COLOSSIANS 1:12-13
Rick Jackson
I. FOR MAKING US QUALIFIED IN CHRIST! [V. 12] (to make sufficient, render fit)
If unregenerated man should enter Heaven, heaven would be hell to him. Heaven is a prepared place for prepared people. -Oliver B. Greene
1. Made us righteousness [II Co. 5:19-21]
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
2. Made us holy [Eph. 1:3-6]
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
B.R. Lakin asked a man, "Will you come?"
"I don't know if I've ever been elected or not."
"Have you ever been a candidate? When you become a candidate God votes for you, the devil votes against you. That ties the vote. Then it's on to how you vote after that!"
3. Made us inheritors [Col. 1:12, 3:24, I Pt. 1:4]
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
II. FOR DELIVERING US FROM THE POWER OF DARKNESS [v. 13] (rescued)
1. From the love of darkness (the world) [John 3:19-21]
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
2. From the works of darkness (the flesh) [Rom. 13:11-14]
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
3. From the rulers of darkness (Satan & his angels) [Eph. 6:12]
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
-by faith in Christ [Acts 26:15-18]
And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
-by walking in the light [I Jn. 1:5-7]
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
III. FOR TRANSLATING US INTO CHRIST'S KINGDOM
1. He put me over (transpose, transfer, remove from one place to another) [1:13]
Similar to Heb. 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
2. He preserves me [II Tm. 4:18]
And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
3. He promised me [James 2:5]
Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
MY KIND OF REDNECK
We have enjoyed the redneck jokes for years. It's time to take a reflective look at the core beliefs of a culture that values home, family, country and God. If I had to stand before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I'd choose a half dozen or so rednecks to back me up. Tire irons, squirrel guns and grit -- that's what rednecks are made of. I hope I am one of those. If you feel the same, pass this on to your redneck friends. Ya'll know who ya'are...
You might be a redneck if: It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, "One nation, under God."
You might be a redneck if: You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places.
You might be a redneck if: You still say " Christmas" instead of "Winter Festival."
You might be a redneck if: You bow your head when someone prays.
You might be a redneck if: You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem.
You might be a redneck if: You treat Viet Nam vets with great respect, and always have.
You might be a redneck if: You've never burned an American flag.
You might be a redneck if: You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.
You might be a redneck if: You respect your elders and expect your kids to do the same.
You might be a redneck if: You'd give your last dollar to a friend.
If you got this email (IT'S HOW I GOT IT BEFORE BLOGGING IT) from me, it is because I believe that you, like me, have just enough Red Neck in you to have the same beliefs as those talked about in this email.
God Bless the USA!
May the LORD bless you & yours..............
You might be a redneck if: It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, "One nation, under God."
You might be a redneck if: You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places.
You might be a redneck if: You still say " Christmas" instead of "Winter Festival."
You might be a redneck if: You bow your head when someone prays.
You might be a redneck if: You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem.
You might be a redneck if: You treat Viet Nam vets with great respect, and always have.
You might be a redneck if: You've never burned an American flag.
You might be a redneck if: You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.
You might be a redneck if: You respect your elders and expect your kids to do the same.
You might be a redneck if: You'd give your last dollar to a friend.
If you got this email (IT'S HOW I GOT IT BEFORE BLOGGING IT) from me, it is because I believe that you, like me, have just enough Red Neck in you to have the same beliefs as those talked about in this email.
God Bless the USA!
May the LORD bless you & yours..............
RULES OF THE SOUTH
A man just moved from Southern California to Georgia and he e-mailed this back to his family. He said they gave it to him at the state line. If you are going to live or visit in the South, you need to know these rules:
1. That farm boy you see at the gas station did MORE work before breakfast than you do all week at the gym.
2. It's called a "gravel road." No matter how slow you drive, you're going to get dust on your Navigator. Drive it or get out of the way.
3. The red dirt — it's called clay. Red clay. If you like the color, don't wash your car for a couple weeks — it'll be permanent.
4. We all started hunting and fishing when we were seven years old. Yeah, we saw Bambi. We got over it.
5. Go ahead and bring your $600 Orvis Fly Rod. Don't cry to us if a flathead breaks it off at the handle. We have a name for those little 13-inch trout you fish for — bait.
6. Pull your pants up. You look like an idiot.
7. If that cell phone rings while a bunch of mallards (ducks) are making their final approach, we will shoot it (the phone). You might want to ensure it's not up to your ear at the time.
8. No, there's no "Vegetarian Special" on the menu. Order steak. Order it rare. Or, you can order the Chef's Salad and pick off the two pounds of ham and turkey.
9. Tea - yeah, we have tea. It comes in a glass over ice and is really, really sweet. You want it hot — sit it in the sun. You want it unsweetened — add a LOT of water.
10. You bring Coke into my house, it better be brown, wet, and served over ice.
11. So, you have a sixty thousand dollar car. We're real impressed. We have a quarter of a million-dollar combine (it's farm equipment) that we only use two weeks a year.
12. Let's get this straight. We have one stoplight in town. We stop when it's red. We may even stop when it's yellow.
13. We eat dinner together with our families. We pray before we eat (yeah, even breakfast). We go to church on Wednesdays and Sundays and we go to high school football games on Friday nights. We still address our seniors with "yes, sir" and "yes, ma'am," and we sometimes still take Sunday drives around town to see friends and neighbors.
14. We don't do "hurry up" well.
15. Greens - yeah, we have greens, but you don't putt on them. You boil them with salty fatback, bacon or a ham hock.
16. Yeah, we eat catfish, bass, bream (pronounced brim) and carp. You really want sushi and caviar? It's available at the bait shop.
17. They are pigs. That's what they smell like (money). Get it — pig farms — income — money? Get over it. Don't like the smell? Interstate 85 goes two ways .Interstate 40 goes the other two. Pick one.
18. Grits are corn. You put butter, salt, and maybe even some pepper on them. If you want to put milk and sugar on them, then you want Cream of Wheat — go to Kansas. That would be I-40 west.
19. The "Opener" refers to the first day of deer season or dove season. Both are holidays. You can get pancakes, cane syrup, and sausage before daylight at the church on either day.
20. So every person in every pickup waves? Yeah, it's called being friendly. Understand the concept?
21. Yeah, we have golf courses. Don't hit in the water hazards. It spooks the fish and bothers the gators...and if you hit it in the rough, we have these things called diamondbacks, and they're not baseball players.
22. That Highway Patrol Officer that just pulled you over for drivingike an idiot...his name is "Sir," no matter how young he is.
23. We have lots of pine trees. They have sap. It drips from them. You park your Navigator under them, and they'll leave a logo on your hood.
24. You burn an American flag in our state, you get beat up. No questions. The liberal contingent of our state legislature — all four of them — enacted a measure to stop this. There is now a $2.50 fine for beating up the flag burner.
25. No, we don't care how you do things up North. If it is so great up there, why not stay there?
26. And no, down here we don't have an accent, you do.
In God We Trust.
YA'LL COME BACK!
1. That farm boy you see at the gas station did MORE work before breakfast than you do all week at the gym.
2. It's called a "gravel road." No matter how slow you drive, you're going to get dust on your Navigator. Drive it or get out of the way.
3. The red dirt — it's called clay. Red clay. If you like the color, don't wash your car for a couple weeks — it'll be permanent.
4. We all started hunting and fishing when we were seven years old. Yeah, we saw Bambi. We got over it.
5. Go ahead and bring your $600 Orvis Fly Rod. Don't cry to us if a flathead breaks it off at the handle. We have a name for those little 13-inch trout you fish for — bait.
6. Pull your pants up. You look like an idiot.
7. If that cell phone rings while a bunch of mallards (ducks) are making their final approach, we will shoot it (the phone). You might want to ensure it's not up to your ear at the time.
8. No, there's no "Vegetarian Special" on the menu. Order steak. Order it rare. Or, you can order the Chef's Salad and pick off the two pounds of ham and turkey.
9. Tea - yeah, we have tea. It comes in a glass over ice and is really, really sweet. You want it hot — sit it in the sun. You want it unsweetened — add a LOT of water.
10. You bring Coke into my house, it better be brown, wet, and served over ice.
11. So, you have a sixty thousand dollar car. We're real impressed. We have a quarter of a million-dollar combine (it's farm equipment) that we only use two weeks a year.
12. Let's get this straight. We have one stoplight in town. We stop when it's red. We may even stop when it's yellow.
13. We eat dinner together with our families. We pray before we eat (yeah, even breakfast). We go to church on Wednesdays and Sundays and we go to high school football games on Friday nights. We still address our seniors with "yes, sir" and "yes, ma'am," and we sometimes still take Sunday drives around town to see friends and neighbors.
14. We don't do "hurry up" well.
15. Greens - yeah, we have greens, but you don't putt on them. You boil them with salty fatback, bacon or a ham hock.
16. Yeah, we eat catfish, bass, bream (pronounced brim) and carp. You really want sushi and caviar? It's available at the bait shop.
17. They are pigs. That's what they smell like (money). Get it — pig farms — income — money? Get over it. Don't like the smell? Interstate 85 goes two ways .Interstate 40 goes the other two. Pick one.
18. Grits are corn. You put butter, salt, and maybe even some pepper on them. If you want to put milk and sugar on them, then you want Cream of Wheat — go to Kansas. That would be I-40 west.
19. The "Opener" refers to the first day of deer season or dove season. Both are holidays. You can get pancakes, cane syrup, and sausage before daylight at the church on either day.
20. So every person in every pickup waves? Yeah, it's called being friendly. Understand the concept?
21. Yeah, we have golf courses. Don't hit in the water hazards. It spooks the fish and bothers the gators...and if you hit it in the rough, we have these things called diamondbacks, and they're not baseball players.
22. That Highway Patrol Officer that just pulled you over for drivingike an idiot...his name is "Sir," no matter how young he is.
23. We have lots of pine trees. They have sap. It drips from them. You park your Navigator under them, and they'll leave a logo on your hood.
24. You burn an American flag in our state, you get beat up. No questions. The liberal contingent of our state legislature — all four of them — enacted a measure to stop this. There is now a $2.50 fine for beating up the flag burner.
25. No, we don't care how you do things up North. If it is so great up there, why not stay there?
26. And no, down here we don't have an accent, you do.
In God We Trust.
YA'LL COME BACK!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
I AM THANKFUL (for several friends that sent me this email)
FOR THE WIFE WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT, BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH HER HUSBAND, AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE
FOR THE HUSBAND WHO IS ON THE SOFA BEING A COUCH POTATO, BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH HIS WIFE AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.
FOR THE TEENAGER WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME, NOT ON THE STREETS.
FOR THE TAXES I PAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED.
FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.
FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.
FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING, WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING, AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME.
FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
FOR THE PARKING SPOT I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION.
FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.
FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.
FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.
FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.
FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.
FOR THE HUSBAND WHO IS ON THE SOFA BEING A COUCH POTATO, BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH HIS WIFE AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.
FOR THE TEENAGER WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME, NOT ON THE STREETS.
FOR THE TAXES I PAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED.
FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.
FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.
FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING, WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING, AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME.
FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
FOR THE PARKING SPOT I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION.
FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.
FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.
FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.
FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.
FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
THE FATHER, THE SERVANT & THE BRIDE
GENESIS 24
Besides the obvious historical context it has been said this event is a beautiful picture of the Gospel. The Father seeks a bride for the Son. He sends the Holy Spirit to call out a bride for the Son. The bride steps out on faith at the leading of the Spirit and is joined to the Son.
Then there are lessons for us in the lives of these three believers. They certainly exhibit characteristics that we would do well to emulate in our lives.
