ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT

JONAH 2-4

Rick Jackson

I. GOD WANTS TO ADJUST OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD HIM (JONAH 2)

1. Affliction should cause us to seek Him (V. 1-3, Rev. 6:12-17)

2. Faith should cause us to trust Him (v. 4-7, Rm. 10:17)

3. Truth should cause us to submit to Him (v. 8-10)
---[God wants our "I won't"s to be "I will"s]

II. GOD WANTS TO ADJUST OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD HIS WORD (JONAH 3)

1. With the presentation of the Word (v. 1-4)

2. With the power of the Word (v. 5-9)
---[Note-they knew what they deserved but they desired mercy & grace and got it!]
---[The wages of sin is NOT repentance]

3. With the promise of the Word (1:10, 2:9)

III. GOD WANTS TO ADJUST OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD OTHERS (JONAH 4)

1. Seen in Jonah's anger over conversion (v. 1-4)

2. Seen in Jonah's anger over comfort (v. 5-9)

3. Seen in Jonah's adjustment over children and cattle (v. 10-11)

EXODUS 33

Rick Jackson

I. THE PROBLEM (V. 1-11)

1. It wasn't that God wouldn't help them (v. 1-2)

2. It was that God wouldn't go with them (v. 3-6)

3. It was then God waited for them to seek Him (v. 711)

II. THE PRAYER (V. 12-13, 15-16)

1. Show me Thy Way that I may know Thee (v. 12-13, Jn. 14:6-11)

2. Show me Thy Way that I may find grace in Thy sight (Heb. 4:14-16)

3. Show me Thy Way that I may have Thy presence (v. 15-16, Mt. 28:20, Heb. 13:15)

III. THE PARTICULARS (V. 14, 17-18)

1. God often answers before we even finish asking (v. 15, Is. 65:24)

2. God is gracious (v. 12-13, 17, 19, Rm. 9:15-16, Eph. 2:8-9)

3. God is glorious (v. 18, Is. 42:8, 48:11, I Co. 2:8)

TITANIC TRUTHS FROM JONAH 1

Rick Jackson

I. SOME PEOPLE GET IT!

1. Some people get concerned because of trouble (v. 1)

2. Some people get convinced because of a testimony (v. 9-10)

3. Some people get converted because of Truth (v. 14-16)

II. GOD'S NEVER SURPRISED

1. God's presence accompanies God's will (v. 1-3)

2. God's purpose accompanies God's work (v. 2, 4, 11-16)

3. God's preparation accompanies God's wisdom (v. 17)

III. WHAT CHRISTIANS AREN'T

1. Christians aren't flawless (v. 1-3)

2. Christians aren't forsaken (v. 5)

3. Christians aren't forgotten (v. 17)

TAKE YOUR “B” VITAMINS

II PETER 3

Rick Jackson

I. BE STIRRED! (V. 1-4)

By remembering and being mindful of: (v. 1-2a)

1. The Old Testament (v. 2b)

2. The New Testament (v. 2c)

3. The Second Coming of Christ (v. 3-4a)

II. BE SMART (wise/otherwise, wise/foolish virgins) (V. 3-9)

1. Unwise scoffers are lustful (v. 3-4, Phil. 3:17-21)

2. They are willingly ignorant (v. 5-7, Gn. 7:11, 8:2)

(Water from within in the past, fire from within in the future?)

3. Their timetable is not God’s (v. 8-9)

III. BE STRONG (V. 10-18, Eph. 3:16)

1. “See then” the incitement of dissolution (v. 10-12)

2. “Look for” the inducement of renewal (v. 13-14)

3. “Grow in” the inspiration of grace (v. 15-18)

BE SURE YOU'RE RIGHT, AND THEN GO AHEAD!

LUKE 2:52

Rick Jackson

In 1820 a new congressman stood before the House and said, "Mr. Speaker: The Gentleman from Massachusetts talks about summing up the merits of the
question, but I'll sum up my own."

"In one word, I'm a screamer. I've got the roughest racing horse, the
prettiest sister, the surest rifle and the ugliest dog in the District! My
father can whip any man in Tennessee, and I can whip my father. I can give
any man on this floor two hours start and outspeak him!

"I can run faster, dive deeper, stay under longer, and come up drier than
any man this side of the big swamp. I can outgrin a panther and outstare a
flash of lightning, tote a steamboat on my back and play at rough and tumble
with a lion, with a kick now and then from a zebra!"

Thus congress heard the first speech from the new representative from
Tennessee, David Crockett. As you study the life of Davy Crockett you learn
he had a life motto, BE SURE YOU'RE RIGHT, AND THEN GO AHEAD! He applied
this to all areas of his life. In shooting he said, "Be sure you're right
and then go ahead and pull the trigger!" In marriage, in fighting, and even
in politics:

"If I'm the only member of the house to vote against this bill--- yes, if
I'm the only man in the whole country against it, I'll still vote against
it! It'll be a matter of rejoicing to me till the day I die that I've voted
as I intend."

I don't know if Davy came up with his motto from the Scriptures but the
plain truth is, it is Scriptural! Eph. 5:10 says, "Proving what is
acceptable unto the Lord!" Now using the pattern of our Lord from Luke 2:52

let's see how it might work.

