The Better Hope (With which to end 1 year and begin another!)

"For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God" (Hebrews 7:19).

Men and women have many false hopes in this world, one of which is that they can earn heaven by good works. Even though God's law is a perfect law, it can never make a person fit for heaven, because no one can keep the law perfectly. There is a better hope, however, and that hope is "the hope of salvation" (I Thessalonians 5:8) "which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).

This "hope that is in you" (I Peter 3:15) is indeed a wonderful hope. In addition to the one in our text ("better"), there are three other adjectives in the New Testament relative to our Christian hope:

First, it is called a "good hope." "Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father . . . hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace" (II Thessalonians 2:16).

Next, it is a "blessed hope." "Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:12,13).

Finally, it is a "lively or living hope." "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (I Peter 1:3).

It is true, of course, that our hope is centered on the eternal future, for "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable" (I Corinthians 15:19). Nevertheless, the proved resurrection of Christ makes it a good hope, a blessed hope, and a living hope. HMM

INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org

December 31, 2007

A WORD OF EXPLANATION

Usually on Sundays I post sermon outlines from that Sunday's messages but I'm not preaching this Sunday. Evangelist Matt Downs (Bill Rice Ranch, Murfreesboro, Tn) is going to be with Bradford Baptist Church in Starke, FL today. Brother Downs is a gifted preacher and always preaches from the Word of God! We look forward to his messages today. If you are in the area come join us!

Creation and the Sciences

"So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them" (Genesis 1:27).

The first chapter of Genesis is the foundational chapter of the Bible and, therefore, of all true science. It is the great creation chapter, outlining the events of that first week of time when "the heavens and the earth were finished, and. . . . God ended His work which He had made" (Genesis 2:1,2). Despite the evolutionists, God is not creating or making anything in the world today (except for special miracles as recorded in Scripture), because all His work was finished in that primeval week. He is now engaged in the work of conserving, or saving, what He first created.

There are only three acts of special creation--that is, creation out of nothing except God's omnipotent word--recorded in this chapter. His other works were those of "making" or "forming" the created entities into complex, functioning systems.

His first creative act was to call into existence the Space/ Mass/Time cosmos. "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). This is the domain which we now study in the physical sciences. The second is the domain of the life sciences. "God created . . . every living creature that moveth" (Genesis 1:21). It is significant that the "life" principle required a second act of direct creation. It will thus never be possible to describe living systems solely in terms of physics and chemistry.

The third act of creation was that of the image of God in man and woman. The study of human beings is the realm of the human sciences. Our bodies can be analyzed chemically, and our living processes biologically, but human behavior can only really be understood in terms of our relation to God, whose image we share. HMM

INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org

QUESTION OF THE WEEK!

Why won’t they listen?

When Ken Ham travels around the world to speak on the accuracy and sufficiency of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, he often teaches about the best method to reach out to those who do not know Christ. Here he shares with us why so many people reject what the Bible says:
I believe that creation evangelism is actually one of the most powerful tools today to reach the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ. And yet, most Christians don’t even know about this biblically based method to evangelize.

I speak to thousands of people each year around the globe. I often ask the following question of audiences: “How many of you have tried to preach the gospel to someone—but find they reject what you say by bringing up something to do with evolution or millions of years?”

Without exception, I find a large number of hands go up. I then point out to these people that the teaching of evolution—and millions of years—is one of the biggest barriers to people being responsive to the gospel. For them science has supposedly proved the Bible wrong. So, why should they listen when you talk about the message of the Cross?

Operational science supports what God’s Word says about a young earth and humanity’s special role in creation. When you refute the world’s evolutionary arguments and show the lost that the Bible’s account of creation can logically be defended, they are much more likely to listen to the gospel. As a result, we at Answers in Genesis have seen many come to Christ our Creator! And we thank God for the work He has done through us during the past 12 months.

May the Lord bless you and others through you in this upcoming year.

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

SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHT!

From time to time I intend to do a blog on the subject "Something Ain't Right". It might be something I've seen or heard or something someone has observed. The intention is to blog when I observe something that makes me think, "Something ain't right!" Feel free to send me some items that you have noticed and then keep your eyes opened for it to possibly appear on this blog. Of course you could put yours on your own blog and then you wouldn't have to send it to me.

Today's topic.

During the fall of 2007 a new TV show about brain surgeons debuted. Alas it didn't last long. One part I remember was an arrogant doctor saying, "If God created us perfect why am I correcting His mistakes?" I thought... SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHT!

Now I am sure a lot of people think, "Hey. That's right! That proves God didn't create us or that God ain't very smart.!" No, it proves that many people are ignorant of the Bible. God created man perfect (he didn't evolve). But God also gave man free choice and man chose to sin. Sin brought death and disease into the world- NOT God! All the imperfections in this world are man's fault- not God's.

If a master mason laid a concrete sidewalk and smoothed it perfectly could you blame him for the mess if a runaway car ruined it? Of course not, and yet God is blamed for Columbine, 9-11, etc. when events like this are a result of NOT obeying God. Something Ain't Right!

The mason could fix the sidewalk and God has provided a solution for our problem as well. God the Son took on flesh, lived a perfect life, died a vicarious death and 3 days later had a victorious resurrection. Receive Christ and the payment He made for you and God will one day give you a perfect body along with a host of other blessings!

QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

Steven Wright said the following:

All those who believe in psychokinesis raise my hand.

The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

I almost had a psychic girlfriend but she left me before we met.

OK, so what's the speed of dark?

How do you tell when you're out of invisible ink?

If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked
something.

Support bacteria - they're the only culture some people have.

When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

Ambition is a poor excuse for not having enough sense to be lazy.

Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.

PICTURES OF THE WEEK!

According to www.snopes.com the "experts" say the bear and the canine are NOT playing! They must be doing something else. They don't know what but it's definitely NOT playing.
Riiiggghhhtttt! I dont know if those particular experts are ignorant or arrogant but I know play when I see it!

PICTURES OF THE WEEK!

IS TODAY REALLY THE DAY ON WHICH CHRIST WAS BORN?

