1 excellent bio, 1 good man, 1 GREAT GOD

I have recently read an excellent biography about a man who ended up doing good because of the Great God of the universe. After all, let's give credit where credit is due (Jn. 15). The book is Man Sent From God: A Biography of Dr. John R. Rice by my friend Evangelist Robert L. Sumner (see Biblical Evangelist link on this page). Though I had read this book before it was yet a great blessing to me again. Partially because I now know the author personally and partially because I am older and comprehend a lot more experientially than when I read it as a younger man. Don't misunderstand what I am saying, it is a great read for any age individual but the richer your life the richer the read. I urge you to get it and learn the truth about this man of God. Someone may say, "Well Dr. Sumner was his friend and wrote at Rice's request"... you'd be right about the first part but wrong about the second. About the first however, beloved late evangelist Fred Brown once told me on another matter, "Bob Sumner wouldn't lie if you put a gun to his head!" That settled it for me then and I have NEVER seen any reason to doubt that it is true still. I have been encouraged in my walk with Christ by all three of these men (Rice, Sumner, Brown) and this book in particular.  Available at amazon.com or ebay.com (new and used editions).

WHEN GOD SPEAKS

Over 2000 times in the Bible we are told that God spoke. God still speaks today. Primarily He speaks through His infallible, inerrant Word.

When God speaks:

I. HE SPEAKS AUTHORITATIVELY

1. His Word is true (Jn. 17:17, Titus 1:2)

2. His Word is indestructible (Mt. 24:35)

3. His Word is powerful (Jer. 23:29, Heb. 4:12)

II. HE SPEAKS EXPECTANTLY

1. God expects us to respect His Word (Ps. 119:6, 15, 117,Neh. 8:1-6)

2. God expects us to read His Word
(Neh. 8:8, Jer. 36:6, Mt. 12:3, 5, 19:4, 21:16, 42, 22:31, Col. 4:16, I Th. 5:27)

3. God expects us to react His Word (Lk. 6:46-49, James 1:21-22)

III. GOD SPEAKS COMPASSIONATELY

1. He speaks to the lonely and brokenhearted (Heb. 4:14-15, 13:5)

2. He speaks to the frightened (Is. 41:10)

3. He speaks to the lost and backslidden (Is. 1:18, Mt. 11:28, I Jn. 1:8-9)

The Nerve of some people!

Recently I was in a Subway shop ordering a chicken terayaki (low fat) sub with sweet onion sauce (I don't particularly like onions but...wowsers!)when someone walked in behind me. Not unusual right? But they didn't get in line behind me but rather walked over to a table and sat down with a friend (?) who was already seated. The girl waiting on me had a look of disbelief on her face and I turned and immediately saw why. They had a pizza from another store which they were going to eat in the Subway restaurant! They even had the nerve to come ask the other lady working for FREE plasticware (hey, it ain't silver). They didn't even have the common decency to wait and buy their drinks from Subway! Yeppers, they had bought drinks at the other place too! I knew the girl wanted to say something but probably didn't want to alienate potential or even regular customers.

I thought, "The Nerve of some people!" (How quaint!) To abuse the kindness of Subway providing tables, air-conditioning, and of course, free plasticware and napkins and bring in their inferior pizza (it wasn't even name brand). And then... it hit me. How often have I done the same to God? How often have we used God's air, the health He has given us, the resources He has allowed us to accumulate and then spent those resources (money, talents, time, whatever) on the Devil's inferior pastimes, substitutes, and what have you. How often have we squandered what God has given us on the Devil's cheap thrills. The Nerve of some people!

Then there are those who haven't even accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour, depending only on Him for salvation. They ignore Him or insult Him by thinking they can add to their salvation as if He had not done enough. The songwriter had it right:

I hear the Savior say,
“Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.”

Refrain

Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

For nothing good have I
Whereby Thy grace to claim,
I’ll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.

Refrain

And now complete in Him
My robe His righteousness,
Close sheltered ’neath His side,
I am divinely blest.

Refrain

Lord, now indeed I find
Thy power and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone.

