Viola Walden also with the Lord!

Sword of the Lord

April 29, 2007

Dear Friends,

Special Notice: Two precious servants of God have graduated to Heaven on the same day, April 29, 2007.

1) Dr. Lee Roberson at age 97
2) Dr. Viola Walden at age 91

Funeral arrangements and other information will be posted at swordofthelord.com as soon as they are available.

Dr. Viola Walden, 91, longtime Sword of the Lord employee graduated to Heaven in the early morning hours of April 29, 2007. She had served faithfully at the Sword of the Lord Publishers since its inception in September 1934.

Having served as a special research and editorial assistant for Dr. John R. Rice, (46 years), Dr. Curtis Hutson, (14 years) and Dr. Shelton Smith (12 years) her tenure at the Sword of the Lord was 72 years and 7 months.

She was at her desk at work on Friday, (April 28) as usual.

DR. LEE ROBERSON WITH THE LORD!

Dr. Lee Roberson, age 97, former pastor of the Highland Park Baptist Church, Founder and Chancellor Emeritus of Tennessee Temple University and Man of God, passed into the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ whom he had served faithfully since the age of fourteen, on Sunday, April 29, 2007.

Dr. Roberson was born November 24, 1909 on a farm near English, Indiana. He was led to the Lord at age fourteen by his Sunday School teacher, and he accepted the call to preach the 'Good News' of the Gospel at the age of eighteen.

He studied as vocal music at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and was a graduate of the University of Louisville and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville. Beginning in 1932, Dr. Roberson served as a pastor and evangelist before accepting the pastorate of the Highland Park Baptist Church of Chattanooga in November of 1942. Tennessee Temple University was founded as a junior college and Bible school in July 1946. TTU is now an accredited four-year college, graduate school and seminary.

Dr. Lee Roberson was preceded in death by daughter Joy Caroline and wife, the former Caroline Allen. He is survived by son, John C. Roberson and wife Donna, daughter LeeAnne Nichols and husband Dr. L.W. 'Buddy' Nichols, daughter June Ormesher and husband Bill, eight grandchildren and by the countless thousands who accepted the new life of salvation under his ministry and the subsequent ministries of the thousands of men and women who he faithfully led, taught and encouraged at HPBC and TTU.

The family is asking that any memorial gifts be sent to the Lee Roberson Foundation, 2327 Red Tail Lane, Chattanooga, TN 37421 or online at www.LeeRoberson.org.

Dr.Roberson's life verse was Romans 8:28 - "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Dated August 1, 2006 at the age of 96, Dr. Roberson published what he called his farewell letter and final testimony "to give encouragement to pastors, evangelists, and full-time Christian workers."

"I believe the Bible! I believe in the promises of God regarding our future life! I believe 'to be absent from the body, to be present with the Lord.' I believe the future will hold some of the most glorious blessings that one could ever conceive. We will be present 'with the Lord.' The Apostle Paul said 'this is far better.' The future is bright! I know the Lord may come at any moment - He has promised 'I will come again.'

"Continue in His great work! Give attention to the winning of souls and exhort yourself to a close walk with God."

Dr. Lee Roberson, "absent from the body, present with the Lord,"
April 29, 2007

Dr. Lee Roberson passes into
the presence of his Lord.
04-29-2007


This morning, April 29th, at 4:45 am, my dad, Dr. Lee Roberson went home to be with his Lord and Savior.

The funeral will be held at Highland Park Baptist Church at 1:00 pm, Thursday May 3rd with visitation to be at Chattanooga Funeral Home. Times to be announced.

Dad wanted this to be a time of celebration and not sorrow. He also requested that in lieu of flowers that memorial gifts be made to the Lee Roberson Foundation.

My family and I thank you for all of your prayers.

John C. Roberson

Kent Hovind Update

Another New Mission Field

Mark 16:15 “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

March 8, 20074:00 am Awoke to lights on

4:30 am Given breakfast

5:00 am Heard PA announcement, “Bunk Three, Hovind, H O V I N D, ATW” (ATW means you are going home!)

5:00 - 5:30 am Packed up stuff and gave books away to inmates

5:30 am Had prayer time with ten men who love Jesus and me, to ask God’s blessing as I leave to go home

5:45 am Heard PA announcement, “Correction to earlier announcement. Bunk Three, Hovind, H O V I N D, no ATW—being transported.”

5:46 am Taken by guards down to sit in the ice cold “tank” and wait

6:30 am Moved by car to a different part of the jail to another freezing cold “tank” to wait

9:10 am Saw Federal Marshals arrive to transport me to a Federal Prison Camp in Pensacola. This minimum security federal facility was designed for 300 but houses 700 men. All these men work to help maintain military bases in the area.

11:00 am Finish intake details including a physical. Lost 25 pounds in the County Jail

11:15 am Served first good hot food in four and a half months!

12:00-10:00pm Free to roam, well, sort of free. For the first time in four and a half months, I felt a blade of grass; wore tie shoes, a belt, and a real shirt and pants (no jump suit!); got a locker with a lock; and slept on a bed with a real pillow. Feeling the sunshine for only the fourth time in four and a half months made me want to walk around the camp all day!

