Setting a Precedent

 

I Kings 15:25-26  "And Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned over Israel two years. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of his father, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin."   Setting a Precedent   I and II Kings-as the name suggests-give us a sweeping history of the kings of Israel and Judah. If you are like me, it's hard to keep all of the names straight and remember who is who. But the Lord had good reason for recording each of these men and the legacies that they left behind. The Scriptures sometimes give only one or two verses to a king's entire reign. The Lord's view is very broad, spanning many years in one verse about a king; but His view is also very narrow. He simply states whether the king was good or evil. "Good" or "evil" had nothing to do with the kingdom's prosperity or with his relationship with other rulers. What really mattered about the reign of each king was his relationship with God. We see this principle illustrated throughout the Kings. Jeroboam was the first king of the divided Kingdom. If you remember, the children of Israel became two divided kingdoms during the reign of Rehoboam, Solomon's son. This man, Jeroboam, a man out of nowhere with no royal legacy, led ten of the tribes to establish their own kingdom called Israel. (The remaining two tribes became known as Judah.)  About Jeroboam, God says, "He walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father." (15:3)   As you continue reading in the Kings, you will see a distinct pattern. If the king was an evil king, almost without exception, the Scriptures will say that the king "walked in the way of Jeroboam." (see 15:25-26, 33-34, II Kings 15:8-9, 27-28, etc.) If the king was a good king, the Scriptures say he walked in the ways of David. Why does God keep referring back to these two kings? It is because they both set a precedent, one for good and one for evil.   No one lives or dies unto himself. What we do with our lives affects generations to come. I am sure Jeroboam never dreamed that his life would set a precedent for so many generations after him. Precedents are so important! Each one of us is standing between the generations that came before us and the generations that will follow us. We are both following a precedent and setting a precedent for those we leave behind. Let's quickly look at three important truths about precedents that can help us live as we ought.   First, the power of precedent is a force to be reckoned with. In other words, we should live in the light of the good precedent set before us. There is nothing wrong with asking what godly men have done about something in the past. Even though we are not obligated to follow everything that they did, we do need to carefully consider it. On the flip side, we must remember that a bad precedent is a strong force as well. Once a bad precedent is set, breaking free from it can be very difficult.   Secondly, setting a precedent is a privilege and a responsibility. Whether we like it or not, we will be setting a precedent for those who follow us. Setting a good precedent is a wonderful privilege, so take advantage of it! Like Jeroboam, I am sure David never dreamed of the blessings that would follow him long after he died. The Bible says God gave some kings mercy only "for the sake of David his father." What a privilege to have mercy given to others for your sake! But what a shame to be the evil king who only received mercy because of someone who had gone on before. Recognize the weight of responsibility you have to set a good precedent, and see it as a privilege.   Lastly, a bad precedent can be set actively or passively, but a good precedent is only set actively. You can leave a bad precedent simply by not doing what you ought to do. Leaving a bad precedent is not hard to do-ignore God's way and go your own way. On the other hand, setting a good precedent requires you to make the choice and walk a purposeful path of righteousness. This does not come easily, but the blessings will far outlive you. Choose to actively follow God and His way. Just as precedent shaped kings and kingdoms, it will shape your life and the generations that follow you!     Prayer Requests: - Bill Rice Ranch Father & Son Retreat tomorrow through Saturday (5/15-16)   For more information about the Bill Rice Ranch visit our website: billriceranch.org

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

Psalm 9

1 To the chief Musician upon Muthlabben, A Psalm of David. I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.

Our problem is often a divided heart is it not? We hear in movies and songs such tripe as "The heart wants what the heart wants", "the heart won't lie" and "go with your heart". Well the Bible says the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked [yes Reba... just ask Vince... the heart WILL lie!] And though the heart wants what it wants doesn't mean you have to give it what it wants. Since the heart is wicked, cursed by a fallen nature, giving it what it wants is not a good thing. Rather the heart must be brought into subject to the will and the will to the Word of God! So David says "I will praise... with my whole heart" [will first see?]

2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. [Sanctified will continues as David continues to praise the Lord not only for Who He is, and what He has done but also for what He will do]

3 When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence.
4 For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right.
5 Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.

[David speaks to the various people groups...]

[sinners]
6 O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them.
7 But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment.
8 And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.
[seekers]
9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
[the redeemed]
11 Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.
12 When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.

