Whosoever Will

Whosoever Will   January 15, 2011     "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17)     One could not imagine a more clearcut invitation to receive God's free gift of eternal life than this final climactic invitation of the Bible. Anyone who is thirsting for the water of life may come and drink freely, for Jesus said, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink" (John 7:37). Whosoever will may come! "There is no respect of persons with God" (Romans 2:11, plus about seven other references), and the Scriptures abound with "whosoever" assurances.     "Whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13). "Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die" (John 11:26). "Whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins" (Acts 10:43). "Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God" (1 John 4:15).     "Jesus Christ the righteous: . . . is the propitiation . . . for the sins of the whole world" (1 John 2:1-2). Therefore, "by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life" (Romans 5:18).     Such promises as these (and many more in the Word of God) make it very clear that the substitutionary death of Christ is sufficient to "|take| away the sin of the world" (John 1:29), that salvation and eternal life are offered as a free gift of God's grace to anyone who will accept it, and that anyone who will may come! It is only the voluntary act of our own wills that is required, but there are many of whom Jesus must say: "Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life" (John 5:40). HMM     Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

WHO IS THE CAPTAIN OF YOUR SOUL?

ROMANS 1

Adapted from Dave Breese by Pastor Rick Jackson

On June 11, 2001 Timothy McVeigh was executed for the 1995 murder of 168 people in Oklahoma City. Like, Jared Loughner, he was a professing atheist- McVeigh no longer is. McVeigh refused any visits by ministers and chose as his final statement, the words of the 19th century poet William Ernest Henley to express his unrepentant atheism.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

…It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

To some degree, before a lost person trusts Christ or dies in his fallen state, I suppose there is some truth in that. They are, by God’s permission, the captain of their own soul. But what does that mean? How far will that take them? What will their end be?

As is our custom, let us find the answers together in God’s Word. Consider if you will:

I. THE CAPTAIN’S CHOICES

1. He can Choose to Be an Atheist -

but he cannot escape the consequences of his unbelief [Rm. 1:18-32]

2. He can Choose to Not Believe the Bible -

But he cannot choose to not by judged by that very same Word [Mt. 7:24-29, Mk. 12:10]

3. He can Choose to Not take Christ as Saviour -

But he cannot choose his fate if he rejects Christ [John 3:16, 18, 36]

Indeed, a ship’s captain may plot a course, but he cannot control elements beyond his control- rocks, weather, enemy ships, obstructions, etc. Ask Edward Smith- Captain of the Titanic.

II. THE CAPTAIN’S CAPTAIN

What if the captain, seeing the way is treacherous, decides to turn the helm over to a better Captain? A captain who has sailed these seas, conquered the obstructions and the enemies and actually has control over the weather. Where could we find such a One? Ah, look to Jesus- the captain’s Captain.

1. Captain of the Lord’s Host [Joshua 5:14-15]

2. Master of the Seas [Mk. 4:35-41]

3. Captain of Our Salvation [Heb. 2:3-18]

III. THE CAPTAIN’S COMMANDS

Having placed the helm at His control- the wise person would then obey His commands- knowing they were for the good of the vessel. What commands has He given?

1. Occupy [Lk 19:10-13ff]

2. Be Faithful [II Tim. 2:1-5]

3. Keep Watch [Titus 2:11-15]

What's Sweeter than Revenge?

 