Refrain

When from my dying bed
My ransomed soul shall rise,
“Jesus died my soul to save,”
Shall rend the vaulted skies.

Refrain

And when before the throne
I stand in Him complete,
I’ll lay my trophies down
All down at Jesus’ feet.

Refrain

The Georgia-Florida connection grows

Rose and Richard sent me this one:

Subject: This isn't Funny, it's the truth

You know you are from Georgia…

1. You can properly pronounce Chickamauga, DeKalb, Dahlonega, Smyrna, Buena
Vista, Valdosta , Okefenokee, and La Fayette.

P.S.. Atlanta = ADD-LANNA not AT-LANT-A.

2. You think people who complain about the heat in their states are sissies.

3. A tornado warning siren is your signal to go out in the yard and look for
a funnel.

4. You know that the true value of a parking space is not determined by the
distance to the door, but by the availability of shade.

5. Stores don't have bags or shopping carts, they have sacks and buggies.

6. You've seen people wear bib overalls at weddings and funerals.

7. You think everyone from a Yankee-state has an accent.

8. You measure distance in minutes.

9. You go to the lake because you think it is like going to the ocean.

10. You listen to the weather forecast before picking out an outfit.

11. You know cowpies are not made of beef.

12. Someone you know has used a football schedule to plan their wedding
date.

13. You know someone who has a belt buckle bigger than your fist.

14. Almost everyone you know is either Baptist or Methodist.

15. A Mercedes Benz isn't a status symbol. A Chevy Silverado Extended Bed
Crew Cab is.

16. You know everything goes better with Ranch dressing.

17. You learned how to shoot a gun before you learned how to multiply.

18. You actually get these jokes and are "fixin'" to send them to your
friends.

19. On one side of the road there's Wal-Mart and on the other is a cotton
field.

20. The directions to your house include "turn off the paved road."

21. "Y'all" is a word.

22. Fried chicken is a major part of your diet.

23. Krispy Kreme doughnuts are the only kind of doughnuts you eat.

24. You call it a cold Christmas if you don't break out in a sweat in your
new sweater.

25. Your whole town completely shuts down for 1 inch of snow or just the
threat of snow.

26. People actually grow, eat and like okra!

27. You know the difference between a hillbilly, a redneck, and a
Southerner.

28. Your dog and your wallet are both on chains.

29. Panama City Beach, Florida is a big deal.

30. You understand that at least once a year your car will turn yellow with
pollen.

31. You know at least one Bubba, and maybe a few guys named Bo.

32. You say "tuna fish sandwich."

33. You use "Sir" and "Ma'am" if there's a remote possibility that person
you're talking to is at least 30 minutes older than you are.

And finally...

34. You are 100% Georgian if you have ever had this conversation:


"You wanna coke?"



"Yeah."



"What kind?"



"Dr Pepper."

Quotes of the Week

"If you ignore the Bible's teachings on creation, what other doctrines are you prepared to ignore also?" -ICR
Visit their website at: http://www.icr.org/

"He may not be henpecked but he has chickenhouse ways about him!"-The Corley Brothers
Visit their website at: http://www.bbsfarmington.org/

"He who throws the first punch loses the right to determine when the fight is over."-Old adage

"While not exactly disgruntled he was very far from being gruntled."-P.G. Wodehouse

"It's not what you know... it's Who you know!" -quoted by Wil Rice 1/9/2001
Visit the website at: http://www.billriceranch.org/

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. 1 John 5:20


And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. John 17:3

ARE YOU A WINNER?

II TIMOTHY 4:7

Rick Jackson

The world remembers some winners and forgets others. Abraham Lincoln is considered a winner by many while Millard Fillmore (13th President) is chiefly forgotten by all but a few. What makes a person a winner? Some people are considered winners now but were largely thought of as losers during their life. Such is the case of a man we consider now.

Here is a man that was habitually in prison. A man that others thought was crazy. A man that was considered a poor example of a public speaker by many though they admitted he could write well. Indeed people did fall asleep when he was long winded. Some thought it was hard to get along with him. At one point he was well respected by the establishment but they turned their backs on him and sought to silence him by any way possible. He finally died in a federal prison by capital punishment. His name was Paul, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus.