I. Abraham
1. Wanted Isaac to have the right kind of wife [v. 1-4]
2. Wanted Isaac to have the right kind of life [v. 5-8]
II. Eliezer [15:1-4]
1. Believed in planning [v. 9-11]
2. Believed in prayer [v. 12-14]
3. Believed in Providence [v. 26-27]
4. Believed in presentation [v. 33-49, esp. 33, 49]
5. Believed in pleasing his master [v. 50-56]
III. Rebekah
Besides the obvious historical context it has been said this event is a beautiful picture of the Gospel. The Father seeks a bride for the Son. He sends the Holy Spirit to call out a bride for the Son. The bride steps out on faith at the leading of the Spirit and is joined to the Son.
Then there are lessons for us in the lives of these three believers. They certainly exhibit characteristics that we would do well to emulate in our lives.
I. Abraham
1. Wanted Isaac to have the right kind of wife [v. 1-4]
2. Wanted Isaac to have the right kind of life [v. 5-8]
II. Eliezer [15:1-4]
1. Believed in planning [v. 9-11]
2. Believed in prayer [v. 12-14]
3. Believed in Providence [v. 26-27]
4. Believed in presentation [v. 33-49, esp. 33, 49]
5. Believed in pleasing his master [v. 50-56]
III. Rebekah
1. Was pure [v. 15-16]
2. Was polite [v. 17-18]
3. Was industrious [v. 19-22]
4. Was interested (intelligent, listened well, understood enough to explain) [v. 23-32]
5. Was willing to step out on faith [v. 56-67]
HIGH STANDARDS
Who do you think has higher standards, God or the Devil? Who do you think has higher standards, God or the world? God or the flesh? God or the pastor? God or the local church?
The obvious and correct answer is "God". Why then do so many balk when standards are high?
Think before you answer these. Whose standard is higher, God or Jesus? God or the Holy Spirit? God or the Bible? The obvious and correct answer is "yes". God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit all have the same standard and have set it down in the Word of God, the Bible, which then also has the same high standards.
These things being true whose standard should we follow? Whose standards should we strive to make our own? In point of fact, whose standards matter?
I. THE HIGH STANDARD OF GOD IN SALVATION
1. We must exceed the best people in righteousness (Ghandi, Buddha, etc. ) [Mt. 5:17-20]
2. We must exceed the best we can do [Lk. 10:25-29]
3. We must accept the best Heaven has provided [Lk. 18:18-27]
II. THE HIGH STANDARD OF GOD IN CONSECRATION
1. Settle your salvation by faith in Him [Phil. 3:8-9]
2. Settle your sanctification by faith in Him [Phil. 3:10-11]
3. Set your sights high by faith in Him[Phil. 3:12-14]
III. THE HIGH STANDARD OF GOD IN EXPECTATION
1. Be open to God's leading [Phil. 3:15]
2. Beware of the sin of backsliding [Phil. 3:16]
3. Be steady [Phil. 3:17-21]
The obvious and correct answer is "God". Why then do so many balk when standards are high?
Think before you answer these. Whose standard is higher, God or Jesus? God or the Holy Spirit? God or the Bible? The obvious and correct answer is "yes". God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit all have the same standard and have set it down in the Word of God, the Bible, which then also has the same high standards.
These things being true whose standard should we follow? Whose standards should we strive to make our own? In point of fact, whose standards matter?
I. THE HIGH STANDARD OF GOD IN SALVATION
1. We must exceed the best people in righteousness (Ghandi, Buddha, etc. ) [Mt. 5:17-20]
2. We must exceed the best we can do [Lk. 10:25-29]
3. We must accept the best Heaven has provided [Lk. 18:18-27]
II. THE HIGH STANDARD OF GOD IN CONSECRATION
1. Settle your salvation by faith in Him [Phil. 3:8-9]
2. Settle your sanctification by faith in Him [Phil. 3:10-11]
3. Set your sights high by faith in Him[Phil. 3:12-14]
III. THE HIGH STANDARD OF GOD IN EXPECTATION
1. Be open to God's leading [Phil. 3:15]
2. Beware of the sin of backsliding [Phil. 3:16]
3. Be steady [Phil. 3:17-21]
Saturday, January 27, 2007
"A Love Supreme"
I love my friends... and some of the things they email me.
I figure I'd better send this on to this generation. The next one might not know what a record is! -RLS
"A Love Supreme"
A woman meant to call a record store but dialed the wrong number and got a private home instead. "Do you have 'Eyes of Blue' and 'A Love Supreme'?" she asked.
"Well, no," answered the puzzled homeowner. "But I have a wife andeleven children."
"Is that a record?" she inquired.
"I don't think so," replied the man, "but it's as close as I want to get."
I figure I'd better send this on to this generation. The next one might not know what a record is! -RLS
"A Love Supreme"
A woman meant to call a record store but dialed the wrong number and got a private home instead. "Do you have 'Eyes of Blue' and 'A Love Supreme'?" she asked.
"Well, no," answered the puzzled homeowner. "But I have a wife andeleven children."
"Is that a record?" she inquired.
"I don't think so," replied the man, "but it's as close as I want to get."
Q: Does the Bible tell us that Adam named all of the land animals in just one day?
A: Actually, Adam named the specific land animals God brought to him in one day.
Genesis tells us that God made the land animals, as well as the first man and woman, on Day Six of Creation Week. Genesis 2 tells us that Adam named the animals God had brought to him—before Eve was created. So how could Adam have named all of those animals so quickly?
Some skeptics say that there is no way he could have named all of them, and they use this as proof that the days of creation couldn’t be six literal, 24-hour days.
These questions and more will be answered with a special exhibit that is underway at our Creation Museum near Cincinnati. In a larger corner area of the museum’s “Creation Walk,” people will see Adam naming the land animals—the original biblical “kinds,” not all of the species within a kind that we’re familiar with today. That means there must have been far fewer animal kinds in Adam’s day than there are today.
We also need to understand that just because you or I couldn’t do it, that doesn’t mean Adam couldn’t. Adam had a perfect brain. Our brain has suffered from thousands of years of sin and the Curse.
For more information about the naming of the animals, see Naming the animals: all in a day’s work for Adam at the Answers In Genesis website (link at left)
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.
Genesis tells us that God made the land animals, as well as the first man and woman, on Day Six of Creation Week. Genesis 2 tells us that Adam named the animals God had brought to him—before Eve was created. So how could Adam have named all of those animals so quickly?
Some skeptics say that there is no way he could have named all of them, and they use this as proof that the days of creation couldn’t be six literal, 24-hour days.
These questions and more will be answered with a special exhibit that is underway at our Creation Museum near Cincinnati. In a larger corner area of the museum’s “Creation Walk,” people will see Adam naming the land animals—the original biblical “kinds,” not all of the species within a kind that we’re familiar with today. That means there must have been far fewer animal kinds in Adam’s day than there are today.
We also need to understand that just because you or I couldn’t do it, that doesn’t mean Adam couldn’t. Adam had a perfect brain. Our brain has suffered from thousands of years of sin and the Curse.
For more information about the naming of the animals, see Naming the animals: all in a day’s work for Adam at the Answers In Genesis website (link at left)
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.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Quotes of the week!
The central question of the Chicago conference was whether the mechanisms underlying microevolution can be extrapolated to explain the phenomena of macroevolution. At the risk of doing violence to the positions of some people at the meeting, the answer can be given as a clear, No. -Roger Lewin, "Evolutionary Theory Under Fire" Science, 11-21-1980
The quote above came from a major conference in 1980, at which many of the world's greatest evolution spokesmen were present. The question they debated was "Are mutation and natural selection enough?" They concluded "no," that these mechanisms were insufficient to bring about true evolutionary change. But what became of it? Nothing! The conclusions have been systematically ignored, and evolutionists continue to claim that all questions have been solved.
They have no better mechanism to suggest, so they simply act as if nothing is wrong, and students are misled into thinking evolution is proven. -John D. Morris, Feb. 2007, ICR letter
We ought to be cautious of people whose minds are like concrete---thoroughly mixed and permanently set. -Unknown
He (God) may not always resolve circumstances the way we think is best, but He always resolves them in the way that is best. Sometimes we are overly concerned about solving our problems, when God is primarily concerned about solving us. ...That thorny experience taught Paul a lesson. He learned that God is as powerful to sustain a believer as He is to solve a problem. -James T. Dyet, Complete In Christ
Satan is so deceptive! He likes to borrow Christian vocabulary, but he does not use the Christian dictionary! -Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Complete.
The quote above came from a major conference in 1980, at which many of the world's greatest evolution spokesmen were present. The question they debated was "Are mutation and natural selection enough?" They concluded "no," that these mechanisms were insufficient to bring about true evolutionary change. But what became of it? Nothing! The conclusions have been systematically ignored, and evolutionists continue to claim that all questions have been solved.
They have no better mechanism to suggest, so they simply act as if nothing is wrong, and students are misled into thinking evolution is proven. -John D. Morris, Feb. 2007, ICR letter
We ought to be cautious of people whose minds are like concrete---thoroughly mixed and permanently set. -Unknown
He (God) may not always resolve circumstances the way we think is best, but He always resolves them in the way that is best. Sometimes we are overly concerned about solving our problems, when God is primarily concerned about solving us. ...That thorny experience taught Paul a lesson. He learned that God is as powerful to sustain a believer as He is to solve a problem. -James T. Dyet, Complete In Christ
Satan is so deceptive! He likes to borrow Christian vocabulary, but he does not use the Christian dictionary! -Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Complete.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
PAUL'S PRAYER & DESIRE FOR CHRISTIANS
COLOSSIANS 1:9-11
Jesus said, For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Paul's heart for the lost echoed that of the Saviour's. Paul said in Romans 10, Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. But Paul's heart for the saved also echoed the heart of the Saviour for the saved. Jesus said, I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. This wish for the abundant spiritual life is exactly what Paul's prayer and desire for Christians expresses.
When Paul says in verse 9 "since the day we heard it" he is referring back to verse 4, "Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus" His prayer for these Colossians had changed from "save them" to "help them mature spiritually." They didn't need another spiritual experience, they needed to grow in the one they already had.
He wanted these new believers to have three things.
I. SUPER-KNOWLEDGE [V. 9] More than just knowledge, full knowledge.
1. Of God's Will
Paul knew what God wanted him to to do. In Acts 22 he gave his testimony, And I said, What shall I do, LORD? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout man ...Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.
In Eph. 5 he tells us, See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
2. In all wisdom (grasping spiritual truth)
How do we do that? Through the Word of God as led by the Spirit of God. I Cor. 2:6-14
Is. 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
II Tm. 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
3. In spiritual understanding (correct application of spiritual truth)
One might read about the Heimlech maneuver without knowing how to apply it.
II. SUPER-DEEDS [V. 10] "WALK WORTHY OF THE LORD"
1. Unto all pleasing (to God)
Can two walk together, except they be agreed? [Amos 3:3]
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. [I Jn. 1]
2. Being fruitful (among others)
Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. Rm. 1:13
3. Increasing in knowledge (themselves)
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. II Pet. 3:18
III. SUPER-STRENGTH [V. 11]
Strengthened with all might(dunamis, inherent power), according to his glorious power (kratos, manifested power, power that is put forth in action)
1. Unto all patience -enables us to remain steady in adverse situations
Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. James 5:11
2. Long-suffering (wrath that is put away) -enables us to put up with people who give us a hard time Ex.= Joseph
3. With joyfulness (Phil. 4:4)
Jesus said, For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Paul's heart for the lost echoed that of the Saviour's. Paul said in Romans 10, Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. But Paul's heart for the saved also echoed the heart of the Saviour for the saved. Jesus said, I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. This wish for the abundant spiritual life is exactly what Paul's prayer and desire for Christians expresses.