This blog originally ran on Friday, December 08, 2006 but I felt led of the Lord to run it again. It's message is as timely as ever.

ANSWERING THE CHRISTMAS CRITICS (1)

ROMANS 14:1-12

Rick Jackson

There was an interesting letter on the editorial page of the Bradford County Telegraph last year (12-1-05). A lady, whom to my knowledge I do not know, wrote,The following is "Just My Opinion" but I would like to know - "What do you think, are you willing to change?"

My answer is “no”. I am not willing to change because of someone’s opinion. I am willing to conform to the Word of God. Romans 3:4

What is wrong with Christians celebrating the birth of Jesus on his "real" birthday? Why don't Christians just let the world have their "Happy Holidays" their "Santa Clauses," their lighted trees and all the other traditions" that go with Dec. 25? Guys, believe it or not, this is not the day Jesus was born and I can tell you exactly when it was.

It will take a major portion of this sermon to discount this statement But let’s see how her opinion continued.

It was Tishri 15 (that is a Jewish feast day, their New Year or Rosh Hashanah). Jesus fulfilled every one of the Jewish Feast Days. On the exact days those feast happened, in the time of Jesus, those feast were fulfilled. The only feast left to fulfill is the Feast of Trumpets, and that is the Rapture.

There is not one hint in the Scriptures that Jesus was born on Rosh Hashanah. There would have been a lot of Jewish rituals going on during that time and none is indicated by either Luke or Matthew. Matthew’s silence is deafening since his purpose was to present Christ as the King of the Jews and this would certainly have bolstered that claim.

Now, do you understand why the Shepherds were out watching their sheep by night? It was not cold weather in September.

Dr. Mark Cambron, respected Bible scholar had heard this unsubstantiated claim that it is too cold for the sheep in December. We must remember Israel is not North Dakota or even Ohio. Dr. Cambron was at the shepherds’ field in Bethlehem one Christmas eve and noticed there were shepherds present. He asked them, “Why are sheep here and not in folds. Isn’t it too cold?” They replied, “This is when the grass grows best, so we graze here!” Then he noticed the grass was indeed thick and over knee high. Hearsay destroyed by eyewitnesses!

If Christians go to the "real" birth of Jesus and celebrate it, then all those people who are fighting over not having "their" symbols displayed, or the ACLU fighting to eliminate every thing religious, would perhaps stop. No other religion will be allowed to put up their symbol on our special day.It doesn't belong to them, it belongs to the Christians.

That’s a rather naive view isn’t it? II Th. 1:4, II Tm. 3:11-12

See, right now, they are telling us that Dec. 25 does not belong to Christians, it belongs to those who worship Santa Clause. And you know what? They are right. Separating the two times of the year, would also help teach your child the truth about Jesus, especially if you are a Christian.

I never had a problem teaching my kids the truth about Jesus or Santa. Dt. 6:4-7, Eph. 6:4

See, here is the Christians problem (as I see it). We have put our Lord and Saviors birth right up there with "pagan" beliefs.

Actually Satan constantly tries to get people to believe his lie rather than God’s truth. Jn. 8:44

Does God approve of this? Does God back us in our efforts to keep Jesus as our symbol for this paganism day of worship?

Does she really believe we shouldn’t worship Jesus on any day someone else has set aside for paganism? I worship Jesus on Dec. 25th, July 4th, October 31st and every other day of the year! Jn. 4:24, Rm. 14:5

Now, if you want to support Santa Clause and all that goes with it, I see no problem with that, but just remember - this is not the birth of Jesus. Don't let the attributes of Santa Clause become the same as Jesus' attributes.

Which is it? Does she have a problem with it or does she not? I personally have a problem with it. Is. 42:8, I Cor. 2:8, Ps. 24

Separating of the two times, will put a stop to this.

No. It won’t. Why would it?

The Jewish celebration on or near Dec. 25, called Hanukkah (celebration of lights) has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus. Now, I know this is not pagan; this is a true event for them, the Jews. But it is still not Christmas.

Celebrating God’s light is closer to Christmas than Rosh Hashanah. Jn. 1:1-5, 9-12, 8:12, 9:5

Here is my second problem I see with the Christian community. They are not willing to make any changes, even if it is making a change for the "truth."

Her truth or God’s truth? She hasn’t proved anything. “My problem” “Christian community” Who’s that?

They would rather sit right where they are and let the ACLU and all the other religions of the world dictate to us, about the birth of our Savior; and send money to organizations to fight to keep Dec. 25 for Jesus.

I haven’t sent anyone any money. But if I did it would be to preserve our right to celebrate Christmas in a Christ honoring fashion.

If this world's system eventually gets to the point where there is no "Merry Christmas" and it all becomes "Happy Holidays," guys, don't panic, just remember: It isn't the birth of Jesus any way. Just my opinion.

The last three words are the truest thing she has said in her whole letter. The rest reminds me of the Texas longhorn… a point here and a point there and a lot of bull in-between So can we pinpoint Christmas to December at least. Let’s see.

Bible fact # 1 In I Chr. 24:1-19 David organized the priests for the Temple. There were 24 orders for the 12 months, two orders per month (v. 18-19). Note in the fourth month, the latter part of the month is the order of Abijah (v. 10).

Bible fact # 2 In Ex. 12:2, 13:4 God says the month Nisan is the first month of the Jewish calendar. Nisan falls in our Mar. /Apr. which puts the order of Abijah in our July.

Bible Fact # 3 Zechariah was serving in July. (Lk. 1:5-7) Not yet 50 but advanced in years (people age differently, in US pioneer days the average lifespan was 35). Luke 1:8-23. He went home in August and John the Baptist was conceived in August or September (1:24). Her first month would be Sept. or Oct. Her 6th month would be Feb.-March. (1:26-36 Mary conceived in Elisabeth’s 6th month so her first month would be March-April. Count it out. April, May, June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., December.

Late December is when the shepherds are out in their fields to watch their sheep by night. The night the angels came. Luke 2:8-15. The night, Christ was born. I for one am not going to let the Devil steal my Christmas.