I. PAUL KNEW THAT HE WAS A WINNER (II Tm. 4:7, Rm. 8:37)

This was not egotism, this was an understanding of the task God wanted done by him and the knowledge that it had been done.

1. Paul was a winner because of obedient faithfulness (Acts 9:6, I Co. 4:2)

2. Paul was a winner because of observant focusing (Phil. 3:13-14)

3. Paul was a winner because of obstinate faith (Phil. 4:6-7, 10-13)

II. PAUL'S FELLOW BELIEVER'S KNOW THAT HE WAS A WINNER

1. Many have been blessed by his life (Acts 20:17-19)

2. Many have been blessed by his ministry (Acts 20:20-27)

3. Many have been blessed by his writings (Romans through Hebrews)

III. PAUL'S CRITICS HATED KNOWING HE WAS A WINNER

1. His bold testimony infuriated them (Acts 9:21-29)

2. His believing faith subdues them (Acts 16:22-28)

3. His basic sincerity moved them (Acts 24:24-25, 26:27-28, 27:41-43)

Men name their sons after people they admire. Nero once ruled the world, Paul was a habitual prisoner. Men name their dogs "Nero" and their sons "Paul".

Picture of the week

"Ain't no fish ever gonna get the best of me!"

Congrats to the Brays

I just found out last night that Willam and Tonya Bray recently marked their 10 year anniversary as missionaries with Rock of Ages Prison Ministry, Incorporated. This dedicated young couple are serving the Lord Jesus Christ by "serving the inmates of Florida". Souls have been saved and lives changed as a result of their love for the Saviour! I treasure their friendship and have been blessed just by knowing this couple. William's preaching is scriptural, solid and never boring. Congrats!

DARE TO DO RIGHT

II KINGS 18:1-8

Rick Jackson

I. He did the right thing (v. 1-3)

-He set a proper pattern for his life, i.e., David. Our pattern as believers is the Lord Jesus Christ (I Pet. 2:21-22).

-the "wise man is he that doeth the will of God"

-we ought to be more concerned with God's opinion rather than man's (Acts 5)

-James said, "To him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin."

-we shouldn't do things because they are fun or easy to do, we should do things because they are right!

II. He put things in the right place (v. 4a)

-Get priorities right

-get wrong things out of our lives-

-replace the wrong things with right things (Eph. 4:22-32)

III. He called things by their right name (v. 4b)

-sin should be called sin (as opposed to labeling it sickness, an alternate lifestyle, a choice, etc.)

IV. He trusted in the right Person (v. 5)

-who or what are you trusting? (Acts 16:13)

V. He walked in the right path (v. 6)

VI. He chose the right friends (v. 7b)

-friends can often make you or break you (Amnon as opposed to Daniel)

In conclusion, because of choosing the right, the Lord was with him and prospered him (v. 7a, Psalm 1) and God didn't love him anymore than he loves you and I.

"Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you!"

R.A. TORREY'S PRESCRIPTION FOR REVIVAL

"I can give a prescription that will bring a revival to any church or community or any city on earth.

"First, let a few Christians (they need not be many) get thoroughly right with God themselves. This is the prime essential. If this is not done, the rest that I am to say will come to nothing.

"Second, let them bind themselves together in a prayer group to pray for a revival until God opens heavens and comes down.

"Third, let them put themselves at the disposal of God for Him to use as He sees fit in winning others to Christ.

That is all!

"This is sure to bring a revival to any church or community. I have given this prescription around the world. It has been taken by many churches and many communities, and in no instance has it ever failed; and it cannot fail!" R.A. Torrey

Missing Brother Roloff but praising God anyway!

Lester Leo Roloff, like John the Baptist, was one of God's unusual servants. He had a style and voice all his own but God seems to revel in using those the world would not. I have been listening to CDs of his singing and reading some of his writings and was just reminded how great a blessing he was in my life. When was the last time we thanked God for ministers God sent our way and used in our lives. Praise God for Lester Roloff. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

"...I believe our Heavenly Father prefers to come in mercy and not in judgment."