Genesis 50:20  "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."     In the story of The Count of Monte Cristo, the main character is betrayed and thrown into prison.  Eventually he is freed, and the rest of the plot is his systematic revenge on every man who had a part in his betrayal.  At the end, when he has done away with everyone, the reader feels the sweetness of his revenge.  Someone has said that there are only a couple of different plots in all the world, and one of them is revenge.  There are a lot of variations of the same story, but revenge is neither new nor uncommon.   With that being said, if you were writing the story of Joseph, what ending could be sweeter than revenge?  After countless betrayals and years in prison, what could be better than payback?  However, the story in Genesis 50 does not end in the way you would anticipate or think most satisfying!   When Joseph's brothers beg for his mercy based on their father, Joseph "wept when they spake unto him."  That a man could have any compassion after enduring such treatment is amazing!  What gave Joseph the ability to end this story like he did instead of ending with "poetic justice"?  He lived his entire life with the realization of God's ownership-of his wealth, family, future, and his enemies.   It is easy for us to ask God for our needs but never trust him to take care of our enemies.  We can pray for our daily bread while plotting how to pay back the clod who has wronged us.  Joseph gave it all to God, and that's how it should be.  He said, 'For am I in the place of God?"  God owns even your enemies.  Deuteronomy 32:35 says, "To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time."  Payback belongs to God, and He will take care it "in due time."   It is human nature to pay back "evil for evil," but it is godly to "avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath." (Romans 12:17-19)  Joseph recognized that everything belongs to God.  You are a thief if you own your family, your future, your money, and even your enemies!  Revenge rightfully belongs to Him, so let him take care of things.  There is never a score to settle when you settle it with God.  So what is sweeter than revenge?  Living at peace with God and in light of His ownership of everything-including your enemies!     Prayer Requests: - Service tonight in Silver Springs, FL Looking for more devotionals? Visit the archives here

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

Many Books

Many Books   January 11, 2011     "And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh." (Ecclesiastes 12:12)     It seems amazing, at first, that we should be reading a complaint from almost 3,000 years ago that too many books were already being published. The greatest book, of course, is the collection of 66 books known as the Bible--that is, the Book (which is the meaning of "Bible"). This Book has been "for ever . . . settled in heaven" and "endureth for ever" (Psalm 119:89, 160).     The first mention of "book" in the Bible is found in Genesis 5:1, "this is the book of the generations of Adam." Similarly, the first mention of "book" in the New Testament is Matthew 1:1, "the book of the generation of Jesus Christ." These "books" are now incorporated into the Book and, in a striking way, emphasize the continuity of Old and New Testaments: the one dealing with the first Adam, the other with the last Adam.     The final mentions of "book" also are very important, again dealing not with books that are temporal, but with books that are eternal. In the Old Testament we have the beautiful promise of Malachi 3:16: "Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name."     The final mention of "book" in the Bible, on the other hand, is a sober warning not to tamper with the Book. "If any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book" (Revelation 22:19). Let us honor it, guard it, believe it, and follow it. HMM     Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

CROSSHAIRS, TARGETS & THE MENTALLY UNHINGED

It didn't take long. With no evidence to support it- liberals starting blaming Sarah Palin for Jared Loughner's shooting spree. Saturday afternoon private postings were saying Palin's "crosshair" reference to winning seats "incited" the shooting.

Really? Whose to say the Democrats didn't incite it when they "targeted" Republicans back in 2004. http://www.dlc.org/ndol_ci.cfm?contentid=253055&kaid=127&subid=171

He was an atheist- maybe we could blame that [I am not seriously saying that's why he did it- I merely point out the blame game is easy to manipulate].

Let us admit- there are some crazies in all groups- that doesn't necessarily mean the groups are at fault. There is, by the way, no evidence that Loughner was a Palin fan, a Tea Partier, or even a Republican. If he was any of those things I would have expected to see that all over the major news networks a long time ago.

THE END OF FAITH

JOB 41-42

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. LEVIATHAN-PICTURE OF SATAN [41:1-34, Is. 14, Ez. 28]

1. Untamable by Men [v. 1-9]

2. Undefeatable Save By God [v. 10-11]

3. Unmanageable by Men [v. 12-34]

II. JOB-PICTURE OF REPENTANCE [42:1-6]

1. His Consideration [v. 1-2]

2. His Confession [v. 3-4]

3. His Contrast [v. 5-6, James 5:11]

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

III. BLESSINGS-PICTURE OF GOD’S LOVE, MERCY & GRACE [42:7-17]

1. Rebukes [v. 7-8, Hebrews 12:5-6]

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

2. Forgiveness [v. 9-10, Hebrews 10:4-10]

For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

3. Blessings [v. 11-17, Eph. 2]

1 Peter 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

A PLACE FOR EVERYONE

1 Corinthians 1:1-3

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. PLACES THAT CAN’T KEEP THEIR WORD

1. “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” - 2002 slogan [Luke 12:1-2]

In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.
Numbers 32:23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.