March 9, 2006

11:30-2:00 Scrubbed pots and pans

2:00-5:00 Scrubbed down a grill as health inspection is coming up My boss loved my work! He said it is the best the grill has looked in years.
There is a video library here, and our creation video tapes have been here for many years. They were very well worn. They were also removed the afternoon after I arrived. There seem to be many men who had watched them and know me and who have followed my case during the past months. Several concerned brothers showed me around and supplied me with things I needed, including a watch and tennis shoes. God is sooooo good!

I will get full-contact visits beginning Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday! My family only lives six and one half miles away! The vast majority of the men here are far away from their families. It has been so hard not to be able to touch my family or hold my grandchildren. I have never held my newest grandson, Eric Jordan.
There are no bars or locked gates and no sickening sounds of steel doors slamming shut. There are private showers and toilets, vending machines, and coke and ice! I will never look at many simple things in life the same.

There are twelve men in my small room. At least five are professing Christians, two are Jews, and I don’t know about the rest yet. I started a Bible study with one guy, but before we finished, twelve more joined. There are only 688 more men to go! It’s a little overwhelming at first. What a mission field! I have learned, however, that group meetings/Bible studies must be limited to no more than five in a group at a time. This rule was a direct result of 9/11. It will take more patience and time to reach men this way, but God knows all these things.

The Motion for Acquittal of Counts 13 - 57 is still on Judge Rodger’s desk. If she grants that, she will have to re-sentence me. Then the 11th Circuit will get our Motion for Release Pending Appeal.

Thanks for your faithful prayers. I will never forget the great time with God in the county jail. Truly, His grace is sufficient! Many men’s lives were changed for this life and for eternity. They still love to get mail and tracts.

My new, hopefully short-term, address is:

Kent Hovind #06452-017
110 Raby Avenue
Pensacola, FL 32509

Thank you for continuing to pray for me and the CSE Team. Keep spreading the gospel!
Acts 12:5
Kent Hovind

Weird Pictures of the Week!

Royal wedding?
Oops.
There should be a sign posted reading "Do Not Give Bears A Ride"
I am fairly certain this building was designed this way although I think their sense of humor may be slightly off-track.
I think we're gonna need a bigger crane!

Quotes of the Week!

If you are a minister, you evidence your love for your congregation if you give them the Word of God, and you show love for your pastor as a member of the church if you support his Bible-teaching ministry. -J. Vernon McGee

When Jesus comes I want Him to find me pulling in the harness, not standing in the stall! -Mrs. Tyre (a Christian woman I knew serving the Lord through much trial)

The person who says it can't be done is liable to be run over by someone doing it! -Unknown

A missionary is a nobody telling everybody about Somebody who can save anybody! -Missionary Corley from Iran (heard Nov. 1984)

IT'S SETTLED!

COLOSSIANS 3:1-9

Rick Jackson

When something is truly settled there is no reason to whine about it or try to change it. The best thing to do is rejoice in it and learn to accept it and move forward. Several years ago when it became apparent our automobile was going to give up the ghost the Lord opened the door for us to get the truck we now drive. We wanted to surprise the girls so for several weeks we didn't tell them. Then we made a scheduled trip to Pensacola and surprised them. What good would it have done them to say, "No, I like the old car." Or, "I wanted you to get a lime green vehicle." None. It was settled. We had the truck, we traded in the car, we got the color we wanted... they only thing to be done is what they actually did, rejoiced for us, accepted it, and moved on!

Well, we got something much better than a new vehicle and brother, it's settled! And it's settled in three different tenses.

I. IT'S PAST AND IT'S SETTLED! [V. 1-3]

1. Set your sights [v. 1] Seek "actually means having an urgency and a desire and an ambition" -JVM (like an Olympic athlete)

Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jude 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

2. Set your affections [v. 2] phroneo to set one's mind to a thing

Mt. 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

3. Set your reality [v. 3] it's real, it's done, it's settled, reckon it, count on it, act like it!

Think about it! Hid in Christ! If a person was hidden in a bomb shelter built to withstand a nuclear attack they would survive a hit though the "duck and cover" people wouldn't. We are hid in Christ, to hurt us something would have to hurt Him and of course, now, nothing can!

II. IT'S FUTURE AND IT'S SETTLED! [V. 4]

1. Christ is our life now and forever

Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

2. Christ will appear

Matthew 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

3. Christians will appear with Him in glory

1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

1 Thessalonians 3:13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

Jude 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

III. IT'S PRESENT AND IT'S SETTLED! [V. 5-9]

1. We need to mortify [v. 5-6] "put to death", like a bad appendix must be removed

fornication- porneian, general term for sexual sins

uncleanness- impurity, includes thoughts, words, looks, gestures, jokes

inordinate affection- uncontrolled passion or lust, violent emotions, unlawful impulses, a state of mind that excites passion

evil concupiscence- evil desires, a passionate desire for things God has set as off-limits (Rm. 1:26)

covetousness- which is idolatry

2. We need to 'member- we've moved! [v. 7]

3. We need to modify [v. 8-9]

anger- 0ver the wrong things, may be a covert attitude, habitual attitude

wrath- unforgiving spirit of anger erupting

malice- congealed anger, nursed along even after anger & wrath "I don't get mad, I get even"

blasphemy- misrepresenting God or others with our speech

filthy communication- abusive and/or filthy speech, coarse language

Lying- misrepresentation of the truth, implies an intent to deceive

Your Ticket to Heaven

Your Ticket to Heaven (a tract by Sumner Wemp)

May I offer you a ticket to heaven? You don’t have to pay for it, and that’s a good thing, because you could never afford to buy it! It’s free, but only because someone has already paid the ultimate price for it.
God loves you and not only wants you to have a fulfilling life on earth, he also wants you to live with him in heaven forever. He’s the one who offers you a paid-in-full ticket. No one wants to go to hell where there will be no joy and no pleasures whatsoever, and God doesn’t want anyone to go there either. The Bible says that God is “not wishing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9).