"God is not interested in nations, He is interested in individuals."

"...God reserved the right to interrupt the selfish plans of the disrespectful children of men."

"Where He leads me I will follow, what He feeds me I will swallow."

-Lester Roloff

Quote of the Week (a rather lengthy one at that)

Q: Why would Darwinists be upset with a secular museum?

A: Last year, the Smithsonian made news when it agreed to co-sponsor the national premiere of the film The Privileged Planet. It’s a documentary that focuses on astronomy and Earth’s place in the universe—and that all of this looks “designed.”

Supposedly, when the Discovery Institute, an Intelligent Design group, approached the museum about the film, the staff said they liked it … and would co-sponsor it … for a contribution.

After the invitations had been mailed for a private, invitation-only screening, a New York Times article came out about the film. The museum was flooded with calls and emails from angry Darwinists who demanded the event be canceled.

While the private screening wasn’t canceled, the Smithsonian started backpedaling ... quickly. It returned the $16,000 rental fee and issued the following statement:

“Upon further review, the Museum has determined that the content of the film is not consistent with the mission of the Smithsonian Institution’s scientific research.”

The film didn’t even mention creation or evolution—just the design in the universe.

Darwinists often pull out the stops to protect their sacred religion. Is their belief system really so weak?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For a closer look at the Smithsonian controversy, see The Smithsonian Institution makes “intelligent” decision and the subsequent update in a sidebar in the article, titled “Smithsonian backpedaling.”

From the Answers in Genesis ministry.

Check our helpful "links" section!

Still in the Land of the Living (just Barely)

Wow. What an interesting past 27 hours. Yesterday at noon I left to help my youngest daughter move back to Pensacola, FL to start work on her master's degree. She had her car packed (as well as a lot of my truck}. A brother in Christ, co-worker and longtime friend Wayne rode with me as he was going to pick up a car in Pensacola and we'd convoy back.

The trip to Pensacola was basically uneventful and Wayne and I enjoyed the time of fellowship. Though we minister together we rarely get to sit down and talk (at least for a 5-6 hour stretch like this) and both of us like to challenge the other's intellect and practice our verbal sparring skills. In all modesty I must say, we both did well.

With Beka safely situated we went to see Rachel and Ben (my oldest daughter and my favorite son-in-law). They had a few things I needed to bring back to Starke reality (maybe realty in this case) and the car Wayne was going to bring back was there too. While the kids and I exchanged pleasantries Wayne made the 1989 Lincoln Town Car as road-worthy as possible and soon we were back on the road again. Ben and Rachel were going out to eat with his mother who happened to be in town.

About halfway back we stopped in Tallahasse for the Chick-fil-a treat we had been proming ourselves the whole trip. Alas, it was not to be since they closed at 10 and it was now 10:45. Wayne stopped at a quickie mart and I went to the next exit to a McDonalds. When I got back on the road I asked Wayne where he was (via cell phone) and found he was about 9 miles in front of me. I told him I'd catch up eventually.

A short time later he called me and asked if I had passed him beside the road. I assured him I hadn't and he told me he had hit something and had at least one flat tire! I could see a car beside the road a little ahead of me and I asked him if he had his flashers on. When he replied affirmatively I said, "I see you, I'll be right there!" I also thought I'd try to see what he hit (he wasn't sure). As I got closer to him I saw a 6" x 6" 3' "board" laying just off the roadway but still on the pavement. He was blessed to be right side up I thought.

Sure enough the front right tire was shot. It had taken the brunt of the impact and evidently nothing else was damaged. We couldn't get the tire off and had to call for roadside service. The said they'd be there in an hour. Exactly one hour later Mr. Dennis showed up (he had come from 57 miles away). With all his equipment he had a hard time getting the tire changed and wondered aloud who had put the lugs on so tightly. Finally with our tire changed, Mr. Dennis left with one of my tracts in hand and we were on the road again.