[this contemplation causes David to break forth in prayer himself, acknowledging his own sins and failures and throwing himself upon the mercy and grace of God]
13 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death:
14 That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.

[a warning that sin does not, nor ever can, end well, nor does God's patience always wait]
15 The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken.
16 The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.
17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
18 For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.

19 Arise, O LORD; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in thy sight.
20 Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah.
[a New Testament version might be "Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."]

GOD'S LOVE

GOD'S LOVE

Pastor Rick Jackson

PS. 103:13

We have just passed Mother's Day and are a little over a month from Father's Day. The wrong kind of parents will break your heart, the right kind of parents were given by God as the closest picture to Him you will have on this earth. But even the best most godly of parents fall short of God's Love.

I. GOD'S LOVE IS SIMILAR TO PARENTAL LOVE

1. God's Compassion [Ps. 103:13]

2. God's Provision [Pr. 3:12]

3. God's Protection [Lk. 13:34]

II. GOD'S LOVE IS STRONGER THAN PARENTAL LOVE

1. Parents May Forsake [Ps. 27:10]

2. Parents May Forget [Is. 49:13-16]

3. Parents May Act Selfishly [Heb. 12:9-11]

III. GOD'S LOVE IS SURER THAN PARENTAL LOVE

1. Reaches the Lost Soul [Rm. 5:8, 10:9-13]

2. Redeems the Lone Sinner [Jn. 1:6-13]

3. Realizes the Lasting Solution [II Jn 4, III Jn. 4, I Jn. 3:1-3]

May 12 - Wait on the Lord

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Wait on the Lord May 12, 2009   "Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it." (Psalm 37:34)   In spite of the occasional successes of the wicked, we are to "wait on the LORD." The Hebrew word used in this passage for "wait" is unusual. The term quvah describes the "binding together" of strings to make a cord. The same word was used to "collect" the water and dry land into separate areas on the third day of creation.   It carries the idea of anticipation toward useful results and does not mean to "hang around and wait." It does not imply useless boredom, waiting for something to happen. The essence of the term is to be alert, watching the events and activities of the Lord and reacting to His timing and direction. Indeed, the word is translated "look" as often as any other term.   The great promise of "eagle's wings" recorded by Isaiah tells us that the source of our victory comes from the Lord alone: "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31).   That great promise, which is a comfort to so many, is based on the fact that the "Creator of the ends of the earth" is the One making the promise (Isaiah 40:28).   As Psalm 37 comes to a close, the summary contains both instructions and blessings: "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. But . . . the end of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD; he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him" (Psalm 37:37-40). HMM III   More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

The Fruit-Bearing Christian

The Fruit-Bearing Christian "Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account." (Philippians 4:17) The apostle Paul here was commending the Christians at Philippi as the only church that had sent an offering to help defray his expenses on his missionary trips. He calls such gifts "fruit" that would abound to their "account" (Greek logos, probably better rendered as "testimony"). Thus God considers gifts of money to scriptural ministries to be like life-giving fruits on a healthy vine. There are other types of fruits which a Christian life can produce. Paul regarded those he had helped lead to Christ as fruits. He wrote to the Christians at Rome: "I purposed to come unto you . . . that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles" (Romans 1:13). Genuine traits of godly character are also called fruits. "For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth" (Ephesians 5:9). The classic passage, outlining the nine-fold fruit produced by the Holy Spirit in the life of a willing Christian, is Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance." It is significant that all these attributes constitute one fruit, not nine fruits. The tremendous importance of fruit-bearing in the Christian life was especially brought out by Christ in His famous discourse on the vine and the branches, in John 15:1-16. In these verses, the word "fruit" occurs eight times. First, there is the warning: "Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away" (John 15:2). If there is no fruit (or if the fruit is "corrupt fruit") in the life, there is no assurance of any life at all. "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit" (John 15:8). To bring forth much fruit, we must abide (that is, "continue steadfastly") in Christ (John 15:5). HMM More Days of Praise articles Institute for Creation Research 1806 Royal Lane Dallas TX 75229

The things that accompany Salvation

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Sumner Wemps Spiritual Encouragement & Motivation

It is so great because of the things that accompany salvation Heb. 6:9

God did not save us to sit, soak and sour. He did not leave us here to serve our time, to endure to the end, or to hold on for dear life. There are some wonderful things that accompany salvation.
 