But there is a problem with getting that free ticket. We have all done wrong—we have all sinned, haven’t we? God’s Word says “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves” (1 John 1:8). Sin pollutes—it makes us unclean, unfit for God’s presence in that wonderful, perfect place called heaven. Sin penalizes—it separates us from a sinless God, “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

In short, our sinfulness blocks the delivery of the ticket that we need to get into heaven!

Who paid for it?

Wait! There’s good news! Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to earth to be born and to live his life without sin. He “suffered once for [our] sins, the righteous [one] for the unrighteous [all of us!], that he might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18). When God “laid on him the iniquity [sins] of us all” (Isaiah 53:6), Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34).

The answer is simple and profound: Jesus was separated from God because he took your place and mine on the cross, and by dying he paid in full the “wages” our sins had earned.

Then he rose from the dead, was seen by hundreds of people, and is alive today so you can know him and receive the gift of eternal life—your ticket to heaven. That’s right! The Bible says, “to all who did receive him [Jesus], who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

That is fantastic! You can become a “new” person—born of God—to start a brand-new life that pleases God. And, of course, all God’s children have a ticket to heaven!

Do you want it?

It is no accident you were given this offer of a ticket to heaven. God has made sure you can receive it. The whole issue is, did Jesus pay for all your sins or didn’t he? God said he did. Trust God that it is so. “Whoever believes in the Son [of God] has eternal life” (John 3:36).

Just as a man says, “Yes, I will take this woman to be my wife,” God wants you to tell him, “Yes, I will take Jesus to be my Savior. I believe that he is the only way to heaven.” The Bible says, “Whoever has the Son [Jesus] has life” (1 John 5:12).

If you believe that God’s way to heaven is the only way, you can “claim your ticket” by telling God in words like these:

Dear God, I have sinned. I know I have offended you in many ways. I am so sorry. I believe that Jesus suffered and died for my sins, paid my debt in full, and rose again. Jesus, I believe in you and thank you for what you’ve done for me. Please save me from the penalty of my sins, and give me a new birth and the power to live for you. Thank you for this offer to spend eternity with you!

Remember what John 3:36 says: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” Do you now believe in Jesus as your Savior, your only “ticket to heaven”? Do you have everlasting life, like God said?

Copy and paste the following to see and get the tract reproduced above. http://www.gnpcb.org/product/663575730699

"The real tragedy of life is not what people suffer but what they miss"

"The real tragedy of life is not what people suffer but what they miss" I almost missed this one. Talking to a dear pastor friend in another state last week, I mentioned I had not led anyone to Christ personally in three weeks. He had not either and we prayed together about it. I prayed about it earnestly all last week end that I might have the joy of leading someone to Christ. . Monday, my wife had to go to the eye doctor clinic for a check up. I did not want to go and she agreed I did not have to go with her as it was routine. Last night, I woke up at 4 a.m. and had a weird feeling that I should go to the eye doctor with her and decided to go.

We went this morning. While she was having a test, I looked at a display in the big clinic waiting room, right next to the prescription glasses area. The lady in charge of that area, came to me and asked if she could help me. We talked a minute and I graciously handed her my tract, "Your Ticket to Heaven." She grabbed it and said, "Oh, I need that." My reply was, "We all do."

When I asked if she knew for sure when was going to heaven, she said, "I have been seeking to know for sure I was going and been going to church regularly. Joyfully I told her how God loved her and the Lord Jesus suffered and died for all of our sins, paid the debt in full, was buried, rose again and was seen by hundreds of people. The whole issue is did He pay for all of our sins or didn't he. It was awesome, she saw it and said, "I never heard it like that before". And the sad truth is most have not heard the gospel clearly. She understood it was not anything we do but that we trust what the Lord Jesus did and that He really did pay for all of our sins and rose again.

I saw an engagement ring on her finger and said, "You are not married for one reason, you have not said, "I do take this man to be my husband," She understood that. "Are you willing to trust Jesus paid for your sins and say, I do receive you as my Savior right now" Yes, said, "I want to do that".

She gladly prayed with me to receive the Lord Jesus and looked up with the biggest smile and her eyes glowing and had assurance when was saved. My wife came up about that time and she was beaming all over as she told Celeste, I just prayed to receive Jesus and just got saved." Then I gave her my book, "How ON Earth Can I Be Spiritual" and instructions for spiritual growth.

First I prayed to see someone saved, I followed the Holy Spirit's urging to go with my wife. God had someone ready. I obeyed to give her the gospel, first in a tract and then with my mouth. God orchestrated it all and His gets all the glory. "The harvest is plenteous". Pray and present the gospel to someone today, in fact every day, and see what God wants to do through you.

