"Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He" (Deuteronomy 32:3,4).
It is a thrilling exercise to note all the holy and gracious attributes attached to the name of God by the writers of Holy Scripture. In our text, for example, taken from the song of Moses, God is called a "God of truth." According to the prophet Isaiah, the Lord is a "God of judgment" (Isaiah 30:18).
David called God both the "God of my righteousness" and "the God of salvation" (Psalms 4:1; 68:20).
In the New Testament, Stephen called Him "the God of glory" (Acts 7:2). Paul called Him both "the God of hope" and "the God of patience and consolation" (Romans 15:5,13) when he wrote to the persecuted believers in the great capital of the Roman Empire.
To the carnal Christians in Corinth, He was called "the God of all comfort" and "the God of love and peace" (II Corinthians 1:3; 13:11), and to the suffering believers in Philippi, Paul identified Him as "the God of peace" (Philippians 4:9).
The Apostle Peter called Him "the God of all grace" (I Peter 5:10), and the writer of Hebrews recognized Him as both "God the judge of all" and "the God of peace" (Hebrews 12:23; 13:20).
Our God is, indeed, the God who is all in all to His people. He is the God of truth and righteousness, of peace and love, of patience and comfort, of hope and grace, glory, and salvation.
"Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints" (Revelation 15:3). Is He, above all, "Lord of all" in us who know Him? HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.orgJanuary 31, 2008
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
GOD'S LOVE
DEUTERONOMY 7
Pastor Rick Jackson
People are constantly displaying their ignorance concerning God's love by their foolish utterances.
"If God is a God of love why is there so much trouble in the world?"
"If God loves everybody then everybody is going to Heaven."
Such foolishness is not only illogical but it is unbiblical. Let's examine just a few things the Bible tells us about God's love.
I. GOD'S LOVE IS NOT A LOVE:
1. BECAUSE OF [Dt. 7:6-7, Rm. 5:8]
2. (OF) BROKEN PROMISES [Dt. 7:8a-9a]
Galatians 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
3. (OF) BLINDNESS [Dt. 7:9b, Rm. 2:1-16]
II. GOD'S LOVE IS:
1. A SEEKING LOVE [Dt. 7:6]
1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
2. A SECURE LOVE [Dt. 7:8a]
Romans 5:9-11 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement
3. A SACRIFICIAL LOVE [Dt. 7:8b]
Romans 5:6-8 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
III. GOD'S LOVE DOES:
1. SANCTIFY [Dt. 7:6]
Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
2. SPREAD [Dt. 7:9]
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again
3. SEPARATE [Dt. 7:10]
Matthew 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
Luke 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said °, Separate me ° Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
.2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
Jude 1:19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
Pastor Rick Jackson
People are constantly displaying their ignorance concerning God's love by their foolish utterances.
"If God is a God of love why is there so much trouble in the world?"
"If God loves everybody then everybody is going to Heaven."
Such foolishness is not only illogical but it is unbiblical. Let's examine just a few things the Bible tells us about God's love.
I. GOD'S LOVE IS NOT A LOVE:
1. BECAUSE OF [Dt. 7:6-7, Rm. 5:8]
2. (OF) BROKEN PROMISES [Dt. 7:8a-9a]
Galatians 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
3. (OF) BLINDNESS [Dt. 7:9b, Rm. 2:1-16]
II. GOD'S LOVE IS:
1. A SEEKING LOVE [Dt. 7:6]
1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
2. A SECURE LOVE [Dt. 7:8a]
Romans 5:9-11 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement
3. A SACRIFICIAL LOVE [Dt. 7:8b]
Romans 5:6-8 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
III. GOD'S LOVE DOES:
1. SANCTIFY [Dt. 7:6]
Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
2. SPREAD [Dt. 7:9]
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again
3. SEPARATE [Dt. 7:10]
Matthew 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
Luke 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said °, Separate me ° Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
.2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
Jude 1:19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The Complex Cosmos
"He hath made the earth by His power, He hath established the world by His wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by His discretion" (Jeremiah 10:12).
This verse gives a fascinating insight into God's primeval creation of the universe, especially on the first four days of His week of creative work. The "earth" refers to the geosphere, or the inorganic components of the globe, the "world" to its biosphere, especially the plant life, and the "heavens" to the atmosphere and astrosphere.
God's "power" refers to the tremendous energy or force required to organize the complex systems and physio-chemical processes which govern the earth. The "wisdom" of God speaks of the skillful planning by which He set up the plant biosphere and the hydrologic systems to maintain it. His "discretion" is the infinite intelligence necessary to spread out the infinite cosmos filled with innumerable stars and clusters of stars, all individually distinct from all others.
The infinite, complex, highly energized universe could never in all eternity have evolved itself out of primeval chaotic nothingness, as evolutionists delude themselves into believing. The universal law of entropy now operates in such a way in the universe as to dissipate its energy and disintegrate its complexity, as it heads downward towards chaos and death. It is absurd to think that the cosmos could have "organized" itself by the same processes which are now "disorganizing" it.
The two preceding verses say it well. "But the LORD is the true God, He is the living God, and an everlasting king: . . . The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens" (Jeremiah 10:10,11). We do well, therefore, to trust Him in all things. "I am the LORD," says He, "the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?" (Jeremiah 32:27). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.orgJanuary 29, 2008
This verse gives a fascinating insight into God's primeval creation of the universe, especially on the first four days of His week of creative work. The "earth" refers to the geosphere, or the inorganic components of the globe, the "world" to its biosphere, especially the plant life, and the "heavens" to the atmosphere and astrosphere.
God's "power" refers to the tremendous energy or force required to organize the complex systems and physio-chemical processes which govern the earth. The "wisdom" of God speaks of the skillful planning by which He set up the plant biosphere and the hydrologic systems to maintain it. His "discretion" is the infinite intelligence necessary to spread out the infinite cosmos filled with innumerable stars and clusters of stars, all individually distinct from all others.
The infinite, complex, highly energized universe could never in all eternity have evolved itself out of primeval chaotic nothingness, as evolutionists delude themselves into believing. The universal law of entropy now operates in such a way in the universe as to dissipate its energy and disintegrate its complexity, as it heads downward towards chaos and death. It is absurd to think that the cosmos could have "organized" itself by the same processes which are now "disorganizing" it.
The two preceding verses say it well. "But the LORD is the true God, He is the living God, and an everlasting king: . . . The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens" (Jeremiah 10:10,11). We do well, therefore, to trust Him in all things. "I am the LORD," says He, "the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?" (Jeremiah 32:27). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.orgJanuary 29, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
GOOD-BYE ABRAHAM, HELLO JACOB!
GENESIS 25
Pastor Rick Jackson
As the title implies Genesis 25 gives us the last years of Abraham and early glimpses into the life of Jacob. Isaac's life is not over but it is somewhat overshadowed by his more well-known father - Abraham, and his more well known son- Jacob. Isaac will continue to play a pivotal role in the hall of faith.
I. THE LAST DAYS OF ABRAHAM [v. 1-11]
1. FIGHTING LONELINESS [v. 1-4]
2. FOLLOWING THE LORD [v. 5-6]
3. FULFILLING LIFE [v. 7-11]
II. THE LINEAGE OF ABRAHAM [v. 12-26]
1. ISHMAEL'S LINE [v. 12-18]
2. ISAAC'S PRAYER [v. 19-21]
3. REBEKAH'S INQUIRY [v. 22-26]
III. THE LEGACY OF ABRAHAM [v. 27-34]
Though Abraham was able to leave all his children some earthly possessions his greatest legacy has less to do with the visible and more to do with the invisible. His legacy of faith is far greater than any earthly possessions. We know Isaac was a man of faith and that he married a woman of faith and we will see that at least one grandson saw the importance of that legacy above all else.
1. A PERFECT PORTRAIT [v. 27]
Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field. There's nothing wrong with that being a part of your life... but that was all of his life. He could well have been the man in Luke 12:20 that the world would call a success, But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? Heb. 12 says he was a fornicator and a profane person.
Jacob is called a plain man, dwelling in tents. Some have tried to apply our modern definition of plain to this verse but nothing could be farther from the truth. The word "plain" here means "complete; usually (morally) pious; specifically, gentle, dear:--coupled together, perfect, plain, undefiled, upright". It's the same word translated "perfect" in Job 1:8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
Jacob may not have been the outdoorsman his brother was but he was no weakling as we shall see. He was strong physically but he was strong spiritually too! Not perfect certainly, but strong.
2. A PARENTAL PROBLEM [v. 28]
When parents have favorites, everyone suffers, including the parents.
3. A PRECONCEIVED PREJUDICE [v. 29-34]
I have often heard this story from the viewpoint that Jacob was a schemer, slyly waiting for the opportunity to trick his brother out of that which he desired. His poor brother was dying and he took advantage of him and tricked him. That may be the common presentation but a careful reading of the Scriptures do not agree. If Jacob was a deceiver (later he was, but not here), he was a reluctant one.
v. 29-30 Jacob was cooking, Esau was tired from hunting (note Esau even got a nickname from this event)
v. 31 Henry Morris suggests Jacob may have even been joking here, in any case, he realized the value of this spiritual birthright. The boys had probably spoken of this together. Esau wanted the double portion but as we shall see could care less about the spiritual aspect of the birthright.
v. 32 Esau is exaggerating. Remember this is a rich family with flocks, herds, servants and plenty. Esau just wanted what he wanted when he wanted it.
v. 33 Jacob may have been kidding before but his brother is serious and he now is as well.
v. 34 Note the lack of condemnation in the Scripture (except for cry-baby Esau later) of Jacob in this matter. The Scripture does mention this event in the New Testament: Hebrews 12:16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
If there be any wrong on Jacob's part here it is impatience. How many of us have that same problem?
Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Psalm 37:34 Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
Proverbs 20:22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee
Pastor Rick Jackson
As the title implies Genesis 25 gives us the last years of Abraham and early glimpses into the life of Jacob. Isaac's life is not over but it is somewhat overshadowed by his more well-known father - Abraham, and his more well known son- Jacob. Isaac will continue to play a pivotal role in the hall of faith.
I. THE LAST DAYS OF ABRAHAM [v. 1-11]
1. FIGHTING LONELINESS [v. 1-4]
2. FOLLOWING THE LORD [v. 5-6]
3. FULFILLING LIFE [v. 7-11]
II. THE LINEAGE OF ABRAHAM [v. 12-26]
1. ISHMAEL'S LINE [v. 12-18]
2. ISAAC'S PRAYER [v. 19-21]
3. REBEKAH'S INQUIRY [v. 22-26]
III. THE LEGACY OF ABRAHAM [v. 27-34]
Though Abraham was able to leave all his children some earthly possessions his greatest legacy has less to do with the visible and more to do with the invisible. His legacy of faith is far greater than any earthly possessions. We know Isaac was a man of faith and that he married a woman of faith and we will see that at least one grandson saw the importance of that legacy above all else.
1. A PERFECT PORTRAIT [v. 27]
Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field. There's nothing wrong with that being a part of your life... but that was all of his life. He could well have been the man in Luke 12:20 that the world would call a success, But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? Heb. 12 says he was a fornicator and a profane person.
Jacob is called a plain man, dwelling in tents. Some have tried to apply our modern definition of plain to this verse but nothing could be farther from the truth. The word "plain" here means "complete; usually (morally) pious; specifically, gentle, dear:--coupled together, perfect, plain, undefiled, upright". It's the same word translated "perfect" in Job 1:8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
Jacob may not have been the outdoorsman his brother was but he was no weakling as we shall see. He was strong physically but he was strong spiritually too! Not perfect certainly, but strong.
2. A PARENTAL PROBLEM [v. 28]
When parents have favorites, everyone suffers, including the parents.
3. A PRECONCEIVED PREJUDICE [v. 29-34]
I have often heard this story from the viewpoint that Jacob was a schemer, slyly waiting for the opportunity to trick his brother out of that which he desired. His poor brother was dying and he took advantage of him and tricked him. That may be the common presentation but a careful reading of the Scriptures do not agree. If Jacob was a deceiver (later he was, but not here), he was a reluctant one.
v. 29-30 Jacob was cooking, Esau was tired from hunting (note Esau even got a nickname from this event)
v. 31 Henry Morris suggests Jacob may have even been joking here, in any case, he realized the value of this spiritual birthright. The boys had probably spoken of this together. Esau wanted the double portion but as we shall see could care less about the spiritual aspect of the birthright.
v. 32 Esau is exaggerating. Remember this is a rich family with flocks, herds, servants and plenty. Esau just wanted what he wanted when he wanted it.
v. 33 Jacob may have been kidding before but his brother is serious and he now is as well.
v. 34 Note the lack of condemnation in the Scripture (except for cry-baby Esau later) of Jacob in this matter. The Scripture does mention this event in the New Testament: Hebrews 12:16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
If there be any wrong on Jacob's part here it is impatience. How many of us have that same problem?
Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Psalm 37:34 Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
Proverbs 20:22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee
Sunday, January 27, 2008
"BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL!"
PSALM 103
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. WHAT EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD DO! [v. 1-2]
The truth is that every person should be a believer! The first part of Psalm 19 says that Creation is enough evidence that there is a God, and the second part says that Revelation tells us Who God is and how He will save the person who comes to trust in Him. The second half of Romans 1 tells us that those who reject the witness of Creation are fools without excuse and the first half of Romans 1 declares that the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation, to everyone that believeth!
EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD:
1. BLESS THE LORD WITH EVERY FIBER OF HIS BEING! [v. 1a]
The word "bless" is the Hebrew word "barak" (baw-rak'; a primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God -as an act of adoration).
Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
Romans 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord °, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
2. BLESS GOD'S HOLY NAME [v. 1b]
Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
3. FORGET NOT ALL GOD'S BENEFITS! [v. 2]
Note that this is told us in the negative sense, He didn't say "remember", He said "Forget not!".
The word "forget" is "shakach" and is a primitive root meaning: to mislay, i.e. to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention:-- (cause to) forget. It carries with it the idea of intentional neglect, sort of like Peter saying that some are "willingly ignorant". God says, the believer should NOT do this!
Sometimes when we argue with an individual we may deliberately forget some valid point they made, or positive action they performed. "You never fix food I like." "We always do what you want!" God doesn't want us doing that to Him! Elijah said, "I am the only one left." He knew better! And so do we!
II. WHAT EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD NOT FORGET! [v. 3-16]
EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD NOT FORGET:
1. GOD HAD FORGIVEN HIM COMPLETELY! [v. 3a]
2. GOD HAS A PERFECT BODY PREPARED FOR HIM IN GLORY! [v.3b]
3. GOD HAS GIVEN YOU NEW LIFE TO LIVE [v. 4a]
The plowing of the wicked is sin... the believer has been "raised to walk in newness of life"!
4. GOD CONTINUES TO BLESS US UNDESERVEDLY [v. 4b-5]
5. GOD IS KEEPING PERFECT BOOKS! [v. 6]
6. GOD HAS GIVEN US HIS PRECIOUS WORD! [v. 7]
7. GOD CONTINUES TO BE MERCIFUL & GRACIOUS! [v. 8-12]
8. GOD LOVES US! [v. 13]
9. GOD KNOWS OUR WEAKNESSES [v. 14-16]
Remember these things on purpose. Rehearse them in your heart and you will easily bless the Lord!
III. WHAT EVERY PERSON SHOULD REALIZE! [v. 17-22]
1. GOD'S MERCY IS AVAILABLE! [v. 17a]
2. GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS IS AVAILABLE [v. 17b-18]
3. GOD'S VICTORIOUS REIGN IS INEVITABLE! [v. 19-22]
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. WHAT EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD DO! [v. 1-2]
The truth is that every person should be a believer! The first part of Psalm 19 says that Creation is enough evidence that there is a God, and the second part says that Revelation tells us Who God is and how He will save the person who comes to trust in Him. The second half of Romans 1 tells us that those who reject the witness of Creation are fools without excuse and the first half of Romans 1 declares that the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation, to everyone that believeth!
EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD:
1. BLESS THE LORD WITH EVERY FIBER OF HIS BEING! [v. 1a]
The word "bless" is the Hebrew word "barak" (baw-rak'; a primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God -as an act of adoration).
Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
Romans 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord °, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
2. BLESS GOD'S HOLY NAME [v. 1b]
Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
3. FORGET NOT ALL GOD'S BENEFITS! [v. 2]
Note that this is told us in the negative sense, He didn't say "remember", He said "Forget not!".
The word "forget" is "shakach" and is a primitive root meaning: to mislay, i.e. to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention:-- (cause to) forget. It carries with it the idea of intentional neglect, sort of like Peter saying that some are "willingly ignorant". God says, the believer should NOT do this!
Sometimes when we argue with an individual we may deliberately forget some valid point they made, or positive action they performed. "You never fix food I like." "We always do what you want!" God doesn't want us doing that to Him! Elijah said, "I am the only one left." He knew better! And so do we!
II. WHAT EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD NOT FORGET! [v. 3-16]
EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD NOT FORGET:
1. GOD HAD FORGIVEN HIM COMPLETELY! [v. 3a]
2. GOD HAS A PERFECT BODY PREPARED FOR HIM IN GLORY! [v.3b]
3. GOD HAS GIVEN YOU NEW LIFE TO LIVE [v. 4a]
The plowing of the wicked is sin... the believer has been "raised to walk in newness of life"!
4. GOD CONTINUES TO BLESS US UNDESERVEDLY [v. 4b-5]
5. GOD IS KEEPING PERFECT BOOKS! [v. 6]
6. GOD HAS GIVEN US HIS PRECIOUS WORD! [v. 7]
7. GOD CONTINUES TO BE MERCIFUL & GRACIOUS! [v. 8-12]
8. GOD LOVES US! [v. 13]
9. GOD KNOWS OUR WEAKNESSES [v. 14-16]
Remember these things on purpose. Rehearse them in your heart and you will easily bless the Lord!
III. WHAT EVERY PERSON SHOULD REALIZE! [v. 17-22]
1. GOD'S MERCY IS AVAILABLE! [v. 17a]
2. GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS IS AVAILABLE [v. 17b-18]
3. GOD'S VICTORIOUS REIGN IS INEVITABLE! [v. 19-22]
Saturday, January 26, 2008
QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Was Noah’s Ark Big Enough?
One of the most frequently asked questions posed by Christians and skeptics alike concerns how Noah could fit all the animals on the Ark. Secular evolutionists mock those of us who take the account of the Ark and a global Flood as literal history. They claim Noah couldn’t have fit the supposed millions of animals needed on board.
But a little research shows clearly that Noah didn’t need millions of animals. Only representatives of each kind of land-dwelling and air-breathing animal were needed. Creationists have shown that there can be many different species within each kind—for example, dingoes, wolves, coyotes, and domestic dogs all of these belong to the same kind.
Based on the dimensions given in Scripture (Genesis 6:14–17), the Ark was huge. Only a third of the Ark’s space was needed for the animals. Even though there was plenty of room, only Noah’s family believed and were saved.
Noah’s Ark is also a picture of salvation that God offers through His Son, Jesus Christ. Have you believed and been saved?
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.