1. Worship in Spirit and truth Jn. 4:24

2. Be fully persuaded in your own mind. Rm. 14:5-6

3. Whatever ye do, do it unto the Lord Col. 3:17-25

THINGS TO KNOW

GENESIS 21

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE LORD [v. 1-7]

1. The Lord Keeps His Word [v. 1]

2. The Lord Keeps His Timetable [v. 2]

3. The Lord Keeps His Covenants [v. 3-7]

1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

2 Peter 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

Revelation 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come ° upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

II. THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE FLESH [v. 8-21]

1. The flesh is not compatible with the spirit [v. 8-9, Gal. 4:28-29]

2. The flesh is not conducive with freedom [v. 10-11, Gal. 4:22-27]

3. The flesh is not conquered with ease [v. 12, Gal. 4:30-5:1]

4. The flesh is not concerned with the hereafter [v. 13-21, Gal. 5:16-17, 6:7-8]

III. THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE WORLD [v. 22-34]

1. The world doesn't trust God [v. 22-24]

2. The world has it's own agenda [v. 25-26]

3. The world is temporary [v. 27-34, Heb. 11:9-10]

THREE WISE MEN

MATTHEW 2:1-12

Adapted by Pastor Rick Jackson from a tract by Oliver B. Greene

There are several myths about the wise men that can be dispelled with a simple reading of the scripture. They were not at the stable, they weren't necessarily limited to three. There are likewise many truths that can be gathered about them from the same texts. They spent a great deal of time and resources to find Jesus, they realized He was more than just a man, they obeyed the Lord's instructions in various matters, etc.

You can be wise this season too. It's true you won't be following a star to Bethlehem but the Bible reveals how to be wise.

I. THE FIRST WISE MAN: THE SAVED MAN!

1. HEARS THE WORD OF GOD [Mt. 7:24]

2. HEEDS THE WORD OF GOD [Mt. 7:24-25]

3. BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST [I Pt. 2:1-11]

II. THE SECOND WISE MAN: THE SOUL WINNER!

1. JESUS CAME TO SEEK AND TO SAVE [Lk. 19:10]

2. JESUS COMMISSIONED US TO DO LIKEWISE [Jn. 20:21-23]

3. JESUS COMMENDS THOSE THAT WIN SOULS AS WISE

-Ps. 126:5-6 Guarantees results,

Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Daniel 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever

III. THE THIRD WISE MAN:THE UNDERSTANDING MAN [Dan. 12:9-13]

1. He has an understanding of the Past.

Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

2. He has an understanding of the Present

Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

3. He has an understanding of the future.

Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Mark 13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

Why did Christ come to earth?

During this Christmas season, it’s important for every believer to stop and consider the wonderful reason that we celebrate. Christ came to earth to save us. But we must also consider the reason for His birth . . . and His death upon the Cross.

God gave us the entire Bible, and every verse is important. The book of Genesis is especially important because so many details in Genesis are directly tied to our understanding of the gospel.

For example, Galatians 3:13 says Christ was “made a curse for us.” We can’t understand the “Curse” unless we understand that it originated in the Garden of Eden when God judged Adam for his sin. Christ then took this judgment for us on the Cross.

1 Corinthians 15 says Christ is the “last Adam [who] was made a quickening spirit.” We understand what God’s Word means by telling us that Christ is the last Adam because the Bible also tells us about the first Adam!

After Jesus rose from the grave and met some of His discouraged disciples on the road to Emmaus, the Bible indicates in Luke 24 that “beginning with Moses and all the prophets,” He explained to them why He had to suffer and die. “Moses” refers to the books of Moses: the first five books of the Bible, starting with Genesis. If we want people to fully understand why God took on flesh over two thousand years ago, we need to teach and preach the book of Genesis!
Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed. (Luke 1:1–4)

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

Visit

"Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His name" (Acts 15:14).

Our English word "visit" has come to mean a social call, but not so in the Greek where it can mean to inspect, to look upon in order to help, or benefit.

For example, when Christ said "sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not" (Matthew 25:43), He had in mind more than a social call. The prisons of the day were miserable places, with no amenities whatever. Prisoners desperately needed help from the outside. Paul wrote to Timothy from his Roman prison: "The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee" (II Timothy 4:13). By better understanding the word "visit," Christ's teaching takes on a richer meaning involving more the idea of a personal commitment.

The events surrounding the birth of the Messiah were considered a "visitation" by Zacharias when he prophesied over the baby Jesus: "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people . . . the dayspring from on high hath visited us" (Luke 1:68,78). After Christ raised to life a dead boy, the people exclaimed, "a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited His people" (Luke 7:16).

In that light consider our text for today as James explained to the church leaders Paul's ministry to the Gentiles. With our expanded understanding of the word "visit," we could now expand the verse to read, "how God for the first time did look upon the Gentiles, in order to help them. In doing so He took out of them a people for His name." God, in His grace, has done all that was necessary to help us, to bring us out of bondage to sin, and to stamp on us His holy name. JDM

INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org

December 21, 2007

The Word and the Spirit

"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God" (I Corinthians 2:12).

How is it that some people can read a Biblical passage and find it either tedious, confusing, or even foolish, whereas others will receive great understanding and blessing from the very same passage? The answer is that the first group are animated only by the spirit of the world, "the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience" (Ephesians 2:2), whereas the others are indwelt by the Spirit of God, having received the Holy Spirit when they trusted Christ for forgiveness and salvation.

It was, after all, the Holy Spirit who inspired the Scriptures to begin with. "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (II Peter 1:21). "All scripture is given by inspiration of God" (II Timothy 3:16), that is, "God-breathed," where the "breath of God" is none other than the "Spirit of God." Concerning his own divinely inspired writings, Paul said: "We speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth" (I Corinthians 2:13).

Likewise it is the same Spirit indwelling each believer who illumines, and confirms, and applies His own Scriptures to the individual Christian who reads or hears them. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (I Corinthians 2:14). On the other hand, Jesus promised His disciples that "when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13).