I. BE SURE YOU'RE RIGHT INTELLECTUALLY, AND THEN GO AHEAD!

1. God is the author of truth (Pr. 1:7, Jn. 14:6, 17:17, Rm. 1:18-25, 3:4)

2. Guard your mind with truth (Phil. 4:8, Col. 2:8)

3. Grasp the fullness of truth (I Tm. 6:12-21)

II. BE SURE YOU'RE RIGHT PHYSICALLY, AND THEN GO AHEAD!

1. God is more important than the physical (Mt. 6:25-33)

2. God has a place for the physical (I Tm. 4:8)

3. God has guidelines for the physical (I Cor. 6:18-20)

III. BE SURE YOU'RE RIGHT SPIRITUALLY, AND THEN GO AHEAD!

1. God has given His Word (Jo. 1:8, II Tm. 3:16-17)

2. God has revealed Himself in His Word (Is. 42:5-9)

3. God has revealed Himself as the Word (Is. 42:1-4, Jn. 1, Acts 10:43)

IV. BE SURE YOU'RE RIGHT SOCIALLY, AND THEN GO AHEAD!

1. Watch your crowd (Ps. 1:1-2, I Co. 5:9-11)

2. Watch your choice (I Co. 7:39b)

3. Watch your character (Gal. 5:16-26, 6:7-10)

THIS SAME JESUS by Rick Jackson

ACTS 1:1-11

So many false doctrines abound concerning Christ’s return. Several cults say Jesus has already returned albeit secretly. Some say we are in the 1000 year reign of Christ right now! David Koresh claimed to be the 2nd coming of Christ. Sun Myung Moon allows his followers to say he is the second coming of Christ. But what saith the Scripture? Let’s examine firstly:

I. THIS SAME JESUS (Acts 1:11)

1. The Jesus of the passion (1:3)

2. The Jesus of the proofs (1:3)

3. The Jesus of the power (1:4-8, Mt. 28)

II. SHALL SO COME

1. He’s coming to change the saved (I Cor. 15:51-57, I Th. 4:13ff)

2. He’s coming to conquer Satan & co. (Rev. 19:11-21)

3. He’s coming to control earth (Rev. 12:5, 19:15)

III. IN LIKE MANNER (Acts 1:9)

1. He’s coming personally (Rev. 1:7)

2. Visibly (Rev. 1:7, 19:11, Jude 14)

3. Locally (Zech. 14:1-9, Acts 1:11-12)

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH CRITICISM?

We all face criticism at one time or another... and another and another, etc.

What do we do with criticism? What if its constructive criticism? What if its true? What do we do with criticism?

I. EVALUATE

1. Consider the source! (Jn. 12:1-8)Dr. Lee Roberson has some excellent thoughts concerning people who criticize. He says, "Critics are a dime a dozen. Any fool can criticize!" A while back someone criticized me for not preaching on a certain subject to another member. This was related to me and interestingly enough I had preached on the subject in question even shortly before they made the comment, but since this person only came to church on Sunday mornings they had no clue to what was being preached two-thirds of the time!

2. Consider the seriousness! (Gal. 2:11-14) Paul had to criticize Peter's actions. Some criticized Moody's lack of education saying he butchered the king's English. This is true but not serious enough to warrant the criticism.

3. Consider the Scriptures! (Gal. 1:10, Acts 4:19)

II. EVICT

1. Do away with Vengeance (Rm. 12:18-21)

2. Do away with Vanity (I Co. 15:31, Jn. 12:24) No pity parties allowed!

3. Do away with Values of the world (Jm. 3:13-4:10)

III. INVOLVE

1. The Saviour in prayer (Acts 9:6, Lk. 22:42)

2. The Spirit in submission (Gal. 5:16-26)

3. The Scriptures in preparation (Acts 17:11)

EVER WANNA QUIT?

I. WHAT CAUSES US TO WANT TO QUIT?

1. The world (II Tm. 4:9-10)

2. The flesh (I K. 19)

3. The Devil (Lk. 22:31-32, Jn. 21:3)

II. WHY CAN'T WE QUIT?

1. The cause is too great! (II Sm. 12:14, Ps. 51:10-14)

2. The cost is too great! (Rm. 14:7, 10-13)

3. The Christ is too great! (Rm. 14:8-9)

III. WHAT CAN WE DO IF WE HAVE QUIT?

1. Get forgiveness. (I Jn. 1:8-9)

2. Get focused! (Heb. 12:1-3)

3. Get familiar! (Ps. 119:9-12)

LET'S GROW RIGHT SPIRITUALLY

EPH. 3:14ff.

Growth is natural but not all growth is good growth. We want our gardens to grow but we don't want big weeds (which is growth but not the right kind). We all need to grow but we need to grow in the right ways.