When Paul says in verse 9 "since the day we heard it" he is referring back to verse 4, "Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus" His prayer for these Colossians had changed from "save them" to "help them mature spiritually." They didn't need another spiritual experience, they needed to grow in the one they already had.
He wanted these new believers to have three things.
I. SUPER-KNOWLEDGE [V. 9] More than just knowledge, full knowledge.
1. Of God's Will
Paul knew what God wanted him to to do. In Acts 22 he gave his testimony, And I said, What shall I do, LORD? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout man ...Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.
In Eph. 5 he tells us, See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
2. In all wisdom (grasping spiritual truth)
How do we do that? Through the Word of God as led by the Spirit of God. I Cor. 2:6-14
Is. 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
II Tm. 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
3. In spiritual understanding (correct application of spiritual truth)
One might read about the Heimlech maneuver without knowing how to apply it.
II. SUPER-DEEDS [V. 10] "WALK WORTHY OF THE LORD"
1. Unto all pleasing (to God)
Can two walk together, except they be agreed? [Amos 3:3]
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. [I Jn. 1]
2. Being fruitful (among others)
Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. Rm. 1:13
3. Increasing in knowledge (themselves)
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. II Pet. 3:18
III. SUPER-STRENGTH [V. 11]
Strengthened with all might(dunamis, inherent power), according to his glorious power (kratos, manifested power, power that is put forth in action)
1. Unto all patience -enables us to remain steady in adverse situations
Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. James 5:11
2. Long-suffering (wrath that is put away) -enables us to put up with people who give us a hard time Ex.= Joseph
3. With joyfulness (Phil. 4:4)
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
If I didn't have animals . . . .
An email my sister (an animal lover) sent me:
I could walk around the yard barefoot in safety.
My house could be carpeted instead of tiled and laminated.
All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture, and cars would be free of hair.
When the doorbell rings, it wouldn't sound like a kennel.
When the doorbell rings, I could get to the door without wading through fuzzy bodies who beat me there.
I could sit on the couch and my bed the way I wanted, without taking not consideration how much space several fur bodies would need to get comfortable.
I would not have strange presents under my Christmas tree ---dog bones, stuffed animals ,toys, treats nor would I have to explain to people why I wrap them.
I would have money ....and no guilt to go on a real vacation.
I would not be on a first-name basis with 6 veterinarians, as I put their yet unborn grand kids thru college.
The most used words in my vocabulary would not be: out, sit, down, come, no, stay, and leave him/her/it ALONE.
My house would not be cordoned off into zones with baby gates or barriers.
My house would not look like a day care center, toys everywhere.
My pockets would not contain things like poop bags, treats and an extra leash.
I would no longer have to Spell the words B-A-L-L-, F-R-I-S-B-E-E, W-A-L-K, or T-R-E-A-T.
I would not have as many leaves INSIDE my house as outside.
I would not look strangely at people who think having ONE dog/cat ties them down too much.
I'd look forward to spring and the melting of snow instead of dreading mud season.
I would not have to answer the question "Why do you have so many dogs/animals?" from people who will never have the joy in their lives of knowing they are loved unconditionally by someone as close to an angel as they will ever get.
How empty my life would be.
I could walk around the yard barefoot in safety.
My house could be carpeted instead of tiled and laminated.
All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture, and cars would be free of hair.
When the doorbell rings, it wouldn't sound like a kennel.
When the doorbell rings, I could get to the door without wading through fuzzy bodies who beat me there.
I could sit on the couch and my bed the way I wanted, without taking not consideration how much space several fur bodies would need to get comfortable.
I would not have strange presents under my Christmas tree ---dog bones, stuffed animals ,toys, treats nor would I have to explain to people why I wrap them.
I would have money ....and no guilt to go on a real vacation.
I would not be on a first-name basis with 6 veterinarians, as I put their yet unborn grand kids thru college.
The most used words in my vocabulary would not be: out, sit, down, come, no, stay, and leave him/her/it ALONE.
My house would not be cordoned off into zones with baby gates or barriers.
My house would not look like a day care center, toys everywhere.
My pockets would not contain things like poop bags, treats and an extra leash.
I would no longer have to Spell the words B-A-L-L-, F-R-I-S-B-E-E, W-A-L-K, or T-R-E-A-T.
I would not have as many leaves INSIDE my house as outside.
I would not look strangely at people who think having ONE dog/cat ties them down too much.
I'd look forward to spring and the melting of snow instead of dreading mud season.
I would not have to answer the question "Why do you have so many dogs/animals?" from people who will never have the joy in their lives of knowing they are loved unconditionally by someone as close to an angel as they will ever get.
How empty my life would be.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Sunday, January 21, 2007
WHAT GIVES?
EXODUS 35
I. GOD GIVES US WHAT WE HAVE
1. He gives us our abilities [v. 25, 35; 36:1] more innate
2. He gives us our capabilities [v. 30-31] less specialized
3. He gives us our posessions [v. 23-24, 12:35-36, Gn. 14:21-23]
And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.
And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:
II. GOD WANTS US TO USE WHAT HE HAS GIVEN US
1. He desires a willing heart [v. 4-5]
2. He desires a stirrable heart [21, 26; 36:2]
3. He desires a workable spirit [v. 21]
Proverbs 17:27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
Daniel 6:3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.
III. GOD WANTS TO STIR US
1. Their hearts were stirred by the Word of God [v. 1-40]
2. We should be stirred by remembering His salvation [II Peter 1:9-13]
3. We should be stirred by remembering His Word [II Peter 3:1-18]
I. GOD GIVES US WHAT WE HAVE
1. He gives us our abilities [v. 25, 35; 36:1] more innate
2. He gives us our capabilities [v. 30-31] less specialized
3. He gives us our posessions [v. 23-24, 12:35-36, Gn. 14:21-23]
And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.
And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:
II. GOD WANTS US TO USE WHAT HE HAS GIVEN US
1. He desires a willing heart [v. 4-5]
2. He desires a stirrable heart [21, 26; 36:2]
3. He desires a workable spirit [v. 21]
Proverbs 17:27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
Daniel 6:3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.
III. GOD WANTS TO STIR US
1. Their hearts were stirred by the Word of God [v. 1-40]
2. We should be stirred by remembering His salvation [II Peter 1:9-13]
3. We should be stirred by remembering His Word [II Peter 3:1-18]
A QUESTION OF LEADERSHIP
I PETER 5:1-4
Moses had his leadership questioned repeatedly. David had his leadership questioned. Paul had his leadership questioned. It should therefore come as no surprise to me or any other person that I should have my leadership questioned. I am not the perfect pastor, the perfect man, the perfect husband, the perfect father... In fact I am not the perfect anything. The only perfect man to ever walk the earth, the Lord Jesus was God in the flesh and guess what? His leadership has been questioned! Wrongly of course, but questioned nonetheless.
I've had parents blame me for their children going bad even though they had them for a lot longer than I did. Some people tear the preacher down in front of others and then when they need him to help them with those others they wonder why he has no influence with them. I've had people criticize me for not preaching enough topical messages while others were criticizing me at the same time for preaching too many topical messages. I've had folks criticize me for doing things Lee Roberson "wouldn't agree with" and then they go and join a church Lee Roberson wouldn't agree with. Not that Lee Roberson (whom I respect) is the end all but what's good for the goose should be good for the gander.
Moses defended himself several times though he didn't seem to enjoy it. In the latter part of II Corinthians Paul defended himself. Though it was somewhat distasteful to him he did as the Spirit led him. Before I even finished preparing last Wednesday night's message the Lord had given me this message. I don't want to give it, I don't know what your reaction will be but I firmly believe this is the message the Lord has given me for this morning.
Peter says in verse 1, I am an elder writing to elders. I am a witness to Christ's sufferings and I write to people who will suffer (the whole book deals with suffering). I will partake in the glory to come. So listen fellows here's what you need to do.
I. FEED THE FLOCK FOR THE RIGHT REASON [V. 2]
1. Peter spoke from experience [v. 2, John 21:15-17]
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
For years our emphasis has been the Blood, the Book, and the Blessed Hope!
2. Peter spoke of avoiding a negative spirit [v. 2]
3. Peter spoke of a willing heart [v. 2]
Exodus 35:21 And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD's offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments
1 Chronicles 28:9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.
It's not just for leaders.
1 Chronicles 29:17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.
Peter says not only for the right reason but:
II. LEAD FOR THE RIGHT MOTIVE [V. 2]
1. Not for financial gain
2. A ready mind to serve Christ
3. A realization of the Chief Shepherd [v. 4]
III. LEAD IN THE RIGHT MANNER [V. 3]
This is key in my philosophy of pastoral leadership. I have known a lot of dictator pastors. I have strived to not be one while at the same time exercising God-given authority. I am not perfect and I have never claimed to be. But I have strived to be an example as Peter says here and Paul said in I Tim. 4
12Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
13Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
15Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
So I have tried to be an example in my:
1. Associations- sound soul-winning preachers, no liberals, no ministerial association, not Baptist bride or other alienators. But practicing Ps. 119:63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
2. Activities- no movie theatres, no lying at Easter and Christmas, no helping Disney promote their gay days, no mixed swimming, no so-called Christian rock music, positive activities like trips to the Bill Rice Ranch for all ages, fellowships, banquets, etc.. Encouraging reading the Bible through every year, prayer, missions
3. Attitude- not legalistic rules but Biblical standards (strange how parents have fought me more on this than kids have only to have it backfire in their faces), loving discipline as a father, able to laugh but able to cry also, being a cheerful giver
No, I have not been perfect. You can like me or not like me. You can like my style or not like it. But ultimately however you respond it had better be Biblical:
For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Rom. 14:7-12
Moses had his leadership questioned repeatedly. David had his leadership questioned. Paul had his leadership questioned. It should therefore come as no surprise to me or any other person that I should have my leadership questioned. I am not the perfect pastor, the perfect man, the perfect husband, the perfect father... In fact I am not the perfect anything. The only perfect man to ever walk the earth, the Lord Jesus was God in the flesh and guess what? His leadership has been questioned! Wrongly of course, but questioned nonetheless.
I've had parents blame me for their children going bad even though they had them for a lot longer than I did. Some people tear the preacher down in front of others and then when they need him to help them with those others they wonder why he has no influence with them. I've had people criticize me for not preaching enough topical messages while others were criticizing me at the same time for preaching too many topical messages. I've had folks criticize me for doing things Lee Roberson "wouldn't agree with" and then they go and join a church Lee Roberson wouldn't agree with. Not that Lee Roberson (whom I respect) is the end all but what's good for the goose should be good for the gander.
Moses defended himself several times though he didn't seem to enjoy it. In the latter part of II Corinthians Paul defended himself. Though it was somewhat distasteful to him he did as the Spirit led him. Before I even finished preparing last Wednesday night's message the Lord had given me this message. I don't want to give it, I don't know what your reaction will be but I firmly believe this is the message the Lord has given me for this morning.
Peter says in verse 1, I am an elder writing to elders. I am a witness to Christ's sufferings and I write to people who will suffer (the whole book deals with suffering). I will partake in the glory to come. So listen fellows here's what you need to do.
I. FEED THE FLOCK FOR THE RIGHT REASON [V. 2]
1. Peter spoke from experience [v. 2, John 21:15-17]
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
For years our emphasis has been the Blood, the Book, and the Blessed Hope!
