Abraham did look at her as though she were several saddle bags
short of a camel load, but simply said,
'How, dear?'
And Dot replied,
'I will place drums in all the towns and drums in between to send messages
saying what you have for sale and they will reply telling you which hath the
best price. And the sale can be made on the drums and delivery made by
Uriah's Pony Stable (UPS).'
Abraham thought long and decided he would let Dot have her way with
the drums. And the drums rang out and were an immediate success.
Abraham sold all the goods he had at the top price, without ever moving from his tent. But this success did arouse envy. A man named Maccabia did secrete (look it up, it means to hide) himself inside Abraham's drum and was accusedof insider trading. And the young man did take to Dot Com's trading as doth the greedy horsefly take to camel dung.
They were called Nomadic Ecclesiastical Rich Dominican Siderites, or NERDS for short.
And lo, the land was so feverish with joy at the new riches and the deafening sound of drums that no one noticed that the real riches were going to the drum maker, one Brother William of Gates, who bought up every drum company in the land.
And indeed did insist on making drums that would work only with Brother Gates' drumheads and drumsticks.
And Dot did say, Oh, Abraham, what we have started is being taken over by others.'
And as Abraham looked out over the Bay of Ezekiel, or as it came to be known 'eBay' he said,
We need a name that reflects what we are.'
And Dot replied,
'Young Ambitious Hebrew Owner Operators.'
'YAHOO!'
said Abraham. And that is how it all began.
... Al Gore had absolutely nothing to do with it. :-)
In ancient Israel, it came to pass that a trader called Abraham of Com
did take unto himself a young wife by the name of Dot.
And Dot of Com was a comely woman, broad of shoulder and long of leg.
Indeed, she had been called 'Amazon Dot Com'.
And she said unto Abraham, her husband,
'Why dost thou travel far from
town to town with thy goods when thou can trade without ever leaving thy
tent?'
And Abraham did look at her as though she were several saddle bags
short of a camel load, but simply said,
'How, dear?'
And Dot replied,
'I will place drums in all the towns and drums in between to send messages
saying what you have for sale and they will reply telling you which hath the
best price. And the sale can be made on the drums and delivery made by
Uriah's Pony Stable (UPS).'
Abraham thought long and decided he would let Dot have her way with
the drums. And the drums rang out and were an immediate success.
Abraham sold all the goods he had at the top price, without ever moving from his tent. But this success did arouse envy. A man named Maccabia did secrete (look it up, it means to hide) himself inside Abraham's drum and was accusedof insider trading. And the young man did take to Dot Com's trading as doth the greedy horsefly take to camel dung.
They were called Nomadic Ecclesiastical Rich Dominican Siderites, or NERDS for short.
And lo, the land was so feverish with joy at the new riches and the deafening sound of drums that no one noticed that the real riches were going to the drum maker, one Brother William of Gates, who bought up every drum company in the land.
And indeed did insist on making drums that would work only with Brother Gates' drumheads and drumsticks.
And Dot did say, Oh, Abraham, what we have started is being taken over by others.'
And as Abraham looked out over the Bay of Ezekiel, or as it came to be known 'eBay' he said,
We need a name that reflects what we are.'
And Dot replied,
'Young Ambitious Hebrew Owner Operators.'
'YAHOO!'
said Abraham. And that is how it all began.
... Al Gore had absolutely nothing to do with it. :-)
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
DON'T WASTE TIME BECAUSE TIME'S AWASTIN'!
JAMES 4:13-17
Pastor Rick Jackson
There are people who have more money than you. There are people who may have more talent than you. There folks that have more resources than you, BUT... nobody, and I do mean NOBODY has more time than you.
60 seconds to the minute, 60 minutes to the hour, 24 hours to the day, 7 days to the week, and so it goes... no-one has more time than you.
I. THE WORTH OF TIME
1. Time is Precious because it it God-given [Psalm 90:12]
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. (Hezekiah failed at this)
2. Time is precious because it is Short [James 4:14]
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
3. Time is Precious because the Decisions of this Life Affect Eternity [Hebrews 9:27]
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
II. THE WASTE OF TIME
1. Time is Wasted when Christ is Excluded [Luke 12:20]
But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
2. Time is Wasted when we Worry [Philippians 4:6-7]
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
3. Time is Wasted when we Sin [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 WISE USE OF TIME
1. Time is used Wisely when we Worship God [John 4:24]
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Luke 4:8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
2. Time is used Wisely when I Work for God [1 Corinthians 15:58]
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
3. Time is used Wisely when I Walk with God [1 John 1:6-7]
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another , and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
Ephesians 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Ephesians 5:15-16 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Pastor Rick Jackson
There are people who have more money than you. There are people who may have more talent than you. There folks that have more resources than you, BUT... nobody, and I do mean NOBODY has more time than you.
60 seconds to the minute, 60 minutes to the hour, 24 hours to the day, 7 days to the week, and so it goes... no-one has more time than you.
I. THE WORTH OF TIME
1. Time is Precious because it it God-given [Psalm 90:12]
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. (Hezekiah failed at this)
2. Time is precious because it is Short [James 4:14]
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
3. Time is Precious because the Decisions of this Life Affect Eternity [Hebrews 9:27]
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
II. THE WASTE OF TIME
1. Time is Wasted when Christ is Excluded [Luke 12:20]
But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
2. Time is Wasted when we Worry [Philippians 4:6-7]
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
3. Time is Wasted when we Sin [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 WISE USE OF TIME
1. Time is used Wisely when we Worship God [John 4:24]
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Luke 4:8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
2. Time is used Wisely when I Work for God [1 Corinthians 15:58]
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
3. Time is used Wisely when I Walk with God [1 John 1:6-7]
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another , and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
Ephesians 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Ephesians 5:15-16 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Serving in Truth
"Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you." (1 Samuel 12:24)
The admonition of Samuel to the people of God after they had asked for a king was to have an awesome fear of God, serve Him with all their hearts, and consider all the great things God had done for them. However, the key ingredient in all of this was to "serve Him in truth." Nothing is more important in service than to do it according to the unchangeable truths of the Word of God. Service must always be aligned with the Scriptures. It should never be done in such a way as to violate a known command of God.
Two Old Testament examples of not serving in truth are found in Exodus and Judges.
In Exodus 32, Moses had been on Mount Sinai for forty days and forty nights. Due to this long delay in coming down, the children of Israel became extremely impatient, asking Aaron to "make us gods, which shall go before us" (v. 1). Aaron obliged them and even built an altar before it in order to offer burnt offerings and peace offerings (vv. 5, 6). Aaron put the name of the "Lord" on an idolatrous practice. He was far from serving in truth. God was not pleased.