Las Vegas looks the way you'd imagine heaven must look at night. ~Chuck Palahniuk

Las Vegas: all the amenities of modern society in a habitat unfit to grow a tomato. ~Jason Love

2. “It’s New Orleans - You're different here!” [Romans 3:22-23]

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.

3. The "happiest place on Earth" -Disneyland John 13:17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
1 Peter 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
1 Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
Psalm 26:8 LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

II. PLACES YOU SHOULD NOT MISS

1. The Place of Salvation [Psalm 18:19]

He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
Psalm 40:2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
John 19:17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

2. The Place of Sanctification [John 17:17]

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
John 8:37 I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
Luke 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

3. The Place of Service [Acts 7:7]

And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.
1 Thessalonians 1:8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not ° to speak any thing.
Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

III. ONE PLACE LEADS TO ANOTHER [Ecclesiastes 3:20]

All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.

1. Pay Your Own Way to the Pit of Hell [Rm. 6:23, Luke 16:28]

For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

2. Receive a Free Pass to the Celestial City [Jn 14:1-6]

3. “Grand Central Station” is Limited [Joel 3:14]

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.
Luke 19:5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.

Question of the Week: What do we really know about radiometric dating?

 

answersingenesis.org | newsletter archives | contact us January 8, 2011 a weekly look at answersingenesis.org
In this issue . . . Q&A: What do we really know about radiometric dating? Video On Demand: Modern Medicine and Ancient Authority (Sidebar) Ken's Blog (Sidebar) News to Note Quick Look Biblical Authority Devotionals Answers ... with Ken Ham After Eden Network with Us! Job Opportunities at Answers in Genesis (Sidebar) Q: What do we really know about radiometric dating? A: When someone mentions scientific dating methods, the first thing to come to mind for most people is carbon dating. However, there are many methods that can be used to determine the age of the earth or other objects. The textbooks focus on relative dating, based on the layering of the rocks, and radiometric dating. Relative ages are assigned to rocks based on the idea that rock layers lower in the strata were deposited before rock layers that are higher. Creationists do not necessarily disagree with this concept, but it can only be applied to layers that are found in one location and/or can be determined to have been deposited in a continuous layer over a very wide area. There is also a difference in the timescale used to explain the layers. Determining the relative age of a rock layer is based on the assumption that you know the ages of the rocks surrounding it. Uniformitarian geologists use so-called absolute dating methods to determine the ages of the surrounding rocks. Certain types of rocks, especially those that form from magma (igneous), contain radioactive isotopes of different elements. It is possible to measure the ratio of the different radioactive parent isotopes and their daughter isotopes in a rock, but the ratios are not dates or ages. The dates must be inferred based on assumptions about the ratios. Continue reading to learn more about the assumptions behind popular radiometric dating methods. News to Note Quick Look The teeth that could change everything: Is Homo sapiens twice as old as was previously believed? Or are evolutionists simply twice as credulous? Read more. Who's behind it all: The Roman Catholic Church continues to accept the big bang model of universal origins, but the pope makes it clear that believers should still see a divine mind behind the bang. Read more. Also: Meet the Denisovans Real science More misrepresentation And Don't Miss . . . Biblical Authority Devotionals Is There Any Point to High School or Even College? What Does It Mean to Honor Your Father and Mother? Why Do Children Have to Obey Their Parents? Should I or Will I Get Married? How Can I Be an Example as a Young Person? Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program Insects—flying circles around our technology! Genesis—and why do people die? Australian fossil—wrong place, wrong time! Noah's Ark—was it big enough for all the animals? The Garden of Eden—in Iraq? After Eden Network with Us! Answers in Genesis Answers in Genesis Creation Museum Creation Museum Answers Magazine   Answers VBS   Note: Facebook and Twitter are both social networking sites with user-contributed content. Children should not visit the sites without parental supervision.  Free app for iPhone / iPod Touch / iPad	This Week . . . Feedback: A Manger Misconception (Jan 7) Chapter 4: Dating Methods (Jan 6) Rubies & Sapphires: Sparkling Reminders of God's Judgment (Jan 5) Bad Words Are Inherently Evil (Jan 4) InSite, January 2011 (Jan 3) Answers Magazine Takes You on a Journey Through Time and Space! (Jan 2) Video On Demand Modern Medicine and Ancient Authority, Part 3 Watch Video Ken's Blog The Pope on the Big Bang A School "Winterim" Correcting Blatant Error Pray for Missionaries "Biblical" Flood in Australia? Previous entries Prayer Requests View the current prayer requests to keep track of and pray for current ministry needs. Resources Answers Magazine Subscription: United States Gold Rush VBS: Super Starter Kit 2011 Creation Calendar Demolishing Supposed Bible Contradictions More current bestsellers Upcoming Events Kansas Answers in Genesis Conference (Near Kansas City), January 16–17 Wisconsin Answers in Genesis Conference, January 30–31 Wisconsin Northland International University 2011 Heart Conference, February 1 Tennessee Answers in Genesis Conference, February 12 Tennessee Sunday Morning Service, February 13 More events Job Opportunities Constituent Data Administrator (CDA) Food Service Assistant Manager Mail Processor Manager of Museum Promotions and Events Public Safety Console Operator Senior Database Administrator (Senior DBA) Video Editor/Animator/VFX Zoo Keeper
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Keeping and Avoiding