1. Witness. The first words of the Lord Jesus in his public ministry was, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men" Matt. 4 :19. He did not say, "I will make you great disciples although we should be or great Bible students although we must be to grow from children of God to men of God or great worshippers of God although we are to worship the Lord our God with all of our hearts. The last thing Jesus said in His public ministry was "preach the gospel to every person" Mk 16:15. That would change the world dramatically for "if any man be in Christ he is a new creature"2 Cor. 5:17.

2. Works. "We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works" Eph 2:10, not because of good works 2:8,

3. The Word of God. "As new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby" 1 Pet. 2:2.

4. Worship. "True worshippers shall worship the father in spirit and in truth for the Father seeketh such to worship him" Jn 4:23. Worship should lead to witnessing. Sad to say it doesn't unless the leader sets the example. Paul did, "Be ye followers of me as I am of Christ". When less than 5 % of "born again" Christians ever lead a soul to Christ something is terribly wrong. I hope you are helping to change that statistic!

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Does geology support a global Flood?

A: When the Bible refers to a worldwide Flood in Genesis 7–8, that’s exactly what it means. Not local, not metaphorical, not some crazy dream—the waters covered the whole earth. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Take a look at the evidence right beneath your feet.

Evidence 1: Fossils of sea creatures high above sea level due to the ocean waters having flooded over the continents
We find fossils of sea creatures in rock layers that cover all the continents. For example, most of the rock layers in the walls of Grand Canyon (more than a mile above sea level) contain marine fossils. Fossilized shellfish are even found in the Himalayas.

Evidence 2: Rapid burial of plants and animals
We find extensive fossil “graveyards” and exquisitely preserved fossils. For example, billions of nautiloid fossils are found in a layer within the Redwall Limestone of Grand Canyon. This layer was deposited catastrophically by a massive flow of sediment (mostly lime sand). The chalk and coal beds of Europe and the United States, and the fish, ichthyosaurs, insects, and other fossils all around the world, testify of catastrophic destruction and burial.

Evidence 3: Rapidly deposited sediment layers spread across vast areas
We find rock layers that can be traced all the way across continents—even between continents—and physical features in those strata indicate they were deposited rapidly. For example, the Tapeats Sandstone and Redwall Limestone of Grand Canyon can be traced across the entire United States, up into Canada, and even across the Atlantic Ocean to England. The chalk beds of England (the white cliffs of Dover) can be traced across Europe into the Middle East and are also found in the Midwest of the United States and in Western Australia. Inclined (sloping) layers within the Coconino Sandstone of Grand Canyon are testimony to 10,000 cubic miles of sand being deposited by huge water currents within days.

Continue reading about these and three other major points of evidence for the global Flood in Worldwide Flood, Worldwide Evidence, our latest campaign. We also encourage you to use the “ShareThis” feature on the website (right above the campaign banner) to spread the word: that the Bible’s history is true and scientifically supportable.

News to Note Quick Look

Antique protein: An incredible discovery that shocked the “millions of years” camp is back—with further verification. Read more.

Racing to a conclusion: Africa may be the most genetically diverse place on earth. Is that evidence of evolutionary origins? Read more.

Also: the latest animal virus; the D-word; Japheth, Jr.; and don’t miss . . . . Read more.

Prayer Requests

View the current prayer requests to keep track of and pray for current ministry needs. Thank you!

Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program

The Bible—what makes it so special?
Six days, the Scopes trial . . . and the Ten Commandments
Book banning at Grand Canyon—why the controversy?
Freedom to explore—within certain limits!
Lost planes and a young earth!

After Eden

This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.