We stopped at the nearest rest area (don't ask) and then were on the road again. I pulled in my driveway at 3:55 AM and Wayne got home probably 5-10 minutes later (I didn't ask). I awoke at 10 AM and started my day afresh but no really refreshed.

Wayne was praising God he was in such a big car (Ben calls it "the Tank") and feels certain has he been in a small car he may not be here to tell the tale. Right after we got on the road from the rest area I thanked God for His mercies.

That though we had a problem:

No-one was injured.

The car was not more badly damaged.

Mr. Dennis didn't refuse the tract.

We were able to make it home.

And the list goes on. Are you thankful?

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." I Th. 5:18

Picture of the week

He better hope they don't know he's a Tennessee Vol. fan.

WHAT WISE PEOPLE DO

Adapted by Rick Jackson from a Lee Roberson message

PSALM 111:10

WARNING LABELS and notices are a great benefit to those who take the time to read them and then heed them. The fact is a warning label can save lives. The Bible has warnings in it that cannot only save our lives but our souls as well.

I. WISE PEOPLE PREPARE

1. Death or the Second Coming of Christ (Heb. 9:27, Mt. 25:13, Amos 4:12)

2. Heaven or Hell (Lk. 16:19-31, Jn. 14:1-6)

3. Prepare or Beware (Jn. 3:16-18, 36; 1:12, Heb. 10:26ff)

II. WISE PEOPLE SERVE

A wise saved person will serve God in gratitude for the wonderful gift of salvation. Not to be saved but because he is saved (II Co. 5:17)

1. Serve God by church attendance (Heb. 10:25)

2. Serve God by Bible study (II Tm. 2:15)

3. Serve God by good works (Eph. 2:10)

3. Serve God by praying (Gn. 13:4, Ex. 33:12-14, I Kings 18:37-39, Jer. 32:17)

III. WISE PEOPLE WITNESS

The greatest event in your life was salvation, the greatest thing we can do for others is witness.

1. Witness by your works (Mt. 5:16)

2. Witness by your words (Acts 5:20, I Co. 15:1-4)

3. Witness by your way (Pr. 11:30)

I WANNA QUIT!

Rick Jackson

You read right. I want to quit. You invest so much in some people only to have them show you how little they appreciate it.

"For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica..." II Tm. 4:10

It's not like I am the first person to be dealing with unthankfulness.

"And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" Lk. 17:17

And it's not like I haven't made plenty of mistakes.

"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus." Phil. 3:12

And I sure ain't the first person who ever wanted to quit!

"Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live... And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live." Jonah 4:3, 8

"But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers." I Kings 19:4

So again, I want to quit, I want to resign. But...

Instead I will re-sign, re-enlist, repent and retry. Why?

Because Heb. 12:4 says, "Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin."

Because Jesus didn't quit, "For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed." Is. 50:7 "And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem..." Lk. 9:51

Because God called me and I know, "... the gifts and calling of God are without repentance." Rm. 11:29

Because I owe Him too much to let Him down if I can help it. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." Rm. 12:1-3

Come on... the path is straight and our Father is calling!

"But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." Jn. 4:23

LEAVING A LOCAL CHURCH IV

I left a local church in 1976 because unbelievers and cultists were teaching in the denominational schools (which is still going on though the overall leadership is conservative now) I did so on Biblical principles (II Cor. 6, etc.). I had the decency and integrity to go to my pastor and explain why I was leaving. I told him I loved him but I loved the Lord more and had to follow His Word. I could not give money to a church where part was going to support unbelievers tearing up the faith of believers and if I could not support the work financially I shouldn't be a part period. Later I found out I would have had to leave anyway because the local pastor was part of a local ministerial group and they had inter-faith services at Easter and he allowed a cultist to speak in the local church. Denominational sins often end up being local sins. I still consider him my friend and as far as I know he considers me his. The point being, I went to see him and several other church leaders and explained why I was leaving. The pastor was very understanding, some of the others... well... not so much.