This He does through the Scriptures He inspired, with blessings abundant as we study them prayerfully and with believing and obedient hearts. HMM

INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org

Holy Brethren

"I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren" (I Thessalonians 5:27).

There is probably no word more misused--even abused--than the word "holy." In our day and age, it usually conjures up an image of sanctimoniousness, or even hypocrisy, and thus often becomes a term of snide ridicule.

Nevertheless, it is a Biblical term of highest significance, most often used in connection with God Himself, the Holy Spirit. Since it is also used in connection with things ("the holy place," as in Hebrews 9:12), it does not in itself necessarily have a moral connotation. Its basic meaning is evidently "set apart" and can refer either to people or objects that have been dedicated to God and His service.

Christians are all "holy brethren" in this sense, regardless of their individual behavior. They are all also called "saints" (same word as "holy" in the Greek--e.g., I Corinthians 1:2, even though many of the "saints" at Corinth were far from Christlike in their actions).

By all means, however, we who are called "holy brethren" ought to try, by God's grace, to bring honor to such a name, rather than ridicule. "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to Him that appointed Him" (Hebrews 3:1,2).

The term "saints," or "holy brethren," applies both to men and women, of course, and to believers of Old Testament times as well as New Testament. Peter, for example, mentions "the holy women" who honored and served the Lord "in the old time" (I Peter 3:5) and also the "holy men of God" through whom God gave the Old Testament Scriptures (II Peter 1:21). The eternal admonition of God to all believers of every age is: "Be ye holy; for I am holy" (I Peter 1:16). HMM

INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org

BLOGGIN' & LOGGIN'

No-one has said anything to me yet but I am bothered by the fact that most of my blogs have been unoriginal (with me) lately. Now the quality of the blogs has been excellent. ICR, AIG, Sumner Wemp, etc. ...these guys are tops. D.L. Moody once said, "Never use an original thought when a borrowed one is better!" This has been my lifesaver.

Lately I have been ill and had other pressing needs which have taken precedent over the blog. Even though this is one of my busy seasons I will endeavor to return some old favorites (pictures/quotes of the week)to the blog while continuing the new message outlines (Sundays & Wednesdays) and other original stuff. And yes, I will continue to bring you the best of the best in "borrowed" material. Excelsior!

Things to Keep

"And He said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments" (Matthew 19:17).

The two main Greek words for "keep" in the New Testament both mean more than just "obey," though this meaning is certainly included. They also mean "guard" and "preserve." We are thus told by Christ, in our text above, to guard and obey God's commandments.

The same urgent command to keep what God has given is applied to many other entities in Scripture. For example, Paul stresses that we are to "keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called" (I Timothy 6:20). In other words, false science (evolution) and vain babbling (humanistic philosophies) will seek to destroy the tenets of God's truth, so we must always be diligent to guard and protect these truths.

Each person is also urged to "keep himself unspotted from the world" and to "keep thyself pure" (James 1:27; I Timothy 5:22). The forces of darkness make perpetual attacks against the spiritual and moral integrity of the Christian, so we must constantly be alert to protect ourselves against their enticements. Then we must also endeavor "to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3), and to "keep yourselves in the love of God" (Jude 21), for the enemy will continually try to sow discord and bitterness among God's people.

There are many verses which stress the keeping of His commandments (e.g., John 14:15) and the keeping of His words (e.g., I John 2:5). Finally, in the very last chapter of the Bible, the Lord sums it all up, as it were, when He promises: "Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book" (Revelation 22:7). HMM

INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org

December 17, 2007

FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION!

GENESIS 20

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. WE ARE EASILY BESET BY SIN [12:11-20, 20:1-2]

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about ° with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us...

1. TO SIN IS HUMAN... [v. 1-2a]

Ecclesiastes 7:20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

2. TO FEAR IS HUMAN... [v. 2a]

Psalm 118:6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

3. TO FAIL IS HUMAN... [v. 2]

Romans 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

II. WE ARE ENCOMPASSED BY THE LORD [v. 2-7]

Psalm 5:12 For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

Psalm 32:10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.

Psalm 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

1. THE LORD KEEPS HIS PROMISES [v. 2-6]

2. THE LORD CONTINUES HIS PLAN [v. 7a]

3. THE LORD CAUTIONS HIS PROPERTY [v. 7b]

Psalm 24:1 The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

Psalm 89:11 The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them.

III. WE ARE EMBARASSED BY THE WORLD [v. 8-18]

Luke 16:8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

1. CHRISTIANS HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO LIVE RIGHT [v. 8-10]

Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

2. CHRISTIANS HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO THINK RIGHT [v. 11-13]

Matthew 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

3. CHRISTIAN HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO PRAY RIGHT [v. 14-18]

Matthew 5:43-46 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

LET NOTHING YOU DISMAY

JOHN 3:16; 14:1

Pastor Rick Jackson

God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day;
To save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray.

Refrain
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.

The first line of this Christmas Carol is basically a paraphrase of John 14:6 and it is true for the same reason! At Christmastime or anytime "God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay!"

But how can you do that? With so much turmoil in the world, and strife in your life how can you not be dismayed? How can you not let your heart be troubled!

I. BELIEVE IN GOD! [JN. 14:1]

1. GOD IS OMNISCIENT!

Joshua 22:22 The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth...

Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Job 28:23 God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof.

Job 34:25 Therefore he knoweth their works...

Psalm 44:21 Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.

Psalm 103:14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

Daniel 2:20-22 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever °: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.

Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

2. GOD IS OMNIPRESENT!

Psalm 139:7-10 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

3. GOD IS OMNIPOTENT!

Isaiah 50:1-3 Thus saith the LORD, Where is the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away. Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst. I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.

Jeremiah 32:17 Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

II. BELIEVE IN JESUS! [JN 14:1]

1. JESUS SHOWS US THE EXPEDIENCY OF GOD!

Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

2. JESUS SHOWS US THE EXCELLENCY OF GOD!

1 Corinthians 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for ° the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

3. JESUS SHOWS US THE EXPRESSION OF GOD!

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

III. BELIEVE IN THE BLESSED HOLY SPIRIT!

1. HE IMPACTS OUR LIVES! [14:16]

2. HE INDWELLS OUR BODIES! [14:16-17]

3. HE INSTRUCTS OUR SOULS! [14:26-27]

Are some religious leaders missionaries for evolution?