In Judges 17, a similar incident happened. A man named Micah stole eleven hundred pieces of silver from his mother which he eventually returned (vv. 1, 2). The mother said, "I had wholly dedicated the silver unto the LORD" (v. 3). Sounds good so far, except she added, "to make a graven image and a molten image" (v. 3). She certainly would not be serving the Lord in truth by doing so. The second commandment was to never make any graven images.
Service and truth go hand in hand. If there is violation of God's truth, the Bible, no matter how much or long one serves, it will never be accepted by God (Matthew 7:15-23). NPS
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INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
The admonition of Samuel to the people of God after they had asked for a king was to have an awesome fear of God, serve Him with all their hearts, and consider all the great things God had done for them. However, the key ingredient in all of this was to "serve Him in truth." Nothing is more important in service than to do it according to the unchangeable truths of the Word of God. Service must always be aligned with the Scriptures. It should never be done in such a way as to violate a known command of God.
Two Old Testament examples of not serving in truth are found in Exodus and Judges.
In Exodus 32, Moses had been on Mount Sinai for forty days and forty nights. Due to this long delay in coming down, the children of Israel became extremely impatient, asking Aaron to "make us gods, which shall go before us" (v. 1). Aaron obliged them and even built an altar before it in order to offer burnt offerings and peace offerings (vv. 5, 6). Aaron put the name of the "Lord" on an idolatrous practice. He was far from serving in truth. God was not pleased.
In Judges 17, a similar incident happened. A man named Micah stole eleven hundred pieces of silver from his mother which he eventually returned (vv. 1, 2). The mother said, "I had wholly dedicated the silver unto the LORD" (v. 3). Sounds good so far, except she added, "to make a graven image and a molten image" (v. 3). She certainly would not be serving the Lord in truth by doing so. The second commandment was to never make any graven images.
Service and truth go hand in hand. If there is violation of God's truth, the Bible, no matter how much or long one serves, it will never be accepted by God (Matthew 7:15-23). NPS
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INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
Monday, May 26, 2008
Lest Thou Forget
"Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons." (Deuteronomy 4:9)
Some of us can remember the words of a melancholy song of the twenties: "You promised that you'd forget me not: but you forgot to remember." Words like these seem to apply increasingly to our observance of Memorial Day, which was originally established in 1868 to honor the Civil War dead, as well as all those others who have given their lives to establish and preserve our "sweet land of liberty." But now it has become just a holiday, a day for leisure and pleasure, rather than for prayer and thankfulness, at least for most Americans.
Like the Israelites of old, who had been urged by Moses not to "forget the things thine eyes have seen, . . . but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons," but who did indeed soon forget and go the way of the world, the flesh, and the devil, we Americans have largely forgotten these patriots of the past who sacrificed their lives that we might live in freedom. Especially have we--especially our political, educational, and commercial leaders--largely forgotten the God in whom our forefathers believed, and who answered their prayers for our land.
Because Israel forgot, their land eventually was taken over by strangers and her people dispersed all over the world. America is not immune to judgment either, and we need to remember that, "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God" (Psalm 9:17).
In the haunting words of Rudyard Kipling, we surely need to pray: "Lord God of hosts, be with us yet; lest we forget, lest we forget." HMM
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INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
May 26, 2008
Some of us can remember the words of a melancholy song of the twenties: "You promised that you'd forget me not: but you forgot to remember." Words like these seem to apply increasingly to our observance of Memorial Day, which was originally established in 1868 to honor the Civil War dead, as well as all those others who have given their lives to establish and preserve our "sweet land of liberty." But now it has become just a holiday, a day for leisure and pleasure, rather than for prayer and thankfulness, at least for most Americans.
Like the Israelites of old, who had been urged by Moses not to "forget the things thine eyes have seen, . . . but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons," but who did indeed soon forget and go the way of the world, the flesh, and the devil, we Americans have largely forgotten these patriots of the past who sacrificed their lives that we might live in freedom. Especially have we--especially our political, educational, and commercial leaders--largely forgotten the God in whom our forefathers believed, and who answered their prayers for our land.
Because Israel forgot, their land eventually was taken over by strangers and her people dispersed all over the world. America is not immune to judgment either, and we need to remember that, "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God" (Psalm 9:17).
In the haunting words of Rudyard Kipling, we surely need to pray: "Lord God of hosts, be with us yet; lest we forget, lest we forget." HMM
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INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
May 26, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Joseph in the University Of Hard Knocks
GENESIS 39
Pastor Rick Jackson
Joseph had graduated at the age of 17 from the High School of Hard Knocks. His brothers sold him into slavery. Now he enters the University of Hard Knocks for his undergraduate degree which he will receive with high honors as given in this chapter.
I. THE SCIENCE OF BEING [v. 1-6]
1. Being Prosperous [v. 1-2]
Joshua 1:7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
2. Being a Testimony [v.3-4]
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
3. Being a Blessing [v. 5-6, 12:1-3]
II. THE BUSINESS OF STANDING [v. 7-12]
1. Explain Your Stand [v. 7-9]
1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
2. Avoid Temptation [v. 10]
1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
3. Flee temptation [v. 11-12]
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
III. THE ART OF LIVING [v. 13-23]
1. You will Earn the Enmity of Some [v. 13-19]
1 Peter 3:17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
2. You will Earn the Respect of Others [v. 20]
1 Timothy 3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
3. You Can Obtain the Mercy of God [v. 21-23]
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Pastor Rick Jackson
Joseph had graduated at the age of 17 from the High School of Hard Knocks. His brothers sold him into slavery. Now he enters the University of Hard Knocks for his undergraduate degree which he will receive with high honors as given in this chapter.
I. THE SCIENCE OF BEING [v. 1-6]
1. Being Prosperous [v. 1-2]
Joshua 1:7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
2. Being a Testimony [v.3-4]
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
3. Being a Blessing [v. 5-6, 12:1-3]
II. THE BUSINESS OF STANDING [v. 7-12]
1. Explain Your Stand [v. 7-9]
1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
2. Avoid Temptation [v. 10]
1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
3. Flee temptation [v. 11-12]
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
III. THE ART OF LIVING [v. 13-23]
1. You will Earn the Enmity of Some [v. 13-19]
1 Peter 3:17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
2. You will Earn the Respect of Others [v. 20]
1 Timothy 3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
3. You Can Obtain the Mercy of God [v. 21-23]
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
WHEN "DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE" MEETS "MAKE MY DAY"
JOHN 8:33-59
Pastor Rick Jackson
One of my favorite Christmas Carols is the song "Do You Hear What I hear?" One of the lines gives reference to sight, i.e., "Do you see what I see?" If one person sees something doesn't that open up the possibility of others seeing the same thing? Sometimes individuals refuse to see. Someone has rightly said, "There are none so blind as he who WILL NOT see."