"I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth more than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance" Lk 15:7."He that winneth souls is wise" (He that does not is foolish) "At thy word I will" Lk 5:5

God loves you and proved it when He sent His son the Lord Jesus to suffer and die for your sins and mine, paid our debt in full, was buried, rose again and was seen by hundreds so we could believe God and receive the Lord Jesus as our Savior too. Have you? Do it now.

Sumner Wemp

1-877-872-2871 to order tracts

Give 1 2 every 1

Copy and paste the following to see and get the tract mentioned above. http://www.gnpcb.org/product/663575730699

PREMIES, MIDDIES & POSTIES

[WILL THE CHURCH GO THROUGH THE TRIBULATION?]

Rick Jackson

When we talk about the millennium we call ourselves by three possible names. A "premillennialist" believes Christ will come back before the millennium, a postmillennialist believes Christ will return after the millennium, while an amillennialist says, "Aw, there ain't gonna be no millennium." Make no mistake about it it I am a premillennialist. I am a premillennial Christian because I believe that's what the Bible teaches. I came to this doctrine with no preconceived ideas (I was not raised a fundamental, Bible-believing Baptist-I came to be one through salvation and conviction from studying the Scriptures) and I am convinced this is what the Bible teaches!

You can be a premillennialist and still be a post-tribulationist. Or you can be a premillennialist and be a mid-tribulationist. Or you can be right and be a pre-tribulational premillennialist. At least that's the way I like to think of it. I have reasons I believe that is right and I want to share just a few of them with you now from the Word of God.

I am a pre-tribulational, premillennialist because:

I. OF THE DOCTRINE OF THE IMMINENT RAPTURE

I Cor. 1:4-7 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

I Thess. 1:9-10 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

1 Thessalonians 4:15 this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep

Titus 2:11-13 the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Note that in all these verses we are to look for His coming, not the tribulation.

II. WE ARE PROMISED DELIVERANCE FROM WRATH

I Th. 1:9-10, 5:2-9

Rom. 5:8-9 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

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

Rev. 6:12-17 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

We are promised deliverance from God's wrath and though the primary emphasis may be the lake of fire it cannot be denied that this time on earth is designated as the wrath of the Lamb!

There are a few who may believe in a "Pre-Wrath Rapture - the church will go through the great tribulation by Antichrist during the end times, but will be raptured immediately before the 'Day of the Lord' wrath, when Christ cuts short the persecution of Antichrist." This is better than the post-trib. view but still not as good as the pre-trib. view as we shall continue to explain.

Others may believe in a "Partial Rapture - only those who are faithful in the church will be raptured or translated and the rest will either be raptured sometime during the tribulation or at its end." This could better be called the rupture of the church since they believe some will go through the tribulation and some won't. I am going to be raptured because of Christ's work... not mine!

III. THE CHURCH ISN'T MENTIONED IN REVELATION 6-9 (WHICH DEALS WITH THE TRIBULATION PERIOD IN DETAIL)

Rev. 1-3 mentions "church" or "churches" almost 20 times then you will not find the church mentioned again by name until 22:16. Many believe Rev. 4:1 is a picture of the Rapture (compare with I Th. 4:16-17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord).

"This is a definite statement concerning the rapture. When anyone tells you the word rapture is not in the Bible, remember that the Greek word for 'caught up' is harpazo; it means 'caught up, raptured, or snatched up.' ... If you don't like the word rapture then call it harpazo. That's what paul called it. We are to be caught up, and His voice will be like a trumpet. It pulled John up, and someday it will pull you and me up." -J. Vernon McGee

The church returns with the Lord in Rev. 19:7-9

IV. THE HOLY SPIRIT'S RESTRAINING MINISTRY THROUGH CHRISTIANS MUST BE REMOVED

II Th. 2:3-9, Mt. 5:13-16

V. OF THE MANY EXAMPLES OF GOD'S DELIVERING HIS CHILDREN BEFORE PUNISHING THE UNGODLY

Noah was delivered before the flood, Lot (am unfaithful Christian at best) was delivered from Sodom & Gommorha [II Peter 2:1-9]

IT'S NOT JUST MOSES!

Much has been made over the years over the Pentateuch. Claims have been made that there was no writing in the time of Moses but then we now know when Abraham left Ur there was a great library there and that was 450 years before Moses. They say Moses couldn't have written the Pentateuch (even though he says he did, other Biblical writers say he did and Jesus Himself said he did) because Deuteronomy records his death so how could Moses have written it after he died? It's such a silly argument that I hesitate to give two very plausible explanations. Moses also wrote of the Messiah who didn't come for another 1500 years. It's called prophecy. Moses could have written the account of his own death the same way he wrote of the conversation between Adam and God even though Moses wasn't there... through revelation that God gave him. The other possibility is that Joshua wrote it under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit just as he wrote the book that bears his name.

The area of the Pentateuch that gets the most criticism is the account of creation in the first two chapters. Some try to dismiss genesis 1-2 as Hebrew poetry. Dr. Fred Afman, a great old testament scholar said, "Anyone who thinks that Genesis 1-2 are Hebrew poetry doesn't know Hebrew and doesn't know poetry." Really, their problem is not just Genesis, and it's not just Moses! They have much bigger problems.

I. THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH DAVID

1. David teaches that Creation was Divine [Ps. 8:1-5]

The universe was specially created by God. God created "ex nihilo" (out of nothing), that is with no pre-existent materials. He created out of His power. The first law of thermodynamics "simply states that energy can be neither created nor destroyed (conservation of energy). Thus power generation processes and energy sources actually involve conversion of energy from one form to another, rather than creation of energy from nothing." The evolutionist has a problem, David has the answer, he knows the source for the energy.

Why can't the evolutionist see this? I Cor. 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

2. David teaches that Creation was fully developed [Ps. 8:4-9]

David teaches that God made a fully developed man to fit in a fully developed world in which he was given instant responsibility!

3. David teaches that creation was instantaneous! [Ps. 33:6-11]

Dr. Daniel Goldberg wrote, "Here we understand that creation was sudden. The teaching of David is that the creation is saturated with the idea of 'sudden appearance' at the direct command of God's order." Which is exactly what the fossil record shows. Life appears in all its forms suddenly not slowly over millions of years.

This of course is the same thing that God revealed to Moses and Moses revealed to us! It's not just Moses and David...

II. THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH PAUL

1. Paul teaches Creation is unbreakably linked with the Gospel [Acts 17:22-31]

2. Paul teaches death began after Adam was created not millions of years before [Rm. 5:8-21]

3. Paul teaching on the resurrection is dependent on the historicity of Adam [I Cor. 15:21-22, 45-49]

Again, this is based on the same thing that God revealed to Moses and Moses revealed to us. But it's not just Moses, David, and Paul...

III. THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH JESUS CHRIST!

1. Jesus teaches that Adam was created at the beginning (not millions of years later) [Mk. 10:6-8]

2. Jesus teaches that Moses writings are authoritative [Jn. 5:45-47]

3. Jesus teaches the historicity of the people in the Pentateuch

Luke 11:51—Abel was a real individual
Matthew 24:37–39—Noah and the flood (Luke 17:26, 27)
John 8:56–58—Abraham
Matthew 10:15; 11:23, 24 (Luke 10:12)—Sodom and Gomorrah
Luke 17:28–32—Lot (and wife!)
Matthew 8:11—Isaac and Jacob (Luke 13:28)
John 6:31, 49, 58—Manna
John 3:14—Serpent

[list by Dr. David Livingston- use AIG link]

Friends when you've got problems with Moses, David and Paul you are messed up bad. But when you have problems with Jesus Christ you are in deep trouble and need to repent!

Why are hundreds of churches in America celebrating “Evolution Sunday”?

A: A university professor from Wisconsin used his school’s website to encourage churches and Christian leaders to support evolution.

On February 12, last year, he organized what he called “Evolution Sunday.” Over 400 churches in 49 states signed up to participate in celebrating Darwin’s birthday! In 2007, over 580 churches in all 50 states participated.

Various resources were recommended for the pastors to use as they prepared special messages that day. Some of the resources came from an organization led by a known atheist!

Think about it: Darwin popularized a philosophy that is being used in attempts to destroy the foundation of the church, and now hundreds of churches dedicated a Sunday service in praise of this man and his bankrupt philosophy! No wonder the Christian fabric of America is collapsing … so many churches are giving up God’s Word for Darwin’s word.

Actually, it seems to be another example of Romans chapter one, where the Apostle Paul tells us about people who worship the creature instead of the Creator. Sadly, nothing is new under the sun.

Answers in Genesis is planning a “Creation Sunday” some time in the future to worship and praise the Creator God of the Bible! We will provide more details once they are available. For more information use the link provided up at the left of this blog.

The Day They Kicked God out of the Schools

http://www.afr.net/newafr/wekickedgodout.asp If you can click on this link to see the video. If the link doesn't work clip and paste it into your address bar and click "go" or "enter".

Pictures of the Week!

Today I am cleaning out my garage so I am backing my truck way out of the way so it doesn't get dirty.

Where's this guy's garage?
Okay... how does this guy clean out his garage?
I would love to see what their garage looks like (and see someone drive into it).

This is what happens when a garage gets so full it pops!

You ever notice the similarity between the word "garage" and the word "garbage"? Food for thought.

LET'S BE SPIRITUAL

COL. 2:11-13

Rick Jackson

Just because something has been covered does not mean it has been exhausted. Last Wednesday we finished going over Col. 2 but Sunday morning it became apparent we hadn't said evertything that could be said... nor are we foolish enough to think this will be the final word. Nevertheless, it seems a little more input is needful at this time.

J. B. Lightfoot said of the break between verse 10 and 11, "The previous verses have dealt with the theological tenets of the false teachers. The apostle now turns to their practical errors." Dealing with how to be spiritual was certainly practical. The false teachers didn't have the answer that the Word of God does have.

I. SPIRITUAL CIRCUMCISION [v. 11]

Physical circumcision was used by God in the Old Testament much as baptism is used in the New Testament. it doesn't save a person but a person who was saved should have submitted to it. It was to be an outward expression of a inward reality. The man who refused it showed an unwillingness to submit to God whereas the man whe requested it showed a desire for God's will.

Gn. 17:1-14, Ex. 4:19-28

Deuteronomy 10:16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.