2. Peter spoke of avoiding a negative spirit [v. 2]
3. Peter spoke of a willing heart [v. 2]
Exodus 35:21 And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD's offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments
1 Chronicles 28:9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.
It's not just for leaders.
1 Chronicles 29:17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.
Peter says not only for the right reason but:
II. LEAD FOR THE RIGHT MOTIVE [V. 2]
1. Not for financial gain
2. A ready mind to serve Christ
3. A realization of the Chief Shepherd [v. 4]
III. LEAD IN THE RIGHT MANNER [V. 3]
This is key in my philosophy of pastoral leadership. I have known a lot of dictator pastors. I have strived to not be one while at the same time exercising God-given authority. I am not perfect and I have never claimed to be. But I have strived to be an example as Peter says here and Paul said in I Tim. 4
12Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
13Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
15Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
So I have tried to be an example in my:
1. Associations- sound soul-winning preachers, no liberals, no ministerial association, not Baptist bride or other alienators. But practicing Ps. 119:63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
2. Activities- no movie theatres, no lying at Easter and Christmas, no helping Disney promote their gay days, no mixed swimming, no so-called Christian rock music, positive activities like trips to the Bill Rice Ranch for all ages, fellowships, banquets, etc.. Encouraging reading the Bible through every year, prayer, missions
3. Attitude- not legalistic rules but Biblical standards (strange how parents have fought me more on this than kids have only to have it backfire in their faces), loving discipline as a father, able to laugh but able to cry also, being a cheerful giver
No, I have not been perfect. You can like me or not like me. You can like my style or not like it. But ultimately however you respond it had better be Biblical:
For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Rom. 14:7-12
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Quotes Gone to the Dogs!
The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue. -Anonymous
Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful. -Ann Landers
There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. -Ben Williams
A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. -Josh Billings
The average dog is a nicer person than the average person. -Andy Rooney
We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare.
And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made. -M. Acklam
I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult. -Rita Rudner
A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down. -Robert Benchley
Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog. -Franklin P. Jones
If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise -Unknown
My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to $3.00 a can. That's almost $21.00 in dog money!-Joe Weinstein
Ever consider what our dogs must think of us? I mean, here we come from a grocery with the most amazing haul, chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth! -Anne Tyler
Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea. -Robert A. Heinlein
If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man. -Mark Twain
You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, 'Wow, you're right! I never would've thought of that!' - Dave Barry
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. -Roger Caras
If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give him only two of them. -Phil Pastoret
My goal in life is to be as good a person as my dog thinks I am.
Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful. -Ann Landers
There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. -Ben Williams
A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. -Josh Billings
The average dog is a nicer person than the average person. -Andy Rooney
We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare.
And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made. -M. Acklam
I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult. -Rita Rudner
A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down. -Robert Benchley
Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog. -Franklin P. Jones
If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise -Unknown
My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to $3.00 a can. That's almost $21.00 in dog money!-Joe Weinstein
Ever consider what our dogs must think of us? I mean, here we come from a grocery with the most amazing haul, chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth! -Anne Tyler
Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea. -Robert A. Heinlein
If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man. -Mark Twain
You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, 'Wow, you're right! I never would've thought of that!' - Dave Barry
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. -Roger Caras
If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give him only two of them. -Phil Pastoret
My goal in life is to be as good a person as my dog thinks I am.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Q: What does vegetarianism have to do with the fossil record?
A: In Genesis 1:29–30, the Bible says:
And God said, ‘See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food’; and it was so.
God’s Word tells us that Adam and Eve—and the animals—were vegetarian before sin. However, sin changed everything. In Genesis 9, right after the Flood, we read that God told Noah that man could eat meat from that time onward.
This is an important point. In the fossil record, there are numerous instances of fossils of animals with bones of other animals in their stomachs. These fossils showing carnivory could not have formed before Adam sinned. Yet, if you believe in millions of years of history, these fossils contradict the Bible’s account of history.
The Bible’s account is true—man’s ideas are fallible.
For more information, see Grotesque dinosaur cannibals! 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.
And God said, ‘See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food’; and it was so.
God’s Word tells us that Adam and Eve—and the animals—were vegetarian before sin. However, sin changed everything. In Genesis 9, right after the Flood, we read that God told Noah that man could eat meat from that time onward.
This is an important point. In the fossil record, there are numerous instances of fossils of animals with bones of other animals in their stomachs. These fossils showing carnivory could not have formed before Adam sinned. Yet, if you believe in millions of years of history, these fossils contradict the Bible’s account of history.
The Bible’s account is true—man’s ideas are fallible.
For more information, see Grotesque dinosaur cannibals! 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.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Quotes of the week!
It takes me longer to get rested than to get tired. -World's smallest Evangelist, Bobby Brindle
The Word of God is not everything God knows, but it's everything God wants us to know. -Evangelist Richard Coyle
Because I know it is the Word of God. I don't only believe it; I know it! ...And we should not let what we don't know upset what we do know. -J. Vernon McGee, Colossians.
Human nature has the tendency to want to follow men instead of God---to want "something new" instead of the basic foundational truths of the Gospel. -Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Complete, pg. 26.
The Word of God is not everything God knows, but it's everything God wants us to know. -Evangelist Richard Coyle
Because I know it is the Word of God. I don't only believe it; I know it! ...And we should not let what we don't know upset what we do know. -J. Vernon McGee, Colossians.
Human nature has the tendency to want to follow men instead of God---to want "something new" instead of the basic foundational truths of the Gospel. -Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Complete, pg. 26.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
WHAT ARE YOU REALLY?
COLOSSIANS 1:1-8
Rick Jackson
Colossians is one of the prison epistles (along with Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon). Thus called because Paul wrote it while in prison (1:24, 4:18). But as II Tim. 2:9 declares, "the Word of God is NOT bound!"
Last week we saw, "Who are you really?" This week the question is, what are you really? Look first at:
I. THE WAY TO BE [V. 2a]
1. Be a Saint [one set apart for God by salavation, I Cor. 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:]
2. Be faithful [we can't all be talented, can't all be rich, can't all be... but we can all be faithful. I Cor. 4:1-2 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.]
3. Be one of the "faithful brethren in Christ" Don't side with the world, the flesh and the devil against the brethren.
II. THE REASON TO BE [V. 2b-4]
1. We are recipients of grace and peace directly from God [v. 2b]
2. We are the cause of thanksgiving and prayer directly to God [v. 3]
3. We can bear a testimony of faith and love as directed by God [v. 4]
III. THE REALITY OF BEING [V. 5-8]
1. The truth of the Gospel secures our future [v. 5]
2. The truth of the Gospel secures fruit [v. 6, Ps. 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.]
3. The truth of the Gospel sounds forth from the faithful in the Spirit [v. 7-8]
Rick Jackson
Colossians is one of the prison epistles (along with Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon). Thus called because Paul wrote it while in prison (1:24, 4:18). But as II Tim. 2:9 declares, "the Word of God is NOT bound!"
Last week we saw, "Who are you really?" This week the question is, what are you really? Look first at:
I. THE WAY TO BE [V. 2a]
1. Be a Saint [one set apart for God by salavation, I Cor. 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:]
2. Be faithful [we can't all be talented, can't all be rich, can't all be... but we can all be faithful. I Cor. 4:1-2 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.]
3. Be one of the "faithful brethren in Christ" Don't side with the world, the flesh and the devil against the brethren.
II. THE REASON TO BE [V. 2b-4]
1. We are recipients of grace and peace directly from God [v. 2b]
2. We are the cause of thanksgiving and prayer directly to God [v. 3]
3. We can bear a testimony of faith and love as directed by God [v. 4]
III. THE REALITY OF BEING [V. 5-8]
1. The truth of the Gospel secures our future [v. 5]
2. The truth of the Gospel secures fruit [v. 6, Ps. 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.]
3. The truth of the Gospel sounds forth from the faithful in the Spirit [v. 7-8]
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Monday, January 15, 2007
WHY I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER !!!
The Democrats new promise "A New Direction For America"
The stock market is at a new all-time high and America's 401K's are back.
A new direction from there means, what?
Unemployment is at 25 year lows.
A new direction from there means, what?
Oil prices are plummeting.
A new direction from there means, what?
Taxes are at 20 year lows.
A new direction from there means, what?
Federal tax revenues are at all-time highs.
A new direction from there means, what?
The Federal deficit is down almost 50%, just as predicted over last year.
A new direction from there means. what?
Home valuations are up 200% over the past 3.5 years.
A new direction from there means, what?
Inflation is in check, hovering at 20 year lows.
A new direction from there means, what?
Not a single terrorist attack on US soil since 9/11/01.
A new direction from there means, what?
Osama bin Laden is living under a rock in a dark cave, having not surfaced
in years, if he's alive at all, while 95% of Al Queda's top dogs are either
dead or in custody, cooperating with US Intel.
A new direction from there means, what?
Several major terrorist attacks already thwarted by US and British Intel,
including the recent planned attack involving 10 Jumbo Jets being exploded
in mid-air over major US cities in order to celebrate the anniversary of the
9/11/01 attacks.
A new direction from there means, what?
Just as President Bush foretold us on a number of occasions, Iraq was to be
made "ground zero" for the war on terrorism -- and just as President Bush
said they would, terrorist cells from all over the region are arriving from
the shadows of their hiding places and flooding into Iraq in order to get their
faces blown off by US Marines rather than boarding planes and heading to
the United States to wage war on us here.
A new direction from there means, what?
Now let me see, do I have this right? I can expect:
The economy to go South
Illegals to go North
Taxes to go Up
Employment to go Down
Terrorism to come In
Tax breaks to go Out
Social Security to go Away
Health Care to go the same way gas prices have gone
But there is a bright spot in all of this...
I can gain comfort by knowing that Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, Edward Kennedy,
Howard Dean, Harry Reid and Obama have worked hard to create a comprehensive
National Security Plan, Health Care Plan, Immigration Reform Plan, Gay
Rights Plan, Same Sex Marriage Plan, Abortion On Demand Plan, Tolerance of
Everyone and Everything Plan, How to Return all Troops to the U.S. in The
Next Six Months Plan, A Get Tough Plan, adapted from the French Plan by the
same name and a How Everyone Can Become as Wealthy as We Are Plan.
I forgot the No More Katrina Storm Plan.
Now I know why I feel good after the elections. I am going to be able to
sleep so much better at nights knowing these dedicated politicians are
thinking of me and my welfare.
I didn't write this. It was sent to me in an email. I just thought it was interesting. - Rick Jackson
The stock market is at a new all-time high and America's 401K's are back.
A new direction from there means, what?
Unemployment is at 25 year lows.
A new direction from there means, what?
Oil prices are plummeting.
A new direction from there means, what?
Taxes are at 20 year lows.
A new direction from there means, what?
Federal tax revenues are at all-time highs.
A new direction from there means, what?
The Federal deficit is down almost 50%, just as predicted over last year.
A new direction from there means. what?
Home valuations are up 200% over the past 3.5 years.
A new direction from there means, what?
Inflation is in check, hovering at 20 year lows.
A new direction from there means, what?
Not a single terrorist attack on US soil since 9/11/01.
A new direction from there means, what?
Osama bin Laden is living under a rock in a dark cave, having not surfaced
in years, if he's alive at all, while 95% of Al Queda's top dogs are either
dead or in custody, cooperating with US Intel.
A new direction from there means, what?
Several major terrorist attacks already thwarted by US and British Intel,
including the recent planned attack involving 10 Jumbo Jets being exploded
in mid-air over major US cities in order to celebrate the anniversary of the
9/11/01 attacks.
A new direction from there means, what?