Which brings me to my point today. To my recollection, very few people who have left the 3 churches I have pastored have come to me and told me why they were leaving. And of those few who did, none had Scriptural reasons except those who were moving out of town. Of course that's probably why the others didn't come to me in Christian love and duty anyway. No valid reason, just excuses. Some came to me and gave me one reason but told others another reason. One family had 8 different "The reason we are leaving" stories but NOT 1 was Scripturally valid. Do we not realize that:

Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

2 Corinthians 5:9-11

CONSIDER AND UNDERSTAND

II TIMOTHY 2:7

Rick Jackson

Uncle Sam isn't the only one who wants you! The Devil wants you (I Pet. 5:8) and the Lord wants you. Fortunately the Lord gives us somes "Do"s and "don't"s and warns us of the enemy of our souls!

I. DO:

1. Enlist (v. 1, 8) He's paid all costs, join up, don't be a draft dodger!

2. Enjoin (v. 2) "to order with urgency, to admonish", encourage others to enlist!

3. Endure (v. 3, 10) Don't be a quitter! Don't be awol, don't be a deserter!

II. DON'T:

1. Entangle (v. 4, Mk. 14:18-19)

2. Endanger (v. 5, 19)

3. Envy (v. 6, 20-21, Jm. 5:7-11)

III. BEWARE THE ENEMY SEEKS TO:

1. Entrap (v. 9-13)

2. Entice (v. 14-18)

3. Enslave (v. 22-23, 26)

Quote(s) of the Week

"Discontentment always searches for the nearest exit sign." Kent Crockett/Once Was Blind But Now I Squint/AMG Publishers, 2004

A man is a creature who finds it hard to wait 10 minutes for his wife, but can sit motionless for hours for a small fish.

You don't have to go to Paris to become a parasite. Old Union Proverb

Picture of the week

Nothing to lose? Thought we might need a little levity after the heavy subjects we've been blogging lately.

LEAVING A LOCAL CHURCH III

Who is being hurt? Just about everyone. Mostly, the children.

When people leave churches willy-nilly for reasons that aren't Biblical they hurt just about everyone. They hurt the godly pastor and people who don't understand their actions. They hurt the cause of Christ. They hurt their own testimonies. They hurt their children and the children of others. Their own children learn to run from problems (real or perceived). They learn the "cut and run" philosophy from people who should know better.

One family left our church because they said we didn't have enough programs for children. We had enough programs for their children to be saved at our church, to learn to follow the Lord in believer's baptism and to memorize much of God's Word but that evidently wasn't enough. Come to think about it, the parents were also saved through the ministries of the church. These parents seemingly wanted to have the church babysit their children so they (the parents) could do their own thing and no, we didn't have programs for that. Where'd these young parents learn that?

Well maybe from Grandma who left the church because it didn't have enough Sr. programs to entertain her in her retirement (though she never took advantage of the programs the church did offer). What did she owe the church anyway? Not much maybe, I mean, the pastor just led her husband to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ but why be loyal when fun is beckoning? Why indeed. "As for me and my house, we shall SERVE the Lord!"

WHAT THINK YE OF CHRIST? WHOSE SON IS HE? II

MATTHEW 22:41-46

LUKE 2:41-52

IN HIS DEITY

1. The Son of the Blessed (Mk. 14:61-62)

-speaks of Christ filled with the Father's power (Mt. 28:18)

2. The Son of the Highest (Mk. 5:7, Lk. 1:32, 8:28, Ps. 132:11)

-speaks of Christ fulfilling the Father's promise

3. The Son of God (Mt. 16:16, Jn. 1:18, 34, 3:16, 10:30, 11:27, Rm. 1:4, 8:32, Col. 1:13, I Jn. 1:1-3, 4:14, II Jn. 3)

-speaks of Christ's person as God and the plan of salvation

4. The Beloved Son (Mt. 3:17, 17:5)

-speaks of Christ pleasing the Father (Jn. 8:29, II Pt. 1:17)

LEAVING A LOCAL CHURCH II

People often have a weird sense of what is important.