It may seem a bit strong to call some Christian leaders “missionaries for evolution,” but, in fact, leaders in many denominations will make an all-out effort to promote evolution. While some Bible-upholding leaders oppose what they’re doing, their voices are often drowned out.

Evolutionists can capitalize on this confusion in the church. Sometimes church leaders are some of their strongest allies!

Here’s what the Paleontological Society said in an evolution tract written for the general public:
“Many people of faith, including scientists, find no conflict between evolution and their religion; in fact, many religious denominations have issued statements supporting evolution. Science and religion need not conflict.” [J. Pojeta D. A. and Springer, “Evolution and the Fossil Record” (Alexandria, Virginia: American Geological Institute, 2001), p. v.]

That’s double-talk, of course. It doesn’t work both ways: the only way that the Bible doesn’t conflict with evolution is if religious leaders surrender and compromise the Word of God. You can’t say that God created in six days out of nothing, and then turn around and say that God also created in billions of years, using evolution’s death and suffering before sin.

Church leaders, instead, need to return to the sufficiency of Scripture without incorporating humanity’s fallible ideas about the past.

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

Together with Christ

"Even when we were dead in sins, God hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:5,6).

In these two marvelous verses the word "together" appears three times, referring in each case to our spiritual union with Jesus Christ. Three different words are used, each being compounded with the Greek sun, meaning "together with." The first combination means "made alive with"; the second, "resurrected with"; the third, "seated with."

All of these verbs are given in the past tense, stressing that, as far as God's own word is concerned, we have been already seated eternally in the heavens with Christ, having been born again with His own life spiritually and raised from the dead physically. All of these blessings were given to us "even when we were dead in sins," not because of our good works or by our good intentions, but only "by grace ye are saved."

The remarkable truth is that this doctrine of our eternal union with Christ, given and maintained only by His grace, does not lead to carelessness or sinfulness as some allege, but to a desire for a holy, God-honoring life. "God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? . . . like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:2,4).

The regenerate nature implanted by the Holy Spirit, a heart of gratitude for Christ’s sacrificial love for us, and the wonderful promises in God's word, all combine to transform our lives making us new creatures in Christ, knowing that henceforth we shall "ever be with the Lord" (I Thessalonians 4:17). HMM

INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org

December 14, 2007

REJOICE!

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. REJOICE NOW! [Lk. 10:20]

1. Because Jesus said to!

2. Because God knows you!

3. Because God keeps the records!

II. REJOICE ANYWAY!

1. In the Lord [Jn. 3:29]

2. In the Lord's service [Jn. 4:34-38]

3. In the Lord's Return [Jn. 14:28-29]

III. REJOICE EVERMORE!

1. Because others are saved! [Lk. 15:6, 9-10, 24-32]

2. Because our victory is secured! [Jn. 16:16-22]

3. Because our Saviour is steadfast! [Acts 2:22-28]

Reject Favoritism

"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons" (James 2:1).

Evidently the believers in the early church were much like us, in that they tended to honor and favor wealthy individuals in their congregations. James commands them to reject such partiality, and gives the reasons why.

The first reason is that God's perspective is just the opposite. He favors the one of low rank. "Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom?" (v.5).
Next, we see that favoritism never impresses the rich--it always backfires. "Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?" (v.6). Showing favoritism is not practical.

Then, note that the favored ones are probably least deserving. In fact, often "they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called" (v.7). In doing so, they dishonor the Lord, in whose name we gather.

Finally, such favoritism is a violation of "the royal law," that summary statement of God's plan for our relationships: "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" (v.8). If the law is kept, "ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin. . . . For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all" (vv.8-10).

Peter (previously a bigoted Jew) had learned this lesson, first in a vision, and then in his miraculous ministry to the Gentiles. "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34).

As our text reveals, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and showing favoritism on any basis (not only riches, but color, education, ethnic, or national background, etc.) are not compatible. JDM

INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org

December 12, 2007

Fear the Right Fear

"Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the LORD of hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread" (Isaiah 8:12,13).

The people of Judah were terrified by the imminent prospect of invasion by the cruel Assyrian hordes who had been further strengthened by a confederacy with Judah's own brethren in the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel. It is indeed cause for concern when compromising Christians join ranks with ungodly pagans in opposing those who defend the true word of God, for such a combination seems almost too strong to resist. A modern example is the current collaboration between the secular evolutionists and those Christian evolutionists and "progressive creationists" who oppose Christians who stand for the literal truth of the Biblical record of creation and earth history.

This is cause only for concern, however, not for fear! Just as in Isaiah's day, we must fear God--not men. In the coming judgment it will be far easier to explain to God why we had too much faith in His word than too little!

These verses are referred to by the Apostle Peter in a well-known New Testament passage: "Be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (I Peter 3:14,15).

Therefore, when unbelievers and compromising believers join forces against those who fully believe the Bible, the proper response is not panic, or submission, or even belligerent opposition, but an implicit confidence in God and His word, accompanied by a gracious "answer" (literally "apologetic") in defense of the truth, given in a meek spirit and in fear only of God. HMM

INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org

December 11, 2007

The Rivers and the Sea

"All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again" (Ecclesiastes 1:7).

As the ancients observed the mighty Nile and Euphrates and other great rivers flowing into the ocean, they could not help but wonder why the sea level never rose. They knew that many of the waters in the rivers came from rainfall, especially during floods, but they had only quaint notions, at best, as to where the rains originated. Not until the days of modern science did men discover that rainfall actually comes from the oceans via evaporation and atmospheric transportation.

But the Bible writers somehow seemed to know about the true nature of the hydrologic cycle thousands of years in advance of modern science. The rivers come from the same place to which they return--that is, the sea.