But a little research shows clearly that Noah didn’t need millions of animals. Only representatives of each kind of land-dwelling and air-breathing animal were needed. Creationists have shown that there can be many different species within each kind—for example, dingoes, wolves, coyotes, and domestic dogs all of these belong to the same kind.
Based on the dimensions given in Scripture (Genesis 6:14–17), the Ark was huge. Only a third of the Ark’s space was needed for the animals. Even though there was plenty of room, only Noah’s family believed and were saved.
Noah’s Ark is also a picture of salvation that God offers through His Son, Jesus Christ. Have you believed and been saved?
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
Friday, January 25, 2008
What is Sin?
"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law" (I John 3:4).
The Bible warns that "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23), and "The soul that sinneth, it shall die" (Ezekiel 18:20). These are strange days, however, and there are many "that call evil good, and good evil" (Isaiah 5:20). Who is to say what is right and wrong, when even our U.S. Supreme Court implies that there are no absolutes?
God is the one who defines sin, because it is He who will judge sin. The definition is multi-faceted, for sin takes many forms. Most basically, as our text says, "sin is the transgression of the law"--not just certain laws, but all of God's law, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all" (James 2:10).
But there must be more than just formal obedience to God's commands, for "All unrighteousness is sin" (I John 5:17). Furthermore, there are sins of omission, as well as sins of commission. "To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin" (James 4:17).
When there is no specific law or command to guide our actions in a particular situation, the principle to follow is that of faith--that is, the confident inward assurance that we are doing that which honors the Lord, for "whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Romans 14:23).
There is much more that could be noted, but it is clear that no one could ever measure up even to these demands, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). All of us deserve the wages of sin: "But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Now "the righteousness of God without the law is manifested. . . . Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ" (Romans 3:21,22). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
The Bible warns that "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23), and "The soul that sinneth, it shall die" (Ezekiel 18:20). These are strange days, however, and there are many "that call evil good, and good evil" (Isaiah 5:20). Who is to say what is right and wrong, when even our U.S. Supreme Court implies that there are no absolutes?
God is the one who defines sin, because it is He who will judge sin. The definition is multi-faceted, for sin takes many forms. Most basically, as our text says, "sin is the transgression of the law"--not just certain laws, but all of God's law, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all" (James 2:10).
But there must be more than just formal obedience to God's commands, for "All unrighteousness is sin" (I John 5:17). Furthermore, there are sins of omission, as well as sins of commission. "To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin" (James 4:17).
When there is no specific law or command to guide our actions in a particular situation, the principle to follow is that of faith--that is, the confident inward assurance that we are doing that which honors the Lord, for "whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Romans 14:23).
There is much more that could be noted, but it is clear that no one could ever measure up even to these demands, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). All of us deserve the wages of sin: "But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Now "the righteousness of God without the law is manifested. . . . Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ" (Romans 3:21,22). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
Thursday, January 24, 2008
QUOTES OF THE WEEK!
Madame, that is by far the ugliest nose I have ever seen, and I compliment you on it—it suits you!—Peter Sellers, "The Pink Panther"
The saint in the will of God is unsinkable! - Evangelist Wendell Calder
The saint who keeps his eyes on Jesus is unsinkable! - Calder
The Bible is the rock upon which this replublic stands. - President Andrew Jackson
A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. - Winston Churchill
Shin: a device for finding furniture in the dark. - Steven Wright
T-Shirt Quotes
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons... for you are crunchy & taste good with ketchup!
There's a place for all... creatures ...right next to the Potatoes & Gravy!
The saint in the will of God is unsinkable! - Evangelist Wendell Calder
The saint who keeps his eyes on Jesus is unsinkable! - Calder
The Bible is the rock upon which this replublic stands. - President Andrew Jackson
A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. - Winston Churchill
Shin: a device for finding furniture in the dark. - Steven Wright
T-Shirt Quotes
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons... for you are crunchy & taste good with ketchup!
There's a place for all... creatures ...right next to the Potatoes & Gravy!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
UNSINKABLE?
MATTHEW 14:22-33
Pastor Rick Jackson
It was said of the Titanic (though not officially), "God Himself couldn't sink this ship!" Of course, God didn't have to. The arrogance of man, the ignorance of man, and the ill-preparedness of man was all that was necessary for the great ship to sink on its maiden voyage.
Because of their proximity to the Lord Jesus Christ the disciples saw and did things that no-one else has ever experienced. This is one of those occasions.
I. THE EVER-PRESENT SAVIOUR! [v. 22-23]
Jesus was always exactly where He was supposed to be. Others sometimes thought He wasn't (Mary & Martha, his brethren, his disciples, etc.) but He was! Even here Jesus is where He needs to be.
1. He was in the place of purpose [v. 22-23a]
2. He was in the place of prayer [v. 23b]
3. He was in the place of privacy [v. 23c]
Matthew 6:5-6 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
II. THE IGNORANT SAINTS [v. 24-27]
Ignorant doesn't mean "stupid" it merely means you don't know everything. "Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects." Of course there are areas in which we should NOT be ignorant. The disciples were ignorant on this occasion.
1. They were in the place of preparation [v. 22] Sent by Jesus!
2. They were in the place of pressure [v. 24] Known by God!
3. They were in the place of His presence! [v. 25-27] Accompanied by God!
III. THE ARROGANT SAYINGS
1. Stepping out on faith is NOT blind faith. [v. 28-29, Rm. 10:17]
2. Losing your focus is NOT irreparable [v. 30-31, Heb. 12:2, Is. 26:3]
3. Worshipping God is NOT a sign of weakness (i.e., true faith in the true God is NOT a crutch) [v. 32-33]
Part of this message was adapted from a sermon by Evangelist Wendell Calder which I heard over 15 years ago.
Pastor Rick Jackson
It was said of the Titanic (though not officially), "God Himself couldn't sink this ship!" Of course, God didn't have to. The arrogance of man, the ignorance of man, and the ill-preparedness of man was all that was necessary for the great ship to sink on its maiden voyage.
Because of their proximity to the Lord Jesus Christ the disciples saw and did things that no-one else has ever experienced. This is one of those occasions.
I. THE EVER-PRESENT SAVIOUR! [v. 22-23]
Jesus was always exactly where He was supposed to be. Others sometimes thought He wasn't (Mary & Martha, his brethren, his disciples, etc.) but He was! Even here Jesus is where He needs to be.
1. He was in the place of purpose [v. 22-23a]
2. He was in the place of prayer [v. 23b]
3. He was in the place of privacy [v. 23c]
Matthew 6:5-6 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
II. THE IGNORANT SAINTS [v. 24-27]
Ignorant doesn't mean "stupid" it merely means you don't know everything. "Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects." Of course there are areas in which we should NOT be ignorant. The disciples were ignorant on this occasion.
1. They were in the place of preparation [v. 22] Sent by Jesus!
2. They were in the place of pressure [v. 24] Known by God!
3. They were in the place of His presence! [v. 25-27] Accompanied by God!
III. THE ARROGANT SAYINGS
1. Stepping out on faith is NOT blind faith. [v. 28-29, Rm. 10:17]
2. Losing your focus is NOT irreparable [v. 30-31, Heb. 12:2, Is. 26:3]
3. Worshipping God is NOT a sign of weakness (i.e., true faith in the true God is NOT a crutch) [v. 32-33]
Part of this message was adapted from a sermon by Evangelist Wendell Calder which I heard over 15 years ago.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
God's Sovereignty
"And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?" (Exodus 4:11).
This divine rebuke to Moses was occasioned when Moses complained of his inability to speak eloquently for God before Pharaoh. It is also a rebuke to each of us who would dare question God's wisdom in making us as we are--even with all our innate defects and handicaps. With our very limited knowledge of God's purposes and our very shortrange view of eternal priorities, we are ill-equipped to prejudge His ways with us.
To those who questioned why a man should be born blind, for example, Jesus answered: "Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him" (John 9:3). As another example, when certain believers complained about the lethal illness of a loved one, Jesus replied: "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby" (John 11:4).
The steadfastness of Stephen's faith as he was stoned to death led to Paul's conversion, though at the time it must have seemed difficult for his Christian brethren to understand and accept. In another context, but stating a principle highly relevant to such questions, Jesus reminds us: "What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter" (John 13:7). God is not capricious, but He is sovereign. Whatever He does is right, by definition, and whatever He allows is for a holy purpose. "Shall the thing formed say to Him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?" (Romans 9:20).
It should be enough for now to know that He knows, and that when suffering comes, for His sake, it is "for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness" (Hebrews 12:10). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
January 21, 2008
This divine rebuke to Moses was occasioned when Moses complained of his inability to speak eloquently for God before Pharaoh. It is also a rebuke to each of us who would dare question God's wisdom in making us as we are--even with all our innate defects and handicaps. With our very limited knowledge of God's purposes and our very shortrange view of eternal priorities, we are ill-equipped to prejudge His ways with us.
To those who questioned why a man should be born blind, for example, Jesus answered: "Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him" (John 9:3). As another example, when certain believers complained about the lethal illness of a loved one, Jesus replied: "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby" (John 11:4).
The steadfastness of Stephen's faith as he was stoned to death led to Paul's conversion, though at the time it must have seemed difficult for his Christian brethren to understand and accept. In another context, but stating a principle highly relevant to such questions, Jesus reminds us: "What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter" (John 13:7). God is not capricious, but He is sovereign. Whatever He does is right, by definition, and whatever He allows is for a holy purpose. "Shall the thing formed say to Him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?" (Romans 9:20).
It should be enough for now to know that He knows, and that when suffering comes, for His sake, it is "for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness" (Hebrews 12:10). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
January 21, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
THE SERVANT AND THE BRIDE
GENESIS 24
Pastor Rick Jackson
This is the longest chapter in Genesis. it tells the true story of how Isaac and Rebekah were married. It seems odd, does it not, that this account is given more space than the Creation or the fall of man? God has many important lessons for mankind in this account and let's not miss them.
