THE MORE THINGS CHANGE...

GENESIS 9

Pastor Rick Jackson

There's an old saying- "The more things change, the more they stay the same" and Genesis 9 seems to exemplify the reality of that statement. Though much has changed by the flood yet much has stayed the same. God still hates sin but loves the sinner, the earth is still under the curse of sin and man's old nature is still present. God's Word is still true and God's blessings can be had for the asking! The more things change, the more they stay the same!

I. HUMAN GOVERNMENT ESTABLISHED [v. 1-7]

1. ANIMAL'S RELATIONSHIP WITH MAN [v. 1-2]

2. MAN'S RELATIONSHIP WITH ANIMALS [v. 3-4, I Tm. 4:1-5]

To those who advocate a return to Adam & Eve's eating habits we must note:

-we don't live in a pre-fall situation

-we don't live in a pre-flood situation (more protein may be necessary in this environment))

-we don't live in an idyllic environment (Eskimos would starve if they were vegetarians)

3. MAN'S RELATIONSHIP TO MAN [v. 5-7, Rm. 13:1-7]

II. NOAHIC COVENANT ESTABLISHED [v. 8-17]

1. GOD ESTABLISHES THE COVENANT [v. 8-12]

2. GOD ESTABLISHES THE TOKEN [v. 13-15]

3. GOD ESTABLISHED THE PARAMETERS [v. 16-17]

III. FALLEN CONDITION UNCHANGED [v. 18-29]

1. LACK OF RESTRAINT [v. 18-21]

2. LACK OF RESPECT [v. 22-24]

3. LACK OF REASON [v. 25-29]

There are those who want to say the curse of Canaan was that he was made black. There is no Scriptural grounds for this just as there was none for the mark of Cain earlier. The black races aren't primarily descended through Canaan but rather through Cush, a different child of Ham (10:6). Noah spoke prophetically about the line of Canaan just as Israel (Jacob) would do so later in Genesis.

The Hamites have largely been practically minded (pioneering, exploring, conquering by physicality), the Japhethites have been philosophically minded and the Shemites have been spiritually minded (though all have some characteristics of the other).

REFUGE

JOSHUA 20



Pastor Rick Jackson



Hebrews 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us



There can be no doubt that the writer of Hebrews intends to make a connection between our refuge, the Lord Jesus, and the cities of refuge in the nation of Israel. John R. Rice reminds us, "It is easy to see why this book is called the epistle to the Hebrews. From beginning to end the discussion is based upon the O.T. and the Hebrews' sacrifices and ceremonies, showing how they point to Christ." So too, do the cities of refuge point to our refuge, the Lord Jesus Christ!



"The names of the six cities are given in Joshua 20:7-8 as Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron, Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan. The meanings of these names seem planned especially to foreshadow this spiritual application." -Henry Morris


I. KEDESH means "holy," specifically a holy place. [Eph. 1:3-4, 2:20-22]



II. SHECHEM means "shoulder", the place of burdens.



Matthew 11:28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.



Hebrews 6:18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:



III. HEBRON means "association, company, fellowship,"



1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.



1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.



1 John 1:6-7 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.



IV. BEZER means "strong, inaccessible, a hiding place." [Colossians 3:1-4].


V. RAMOTH means "high place" [Ephesians 2:1-7]



VI. GOLAN means "captive" and this would speak of our being set free from sin and death to become captive to Christ. "When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive" (Ephesians 4:8). [II Cor. 10:1-5]

Q: Did Noah’s Flood cover the whole earth?

A: There are many Christians who have been led to believe that Noah’s Flood was just local. This is because they’ve been indoctrinated by secular scientists and even theologians into the belief that the fossil record is millions of years old—and not a record of the global Flood. But the Bible gives a very clear picture of what’s really happened.

The Bible, the inspired Word of God, tells us in Genesis that the highest hills under the whole of heaven were covered by water. It’s obviously referring to a global event. If the Flood were merely local, why would Noah have had to build an Ark to save himself, his family, and the animals? They could simply have walked to another location where the floodwaters wouldn’t reach. In fact, at the end of the Flood, God put a rainbow in the sky as a sign between God and man that He would never repeat such an event. Humanity has seen numerous local floods since the time of Noah’s day, but we haven’t seen another global flood.

Not only this, but Jesus Christ Himself, in the book of Matthew, used the event of Noah’s Flood as a warning that there was going to be another judgment—but next time by fire. If Noah’s Flood was just a local event, then maybe the coming judgment by fire will be just a local event, too. No, that doesn’t make sense at all!

Was Noah’s Flood worldwide? Yes, it absolutely was!

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.

PICTURES OF THE WEEK!

Bessie & Jada in a room that no longer exists as it is in this photo.
Are we flying yet?
Chill Bro! There's other fish in the sea.
Say hello to my adopted big brother. Now step away from my bowl!

This is never going to work out. I'm spotted and you're not.

Incorruptible Things

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers" (I Peter 1:18).
Not all the wealth of the world can redeem a single soul, for gold and silver are merely corruptible elements in a world under "the bondage of corruption" (Romans 8:21). Everything in the physical creation is decaying and dying. In fact, one day all these "elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up" (II Peter 3:10). Even the very seeds which transmit life are "corruptible seed" (I Peter 1:23), and all mankind is "corruptible man" (Romans 1:23). Modern science recognizes this universal principle of decay as one of its most basic laws--the law of increasing entropy.
Even in this corruptible world, however, some things are incorruptible. There is the "incorruptible . . . word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever" (I Peter 1:23). Even though "Heaven and earth shall pass away," the words of Christ "shall not pass away" (Matthew 24:35).
We are redeemed, not by silver and gold, but "with the precious blood of Christ" (I Peter 1:19). God Himself is the "uncorruptible God" (Romans 1:23), and He has "begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away" (I Peter 1:3-4). We work, not as others "to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible" (I Corinthians 9:25).
Finally, these dying bodies will themselves be redeemed, "for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality" (I Corinthians 15:52-53). HMM

This information was provided by ICR, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website at www.icr.org.

3 MORE MINISTRIES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE HOLY SPIRIT SPEAKS TO CHRISTIANS

1. THROUGH THE SCRIPTURES [1 Tim 4:1, 2]

2. THROUGH DIRECT LEADING [Acts 8:29, 1 Kings 19:12]

3. THROUGH SHUT DOORS [Acts 16:7]

4. THROUGH PASTORS HE INSTALLS [Acts 20:28]

II. THE HOLY SPIRIT STRENGTHENS CHRISTIANS

1. PRAYER PLAYS A PART [Eph. 3:14-16]

2. FAITH PLAYS A PART [Eph. 3:17, Rm. 10:17, I Th. 5:19, Eph. 4:30]

3. COMPREHENSION IS A RESULT [Eph. 3:18-19]

III. THE HOLY SPIRIT SANCTIFIES (SETS APART) CHRISTIANS

1. POSITIONAL SANCTIFICATION -at salvation

Colossians 1:13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

I Th. 1:5-6 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.