Deuteronomy 30:6 And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.

Jeremiah 4:4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.

Acts 2:41-42 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Acts 8:35-39 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

Spiritual circumcision differs from physical circumcision in at leat three areas (according to Wuest):

1. It's character- it's not external but is internal

2. It's author- it's not done by man but is done by God

3. It's extent- it is not dealing with just part of a body but is dealing with the whole sin nature

II. SPIRITUAL CONDITION [V. 11-12]

1. The What- domination has been broken [the body "put off" was the physical body as dominated by the old nature] v. 11, Eph. 2:1-3 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

The body is still the possession of the believer but the flesh has been "rendered inoperative", the power of the sin nature is broken [Rm. 6:6]

2. The how- the "circumcision" of Christ (the spiritual operation performed on us by Christ)

In physical circumsion a part of the body was taken off and laid aside. In spiritual circumcision the whole old nature is "taken off" and laid aside (not eradicated yet- but will be at death. I Jn. 1:8)

3. Who? This is accomplished by God when a person trusts the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour! [2:12]

God breaks the power of indwelling sin (Rm. 6:3-4) since He's the only One who can. Since the old nature is not eradicated we must yield to the Holy Spirit (Rm. 6) and put off the "old man" and put on the "new" (Eph. 4:22, Col. 3:9).

III. SPIRITUAL CHANGE [V. 13]

1. You were spiritually dead.

2. You are now spiritually alive.

3. You are forgiven.

THIS IS FLORIDA AS ONLY FLORIDIANS KNOW...

My daughter Rachel, a panhandler, sent me this one... some of them apply more to Central or South Florida rather than North Central Florida but I still like them.

"Down South" means Key West.

"Panhandling" means going to Pensacola.

You think no-one over 70 should be allowed to drive.

Flip-flops are everyday wear.

Shoes are for business meetings and church.

Sweet tea can be served at any meal.

An alligator once walked through your neighborhood.

You smirk when a game shows "Grand Prize" is a trip or cruise to Florida.

You measure distance in minutes.

You get annoyed at the tourists who feed seagulls.

All the local festivals are named after a fruit or a fish.

A mountain is any hill 100 feet above sea level.

You think everyone from a bigger city has a northern accent.

You know the four seasons really are: almost summer, summer,

not summer but really hot, and Christmas.

It's not soda, cola, or pop...its coke, regardless of brand or flavor, "What kinda coke you want?"

Anything under 95 is just warm.

Anything under 70 is chilly.

You pass on the right.

You understand the futility of exterminating cockroaches.

You can pronounce Okeechobee, Kissimmee, Withlacoochee, Okahumpka and Loxahatchee.

You understand why it's better to have a friend with a boat, than have a boat yourself.

Bumper stickers on the pickup in front of you include: various fish, NRA, and a confederate flag.

You were 8 before you realized they made houses without pools.

You were 12 when you first met someone who couldn't swim.

You get angry when people say "Florida isn't really part of the SOUTH"

You've worn short sleeves and used the A/C on Christmas.

You know from experience which sunscreen smells/works best.

Socks are only for bowling.

Pale people are rare and something to point and stare at.

Orange juice from concentrate makes you sick.

Tap water makes you sick.

If it’s afternoon, you never use an umbrella because you know the rain will be over in five minutes.

A good parking place has nothing to do with distance from the store,
but everything to do with shade.

Your winter coat is made of denim.

Your house has a fireplace that has never been used.

You can tell the difference between fire ant bites and mosquito bites.

You're younger than thirty but some of your friends are over 65.

You've driven through Yeehaw Junction.

You could swim before you could read.

You have to drive north to get to The South.

You know that no other grocery store can compare to Publix.

Every other house had blue roofs in 2004-2005.

You know that anything under a Category 3 just isn't worth waking up for.

You dread lovebug season.

You are on a first name basis with the Hurricane list. They aren't Hurricane Charley, Hurricane Frances...but Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne.

You know what a snowbird is.

You know why flamingos are pink.

You think a six-foot alligator is actually pretty average.

You were twelve before you ever saw snow or you still haven't.

Pictures of the Week!

SIESTA TIME BABY!
CATNAP ANYONE?

THE GREAT EQUALIZERS

South Hampton, Great Britain was alive with excitement. Thousands of passengers got on board the biggest and grandest luxury liner up to that time for her maiden voyage. The richest man in the world, John Jacob Astor and his wife were joined by other millionaires in the 1st class accommodations. There were hundreds more in 2ND class rooms which matched other ship's 1st class facilities and then there were thousands more in 3rd class. Immigrants, in many cases, going to America to improve their lot in life.

First class had magnificent accommodations and no-one from 2ND class was allowed therein. Second class passengers had amenities that 3rd class didn't have but almost everyone considered it a privilege to be on the maiden voyage of the grand ship. It didn't really matter what class you were because on April 15th, 1912, 95 years ago today, the Titanic sank taking with her thousands of 1st, 2ND, 3rd class passengers and various crew from the captain on down. John Jacob Astor could have bought and paid for the Titanic ten times over but he couldn't buy a seat on a lifeboat. Death is a great equalizer.