I. FINDING THE RIGHT PERSON [v. 1-9]
1. The Serious business of finding a mate [v. 1-2]
2. The Sacred business of finding a mate [v. 3-4, II Cor. 6:14, I Cor. 7:39]
3. The Strict business of finding a mate [v. 5-9]
II. FOLLOWING THE RIGHT PATTERN [v. 10-49]
1. A pattern of prayer [v. 10-15a]
Recently a godly man (F.F.) married a little later in life than most of his peers. He married a Christian lady some years younger than him. When I met his new wife I told her I had been praying for him for years. She said, "I have too!"
2. A pattern of good works [v. 15-21]
Titus 2:7-8 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
Think of the pattern Rebekah had demonstrated in her life. She took care of her appearance (v. 16), she was pure and undefiled, she was industrious and kind.
3. A pattern of praise [v. 22-27]
4. A pattern of priorities [v. 28-33, Mt. 6:33]
5. A pattern of Providence [v. 34-49]
III. FOCUS ON THE RIGHT PERCEPTION [v. 50-67]
Many Bible characters show us the right perception. Abraham looked for a city... David saw how small Goliath was... Joseph saw the hand of God in his situation... Paul realized he should glory in his infirmities
1. Be thankful [v. 50-52]
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning
2. Be burdened [v. 53-56]
Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
3. Be ready [v. 57-61]
4. Be comforted [v. 62-67]
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 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.
2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
1 Thessalonians 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
2 Thessalonians 2:17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
IV. FACE THE RIGHT PROPHECY
We already know from Hebrews that Isaac was a type of Christ when Abraham was going to offer him up. Isaac pictured Christ resurrection "in a figure". Here the picture continues. The miraculous birth, the substitutionary death, the resurrection and now the receiving of the bride! Abraham pictures God the Father, Isaac pictures the Lord Jesus Christ, the servant pictures the Holy Spirit and Rebekah pictures the bride, the church.
Pastor Rick Jackson
This is the longest chapter in Genesis. it tells the true story of how Isaac and Rebekah were married. It seems odd, does it not, that this account is given more space than the Creation or the fall of man? God has many important lessons for mankind in this account and let's not miss them.
I. FINDING THE RIGHT PERSON [v. 1-9]
1. The Serious business of finding a mate [v. 1-2]
2. The Sacred business of finding a mate [v. 3-4, II Cor. 6:14, I Cor. 7:39]
3. The Strict business of finding a mate [v. 5-9]
II. FOLLOWING THE RIGHT PATTERN [v. 10-49]
1. A pattern of prayer [v. 10-15a]
Recently a godly man (F.F.) married a little later in life than most of his peers. He married a Christian lady some years younger than him. When I met his new wife I told her I had been praying for him for years. She said, "I have too!"
2. A pattern of good works [v. 15-21]
Titus 2:7-8 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
Think of the pattern Rebekah had demonstrated in her life. She took care of her appearance (v. 16), she was pure and undefiled, she was industrious and kind.
3. A pattern of praise [v. 22-27]
4. A pattern of priorities [v. 28-33, Mt. 6:33]
5. A pattern of Providence [v. 34-49]
III. FOCUS ON THE RIGHT PERCEPTION [v. 50-67]
Many Bible characters show us the right perception. Abraham looked for a city... David saw how small Goliath was... Joseph saw the hand of God in his situation... Paul realized he should glory in his infirmities
1. Be thankful [v. 50-52]
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning
2. Be burdened [v. 53-56]
Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
3. Be ready [v. 57-61]
4. Be comforted [v. 62-67]
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 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.
2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
1 Thessalonians 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
2 Thessalonians 2:17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
IV. FACE THE RIGHT PROPHECY
We already know from Hebrews that Isaac was a type of Christ when Abraham was going to offer him up. Isaac pictured Christ resurrection "in a figure". Here the picture continues. The miraculous birth, the substitutionary death, the resurrection and now the receiving of the bride! Abraham pictures God the Father, Isaac pictures the Lord Jesus Christ, the servant pictures the Holy Spirit and Rebekah pictures the bride, the church.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Is evolution science?
When most people hear the word science, they think in terms of all the wonderful technology we have today: computers, jet planes, cell phones, and so on. And certainly, scientists have accumulated much knowledge about this world and the laws which govern the universe. This has enabled us to build the wonderful technology we use today—the technology that sent you this email. (This blog item was sent to me as an email- Rick)
But when most people hear the word evolution, they think in terms of Darwin’s ideas concerning the supposed evolution of animals and man. Darwinian evolution teaches that life evolved from non-life millions of years ago and that over millions of years, one kind of animal changed into another. Finally, man arose from some ape-like ancestor.
Studying evolution is very different from studying present-day processes that have led to many amazing technologies. Molecules-to-man evolution is a belief concerning what supposedly happened in the past, but no one was there to see it happen. Thus, evolutionists are free to postulate stories about abiogenesis (non-living chemicals evolving into life), stellar evolution, or ape-men without direct observation. Such scenarios are merely belief statements.
The ideas Darwin espoused were his beliefs concerning the past. They are not science in the sense of scientists being able to observe these things actually happening.
However, we do not have to depend on mere guesses about the origin of the universe and life. We can thankfully refer back to the eye-witness account—the Bible
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.
But when most people hear the word evolution, they think in terms of Darwin’s ideas concerning the supposed evolution of animals and man. Darwinian evolution teaches that life evolved from non-life millions of years ago and that over millions of years, one kind of animal changed into another. Finally, man arose from some ape-like ancestor.
Studying evolution is very different from studying present-day processes that have led to many amazing technologies. Molecules-to-man evolution is a belief concerning what supposedly happened in the past, but no one was there to see it happen. Thus, evolutionists are free to postulate stories about abiogenesis (non-living chemicals evolving into life), stellar evolution, or ape-men without direct observation. Such scenarios are merely belief statements.
The ideas Darwin espoused were his beliefs concerning the past. They are not science in the sense of scientists being able to observe these things actually happening.
However, we do not have to depend on mere guesses about the origin of the universe and life. We can thankfully refer back to the eye-witness account—the Bible
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Judging Error
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple" (Romans 16:17,18).
In order to mark and avoid those professing Christian teachers and leaders who are promoting doctrinal heresy (thus causing divisions among Christian believers), it is obvious that we must exercise sound Biblical discernment and judgment. This judgment must be based on "the doctrine which ye have learned" from God's word. "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:20).
Such decisions are not to be based on supposed scholarship, tolerance, or eloquence, for such teachers "by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." Instead, we must know and apply God's word, the Holy Scriptures. We must be like the Bereans, who, when they heard new teachings, "searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11).
It is sadly true today that many who call themselves Christians have compromised with the pseudo-scientific worldview of evolutionary humanism that controls all secular schools and colleges, hoping thereby to avoid the "offense of the cross" (Galatians 5:11), and to remain on good terms with "the princes of this world" and "the wisdom of this world" (I Corinthians 2:6).
They do this for their own personal gain or prestige, however, not serving Christ, "but their own belly" (Romans 16:18). Those who are "simple," Bible-believing Christians are, therefore, not to be "deceived" by their "good words," but to "mark" and "avoid" them. HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH http://www.icr.org/
In order to mark and avoid those professing Christian teachers and leaders who are promoting doctrinal heresy (thus causing divisions among Christian believers), it is obvious that we must exercise sound Biblical discernment and judgment. This judgment must be based on "the doctrine which ye have learned" from God's word. "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:20).
Such decisions are not to be based on supposed scholarship, tolerance, or eloquence, for such teachers "by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." Instead, we must know and apply God's word, the Holy Scriptures. We must be like the Bereans, who, when they heard new teachings, "searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11).
It is sadly true today that many who call themselves Christians have compromised with the pseudo-scientific worldview of evolutionary humanism that controls all secular schools and colleges, hoping thereby to avoid the "offense of the cross" (Galatians 5:11), and to remain on good terms with "the princes of this world" and "the wisdom of this world" (I Corinthians 2:6).
They do this for their own personal gain or prestige, however, not serving Christ, "but their own belly" (Romans 16:18). Those who are "simple," Bible-believing Christians are, therefore, not to be "deceived" by their "good words," but to "mark" and "avoid" them. HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH http://www.icr.org/
Thursday, January 17, 2008
TOP 10 REASONS WHY: CAPTAIN KIRK IS BETTER THAN CAPTAIN PICARD
10. KIRK CAN BEAT UP A KLINGON BARE HANDED!
9. IF KIRK FINDS A STRANGE PROBE, HE BLOWS IT UP!
8. KIRK APPRECIATES SHAKESPEARE, BUT HE DOESN'T SHOW IT!
7. WHEN KIRK SAYS; "BOLDLY GO", HE MEANS IT!
6. KIRK HAS MORE DATES THAN HIS FIRST OFFICER!
5. DIPLOMACY FOR KIRK IS A PHASER AND A SMIRK!
4. KIRK ONCE FOUGHT A GREEK GOD, AND WON!
3. KLINGONS DIDN'T HAVE A WORD FOR SURRENDER BEFORE KIRK!
2. KIRK NEVER DRINKS TEA... NEVER!
1. ONE WORD: HAIR!
I was recently going through some old clothes a found a T-shirt with the above printed on it. As well as the words (in small print) "This is a parody." I confess that when I hear the words "Star Trek" my first thought is Kirk, Spock & McCoy. The original series characters... much imitated... never bettered.