I. WE MUST GROW RIGHT INDIVIDUALLY

1. It begins with salvation by grace (Eph. 2:8-9)

2. It "buds" as we serve in good works (Eph. 2:10-13)

3. It builds as we are strengthened by being grounded (Eph. 3:14-21)

II. WE MUST GROW RIGHT COLLECTIVELY

1. It should be with the correct foundation (Eph. 2:19-22)

2. It should be with the correct faith (Eph. 4:1-6)

3. It should be with the correct form (Eph. 4:11-16)

III. WE MUST GROW RIGHT INFLUENTIALLY

1. By walking away from the old life (Eph. 4:17-22)

2. By walking in the new life (Eph. 4:23-29)

3. By walking the Spirit life (Eph. 4:30-5:1)

THE HIDDEN TREASURE

MATTHEW 13:44

This parable consists of one verse and yet there’s a powerful lesson given therein. The problem is that quite a few people over the years have misinterpreted this parable and thus changed the whole meaning. Let us once more use our Bibles and the brains the good Lord gave us and rightly divide the Word of Truth!

I. THE POPULAR EXPLANATION

1. The treasure in the field is Jesus

2. The man is the sinner

3. The man gives everything to find Christ

Now at first hearing that may sound pretty good. But the fact is it’s about as far off as it can be. The Devil doesn’t want men to understand the Gospel. II Cor. 4:3-6. So what’s wrong with this view? Let’s look at:

II. THE PROBLEMS EXPOSED

1. Jesus is not hidden! (Mt. 5:14-16, Jn. 8:12, 1:4-9)

2. Men are to herald, not hide, the Saviour (Mt. 28:19-20, Ps. 107:2)

3. Men do not buy salvation (Eph. 2:8-9)

III. THE PARABLE EXPLAINED

1. The field is the world (Mt. 13:38)

2. The man is the Saviour (Mt. 13:24, 37)

3. The redeemed are the treasure (Eph. 1:12-14, Acts 20:28)

-Note the joy involved (Mt. 13:44, Heb. 12:2)

-Note the price paid was all that He had (I Pet. 1:18-19, Eph. 5:25-27)

WHERE IS GOD?

PSALM 42:1-3, II KINGS 2:11-15

After a tragedy people are often heard to say, “Where is God?” Some foolishly charge God with wrongdoing or lack of right doing. I guarantee you that every child of God who died on 9-11, every Christian who died in any war, accident or what have you knows exactly where God is! It is those left behind who ignorantly question what they don’t understand. It is those who in some cases are willingly ignorant that charge God foolishly. Those who know their Bibles know exactly where God is.



The story is told of a little boy playing with blocks. His father was an unbeliever and when the boy went out for a moment the father made the blocks spell out, “God is nowhere” When the little boy came back in a read the blocks he made a space in one of the words changing it into two words. The father saw the change… where it had said, “God is nowhere” it had been changed to “God is now here”. It is a matter of perspective.



I. WHERE IS GOD FOR THE BELIEVER?



1. God is before us- Dt. 1:30-33 (like a scout)



2. God is above us- Dt. 4:39 (good vantage point), Ps. 14:2, 102:19



3. God is beneath us- Dt. 33:27



4. God is around us- Dt. 4:39, Ps. 34:7, 125:1-2



5. God is behind us- Ps. 139:5-10, Is. 30:18-21, Rev. 1:10



6. God is with us- Joshua 1:5, Mt. 28:20, Heb. 13:5



7. God is in us- I Co 6:19, Ep 3:17, Co 1:2, 27, 3:3; I Th. 1:1, 2:14, I Pt. 5:14



II. WHERE IS GOD FOR THE UNBELIEVER?



1. He is everywhere- Ps. 139:7-13, Jer. 23:23-24



2. He is separate- Is. 59:2. Heb. 7:26



3. He is near- Is. 55:6-11



III. WHERE IS GOD IN YOUR LIFE?



1. Is He in you? -Rm. 8:9-11



2. Is He in fellowship with you? -I Jn. 1



3. Is He outside the door? -Rev. 3:20

ARE YOU ONLINE?

According to the latest studies almost 75% of Americans have accessed the internet. At home, at work, at school, at the library and a few other places make this number a reality. Like any other toll the internet can be used for good and it can be used for evil. Less than 20 years ago my wife talked me into getting her a computer, less than 15 years ago my wife talked me into getting the internet, less than 10 years ago my wife talked me into buying stuff online. I ‘m kind of scared to see what she will talk me into next.

Long before Al Gore invented the internet (and Queen Elizabeth II invented the microwave) you could be online with a source of information greater than the worldwide web. People could and still can have direct access to Almighty God. So I ask you, are you online with God?



I. THE BEGINNINGS


1. The ISP (Inner Service Provider) is God (Rm. 4:24-5:11)

2. The Password is Jesus (Rm. 10:9-13)

3. The Online helper is the holy Spirit (Rm. 8:1-16)



II. THE BARRIERS

1. Sin can mar the connection (I Jn. 1:5-10)

2. Satan wants to hack the control (I Pet. 5:8)

3. Worldly virus can corrupt the data (Mark 4:19, I Jn. 2:15)

III. THE BASICS

1. Kneemail (Acts 21:5, Eph. 3”11-21, Heb. 12:12)

2. Text messages (Is. 34:16)

3. Forward information (Mt. 28:18-20)

WHEN PRAYER IS USELESS

LUKE 16:19, 22-31

Rick Jackson from an idea by Bill Compton

I. PRAYER IS USELESS WHEN IT IS MADE AT THE WRONG TIME (V. 22-24)

v. 25 “thy lifetime”, Is. 59:2

II. PRAYER IS USELESS WHEN IT IS MADE TO THE WRONG PERSON (V. 24, 27)
Abraham, Confucius, Buddha, Mary, Joseph Smith, saints, Angels, etc.
are all useless when it comes to prayer (I Tm. 2:5)