I. THE IGNORANT ARROGANCE OF THE WILLFUL UNWILLING [v. 33-47]
1. Bound Yet Blind [v. 33-36]
2. Connected Yet Disconnected [v. 37-40]
3. He's Not Your Father! [v. 41-47]
II. THE TRUTHFUL TRUTH OF THE TRUTHFUL TRUTH [v. 48-55]
1. Jesus Always Honored the Father [v. 48-50]
2. Jesus Alone Gives Life [v. 51-53]
3. Jesus Absolutely Honored by the Father [v. 54-55]
III. A DAY IN THE LIFE, A LIFE IN THE DAY [v. 56-59]
1. Abraham Saw the Incarnation [Gn. 22:8]
2. Abraham Saw the Substitution [Gn. 22:8-14]
3. Abraham Saw the Resurrection [Gn. 22:15-18, 15:1-6, Heb. 11:18-19]
Pastor Rick Jackson
One of my favorite Christmas Carols is the song "Do You Hear What I hear?" One of the lines gives reference to sight, i.e., "Do you see what I see?" If one person sees something doesn't that open up the possibility of others seeing the same thing? Sometimes individuals refuse to see. Someone has rightly said, "There are none so blind as he who WILL NOT see."
I. THE IGNORANT ARROGANCE OF THE WILLFUL UNWILLING [v. 33-47]
1. Bound Yet Blind [v. 33-36]
2. Connected Yet Disconnected [v. 37-40]
3. He's Not Your Father! [v. 41-47]
II. THE TRUTHFUL TRUTH OF THE TRUTHFUL TRUTH [v. 48-55]
1. Jesus Always Honored the Father [v. 48-50]
2. Jesus Alone Gives Life [v. 51-53]
3. Jesus Absolutely Honored by the Father [v. 54-55]
III. A DAY IN THE LIFE, A LIFE IN THE DAY [v. 56-59]
1. Abraham Saw the Incarnation [Gn. 22:8]
2. Abraham Saw the Substitution [Gn. 22:8-14]
3. Abraham Saw the Resurrection [Gn. 22:15-18, 15:1-6, Heb. 11:18-19]
Saturday, May 24, 2008
QUESTION OF THE WEEK!
Q: Can God fulfill His promises?
A: Some could call it an “evolution” of a vision. This month, we celebrate its one-year anniversary. The vision started over 30 years ago, when—as a public school science teacher in Australia—I [Ken Ham] took my students to a local natural history museum.
Throughout, there were signs about millions of years and references to evolution—all presented as fact. As I watched my own students and hundreds of other young people there, I realized this same situation was playing out daily in cities around the world. That’s where a “fire in my bones” started. I thought that a creation museum could reach generations of young people with the truth of God’s infallible Word and refute evolutionary teaching.
Not long after, what was to become the leading creation ministry in Australia started in our home. One of the founding board members, John Thallon, and I talked about my burden to build a major creation-based museum. At one point, both of us knelt down on some land in Australia and prayed that the Lord would one day provide a place to build such a museum.
Despite our burden, nothing seemed to happen in answer to this prayer at first. However, the Australian ministry grew, and soon I was invited to do speaking tours in America. In 1987, our family moved to the U.S. to become “missionaries to America” where I worked with the Institute for Creation Research (founded by Dr. Henry Morris). The goal was to call the church in the U.S. back to the authority of the Word of God.
Knowing my burden to build a major creation museum, Mark Looy and Mike Zovath told me that they shared the same museum burden. The three of us, through a series of circumstances that could have only been orchestrated by the God of miracles, moved our families to northern Kentucky (near Cincinnati, Ohio) to begin this new adventure. That was 14 years ago.
To read more, see When Dreams Come True, an interview with the visionaries behind the past, present, and future of the ministry. Also, be sure to join in the museum’s anniversary celebration, as AiG praises the Lord for an amazing first year that saw more than 400,000 visitors presented with the gospel.
News to Note Quick Look
Unbanished: Despite laws, judicial action, and vilification in many circles, intelligent design and creation continue to be promoted in some high school classrooms (much to the chagrin of evolutionists!), report Penn State researchers in PLoS Biology. Read more.
Backwards: We all know about evolution’s supposed constructive results over the course of millions and millions of years. But what about a new study that documents “reverse evolution” in the last half century? Read more.
Also: a reason to celebrate, the energy to walk, the “frogamander” and an egg-laying oddity, diving deep, and trying to sink the Ark. 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: Some could call it an “evolution” of a vision. This month, we celebrate its one-year anniversary. The vision started over 30 years ago, when—as a public school science teacher in Australia—I [Ken Ham] took my students to a local natural history museum.
Throughout, there were signs about millions of years and references to evolution—all presented as fact. As I watched my own students and hundreds of other young people there, I realized this same situation was playing out daily in cities around the world. That’s where a “fire in my bones” started. I thought that a creation museum could reach generations of young people with the truth of God’s infallible Word and refute evolutionary teaching.
Not long after, what was to become the leading creation ministry in Australia started in our home. One of the founding board members, John Thallon, and I talked about my burden to build a major creation-based museum. At one point, both of us knelt down on some land in Australia and prayed that the Lord would one day provide a place to build such a museum.
Despite our burden, nothing seemed to happen in answer to this prayer at first. However, the Australian ministry grew, and soon I was invited to do speaking tours in America. In 1987, our family moved to the U.S. to become “missionaries to America” where I worked with the Institute for Creation Research (founded by Dr. Henry Morris). The goal was to call the church in the U.S. back to the authority of the Word of God.
Knowing my burden to build a major creation museum, Mark Looy and Mike Zovath told me that they shared the same museum burden. The three of us, through a series of circumstances that could have only been orchestrated by the God of miracles, moved our families to northern Kentucky (near Cincinnati, Ohio) to begin this new adventure. That was 14 years ago.
To read more, see When Dreams Come True, an interview with the visionaries behind the past, present, and future of the ministry. Also, be sure to join in the museum’s anniversary celebration, as AiG praises the Lord for an amazing first year that saw more than 400,000 visitors presented with the gospel.
News to Note Quick Look
Unbanished: Despite laws, judicial action, and vilification in many circles, intelligent design and creation continue to be promoted in some high school classrooms (much to the chagrin of evolutionists!), report Penn State researchers in PLoS Biology. Read more.
Backwards: We all know about evolution’s supposed constructive results over the course of millions and millions of years. But what about a new study that documents “reverse evolution” in the last half century? Read more.