9. IF KIRK FINDS A STRANGE PROBE, HE BLOWS IT UP!
8. KIRK APPRECIATES SHAKESPEARE, BUT HE DOESN'T SHOW IT!
7. WHEN KIRK SAYS; "BOLDLY GO", HE MEANS IT!
6. KIRK HAS MORE DATES THAN HIS FIRST OFFICER!
5. DIPLOMACY FOR KIRK IS A PHASER AND A SMIRK!
4. KIRK ONCE FOUGHT A GREEK GOD, AND WON!
3. KLINGONS DIDN'T HAVE A WORD FOR SURRENDER BEFORE KIRK!
2. KIRK NEVER DRINKS TEA... NEVER!
1. ONE WORD: HAIR!
I was recently going through some old clothes a found a T-shirt with the above printed on it. As well as the words (in small print) "This is a parody." I confess that when I hear the words "Star Trek" my first thought is Kirk, Spock & McCoy. The original series characters... much imitated... never bettered.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
THERE IS BETTER AND THERE IS...
Pastor Rick Jackson
Numbers 14:3 And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?
Psalm 118:8-9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
Proverbs 15:16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
I. GOD'S PLAN OF SALVATION IS BETTER! [Mt. 18:1-11, Heb. 1:4, 7:19, 22; 8:6, 9:23, 12:24]
Think about it...
1. It works -- you don't! [Rm. 1:16, Eph. 2:8-9]
2. He saves -- you can't! [Rm. 5:6-11]
3. He finishes -- you wouldn't! [Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ]
II. GOD'S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE IS BETTER!
1. It is the way that's right - Psalm 37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
2. It is the way of love - Psalm 63:3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
3. It is the way of quality - Psalm 84:10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
4. It is the way of instruction - Psalm 119:72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
III. GOD'S PLAN FOR ETERNITY IS BETTER!
Hebrews 10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
Philippians 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
THINK OF...
the worst meal you ever ate... think of the best... well, in Heaven meals are FAR BETTER!
the worst you ever felt physically... now the best... well, in Heaven you will feel FAR BETTER!
the worst you ever felt mentally... now the best... well, in Heaven you will feel FAR BETTER!
the worst you ever felt emotionally... now the best... well, in Heaven you will feel FAR BETTER!
the worst you ever felt socially... now the best... well, in Heaven you will feel FAR BETTER!
the worst you ever felt spiritually... now the best... well, in Heaven you will feel FAR BETTER!
Numbers 14:3 And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?
Psalm 118:8-9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
Proverbs 15:16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
I. GOD'S PLAN OF SALVATION IS BETTER! [Mt. 18:1-11, Heb. 1:4, 7:19, 22; 8:6, 9:23, 12:24]
Think about it...
1. It works -- you don't! [Rm. 1:16, Eph. 2:8-9]
2. He saves -- you can't! [Rm. 5:6-11]
3. He finishes -- you wouldn't! [Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ]
II. GOD'S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE IS BETTER!
1. It is the way that's right - Psalm 37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
2. It is the way of love - Psalm 63:3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
3. It is the way of quality - Psalm 84:10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
4. It is the way of instruction - Psalm 119:72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
III. GOD'S PLAN FOR ETERNITY IS BETTER!
Hebrews 10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
Philippians 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
THINK OF...
the worst meal you ever ate... think of the best... well, in Heaven meals are FAR BETTER!
the worst you ever felt physically... now the best... well, in Heaven you will feel FAR BETTER!
the worst you ever felt mentally... now the best... well, in Heaven you will feel FAR BETTER!
the worst you ever felt emotionally... now the best... well, in Heaven you will feel FAR BETTER!
the worst you ever felt socially... now the best... well, in Heaven you will feel FAR BETTER!
the worst you ever felt spiritually... now the best... well, in Heaven you will feel FAR BETTER!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Take Heed
"And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many" (Matthew 24:4,5).
This warning by Christ has special relevance in these latter days when there are multitudes of "false Christs, and false prophets" (Matthew 24:24), not only in the so-called "New Age" movement but also (in view of the fact that "Christ" means simply "anointed") in all kinds of religious, political, and educational areas of influence, and are, as Jesus warned, deceiving many. Therefore His urgent warning: "Take heed!"
This is a frequent emphasis in the New Testament. For example, Paul warned the Ephesian elders: "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers. . . . For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you" (Acts 20:28,29). Note also the warning to the Hebrew believers: "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God" (Hebrews 3:12). To anyone who feels overconfident in his own ability to withstand such deceptions and temptations, Paul warns: "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (I Corinthians 10:12).
Many similar warnings exist, and therefore we do well to take heed also to the safeguards that God has provided. "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee" (I Timothy 4:16).
Continue in sound Biblical doctrine! For "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place" (II Peter 1:19). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
This warning by Christ has special relevance in these latter days when there are multitudes of "false Christs, and false prophets" (Matthew 24:24), not only in the so-called "New Age" movement but also (in view of the fact that "Christ" means simply "anointed") in all kinds of religious, political, and educational areas of influence, and are, as Jesus warned, deceiving many. Therefore His urgent warning: "Take heed!"
This is a frequent emphasis in the New Testament. For example, Paul warned the Ephesian elders: "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers. . . . For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you" (Acts 20:28,29). Note also the warning to the Hebrew believers: "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God" (Hebrews 3:12). To anyone who feels overconfident in his own ability to withstand such deceptions and temptations, Paul warns: "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (I Corinthians 10:12).
Many similar warnings exist, and therefore we do well to take heed also to the safeguards that God has provided. "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee" (I Timothy 4:16).
Continue in sound Biblical doctrine! For "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place" (II Peter 1:19). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
Monday, January 14, 2008
QUOTES OF THE WEEK!
Going to church doesn't make a man a Christian anymore than going into a garage makes him an automobile! - Billy Sunday
Hell will be so full of church members that their feet will be sticking out the windows! - Sunday
I met a man on a train some years ago, down in Texas. I did not know him but he knew me. He was a preacher, a very solemn sort of brother. He said, "It costs a good deal to be true to the gospel."
I replied, "Does it? I did not know that. What do you mean? What does it cost you?"
"I get a good many kicks."
To which I replied once more, "Oh, is that all? A preacher is not worth his salt to God or man until he has received so many kicks he cannot feel them any longer." And that is true. - T. T. Shields
To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society. - Theodore Roosevelt
The public cannot be too curious concerning the characters of public men. - Samuel Adams
Today, when a concerted effort is made to obliterate this point, it cannot be repeated too often that the Constitution is a limitation on the government, not private individuals- that it does not prescribe the conduct of private individuals, only the conduct of the government- that it is not a charter for government power, but a charter of the citizen's protection against the government. - Ayn Rand
All the quotes today were taken from the Sept.-Oct. 2007 issue of THE BIBLICAL EVANGELIST, the best Christian newspaper I know of. It is more like THE SWORD OF THE LORD when John R. Rice was still at the helm than the current Sword. And why shouldn't it be? The editor of the BE (Evangelist Robert L. Sumner) was the OFFICIAL biographer of John R. Rice. They were close friends and Dr. Rice regularly published sermons of Sumner's in the Sword, printed books and pamphlets by the same, and gave him a weekly (at the time) column in the Sword to write! Use the link in the upper left and find out more!
Hell will be so full of church members that their feet will be sticking out the windows! - Sunday
I met a man on a train some years ago, down in Texas. I did not know him but he knew me. He was a preacher, a very solemn sort of brother. He said, "It costs a good deal to be true to the gospel."
I replied, "Does it? I did not know that. What do you mean? What does it cost you?"
"I get a good many kicks."
To which I replied once more, "Oh, is that all? A preacher is not worth his salt to God or man until he has received so many kicks he cannot feel them any longer." And that is true. - T. T. Shields
To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society. - Theodore Roosevelt
The public cannot be too curious concerning the characters of public men. - Samuel Adams
Today, when a concerted effort is made to obliterate this point, it cannot be repeated too often that the Constitution is a limitation on the government, not private individuals- that it does not prescribe the conduct of private individuals, only the conduct of the government- that it is not a charter for government power, but a charter of the citizen's protection against the government. - Ayn Rand
All the quotes today were taken from the Sept.-Oct. 2007 issue of THE BIBLICAL EVANGELIST, the best Christian newspaper I know of. It is more like THE SWORD OF THE LORD when John R. Rice was still at the helm than the current Sword. And why shouldn't it be? The editor of the BE (Evangelist Robert L. Sumner) was the OFFICIAL biographer of John R. Rice. They were close friends and Dr. Rice regularly published sermons of Sumner's in the Sword, printed books and pamphlets by the same, and gave him a weekly (at the time) column in the Sword to write! Use the link in the upper left and find out more!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
SARAH'S "SHORT" SOJOURN
GENESIS 23
Pastor Rick Jackson
By our standards Sarah lived a long time. In light of eternity however her life was like "a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." If the Lord tarries all of us will travel this same path. May we do so as well as she did.
I. EARTHLY LEGACY [v. 1]
Sarah is the only woman in the Bible whose age at the time of her death is given to us.
1. She left a legacy of faith. [Hebrews 11:11]
Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
2. She felt a legacy of faithfulness. [Hebrews 11:13]
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
3. She left a legacy to follow. [I Peter. 3:1-7]
II. EARTHLY REALITY [v. 2]
1. The reality of sin. [Rm. 6:23a]
"The wages of sin is death..."
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."
Ezekiel 18:20a The soul that sinneth, it shall die...
2. The reality of sorrow. [I Th. 4:13-18]
3. The reality of salvation. [Rm. 6:23b] but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
III. EARTHLY ACTIVITY [v. 3-20]
1. It should be activity with grace. [v. 3-9]
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
2. It should be activity without arrogance. [v. 10-16]
Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
3. It should be activity with assurance. [v. 17-20]
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.
Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
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.