There are many equalizers that slice through barriers that men have put up or contended with. Barriers like color, wealth, health, gender, religion, age, stature all fall before the great equalizers. When our girls were growing up Rachel always wanted everything to be equal, to be fair and we kept having to tell her, "Life isn't fair. Nothing can be equal because no two people are the same." But the equalizers don't care about our differences. Let's open our Bible and examine some of the Great Equalizers!

I. SATAN IS A GREAT EQUALIZER [IS. 14:12-17]

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

II. SIN IS A GREAT EQUALIZER

Ps. 14:2-3 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Psalm 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

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

Daniel 9:11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

I Jn. 1:8,10 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

III. TEMPTATION IS A GREAT EQUALIZER

I Cor. 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

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

IV. SIN'S CONSEQUENCES ARE A GREAT EQUALIZER [RM. 5:12]

Job 5:7 Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.

Rm. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Rm. 8:22-23 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

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

Thus far the Equalizers have all been of a negative sort, but that is about to be equalized itself in a sense.

V. GOD IS THE GREATEST EQUALIZER

And it doesn't matter if you are talking about God the Father, God the Son, or God the Holy Spirit. God is the greatest Equalizer of all.

John 1: 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

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

Jn. 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

Jn. 16:8-11 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

Acts 10:34-35 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Rm. 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

VI. SALVATION IS A GREAT EQUALIZER [EPH. 2:8-9]

Acts 17:30-31 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Titus2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

VII. SERVICE IS A GREAT EQUALIZER

Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Eph. 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

I Cor. 12:11-31

Q: Do evolutionists say it’s okay to mix church and state?

A: It seems as though the National Center for Science Education, the California group that works overtime to keep religion out of the nation’s science classrooms, thinks mixing science and religion is okay after all. Just as long as religion is used to support evolution, though!

This group, headed by anti-creationist Eugenie Scott, has teamed up with the University of California to build a website for teachers called “Understanding Evolution.” Part of the funding came from a nearly half-million dollar federal grant—tax dollars.

The website encourages teachers to use religion to promote evolution. How? Teachers are told that nearly all religious people, theologians, and scientists who have religious beliefs, endorse evolution. The site goes as far as saying that believing in evolution actually enriches their faith.

One page on the site shows a cartoon of a scientist shaking hands with a pastor who is holding a Bible. What you won’t find on this site are the scientific arguments against evolution, or any mention of those who believe in a literal, six-day creation.

Evolutionists will stop at nothing to indoctrinate others into believing their secular, humanist worldview. And sadly, they use compromising Christians to support their agenda.

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.

"I'm tired" -Lt. Col. Joe Repya

"I'm Tired" Two weeks ago, as I was starting my sixth month of duty in Iraq, I was forced to return to the USA for surgery for an injury I sustained prior to my deployment. With luck, I'll return to Iraq to finish my tour. I left Baghdad and a war that has every indication that we are winning, to return to a demoralized country much like the one I returned to in 1971 after my tour in Vietnam. Maybe it's because I'll turn 60 years old in just four months, but I'm tired:

I'm tired of spineless politicians, both Democrat and Republican who lack the courage, fortitude, and character to see these difficult tasks through.

I'm tired of the hypocrisy of politicians who want to rewrite history when the going gets tough.

I'm tired of the disingenuous clamor from those that claim they 'Support the Troops' by wanting them to 'Cut and Run' before victory is achieved.

I'm tired of a mainstream media that can only focus on car bombs and casualty reports because they are too afraid to leave the safety of their hotels to report on the courage and success our brave men and women are having on the battlefield.

I'm tired that so many Americans think you can rebuild a dictatorship into a democracy over night.

I'm tired that so many ignore the bravery of the Iraqi people to go to the voting booth and freely elect a Constitution and soon a permanent Parliament.

I'm tired of the so called 'Elite Left' that prolongs this war by giving aid and comfort to our enemy, just as they did during the Vietnam War.

I'm tired of antiwar protesters showing up at the funerals of our fallen soldiers. A family who's loved ones gave their life in a just and noble cause, only to be cruelly tormented on the funeral day by cowardly protesters is beyond shameful.

I'm tired that my generation, the Baby Boom-Vietnam generation, have such a weak backbone that they can't stomach seeing the difficult tasks through to victory.

I'm tired that some are more concerned about the treatment of captives than they are the slaughter and beheading of our citizens and allies.

I'm tired that when we find mass graves it is seldom reported by the press, but mistreat a prisoner and it is front page news.

Mostly, I'm tired that the people of this great nation didn't learn from history that there is no substitute for Victory.

Sincerely, Joe Repya, Lieutenant Colonel, U. S. Army 101st Airborne Division

BEWARE AND BEHOLD!

COLOSSIANS 2:8-23

Rick Jackson

Paul's already warned us "lest any man beguile you with enticing words" [v.4] and now he continues with his spiritual inoculations with two more warnings and a "heads up" preventative dose of very strong spiritual medicine!

I. BEWARE THE WORLD [V. 8]

Someone has wisely pointed out, "This world is no friend of grace." And that is true but the flip side of the coin is that this world is an enemy of grace, God and glory!

John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

I Jn. 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

So here Paul says, "Beware lest any man spoil you..."

1. "...through philosophy and vain deceit..."