1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

2. PROGRESSIVE SANCTIFICATION -ongoing daily, lifelong process of yielding

2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

3. PERFECT SANCTIFICATION -perfect Heavenly body without a sin nature [Eph. 5:26, 27]

POEM OF THE WEEK!

THE KING OF DAVID

I am sheltered by the King of light.

I am protected by His unending might.

The darts of the world tho fierce they be,

His strong armor- sufficient for me.

I lean on His everlasting arm,

Under His wings free from harm.

Oh Lord, Thou art a shield unto me,

My only protection comes from Thee.



By Henry Hodges (Trustee of Bradford Baptist Church in Starke, FL. His pastor says he is the poet laureate of BBC... p.s. I am his pastor!)

EARNING A DESK

Back in September of 2005, on the first day of school, Martha Cothren, a social studies school teacher at Robinson High School in Little Rock ,did something not to be forgotten.

On the first day of school, with the permission of the school superintendent, the principal and the building supervisor, she removed all of the desks out of her classroom.

When the first period kids entered the room they discovered that there were no desks.

Looking around, confused, they asked,

"Ms. Cothren, where're our desks?"

She replied, "You can't have a desk until you tell me what you have done to earn the right to sit at a desk."

They thought, "Well, maybe it's our grades."

"No," she said.

Maybe it's our behavior." She told them, "No, it's not even your behavior.

And so, they came and went, the first period, second period, third period. Still no desks in the classroom.

By early afternoon television news crews had started gathering in Ms. Cothren's classroom to report about this crazy teacher who had taken all the desks out of her room.

The final period of the day came and as the puzzled students found seats on the floor of the deskless
classroom.

Martha Cothren said, "Throughout the day no one has been able to tell me just what he/she has done to earn the right to sit at the desks that are ordinarily found in this classroom. Now I am going to tell you."

At this point, Martha Cothren went over to the door of her classroom and opened it.

Twenty-seven (27) U.S. Veterans, all in uniforms, walked into that classroom, each one carrying a school desk. The Vets began placing the school desks in rows, and then they would walk over and stand alongside the wall.

By the time the last soldier had set the final desk in place those kids started to understand, perhaps for the first time in their lives, just how the right to sit at those desks had been earned.

Martha said, "You didn't earn the right to sit at these desks. These heroes did it for you. They placed the desks here for you. Now, it's up to you to sit in them. It is your responsibility to learn, to be good students, to be good citizens. They paid the price so that you could have the freedom to get an education. Don't ever forget it."

By the way, this is a true story.... If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you read it in English, thank a soldier.

Yes, it really is a true story...
http://www.snopes.com/glurge/nodesks.asp

(My thanks to Rose, who sent me this in an email)

ALONE WITH GOD

GENESIS 8

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. GOD ALONE [v. 1-5]

Who could Noah and his family trust in during this unprecedented activity? Who could have produced this activity? Whose holiness and mercy demanded the activity? Whose grace allowed for the salvation of the human race and the animal kingdom? The answer(s) is of course...God alone!

1. GOD REMEMBERED! [v. 1]

Genesis 19:29 And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.

Genesis 30:22 And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.

Exodus 2:24And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

1 Samuel 1:19And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.

Psalm 98:3He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God

Revelation 18:5For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

THE LORD HATH NOT FORGOTTEN... GOD REMEMBERS!

2. GOD RESTRAINS [v. 1b-2]

The events of 7:11 have done their work and now are restrained. It seems that for the time being even what will be considered "normal" rain is likewise restrained.

3. GOD REFORMS [v. 3-5]

Through all this volcanic and hydrological activity the world has been destroyed and remade in a completely different form. It is not as stable as before in terms of weather and tectonic activity.

2 Peter 3:6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

Psalm 104:6-9 Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains. At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away. They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them. Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.

II. NOAH ALONE [v. 6-14]

Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Genesis 7:23 And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.

1. THE RAVEN SCAVENGES [v. 6-7]

2. THE DOVE SEARCHES [v. 8-12]

3. THE DELAY SOLIDIFIES [v. 13-14]

III. FAITH ALONE [v. 15-22]

1. THE DELIVERANCE BY FAITH [v. 15-19, Heb. 11:7]

2. THE DEMONSTRATION OF FAITH [v. 20]

3. THE DELIGHT IN FAITH [v. 21-22]

Hebrews 11:6-7 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith

ARE YOU A SURVIVOR?

Pastor Rick Jackson

The story is told of the sole survivor of the Jamestown flood. He told anyone who would listen of how he survived the Jamestown flood. He became a Christian and during testimony service he always managed to interweave how he had survived... Eventually the gentleman passed away and being a Christian man went to Heaven. He was excited because now there were a lot of new people to tell how he survived... He asked an angel if they ever had testimony meetings in Heaven and he was delighted to be answered in the affirmative. He asked to be put on the schedule. At the meeting he saw the angel and asked him when he was to speak so he could tell everyone how he survived... The angel checked the schedule and assured him he was on the list with these words, "You will be the second to give your testimony in this meeting---right after Noah!"

No matter what you are going through there is always someone who has had it worse. Most of us haven't begun to suffer as others have, we just seem to like to complain. Andrew Murray, a preacher and author from the 1800s was undergoing some severe trials. As he sought the lord's face in prayer and meditation on the Word of God he said, In Time of Trouble Say

First, God brought me here; it is by His will I am in this strait place: in that I will rest.

Next, He will keep me in His love, and give me grace in this trial to behave as His child.

Then, He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow.

Last, In His good time He can bring me out again- how and when He knows.

I. REALIZATION

1. "GOD BROUGHT ME HERE"

Jeremiah said, "I AM the man that hath seen affliction by the rod of his wrath. He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, but not into light. He hath set me in dark places, as they that be dead of old. ...He hath hedged me about, that I cannot get out: he hath made my chain heavy. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. ...It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him." [Lam. 3]

Mordecai reminded Esther, "who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

2. "IT IS BY HIS WILL I AM IN THIS STRAIT PLACE"

1 Peter 3:17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

3. "IN THAT FACT WILL I REST"

Psalm 37:7Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

II. ACCEPTANCE

1. "NEXT, HE WILL KEEP ME HERE IN HIS LOVE"

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

Revelation 3:10Because 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.