Hebrews 6:11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Pastor Rick Jackson
By our standards Sarah lived a long time. In light of eternity however her life was like "a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." If the Lord tarries all of us will travel this same path. May we do so as well as she did.
I. EARTHLY LEGACY [v. 1]
Sarah is the only woman in the Bible whose age at the time of her death is given to us.
1. She left a legacy of faith. [Hebrews 11:11]
Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
2. She felt a legacy of faithfulness. [Hebrews 11:13]
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
3. She left a legacy to follow. [I Peter. 3:1-7]
II. EARTHLY REALITY [v. 2]
1. The reality of sin. [Rm. 6:23a]
"The wages of sin is death..."
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."
Ezekiel 18:20a The soul that sinneth, it shall die...
2. The reality of sorrow. [I Th. 4:13-18]
3. The reality of salvation. [Rm. 6:23b] but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
III. EARTHLY ACTIVITY [v. 3-20]
1. It should be activity with grace. [v. 3-9]
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
2. It should be activity without arrogance. [v. 10-16]
Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
3. It should be activity with assurance. [v. 17-20]
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.
Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
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.
Hebrews 6:11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
ARE YOU READY?
Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Pastor Rick Jackson
Evangelist D. L. Moody said, "Now there are 3 things that every man should be ready for in this world: ready for life, ready for death, and ready for judgment. Judgment after death is as sure as life; judgment is as sure as death. There are 3 sure things... It is of very little account how we die, or where we die, if we are only prepared, if we are only ready."
Interestingly enough you should be ready in reverse order. Instead of being ready for life, then death, then judgment if you ARE ready for judgment then you are ready for death and if you are ready for death then you are ready for life!
I. ARE YOU READY FOR JUDGEMENT? [Hb. 9:27]
1. No lost person is ready for judgment.
II Thess. 1 says, "when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;"
2. No carnal Christian is ready for judgment. [2 Corinthians 5:10-11]
3. Only a spiritual Christian is ready for the judgment. [II Tm. 4:5-8]
Are you ready for the judgment? Luke 12:39-47
II. ARE YOU READY FOR DEATH? [Hb. 9:27]
1. Are you being foolish? [Lk. 12:20]
But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
2. Are you prepared? [Amos 4:12]
Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.
3. Are you ready? [Ps. 88:15]
I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.
III. ARE YOU READY TO LIVE? [Hb. 9:27]
2 Samuel 15:15 And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.
Ecclesiastes 5:1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.
Romans 1:15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
1 Timothy 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
are you ready? ARE YOU READY?
Revelation 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
Pastor Rick Jackson
Evangelist D. L. Moody said, "Now there are 3 things that every man should be ready for in this world: ready for life, ready for death, and ready for judgment. Judgment after death is as sure as life; judgment is as sure as death. There are 3 sure things... It is of very little account how we die, or where we die, if we are only prepared, if we are only ready."
Interestingly enough you should be ready in reverse order. Instead of being ready for life, then death, then judgment if you ARE ready for judgment then you are ready for death and if you are ready for death then you are ready for life!
I. ARE YOU READY FOR JUDGEMENT? [Hb. 9:27]
1. No lost person is ready for judgment.
II Thess. 1 says, "when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;"
2. No carnal Christian is ready for judgment. [2 Corinthians 5:10-11]
3. Only a spiritual Christian is ready for the judgment. [II Tm. 4:5-8]
Are you ready for the judgment? Luke 12:39-47
II. ARE YOU READY FOR DEATH? [Hb. 9:27]
1. Are you being foolish? [Lk. 12:20]
But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
2. Are you prepared? [Amos 4:12]
Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.
3. Are you ready? [Ps. 88:15]
I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.
III. ARE YOU READY TO LIVE? [Hb. 9:27]
2 Samuel 15:15 And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.
Ecclesiastes 5:1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.
Romans 1:15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
1 Timothy 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
are you ready? ARE YOU READY?
Revelation 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Are creationists anti-science?
One of the most common arguments that evolutionists use against creation researchers is the old refrain that creationists are “against” or “anti-” science. However, the same critics fail to answer one important question. Ken Ham explains:
Recently a reporter from a secular magazine interviewed me for an article on the creation/evolution issue. One of the first things he asked was, “How do you react to those who claim you creationists are against science?”
As I always do in such instances, I asked him: “What do you mean by science?” He just looked at me and said, “Good question—so how do you define science?”
This is a question that many do not consider when examining the issue of creation versus evolution. The word science has the root meaning of “knowledge.” Scientists can make repeatable, testable observations about our present world and gain knowledge about the present—such knowledge has built the technology that puts humans into space.
Scientists also try to obtain knowledge about our past—our origins. But this sort of knowledge is very different from knowledge about the present. It must involve assumptions about how the universe and life arose—when no human was there to see it all happen. Fossils, rocks, dating methods, all of these require the observer to interpret the evidence, and this interpretation is always filtered through beliefs about the past.
There is a major difference between observational (or operational) science—what we can observe in the present—and origins science—interpretations about the past with no direct observation. Creationists are not against science, but they do want people to understand what the word science means.
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.
Recently a reporter from a secular magazine interviewed me for an article on the creation/evolution issue. One of the first things he asked was, “How do you react to those who claim you creationists are against science?”
As I always do in such instances, I asked him: “What do you mean by science?” He just looked at me and said, “Good question—so how do you define science?”
This is a question that many do not consider when examining the issue of creation versus evolution. The word science has the root meaning of “knowledge.” Scientists can make repeatable, testable observations about our present world and gain knowledge about the present—such knowledge has built the technology that puts humans into space.
Scientists also try to obtain knowledge about our past—our origins. But this sort of knowledge is very different from knowledge about the present. It must involve assumptions about how the universe and life arose—when no human was there to see it all happen. Fossils, rocks, dating methods, all of these require the observer to interpret the evidence, and this interpretation is always filtered through beliefs about the past.
There is a major difference between observational (or operational) science—what we can observe in the present—and origins science—interpretations about the past with no direct observation. Creationists are not against science, but they do want people to understand what the word science means.
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
VIDEO OF THE WEEK!
THE DUCK & THE DOG
Becky sent me this one. If the link doesn't work copy it and paste it in your browser. It's worth the effort.
http://www.sonnyradio.com/duckanddog.html
Becky sent me this one. If the link doesn't work copy it and paste it in your browser. It's worth the effort.
http://www.sonnyradio.com/duckanddog.html
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
HOW TO BE GREAT IN 2008
LUKE 1:13-17
Pastor Rick Jackson
Everyone should want to be great at something. For many it is some type of sports. For some it might be singing, or some talent that would make them lots of money and bring them fame. Perhaps some would like to be a great dad or mom, or still others may desire to be great at making money. Then again, there's the whole matter of who you want to think you are great. A person great at sports may be thought a horrible failure at life. Mike Tyson was a great boxer but an unlikable person, Hitler was a great orator but a horrible human being, John Wilkes booth was considered an excellent actor of his time but he is remembered as the assassin who shot Abraham Lincoln. Greatness, then, is conditional. Great at what? Great to who?
Verse 15 says of John the Baptist, "For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord". In the end there can be no greater success than that. When 1 years is past will you still be considered great? 10 years? 100 years? 1000 years? If you are great in the Lord's eyes that will not change throughout eternity. How did John accomplish this greatness. He was as human as you and I, he had weaknesses and faults just as you and I, and yet he was great in the eyes of the Lord.
I. JOHN WAS CHARACTERIZED BY DEATH TO SELF! [v. 15a]
1. John knew his place [v. 15-16] He didn't choose his place...
2. John knew his purpose [v. 16-17] He didn't choose his purpose...
3. John knew his power [v. 15b, 17a] He didn't create his power...
BUT HE ACCEPTED GOD'S PLACE FOR HIM, GOD'S PURPOSE FOR HIM & GOD'S POWER!
II. JOHN WAS CHARACTERIZED BY DEVOTION TO THE SAVIOUR! [v. 15b]
1. He sought confirmation from Jesus [7:19-23]
2. He showed courage for Jesus [7:24-28]
3. He spoke the Counsel of God and was commended by Jesus [7:29-35]
III. JOHN WAS CHARACTERIZED BY DEDICATION TO SERVICE! [v. 16]
1. His service was to prepare a people [1:76]
2. His service was to preach the Gospel [1:77]
3. His service was to proclaim the Word [1:78-80]
This was the man who said, "He must increase and I must decrease"
We too, must be ready to give an answer to every man...
We also must plant the seed, water seed, and wait for God to give the increase!
Pastor Rick Jackson
Everyone should want to be great at something. For many it is some type of sports. For some it might be singing, or some talent that would make them lots of money and bring them fame. Perhaps some would like to be a great dad or mom, or still others may desire to be great at making money. Then again, there's the whole matter of who you want to think you are great. A person great at sports may be thought a horrible failure at life. Mike Tyson was a great boxer but an unlikable person, Hitler was a great orator but a horrible human being, John Wilkes booth was considered an excellent actor of his time but he is remembered as the assassin who shot Abraham Lincoln. Greatness, then, is conditional. Great at what? Great to who?
Verse 15 says of John the Baptist, "For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord". In the end there can be no greater success than that. When 1 years is past will you still be considered great? 10 years? 100 years? 1000 years? If you are great in the Lord's eyes that will not change throughout eternity. How did John accomplish this greatness. He was as human as you and I, he had weaknesses and faults just as you and I, and yet he was great in the eyes of the Lord.
I. JOHN WAS CHARACTERIZED BY DEATH TO SELF! [v. 15a]
1. John knew his place [v. 15-16] He didn't choose his place...
2. John knew his purpose [v. 16-17] He didn't choose his purpose...
3. John knew his power [v. 15b, 17a] He didn't create his power...
BUT HE ACCEPTED GOD'S PLACE FOR HIM, GOD'S PURPOSE FOR HIM & GOD'S POWER!