But how do the waters of the sea ever rise into the sky? "He maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapor thereof: Which the clouds do drop and distill upon man abundantly" (Job 36:27,28). Water droplets are made very small by the process of evaporation so they can be carried aloft by the uprushing air forces over warm waters; later they "distill upon man abundantly."

There are other references in Scripture to different phases of this great hydrologic cycle, but one of the most significant is Isaiah 55:10,11: "For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth. . . . So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please." The waters return to the skies only after doing their good work on the lands. Just so, the life-giving word of God returns to Him, not void, but full of the spiritual fruit for which He sent it. HMM

INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH

www.icr.org

December 10, 2007

HOW TO RUIN YOUR LIFE

GENESIS 19

Pastor Rick Jackson


I. HE WAS ENAMORED WITH THE WORLD [v.1]

His brush with the world in Egypt may have had something to do with it. If so, it's another bad result of the lack of faith that led Abram to Egypt.

James 1:13-14 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

1. He started when he "pitched his tent toward Sodom" [Gn. 13:12]

2. He continued when he "dwelt in Sodom" [Gn. 14:12]

3. He finally "sat in the gate of Sodom" [Gn. 19:1]

II. HE BECAME INVOLVED WITH THE WORLD [v. 2-11]

1. He knew the dangers of the world [v. 2-3]

2. He never drew a line with the world [v. 4-7]

3. He negatively developed worldly thinking [v. 8-11]

III. HE BECAME ENTANGLED WITH THE WORLD [v. 12-38]

Matthew 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

1. It destroyed his extended family [v. 12-14]

2. It destroyed his spiritual discernment [v. 15-23]

3. It destroyed his wife [v. 24-29]

4. It destroyed his family legacy [v. 30-38]

Luke 9:24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

GENEALOGICAL GOLD!

MT. 1:1-17

Pastor Rick Jackson

Oftentimes we rush through Bible genealogies looking for something "more interesting." We forget that which we often quote, 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

"All Scripture" includes genealogies!

"You mean genealogies are profitable?"

"That's right!"

"For Doctrine?"

"Yes."

"For reproof?"

"Mmmm hmmm."

"For Corrrection?"

"Absolutely."

"For instruction in righteousness"

"That's what the Bible says!"

Are we going to believe God or ourselves, seeings how we are often too lazy to dig out what God has for us? We are going to see the Gospel and more in a genealogy, and we are going to see it illustrated through five women. It is somewhat unusual for women to be in a Jewish genealogy in the first place. But here are five of them!

I. TAMAR- SHOWS US THAT SINNERS CAN COME TO CHRIST [v. 3]

Tamar's story is told in Gn. 38. It is a tale of woe and sadness. Tamar was a sinner among a sinful people as we all are. Rm. 3:23 declares, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" but praise God Jesus said, [Luke 5:32] "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Look also at Mt. 1:21

II. RAHAB SHOWS US THAT SINNERS COME TO CHRIST BY FAITH [v. 5a]

Her story is told mainly in Joshua 2 but the New Testament sheds some light on this woman of faith as well.

Hebrews 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Galatians 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

III. RUTH SHOWS US THAT SINNERS ARE SAVED BY GRACE [v. 5b]

Tamar showed us to come as a sinner, Rahab-a gentile woman showed us to come by faith, and Ruth, another Gentile woman shows us that attitude of God by which He gives us what we do not deserve, cannot deserve and never will deserve. GRACE!

Grace is one of the sweetest words in all the universe. Grace, God's Riches At Christ's Expense! Grace- undeserved favor. "Amazing Grace how sweet the sound."

Ruth 2:10 Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?

Ephesians 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

IV. BATHSHEBA & DAVID SHOW US ETERNAL SECURITY [v. 6]

God does not cast out His sinning children though He will chasten them. Their story is told in II Samuel 11-12. 2 Samuel 12:13-14 "And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die."

Heb. 12, quoting Proverbs 3:11-12 and Psalm 94:12, remind us God chastens His children but He does not cast them out!

V. MARY SHOWS US THAT SAVED SINNERS CAN SERVE GOD [v. 16]

Luke 1:46-48 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK!

Q: Do six ordinary days limit God?

A. Since God is omnipotent, He could have created everything in six seconds, six minutes, six days, or any time period He chose. But the point is that it’s not what God could have done, it’s what He said He did.

There are many, even in the church, who justify their acceptance of evolutionary time periods by saying, “You literal six-day creationists are limiting God! I allow God billions of years to create—I don’t limit Him to six days!”

However, believing that God created everything in six literal days is not limiting Him. Rather, we are limiting ourselves by letting God tell us what He did. We don’t tell God what He did. After all, only He was there.

Many Christians don’t seem to understand that the reason we believe God created in six days is because we are letting God speak to us through the language of the Bible. We can’t impose our ideas on God’s Word—we must let God’s Word speak to us.

When we take this approach, it’s obvious from the language of Genesis that God created in six literal days. Relying on the Bible alone, there’s really no debate.

If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. (1 Timothy 4:6)

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

QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

Sin will take you farther than you want to go.
Keep you longer than you want to stay.
Cost you more than you want to pay.

Some wag said, "Sincerity is the hardest thing. Once you learn to fake that - the rest is easy!"

An illiterate wise man is not nearly as dangerous as an educated fool.

It is not what you eat that matters but what is eating you.

Sin can no more exist in the presence of God than darkness can exist in the presence of light.

God gives what we need and we need what He gives.

We are to have child-like faith but we are not to be childish.

Those who have "roast preacher" for Sunday dinner need a change of diet.

Life is a highway leading through time toward eternity, and many kinds of travelers can be met thereon.

God’s people never say good-bye for the last time."

To overcome sin, starve the old nature and feed the new

If we limit God, we limit our growth.

Don’t study the Bible to be able to quote it; study it to obey it.

God loves to turn crucifixions into resurrections.

Most of these were found on Sumner Wemp's website. use the link in the upper left!

God's Perfect Way

"As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all them that trust in Him" (II Samuel 22:31).

This is the 30th verse (out of 50) in David's great "song of deliverance," evidently considered by God to be of sufficient importance to have it included twice (II Samuel 22 and Psalm 18) in His written word. Its testimony is greatly needed.