Also: a reason to celebrate, the energy to walk, the “frogamander” and an egg-laying oddity, diving deep, and trying to sink the Ark. 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, May 23, 2008
What If?
Michelle T. forwarded me this thought inducer.
What if God decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn't follow Him today?
What if God couldn't take the time to bless us today because we couldn't take the time to thank Him yesterday?
What if we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when God sent the Rain?
What if God didn't walk with us today because we failed to recognize it as His day?
What if, God took away the Bible tomorrow because we would not read it today?
What if, God took away His message because we failed to listen to the messenger?
..... THINK ABOUT THIS ONE.....
What if, God didn't send His only begotten Son because He wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin?
What if, the door of the church was closed because we did not open the door of our heart?
What if, God stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others?
What if, God would not hear us today because we would not listen to Him?
What if, God answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service?
What if, God met our needs the way we give Him our lives???
What if, we failed to send this message on??
What if God decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn't follow Him today?
What if God couldn't take the time to bless us today because we couldn't take the time to thank Him yesterday?
What if we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when God sent the Rain?
What if God didn't walk with us today because we failed to recognize it as His day?
What if, God took away the Bible tomorrow because we would not read it today?
What if, God took away His message because we failed to listen to the messenger?
..... THINK ABOUT THIS ONE.....
What if, God didn't send His only begotten Son because He wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin?
What if, the door of the church was closed because we did not open the door of our heart?
What if, God stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others?
What if, God would not hear us today because we would not listen to Him?
What if, God answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service?
What if, God met our needs the way we give Him our lives???
What if, we failed to send this message on??
Thursday, May 22, 2008
But When You Sin
"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." (1 John 2:1)
There is no suggestion anywhere in Scripture that any person can be sinless. "All have sinned" (Romans 3:23), the Bible boldly declares. "There is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10). Repentance toward God (Acts 20:21) and salvation by God (2 Corinthians 7:10) eternally settles the issue of the sinful condition inherent in us (Ephesians 2:1-8). However, even though we have been "made the righteousness of God in him" (2 Corinthians 5:21), we still commit sinful acts! (1 John 1:8-10)
Hallelujah for the Advocate! What a blessed promise it is that is recorded for us that the same Jesus Christ who died for our sins, who rose from the grave in glorious victory over sin, "is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us" (Romans 8:34).
Although our security in the completed work of Christ Jesus is "for ever" (Hebrews 10:12), our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14) stands ready to rebut the constant efforts of Satan to flaunt our sins before the holy throne of God (Revelation 12:10). We have no standing there on our own. Our life, even though forgiven and "rescued" from sin, still is tainted with the deeds and consequences of evil choices. Even the body in which we live houses "no good thing" (Romans 7:18).
Were it up to us to "be holy," we would quickly be defamed by the reality of our life. The child of God, though redeemed by "the precious blood of Christ" (1 Peter 1:19), has no ability to plead Christ's work in person before the throne. "Wherefore he (Jesus) is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25). HMM III
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INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
There is no suggestion anywhere in Scripture that any person can be sinless. "All have sinned" (Romans 3:23), the Bible boldly declares. "There is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10). Repentance toward God (Acts 20:21) and salvation by God (2 Corinthians 7:10) eternally settles the issue of the sinful condition inherent in us (Ephesians 2:1-8). However, even though we have been "made the righteousness of God in him" (2 Corinthians 5:21), we still commit sinful acts! (1 John 1:8-10)
Hallelujah for the Advocate! What a blessed promise it is that is recorded for us that the same Jesus Christ who died for our sins, who rose from the grave in glorious victory over sin, "is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us" (Romans 8:34).
Although our security in the completed work of Christ Jesus is "for ever" (Hebrews 10:12), our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14) stands ready to rebut the constant efforts of Satan to flaunt our sins before the holy throne of God (Revelation 12:10). We have no standing there on our own. Our life, even though forgiven and "rescued" from sin, still is tainted with the deeds and consequences of evil choices. Even the body in which we live houses "no good thing" (Romans 7:18).
Were it up to us to "be holy," we would quickly be defamed by the reality of our life. The child of God, though redeemed by "the precious blood of Christ" (1 Peter 1:19), has no ability to plead Christ's work in person before the throne. "Wherefore he (Jesus) is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25). HMM III
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INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
7 LIFE LESSONS FROM THE MAN AFTER GOD'S HEART
I SAMUEL 16:5-13
Adapted by Pastor Rick Jackson from Dr. David Bouler
It is often wise to glean from others who have a wealth of information that we need to know. If you want to learn about computers go to someone who knows about them not someone who is computer illiterate. If you want to cook something don't ask someone who burns jello or can't boil water because they keep melting the Tupperware. Even the Bible says a pastor should not be "a novice", a baby Christian, someone just saved. Mainly we are talking about experience. David had wide experience and his life as given in God's Holy Word can afford us lessons we can use to the furtherance of our Christian life and the kingdom of God.
I. DAVID WOULD DO LITTLE JOBS WITHOUT COMPLAINING (even after being anointed king) [16:11, 17:15]
Adapted by Pastor Rick Jackson from Dr. David Bouler
It is often wise to glean from others who have a wealth of information that we need to know. If you want to learn about computers go to someone who knows about them not someone who is computer illiterate. If you want to cook something don't ask someone who burns jello or can't boil water because they keep melting the Tupperware. Even the Bible says a pastor should not be "a novice", a baby Christian, someone just saved. Mainly we are talking about experience. David had wide experience and his life as given in God's Holy Word can afford us lessons we can use to the furtherance of our Christian life and the kingdom of God.
I. DAVID WOULD DO LITTLE JOBS WITHOUT COMPLAINING (even after being anointed king) [16:11, 17:15]
Matthew 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
II. DAVID HAD A REAL HEART TO HONOR & PRAISE GOD [v. 17:20, 26b, 45; Gal. 6:12-14, Ph. 4:14ff]
III. DAVID REMEMBERED THERE IS A CAUSE! [17:29, Eph. 3:14-21]
IV. DAVID ALLOWED TRIALS TO PREPARE HIM [17:34-37]
James 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
V. DAVID WASN'T AFRAID TO BE HIMSELF [17:38-40]
Ephesians 3:6-7 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
VI. DAVID WAS DETERMINED TO FINISH THE TASK GOD GAVE HIM [17:40, 49-51; II Tm. 4:6-8]
VII. DAVID WOULD NOT BE TALKED OUT OF THE WILL OF GOD [17:28, 33, 42-48, James 4:13-17]
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Whom Do You Know
"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." (2 Timothy 1:12)
A person who thinks he is a Christian, or hopes he is a Christian, probably isn't a Christian. One should know, when it comes to this most important of all questions. "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life" (1 John 5:13). It's a matter of who you know, not what you know. Paul said: "I know whom I have believed"--that is, he knew the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
But just how can we know that we have eternal life? In the first place, we know because He has said so in His word. Furthermore, He knows us! "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand" (John 10:27, 28).