III. PRAYER IS USELESS WHEN IT GOES AGAINST GOD’S WORD (V. 24-26)

Heb. 9:27, 4:16, 10:28 (judgment not mercy for lost after death)

IV. PRAYER IS USELESS WHEN IT IS FOR THE WRONG MEANS (V. 27-29)

Religious experience over revelation Is. 55:8, Ez. 18:25, 29

V. PRAYER IS USELESS WHEN IT IS FROM THE WRONG MINDSET (V. 30-31)

“I’M RIGHT, God’s wrong” Ps. 66:18, Rm. 3:4

ENJOY, DON'T ENDURE (PS. 118:21-24, I Th. 5:16)

Far too many Christians seem to endure their faith rather than enjoying it. Some think God delights in the dour, somber, and pathetic displays of sadness. That's NOT what the Bible teaches! I have decided I am going to enjoy my faith as the Bible says. What about when things go bad? I am going to enjoy my faith as the Bible says. What about when loved ones go to be with Jesus? I am going to enjoy my faith as the Bible says. What about when people don't understand you? I am going to enjoy my faith as the Bible says. What about when people leave the church? I am going to enjoy my faith as the Bible says. What about "whatever" or "blah blah blah" or "this or that"? I am going to enjoy my faith as the Bible says. God helping me I am going to rejoice in:

I. SALVATION

1. The Relationship with Him (Lk. 1:47, 10:20, Phil. 3:1, 3:3, 4:10)

2. The Fellowship with Him (Rm. 5:1-2, I Jn. 1:3-4)

3. The Lordship of Him (Lk. 10:20, Acts 16:34, I Pt. 1:3-5)

II. TRIBULATION

1. For His sake (Mt. 5:11-12)

2. For His work (Ph. 2:17-18)

3. For Him (I Pet. 4:12-13)

III. EXPECTATION

1. God's leading (Mt. 2:10, I Co. 13:6, Ph. 1:18, II Jn. 14, III Jn. 3)

2. God's Working (Lk. 10:21, 19:37, II Cor. 7:7)

3. God's Glory (Jn. 3:29, 8:56, 14:28, 15:8, I Co. 7:9, Ps. 126:5-6

WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE OF US?

MICAH 6:8

Some stores require people to wear shirts and shoes in order to get service… even computers have requirements to run some systems. Some jobs require a high school diploma, some a college degree, etc. Sometimes the requirement is 5 years experience in the field. Section 1 of Article 2 of the U.S. Constitution states that in order to be President a person must: be a natural born citizen of the United States, be at least 35 years old and must have lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years.

So what does God require of us in order to for us to be acceptable to Him or approved by Him? Micah 6:8 has the answer but what does it mean?



I. DO JUSTLY



1. A Biblical question (Job 25:4)



2. A Biblical answer (Ps. 143:1-3)



3. A Divine solution (Hab. 2:4, Rom. 1:17, Gal. 3:11, Heb. 10:38)



II. LOVE MERCY (in loving it we must…)



1. Embrace it personally (Titus 3:4-7)



2. Rejoice in the Author (Luke 1:46-50, 58)



3. Share the Author (II Cor. 4:1-7)



III. WALK HUMBLY WITH THY GOD



1. Walk to Him (salvation) (II Cor. 5:7, 17, 21)



2. Walk with Him (submission) (Rm. 4:12, 6:4, 8:1-4, 13:13, I Jn. 1:6-7)



3. Walk for Him (service) (Eph. 2:8-10, 4:1-2ff, 5:1-2ff, 8-15)

THE BLOOD

With all the other things in the world to talk about why would anyone talk about The Blood? Couldn’t we avoid that subject for something less controversial, less grotesque, less politically incorrect? You know something more upbeat, something more appealing, something more in tune with our enlightened times? We could try, many do… but we won’t! It’s only controversial if you don’t believe the Bible, it’s only grotesque if you haven’t experienced it, and it’s only politically incorrect if you are theologically incorrect. What could be more upbeat than escaping the wages of sin? What could be more appealing than the abundant life coupled with eternal life?

And what could be more enlightening than the light shining through the darkness to show the way? Why preach the blood?