Taking His Name in Vain "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain." (Exodus 20:7) This is one of the Ten Commandments, of course, and is surely going to cause great consternation one day when men and women finally appear before God. Even Christians, too sensitive to use "God" or "Jesus" in careless or profane speech, often use such euphemisms as "gosh," or "gee," or similar expressions. Almost inadvertently, even conscientious Christians, when angered or pressed emotionally, feel constrained somehow to bring spiritual concepts into their exclamations--"for heaven's sake!", "son-of-a-gun!", etc., as well as other euphemisms such as "darn," "heck," and the like. All of this, while deplorable, is nevertheless a sort of backhanded acknowledgement that God is real and biblical revelation is true. It is significant that adherents of other religions never take the names of their gods in vain! Who ever heard a Buddhist, or a Muslim, or a Hindu do such a thing? If they want to swear, they also will often inadvertently use the name of the true God, or His Christ, in vain. Even atheists frequently sprinkle their conversations with blasphemous Christian epithets, calling on God (who doesn't exist) to send someone to hell (which doesn't exist). "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision" (Psalm 2:4). In this day of loose and vulgar speech, Christians need especially to control their own tongues. Jesus said, "But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil or, perhaps better, 'the evil one'" (Matthew 5:37). Jesus has warned that "every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment" (Matthew 12:36). HMM INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH http://icr.org/ originally sent out for November 5, 2008

Institute for Creation Research 1806 Royal Lane Dallas TX 75229

cowboy rules

sent to me by a real friend... Evangelist David Dunn

Cowboy Rules Rules of Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Idaho, Oregon, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and the rest of the Wild West are as follows: 1. Pull your pants up. You look like an idiot. 2. Turn your cap right, your head ain't crooked. 3. Let's get this straight: it's called a 'gravel road.' I drive a pickup truck because I want to. No matter how slow you drive, you're gonna get dust on your Lexus. Drive it or get out of the way. 4. They are cattle. That's why they smell like cattle. They smell like money to us. Get over it. Don't like it? I-70, I-80 & I-90 go east and west, I-25 & I-15, I-29 goes north and south. Pick one and go. 5. So you have a $60,000 car. We're impressed. We have $250,000 Combines that are driven only 3 weeks a year. 6. Every person in the Wild West waves. It's called being friendly. Try to understand the concept. 7. If that cell phone rings while a bunch of geese/pheasants/ducks/doves are comin' in during the hunts, we WILL shoot it outa your hand. You better hope you don't have it up to your ear at the time. 8. Yeah. We eat trout, salmon, deer and elk. You want sushi and caviar? It's available at the corner bait shop. 9. The 'Opener' refers to the first day of deer season. It's a near religious holiday held the closest Saturday to the first of November. 10. We open doors for women. That's applied to all women, regardless of age. 11. No, there's no 'vegetarian special' on the menu. Order steak, or you can order the Chef's Salad and pick off the 2 pounds of ham and turkey. 12. When we fill out a table, there are three main dishes: meats, vegetables, and breads. We use three spices: salt, pepper, and ketchup! Oh, yeah . . We don't care what you folks in Cincinnati call that stuff you eat . . IT AIN'T REAL CHILI!! 13. You bring 'Coke' into my house, it better be brown, wet and served over ice. You bring 'Mary Jane' into my house, she better be cute, know how to shoot, drive a truck, and have long hair. 14. College and High School Football is as important here as the Giants, the Yankees, the Mets, the Lakers and the Knicks, and a site more fun to watch. 15. Yeah, we have golf courses. But don't hit the water hazards - it spooks the fish. 16. Turn down that car stereo! That thumpity-thump rap ain't music, anyway. We don't want to hear it anymore than we want to see your boxers! Refer back to #1! A true Westerner will share this with at least 10 others and a few new friends that probably won't get it, but we're friendly so we share in hopes you can begin to understand what a real life is all about!!!

PSALM 8

1 To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of David. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

Several years ago some Bible words came into vogue amongst young people though I would hazard not many knew the greater import of their words. "Excellent", "Righteous" and "Awesome" are three that come to my mind... perhaps you can think of more. Those these words have passed from the everyday vocabulary of many they still stand in the Word of God and they still remind us of what an Awesome Righteous God we serve and, as David reminds us at the beginning and end of this Psalm "O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!"

He, the LORD. is excellent in creation! But He is also excellent in His use of small things [like us] to do great things by His empowerment. Let God use you today! Be available, be clean, be a vessel meet for the Master's use. And may we say with the psalmist, "O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!"

God gives EVERY person a chance to go to heaven

God gives every person a chance to get saved

Hell was not intended for man but the devil and his angels. Matt. 25:41.

God does not "send" people to hell- they chose hell. John 3:19.

God gives every person a chance to know God and a chance to be saved if they want it.