II. JOHN WAS CHARACTERIZED BY DEVOTION TO THE SAVIOUR! [v. 15b]
1. He sought confirmation from Jesus [7:19-23]
2. He showed courage for Jesus [7:24-28]
3. He spoke the Counsel of God and was commended by Jesus [7:29-35]
III. JOHN WAS CHARACTERIZED BY DEDICATION TO SERVICE! [v. 16]
1. His service was to prepare a people [1:76]
2. His service was to preach the Gospel [1:77]
3. His service was to proclaim the Word [1:78-80]
This was the man who said, "He must increase and I must decrease"
We too, must be ready to give an answer to every man...
We also must plant the seed, water seed, and wait for God to give the increase!
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
QUOTES OF THE WEEK!
Aren't you excited about going to Heaven? Then why don't you tell your face? -Evangelist Matt Downs
Be serving (God)! Find you niche and do it! -Downs
Know who your enemy is. It's not the pastor, the Bible, your parents, the Evangelist... it's the Devil! -Downs
Are you living life in response to the news--- of the good news? -Evangelist Wil Rice
Life is terminal. Everyone here is going to die! -Rice
You rage against the Infinite and hurt yourself every time! -Rice
Jesus Christ is all we need to make up our lack. -Rice
I cannot vouch for the veracity on "Who" said the following. These were sent to me in an email.
If you can't be a good example , then you will just have to be a terrible warning. -Unknown
Last week, I stated this woman was the ugliest woman I had ever seen. I have since been visited by her sister, and now wish to withdraw that statement. -- Mark Twain
The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending; and to have the two as close together as possible. -- George Burns
Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit people only once a year. - - Victor Borge
Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint. -- Mark Twain
By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you'll become happy; if you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher. -- Socrates
I don 't feel old. I don 't feel anything until noon. Then it's time for my nap. -- Bob Hope
I never drink water because of the disgusting things that fish do in it. -- W.C. Fields
We could certainly slow the aging process down if it had to work its way through Congress. -- Will Rogers
Maybe it's true that life begins at fifty . but everything else starts to wear out, fall out, or spread out. -- Phyllis Diller
By the time a man is wise enough to watch his step, he's too old to go anywhere. -- Billy Crystal
Be serving (God)! Find you niche and do it! -Downs
Know who your enemy is. It's not the pastor, the Bible, your parents, the Evangelist... it's the Devil! -Downs
Are you living life in response to the news--- of the good news? -Evangelist Wil Rice
Life is terminal. Everyone here is going to die! -Rice
You rage against the Infinite and hurt yourself every time! -Rice
Jesus Christ is all we need to make up our lack. -Rice
I cannot vouch for the veracity on "Who" said the following. These were sent to me in an email.
If you can't be a good example , then you will just have to be a terrible warning. -Unknown
Last week, I stated this woman was the ugliest woman I had ever seen. I have since been visited by her sister, and now wish to withdraw that statement. -- Mark Twain
The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending; and to have the two as close together as possible. -- George Burns
Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit people only once a year. - - Victor Borge
Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint. -- Mark Twain
By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you'll become happy; if you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher. -- Socrates
I don 't feel old. I don 't feel anything until noon. Then it's time for my nap. -- Bob Hope
I never drink water because of the disgusting things that fish do in it. -- W.C. Fields
We could certainly slow the aging process down if it had to work its way through Congress. -- Will Rogers
Maybe it's true that life begins at fifty . but everything else starts to wear out, fall out, or spread out. -- Phyllis Diller
By the time a man is wise enough to watch his step, he's too old to go anywhere. -- Billy Crystal
Sunday, January 06, 2008
ABRAHAM, ISAAC & JESUS
GENESIS 22
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE TESTING OF ABRAHAM [v. 1-24]
1. The test from God [v. 1, James 1:13]
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:
He got a "C" on the family test, "F" on the famine test, "A" on the fellowship, fighting, and fortune tests. He got an "F" on the fatherhood test but retook it and got an "A" on that and the farewell test. Now he faces the final test.
2. The response of faith [v. 2-14]
Warren Wiersbe said, "It has been pointed out that Abraham believed God and obeyed Him when he did not know where (Heb. 11:80, when he did not know when (11:9-10, 13-16), when he did not know how (11:11-12), and when he did not know why (11:17-19)." The reason he could do that is even though Abraham did not know where, when, how, and why-- he did know Who!
3. The reward of faith [v. 15-24]
II. THE TRUSTING OF ISAAC [v. 3-9]
1. Isaac was a strong man [v. 3-6]
2. Isaac was a smart man [v. 7]
3. Isaac was a submissive man [v. 8-9]
III. THE TYPE OF CHRIST [v. 1-18]
1. God knew Abraham was like Him [v. 1, 18:19]
2. God asked Abraham to "offer" His only Son of Promise [v. 2]
3. God directed them to the exact place [v. 2-4]
4. Abraham believed God would raise Isaac [v. 4-5, Heb. 11:17-19]
5. Isaac was 33 at the time [v. 5, 23:1]
6. Isaac bore the wood, the judgment, and the death sentence [v. 6]
7. The Lamb of God foretold [v. 7-8]
8. The love of the Father & the Son exemplified [v. 6, 8, ]
Mt. 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
John 14:31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
9. The picture of Calvary [v. 9-10]
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
John 10:17-18 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
10. The perfect Substitute [v. 11-18]
Gal. 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
Jn. 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE TESTING OF ABRAHAM [v. 1-24]
1. The test from God [v. 1, James 1:13]
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:
He got a "C" on the family test, "F" on the famine test, "A" on the fellowship, fighting, and fortune tests. He got an "F" on the fatherhood test but retook it and got an "A" on that and the farewell test. Now he faces the final test.
2. The response of faith [v. 2-14]
Warren Wiersbe said, "It has been pointed out that Abraham believed God and obeyed Him when he did not know where (Heb. 11:80, when he did not know when (11:9-10, 13-16), when he did not know how (11:11-12), and when he did not know why (11:17-19)." The reason he could do that is even though Abraham did not know where, when, how, and why-- he did know Who!
3. The reward of faith [v. 15-24]
II. THE TRUSTING OF ISAAC [v. 3-9]
1. Isaac was a strong man [v. 3-6]
2. Isaac was a smart man [v. 7]
3. Isaac was a submissive man [v. 8-9]
III. THE TYPE OF CHRIST [v. 1-18]
1. God knew Abraham was like Him [v. 1, 18:19]
2. God asked Abraham to "offer" His only Son of Promise [v. 2]
3. God directed them to the exact place [v. 2-4]
4. Abraham believed God would raise Isaac [v. 4-5, Heb. 11:17-19]
5. Isaac was 33 at the time [v. 5, 23:1]
6. Isaac bore the wood, the judgment, and the death sentence [v. 6]
7. The Lamb of God foretold [v. 7-8]
8. The love of the Father & the Son exemplified [v. 6, 8, ]
Mt. 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
John 14:31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
9. The picture of Calvary [v. 9-10]
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
John 10:17-18 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
10. The perfect Substitute [v. 11-18]
Gal. 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
Jn. 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
QUESTION OF THE WEEK!
Why do many Christians accept evolution?
Unfortunately, many Christians—in fact, many pastors—accept some form of evolution and try to add it to the Bible. They say that God could have used evolutionary processes over millions of years to bring about plants, animals, and finally man. Many accept molecule-to-man evolution because they believe that science has “proven” that the earth is millions of years old, so they simply attach God to the process.
But this view, called “theistic evolution,” is actually destructive to the gospel message. Of course, this does not mean that people who believe in theistic evolution aren’t Christians, since the Bible teaches that believing in and confessing Christ’s death and resurrection is the key to salvation. However, they are being very inconsistent in their faith.
The Bible clearly teaches that when God created Adam and Eve, the world was perfect (i.e., “very good”). There was no death and bloodshed. But because of the sin of Adam, God brought death as a judgment into the world. Of course, He also provided a means by which man could be reconciled to his Creator.
But a Christian who believes in evolution over eons as told by evolutionists must also believe that God used death and bloodshed over millions of years as a way to bring man into existence. For them, the fossil record is not a sign of God’s judgment in the Flood, but of the cruel nature of the world they believe God created. However, if death is not a result of the Fall, then why would God need to send His Son to save us from death? In this view, cancer, pain, and death would simply be part of the original plan.
But thank God this is not the true history of the world. Death came into the world because of sin, but Christ came to the earth and died to save us from sin and death. There is no room for death before sin, and no room for the evolutionary myth in the Bible.
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.
Unfortunately, many Christians—in fact, many pastors—accept some form of evolution and try to add it to the Bible. They say that God could have used evolutionary processes over millions of years to bring about plants, animals, and finally man. Many accept molecule-to-man evolution because they believe that science has “proven” that the earth is millions of years old, so they simply attach God to the process.
But this view, called “theistic evolution,” is actually destructive to the gospel message. Of course, this does not mean that people who believe in theistic evolution aren’t Christians, since the Bible teaches that believing in and confessing Christ’s death and resurrection is the key to salvation. However, they are being very inconsistent in their faith.
The Bible clearly teaches that when God created Adam and Eve, the world was perfect (i.e., “very good”). There was no death and bloodshed. But because of the sin of Adam, God brought death as a judgment into the world. Of course, He also provided a means by which man could be reconciled to his Creator.
But a Christian who believes in evolution over eons as told by evolutionists must also believe that God used death and bloodshed over millions of years as a way to bring man into existence. For them, the fossil record is not a sign of God’s judgment in the Flood, but of the cruel nature of the world they believe God created. However, if death is not a result of the Fall, then why would God need to send His Son to save us from death? In this view, cancer, pain, and death would simply be part of the original plan.