2. "AND GIVE ME GRACE TO BEHAVE AS HIS CHILD"

Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

III. ASSURANCE

1. "THEN, HE WILL MAKE THE TRIAL A BLESSING"

Acts 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

2 Thessalonians 1:5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

2. "TEACHING ME THE GRACE HE MEANS TO BESTOW"

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

IV. DELIVERANCE

1. "LAST, IN HIS GOOD TIME"

Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

2. "HE CAN BRING ME OUT AGAIN-- HOW AND WHEN HE KNOWS"

Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

Daniel 3:16-18 Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

In short, Murray reminds us to,

"Say: I am here-
1. By God's appointment
2. In His keeping.
3. Under His training.
4. For His time. "

Q: Did Jesus allow for a gap?

A: If you carefully study the words of Jesus, He made it plain that there can’t be a gap of billions of years between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2.

In Mark 10:6, Jesus said, “But from the beginning of creation God made them male and female.” In these very words, Jesus clearly teaches that Adam and Eve were created in “the beginning of the creation”—not after billions of years had passed. Also, the expression “beginning of the creation” rules out any “re-creation” or “second start” as taught by many gap theorists.

The main reason that people try to place a gap between the first two verses of Genesis is to accommodate the supposed billions of years for the earth’s age. When one does this, he is essentially placing more faith in secular (i.e., without God) understanding than in God’s infallible Word.

Jesus made it plain that such a compromise cannot be done! And we should follow His understanding and His words—because, after all, He is the author of creation and the Word made flesh!

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.

Look for the ones God has ready

Sumner Wemp (see link at left)

Sep 19, 2007

Look for the ones God has ready.

Every person I have ever led to Christ YOU could have led that person to Christ for they were ready. PLEASE LEARN THIS, You do not talk people into getting saved. One of the biggest fallacies is that you have to be able to answer all their questions and arguments. NO! We are to give them the gospel, the good news, and let God "give them repentance" change their minds and open the eyes of their understanding.

God gives repentance

"The servant of the Lord MUST not strive (quarrel, argue or debate) but in meekness instructing those...peradventure God will give them repentance to acknowledge the truth" 2 Tim 2:24, 25. Witnessing is not the great debate. This is vital to understand if you want to be a soul winner. Repentance is the Greek word "metanoia". "Meta" means "change" and "noia" mean "mind" God must give them repentance, "Change their mind" "to acknowledge the truth." Did you get that, not to turn from sins or turn to God but to "acknowledge the truth". The truth you and I must give them is the gospel, that "God loves you and His Son, the Lord Jesus, suffered and died for our sins, paid the debt in full, rose again and was seen by hundreds. This gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes what He did will get them to heaven and receive the Lord Jesus as their Savior.

Turning from sin

When someone tells a lost sinner he must "turn from your sins" and ...be saved, he is telling a lost person he has to do some work to be saved. That is heresy. How many sins must he turn from or quit before he can be saved? He must be saved and then he can and will turn from sins because he is now saved.. THINK, when he tells that lost person to "turn from sin" how many? Have you ever seen anyone turn from "every" sin before he got saved? The whole key is give them the gospel. If they are not ready, leave them alone and look for someone God has ready and lead them to Christ. More on this next time.

Question: Are you making each day it's own masterpiece? Is your full potential being realized? That is to say are you making the most you can out of each day?

"The world's full of apathy, but I don't care." I care about you, I love you, ABC, Sumner

Enter the drawings for packs of tracts www.sumnerwemp.com . Order some for yourself and church 1-877-872-2871: Go to Feature Section, read a very encouraging article

Fake quarters are worth more than the real ones.

Go to http://www.dc-coin.com/ for a full listing of fantasy pattern coins. Some are pretty funny.

THE HOLY SPIRIT - THE DIVINE SUPPLIER

Pastor Rick Jackson



I. THE HOLY SPIRIT SUPPLIES HOPE

"Now the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing that ye may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit" Rom 15:13.

1. THE DEFINITION OF HOPE-to anticipate with joy!

"In the New Testament it is favorable and confident expectation. It has to do with the unseen and the future, Rom 8:24, 25. Hope describes the happy anticipation of good." -W.E. Vine

In hope of eternal life, which God; that cannot lie, promised before the world began. Titus 1:2

2. THE DYNAMIC OF HOPE-only with the true God!

Remember, that ye being gentiles in the flesh,...were without Christ,,, having no hope and without God (the God of hope) in the world. Eph. 2:12.

The hope of the gospel. Col 1:23.

The hope and resurrection of the dead. Acts 26:3.

The living hope 1 Pet 1:3,

The hope of the glory of God. Rom 5:2.

The blessed hope. Titus 2:13.

3. THE DELIVERER OF HOPE- the sweet Holy Spirit of God [Rm. 15:13]

III. THE HOLY SPIRIT SUPPLIES DELIVERANCE

Philippians 1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

1. A GOOD ACCEPTATION [1:12-18]

Paul's attitude is one of continual rejoicing and of expectation also of God's deliverance. the word salvation apparently refers not to eternal salvation, which of course he already possessed, but deliverance in the sense of release from imprisonment and the custody of the imperial government. -Alfred Martin, Moody Bible Institute

2. A GOOD SUPPLICATION [1:19]

"Ye have not because ye ask not" James 4:2.

Just as Asa was not healed because "in his disease he sought not the Lord, but the physicians" 2 Chron. 16:12. Nothing wrong with going to physicians but you must go to God first and foremost as well. So with our deliverance from problems, too many run to men for help and wisdom but not consciously depending, first and foremost, on the Holy Spirit. -S.W.

3. A GOOD EXPECTATION [1:20]

His circumstances being what they were, he expresses confidence that because of their prayers and "the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ" he will experience salvation. By this he means God's total deliverance, not only spiritual but from the prison. -John F. Walvoord

Learn this, the Holy Spirit can bring about your 'salvation' from what ever problem you have as well. When have you thought about and sought the Holy Spirit ministering to you to bring about your salvation from your problems? I am totally convinced that multitudes of Christians, just do not realize the Holy Spirit's ministry in every thing in our lives. -Sumner Wemp

III. THE HOLY SPIRIT SUPPLIES BOLDNESS

1. IN CONNECTION WITH THE FILLING OF THE SPIRIT [Acts 4:8-13]

2. IN CONNECTION WITH THE WORD OF GOD [Acts 4:29-31]

3. IN CONNECTION WITH PRAYER [Eph. 6:18-20]


Once again I must thank my friend, Sumner Wemp, for much of this material. The Truths I have heard for years but the consolidation and arrangement is largely his. Check out his website using the link in the upper left.