"If I be lifted up (lifted up on the cross and die for man's sins, He did that) from the earth, will draw ALL MEN unto me." Every lost person, every "heathen" has been and all will be in the future, DRAWN by God to Himself. In every man is a God given vacuum that can only be filled by God.

He draws by creation. Romans 1:18 ff. That which may be known by the heathen is
1. manifest in them.
2. God hath shewed it unto them
3. they are clearly seen
3. so that they are without excuse.

God draws by conscience, Romans 2:11-15 especially Vs 15. John 8:9

God draws (convicts) by the commandments Romans 3 the law is our school master to bring us to Christ Gal 3:24.

Christ lighteth EVERY man John 1:9, He gives them a chance through one of the above means.
John 7:17, if a man responds to what ever "light" he has, he shall know the teaching (doctrine) from God.

It isn't that man has no chance, it is that he "will not come to me that he might have life." John 5:40.

God is longsuffering, God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance 2 Peter 3:9.

John 5:44-47 and Luke 16:27-31 are strong clinchers for the heathen and the Jew.
"If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead."

Of the heathen it can be said, "If they believe not and receive not the truth they are told from creation, neither would they believe if they heard the gospel.

NEVER has a missionary found ONE person who was already saved before they heard the gospel. Many missionaries have gone to some who have never heard the gospel and found they had concluded from creation or conscience that their was a true God and were wanting to know Him and God sent a missionary to them to give them the gospel.

I love you dearly is why I write what I do. ABC Sumner

Go to http://www.sumnerwemp.com/ read all new articles and rejoice. Call 1-877-872-2871 or write Good News Pub. 1300 Crescent St. Wheaton, Ill. 60187 USA to get "Your Ticket to Heaven'" tracts. Invest in eternity. Jesus is coming any minute now.

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Conformed to His Image

Conformed to His Image May 5, 2009 "And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly." (1 Corinthians 15:49) One of the most amazing promises of the Word of God is that those who "love God" and are "the called according to his purpose" are those whom "he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son" (Romans 8:28-29). Adam and Eve were created in His image physically in the beginning. "So God created man in his own image . . . male and female created he them" (Genesis 1:27). Presumably this means they were created in the physical form that God knew He would assume when, in the fullness of time, He would become man Himself, in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ. That image was marred when Adam (and, in Adam, all men) sinned. Nevertheless, it can be restored spiritually when we receive Christ and "have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him" (Colossians 3:10). But this is not all. As our text reveals, we who have been made in God's earthly image (both physically and spiritually) will also, in due time, receive His heavenly image. This will take place when Christ returns. At that time, "we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye . . . and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed" (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). In what way shall we be changed? The Lord Jesus Himself "shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body" (Philippians 3:21). His body, after His resurrection, was still His physical body, but it was no longer subject to pain or death and was able to pass through walls and to speed rapidly from earth to Heaven. That is "the image of the heavenly" to which we shall be conformed some day soon! For "we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is" (1 John 3:2). HMM More Days of Praise articles Institute for Creation Research 1806 Royal Lane Dallas TX 75229

Riding a Hobby Horse will get you Nowhere

A former member of one of the three churches I have pastored was somewhat of a hyper-Calvinist. Let's call them HC for the sake of this blog. HC had a real problem with free will [i.e., for some reason HC believed free will took away God's sovereignty]. After a message I preached I got a note from HC. Here are HC's comments and my responses.

John 6:44 the Father draws us

John 10:29- the Father gave us to Jesus

We cannot be saved apart from God drawing us. Since God is drawing He is the one (sic) choosing us for salvation.

Of course. But who does He draw? Here's the answer according to John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. God draws all to salvation according to that verse and not that verse alone.
Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Luke 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!
Many other verses teach the same.

If we are the ones choosing then where is the Sovereignty of God?

Where it always is... in Him! God in His Sovereignty gave man a choice. If you think about it, to say that God cannot give man a choice is to limit His Sovereignty. God can do what He wants. That is what Sovereignty is all about and God gave man a choice (many choices actually but one choice when it comes down to salvation). God's Sovereignty is intact because He, in His Sovereignty, chose that whosoever trusts Christ will be saved and whoever rejects Christ will be lost. God, in His Sovereignty, gave man free will- the ability to choose, as in "choose you this day whom ye will serve..."