Keeping and Avoiding   January 7, 2011   "O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called." (1 Timothy 6:20)     Note that there are contained here both positive and negative charges. Timothy, Paul's son in the faith, is instructed to keep certain things and avoid others. The word "keep" is a military word which might better be translated "guard." The word "avoid" implies more than merely refraining from contact. It has to do, instead, with actively and deliberately turning away from something.     Timothy is to guard that which has been committed into his care--by inference, something quite valuable--the complete gospel of Jesus Christ. "Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost" (2 Timothy 1:13-14).     Paul knew, however, that in order to guard the truth, Timothy must actively avoid the false, and lists three specific potential pitfalls. The first is profane babbling, i.e., any of those conversations and arguments which are of a worldly, ungodly, unclean nature. Next, he is to avoid vain, empty, hollow arguments. Elsewhere, Paul teaches "shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness" (2 Timothy 2:16).     Lastly, he is to avoid the opposing arguments of false science, or knowledge. Human wisdom, found to be contrary to the wisdom of God, may be called knowledge by some, but if so, it is "falsely so called." Even "some professing |Christians| have erred concerning the faith" (1 Timothy 6:21).     Paul closes with the benediction "Grace be with thee." The word "thee" is in the plural form. May we all enjoy God's grace as we attempt to keep the true, avoid the false, and discern the difference. JDM   Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

The Favor of God

 

Genesis 39:3  "And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand."   What if I asked you to think of someone who had a polarizing effect on everyone around him?  Would you think of Joseph in the Old Testament?  Probably not!  We do not normally think of Joseph in a negative way, but few characters in the Bible are more characterized by love/hate than Joseph.  In other words, there was no in-between with Joseph.  He was immensely loved by some and extremely hated by others.  He was probably more deeply hated and deeply loved than most people!   Joseph was loved and hated as the dream that God gave him came to fruition.  His father loved him; his brothers hated him.  Potiphar loved and promoted him; Potiphar's wife despised his virtue.  He was either in a palace or in a pit!  But the favor of God that Joseph possessed was far better than any favor of man that he could have gained by changing his principles or compromising his convictions.   Like Joseph, you must decide whose favor is most important.  Through every circumstance in Joseph's life, the one constant was the favor of God.  Never forget that the favor of people is not nearly as important as the favor of God.  You cannot afford to sell God's favor to buy man's favor!   Yes, the favor or disfavor of people has some importance in our lives.  If you are not careful, though, you will sell God's favor for a person's favor, and that is not wise.  A person's favor is far less important than God's favor.  If you will pursue and cherish the favor of God, He can give you the favor with people that you need.  Joseph lived in light of God's favor; will you? Prayer Requests: - Ranch evangelists preaching this weekend in Wilton, NY; Palm Bay, FL; Deltona, FL; Matlatcha, FL; and Bradenton, FL Looking for more devotionals? Visit the archives here

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

THE 4-FOLD PATH TO WOE

ZEPHANIAH 3:1-

Pastor Rick Jackson


I. FAIR WARNING [v. 1]

1. Woe to the Filthy - speaks of rebellious pride, self- will [Job 39:18]

What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider.