From a Chaplain in Iraq

I recently attended a showing of "Superman 3," here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well as memorial services and other large gatherings. As is the custom back in the States, we stood and snapped to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was going as planned until about three-quarters of the way through the National Anthem the music stopped. Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments; and everyone would sit down and call for a movie. Of course, that is, if they had stood for the National Anthem in the first place.

Here, the 1,000 Soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again. The Soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. And again, at the same point, the music stopped. What would you expect to happen? Even here I would imagine laughter, as everyone finally sat down and expected the movie to start.

But here, you could have heard a pin drop. Every Soldier continued to stand at attention. Suddenly there was a lone voice, then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the voices of a thousand Soldiers, finishing where the recording left off:

"And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?"

It was the most inspiring moment I have had here in Iraq. I wanted you to know what kind of Soldiers are serving you here.

Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins on 5/14/07. LSA Anaconda is at the Balad Airport in Iraq, north of Bagdad.

Remember them as they fight for you! Pass this along (originally sent to me as an email) as a reminder to others to be ever in prayer for all our soldiers serving us here at home and abroad... For many have already paid the ultimate price....

Quotes of the week!

"Joining a church will no more make you a Christian than joining the Elks will make you an elk."

Good tactics can save even the worst strategy. Bad tactics will destroy even the best strategy. - George S. Patton

In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensible. - Dwight D. Eisenhower

"Do all the witnessing you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as you can." -Sumner Wemp

ALL ABOARD?

GENESIS 7

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE BOARDING [V. 1-9]

1. FIRST "COME" [v. 1] Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

He didn't say, "Go into the ark..." God was going to be with him!

2. FURTHER COMMANDMENTS [v. 2-4]

Not a contradiction of 6:19-20, this allowed for sacrifice [8:20] and quicker replenishment of certain animals (which can now be eaten after the flood)

The week may have been a last opportunity for sinners, a chance for Noah and family to get the animals arranged or even an opportunity to mourn Methuselah [Genesis 50:10] And they came to the threshingfloor of Atad, which is beyond Jordan, and there they mourned with a great and very sore lamentation: and he made a mourning for his father seven days.

3. FAITHFUL COMMITMENT [v. 5-9]

II. THE BEGINNING OF THE END

1. THE TIMING [v. 10-11a]

The Flood happened approximately 1650 years after Creation (Creation was approximately 6000 years ago, the Flood 4500 years ago, Abraham 4000 years ago, Moses 3500 years ago, David 3000 years ago, Isaiah 2700 years ago, Paul 2000 years ago)

2. THE TRIGGER [v. 11b]

Volcanic activity, earthquakes, etc. (remember the Tsunami after an underwater earthquake)

3. THE TOTALITY [v. 11c-12]

The activities on earth seemed to have "punctured" the equilibrium of the canopy. [1:6-8, 2:5]

III. THE BIBLE ACCOUNT

1. THE SURVIVORS [v. 13-15]

2. THE SECURITY [v. 16]

When God shuts the door... Revelation 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; Revelation 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Isaiah 22:22 And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. Ezekiel 44:2 Then said the LORD unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the LORD, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut.

3. THE SURGE [v. 17-24]

-the Flood was world-wide

-the Flood is responsible for the majority of coal beds, layers of earth, oil deposits, topography

-the Flood is recounted in almost every culture on earth though they generally have their facts confused

-those that deny the Flood (lost or saved) are on sinking sand

Matthew 24:37-39 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

2 Peter 3

WHAT “AS” THE WORLD ARE YOU DOING?

I CHRONICLES 13

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. DAVID DISPLEASED THE LORD [v. 1-13]

1. David’s idea [v. 1-6]

-David wanted to do a good thing
-He consulted other men. Proverbs 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
-He didn’t consult the Lord.
Deuteronomy 32:28 For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them.
Psalm 16:7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
Psalm 33:11 The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
Psalm 119:24 Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.

2. David’s plan [v. 7-8]

-David followed the way of the world.
I Sam. 6:7-8 Now therefore make a new cart, and take two milch kine, on which there hath come no yoke, and tie the kine to the cart, and bring their calves home from them: And take the ark of the LORD, and lay it upon the cart; and put the jewels of gold, which ye return him for a trespass offering, in a coffer by the side thereof; and send it away, that it may go.

-Israel always wanted to be like the world
I Samuel 8:5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.

Some Christians want to be like the world but that is not God’s will for our lives.
Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

-He had much zeal
Romans 10:2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

-He ignored God’s Word which said the Levites were to bear the ark on their shoulders. Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

3. David’s disaster [v. 9-13]

-David was partially responsible for Uzza’s death [v. 9-10]
“It’s never right to do wrong in order to do right.” God’s Word was at stake!

-David got mad at God though he was at fault [v. 11]

-David feared [v. 12-13]

II. DAVID CONSIDERS THE LORD [13:14-14:1-2]

1. Obed-edom, a Levite (I Chr. 26), was blessed [v. 14]

2. David realized his position [14:1-2a]

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

3. David observed the undeserved blessing of God [v. 2b, Romans 4:6-7]
Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

III. DAVID PLEASES THE LORD

1. David consults the Lord [14:10, 14, 17]

2. David studies the Word [15:2, 11-13]

3. David is in the place of blessing [15:25-26]

Q: What is sin?

A: Many Christians say that the book of Genesis is not essential to the gospel. They say that as long as people believe in Jesus Christ and what He did on the Cross—that’s all that’s really essential to the gospel!

Imagine a Christian, though, whose church teaches that Genesis is not essential—as long as we just tell people about Jesus, that’s all that’s important. Imagine the following possible conversation as that person tries to witness to a skeptic.

“Sir, you must believe in Jesus.”

“Who is He?” replies the skeptic.

“Well, He’s the Son of God,” states the Christian, “and He died for your sins so you can go to heaven.”

“Why’d He do that? What is sin? Why am I not going to heaven already?” the skeptic questions.
The Christian then blurts, “There’s this story in Genesis about Adam and Eve sinning and being removed from God’s presence because of that—but it’s probably just a myth. Don’t worry about that—just trust in Jesus.”

Imagine, however, this much more effective response from a Christian who accepts the history of Genesis.

The Christian replies, “Well, from Genesis we learn that the first man Adam rebelled against a command of the Creator. This ‘original sin’ separated him and all of his descendants—including you and me—from the holy and righteous Creator God, who cannot let sin—any sin—go unpunished. The punishment for sin is death—eternal separation from God in hell. As children of Adam, each of us is in rebellion against God. We’ve all disobeyed His commands and thus deserve death. However, the good news is that God sent His Son Jesus Christ to pay the penalty of sin on our behalf. When we repent and believe in Jesus, we will receive the free gift of eternal life!