We also "know . . . that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit" (1 John 4:13), which "beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God" (Romans 8:16). If the Holy Spirit truly has become a part of our lives (as He surely has if we genuinely came to Christ as lost sinners, trusting Him alone for forgiveness and salvation and yielding our lives and eternal souls to Him), then we will also come to love the Word which He inspired. "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. . . . But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him" (1 John 2:3, 5).
There are many other things we can know, when we know we are saved. Best of all, "we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). HMM
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May 20, 2008
A person who thinks he is a Christian, or hopes he is a Christian, probably isn't a Christian. One should know, when it comes to this most important of all questions. "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life" (1 John 5:13). It's a matter of who you know, not what you know. Paul said: "I know whom I have believed"--that is, he knew the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
But just how can we know that we have eternal life? In the first place, we know because He has said so in His word. Furthermore, He knows us! "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand" (John 10:27, 28).
We also "know . . . that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit" (1 John 4:13), which "beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God" (Romans 8:16). If the Holy Spirit truly has become a part of our lives (as He surely has if we genuinely came to Christ as lost sinners, trusting Him alone for forgiveness and salvation and yielding our lives and eternal souls to Him), then we will also come to love the Word which He inspired. "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. . . . But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him" (1 John 2:3, 5).
There are many other things we can know, when we know we are saved. Best of all, "we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). HMM
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INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
May 20, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
"Few people can see genius in someone who has offended them." -Robertson Davies
If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough. - Mario Andretti
Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal. - Henry Ford
People say, "Lord, increase our faith." It is not great faith you need, but faith in a Great God.
“You see, but you do not observe.” - Sherlock Holmes, A Scandal in Bohemia (Arthur Conan Doyle)
“I never guess. It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.” - S.H., A Scandal in Bohemia
If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough. - Mario Andretti
Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal. - Henry Ford
People say, "Lord, increase our faith." It is not great faith you need, but faith in a Great God.
“You see, but you do not observe.” - Sherlock Holmes, A Scandal in Bohemia (Arthur Conan Doyle)
“I never guess. It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.” - S.H., A Scandal in Bohemia
Sunday, May 18, 2008
A STRANGE INTERLUDE
GENESIS 38
Pastor Rick Jackson
Genesis 38 is a very strange chapter. In many ways it is a sad chapter. One must wonder why it is placed one chapter into the 13 chapter story of Joseph. Of course God makes no mistakes so it is up to us to find the reasons for the placement of this chapter in Holy Writ. I believe there are several reasons- which we will look at following the body of the message.
I. THE WAYWARDNESS OF MAN [v. 1-5]
1. No Separation [v. 1]
2. No Admonition [v. 2]
It seems that Jacob's first 10 sons got very little spiritual instruction. Jacob told Laban how busy he had been and apparently this caused great havoc in his children's lives. Joseph and Benjamin seemed to have benefited from their father's spiritual growth and growing up away from Laban. Similar to Bing Crosby's relationship to Gary compared with his other children by Cathy Lee Crosby.
3. No Strength [v. 3-5]
II. THE WEAKNESS OF MAN [v. 6-11]
1. Wickedness [v. 6-7]
2. Selfishness [v. 8-10]
3. Self-deception [v. 11, I Jn. 1:8]
III. THE WISDOM OF GOD [v. 12-30]
1. Tamar knew Judah's weakness [v. 12-23]
2. Tamar knew Judah's hypocrisy [v. 24-26]
3. Tamar knew the Grace of God [v. 27-30; Mt. 1:3-6; Lk. 3:31; I Chr. 3:5]
Historically, it shows the need for the children of Israel to go down to Egypt. The Egyptians for the most part would have nothing to do with people of other nations. They wouldn't eat with them, much less intermarry with them. The Israelites would have no choice but to become a separated nation.
Morally, it shows how Israel needed this time away from the influence of other nations.
Prophetically this chapter shows how the line of Christ was furthered even though several sinful rebellious men tried to thwart God's plan albeit unknowingly. It also sets up Israel coming out of Egypt even as Christ would come out of Egypt. Matthew 2:15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
Spiritually it shows how the grace of God can overcome our sin and weaknesses and use us. Don't ever think you cannot be used of God my friends. Serve Him willingly by the mercies of God... present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Pastor Rick Jackson
Genesis 38 is a very strange chapter. In many ways it is a sad chapter. One must wonder why it is placed one chapter into the 13 chapter story of Joseph. Of course God makes no mistakes so it is up to us to find the reasons for the placement of this chapter in Holy Writ. I believe there are several reasons- which we will look at following the body of the message.
I. THE WAYWARDNESS OF MAN [v. 1-5]
1. No Separation [v. 1]
2. No Admonition [v. 2]
It seems that Jacob's first 10 sons got very little spiritual instruction. Jacob told Laban how busy he had been and apparently this caused great havoc in his children's lives. Joseph and Benjamin seemed to have benefited from their father's spiritual growth and growing up away from Laban. Similar to Bing Crosby's relationship to Gary compared with his other children by Cathy Lee Crosby.
3. No Strength [v. 3-5]
II. THE WEAKNESS OF MAN [v. 6-11]
1. Wickedness [v. 6-7]
2. Selfishness [v. 8-10]
3. Self-deception [v. 11, I Jn. 1:8]
III. THE WISDOM OF GOD [v. 12-30]
1. Tamar knew Judah's weakness [v. 12-23]
2. Tamar knew Judah's hypocrisy [v. 24-26]
3. Tamar knew the Grace of God [v. 27-30; Mt. 1:3-6; Lk. 3:31; I Chr. 3:5]
Historically, it shows the need for the children of Israel to go down to Egypt. The Egyptians for the most part would have nothing to do with people of other nations. They wouldn't eat with them, much less intermarry with them. The Israelites would have no choice but to become a separated nation.
Morally, it shows how Israel needed this time away from the influence of other nations.
Prophetically this chapter shows how the line of Christ was furthered even though several sinful rebellious men tried to thwart God's plan albeit unknowingly. It also sets up Israel coming out of Egypt even as Christ would come out of Egypt. Matthew 2:15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
Spiritually it shows how the grace of God can overcome our sin and weaknesses and use us. Don't ever think you cannot be used of God my friends. Serve Him willingly by the mercies of God... present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
WHAT DO YOU SEE IN HIM ANYWAY?