Just as President Bush foretold us on a number of occasions, Iraq was to be
made "ground zero" for the war on terrorism -- and just as President Bush
said they would, terrorist cells from all over the region are arriving from
the shadows of their hiding places and flooding into Iraq in order to get their
faces blown off by US Marines rather than boarding planes and heading to
the United States to wage war on us here.
A new direction from there means, what?
Now let me see, do I have this right? I can expect:
The economy to go South
Illegals to go North
Taxes to go Up
Employment to go Down
Terrorism to come In
Tax breaks to go Out
Social Security to go Away
Health Care to go the same way gas prices have gone
But there is a bright spot in all of this...
I can gain comfort by knowing that Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, Edward Kennedy,
Howard Dean, Harry Reid and Obama have worked hard to create a comprehensive
National Security Plan, Health Care Plan, Immigration Reform Plan, Gay
Rights Plan, Same Sex Marriage Plan, Abortion On Demand Plan, Tolerance of
Everyone and Everything Plan, How to Return all Troops to the U.S. in The
Next Six Months Plan, A Get Tough Plan, adapted from the French Plan by the
same name and a How Everyone Can Become as Wealthy as We Are Plan.
I forgot the No More Katrina Storm Plan.
Now I know why I feel good after the elections. I am going to be able to
sleep so much better at nights knowing these dedicated politicians are
thinking of me and my welfare.
I didn't write this. It was sent to me in an email. I just thought it was interesting. - Rick Jackson
Sunday, January 14, 2007
CAN YOU SAY IT AND IF YOU CAN WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?
PSALM 23
Psalm 22 -The Good Shepherd John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
Psalm 23 -The Great Shepherd Hebrews 13:20-21 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Psalm 24 -The Chief Shepherd 1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
22=Cross..................Savior........Foundation.......Dying.........Past.......Gives His Life
23=Shepherd's Crook....Satisfier......Manifestation....Living........Present......Gives His love
24=Crown.................Sovereign.....Expectation......Coming......Future.......Gives His light
JVM
Though the 23rd Psalm is one of the most quoted and well known chapters in the Scriptures it is relatively mis-quoted and unknown by the majority of people in the world, even those that claim it. That is it beautiful is undeniable, that it is universal is untenable. It is the proper confession of a saved individual. A lost person has no right to claim it though he should desire it. When you can claim it, what are you saying?
I. WHAT ARE YOU SAYING TO OTHERS? [V. 1-3]
1. A word of testimony- I am trusting Him and He is mine [v. 1]
2. A word of trust- I am depending on Him and He will provide [v. 1b-2]
More is implied than is expressed, not only, I shall not want, but "I shall be supplied with whatever I need; and if I have not everything I desire, I may conclude it is either not fit for me or not good for me, or I shall have it in due time". -Matthew Henry
3. A word of transference-I am in Him and He will guide [v. 3]
II. WHAT ARE YOU SAYING TO GOD? [V. 4-5]
1. Wherever you lead I'll go [v. 4a] [destination]
2. Whatever you say I'll trust [v. 4b] [direction]
3. Whatever you give I'll take [v.5] [devotion]
III. WHAT ARE YOU SAYING TO YOURSELF? [V. 6]
1. God is good [Mark 10:18 ... there is none good but one, that is, God.]
2. God is merciful [Ps. 62:12 Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy...] v.6 note the duration
3. God is forever gracious [Eph. 1:7, 2:7]
How unlike the world's philosophy, "Life stinks, and then you die."
Note the comforting words... walk...shadow...with me... comfort me...will dwell
Psalm 22 -The Good Shepherd John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
Psalm 23 -The Great Shepherd Hebrews 13:20-21 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Psalm 24 -The Chief Shepherd 1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
22=Cross..................Savior........Foundation.......Dying.........Past.......Gives His Life
23=Shepherd's Crook....Satisfier......Manifestation....Living........Present......Gives His love
24=Crown.................Sovereign.....Expectation......Coming......Future.......Gives His light
JVM
Though the 23rd Psalm is one of the most quoted and well known chapters in the Scriptures it is relatively mis-quoted and unknown by the majority of people in the world, even those that claim it. That is it beautiful is undeniable, that it is universal is untenable. It is the proper confession of a saved individual. A lost person has no right to claim it though he should desire it. When you can claim it, what are you saying?
I. WHAT ARE YOU SAYING TO OTHERS? [V. 1-3]
1. A word of testimony- I am trusting Him and He is mine [v. 1]
2. A word of trust- I am depending on Him and He will provide [v. 1b-2]
More is implied than is expressed, not only, I shall not want, but "I shall be supplied with whatever I need; and if I have not everything I desire, I may conclude it is either not fit for me or not good for me, or I shall have it in due time". -Matthew Henry
3. A word of transference-I am in Him and He will guide [v. 3]
II. WHAT ARE YOU SAYING TO GOD? [V. 4-5]
1. Wherever you lead I'll go [v. 4a] [destination]
2. Whatever you say I'll trust [v. 4b] [direction]
3. Whatever you give I'll take [v.5] [devotion]
III. WHAT ARE YOU SAYING TO YOURSELF? [V. 6]
1. God is good [Mark 10:18 ... there is none good but one, that is, God.]
2. God is merciful [Ps. 62:12 Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy...] v.6 note the duration
3. God is forever gracious [Eph. 1:7, 2:7]
How unlike the world's philosophy, "Life stinks, and then you die."
Note the comforting words... walk...shadow...with me... comfort me...will dwell
COULDA, WOULDA, SHOULDA
I SAMUEL 17:1-40
A very familiar passage of Scripture. A well known true story. And yet, there is much to be derived from even the most familiar of passages. Even though you know the outcome as you approach this account think for a moment... Goliath could've won. He had won many such battles in the past. David would've lost under "normal" circumstances. Goliath wasn't the only battle he had to fight that day. It should've been a massacre in the other direction. The events of that day some 3000 years ago speak loudly to us today. Let us look first at:
I. WHY GOLIATH COULD HAVE WON
1. Goliath was well proportioned [v. 4] The flesh is a strong enemy.
2. Goliath was well prepared [v. 5-7, 33, 41] The world is a powerful ally to the flesh.
3. Goliath was well programmed [v. 43-44] Satan is stronger than us.
I Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
II. WHY DAVID WOULD HAVE LOST
1. His motives were questioned [v. 28]
Shortly after Rachel's wedding it came back to me that certain individuals were saying I was trying to hog the show at her wedding... (isn't funny how people say they want you to exercise leadership but then they criticize you when you do) but they were wrong about my motives
2. His methods were questioned [v. 38-40]
There may be more than one way to do something.
3. His manhood was questioned [v. 42-44]
No-one thought the colonists could defeat Britain either...
III. WHY THE OTHERS SHOULD'VE DONE WHAT DAVID DID
1. They should have recognized there was a cause [v. 11, 24, 29]
2. They should have remembered and had courage [v. 32-36]
3. They should have relied on the Lord Jesus Christ [v. 37, 45-47]
But wait... you and I have a cause... the cause of the Lord... winning souls & growing spiritually
you and I should have courage based on past victoies the Lord has won on our behalf...
you and I can say with Paul "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. "
Lets do it!
A very familiar passage of Scripture. A well known true story. And yet, there is much to be derived from even the most familiar of passages. Even though you know the outcome as you approach this account think for a moment... Goliath could've won. He had won many such battles in the past. David would've lost under "normal" circumstances. Goliath wasn't the only battle he had to fight that day. It should've been a massacre in the other direction. The events of that day some 3000 years ago speak loudly to us today. Let us look first at:
I. WHY GOLIATH COULD HAVE WON
1. Goliath was well proportioned [v. 4] The flesh is a strong enemy.
2. Goliath was well prepared [v. 5-7, 33, 41] The world is a powerful ally to the flesh.
3. Goliath was well programmed [v. 43-44] Satan is stronger than us.
I Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
II. WHY DAVID WOULD HAVE LOST
1. His motives were questioned [v. 28]
Shortly after Rachel's wedding it came back to me that certain individuals were saying I was trying to hog the show at her wedding... (isn't funny how people say they want you to exercise leadership but then they criticize you when you do) but they were wrong about my motives
2. His methods were questioned [v. 38-40]
There may be more than one way to do something.
3. His manhood was questioned [v. 42-44]
No-one thought the colonists could defeat Britain either...
III. WHY THE OTHERS SHOULD'VE DONE WHAT DAVID DID
1. They should have recognized there was a cause [v. 11, 24, 29]
2. They should have remembered and had courage [v. 32-36]
3. They should have relied on the Lord Jesus Christ [v. 37, 45-47]
But wait... you and I have a cause... the cause of the Lord... winning souls & growing spiritually
you and I should have courage based on past victoies the Lord has won on our behalf...
you and I can say with Paul "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. "
Lets do it!
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Quotes of the week! (REVAMPED)
As long as the Lord allows me to draw breath, I will use the stubborn ounces of this life to proclaim to any who will listen, that Jesus saves and is coming back again. -Dave Breese, President, World Prophetic Ministry (now with the Lord)
John 3:16 has been my address since I was 9 years old. -Dr. Joseph Stowell Sr.
I went to bed and slept like a Christian. -H. A. Ironside
The only time God is deaf is when we are dumb. -Raymond Barber
Prayer is not a secondary necessity, but a primary necessity! -Barber
The cross of Jesus Christ is the heart and soul of our redemption. -Barber
Bring them in, build them up, send them out! -Clyde Box
Every Christian should begin, continue, and end everything in prayer. -D. L. Moody
Human abilities end, but God's ablilities don't! -Evangelist Tim Thompson
Life is not made up of wishes and wants, but it is made up of decisions and choices that you make. -Thompson
My life is NOT my life, it's Christ's life. -Evangelist Bill Rice III
Die to self! Die to compliments! Die to criticism! Critics are a dime a dozen. Any fool can criticize! -Dr. Lee Roberson
Cain found out from God you cannot get blood from a turnip! -Missionary Ron Corley
The will of God is not an option, it's an obligation. -Evangelist Wendall Calder
All the Bible is not written to me, but it is all written for me! -Missionary William Bray
God does not condone in your life what he condemned in the Bible! -Evangelist Ron Comfort
We have to make up our minds if this book is absolute or obsolete. -Leonard Ravenhill
None of us can change the past but we can ruin a perfectly good present by worrying about the future. -quoted by Sunday School Teacher Jim Johns
John 3:16 has been my address since I was 9 years old. -Dr. Joseph Stowell Sr.
I went to bed and slept like a Christian. -H. A. Ironside
The only time God is deaf is when we are dumb. -Raymond Barber
Prayer is not a secondary necessity, but a primary necessity! -Barber
The cross of Jesus Christ is the heart and soul of our redemption. -Barber
Bring them in, build them up, send them out! -Clyde Box
Every Christian should begin, continue, and end everything in prayer. -D. L. Moody
Human abilities end, but God's ablilities don't! -Evangelist Tim Thompson
Life is not made up of wishes and wants, but it is made up of decisions and choices that you make. -Thompson
My life is NOT my life, it's Christ's life. -Evangelist Bill Rice III
Die to self! Die to compliments! Die to criticism! Critics are a dime a dozen. Any fool can criticize! -Dr. Lee Roberson
Cain found out from God you cannot get blood from a turnip! -Missionary Ron Corley
The will of God is not an option, it's an obligation. -Evangelist Wendall Calder
All the Bible is not written to me, but it is all written for me! -Missionary William Bray
God does not condone in your life what he condemned in the Bible! -Evangelist Ron Comfort
We have to make up our minds if this book is absolute or obsolete. -Leonard Ravenhill
None of us can change the past but we can ruin a perfectly good present by worrying about the future. -quoted by Sunday School Teacher Jim Johns
Friday, January 12, 2007
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
WHO ARE YOU REALLY?