My interpretation allows God the Sovereignty of giving man a choice. Your interpretation limits God and says He cannot give man a choice. In which is God really Sovereign? If I as a parent took my youngest child to her favorite fast food place (Taco Bell) and said choose anything on the menu and I will get it for you. Does my giving her a choice take away my parental sovereignty? NO! Of course not. I, in my role as a parent gave her the choice without giving up one iota of my authority or, if you will, "sovereignty" and gave her free will in the matter. Why cannot God do the same? Of course He can and furthermore, I believe the Bible teaches He did!

Election doesn't mean salv. it means chosen- angels were chosen, Jesus was chosen, we are chosen to be saved and to serve Him.

Interesting... you say Jesus and angels were chosen but then say "we are chosen to be saved..." so you lock in your pet interpretation. Why didn't you do the same when talking about Jesus and the angels? Because that would be silly. It's silly to not be consistent too. Christians are chosen to serve God as are the angels and Jesus. That's consistent. All those who trust Christ are chosen to be Christians. That's also consistent. God has always given man a choice. Since Adam & Eve. Man must face the consequences of his choice. But a choice he has.

We choose to be saved in response to God's loving and kind offer of salvation or we reject it. Christians choose to serve God or they don't and they pay the price. Else why would Joshua say, 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.

THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

JOHN 1

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD IS JESUS [JN]

1. Light is Life [1:1-12]

2. Light Repels Darkness [3:16-21]

3. Light Enables Sight [9:1-11; 11:7-10; 12:32-36, 44-46]

II. NEW TESTAMENT LIGHTS

1. John the Baptist [Jn. 1:6-8, 5:32-35]

2. Paul the Apostle [Acts 13:46-47]

3. Christians at Ephesus [Eph. 5:8-13]

III. THE MINISTRY OF LIGHT [MT. 5]

1. The Pronouncement of Light [Mt. 5:14]

2. The Pattern of Light [Mt. 5:15]

3. The Purpose of Light [Mt. 5:16]

PSALM 7 - THE SUPREME SUPREME COURT

1 Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the LORD, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite. O LORD my God, in, thee do I put my trust: save: me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:
2 Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.
3 O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands;
4 If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)
5 Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah.
6 Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded.
7 So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return thou on high.
8 The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.
9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.
10 My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.
11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
13 He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.
14 Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.
15 He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.
16 His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.
17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.

Down through its history the Supreme Court of the United States of America has handed down some silly, stupid, self-serving and even sinful decisions. The Dred-Scot case wherein slaves were declared to be property not people, the Roe V. Wade case where the unborn were likewise robbed of their personhood (legally not actually) and thus okayed for slaughter, and numerous other decisions which have robbed America of her much needed righteousness (which exalts a nation) and made her a reproach. Of course, thankfully, there have been godly dissenters on the court to these bad decisions,but still... they were handed down. Our Supreme Court is not THE Supreme Court. In fact, our Supreme Court and every justice who ever sat thereon will one day face THE SUPREME SUPREME COURT and there will be no dissenting votes as to their fate. This is what David refers to in Psalm 7.

David's point here is that even on earth God is judging what is going on and will take a hand in it. But one day all the evidence will be delivered and the verdict will be read. In that day I want the Lawyer, the Advocate, Who has never lost a case [v. 10]. And I will have Him. I have already retained His services, by faith.

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:

QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Should we be concerned about swine flu?

A: Stories of “swine flu” have dominated news outlets this week, hearkening back to outbreaks of SARS and bird flu in years past. Are we in for a pandemic? What are we to think? What is swine flu, how dangerous is it, and is there cause for real concern—or is this just media hype?

Swine flu is a Type A influenza virus, meaning it can infect not only people, but also a variety of animals. The symptoms of swine flu are those of other types of influenza, and include fever, body ache, extreme fatigue, sore throat, dry cough, and lack of appetite. Some also report having a runny nose, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Symptoms show up within a few days after the initial infection. Individuals may be contagious both before and after they show symptoms, and some infected individuals may never show symptoms.

Human infection is usually a result of a human having direct contact with an infected pig. The human may then transfer the infection to another person—or even back to a pig.

Answers in Genesis strived to publish a balanced article that informs our readers about swine flu without fueling hype or paranoia. Read more at Swine Flu—Cause for Concern?

News to Note Quick Look

Darwin’s got the flu: Swine flu—both the virus itself and the associated paranoia—seems to be sweeping the world. Is it evolution in action? Read more.