One of the most common excuses given by men for rejecting the God of the Bible is their opinion that His ways are unfair. Even Christians are prone to complain at the way God deals with them. But the fact that we may not understand God's ways hardly gives us the right to pass judgment on them. He often reminds us in His word that His way is perfect and His word has been tried and proved, again and again. "For the word of the LORD is right; and all His works are done in truth" (Psalm 33:4). "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul" (Psalm 19:7).

We need to settle it in our hearts that, whether we understand them or not, God's ways are always perfect. What He does is right, and whatever He says must be true by definition. His ways are always in the context of eternity, but we leap to judgment in terms of present inconvenience.

His perfect way is seen most fully in Christ, and His truth is heard most clearly in Christ, for "I am the way," He said, and I am "the truth" (John 14:6). Yet Christ's way was through the cross, and His truth was opposed by the father of lies (John 8:44). God's way for us may also lead us into suffering and great opposition, but His way is always perfect and His word is tried and true. If we trust Him through it all He will be our buckler as He was for David. "Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him" (Proverbs 30:5). HMM

INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH

www.icr.org

December 6, 2007

DID SOMEONE STEAL YOUR JOY OR DID YOU MISPLACE IT?

LUKE 2:8-10

Pastor Rick Jackson

From September of 1978 until May of 1991 I taught school at Tennessee Temple High School in Chattanooga, Tn. Occasionally I would have a student accuse another student of stealing a pen. The conversation was often humorous and it was all I could do to keep from laughing. Usually the end result was that the student had lost his pen and the other student found it, or that the other student had bought one just like it. Convincing a 7th grader of this was not always easy. Oftentimes the "wronged" pupil would come to me later in the day and sheepishly confess they found their pen in their locker and thank me for not accusing their friend.

Are you missing your joy? Did someone steal it from you or did you just misplace it? Strange as it may seem, no-one but you can steal your joy! The Devil can't, and if the Devil can't I guarantee you no human can steal your joy... at least, not without your full permission! So where is your joy? Did you ever have it? Where have you left it? How can you get it back?

1. There is Joy in knowing the Saviour- Jesus! [Lk. 2:10-20, 24:44-53]


Following the ministry of Philip - Acts 8:8 And there was great joy in that city.

2. There is Joy in Serving Jesus [II Chr. 30:21-26, Neh. 12:26-43, Ps. 126:5-6, Acts 15:3, II Cor. 8:1-5, Philemon 1:7]


3. There is Joy in Suffering for Jesus [Lk. 6:22-23, Acts 5:40-42]

The Mind of Christ

"For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ" (I Corinthians 2:16).

The mind of the natural man is "a reprobate mind" (Romans 1:28), a "carnal mind" (Romans 8:7), and a "defiled" mind (Titus 1:15), characterized by a daily 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).

When a person is born again through faith in Christ, however, he should be "transformed by the renewing of his mind" (Romans 12:2), and should henceforth seek to conform to the mind of Christ in every attitude and every decision.

But what is the mind of Christ? As our text says: "Who hath known the mind of the Lord?" Paul echoed the same question to the Romans: "For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counselor?" (Romans 11:34).

There are many aspects to His infinite mind, of course, but the key is undoubtedly the great attribute of sacrificial love. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who . . . became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:5,6,8).

Thus, following His example, we should "in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves" (Philippians 2:3). We should constantly "consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest we be wearied and faint in our minds" (Hebrews 12:3). We should "(receive) the word with all readiness of mind" and "(serve) the Lord with all humility of mind" (Acts 17:11; 20:19). Herein is the mind of Christ. HMM

INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH

www.icr.org

December 4, 2007

"Teach us to pray" when you pray "say" Thy kingdom come.

Thy kingdom come" Luke 11:2

The whole world is in a big time mess. A new president or king is not going to really change it. The world will be changed for good and for God when "Thy kingdom comes." Make sense? It totally baffles me why we do not pray what He "Taught" the disciples and us to pray in Luke 11. Who is your choice for our next president? I am 85 years old and have seen them come and go and never have I seen a big change morally or spiritually no matter who was the president. Now if His kingdom came, we would really see a giant spiritual change. Then why not ask it like He told us.

Frankly, I am a little weary at all the explaining why we "should not" pray what He taught us to pray. I get great delight, I have a "rush" when I pray, every morning, "thy kingdom come." I never pray "if it be thy will" because He taught his disciples, and you and I are one, to say "Thy kingdom come." You just can not beat that for praying in "the will of God." "What a day that will be, when my Jesus I will see."

Then do it, dear Henry, do it. ABC Sumner

What a fantastic word from the Lord Jesus, "Ye have not chosen me , but I have chosen you and ordained you that ye should go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain" John 15:16.

"Rejoice not that the spirits are subject to you but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven" Lk 10:20 and for the one who led YOU to Christ. Now "Preach the gospel to every person" Mk 16:15. "How Christ died for our sins, (paid the debt in full) was buried and rose again and was seen by hundreds" 1 Cor 15:1-4. Make sense? Have you believed and received Jesus? Do it now.

All Because of Calvary, C. Sumner Wemp

Call 1-877-872-2871 to order my tract "Your Ticket to Heaven"

NEVER MAN... LIKE THIS MAN!

JOHN 7:1-7, 14-18, 30-46

These few verses from John 7 remind us of a truth we should never forget, there was never a man like Jesus! Jesus is unique in almost every respect. Yes, He took on flesh but the flesh never took on Him. The officers said it right, "Never man spake like this man." Think of it...