The history of Genesis and original sin are absolutely foundational and essential to fully understanding the gospel.

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.

THE LAW IS THE LAW?

This was sent to me in an email. I have no clue if it's true but it is interesting. -Rick

I hope this makes its way around CANADA several times over!!!

So if the CANADIAN government determines that it is against the law for the words "under God" to be on our money, then, so be it.And if that same government decides that the "Ten Commandments" are not to be used in or on a government installation, then, so be it.And since they already have prohibited any prayer in the schools, on which they deem their authority, then so be it. I say, "so be it," because I would like to be a law abiding Canadian citizen. I say, "so be it," because I would like to think that smarter people than I are in positions to make good decisions. I would like to think that those people have the Canadian Public's best interests at heart. BUT, YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE I'D LIKE?

Since we can't pray to God, can't Trust in God and cannot post His Commandments in Government buildings, I don't believe the Government and its employees should participate in the Easter and Christmas.... celebrations which honor the God that our government is eliminating from many facets of Canadian life.

I'd like my mail delivered on Christmas, Good Friday, Thanksgiving & Easter. After all, it's just another day. I'd like our Government to be in session on Christmas, Good Friday, Thanksgiving & Easter as well as Sundays. After all, it's just another day.

I'd like ALL Representatives to not have to worry about getting home for the "Christmas Break." After all ~~~ it's just another day.

I'm thinking that a lot of my taxpayer dollars could be saved, if all government offices & services would work on Christmas, Good Friday & Easter. It shouldn't cost any overtime since those would be just like any other day of the week to a government that is trying to be "politically correct." In fact....I think that our government should work on Sundays (initially set aside for worshipping God...) because, after all, our government says that it should be just another day....What do you all think?

If this idea gets to enough people, maybe our elected officials will stop giving in to the minority opinions and begin, once again, to represent the majority" of ALL of the people. SO BE IT........... PASS THIS ON...HELP RETURN SANITY TO CANADA!!

3 MINISTRIES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE HOLY SPIRIT PRAYS FOR US! [RM. 8:26]

1. We rejoice when others pray for us, Him too! James 5:16

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

2. We rejoice that Jesus prays for us, Him too! Hebrews 7:25

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

3. We should pray according to God's will, He does! Luke 11:1-2

And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

II. THE HOLY SPIRIT INSPIRED THE WORD OF GOD!

1. He moved the men! 2 Peter 1:21

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

2. He maintains the ministry! 2 Timothy 3:16-18

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 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. He ministers the message! 1 Thessalonians 1:5

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

III. THE HOLY SPIRIT SENDS FORTH LABORERS! [ACTS 13]

1. He selects who does what [v. 1-2]

2. He separates who does when [v. 3]

3. He sends who goes where [11:22-30, 12:25, 13:3-4]

THEY DO... DO YOU?

THEY PRAY... DO YOU?

THEY REMEMBER... DO YOU?

THEY RELATE... DO YOU?

THEY SAVOR THE SIMPLE THINGS OF LIFE... DO YOU?

On this date in 1919

On this date in 1919-New York City gave gigantic salute to General John Pershing and victorious troops returning from World War 1. In Heaven God will give a gigantic salute, welcome, to all His soldiers coming home victorious to glory.

"You have every reason to be bold and free and natural and hopeful of success" I. M. Packer

"To win souls for God is not a task for mere natural talents and gifts, however great"

Pray for souls: "You have not because you ask not"

All this is from Sumner Wemp's Sep 10, 2007 email (use link to the left and get on his email list!)

Pray for souls

"Ye have not because you ask not" James 4:2.

That, dear people, is the Word of God. Most do not have souls, because they never ask! DAILY I ask for souls, and He does. First of all "I exhort that first of all prayers be made for all men" 1 Tim 2:1. At 85 years of age, I am staggered, stupefied, stunned at how we do not do what we are told by ALMIGHTY GOD. Pray for all men! "All men." That is SEVEN BILLION people. Pretty important, I would say. What do you pray for them? "Who will have all men to be saved" Vs. 4. You pray for them to be saved. Doesn't that make sense? And when you do, you then have a part in every person who gets saved that day! WOW. That is pretty big and important praying. "You have not because you ask not."

Present to all
Several years ago, I got on a plane at 9 p.m. heading back to Dallas. Just after we got in the air, the lady sitting next to the window opened her purse and pulled out a gospel tract and read it. When I asked if she knew she was going to heaven, she replied, "No, I don't." God had her so ready and I had the joy of leading her to Christ. She then told me she picked up the tract in the ladies room just before she got on the plane. The lady who left it there wont know until she gets to heaven how God used her tract. Be like Paul and use "all means' to win some!. Make sense?

Over 40 years ago, we were just coming out of the hotel in Wash D. C. when our four year old son was running down the sidewalk with a tract in his hand, caught a man by his coat tail and gave him a tract. I wont be a bit surprised to see that man in heaven. Don't you know he never forgot that little boy giving him the tract. We have hundreds of stories about giving out tracts.

Keep at it and you will be thrilled to see God do great things with them. I Love you all, ABC Sumner

SNAPSHOTS IN GENESIS 6

GENESIS 6:7-22

Pastor Rick Jackson

The Bible doesn't tell us everything but it tells us everything we need to know. The Bible gives us snapshots of events, people, places, et cetera. Why doesn't the Bible tell us everything? John 21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

Here in Genesis 6 we are given several snapshots that should be of interest to every person because the information you can gather from these pictures affects each and every one of us.

I. NOAH-A SNAPSHOT OF GOD'S GRACE [v. 7-10]

1. Noah got saved so anyone could have gotten saved [v. 7-8, 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;

2. Noah was a man with a testimony [v. 9a, Hebrews 11:7]

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

3. Noah was a man of character [v. 9b-10, 2 Peter 2:]

And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

2. THE FLOOD- A SNAPSHOT OF GOD'S JUDGMENT [v. 11-13]

1. God is holy [v. 11, Habakkuk 1:13]

Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity:

2. God is omniscient & omnipresent [v. 12, Psalm 139:7-10]

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

3. God is the Revelator [v. 13, Isaiah 46:9-10]

Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

III. THE ARK- A SNAPSHOT OF GOD'S PROVISION [v. 14-22]

1. The ark was ample [v. 14-16]

Was the ark large enough to hold all the required animals?