I. THE EXAMPLE OF THE APOSTLES!



1. Paul preached it! (Rm. 3:25, 5:9; Eph. 1:7, 2:13; Col. 1:20-22)



2. Peter proclaimed it! (Acts 5:19-20, 25-32; I Pet. 1:18-19)



3. John taught it! (I Jn. 1:7)



II. IT IS THE EXPRESS MESSAGE OF THE BIBLE



1. Before the law (Gn. 3:21, 4:4, 8:20, 22:1-14, esp. 13-14)



2. During the law (Lev. 17:11)


3. After the law (Acts 20:28)



III. IT IS THE EXTREME SOLUTION FOR AN EXTREME PROBLEM



1. Bloodless solutions merely multiply rebellion (Gn. 4:3-8, Heb. 11:4, Rm. 10:17)



2. Christ’s blood is the ONLY solution (Heb. 9:14, 22, 24-28, 10:19, 28-29)



3. His love & His blood give a song to the saved! (Rev. 1:5, 5:9-10)

WHEN THE PAIN RETURNS

JOHN 11:1, 4-6, 11-17, 32-37

Some people know about the Jackson 5, Tom, Marc, Bruce, Becky and myself. Most people did not know that on Feb. 20, 1954 my mother had twins. After 50 years Mom would still grieve for her twins. We have all had loved ones die. It doesn’t matter if it’s been almost 30 years ago like my grandfather Loudon, over 15 years ago like my father, a little over 6 months ago like my mother or any other measure of time. Sometimes the pain returns. It may be a word, a thought, a smell that jars the memory and sometimes those memories bring a smile but sometimes the pain of losing that person returns. Someone says but Christians aren’t supposed to sorrow as others who have no hope and that is true. But we are allowed to sorrow, but as those that have the blessed hope not like the lost.

When the pain returns it can be helpful to remember:



I. THE COST OF DEATH (RM. 6:23)



1. Death is an enemy (I Co. 15:26)



2. Death is inevitable (James 4:14, I Pet. 1:24)



3. Death is an engine of Satan (Heb. 2:14)



But just as we might do well to remember the cost of death and the pain it causes, remember also:



II. THE CURE FOR THE PAIN OF DEATH



1. Calvary (Heb. 2:9-17)



2. Christ (Heb. 1:18, 13)



Life is short, death is sure,

Sin the curse, but Christ the cure!



3. Conquest (Rm. 8:34-39)



There is pain but there is the cure, and through the cure we can remember:



III. THE CAUSE IT GIVES (I Sam. 17:29)



1. We know of the place (Heb. 11:8-10, Jn. 14:1-6)



2. We know of the peace (Jn. 14:27, Rm. 5:1, Ph. 4:7)



3. We know the purpose (I Jn. 3:8, II Tm. 3:10, Ph. 1:21)

Starke Reality

Giant 22-lb Rabbit-Truth! (I think I would have named him Harvey, Jimmy Stewart would have wanted it that way1)






Summary of the eRumor:
A picture of a huge rabbit that the eRumor says is 22 pounds and mover than 3 feet long. It is said to be a "German Giant" rabbit.

The Truth:
According to the BBC, the rabbit's name is Herman and lives with his owner, Hans Wagner, in Berlin, Germany. German Giants are domestic rabbits. They do not exist in the wild and can live as long as 12 years. The BBC says that Herman can eat a bale of hay per week.

Updated 4/13/06

A real example of the eRumor as it has appeared on the Internet:


Happy Easter!!

He weighs in at 22 pounds and measures a little over 3 feet. He is a breed of rabbit called German Giant (how appropriate!). This is his owner, Hans Wagner, struggling to hold him up. From the NY Post article...We don't feed him an unusual diet, said Wagner. He goes through more than his brothers and sisters, but he eats the same food mix. His favorite food is actually lettuce...he can never get enough of it.
LOOK AT THOSE FEET!

Bush lied? Take a breath and read on.

Bush Lied? Quotes from Democrats About the Threat of Iraq-Truth!


Summary of the eRumor
Accusations that President Bush lied to the American people about whether there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq are counterbalanced by quotes from prominent Democrats about Saddam Hussein and weapons in Iraq.
Most of these statements were during the debate over whether to use force against Iraq.







The Truth
There are several quotes.
Most of them come during a time in the Clinton administration when decisions were being made about action against Saddam Hussein and amid concerns about weapons of mass destruction.

We'll take them one at a time.

"One way or the other, we are determined to deny Iraq the capacity to develop weapons of mass destruction and the missiles to deliver them.
That is our bottom line."
President Clinton, Feb. 4, 1998-Truth!
This was a quote from President Clinton during a presentation at the Pentagon defending a decision to conduct military strikes against Iraq.

"If Saddam rejects peace and we have to use force, our purpose is clear.
We want to seriously diminish the threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program."
President Clinton, Feb. 17, 1998-Truth!
Bill Clinton went to the Pentagon on this occasion to be briefed by top military officials about Iraq and weapons of mass destruction.
His remarks followed that briefing.

"Iraq is a long way from USA but, what happens there matters a great deal here. For the risks that the leaders of a rogue state will use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons against us or our allies is the greatest security threat we face."
Madeline Albright, Feb 18, 1998-Truth!
This is a quote from Albright during an appearance at Ohio State University by Albright, who was Secretary of State for Bill Clinton.

"He will use those weapons of mass destruction again, as he has ten times since 1983."
Sandy Berger, Clinton National Security Adviser, Feb, 18, 1998-Truth!
This was at the same Ohio State University appearance as Madeline Albright.
"We urge you, after consulting with Congress, and consistent with the U.S.Constitution and Laws, to take necessary actions, (including, if appropriate,
air and missile strikes on suspect Iraqi sites) to respond effectively to the threat posed by Iraq's refusal to end its weapons of mass destruction
programs."
Letter to President Clinton, signed by Sens. Carl Levin, Tom Daschle, John Kerry, and others Oct. 9, 1998-Truth!
According to the U.S. Senate website, the text of this letter was signed by several Senators, both Democrat and Republican, including Senator John McCain and Joseph Lieberman.