2. Woe to the Polluted - speaks of defiling oneself [Daniel 1:8]

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
Malachi 1:7 Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible.

3. Woe to the Oppressor - [Exodus 22:21]

Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Leviticus 19:33 And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him.
Leviticus 25:14 And if thou sell ought unto thy neighbour, or buyest ought of thy neighbour's hand, ye shall not oppress one another:
Leviticus 25:17 Ye shall not therefore oppress one another; but thou shalt fear thy God: for I am the LORD your God.

II. FOUR FAILURES [v. 2]

1. Failure to Obey the Voice of God [Haggai 1:12]

Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him, and the people did fear before the LORD.
Zechariah 6:15 And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of the LORD, and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. And this shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.

2. Failure to Received Correction [Jeremiah 7:28]

But thou shalt say unto them, This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the LORD their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth.

Jer17:23 But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction.
Jeremiah 32:33 And they have turned unto me the back, and not the face: though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them, yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction.
Jeremiah 35:13 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will ye not receive instruction to hearken to my words? saith the LORD.

3. Failure to Trust in the Lord [Proverbs 3:5-8]

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

4. Failure to Draw Near to God [James 4:8]

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Basically two sins of Commission [shutting their ears to God and turning their backs on Him] and two sins of omission [failing to trust and failing to draw near].

III. FINAL WORDS [1 Corinthians 10]

1. Be Aware [v. 1-6]

2. Be Warned [v. 7-12]

3. Be Wise [v. 13-15]

QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

And there loom menacingly about me and above me, to the left and right and rear, shelf upon shelf of books I acquired in hopeful days past and promised to read “immediately” that glare at me for my brazen neglect. They are not massed in squads or platoons or companies, but in whole battalions. Should they mount an offensive, I fear my position will prove untenable! - Doug Kutilek 

 Prayer is not a religious activity- it is a relational necessity. - Evangelist Tim Thompson 

 If the book of Nehemiah teaches anything it teaches that the presence of conflict does NOT mean that God is not in it. - Pastor Rick Jackson 

  The paralytic in John 5 "had a desire for health but needed someone to do for him what he could not do for himself." Why is it easier for children, as opposed to adults, to trust Christ for salvation? "It is easier for a child to rely on others because he has done so all his life." - Bill Rice III 

 How can you get to Heaven on your own? You don't even know where it is! - Rice 

 What is worse than 38 years of disease [Jn. 5:14]? Worse for a Christian is the loss of victory in your life as a child of God. For me not to have victory, in God's sight, is worse than to be sick for 38 years. Nothing is more important than your relationship with God! - Rice 

 Not being right with God makes you worse off than if you were not healthy. Spiritual health is more important than physical well-being. - Rice

Priceless or Profane?

 

Genesis 25:34  "Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentils; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright."       In one word, how would you describe Esau as a man?  Impulsive. Short-sighted. Immature. Foolish.  His life is largely defined by his decision in Genesis 25 to despise his birthright.  A preacher once said, "Don't sacrifice the permanent on the altar of the immediate."  It is foolish to sell what you cannot afford to lose!   Hebrews 12:16 warns us by using Esau as an example.  The Bible says, "Lest there be any . . . profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright."  The word profane means common (as opposed to holy, set apart).  In other words, Esau treated with contempt ("despised") that which was very holy.  So many times we are just as short-sighted as Esau was, focusing on what we want right now and forfeiting what we could have in the future.   We ought not treat as common what God has entrusted to us.  With a short-sighted perspective, things are common right now that will be priceless in the future.  My children come to mind as an example.  The older I get, the more valuable the direction that I give my kids has become!  I have been thinking now more than ever about college because I have one teenager and two more approaching quickly.  If I minimize or fail to even think about this decision that is several years down the road, that is short-sighted-that is "profane."  My child's college choice is priceless in the future, so I must consider it important now.   Some of the most valuable things are some of the most unnoticeable, simple things right now.  Time, people, and talents are just a few examples.  The lesson of Esau is that he was profane-he treated lightly that with which God had entrusted him.  Don't take what you have been given for granted!  Something that may not be worth more than a bowl of soup to you now might, in time, be as valuable as diamonds.  Value what you have, while you have it!      Prayer Requests: - New York City Evangelistic Outreach this week (Jan. 4-6) Looking for more devotionals? Visit the archives here