The Ark measured 300x50x30 cubits (Genesis 6:15), which is about 450x75x45 feet, so its volume was 1.54 million cubic feet. To put this in perspective, this is the equivalent volume of 522 standard American railroad stock cars, each of which can hold 240 sheep.If the animals were kept in cages with an average size of 20x20x12 inches, that is 4800 cubic inches, the 16,000 animals would only occupy 42,000 cubic feet or 14.4 stock cars. Even if a million insect species had to be on board, it would not be a problem, because they require little space. If each pair was kept in cages of four inches per side all the insect species would occupy a total volume of only another 12 cars. This would leave room for five trains of 99 cars each for food, Noah’s family and ‘range’ for the animals. However, insects are not included in the meaning of behemah or remes in Genesis 6:19-20, so Noah probably would not have taken them on board as passengers anyway.

Tabulating the total volume is fair enough, since this shows that there would be plenty of room on the Ark for the animals with plenty left over for food, range etc. It would be possible to stack cages, with food on top or nearby (to minimize the amount of food carrying the humans had to do), to fill up more of the Ark space, while still allowing plenty of room for gaps for air circulation. We are discussing an emergency situation, not necessarily luxury accommodation. Although there is plenty of room for exercise, skeptics have overstated animals’ needs for exercise anyway.

Even if we don’t allow stacking one cage on top of another to save floor space, there would be no problem. Woodmorappe shows from standard recommended floor space requirements for animals that all of them together would have needed less than half the available floor space of the Ark’s three decks. This arrangement allows for the maximum amount of food and water storage on top of the cages close to the animals.

Food requirements

The Ark would probably have carried compressed and dried foodstuffs, and probably a lot of concentrated food. Perhaps Noah fed the cattle mainly on grain, plus some hay for fibre. Woodmorappe calculated that the volume of foodstuffs would have been only about 15 % of the Ark’s total volume. Drinking water would only have taken up 9.4 % of the volume. This volume would be reduced further if rainwater was collected and piped into troughs.

Excretory requirements

It is doubtful whether the humans had to clean the cages every morning. Possibly they had sloped floors or slatted cages, where the manure could fall away from the animals and be flushed away (plenty of water around!) or destroyed by vermicomposting (composting by worms) which would also provide earthworms as a food source. Very deep bedding can sometimes last for a year without needing a change. Absorbent material (e.g. sawdust, softwood wood shavings and especially peat moss) would reduce the moisture content and hence the odour.

Hibernation

The space, feeding and excretory requirements were adequate even if the animals had normal day/night sleeping cycles. But hibernation is a possibility which would reduce these requirements even more. It is true that the Bible does not mention it, but it does not rule it out either. Some creationists suggest that God created the hibernation instinct for the animals on the Ark, but we should not be dogmatic either way.

Some skeptics argue that food taken on board rules out hibernation, but this is not so. Hibernating animals do not sleep all winter, despite popular portrayals, so they would still need food occasionally.

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.

2. The ark was available [v. 17-18, Heb. 11:7]

3. The ark was accomodating [v. 19-22, II Pt. 1:1-12]

WHAT IS TRUTH?

JOHN 18:28-38

Pastor Rick Jackson

Truth crushed to earth shall rise again,— The eternal years of God are hers; But Error, wounded, writhes with pain, And dies among his worshippers.

William Cullen Bryant (1794 - 1878) U.S. poet and journalist "The Battle-Field", 1839

People often say they want the truth but then speak lies. The quote by Bryant has been used or shall we say. misused and abused, by friends and enemies alike. Sometimes the quote has been shortened, leaving God out. I don't know much about Bryant but I know his quote is true taken in its fullest form... the truth will be made manifest... the lies will be exposed.

Who shot JFK? Did O.J. do it? Was George Reeves death suicide or murder? Where were the WMDs hid? Why do so many teach evolution when they know it can't be right? Everything will be made known.

Luke 8:17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

John 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

1 Corinthians 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

It is a rare thing if a message can do more than scratch the surface on Divine truth, but let us notice three things:

I. THE IMPORTANCE OF TRUTH

1. Truth is necessary for genuine worship [Jn. 4:23-24]

2. Truth is necessary for genuine freedom [Jn. 8:31-32, Rm. 6]

3. Truth is necessary for genuine allegiance [Jn. 8:44-46, 18:37, Acts 19:29ff]

Pilate's question might have been better worded if instead of asking, "What is truth?" if he had asked "Who is truth?" In the Word of God we find:

II. THE EMBODIMENTS OF TRUTH

1. Christ [Jn. 1:14, 14:6]

2. God the Father [Jn. 3:33, 10:30, 17:3]

3. God the Spirit [Jn. 14:17, 15:26, 16:13]

4. God's Word [Jn. 17:17]

The Bible is very clear on the fact that fallen man is NOT the embodiment of truth.
Psalms 58:3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.
Romans 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar;

But every man has been invited to truth! See the:

III. THE INVITATIONS OF THE TRUTH

1. Come to Christ [Jn. 1:17, 14:6]

2. Come to the light [3:16-21]

3. Come to be sanctified [17:17-19]

Q: What’s wrong with millions of years?

A: If people believe that the earth is billions of years old, then they also must accept that the fossil record—with all its death and evidence of violence, and disease—was laid down over millions of years before man.

Thus, the world today, with the same death, disease, and violence, was created that way by God millions of years ago. Even non-Christians understand the problem here. For instance, one secular scientist said the following:

"Whatever the God implied by … the data of natural history may be like, He is not the Protestant God of waste not want not. He is also not a loving god who cares about His productions … The God of the Galapagos is careless, wasteful, indifferent, almost diabolical. He is certainly not the sort of God to whom anyone would be inclined to pray." – Hull, David, The God of the Galapagos, Nature 352:486, 1992.

But when Christians take Genesis literally, then the God of the Bible is One who created a perfect world that’s now marred by our sin. Christians can’t consistently believe in a loving God and also cling to millions of years—that makes God an ogre.

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.

DR. D. JAMES KENNEDY LIVES ON!

Wed, 05 Sep 2007

DR. D. JAMES KENNEDY DIES

Founder and Senior Pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church Succumbs to Complications from Cardiac Arrest



FT. LAUDERDALE, Sept. 5 – Dr. D. James Kennedy, founder and senior pastor for 48 years of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church (CRPC) in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., passed away peacefully in his sleep at approximately 2:15 a.m. at his home with his wife and daughter by his bedside, following complications from a cardiac event last December. He was 76. Dates and times for a public viewing and funeral and private interment will be released when available.

“There are all kinds of wonderful things I could say about my dad,” said daughter Jennifer Kennedy Cassidy. “But one that stands out is his fine example. He ‘walked the walk’ and ‘practiced what he preached.’ His work for Christ is lasting – it will go on and on and make a difference for eternity.”