"Saddam Hussein has been engaged in the development of weapons of mass destruction technology which is a threat to countries in the region and he has made a mockery of the weapons inspection process."
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D, CA), Dec. 16, 1998-Truth!
The text of this statement by Nancy Pelosi is posted on her congressional website.

"Hussein has .. chosen to spend his money on building weapons of mass destruction and palaces for his cronies."
Madeline Albright, Clinton Secretary of State, Nov. 10, 1999-Truth!
This was from an appearance Albright made in Chicago.
She was addressing the embargo of Iraq that was in effect at the time and criticism that it may have prevented needed medical supplies from getting into the country. Albright said, "There has never been an embargo against food and medicine. It's just that Hussein has just not chosen to spend his money on that. Instead, he has chosen to spend his money on building weapons of mass destruction, and palaces for his cronies."

"There is no doubt that ... Saddam Hussein has invigorated his weapons programs. Reports indicate that biological, chemical and nuclear programs
continue a pace and may be back to pre-Gulf War status. In addition, Saddam continues to redefine delivery systems and is doubtless using the cover of a licit missile program to develop longer-range missiles that will threaten the United States and our allies."
Letter to President Bush, Signed by Sen. Bob Graham (D, FL,) and others, December 5, 2001Truth!
The only letter with this quote from December 5, 2001 that we could find did not include the participation of Senator Bob Graham, but it was signed nine other senators including Democrat Joe Lieberman.
It urged President Bush to take quicker action against Iraq.

"We begin with the common belief that Saddam Hussein is a tyrant and a threat to the peace and stability of the region. He has ignored the mandated of the United Nations and is building weapons of mass destruction and the means of delivering them."
Sen. Carl Levin (D, MI), Sept. 19, 2002-Truth!
These were remarks from Senator Levin to a Senate committee on that date.

"We know that he has stored secret supplies of biological and chemical weapons throughout his country."
Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002-Truth!
This and the quote below was part of prepared remarks for a speech in San Francisco to The Commonwealth Club.

"Iraq's search for weapons of mass destruction has proven impossible to deter and we should assume that it will continue for as long as Saddam is in power."
Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002-Truth!

"We have known for many years that Saddam Hussein is seeking and developing weapons of mass destruction."
Sen. Ted Kennedy (D, MA), Sept. 27, 2002-Truth!
Part of a speech he gave at Johns Hopkins.

"The last UN weapons inspectors left Iraq in October of 1998.
We are confident that Saddam Hussein retains some stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons, and that he has since embarked on a crash course to build up his chemical and biological warfare capabilities.
Intelligence reports indicate that he is seeking nuclear weapons..."
Sen. Robert Byrd (D, WV), Oct. 3, 2002-Truth!
On the floor of the Senate during debate over the resolution that would authorize using force against Iraq.
He was urging caution about going to war and commented that even though there was confidence about the weapons in Iraq, there had not been the need to take military action for a number of years and he asked why there would be the need at that point.

"I will be voting to give the President of the United States the authority to use force-- if necessary-- to disarm Saddam Hussein because I believe that a deadly arsenal of weapons of mass destruction in his hands is a real and grave threat to our security."
Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA), Oct. 9, 2002-Truth!
Senator Kerry's comments were made to the Senate as part of the same debate over the resolution to use force against Saddam Hussein.

"There is unmistakable evidence that Saddam Hussein is working aggressively to develop nuclear weapons and will likely have nuclear weapons within the next five years ... We also should remember we have always underestimated
the progress Saddam has made in development of weapons of mass destruction."
Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D, WV), Oct 10, 2002-Truth!
Senator Rockefeller's statements were a part of the debate over using force against Saddam Hussein.

"He has systematically violated, over the course of the past 11 years, every significant UN resolution that has demanded that he disarm and destroy his
chemical and biological weapons, and any nuclear capacity. This he has refused to do" Rep. Henry Waxman (D, CA), Oct. 10, 2002-Truth!
Senator Waxman's contribution to the Senate debate over going to war.

"In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological
weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program.
He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including al Qaeda members. It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons."
Sen. Hillary Clinton (D, NY), Oct 10, 2002-Truth!
Senator Clinton acknowledged the threat of Saddam Hussein but said she did not feel that using force at that time was a good option.

"Without question, we need to disarm Saddam Hussein. He is a brutal, murderous dictator, leading an oppressive regime He presents a
particularly grievous threat because he is so consistently prone to miscalculation ... And now he is miscalculating America's response to his
continued deceit and his consistent grasp for weapons of mass destruction
So the threat of Saddam Hussein with weapons of mass destruction is real ..."
Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA), Jan.23.2003-Truth!
In a speech to Georgetown University.

Last updated 4/16/04 (from truthorfiction.com)

I am so tired of the "Bush lied" mantra I could puke. Saddam Hussein himself was/is a weapon of mass destruction. Just ask the hundreds of thousands he murdered (some, his own people).

Feelings

A close family member wrote to me concerning part of an earlier blog, "One question I have for you though - what do you mean by "feelings". I agree with you that when our feeling conflict with clear scripture there is a problem, but as you know I put a lot of stock in being led by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost and I know you do to (as I remember that is how you determined you were called to the ministry)."