A pastor preaching against premarital and extramarital sex said that sex in its proper place (marriage) is good and certainly not sinful. God designed it, blessed it and determined its lawful use. Well, a member of the church we'll call "Dave" got upset with this pastor, even though what he said was Biblical. Dave left the church taking his wife and daughter with him. It didn't matter to him that the pastor had led both the Dave's wife and daughter to Christ. Nor did it matter that the pastor was preaching exactly what the Bible teaches. It didn't matter that the pastor apologized if he had said it somewhat indelicately (he didn't). Dave left. Well, all in all, better that someone leaves your church because you preach the truth than if you don't preach the truth. Unfortunately it was the beginning of the end for Dave. His wife and daughter eventually left him and he died a lonely man. Cause and effect? Not for me to judge. But I do know that pastor would have been a good ally to help hold the family together as both wife and daughter highly regarded him, but Dave had burnt that bridge and tied the pastor's hands.

If you have reason to leave a local church or even a denomination make sure it's Biblical. I left a church my family had been associated with for decades because the pastor didn't believe the Bible was God's Word, didn't believe in a personal devil and was a wolf in sheep's clothing. The local church itself gave a man's office of elder to his wife when he moved away. He moved because his wife was having an affair, divorced her husband and married her "lover". All this was common knowledge, and yet the church honored her with an office. The denomination itself no longer followed the Bible and openly supported many anti-Biblical causes. Even as a young Christian, recently saved and just starting to read his Bible I knew those things weren't right. So I left, looking for a church where the Bible was preached. Eventually I found one. Now I pastor one. All glory to God for the great things He hath done.

LEAVING A LOCAL CHURCH

I have been attending churches for 49 years and have been pastoring for over 20 years so I have seen a lot of people quit attending local churches. Most of the time they are for the wrong reasons. I don't say there aren't some right reasons, but the vast majority of "church tramps", as my Grandfather used to call them ("tramps" in the sense of hobos, bums, etc.), have invalid and unscriptural "reasons" for leaving.

One example is a fellow who quit a church I was pastoring because "He never preaches on _________." I don't remember the specific subject he named but at the time I did because I had just preached on it recently. But since he only came occasionally on Sunday mornings, and never on Sunday or Wednesday nights he didn't know what I preached over two-thirds of the time! His excuse was either a lie, or just that, an excuse.

A pastor friend related to me that a man told him he couldn't come to church because he has milk in the refrigerator! When asked what that had to do with it he smiled and replied, "Really preacher, isn't one excuse just as good as another?" Someone has said, "An excuse is a lie stuffed in the skin of a reason." Reasons for not doing something are by definition, well, reasonable. Excuses? Well, reasonableness not required. A missionary said, "He who wants to do something bad enough will find a way. He who doesn't will find an excuse."

More later...

WHAT THINK YE OF CHRIST? WHOSE SON IS HE?

MATTHEW 22:41-46

IN HIS HUMANITY

1. The Son of David (Mt. 22:42-45, 1:1, II Chr. 21:7)

-speaks of His Kingship, His Messiahship, & fulfills the Davidic covenant

2. The Son of Abraham (Mt. 1:1, Gn. 12:1-3, Gal. 3:14-18)

-speaks of His Jewishness & fulfills the Abrahamic covenant

3. The Son of Mary (Mk. 6:3, Gn. 3:15, Is. 7:14, Jer. 31:22)

-speaks of His virgin birth & fulfills the Adamic covenant

4. The Son of Joseph (Lk. 3:23, 4:22, 41)

-speaks of men's ignorance & God's accuracy)

5. The Son of Man (Mk. 9:12, 10:33-34, I Cor. 15:20-22, 45-50, Rm. 5:11-21)

-speaks of God's plan, purpose & persistence)

WHO IS THIS?

MATTHEW 21:1-10

What a question. If you talk about what Jesus did, John said, "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." (Jn. 21:25) The whole Bible talks about Who He is and What He does. How can we even begin to scratch the surface? We can't, but that's part of what makes Him so great. The songwriter said, "Oh for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise!" There are many ways to approach this.