Dr. Kennedy, who is survived by Anne, his wife of 51 years, and his daughter Jennifer (Kennedy) Cassidy, preached his last sermon from the pulpit of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church on Christmas Eve Sunday 2006. He suffered a cardiac arrest four days later on Dec. 28, and has since been unable to return to the pulpit. The church announced his retirement on Aug. 26, beginning a process to choose his successor, and had planned a tribute worship service honoring the extensive ministry of Dr. Kennedy on Sept. 23.

“I would like to thank all of you for your prayers, cards, kindnesses and encouragement over the past nine months,” Mrs. Cassidy said during the retirement announcement. “Our family knows that we have come through this difficult time because of God’s grace and your faithful prayers, and it has brought joy to us to see God’s faithfulness in all of this.”

While hindered by persistent health problems that included asthma, as well as chronic and often severe physical pain from compressed vertebrae due to an injury suffered as a young man, Dr. Kennedy was indefatigable in his ministry work. He said on several occasions how much he looked forward to being free from pain in heaven. He was one of the nation’s leading Christian broadcasters and a vigorous and articulate advocate for Christian involvement in public life.

Dr. Kennedy began his pastorate at CRPC in 1959 and is also the founder and president of Coral Ridge Ministries and the founder of Evangelism Explosion, which equips people in every nation and territory to share their faith in Christ. He was also the founder of two leading educational institutions located in Fort Lauderdale: Westminster Academy, a nationally respected Pre-K to 12th grade Christian school and Knox Theological Seminary, a graduate school preparing Christians for ministry as pastors, teachers, and missionaries.

Dr. Kennedy was born Nov. 3, 1930, but his Christian life did not begin until 1953. Sleeping late on a Sunday morning, his radio alarm went off and a preacher’s booming voice invaded his slumber. “Suppose you were to die today and stand before God and He were to ask you, ‘What right do you have to enter into My heaven?’—what would you say?”

Dr. Kennedy soon discovered that answer was to trust in Christ alone for eternal life, and shortly after he made that commitment was called into the Gospel ministry. Crediting this radio program for hearing the call to Christianity, he founded WAFG (90.3 FM) in 1974 as an outreach for Christ to the South Florida community.

He began his pastorate at CRPC on June 21, 1959, and from the outset had a vision for global impact. In 1960, he read the words of Jeremiah 33:3 to the handful of people that comprised his then-fledgling congregation, “Call unto Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” He then told his small flock, “You know what? I believe we can change the world!”

That surprised many in his audience, but today, despite being a local pastor of one church for nearly five decades, Dr. Kennedy has had a worldwide ministry influence. In 1996, Evangelism Explosion--through which nearly 5 million people have made commitments to Christ in 2006 alone—became the first Christian ministry to be established in every nation on earth. Long after his passing, an extensive inventory of Dr. Kennedy’s messages will continue through “Truths that Transform,” a daily broadcast carried on nearly 750 radio stations across the U.S., and “The Coral Ridge Hour,” a weekly television broadcast that airs on more than 400 stations and to 165 nations on the Armed Forces Network.

Dr. Kennedy’s belief that God will continue to do “great and mighty things” through the obedient efforts of His people never faltered. His confidence in the future also extended to American culture. “America is in the throes of a cultural shift with enormous implications for the future,” Dr. Kennedy said in 2004, noting the growth in the number of evangelical Christians in America. “If that trend continues, and I believe it will, Evangelical Christians will be in the majority sometime in the next decade,” he added.

“We will miss Dr. Kennedy enormously,” said Frank Wright, president of the National Religious Broadcasters. “His moral leadership and his legacy of impacting the globe for Jesus Christ is unmatched by few in the history of the Church. It is our desire to honor him by sustaining and multiplying his impact through Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and all the ministries founded by Dr. Kennedy in the years to come.”

Viewing and funeral arrangements will be announced shortly. A legacy Web site, www.DJamesKennedy.org, has been developed to pay tribute to the life and faith of Dr. Kennedy.




NOTE TO MEDIA: Ron Siegenthaler, executive minister of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, and Dr. Frank Wright, president and CEO of National Religious Broadcasters, are available for interviews. Please contact Kristin Cole at 615.289.6701 or via kristin@alarryross.com for more information or to arrange an interview. Media information will be available at www.DJamesKennedy.org.

OTHER BIG QUESTIONS- OTHER BIBLE SOLUTIONS

1 Peter 3:15-22

Pastor Rick Jackson

Located within these verses are two unnecessarily complex questions with rather simple but strong Biblical solutions. I am reminded of how Jesus once told the Sadducees, "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God." This is somewhat the case herein. Having heard the off-the-wall explanations of some early interpreters others repeated the same mistakes until they snowballed into semi-widely held viewpoints that are unreasonably mystical and unmistakeably unscriptural. Just because a large number of people believe something doesn't make it accurate. Most lost people in the world believe Heaven can be attained by some sort of good works but they are wrong. Salvation is the "gift of God" [Rm. 6:23, Eph. 2:8-9].

I. BIG QUESTION #1 - DID JESUS GO TO HELL TO PREACH? [18-20]

Variations of this theme have Jesus suffering in Hell for 3 days, being beat up for 3 days by the Devil and his demons, being locked up for three days and then demanding the keys and leaving. A further view has paradise and hades both together in the center of the earth but segregated. Jesus later moving paradise to Heaven and taking with Him a contingent of others.

Forgetting for the moment the weirdness of these many views let us look at the one thought to be taught here exclusively. That is the view that Jesus, sometime after His death, before His resurrection, went to Hell and preached to the lost souls that had lived in Noah's day.

1. The problems are immediate!

-what would be preached to lost souls in Hell? Another chance of salvation? Or was this a "ha ha, look at you, you blew it!"
-why just those particular spirits--- why not all the lost in Hell?
-this view also opens the door for many weird views (some already mentioned)

2. The solution is Biblical!

The Bible is always the best interpreter of the Bible. Apply basic laws of Biblical interpretation here (as well as everywhere else). #1 Check the context. #2 Compare Scripture with Scripture #3 If the plain sense makes good sense seek no other sense. #4 Always interpret unclear passages by clear passages not vice-versa.

Here's the solution: Christ, by the spirit, preached through Noah while Noah was building the ark. This puts the time in place in Noah's lifetime. Christ through the Holy Spirit offered salvation to a lost and dying world for 120 years. Their refusal of God's mercy culminated in the flood.

Does this meet the rules of hermeneutics mentioned. Yes! On all counts.

I Peter 1:10-12 establishes the Spirit of Christ was in the Old Testament prophets

Heb. 9:27 establishes there are no second chances after death

Rev. 20:11-15 establishes when the lost will be judged (not made fun of) for their sin

Lk. 23:43, 46 establish Christ went to paradise and was in the hands of the Father not the devil

Mt. 25:41, Rev. 20:10 establish when the Devil is cast into Hell and that he won't be in charge there "Better to rule in Hell than serve in Heaven is not Biblical nor true!