A wimpy asteroid: The widely taught model of dinosaur extinction doesn’t line up with the latest fossil findings. Read more.

Also: CSI: Ice Age, (dis)proving evolution; another stem cell breakthrough; and don’t miss . . . . Read more.

Prayer Requests

View the current prayer requests to keep track of and pray for current ministry needs. Thank you!

Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program

England—Christianity is almost dead!
Stalactites—growing fast in Kentucky
Shrinking mountains and lakes—was it slow?
The earth’s not flat—just read God’s Word!
The world’s biggest rock—how’d it get there?

After Eden

This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.

PSALM 6 - When the Vultures Circle

1 To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
2 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
3 My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?
4 Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies sake.
5 For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?
6 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
7 Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.
8 Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.
9 The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.
10 Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.

David doesn't ask that the Lord NOT rebuke or chasten him - only that He not do it in anger or hot displeasure [v. 1]. Instead he asks for mercy, confesses his sinful frailty and even mentions that sin's natural effects already are making him miserable [v. 2-3]

David further seeks restoration with the Lord not because he deserves it but because God is merciful. Haven't we all been there? [v. 4]

Verse 5 is a problem for some in that they think it means there is no afterlife but this misses the point entirely. The psalmist is saying an earthbound ministry is over once death has entered the picture. Lord, let me live and I will praise you and give thanks before men and remember Thy mercies before others.

Verses 6-7 tell of his great repenting over his sin and its effects in his life. Then comes the turning point as his prayers are heard [v. 8], God restores the broken fellowship [v. 9 - the relationship was NOT broken - just the fellowship]. David is once more on praying ground [v. 9] and tells the "vultures" they may as well leave as their joy at seeing David going down was premature!

QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

Selected Quotes from Louis Arnold's website--- check it out at:

http://www.louisarnoldministries.org/arnold.html

Water from the river comes from snow up on the mountain, when the sun shines down and melts the ice.

When the sunshine of God’s Holy Spirit shines into your heart and melts the ice you will be like a river of living water.

You must learn the language of Zion before you can understand the things of God.

Secret sins bring open punishment. Secret service brings open reward.

One Jezebel of a woman with a long tongue can stir up more trouble in one day than a dozen preachers can straighten out in ten years.—Louis Arnold
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The test of your Christian character should be that you are a joy-bearing agent to the world.—Henry Ward Beecher

We don't need to rewrite the Bible, we need to reread it.—Lester Roloff
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The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.—Thomas Jefferson

PSALM 5

To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David.

1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.

2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.

3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

Here's a good idea. Why don't we, like David, start our day seeking the Lord's face and blessing?
Note by the way, King David, acknowledges that God is his King as well as his God. This certainly implies a willingness to obey as well as wanting God to hear his petitions.

4 For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.

5 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.

6 Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.

The character of God makes it impossible for Him to be pleased with sin (the New Testament declares in 2 Timothy 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: He cannot deny himself.

7 But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.

8 Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.

David doesn't claim to be righteous on his own but he knows what he needs. He comes to God for mercy (which only a sinner needs), he comes to God to worship in fear, and for guidance.

9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.

10 Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.

11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

The comparison of those that trust in themselves versus those that trust in God reads like a modern day analysis. Compare that to politicians, Hollywoodites, sports figures, or even people you know... hopefully not the person in the mirror.

12 For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

What we need is the blessing of God on our lives. Let us seek Him in humility, in our need, and oh yes... in the morning!

THE CENTURION'S UNLIKELY FRIEND

ACTS 27

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE UNLIKELY FRIENDS [V. 1-10]

1. The Uneven Standing [v. 1-2]

2. The Unexplained Kindness [v. 3]

3. The Unsolicited Advice [v. 4-10]

II. THE UNCOMFORTABLE JOURNEY [v. 11-32]

1. The Dictates of Worldly Wisdom [v. 11-13]

2. The Dynamics of Sharing God's Word [v. 14-26]

3. The Development of Tempered Trust [v. 27-32]

III. THE UNCOMPROMISING STAND [27:33-28:16]

1. One Man's Faith Cheers Many [v. 33-36]

2. One Man's Fate Spares Many [v. 37-43]

3. One Man's Father Blesses Many [27:44-28:16]