Someone has said "Philosophy is like the blind man looking for the black cat in the dark room when the cat's not even in there anyway." Anyone who thinks philosophy is the answer is only fooling themselves.

2. "...after the tradition of men..."


Mark 7:3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
Mark 7:5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
Mark 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
Mark 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye

3. "...after the rudiments of the world..." Making the simple things of the world what you base things on instead of Christ... the world is sinking sand, Christ is the Rock!

II. BEWARE THE RELIGIOUS [V. 16-18]

But it's not just the secularists or the worldly irreligionists Paul warns us about but it's also the religious. Wasn't it the Pharisees and Saducees who gave the Lord Jesus the most trouble in His earthly ministry? Just because someone is religious doesn't make them Biblical. Some even may invoke the name of Christ but that doesn't make them His servants.

Matthew 7:21-25 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

The religious may try to ensnare you through:

1. Ceremonial laws [v. 16-17]

2. Weird worship [v. 18a]

They thought they weren't good enough to worship God so they would worship angels. They were proud of their humility.

Rev. 19:9-10 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy

Gal. 1:6-9 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

3. Carnal thinking [v. 18b]

(like Cain- thinking they know best) Jude 10-11a But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain,

III. BEHOLD CHRIST!

It should not be thought unusual that to look to Christ is a solution to these problems. Thus has it ever been.

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jude 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

1. The fullness of the Godhead bodily [v. 9] fully God, fully man

2. The head of all principality and power [v. 10]

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

3. The Completer (not the law) [v. 9, 10, 11-13] nautical term, in Him you are ready for the journey!

Galatians 3:1-3 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

"Salvation is not the improvement of the old nature; it is the impartation of a new nature!" -JVMcG

4. Our Conquering Hero [v. 14-15]

Rom. 8:37-39 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

5. Our Commander-in-chief [v. 19-23]

Quotes of the Week!

Unbelief is a cruel master. It promises nothing and delivers less. It requires payment for everything but never delivers what is bought. -Marshall Wicks

Nothing stands between any one of us and eternal salvation except an unbelieving heart. -Wicks

God moves in a mysterious way... God is His own interpreter, and He will make it plain. -William Cowper

Pictures of the Week! Signs of the time?

THE BEST GUARANTEE

I love guarantees. There is something about knowing a company or individual will stand behind a statement or product that really energizes my desire to take them at their word, providing, of course, it is something I need or want.

On a related subject... It has been reported that at one point there was a sign in Moscow next to Lenin's Tomb that read, "He was the greatest leader of all peoples of all countries of all times. He was the lord of a new humanity. He was the savior of the world." Of course, it was all written in past tense. "He was" is not the same as "He is".

Some years ago a preacher was visiting the tomb of Lenin in Russia. As the guards were changed the preacher asked the guide, "What are they guarding?"She replied in a whispering tone, "The tomb of our hero." He said, "No-one is guarding the tomb of our hero." "Why not?", she inquired. The answer came back swiftly, 'HE'S NOT THERE!"

You may be thinking, well that's nice but what has that to do with "The Best Guarantee"? Quite frankly, everything! The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is THE BEST GUARANTEE! And you know what, God put it in writing! In black and white! And it's universally good and the guarantee never runs out! I bought the silver mini-van I used to have because it had a 7 year, 70,000 mile warranty (and it was good for that) but God gives an eternal warranty with unlimited mileage.

You may say, but what does the Resurrection of Jesus Christ guarantee? I am glad you asked!

THE RESURRECTION IS GOD'S GUARANTEE OF:

I. CHRIST'S DEITY!

Christ's humanity came from the lineage of David, but

1. His deity is proved by the resurrection [Rm. 1:3-4]

2. His holiness is proved by the resurrection [Acts 13:26-39, Ps. 2]
All men are sinners but Christ was/is Holy!

3. His victory where others failed proves His being God [John 20:24-31]

Clarence Darrow, Harry Houdini, Howard Thurston- a famous magician of another time, Mary Baker Patterson Glover Eddy-founder of the blasphemous ill-named Christian Science group and others all failed where Jesus succeeded! If Jesus had not risen it would have proved He was not God, but He did rise and we can say with Thomas, "My Lord and my God!"

II. SALVATION TO ALL WHO PUT THEIR TRUST IN HIM!

1. Jesus said it! [John 14:1-6]

2. Paul said it! [Rm. 4:23-25, 10:9-10]

3. Peter said it! [I Pt. 1:3-4]

III. THE BODILY RESURRECTION OF ALL THE SAVED!

1. We will live because He lives! [Jn. 14:19]

Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

2. The Spirit will raise us because it raised Him! [Rm. 8:11]

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

3. God's glory demands He raise us like He did Jesus [II Cor. 4:6, 10-11, 14-15]

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

4. All saints includes both Old and New Testament saints [Job 19:25-27]

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

The songwriter wrote:

And then one day I'll cross the river,I'll fight life's final war with pain. And then as death gives way to victory,I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.Because He lives, All fear is gone!Because I know He holds the future And life is worth the living just because He lives!

Of course those who reject the resurrection, reject the Saviour- the Lord Jesus Christ and they reject the work He did on their behalf. Thus leaving them the awful consequences of having to face their own sin and the judgement that will fall on them for that sin.

Acts 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Acts 10:39-43 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.