Mt. 10:28, Rev. 1:18 establish Christ has always had the keys to Hell and death

Jn. 19:30 establishes that Jesus finished paying for our sins on the cross and didn't have to go to Hell for three days

the raptures of Enoch (Gn. 5) and Elijah ( 2 Kings 2) establish the abode of the saved dead "up" in Heaven rather than in the belly of the earth even before Christ's resurrection

Mt. 10:1, Rm. 15:19, I Co. 2:4, 5:4; II Tm. 2:7 establish this power is still given unto men

other Scriptural interpretations of Eph. 4 are possible without resorting to fanciful speculations

II. BIG QUESTION #2 - DOES BAPTISM WASH AWAY SINS? [21]

The problems are immediate & the solution is Biblical!

Simply put, baptism is a work of righteousness [Mt. 3:15, Titus 3:5]

Christ's blood (not baptismal waters) wash away sin [Rev. 1:5]

Baptism is not part of the saving Gospel (Rm. 1:16, I Cor. 1:14-17, 15:1-4)

The verse expressly says it doesn't get rid of sin!

21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

As usual, the Bible had the answer!

HOW TO START EACH DAY WITH A POSITIVE OUTLOOK

1. Open a new folder in your computer.

2. Name it "Hillary Rodham Clinton"

3. Send it to the trash.

4. Empty the trash.

5. Your PC will ask you, "Do you really want to get rid of 'Hillary Rodham Clinton?'"

6. Firmly Click "Yes."

7. Feel better.

P . S : Tomorrow do Nancy Pelosi (or other of your choice)

Emailed to me by someone who has lots of time on their hands. -Rick

BIG QUESTIONS-BIBLE ANSWERS

GENESIS 6:1-7

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. WHO ARE THE "SONS OF GOD" IN GENESIS 6:1-4?

1. SOME GOOD CHRISTIANS THINK THEY ARE FALLEN ANGELS

Here are there main arguments:

-angels are called sons of God in Job 1:6, 38:7
-giants were produced by these demons & women [Gn. 6:4]
-angels are chained for this sin [II Pt. 2:4, Jude 6]

2. SOME GOOD CHRISTIANS THINK THEY AREN'T FALLEN ANGELS

-good, not fallen, angels are the ones called sons of god
-people of faith are called sons of God [Jn. 1:12, Gal. 4:4-7]
-Bible doesn't say the giants were offspring of this union but that they existed at the time. Substitute the word "mountains" and see how it still makes sense.
-"mighty men" were the resulting offspring (fresh DNA strands}
-giants exist later without "angelic" help [I Chr. 20:4-8, I Sm. 17=Goliath]
-Jesus said angels don't marry (why would God give them reproductive abilities if He did not intend for them to reproduce- I Cor. 14:33)
-Bible doesn't name the sin in Jude & II Peter, it could easily be something else

3. THE BIBLE CLEARLY TEACHES THE "SONS OF GOD" ARE SETHITES

"A text without a context is a pretext". What is the context of Genesis 6:1-4?
-Gn. 4:16-24....... gives Cain's line
-Gn. 4:25-5:32 ...gives Seth's line
-Gn. 6:1-7............gives the mixed line of Cain & Seth and the results of unbridled carnality

-note how men are blamed for this offense [v. 3, 5, 6, 7] and fallen angels aren't dealt with like 3:14-15
-becuase marriages were based on appearance instead of spirituality the godly dwindled down to one man and his family [v. 2, 8]

II. WHY DESTROY THE WHOLE WORLD?

1. Many were committing the unpardonable sin [v. 3]

2. Many were becoming famous for their wickedness [v. 4]

3. Majority were no longer even giving mental assent to God [v. 5]

-Ten people could have spared Sodom but eight weren't enough to spare the wicked world.

III. DOES GOD REPENT?

1. In the strictest sense God doesn't change His mind [v. 6-7]

Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent:

1 Samuel 15:29 And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.

2. God changes the way He responds to man according to what man does [1 Samuel 15:11]

It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night

3. God's patience can eventually run out [Jeremiah 15:6]

Thou hast forsaken me, saith the LORD, thou art gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with repenting.

THE HOUR OF DISCOURAGEMENT

II CORINTHIANS 4:8-9

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. WHO GETS DISCOURAGED?

1. Lost people get discouraged Ephesians 2:12]

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

2. God's people get discouraged (the nation of Israel, Christians) [2 Thessalonians 2:2]

That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

3. God's servants get discouraged (Elijah, Jonah, Jeremiah) Isaiah 37:3

And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.

Perhaps the question would be better asked, "Who doesn't get discouraged?" Because all people get discouraged.

they next question we want to look at would be:

II. HOW DOES DISCOURAGEMENT COME?

1. It comes from others [Deuteronomy 1:28]

Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.

It may be the failure of others, or the influence of others, or any number of things through people!

2. It comes continuously

In our text when Paul says, "We are troubled on every side" he is referring to being thronged or crowded in by our troubles. The root word even has to do with a rut being worn in because it's the same thing over and over.

3. It comes confusingly

In our text when Paul says, "we are perplexed," it means to be at a loss mentally, unable to figure it out. We won't always know why!

4. It comes caustically "persecuted"

5. It comes powerfully "we are cast down"

6. It comes deservedly [Lamentations 1:18]

The LORD is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment: hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow: my virgins and my young men are gone into captivity.

7. It comes through circumstances [Numbers 21:4]

And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.

The difficulties may be financial, physical, mental, occupationally, through family troubles, etc.

III. WHAT CAN WE DO IN THE HOUR OF DISCOURAGEMENT?

Many turn back. The Bible says in Psalm 78:9 The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.

Don't turn back. Come back.

1. COME BACK TO GOD [Isaiah 44:22]

I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.

James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Mark 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

2. COME BACK TO CHRIST [John 14:1]

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

3. COME BACK TO THE WORD OF GOD [Matthew 7:24-25]

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.

Yes "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed;" Our troubles may come at us from all directions, but we cannot be hemmed in... we are free in Christ!

Yes, "we are perplexed, but not in despair" We may not know what to do but we know He knows what to do! We may not even know how to pray but "...the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 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. " Rm. 8:26-28

Yes, we may be "Persecuted, but not forsaken;" We are not left behind in a bad place. He is with us! Hebrews 13:5 "... for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

Yes, praise God, we may be "cast down, but not destroyed;" Someone said, "knocked down but not knocked out!" When God is on your side no-one can destroy you!

Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

We may even deserve it. But I Jn. 1:9 is still in the Book! "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

1 Samuel 30:6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.