I. NEVER MAN CONCEIVED LIKE THIS MAN! [Mt. 1:20-25]

II. NEVER MAN BORN LIKE THIS MAN! [Lk. 2:6-20]

III. NEVER MAN YOUNG LIKE THIS MAN! [Lk. 2:40-52]

IV. NEVER MAN BAPTIZED LIKE THIS MAN! [Mt. 3:13-17]

V. NEVER MAN TEMPTED LIKE THIS MAN! [Mt. 4:1-11]

Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

VI. NEVER MAN SPAKE LIKE THIS MAN! [Jn. 7]

VII. NEVER MAN SUFFERED LIKE THIS MAN! [Is. 53:1-7]

VIII. NEVER MAN DIED LIKE THIS MAN! [Mk. 15:37-39]

IX. NEVER MAN RESURRECTED LIKE THIS MAN! [Mt. 28:1-9]

X. NEVER MAN ASCENDED LIKE THIS MAN! [Acts 1:1-3, 9-11]

THE RIGHT RESPONSE

GENESIS 18

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE RESPONSE OF FAITH [v. 1-10]

1. The Lord Deserves Honor [v. 1-5]

2. The Lord Deserves Haste [v. 6-7, 2]

1 Samuel 21:8 And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste.

3. The Lord Deserves Hearing [v. 8-10]

II. THE RESPONSE OF THE FLESH [v. 11-15]

It is very likely that Sarah didn't realize who her visitors were, hence the lack of faith on her part and the lack of strong rebuke on the Lord's part. The Lord's knowledge seems to have impressed Sarah.

1. God Knows Our Health [v. 11]

2. God Knows our Heart [v. 12]

3. God knows our heaviness [v. 13-15]

Psalm 103:13-14 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

In the end Sarah seems convinced and God seems pleased with her.

Hebrews 11:11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

III. THE RESPONSE OF THE FAITHFUL [v. 16-33]

1. Know God's Way [v. 16-22]

2. Know God's Will [v. 23-32]

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

3. Know God's Word [v. 32-33]

Psalm 7:11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.

In Love

"With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love" (Ephesians 4:2).

The beautiful little phrase "in love" (Greek, en agape) occurs six times in the Book of Ephesians, and it is well for us to notice the context of each.

First of all, God "hath chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love" (Ephesians 1:4). Our very election and position in Christ with its imputed holiness is centered in His love. This, in turn, means that our spiritual lives are "rooted and grounded in love" (Ephesians 3:17), because they are rooted and grounded in Him who is incarnate love.

This love of Christ for us, illuminating and energizing us, must then display itself through our lives. As our text urges, we must forbear one another in love, no matter the personal provocation.

In our witnessing and teaching, we must always be careful to speak the truth, but that alone is not enough. We must be "speaking the truth in love"; the purpose being that the whole body of Christ "may grow up into Him in all things" (Ephesians 4:15). This practice, if consistently applied by all members of that great spiritual body, "maketh increase of the body unto the edifying that is 'building-up' of itself in love" (Ephesians 4:16).

The final occurrence of the phrase in Ephesians sums it up: "And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:2). He has chosen us in love, rooted and grounded us in love, and now we should (as those who are truly "in love" with Him) forbear each other and build each other up in love, speak the truth in love, and walk daily in His love. HMM


INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH

www.icr.org

December 1, 2007

Is there a simple solution to racism?

The solution really is simple. If people in every culture accepted the history of the world according to the Bible, and built their thinking on God’s Word, then racism would disappear.
But because we live in a world where the majority of people reject God’s Word, then the problem is not going to be solved.

Nonetheless, Christians everywhere should be shouting from the hilltops that we do have the solution. You see, the Bible teaches that all people are of one blood. In reality, there’s only one race of people—descendants of Adam and Eve—there aren’t different races.

Today’s various people groups and cultures came about as a result of God giving different languages at the time of the Tower of Babel. This would have caused different peoples to go in different directions and to different environments, thus developing the various groups.

Genesis also tells us about the origin of sin. All people have this problem, all need the solution of trusting Jesus Christ and conforming their thinking to His teachings. If everyone accepted this, there would be absolutely no racism!

And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. (Acts 17: 26–27

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

He Gave Himself

"Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father" (Galatians 1:4).

There can never be a greater gift than this. Our Lord Jesus Christ not only has given us forgiveness and salvation and all spiritual blessings, He gave Himself! The pure, glorious Son of God gave Himself, substituting Himself in our place to suffer the righteous judgment of God on our sins.

Six times this wonderful affirmation is found in God's Word. The first is in our text, assuring us that, when He gave Himself, He paid the price to deliver us from this present evil world into the eternal world to come.

Then, in the next occurrence, this promise is made intensely personal. Christ "loved me, and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20). The gift Christ gave is more than the world could ever give.

The supremely sacrificial nature of His gift is then emphasized. "Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:2). The sacrifice has brought us to Himself, for "Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it. . . . That He might present it to Himself a glorious church" (Ephesians 5:25,27).

The offering was sufficient to pay for the redemption of all sin, as He "gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time" (I Timothy 2:6). This ransom is not merely to redeem us from the penalty of sin at the judgment, however, but also from the power of sin in our lives, and this is the testimony of the final occurrence of this great declaration. Christ "gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14). HMM


INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH

www.icr.org

November 30, 2007

Once for All

"For in that He died, He died unto sin once: but in that He liveth, He liveth unto God" (Romans 6:10).

The Greek word, ephipaz, translated "once" in this verse, actually means "once for all." Christ did not have to die again and again, a new death for every sinner. He died unto sin once for all, His death being sufficient to take away "the sin of the whole world" (John 1:29).

The word ephipaz occurs only five times in the Bible. Our text is the first, confirming that His once-for-all death for sin was sufficient forever; He now lives wholly "unto God." The second confirms the reality of this permanent resurrection. In Jewish law, a factual claim was considered confirmed by the principle that "in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established" (Matthew 18:16). Paul recalls that the resurrected Christ "was seen of above five hundred brethren at once" (I Corinthians 15:6). Two or three would have sufficed, but He had five hundred witnesses. These saw Him alive once for all, and their lives were forever changed.

The other three references are in Hebrews: "He needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for His own sins, and then for the people's: for this He did once that is, `once for all', when He offered up Himself." "Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once `once for all' into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (Hebrews 7:27; 9:12; 10:10).

Once for all He died for sin, then with His own shed blood, He entered into the presence of the Father, sanctified us forever, and was raised from the dead by impeccable testimony, once for all. HMM

INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH

www.icr.org

November 29, 2007