Colossians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,
I. FOR PURPOSES OF IDENTIFICATION
1.Question- Who are you?
Answer- Not "Saul" the proud, but Paul "the little" (Acts 13:9). No indication of a divine name change like some (Abram, Sarai, Jacob, Simon) but a personal preference perhaps. How do you see yourself? Call me "Mister", "Doctor", "Reverend", "Father" There is a time and place for titles "your honor" "officer" but sometimes it's pride, which God hates.
2. Q.- What are you?
A.- "an apostle of Jesus Christ". Paul had not yet been to Colassae (2:1) so it's important they know his word carries weight. An apostle was a sent one. In this case, one sent with special authority (Eph. 4:11). By stating this he shows his authority, like a policeman identifying himself with his badge. What are you? A child of God, an ambassador for the King, a deacon, a church member, etc. "Who do you think you are?" No brag, just fact here.
3. Q.- Why are you?
A.- "By the will of God" Paul was not elected to the office of apostle by men but was so designated by Jesus Christ. Why am I a preacher? Not because I chose to be. I was going in a different vocational direction. I may be pastor here because the church voted to call me to the place after seeking the will of God and I accepted after seeking the will of God but my friends I was a preacher long before that by the will of God! "Why are you?"
A bartender is not a bartender by the will of God ...
Habakkuk 2:15 Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!
A lost person is not lost by the will of God...
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.
If you are not what you are by the will of God it behooves you to let God change you! To be conformed to His will...
Romans 12:2 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.
II. FOR FURTHER CLASSIFICATION
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. 2002. "A man is known by the company he keeps." Our character is reflected in our choice of friends.
This particular way of saying it is from Aesop's Fables. A man wanted to purchase a donkey, and agreed with its owner that he should try out the animal before he bought him. He took the donkey home and put him in with his other donkeys, upon which the new animal left all the others and at once joined the one that was most idle and the greatest eater of them all. Seeing this, the man put a halter on him and led him back to his owner. On being asked how, in so short a time, he could have made a trial of him, he answered, "I do not need a trial; I know that he will be just the same as the one he chose for his companion."
As a former teacher for 13 years I can attest to the truth of this proverb. What is more important is the testimony of the Word of God. "Amnon had a friend."
1. Choose Providentially!
Psalm 119:63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
2. Choose purposefully!
Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
3. Choose positively!
Proverbs 28:7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
Daniel 2:17-18 Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
This is how Paul chose Timothy as a companion and friend
Acts 16:1-3 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
Acts 19:22So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus...
Romans 16:21 Timotheus my workfellow...
1 Corinthians 4:17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord...
1 Corinthians 16:10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
2 Corinthians 1:19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus...
1 Thessalonians 3:2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:
For purposes of identification- who are you? what are you? why are you?
For further classification- who are your companions?
I. FOR PURPOSES OF IDENTIFICATION
1.Question- Who are you?
Answer- Not "Saul" the proud, but Paul "the little" (Acts 13:9). No indication of a divine name change like some (Abram, Sarai, Jacob, Simon) but a personal preference perhaps. How do you see yourself? Call me "Mister", "Doctor", "Reverend", "Father" There is a time and place for titles "your honor" "officer" but sometimes it's pride, which God hates.
2. Q.- What are you?
A.- "an apostle of Jesus Christ". Paul had not yet been to Colassae (2:1) so it's important they know his word carries weight. An apostle was a sent one. In this case, one sent with special authority (Eph. 4:11). By stating this he shows his authority, like a policeman identifying himself with his badge. What are you? A child of God, an ambassador for the King, a deacon, a church member, etc. "Who do you think you are?" No brag, just fact here.
3. Q.- Why are you?
A.- "By the will of God" Paul was not elected to the office of apostle by men but was so designated by Jesus Christ. Why am I a preacher? Not because I chose to be. I was going in a different vocational direction. I may be pastor here because the church voted to call me to the place after seeking the will of God and I accepted after seeking the will of God but my friends I was a preacher long before that by the will of God! "Why are you?"
A bartender is not a bartender by the will of God ...
Habakkuk 2:15 Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!
A lost person is not lost by the will of God...
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.
If you are not what you are by the will of God it behooves you to let God change you! To be conformed to His will...
Romans 12:2 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.
II. FOR FURTHER CLASSIFICATION
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. 2002. "A man is known by the company he keeps." Our character is reflected in our choice of friends.
This particular way of saying it is from Aesop's Fables. A man wanted to purchase a donkey, and agreed with its owner that he should try out the animal before he bought him. He took the donkey home and put him in with his other donkeys, upon which the new animal left all the others and at once joined the one that was most idle and the greatest eater of them all. Seeing this, the man put a halter on him and led him back to his owner. On being asked how, in so short a time, he could have made a trial of him, he answered, "I do not need a trial; I know that he will be just the same as the one he chose for his companion."
As a former teacher for 13 years I can attest to the truth of this proverb. What is more important is the testimony of the Word of God. "Amnon had a friend."
1. Choose Providentially!
Psalm 119:63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
2. Choose purposefully!
Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
3. Choose positively!
Proverbs 28:7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
Daniel 2:17-18 Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
This is how Paul chose Timothy as a companion and friend
Acts 16:1-3 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
Acts 19:22So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus...
Romans 16:21 Timotheus my workfellow...
1 Corinthians 4:17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord...
1 Corinthians 16:10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
2 Corinthians 1:19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus...
1 Thessalonians 3:2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:
For purposes of identification- who are you? what are you? why are you?
For further classification- who are your companions?
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
GATORS MAKE HISTORY!
No other school in history has had National Championships in Basketball and Football at the same time. Go Gators!
Monday, January 08, 2007
Space Cadet's Year in Review
January - Took new scarf back to store because it was too tight.
February - Fired from pharmacy job for failing to print labels.....Helllloooo!!!.....bottles won't fit in typewriter!!!
March - Got really excited.....finished jigsaw puzzle in 6 months....box said "2-4 years!"
April - Trapped on escalator for hours.....power went out!!!
May - Tried to make Kool-Aid.....wrong instructions.... 8 cups of water won't fit into those little packets!!!
June - Tried to go water skiing.....couldn't find a lake with a slope.
July - Failed to make orange juice. Must not have "concentrated" enough.
August - Got locked out of my car in rain storm.....car swamped because soft-top was open.
September - The capital of California is "C".....isn't it???
October - Hate M & M's.....they are so hard to peel.
November - Baked turkey for 4 1/2 days .....instructions said 1 hour per pound and I weigh 108!!!
December - Couldn't call 911....."duh".....there's no "eleven" button on the stupid phone!!!
What a year!!
[adapted from an email sent to me by MJR]
February - Fired from pharmacy job for failing to print labels.....Helllloooo!!!.....bottles won't fit in typewriter!!!
March - Got really excited.....finished jigsaw puzzle in 6 months....box said "2-4 years!"
April - Trapped on escalator for hours.....power went out!!!
May - Tried to make Kool-Aid.....wrong instructions.... 8 cups of water won't fit into those little packets!!!
June - Tried to go water skiing.....couldn't find a lake with a slope.
July - Failed to make orange juice. Must not have "concentrated" enough.
August - Got locked out of my car in rain storm.....car swamped because soft-top was open.
September - The capital of California is "C".....isn't it???
October - Hate M & M's.....they are so hard to peel.
November - Baked turkey for 4 1/2 days .....instructions said 1 hour per pound and I weigh 108!!!
December - Couldn't call 911....."duh".....there's no "eleven" button on the stupid phone!!!
What a year!!
[adapted from an email sent to me by MJR]
"Boring Flight"
Bored during a long flight, an eminent scholar leaned over and woke up the sleeping man next to him to ask if he would like to play a game. "I'll ask you a question," the scholar explained, "and if you don't know the answer, you pay me $5. Then you ask me a question, and if I don'tknow the answer, I'll pay you $50." When the man agreed to play, the scholar asked, "What's the distance from the earth to the moon?" Flummoxed, the man handed him $5.
"Ha!" said the scholar. "It's 238,857 miles. Now it's your turn."
The man was silent for a few moments. Then he asked, "What goes up ahill with three legs and comes down with four?"
Puzzled, the scholar racked his brains for an hour--but to no avail. Finally he took out his wallet and handed over $50. "Okay, okay, what is the answer?" the scholar asked.
The man said, "I don't know," pulled out another $5 bill, handed it to the scholar, and went back to sleep.
[RLS sent me this one.]
"Ha!" said the scholar. "It's 238,857 miles. Now it's your turn."
The man was silent for a few moments. Then he asked, "What goes up ahill with three legs and comes down with four?"
Puzzled, the scholar racked his brains for an hour--but to no avail. Finally he took out his wallet and handed over $50. "Okay, okay, what is the answer?" the scholar asked.
The man said, "I don't know," pulled out another $5 bill, handed it to the scholar, and went back to sleep.
[RLS sent me this one.]
Sunday, January 07, 2007
More emails from my friends
There have been times when I may have; disturbed you, troubled you, pestered you, irritated you, bugged you, or got on your nerves with all the emails I send, So today I just wanna tell you that... I PLAN TO CONTINUE !!!!!!
Just keeping you posted so you will not
embarrass yourself.
Due to the climate of political correctness now
pervading America, those of us living in or originally from Alabama ,
Georgia , Tennessee , North Carolina , Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky . . . . will no longer be 'referred' to as . . . . . . . .
"HILLBILLIES." You must now refer to us as: APPALACHIAN-AMERICANS.
Now if you'll excuse me,
I got possums to fry ...
Just keeping you posted so you will not
embarrass yourself.
Due to the climate of political correctness now
pervading America, those of us living in or originally from Alabama ,
Georgia , Tennessee , North Carolina , Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky . . . . will no longer be 'referred' to as . . . . . . . .
"HILLBILLIES." You must now refer to us as: APPALACHIAN-AMERICANS.
Now if you'll excuse me,
I got possums to fry ...
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Q: Were dragons just mythological?
A: You may have heard about the flood legends that have come down from many different people groups around the world, many of which are very similar to the Bible’s account of Noah’s Flood.
For instance, the Australian Aborigines, before they even met missionaries, had stories about a global flood. The stories included many similarities to the Bible’s account. The same can be said of the legends of the American Indians, Fijians, Eskimos, and other cultures all around the world.
The reason for this is that these people are all descendants of Noah. They handed down the story of the Flood to succeeding generations. The stories changed over the years, but the similarities to the Bible are still there.
The same sort of thing likely happened with dragon legends. These stories are based on real encounters with real beasts. The stories exist all over the world, handed down from generation to generation.
What were the dragons? When you read about the descriptions of many of these dragons in the old history books, you will see that they fit with many of the descriptions we have today of dinosaurs.
Yes, dragons were probably dinosaurs!
For more information on dinosaurs in history, see Dinosaurs and dragons: stamping on the legends using the Answers in Genesis link provided at the left. 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.
For instance, the Australian Aborigines, before they even met missionaries, had stories about a global flood. The stories included many similarities to the Bible’s account. The same can be said of the legends of the American Indians, Fijians, Eskimos, and other cultures all around the world.
The reason for this is that these people are all descendants of Noah. They handed down the story of the Flood to succeeding generations. The stories changed over the years, but the similarities to the Bible are still there.
The same sort of thing likely happened with dragon legends. These stories are based on real encounters with real beasts. The stories exist all over the world, handed down from generation to generation.
What were the dragons? When you read about the descriptions of many of these dragons in the old history books, you will see that they fit with many of the descriptions we have today of dinosaurs.