Here's my response. No names have been given because I didn't need too!

How are you feeling? (Just kidding.) As you may have surmised I was not saying all feelings are wrong. Likewise not all feelings are right. Specifically (as you said and I had pointed out) when feelings conflict with Scripture or fact then feelings are unreliable. "Feelings come and feelings go, and feelings are deceiving. I'll put my faith in God's own Word, naught else is worth believing." I talk to a lot of people who "feel" they must do something to earn righteousness to go to Heaven but as God's Word says "All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags" (Is. 64:6), and "As it is written, There is none righteousness, no, not one" (Rom. 3:10). "...for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe "(Gal. 3:21b-22). So no one is righteous and can gain Heaven by the law but only by believing in the atoning work of God incarnate, Jesus Christ. Feelings to the contrary are generated by the world, the flesh, or the devil.

Are all feelings wrong? As long as feelings are controlled by the Word of God and not vice-versa we can use them. I may feel like punching the lights out of an idiot that desperately deserves it but facts may prevent that (he's stronger than me) or the Scriptures forbid it (Vengeance is mine saith the Lord, I will repay). But feelings can be a positive thing, I have deep feelings for my wife of almost 30 years. her kiss still takes my breath away. Praise God for feelings!

Oh, and for the record, No, feelings did not lead me into the ministry. The definite call of God led me to the ministry. Feelings really had little to do with it, except I "felt" I must respond to His call in the affirmative. What about the call? "Did He speak to you?", you may ask. Well, that will have to wait for another blog. At least that's how I feel about it.

Happy Resurrection Day!

THE 3 GREATEST GIFTS

JAMES 1:16-18

Every good gift is from God. Think about that. Every single solitary good thing you ever have gotten came from God. It doesn’t matter who or what God used to deliver it, if it was good, truly good, it was from God. Then it says that every perfect gift is from God. Now there are many, many good gifts that God has given us… the number of perfect gifts is relatively smaller. Every good gift is not a perfect gift but every perfect gift is a good gift. Of the good and perfect gifts let us see the greatest three, and as God would have it they are all closely related!


I. THE BIBLE IS A PERFECT GIFT


1. It converts the soul Ps. 19:7

2. It completes the saint II Tm. 3:16-17

3. It conveys the solutions James 1:25


II. THE SAVIOUR IS A PERFECT GIFT II COR. 9:15


1. He always has been Dt. 32:1-4, I Cor. 10:1-4

2. He always will be Col. 1:27-28

3. He always helps others Heb. 5:4-10, 10:1-14


III. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A PERFECT GIFT HEB. 10:15


1. God gives better gifts than sinful men Lk. 11:13

2. God gives the Holy Spirit to saints Acts 2:38

3. The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts I Cor. 12:1-11, Rm. 12

3 GREATEST ACTIONS

The 3 greatest actions. What can they be? Would they be acts of terrorism and/or war---like Pearl Harbor or 9-11? Would they be acts of retaliation like Hiroshima or Nagasaki? Would they be moments that transcend war- like the first man in space or man walking on the moon? Would they be acts of desperation like when a parent lifts a car off a child through a rush of adrenalin? Though all these may be powerful actions once again the Lord God Almighty would have to take center stage. The three greatest actions? Lets look at them.

The first of these three great actions is when:

I. GOD THE FATHER SENT JESUS

1. Great Manifestation I Jn. 4:9

2. Great Motivation I Jn. 4:10

3. Great Mission I Jn. 4:14


The second of these great actions is when:

II. GOD THE SON CAME TO EARTH

1. The humanity involved Phil. 2:27

2. The humility involved Phil. 2:8

3. The horror involved Phil. 2:8, II Cor. 5:21


The third of these great actions is:


III. GOD THE SPIRIT’S WORK IN SALVATION

1. It’s a Christ work Jn. 1:29-34, 2:11

2. It’s a convicting work Jn. 16:7-11

3. It’s a continuing work Jn. 7:39, 20:19-22, Gal. 5:16-25

We Deceive Ourselves

Oftentimes we do things by feelings instead of by faith (according to God's Word- Rm. 10:17) or by fact (empirical not subjective). When we justify these things in a manner that is not Biblical (i.e., not following Scriptural guidelines) we hurt others, our testimony, and ultimately our relationship with the Lord.

As a pastor I have to deal with people wanting to get married more often than I would like (quite frankly, doing marriages is nerve wracking). In the course of premarital counseling I sometimes find out that one of the couple is a believer and the other is an unbeliever which is clearly forbidden in the Word of God (II Co. 6 among many others). Of course, I have decline to perform these ceremonies since they are blatantly against what I stand for as a servant of God. As you might expect not everyone understands or appreciates my Biblical stand.

Some act as if it is something personal involved in my decision. I suppose it is personal that I want to be Scriptural and they don't but that's not what I mean. Some have tried to tell me they prayed about it and God said it was okay. God said it? He spoke to them? No, but they "feel" it is alright. Ah, the crux of the matter. When feelings go against the Word our feelings are wrong. If we think otherwise, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Suppose we have said we will do something that is not wrong but we later feel we shouldn't do it. Then by God's grace we should go to those we have given our word to and explain that we'd like to back out gracefully. If they want to know why, we should tell them. If they hold us to our word we should do it (Ps. 15:4). Again I am not talking about something we know to be wrong, should that happen, we show them by the Word why it is wrong and decline on Scriptural grounds. What we should not do is leave them hanging wondering what happened. They will go off wondering for a long time what did they do wrong and perhaps agonizing needlessly when the fault is our own. Well aren't our feelings real? Well they "feel" that way don't they? But lets not be so arrogant as to think that are feelings are the same as faith or fact.