JOHN 12:27-41
Pastor Rick Jackson
One of the fascinating things in the world are the people that get married. You look at some couples and wonder why did he marry her? Or why did she marry him? More than once a woman has married a man only to be asked by someone, "What do you see in him anyway?"
Many stories have been written and rewritten about inner qualities overcoming outer appearance. Beauty & the Beast, the Phantom of the Opera, the Frog Prince, et cetera. Even Clark Kent and Lois Lane!
In some cases it may be like the woman that replied to that question with, "It was love at second sight!"
"Second sight?"
"Yes. When I first married him I didn't know he was rich."
Hopefully it is more the inner qualities that pulls people together but sometimes we still ask, "What do you see in them anyway?" This relates back to the idea of seeing but not observing. Many may wonder what you saw in Christ that made you decide to become a Christian. Some may wonder what you see in Christ that makes you live for him in a self-sacrificing way. Thinking about Christ, what do you see in Him anyway?
The last verse of our text teaches us that Isaiah saw His glory, and spake of Him.
I. ISAIAH SAW THE LORD'S PERSON
1. In His Heaven of Holiness [6:1-9]
2. In His Highway of Holiness [35]
3. In His Humanity of Holiness [40:1-5]
II. ISAIAH SAW THE LORD'S UNIQUENESS
1. There is Only One True God [41]
2. There is Only One Saviour[42:1-10]
3. There is Only One Scripture [43:5-12]
III. ISAIAH SAW THE LORD'S PLAN [53]
1. He was not what people wanted [v. 1-3]
Pastor Rick Jackson
One of the fascinating things in the world are the people that get married. You look at some couples and wonder why did he marry her? Or why did she marry him? More than once a woman has married a man only to be asked by someone, "What do you see in him anyway?"
Many stories have been written and rewritten about inner qualities overcoming outer appearance. Beauty & the Beast, the Phantom of the Opera, the Frog Prince, et cetera. Even Clark Kent and Lois Lane!
In some cases it may be like the woman that replied to that question with, "It was love at second sight!"
"Second sight?"
"Yes. When I first married him I didn't know he was rich."
Hopefully it is more the inner qualities that pulls people together but sometimes we still ask, "What do you see in them anyway?" This relates back to the idea of seeing but not observing. Many may wonder what you saw in Christ that made you decide to become a Christian. Some may wonder what you see in Christ that makes you live for him in a self-sacrificing way. Thinking about Christ, what do you see in Him anyway?
The last verse of our text teaches us that Isaiah saw His glory, and spake of Him.
I. ISAIAH SAW THE LORD'S PERSON
1. In His Heaven of Holiness [6:1-9]
2. In His Highway of Holiness [35]
3. In His Humanity of Holiness [40:1-5]
II. ISAIAH SAW THE LORD'S UNIQUENESS
1. There is Only One True God [41]
2. There is Only One Saviour[42:1-10]
3. There is Only One Scripture [43:5-12]
III. ISAIAH SAW THE LORD'S PLAN [53]
1. He was not what people wanted [v. 1-3]
2. He is what people need [v. 4-9]
3. He is what the Father intended [v. 10-12]
Saturday, May 17, 2008
QUESTION OF THE WEEK -
Q: How do you spot a fake?
A: The editor of the creation-centered Answers Research Journal has intercepted the first attempt at discrediting and ridiculing the journal: a fake geology paper that was submitted as part of an informal online contest.
Powered by Answers in Genesis, the Answers Research Journal is a scientific and theological forum for upholding and developing the Creation and Flood models. The fake paper, “A New Method for Determining the Maximum Age of Mostly Single-Phase Rocks,” didn’t scam ARJ editor Dr. Andrew Snelling, who immediately caught the 3,500-word paper and confronted the author electronically.
We won’t divulge the submitter’s name (which he lied about) or contact information, except to say he is a confirmed PhD materials scientist formerly affiliated with Queens University Belfast who says he has published papers in Physical Review B and Physical Review Letters. Submitting his ARJ paper, he wrote, “I have written a short article on a new method for determining the age of rocks that does not depend in any way on isotope decay. Some of the text is perhaps slightly technical. Still, I hope you would consider the paper for publication in Answers Research Journal.”
After looking at the paper, Dr. Snelling answered the submitter via e-mail, lodging several scientific criticisms of the paper.
How was the fake paper caught? Find out in Caught in the Act!
Also, visit the Answers Research Journal site for yourself. Be sure to review the seven papers already published in Volume 1 for free online. Then, check back soon for another batch of papers to come over the next few months.
News to Note Quick Look
ET at the Vatican: Alien life may exist, says Father Gabriel Funes, director of the Vatican Observatory and labeled by the BBC as “the Pope’s chief astronomer.” Read more.
Childish things: In astrophysicist Albert Einstein’s last year of life, he wrote a letter describing (in German) his cynical views on God, religion, and Scripture. Read more.
Also: smarter than a fifth-grade ape, finding the earth, and the half-full glass. Read more.
A: The editor of the creation-centered Answers Research Journal has intercepted the first attempt at discrediting and ridiculing the journal: a fake geology paper that was submitted as part of an informal online contest.
Powered by Answers in Genesis, the Answers Research Journal is a scientific and theological forum for upholding and developing the Creation and Flood models. The fake paper, “A New Method for Determining the Maximum Age of Mostly Single-Phase Rocks,” didn’t scam ARJ editor Dr. Andrew Snelling, who immediately caught the 3,500-word paper and confronted the author electronically.
We won’t divulge the submitter’s name (which he lied about) or contact information, except to say he is a confirmed PhD materials scientist formerly affiliated with Queens University Belfast who says he has published papers in Physical Review B and Physical Review Letters. Submitting his ARJ paper, he wrote, “I have written a short article on a new method for determining the age of rocks that does not depend in any way on isotope decay. Some of the text is perhaps slightly technical. Still, I hope you would consider the paper for publication in Answers Research Journal.”
After looking at the paper, Dr. Snelling answered the submitter via e-mail, lodging several scientific criticisms of the paper.
How was the fake paper caught? Find out in Caught in the Act!
Also, visit the Answers Research Journal site for yourself. Be sure to review the seven papers already published in Volume 1 for free online. Then, check back soon for another batch of papers to come over the next few months.
News to Note Quick Look
ET at the Vatican: Alien life may exist, says Father Gabriel Funes, director of the Vatican Observatory and labeled by the BBC as “the Pope’s chief astronomer.” Read more.
Childish things: In astrophysicist Albert Einstein’s last year of life, he wrote a letter describing (in German) his cynical views on God, religion, and Scripture. Read more.