Yes, dragons were probably dinosaurs!
For more information on dinosaurs in history, see Dinosaurs and dragons: stamping on the legends using the Answers in Genesis link provided at the left. 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.
Friday, January 05, 2007
TOO IMPORTANT TO MESS WITH
I realize I have been repeating a lot of what others have written lately. They have just been too good not to share. Often they say what I have been thinking and this helps me on many levels. I realize it's not just me. I understand that people I admire have thought the same thing. It's an encouragement to know it's solid thinking.
For example. I have long been troubled by tracts that don't include the resurrection. They tell people Jesus died to pay for their sins and to trust Christ but they fail to mention that He is the risen Christ! Read I Corinthians 15. Without the resurrection there is no salvation. Well, someone says, everybody knows he rose from the dead. No, they don't. We Christians are familiar with it but oftentimes the lost are not. Sumner Wemp said essentially the same thing recently.
DAILY, I get an Email, a "GOSPEL" tract, or hear a sermon and there is no gospel in it, that "CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS, AND ROSE AGAIN." Oh they are careful to say, "All have sinned." they are sure to say, "The wages of sins is death." but they leave out the good news, "Christ died for our sins" He has paid the debt in full and this good news, "the gospel is the power of God unto salvation unto them that BELIEVE" Rom 1:16. That means it lacks power to get people saved.
THEN the email, or tract or sermon will say, "give your heart to Jesus" or "give your life to Jesus." No, we are not told in the Bible for the lost person to give God anything. He is told in the Bible to "believe the gospel and receive the Lord Jesus as his Savior" John 1:12. Have you ever heard a 10, 12, or 14 year old boy or girl say "no, I don't want to give my heart to Jesus?" You never will either and if they have not been told clearly that God forgives us and saves us because the Lord Jesus suffered and died for our sins, paid our debt in full and rose again, they will probably go out just as lost as they came in. I have talked with hundreds upon hundreds. who doubted their salvation and when asked if they were told how Christ died for your sins and that is the only reason God saves us. Most have replied, "No I did not realize that when I was suppose to have gotten saved."
Folks, this is not Sumner's little quirk nor ax to grind, it is the difference in going to heaven or hell. Satan is behind this, "for the god of this world (Satan) has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel should shine unto them" 2 Cor 4:4. Scary isn't it? Has it ever dawned on you how many "church members" are not really saved. "Joining a church will no more make you a Christian than joining the Elks will make you an elk." Church rolls are full of drop outs that you could never find and if you witness to them they do not have a clue how to be saved. I know for I have witnessed to thousands of them.
To have a happy New Year, obey God, give the gospel to all you can and see them born of God right before your eyes. Read Lk 15:5-7 and see the joy it brings you, friends and heaven.
You are loved by God and me, All Because of Calvary, C. Sumner Wemp, USA
Happy New Year. May it be your greatest year ever. Make it so. www.gnpcb.org/product/663575730699 see "Your Ticket to Heaven" Call 1-877-872-2871-to order tracts. They are the easiest to give out I have ever used also.
For example. I have long been troubled by tracts that don't include the resurrection. They tell people Jesus died to pay for their sins and to trust Christ but they fail to mention that He is the risen Christ! Read I Corinthians 15. Without the resurrection there is no salvation. Well, someone says, everybody knows he rose from the dead. No, they don't. We Christians are familiar with it but oftentimes the lost are not. Sumner Wemp said essentially the same thing recently.
DAILY, I get an Email, a "GOSPEL" tract, or hear a sermon and there is no gospel in it, that "CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS, AND ROSE AGAIN." Oh they are careful to say, "All have sinned." they are sure to say, "The wages of sins is death." but they leave out the good news, "Christ died for our sins" He has paid the debt in full and this good news, "the gospel is the power of God unto salvation unto them that BELIEVE" Rom 1:16. That means it lacks power to get people saved.
THEN the email, or tract or sermon will say, "give your heart to Jesus" or "give your life to Jesus." No, we are not told in the Bible for the lost person to give God anything. He is told in the Bible to "believe the gospel and receive the Lord Jesus as his Savior" John 1:12. Have you ever heard a 10, 12, or 14 year old boy or girl say "no, I don't want to give my heart to Jesus?" You never will either and if they have not been told clearly that God forgives us and saves us because the Lord Jesus suffered and died for our sins, paid our debt in full and rose again, they will probably go out just as lost as they came in. I have talked with hundreds upon hundreds. who doubted their salvation and when asked if they were told how Christ died for your sins and that is the only reason God saves us. Most have replied, "No I did not realize that when I was suppose to have gotten saved."
Folks, this is not Sumner's little quirk nor ax to grind, it is the difference in going to heaven or hell. Satan is behind this, "for the god of this world (Satan) has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel should shine unto them" 2 Cor 4:4. Scary isn't it? Has it ever dawned on you how many "church members" are not really saved. "Joining a church will no more make you a Christian than joining the Elks will make you an elk." Church rolls are full of drop outs that you could never find and if you witness to them they do not have a clue how to be saved. I know for I have witnessed to thousands of them.
To have a happy New Year, obey God, give the gospel to all you can and see them born of God right before your eyes. Read Lk 15:5-7 and see the joy it brings you, friends and heaven.
You are loved by God and me, All Because of Calvary, C. Sumner Wemp, USA
Happy New Year. May it be your greatest year ever. Make it so. www.gnpcb.org/product/663575730699 see "Your Ticket to Heaven" Call 1-877-872-2871-to order tracts. They are the easiest to give out I have ever used also.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
EMAILS FROM A FRIEND (?)
ATTENTION
ALIENS ARE COMING TO ABDUCT ALL THE GOOD LOOKING AND INTELLIGENT PEOPLE.
YOU WILL BE SAFE, I'M JUST EMAILING TO SAY GOODBYE.
The Old Pastor's Last Request
An old pastor lay dying. He sent a message for an IRS agent and his lawyer to come to the hospital. When they arrived, they were ushered up to his room. As they entered the room, the pastor held out his hands and motioned for them to sit on each side of the bed. The pastor grasped their hands, sighed contentedly, smiled, and stared at the ceiling. For a time, no one said anything. Both the IRS agent and lawyer were touched and flattered that the old man would ask them to be with him during his final moments. They were also puzzled because the pastor had never given any indication that he particularly liked either one of them. Finally, the Lawyer asked, "Pastor, why did you askthe two of us to come here?"The old pastor mustered all his strength, then said weakly, "Jesus died between two thieves, and that's how I want to go."
ALIENS ARE COMING TO ABDUCT ALL THE GOOD LOOKING AND INTELLIGENT PEOPLE.
YOU WILL BE SAFE, I'M JUST EMAILING TO SAY GOODBYE.
The Old Pastor's Last Request
An old pastor lay dying. He sent a message for an IRS agent and his lawyer to come to the hospital. When they arrived, they were ushered up to his room. As they entered the room, the pastor held out his hands and motioned for them to sit on each side of the bed. The pastor grasped their hands, sighed contentedly, smiled, and stared at the ceiling. For a time, no one said anything. Both the IRS agent and lawyer were touched and flattered that the old man would ask them to be with him during his final moments. They were also puzzled because the pastor had never given any indication that he particularly liked either one of them. Finally, the Lawyer asked, "Pastor, why did you askthe two of us to come here?"The old pastor mustered all his strength, then said weakly, "Jesus died between two thieves, and that's how I want to go."
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
MARVELOUS GRACE
Titus 1:1-4
Often we get the idea that God's grace is just for the lost. We may not say it quite so bluntly but we often act that way. And yet here we find Paul writing to a Christian, a preacher at that, and he extends the blessing of GRACE towards him. "When Paul wrote his letters to the church, he always started with the doctrine of grace and closed with the duty of grace." [Chaplain John Downs] What are some of the works of grace?
I. GRACE BRINGS UNLIMITED SALVATION [2:11]
1. It is open to all [v. 11]
2. It offered by God the Son [2:13-14]
3. It involves the entire Trinity [1:4, 3:4-6]
II. GRACE BRINGS UNDENIABLE INSTRUCTION [2:11-12a, 15]
1. Recipients of grace should live lives of denial [2:12]
2. Recipients of grace should live lives of approval [2:12]
3. Recipeints of grace should live lives of expectancy [2:13]
III. GRACE BRINGS UNENDING MOTIVATION
1. To live like a changed man [3:1-7]
2. To live like a charged man [3:8-10, 14]
3. To live like Christ's man [II Cor. 12:7-10]
Often we get the idea that God's grace is just for the lost. We may not say it quite so bluntly but we often act that way. And yet here we find Paul writing to a Christian, a preacher at that, and he extends the blessing of GRACE towards him. "When Paul wrote his letters to the church, he always started with the doctrine of grace and closed with the duty of grace." [Chaplain John Downs] What are some of the works of grace?
I. GRACE BRINGS UNLIMITED SALVATION [2:11]
1. It is open to all [v. 11]
2. It offered by God the Son [2:13-14]
3. It involves the entire Trinity [1:4, 3:4-6]
II. GRACE BRINGS UNDENIABLE INSTRUCTION [2:11-12a, 15]
1. Recipients of grace should live lives of denial [2:12]
2. Recipients of grace should live lives of approval [2:12]
3. Recipeints of grace should live lives of expectancy [2:13]
III. GRACE BRINGS UNENDING MOTIVATION
1. To live like a changed man [3:1-7]
2. To live like a charged man [3:8-10, 14]
3. To live like Christ's man [II Cor. 12:7-10]
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Quotes of the week! (Sam Houston's conversion!)
When you become bitter, you don't make sense. -Evangelist Matt Downs
How Houston became a true believer in Christ is inextricably bound up with the marriage to his third wife. Badly wounded in the battle of San Jacinto, Houston was evacuated by boat to New Orleans for medical treatment. He arrived there in terrible shape, his dreadful appearance shocking the well-wishers gathered on the dock to welcome him. In the crowd that day was a 17-year old girl from Marion, Alabama named Margaret Lea. In her girlish naiveté, she soon began telling--almost prophesying--to family and friends that someday she would personally meet the great Sam Houston. That meeting took place more than three years later when Houston, having served one term as President of Texas, was in Mississippi buying horses. At a social gathering, he was introduced to Margaret, then all of 20, by her younger sister Emily. Business soon took Houston away but in a matter of months, he was back in Alabama and the couple became engaged, over her mother’s strenuous and understandable objections. In May 1840, they were married, he 47, she just 21. Together they would have 8 children.
Margaret set out to “reform” Sam Houston, and saw herself as God’s instrument in this. She was a devout Baptist (her late father had been a Baptist pastor, and she herself had been converted at a girl’s academy at age 19). Of course, strictly speaking, she had no Biblical grounds for marrying Houston--he was an unbeliever (to say nothing of his two divorces, neither of which seems to have been within Biblical guidelines). Sometimes God in His mercy over-rules our sinful follies (and sometimes He doesn’t--the two wives of Thomas Alvah Edison were both devout Christians, one the daughter of a Methodist bishop; both inadvisedly and unbiblically married Edison, a lifelong unbeliever, skeptic, and virtual atheist. He never came to Christ, though he might have, had they refused marriage out of Biblical convictions).
Margaret transformed Houston’s life, greatly restricting his alcohol use. For the first several years of marriage he was irreligious and disrespectful toward his wife’s faith, refusing to attend church at all, even at Christmas. But because of his wife’s Christian character and consistent testimony, Houston did finally begin attending church with her in 1846, and thereafter led family prayers at home when he wasn’t away on business or politics. Margaret set as her chief purpose in life the conversion of Sam Houston.