I. THINK OCCUPATIONALLY

To the archaeologist HE'S THE ROCK OF AGES

To the baker HE'S THE BREAD OF LIFE

To the criminal HE'S OUR ADVOCATE

To the lawyer HE'S THE JUDGE

To the builder HE'S THE CORNER STONE

To the architect HE'S THE FOUNDATION

To the farmer HE'S THE HUSBANDMAN

To the rancher HE'S THE OWNER OF THE CATTLE ON A THOUSAND HILLS

To the philosopher HE'S THE TRUTH

To the wise HE'S THE WISDOM OF GOD

To the soldier HE'S THE PRINCE OF PEACE

To royalty HE'S THE KING OF KINGS

To the ruler HE'S THE LORD OF LORDS

To the sinner HE'S THE SAVIOUR

II. THINK ALPHABETICALLY

JESUS IS:

A FRIEND OF PUBLICANS AND SINNERS

A FRIEND THAT STICKETH CLOSER THAN A BROTHER

A LAMB WITHOUR BLEMISH OR SPOT

A MAN OF SORROWS

ALMIGHTY

ALPHA

AUTHOR OF OUR FAITH

CAPTAIN OF THE LORD OF HOSTS

CHRIST OUR PASSOVER

CHRIST THE LORD

COUNSELLOR

EMMANUEL

EVERLASTING FATHER

FINISHER OF OUR FAITH

GOD MY SAVIOR

GOD WITH US

GREATER THAN JONAH

GREATER THAN MOSES

GREATER THAN SOLOMON

I AM

MASTER

MY DELIVERER

MY FORTRESS

MY DELIVERER

MY SHEPHERD

OMEGA

REDEEMER

THAT PROPHET LIKE UNTO MOSES

THE ANCIENT OF DAYS

THE BRANCH OF THE LORD

THE CARPENTER

THE DOOR

THE FIRST

THE GOOD SHEPHERD

THE GREAT HIGH PRIEST

THE GREAT PHYSICIAN

THE GREAT SHEPHERD

THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL

THE HORN OF OUR SALVATION

THE KING OF GLORY

THE LAST

THE LIFE

THE MIGHTY GOD

THE PROPITIATION FOR OUR SIN

THE RESURRECTION

THE ROCK OF MY SALVATION

THE ROCK THAT IS HIGHER THAN I

THE ROOT OF JESSE

THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER

THE SEED OF THE WOMAN

THE SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

THE TRUTH

THE UNSPEAKABLE GIFT

THE VINE

THE WAY

THE WORD

III. THINK TEXTUALLY (our text Mt. 21)

1. According to the multitudes (v. 6-11)-Son of David, the Highest, Jesus the prophet

2. According to Zechariah the prophet (v. 4-5)-the King of Sion (Zion)

3. According to Himself (v. 1-3)-the Lord

Under the Weather

I have had a really bad summer cold that came on me Monday Night and still hasn't completely left my system. The Lord was gracious and I felt much better Wednesday night and was able to preach but I relapsed on Thursday. This is to explain my lack of consistent posts this week. At least this week I have a reason.

3 HOMES GOD WANTS YOU TO HAVE

I. A BLESSED EARTHLY HOME (EPH. 5:15-6:4)

1. Relationships-though some are automatic, all need work & God's help

2. Fellowship-comes from the work, automatic when everyone puts Christ first!

3. Leadership-Bible leadership is key, God knows better than we do!

II. A BIBLICAL CHURCH HOME (HEBREWS 10:19-25, 13:5-17)

1. Relationships-trust Christ, join a Bible-based local church (Jn. 1:12)

2. Fellowship-live for Christ, then they are all automatic (I Jn. 1:5-2:11)

3. Leadership-Bible leadership is key! (pastor, deacons)

III. A BEAUTIFUL HEAVENLY HOME (REV. 21:9-22:5)

1. Relationships-trust Christ, then they are all automatic!

2. Fellowship-perfect since no sin natures to ruin things

3. Leadership-perfect, God rules, we follow gladly!

Picture of the week

Wow. Now this car has a great passing gear!