Also: smarter than a fifth-grade ape, finding the earth, and the half-full glass. Read more.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Quotes of the Week
Theme - fools rush in
"Any fool can destroy trees. They cannot run away." - John Muir
"Critics are a dime a dozen. Any fool can criticize. " - Lee Roberson
"I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly." - King Saul
"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good." - Psalm 14:1
Psalms 107:17
Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:22
How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
Proverbs 1:32
For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
"O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:" - the Lord Jesus Christ
Romans 1:21-22
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
"Any fool can destroy trees. They cannot run away." - John Muir
"Critics are a dime a dozen. Any fool can criticize. " - Lee Roberson
"I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly." - King Saul
"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good." - Psalm 14:1
Psalms 107:17
Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:22
How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
Proverbs 1:32
For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
"O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:" - the Lord Jesus Christ
Romans 1:21-22
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Thursday, May 15, 2008
DOES A PARENTS RESPONSIBILITY END AT 18?
I have heard a few individuals over the years voice the idea that their responsibility for raising their children ends when said child becomes 18 years old. I assume they chose 18 because that's when our court systems recognize an individual as an adult. That's the age when American citizens can vote. That's the age young American males must register for possible service in the United States Armed Forces. Unfortunately for those parents the Word of God does not set 18 as the end of their responsibility.
There's only so much a parent can do with an 18 year old if they have failed to establish their Biblical authority when the child was younger. Thankfully the grace of God can compensate for our human failures. Many parents spend so much time in their child's formative years NOT bringing their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord that they tie their own hands in the future. Then they want to blame everyone but the ones with the responsibility... mommy and daddy. What can parents do if they have failed?
1. Confess it to God and confess their failures to their children [I Jn. 1:9]
2. Pray to God for grace and help. [Hebrews 4:16]
3. Try to make it right with others [Mt. 5:23]
4. Forget pride and humble themselves. [James 4]
There's only so much a parent can do with an 18 year old if they have failed to establish their Biblical authority when the child was younger. Thankfully the grace of God can compensate for our human failures. Many parents spend so much time in their child's formative years NOT bringing their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord that they tie their own hands in the future. Then they want to blame everyone but the ones with the responsibility... mommy and daddy. What can parents do if they have failed?
1. Confess it to God and confess their failures to their children [I Jn. 1:9]
2. Pray to God for grace and help. [Hebrews 4:16]
3. Try to make it right with others [Mt. 5:23]
4. Forget pride and humble themselves. [James 4]
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
ISRAEL AT 60 (GIVE OR TAKE 4000 YEARS)
GENESIS 12:1-3
Pastor Rick Jackson
60 years ago today in Israel – May 14, 1948
The British evacuated from Jerusalem, and Jewish military forces took control of most of the areas the British controlled. The State of Israel was well established and the United States recognized the new state, which came into being on the evening of Friday, May 14, 1948. On the night of May 14-15, the regular forces of Jordan, Egypt, Syria, and Lebanon invaded the newly founded country.
Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion announced “Something unique occurred yesterday in Israel, and only future generations will be able to evaluate the full historical significance of the event. It is now up to all of us, acting out of a sense of Jewish fraternity, to devote every ounce of our strength to building and defending the State of Israel, which still faces a titanic political and military struggle.”
(Arutz-7, 5/14)
60 Years On, Israel Still Lives – editorial
The British Mandate in Palestine came to an end on May 14, 1948. In Tel Aviv, Zionist leader David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the State of Israel in the territory that the United Nations designated as the Jewish homeland. After nearly two millennia, the Jewish people had come home. Arab armies attacked within hours, with one leader promising to “sweep the Jews into the sea.” Against unbelievable odds, Israel prevailed. After winning two more wars of survival, in 1967 and 1973, the Jewish state would build a durable prosperous democracy.
Israel is not just a fortress against anti-Jewish killers. It is a raft of modernity and material progress in a regional sea of intolerance and militaristic sectarianism. Israel, one of the United States’ strongest allies, has no oil reserves, but it has turned itself into a model of diverse economic development unmatched by its neighbors.
(Dallas Morning News, 5/14)
Ahmadinejad – “Israel is throwing a party for the dead”
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told Iranians Wednesday (14th) that “throwing a party for this Zionist regime is like having a birthday party for a dead person.” His latest outburst against the Jewish state coincided with the arrival of American President George W. Bush to Israel.
“Israel must know that the nations of the region hate this counterfeit regime, and if there is the slightest chance, they will uproot them,” Ahmadinejad said in a speech in the northern province of Golestan.
(Ha’Aretz, 5/14)
Modern Israel celebrates 60 years today but we know from Genesis that her birth was much earlier. Approximately 4000 years ago God promised Abraham, among other things, a nation, a Saviour and a posterity. Israel is part of that promise.
I. ISRAEL IS A MIRACLE NATION
Dr. Orman L. Norwood, President of the International Board of Jewish Missions, recently wrote:
The fact that Israel still exists today is one of the greatest of miracles. Hunted and hounded, hated and harassed, the Jewish people relocated from place to place, seeking safety and peace. The Jew has wept, waited, and wandered among the nations as an unwanted entity, finding but little rest for his restless feet. He has encountered ridicule and persecution. It was a miracle that the Jew ever survived the wars of the Caesars, the cruel captivities and bondage of Egypt and other enemies, the terrible pogroms of Europe, and the devastating Holocaust of 1933-1945.
No weapon formed against them has prospered, and those who cursed the Jew have been cursed, themselves. Adolf Hitler and his henchmen paid a severe price for their attempts to destroy the Everlasting Nation.
There is only one modern country in history which revived a dead language - Israel. Hebrew is spoken on the streets by the children and older people as well. That's a miracle. Not so long ago, there were no flowers. Now, millions of flowers are grown and then shipped out to Europe to grace the tables of the world. It's another miracle. God said the once-barren desert would blossom as a rose. Our eyes have seen it...a miracle.
God said they would fill the earth with fruit. Agriculture was not the business of Jews, but since 1948 they have set the pace, and Israel has the best citrus fruit in the world. They invent and manufacture the best avionics and have the best aviation guidance systems in the world. Today, they are on the cutting edge of an exploding computer and electronics industry. These, too, are miracles. Like David, the little nation had only a handful of stones to work with, yet they have developed a top-notch defensive army, recognized as the best in the Middle East.
More journalists are based in Jerusalem today than any other spot on earth, except Washington, D.C. Why? Because that is where the action is! We have seen literally hundreds of thousands of Russian immigrants coming home to Israel from the north, out of the former Soviet Union, in literal fulfillment of prophecy. This is nothing short of a miracle. The Jewish prophets spoke of such miracles in the latter days. Ezekiel 36 and 37 have been fulfilled, and the miracle of Israel's spiritual rebirth is coming, just as Ezekiel 38 prophesied long ago.