When Houston went to Washington, D. C. as senator from Texas, his wife and growing family remained behind. Out of respect for his wife’s faith, Houston regularly attended E Street Baptist Church where G. W. Samson was pastor. Samson befriended Houston and loaned him books on Christian apologetics.
The separation from his wife and family made Houston very introspective. Letters from home were precious; Margaret filled her letters with Bible verses aimed at his conversion. Each evening, he read from the New Testament. While in Washington, Houston took a temperance pledge.
Back in Texas, Houston and family moved to Independence, then home to Baylor College. In November 1854, Houston publicly professed faith in Christ (his actual conversion came some while before), and was immersed in a creek by Baylor president Rufus Burleson.
Thereafter, Houston was a transformed man--in habits, in language, in outlook. The evidence of both his subsequent life and his words prove that his conversion was genuine.
A diversity of factors led to Houston’s conversion. No doubt the early thorough Bible training he received as a child was crucial. So, too, were the prayers of his mother. The consistent Christian conduct of wife Margaret (in spite of her blameworthy act of marrying the unconverted Houston), was essential, as was the faithful preaching of the Gospel by various pastors, and also Houston’s own personal reading of the Bible. Houston, a sinner profane, drunken, immoral and blasphemous, yet gloriously and unquestionably converted--and transformed--at age 61, is testimony to the abundant mercy and grace of God. Charts and demographics about the odds of being converted at such-and-such an age are irrelevant. God does not save sinners by demographics; He saves them one at a time, whoever they are, whatever they are, when they come to Christ. We dare never presume that a particular sinner is too far gone in sin or age so as to be beyond the reach of the Gospel.
Houston’s last years were not those of a much admired, much venerated hero; rather, because he opposed secession, and later refused to take an oath of loyalty to the Confederacy, he was considered a traitor, and was first refused a third term as senator in 1857, then removed from the governorship of Texas in March 1961 (he had been elected in 1859). He retired to his farm and watched with knowing eyes as the Union began to strangle, ultimately to crush, the Confederacy, bankrupting Texas, the ill-advised war leaving only ruin in its wake, as Houston foretold it would. Houston’s death in 1863 spared him from seeing the full extent of the ruin secession would bring.
---Doug Kutilek (As I See It from Feb. 2004, see The King James Only Resource Center Link at left)
How Houston became a true believer in Christ is inextricably bound up with the marriage to his third wife. Badly wounded in the battle of San Jacinto, Houston was evacuated by boat to New Orleans for medical treatment. He arrived there in terrible shape, his dreadful appearance shocking the well-wishers gathered on the dock to welcome him. In the crowd that day was a 17-year old girl from Marion, Alabama named Margaret Lea. In her girlish naiveté, she soon began telling--almost prophesying--to family and friends that someday she would personally meet the great Sam Houston. That meeting took place more than three years later when Houston, having served one term as President of Texas, was in Mississippi buying horses. At a social gathering, he was introduced to Margaret, then all of 20, by her younger sister Emily. Business soon took Houston away but in a matter of months, he was back in Alabama and the couple became engaged, over her mother’s strenuous and understandable objections. In May 1840, they were married, he 47, she just 21. Together they would have 8 children.
Margaret set out to “reform” Sam Houston, and saw herself as God’s instrument in this. She was a devout Baptist (her late father had been a Baptist pastor, and she herself had been converted at a girl’s academy at age 19). Of course, strictly speaking, she had no Biblical grounds for marrying Houston--he was an unbeliever (to say nothing of his two divorces, neither of which seems to have been within Biblical guidelines). Sometimes God in His mercy over-rules our sinful follies (and sometimes He doesn’t--the two wives of Thomas Alvah Edison were both devout Christians, one the daughter of a Methodist bishop; both inadvisedly and unbiblically married Edison, a lifelong unbeliever, skeptic, and virtual atheist. He never came to Christ, though he might have, had they refused marriage out of Biblical convictions).
Margaret transformed Houston’s life, greatly restricting his alcohol use. For the first several years of marriage he was irreligious and disrespectful toward his wife’s faith, refusing to attend church at all, even at Christmas. But because of his wife’s Christian character and consistent testimony, Houston did finally begin attending church with her in 1846, and thereafter led family prayers at home when he wasn’t away on business or politics. Margaret set as her chief purpose in life the conversion of Sam Houston.
When Houston went to Washington, D. C. as senator from Texas, his wife and growing family remained behind. Out of respect for his wife’s faith, Houston regularly attended E Street Baptist Church where G. W. Samson was pastor. Samson befriended Houston and loaned him books on Christian apologetics.
The separation from his wife and family made Houston very introspective. Letters from home were precious; Margaret filled her letters with Bible verses aimed at his conversion. Each evening, he read from the New Testament. While in Washington, Houston took a temperance pledge.
Back in Texas, Houston and family moved to Independence, then home to Baylor College. In November 1854, Houston publicly professed faith in Christ (his actual conversion came some while before), and was immersed in a creek by Baylor president Rufus Burleson.
Thereafter, Houston was a transformed man--in habits, in language, in outlook. The evidence of both his subsequent life and his words prove that his conversion was genuine.
A diversity of factors led to Houston’s conversion. No doubt the early thorough Bible training he received as a child was crucial. So, too, were the prayers of his mother. The consistent Christian conduct of wife Margaret (in spite of her blameworthy act of marrying the unconverted Houston), was essential, as was the faithful preaching of the Gospel by various pastors, and also Houston’s own personal reading of the Bible. Houston, a sinner profane, drunken, immoral and blasphemous, yet gloriously and unquestionably converted--and transformed--at age 61, is testimony to the abundant mercy and grace of God. Charts and demographics about the odds of being converted at such-and-such an age are irrelevant. God does not save sinners by demographics; He saves them one at a time, whoever they are, whatever they are, when they come to Christ. We dare never presume that a particular sinner is too far gone in sin or age so as to be beyond the reach of the Gospel.
Houston’s last years were not those of a much admired, much venerated hero; rather, because he opposed secession, and later refused to take an oath of loyalty to the Confederacy, he was considered a traitor, and was first refused a third term as senator in 1857, then removed from the governorship of Texas in March 1961 (he had been elected in 1859). He retired to his farm and watched with knowing eyes as the Union began to strangle, ultimately to crush, the Confederacy, bankrupting Texas, the ill-advised war leaving only ruin in its wake, as Houston foretold it would. Houston’s death in 1863 spared him from seeing the full extent of the ruin secession would bring.
---Doug Kutilek (As I See It from Feb. 2004, see The King James Only Resource Center Link at left)
Monday, January 01, 2007
Happy New Year from 2 Sumners
Robert L. Sumner (use Biblical Evangelist link on left) sent me this:
After serious & cautious consideration.....your contract of friendship has been renewed for the New Year 2007 !
My Wish for You in 2007
May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts. May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $100 bills. May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips! May your clothes smell of success like smoking tires and may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy. May the problems you had, forget your home address! In simple words ............ May 2007 be the best year of your life!!!
Sumner Wemp sent me this:
This is a story about Mrs. Jones a 92-year-old Christian woman who was legally blind. In spite of her limitation she was always neatly arranged. Her hair carefully brushed, neatly dressed and her makeup tastefully applied. Each morning she would meet the new day with eagerness. After her husband of 70 years died, it became necessary for her to go to a nursing home where she could receive proper care. All the arrangements were made well in advance. On the day of the move, a helpful neighbor drove her to the nursing home and guided her into the lobby. Her room wasn't ready, so she waited patiently in the lobby for several hours.When an attendant finally came for her, Mrs. Jones smiled sweetly as she maneuvered her walker to the elevator. The staff member described her room and all the arrangements made for her including new curtains, fresh paint and shampooed carpet. "I love it," she declared. "But Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen your room yet," the attendant replied. "That doesn't have anything to do with it," she said. "Happiness is something you choose. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how it's arranged. It's how I arrange my mind."
"This is the day the Lord hath made. I will rejoice and be glad in it" Ps 118:24.
Oh, dear people, God has given you 2007 to live in. Make up your mind, "arrange your mind" to rejoice in it.
"Set your 'mind' on things above" Col 3:1. Several things to make as a goal.
1. "Lovest thou me?" "SAY" Father, I love You. You chose me before the foundation of the world. WOW. Lord Jesus, I love You. You suffered and died for my sins, paid my debt in full and rose again. Holy Spirit I love you, You convicted and converted me. Stay in love with Jesus!
2, "Preach the gospel to every person" Mk 16:15. "At thy word I will" Lk 5:5. That lost person who comes to your door is someone's loved one, who is praying for someone to lead them to Christ. Don't fail them.
3. "Exhort (encourage) one another daily" Heb 3:13. . Make someone's day, every day
4. "Lay up for yourself treasures in heaven" Mat 6:20. So you can cast your crowns at Jesus feet Rev 4:10.
You are loved by God and me, ABC C. Sumner Wemp, Dallas, TX USA
Happy New Year. May it be your greatest year ever. Make it happen.
sumner@sumnerwemp.com
http://www.gnpcb.org/product/663575730699 see "Your Ticket to Heaven"
Both of these good, godly men have had, and continue to have, a great influence on my life. Thank God for them!
After serious & cautious consideration.....your contract of friendship has been renewed for the New Year 2007 !
My Wish for You in 2007
May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts. May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $100 bills. May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips! May your clothes smell of success like smoking tires and may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy. May the problems you had, forget your home address! In simple words ............ May 2007 be the best year of your life!!!
Sumner Wemp sent me this:
This is a story about Mrs. Jones a 92-year-old Christian woman who was legally blind. In spite of her limitation she was always neatly arranged. Her hair carefully brushed, neatly dressed and her makeup tastefully applied. Each morning she would meet the new day with eagerness. After her husband of 70 years died, it became necessary for her to go to a nursing home where she could receive proper care. All the arrangements were made well in advance. On the day of the move, a helpful neighbor drove her to the nursing home and guided her into the lobby. Her room wasn't ready, so she waited patiently in the lobby for several hours.When an attendant finally came for her, Mrs. Jones smiled sweetly as she maneuvered her walker to the elevator. The staff member described her room and all the arrangements made for her including new curtains, fresh paint and shampooed carpet. "I love it," she declared. "But Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen your room yet," the attendant replied. "That doesn't have anything to do with it," she said. "Happiness is something you choose. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how it's arranged. It's how I arrange my mind."
"This is the day the Lord hath made. I will rejoice and be glad in it" Ps 118:24.
Oh, dear people, God has given you 2007 to live in. Make up your mind, "arrange your mind" to rejoice in it.
"Set your 'mind' on things above" Col 3:1. Several things to make as a goal.
1. "Lovest thou me?" "SAY" Father, I love You. You chose me before the foundation of the world. WOW. Lord Jesus, I love You. You suffered and died for my sins, paid my debt in full and rose again. Holy Spirit I love you, You convicted and converted me. Stay in love with Jesus!
2, "Preach the gospel to every person" Mk 16:15. "At thy word I will" Lk 5:5. That lost person who comes to your door is someone's loved one, who is praying for someone to lead them to Christ. Don't fail them.
3. "Exhort (encourage) one another daily" Heb 3:13. . Make someone's day, every day
4. "Lay up for yourself treasures in heaven" Mat 6:20. So you can cast your crowns at Jesus feet Rev 4:10.
You are loved by God and me, ABC C. Sumner Wemp, Dallas, TX USA
Happy New Year. May it be your greatest year ever. Make it happen.
sumner@sumnerwemp.com
http://www.gnpcb.org/product/663575730699 see "Your Ticket to Heaven"
Both of these good, godly men have had, and continue to have, a great influence on my life. Thank God for them!
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