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

WHEN FAITH MEETS GOD [3]

JOB 40

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. RIGHT ANSWERS, RIGHT QUESTIONS [v. 1-5]

1. To Argue with God Requires Omniscience [v. 1-2]

The story is told of a person who passed out. As a woman tried to help the unconscious person a man pushed her out of the way declaring, “That’s okay lady, I’ll help them. I’ve had CPR training!” The woman replied, “Fine. When you get to the part where you call the doctor- I’ll be standing right here.”

2. The Appearance of God Reveals Sin [v. 4, Ex. 3, Is. 6, Luke 5:8]

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

3. The Appreciation of Silence can Show Wisdom [v. 5, 23:3-4, 31:37]

II. RIGHT QUESTIONS, NO ANSWERS [v. 6-14]

1. Should a Man Try to Outdo God? [v. 6-8]

2. Can a Man Be God? [v. 9-13]

3. Can a Man Save Himself? [v. 14]

III. RIGHT QUESTION, WRONG INTERPRETATION [v. 15-24]

1. The Creation of Behemoth [v. 15, Gn. 1:24-25]

2. The Power of Behemoth [v. 16-19]

v. 19 suggests this was the largest land animal God had made.

3. The Care of Behemoth [v. 20-24]

*If people saw dinosaurs, you would think that ancient historical writings, such as the Bible, should mention them. The King James Version was first translated in 1611.16 Some people think that because the word “dinosaur” is not found in this or other translations, the Bible does not mention dinosaurs.

It was not until 1841, however, that the word “dinosaur” was invented.17 Sir Richard Owen, a famous British anatomist and first superintendent of the British Museum (and a staunch anti-Darwinist), on viewing the bones of Iguanodon and Megalosaurus, realized these represented a unique group of reptiles that had not yet been classified. He coined the term “dinosaur” from Greek words meaning “terrible lizard.”18

Thus, one would not expect to find the word “dinosaur” in the King James Bible—the word did not exist when the translation was done.
Is there another word for “dinosaur”? There are dragon legends from around the world. Many dragon descriptions fit the characteristics of specific dinosaurs. Could these actually be accounts of encounters with what we now call dinosaurs?
Just as Flood legends are based on a real global Flood (Flood of Noah)— dragon legends are possibly based on actual encounters with real animals that today we call dinosaurs. Many of these land-dragon descriptions do fit with what we know about dinosaurs.

In Genesis 1:21, the …Hebrew word here for …“whales” … is the word translated elsewhere as “dragon” (Hebrew: tannin). So, in the first chapter of the first book of the Bible, God may be describing the great sea dragons (sea-dwelling, dinosaur-type animals) that He created.

So what kind of animal was “behemoth”?
Bible translators, not being sure what this beast was, often transliterated the Hebrew, and thus the word behemoth (e.g., KJV, NKJV, NASB, NIV). However, in many Bible commentaries and Bible footnotes, “behemoth” is said to be “possibly the hippopotamus or elephant.”22 Besides the fact that the elephant and hippo were not the largest land animals God made (some of the dinosaurs far eclipsed these), this description does not make sense, since the tail of behemoth is compared to the large cedar tree (Job 40:17).
Now an elephant’s tiny tail (or a hippo’s tail that looks like a flap of skin) is quite unlike a cedar tree. Clearly, the elephant and the hippo could not possibly be “behemoth.”
No living creature comes close to this description. However, behemoth is very much like Brachiosaurus, one of the large dinosaurs.