Is it easy? Not always. Is it right? It's always right to do right. But as someone said, "It's never right to do wrong in order to do right." If we think otherwise, well, we deceive ourselves.

The Lord's Supper

I. THE TRUE MESSAGE OF THE LORD'S SUPPER

There is no saving power in communion. It is not a sacrament, it is an ordinance. 1 of only 2 given in the New Testament for believers. The other is baptism by immersion for believers only. It symbolizes the death of Christ. It sets forth the broken body (not bones) and shed blood of Christ, just as baptism pictures the same and His resurrection. (I Cor. 2:1-8, 11:23-26)

II. IT POINTS IN 3 DIRECTIONS

1. A past transaction (I Co. 11:26)

we are called upon with the Lord's Supper to remember what was accomplished on Calvary

2. A present experience (I Co. 11:26) "as oft as ye..."

3. A future event (I Co. 11:26 "...till He come.", Mk. 14:25, Rev. 19:6-9)

III. PREPARATION FOR THE LORD'S SUPPER

1. Review & examine (I Co. 11:27-32, II Co. 13:5) (known disobedience)

2. Repent & rely (I Jn. 1:9)

3. Redicate & partake (Rm. 12:1-2, I Co. 11:28b) "...so let him..."

Lessons from The Unexplained

When I was a kid I had a really good friend who I'll call Data (not his real name, duh!). Data and I would go to each others houses and generally got along well. One day he quit talking to me. He wouldn't even explain why. He just quit being my friend. Until about 4 years later he started acting like nothing ever happened to our friendship and now I still don't know and don't dare ask what happened. I don't "pal" around with him but we are friends.

35 years later another "friend" has done me the same way. No explanation, just "I'm no longer comfortable with (this relationship)". Now I can chalk Data's unreasonableness to childishness but this other is from a friend in their 30s! Of course, once they sent the email I sent one back basically asking "why?" but all I get is cold, dead silence. They had sent me an email earlier in the day and were quite friendly, and gave no indication of the Jekyll/Hyde syndrome I was about to experience again. You know what, it still hurts. It hurt at 10 and it hurts at 49. If I did something wrong I'd like a chance to explain or apologize. Maybe they misunderstood something I said, or did, or wrote but apparently I will never know. For Christians there is a way things ought to be handled. "Love thinketh no evil" (I Cor. 13) so a benefit of doubt should be given until the matter is discussed. If a Christian has anything against their fellow Christian they are supposed to go to that person and address the matter between them alone (Mt. 18). This was not done. It was just "I feel...I feel...I feel..." with no consideration to the Scriptures or how anyone else feels. No Golden Rule in force here. Shock has been replaced with frustration, irritation and resignation. So what are the lessons here?

1) Christians aren't perfect, sometimes they aren't even mature. (Ps. 146)

2) Christ is perfect and will never fail you or treat you like yesterday's newspaper. (Ps. 146 again!)

3) Christ's Word is true regardless of the fact some Christians don't live by it!
Don't throw out the truth because some profess it but don't live by it.

4) FIDO! (Forget It & Drive On!) (Ph. 3:13ff)

Do I hope this person reads this blog and at least knows how I feel? Guess it doesn't matter. I haven't even told them I have a blog. At least Data's still my friend.

3 GREAT THEMES IN JOHN’S 3 EPISTLES

3 GREAT THEMES IN JOHN’S 3 EPISTLES


I, II, & III JOHN


Rick Jackson


Of course there are many great themes in these books. The return of Christ, the defeat of Satan, the old and new natures, the blessed Trinity and so many, so many more. But in this space we are going to center on three!


I JOHN PRESENTS THE GREAT THEME OF CHRIST’S SALVATION


1. Helpless sinners only Christ can save 1:5-10

2. Huge sin debt only Christ could pay 2:2, 4:9-10

3. Have security only Christ can say 3:23-24, 4:13-15, 5:1a, 4-5,
9-13


II JOHN PRESENTS THE GREAT THEME OF CHRIST’S DEITY


1. Christ became fully man 7

2. Christ is fully God 9, Jn 1:1-3, 14

3. Christ’s deity isn’t optional 9-11


III JOHN PRESENTS THE GREAT THEME OF CHRIST’S TRUTH


1. Truth brings joy 2-4

2. Truth should be supported 5-8

3. Truth brings good report 12

A New Day Dawning

A father was talking to his son and he told him quite emphatically, "Your mother and I have learned that you have been blogging. We don't know what it is but we want you to stop immediately!"

An acquaintance of mine had been kind enough to blog a few of my outlines, howbeit they had to be edited for size. In some cases it had changed the direction of the whole message. Now I don't blame them for this, had to be done for size, etc. but why not blog my own, then I have control over the direction, the diction, and yes, the occasional disaster! So here we are, a new day dawning.