What is ahead? They will come to the Messiah. They will look upon Him, and the nation will be born in a day. That means people will be saved. There are signs of a spiritual awakening in the Land. It will take nothing but a miracle, but nothing is too hard for the Lord. Thank you for being our partners in a miracle ministry.
II. ISRAEL IS A MEANS OF BLESSING
1. The Blessing of Her People [Gn. 12:2]
The Jewish people have contributed much to the world's well-being. I cannot even begin to elucidate on that but let me just mention a few in the field of medicine. Aspirin, anesthesia, Novocaine, penicillin, cortisone, Lasik surgery, polio vaccine, chemotherapy, gene splicing, sonograms, Heimlich maneuver and the cardiac defibrillator to name just a few. Other fields produce massive contributions as well.
2. The Blessing of the Bible [Rm. 3:1-2]
3. The Blessing of the Saviour [Gn. 22:18, Gal. 3:16, Rev. 12:1-5]
III. ISRAEL AS A MISSION FOR CHRISTIANS
1. We are to befriend Israel [Gen. 12:1-3]
2. We are to pray for Israel [Ps. 122:6, Rm. 10:1]
3. We are to be a witness to Israel [Rm. 1:16, 10:11-11:1]
Pastor Rick Jackson
60 years ago today in Israel – May 14, 1948
The British evacuated from Jerusalem, and Jewish military forces took control of most of the areas the British controlled. The State of Israel was well established and the United States recognized the new state, which came into being on the evening of Friday, May 14, 1948. On the night of May 14-15, the regular forces of Jordan, Egypt, Syria, and Lebanon invaded the newly founded country.
Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion announced “Something unique occurred yesterday in Israel, and only future generations will be able to evaluate the full historical significance of the event. It is now up to all of us, acting out of a sense of Jewish fraternity, to devote every ounce of our strength to building and defending the State of Israel, which still faces a titanic political and military struggle.”
(Arutz-7, 5/14)
60 Years On, Israel Still Lives – editorial
The British Mandate in Palestine came to an end on May 14, 1948. In Tel Aviv, Zionist leader David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the State of Israel in the territory that the United Nations designated as the Jewish homeland. After nearly two millennia, the Jewish people had come home. Arab armies attacked within hours, with one leader promising to “sweep the Jews into the sea.” Against unbelievable odds, Israel prevailed. After winning two more wars of survival, in 1967 and 1973, the Jewish state would build a durable prosperous democracy.
Israel is not just a fortress against anti-Jewish killers. It is a raft of modernity and material progress in a regional sea of intolerance and militaristic sectarianism. Israel, one of the United States’ strongest allies, has no oil reserves, but it has turned itself into a model of diverse economic development unmatched by its neighbors.
(Dallas Morning News, 5/14)
Ahmadinejad – “Israel is throwing a party for the dead”
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told Iranians Wednesday (14th) that “throwing a party for this Zionist regime is like having a birthday party for a dead person.” His latest outburst against the Jewish state coincided with the arrival of American President George W. Bush to Israel.
“Israel must know that the nations of the region hate this counterfeit regime, and if there is the slightest chance, they will uproot them,” Ahmadinejad said in a speech in the northern province of Golestan.
(Ha’Aretz, 5/14)
Modern Israel celebrates 60 years today but we know from Genesis that her birth was much earlier. Approximately 4000 years ago God promised Abraham, among other things, a nation, a Saviour and a posterity. Israel is part of that promise.
I. ISRAEL IS A MIRACLE NATION
Dr. Orman L. Norwood, President of the International Board of Jewish Missions, recently wrote:
The fact that Israel still exists today is one of the greatest of miracles. Hunted and hounded, hated and harassed, the Jewish people relocated from place to place, seeking safety and peace. The Jew has wept, waited, and wandered among the nations as an unwanted entity, finding but little rest for his restless feet. He has encountered ridicule and persecution. It was a miracle that the Jew ever survived the wars of the Caesars, the cruel captivities and bondage of Egypt and other enemies, the terrible pogroms of Europe, and the devastating Holocaust of 1933-1945.
No weapon formed against them has prospered, and those who cursed the Jew have been cursed, themselves. Adolf Hitler and his henchmen paid a severe price for their attempts to destroy the Everlasting Nation.
There is only one modern country in history which revived a dead language - Israel. Hebrew is spoken on the streets by the children and older people as well. That's a miracle. Not so long ago, there were no flowers. Now, millions of flowers are grown and then shipped out to Europe to grace the tables of the world. It's another miracle. God said the once-barren desert would blossom as a rose. Our eyes have seen it...a miracle.
God said they would fill the earth with fruit. Agriculture was not the business of Jews, but since 1948 they have set the pace, and Israel has the best citrus fruit in the world. They invent and manufacture the best avionics and have the best aviation guidance systems in the world. Today, they are on the cutting edge of an exploding computer and electronics industry. These, too, are miracles. Like David, the little nation had only a handful of stones to work with, yet they have developed a top-notch defensive army, recognized as the best in the Middle East.
More journalists are based in Jerusalem today than any other spot on earth, except Washington, D.C. Why? Because that is where the action is! We have seen literally hundreds of thousands of Russian immigrants coming home to Israel from the north, out of the former Soviet Union, in literal fulfillment of prophecy. This is nothing short of a miracle. The Jewish prophets spoke of such miracles in the latter days. Ezekiel 36 and 37 have been fulfilled, and the miracle of Israel's spiritual rebirth is coming, just as Ezekiel 38 prophesied long ago.
What is ahead? They will come to the Messiah. They will look upon Him, and the nation will be born in a day. That means people will be saved. There are signs of a spiritual awakening in the Land. It will take nothing but a miracle, but nothing is too hard for the Lord. Thank you for being our partners in a miracle ministry.
II. ISRAEL IS A MEANS OF BLESSING
1. The Blessing of Her People [Gn. 12:2]
The Jewish people have contributed much to the world's well-being. I cannot even begin to elucidate on that but let me just mention a few in the field of medicine. Aspirin, anesthesia, Novocaine, penicillin, cortisone, Lasik surgery, polio vaccine, chemotherapy, gene splicing, sonograms, Heimlich maneuver and the cardiac defibrillator to name just a few. Other fields produce massive contributions as well.
2. The Blessing of the Bible [Rm. 3:1-2]
3. The Blessing of the Saviour [Gn. 22:18, Gal. 3:16, Rev. 12:1-5]
III. ISRAEL AS A MISSION FOR CHRISTIANS
1. We are to befriend Israel [Gen. 12:1-3]
2. We are to pray for Israel [Ps. 122:6, Rm. 10:1]
3. We are to be a witness to Israel [Rm. 1:16, 10:11-11:1]
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