*from Answers in Genesis

A Fresh Start

A Fresh Start   January 1, 2011     "That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." (Ephesians 4:22-24)     Everyone deserves a fresh start. As we start the New Year with resolutions and lofty ideals, it is good to remember that we can all renew our commitment. We can all purpose to gain even loftier heights in our spiritual journey toward Christ-likeness. No matter how far we have ascended, we can go farther; no matter how low we have fallen, we can begin again.     How can this be accomplished? As the context of our text teaches, we must go back to school--the school of Christ. "But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus" (Ephesians 4:20-21). "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matthew 11:29).     As our text verses explain, we must both "put off . . . the old man" and "put on the new man," clearly speaking of our manner of life, just as if we were changing clothes. If we as believers are hanging on to a few old rags, let this New Year see us obey this passage as an act of faith through the living Spirit of God: "Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 13:14).     This act of submission and desire will result as we are "renewed in the spirit |or attitude| of |our minds|" (Ephesians 4:23). The old man will not be removed or changed into the new but will be brought under control. The new man is a new creation of God modeled after Him "in righteousness and true holiness." "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works" (Ephesians 2:10). JDM   Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

Mind Control

Mind Control "This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart." (Ephesians 4:17-18) A question that troubles many Christians is why most highly educated leaders in science and other fields--even theologians--seem to find it so difficult to believe the Bible and the gospel of Christ. The answer is in the words of our text: They are "alienated from the life of God" because of self-induced ignorance. It is not that they can't understand, but that they won't understand! They "walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened . . . because of the blindness of their heart." They don't want to believe in their hearts, therefore they seek an excuse not to believe in their minds. They are "men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith" (2 Timothy 3:8). The sad truth is that Satan himself controls their minds. They may be ever so intelligent in secular matters, but the gospel, with all its comprehensive and beautiful simplicity, remains hidden to them. "If our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not" (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). Is there a remedy? Yes. "(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 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 Corinthians 10:4-5). In this verse, the word "thought" is the same as "mind." The weapons of truth, of prayer, of love, and of the Spirit can capture even such minds as these! HMM Print this article More Days of Praise articles Institute for Creation Research 1806 Royal Lane Dallas TX 75229

WHY DO GOOD THINGS HAPPEN TO BAD PEOPLE?

Pastor Rick Jackson

Some years ago a Jewish Rabbi wrote a book entitled “Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?” after his 14 year old son died. Of course, the theme is older than that by thousands of years but there are several things that should cause us to realize the question ought be, why do good things happen to bad people?

I. THERE ARE NO GOOD PEOPLE

1. All of Us Are Sinners [Rm. 3:10, Ecclesiastes 7:20]

For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

2. All Sinners Owe a Sin Debt [Rm. 3:23, Ezekiel 18:20 \]

The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

3. No Sinner Can Save Himself of Any Other [Rm. 5:8]

II. A LOVING GOD PROVIDES GOOD THINGS FOR BAD PEOPLE

1. The Ultimate Saviour- God Himself [Acts 20:28]

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
Hebrews 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

2. The Ultimate Sacrifice- Christ Paid Our Hell [Is. 53, 2 Corinthians 5:21]

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

3. The Ultimate Salvation- Ours for the Asking [Jn. 1:12, Revelation 2:11]

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
1 John 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

III. THE OBLIGATION TO LIVE RIGHT

Since it has no bearing on us attaining Heaven why should we live right? To ask the question shows the old nature is still active within our bodies. But the answer is easily obtained.

1. The Creator Has Every Right to Expect His Creation to Obey Him [Mark 1:27]

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
Mark 4:41 And they feared exceedingly °, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

2. The Redeemer Has Every Right to Expect His People, Property and Purchased Possession Obey Him [1 Corinthians 6:20]

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
1 Corinthians 7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.


3. The God of Heaven has Promised a Blessing though It May Not Be What We Expect [1 Samuel 12:14]

If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God:
Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
Acts 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Quotes of the Week

All that tread the globe are but a handful to the tribes that slumber in its bosom. - William Cullen Bryant

It has been said that death comes equally to us all and makes us all equal when it comes. - Dr. James Ray

This the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it, or use it for good, but what I do today is important because I am exchanging a day in my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving behind in its place something that I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, not loss, good and not evil, success and not failure, in order that I shall not regret the price that I have paid for it. - Samuel F. Pugh