But thank God this is not the true history of the world. Death came into the world because of sin, but Christ came to the earth and died to save us from sin and death. There is no room for death before sin, and no room for the evolutionary myth in the Bible.
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
Friday, January 04, 2008
PICTURES OF THE WEEK!
This is Missy... born in fall of 2000. My oldest daughter thinks she's a demon cat while my youngest daughter (both in their 20s) calls her "Fat-baby" or "Fatness". What does Missy care? She's a cat.
"Go away. You are bothering me!"
If I turn around and you're still there it is NOT going to be pretty!
Get out my face!
What... what's that you say?
the door seems to have locked itself? Oh my. See you later.
"Go away. You are bothering me!"
If I turn around and you're still there it is NOT going to be pretty!
Get out my face!
What... what's that you say?
the door seems to have locked itself? Oh my. See you later.Thursday, January 03, 2008
Instantaneous Creation
"Let them praise the name of the LORD: for He commanded, and they were created" (Psalm 148:5).
The concept of "fiat creation" is opposed by evolutionists and all who believe in the so-called geologic ages. Nevertheless, this is clearly the teaching of the word of God, and God was there! Psalm 148 exhorts all the stars to praise the Lord, and then notes that, as soon as God spoke, they "were created." Similarly, "By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. . . . For He spake, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast" (Psalm 33:6,9).
It is worth noting that whenever the verbs "create" or "make" are used in reference to God's work of creation, they are never in the present tense. God is not now creating or making stars or animals or people as theistic evolution requires; at the end of the six-day creation period, in fact, God "rested from all His work which God created and made" (Genesis 2:3).
This is the teaching of the New Testament also. "The worlds that is, the space/time cosmos, the 'aeons' were framed not 'are being framed' by the word of God not 'by processes of stellar evolution', so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear not 'out of preexisting materials,' as required by theories of chemical and cosmic evolution" (Hebrews 11:3).
The Lord Jesus Christ Himself confirmed the doctrine of recent creation. "From the beginning of the creation not, that is, four billion years after the solar system evolved God made them Adam and Eve male and female" (Mark 10:6). Thus, those who believe in the geological ages are rejecting both the Biblical record and the authority of Jesus Christ in order to attain ephemeral acceptance by the ungodly. This is a poor exchange! HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
January 3, 2008
The concept of "fiat creation" is opposed by evolutionists and all who believe in the so-called geologic ages. Nevertheless, this is clearly the teaching of the word of God, and God was there! Psalm 148 exhorts all the stars to praise the Lord, and then notes that, as soon as God spoke, they "were created." Similarly, "By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. . . . For He spake, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast" (Psalm 33:6,9).
It is worth noting that whenever the verbs "create" or "make" are used in reference to God's work of creation, they are never in the present tense. God is not now creating or making stars or animals or people as theistic evolution requires; at the end of the six-day creation period, in fact, God "rested from all His work which God created and made" (Genesis 2:3).
This is the teaching of the New Testament also. "The worlds that is, the space/time cosmos, the 'aeons' were framed not 'are being framed' by the word of God not 'by processes of stellar evolution', so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear not 'out of preexisting materials,' as required by theories of chemical and cosmic evolution" (Hebrews 11:3).
The Lord Jesus Christ Himself confirmed the doctrine of recent creation. "From the beginning of the creation not, that is, four billion years after the solar system evolved God made them Adam and Eve male and female" (Mark 10:6). Thus, those who believe in the geological ages are rejecting both the Biblical record and the authority of Jesus Christ in order to attain ephemeral acceptance by the ungodly. This is a poor exchange! HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
January 3, 2008
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
DON'T WASTE YOUR LIFE BEING A LOSER!
MATTHEW 16
Pastor Rick Jackson
I was thinking at the end of 2007, what if this was the last sermon I would ever preach? It could be. The rapture could occur at any moment. The Lord could call me home at any moment. I could be struck down by a debilitating condition at any moment. if I knew this was to be my last sermon what would I want to say before it was over?
Of course there is much we all would like to say and do before it's over but given the context of one last sermon... what would I say? I think I can some it up in four words, "DON'T WASTE YOUR LIFE!"
I. DON'T WASTE YOUR LIFE BY BEING A CHRISTIAN LOSER! [Mt. 16:24-25]
1. You must make up your mind! [v. 24a]
2. You must say "no" to selfishness! [v. 24b]
3. You must say "yes" to Jesus! [v. 25c-26]
II. DON'T WASTE YOUR LIFE BY BEING A COMPLETE LOSER! [Matthew 16:26]
1. He who dies with the most "toys" still dies!
2. He who dies without Christ has undervalued his soul!
3. He who dies without Christ is a complete loser!
III. DON'T WASTE YOUR LIFE BY BEING A CARNAL LOSER! [Mt. 16:27]
1. Why ignore a sure thing? [v. 27]
2. Why imagine an impossible thing? [Gal. 6:3-10]
3. Why invest in any other life? [II Cor. 5:9-11]
Pastor Rick Jackson
I was thinking at the end of 2007, what if this was the last sermon I would ever preach? It could be. The rapture could occur at any moment. The Lord could call me home at any moment. I could be struck down by a debilitating condition at any moment. if I knew this was to be my last sermon what would I want to say before it was over?
Of course there is much we all would like to say and do before it's over but given the context of one last sermon... what would I say? I think I can some it up in four words, "DON'T WASTE YOUR LIFE!"
I. DON'T WASTE YOUR LIFE BY BEING A CHRISTIAN LOSER! [Mt. 16:24-25]
1. You must make up your mind! [v. 24a]
2. You must say "no" to selfishness! [v. 24b]
3. You must say "yes" to Jesus! [v. 25c-26]
II. DON'T WASTE YOUR LIFE BY BEING A COMPLETE LOSER! [Matthew 16:26]
1. He who dies with the most "toys" still dies!
2. He who dies without Christ has undervalued his soul!
3. He who dies without Christ is a complete loser!
III. DON'T WASTE YOUR LIFE BY BEING A CARNAL LOSER! [Mt. 16:27]
1. Why ignore a sure thing? [v. 27]
2. Why imagine an impossible thing? [Gal. 6:3-10]
3. Why invest in any other life? [II Cor. 5:9-11]
This is the first day of the rest of your life
Sumner Wemp (see link in upper left corner)
Jan 2, 2008
This is the first day of the rest of your life
"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind" Phil. 3:13.
Forget all the failures and faults of the past. The way to do that is to confess the sins of the past and put them under the blood of Christ and forget them. Don't let the devil bring them up and beat you to death with his accusations. Don't quibble about it. You know what you have done wrong or what you did not do that was right and you did not do it. "To him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin" You neglected reading His Word, He has waited daily for a talk with you and you neglected to pray or you failed to tell lost people like someone told you, the good news how God loves them and His dear Son suffered and died for their sins, paid the debt in full, rose again and was seen by hundreds. There can be no worse sin.
Forget the victories and accomplishments. To God be the glory. You cannot live on those all your life. The vast majority in every country are lost and most have not really heard the gospel clearly presented. "If our gospel be hid...Satan has blinded the minds. 2 Cor. 4:3,4. Make up your mind and pledge yourself to give people the gospel like someone did you. That is the best way to start the new year for the glory of God and for your eternal rewards and joys of the Lord. WE must change the world, one soul at a time. Please get in the game. Don't sit on the sidelines any more.
ABC Sumner
Go to www.sumnerwemp.com enter the drawing for a pack of tracts. Read one of the powerful articles and be blessed. Call 1-877-872-2871 to order "Your Ticket to heaven" tract in the KJV, or Spanish or ESV and give the gospel to every person you can. (I get NO royalty from it).
Forward this to some friends.
Jan 2, 2008
This is the first day of the rest of your life
"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind" Phil. 3:13.
Forget all the failures and faults of the past. The way to do that is to confess the sins of the past and put them under the blood of Christ and forget them. Don't let the devil bring them up and beat you to death with his accusations. Don't quibble about it. You know what you have done wrong or what you did not do that was right and you did not do it. "To him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin" You neglected reading His Word, He has waited daily for a talk with you and you neglected to pray or you failed to tell lost people like someone told you, the good news how God loves them and His dear Son suffered and died for their sins, paid the debt in full, rose again and was seen by hundreds. There can be no worse sin.
Forget the victories and accomplishments. To God be the glory. You cannot live on those all your life. The vast majority in every country are lost and most have not really heard the gospel clearly presented. "If our gospel be hid...Satan has blinded the minds. 2 Cor. 4:3,4. Make up your mind and pledge yourself to give people the gospel like someone did you. That is the best way to start the new year for the glory of God and for your eternal rewards and joys of the Lord. WE must change the world, one soul at a time. Please get in the game. Don't sit on the sidelines any more.
ABC Sumner
Go to www.sumnerwemp.com enter the drawing for a pack of tracts. Read one of the powerful articles and be blessed. Call 1-877-872-2871 to order "Your Ticket to heaven" tract in the KJV, or Spanish or ESV and give the gospel to every person you can. (I get NO royalty from it).
Forward this to some friends.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Prerequisites for Christian Unity
"If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind" (Philippians 2:1,2).
Churches haven't changed much in 2000 years. The call to unity in these verses is as needed now as it has always been. Let us examine the prerequisites for unity found here.
Consolation in Christ: The Greek word translated "consolation" is frequently translated "exhortation," and that seems appropriate here. The "exhortation in Christ" immediately follows this passage where His beautiful life of humility becomes the exhortation to unity among believers, since disunity ultimately comes from pride (v.3).
Comfort of love: Comfort could be rendered "encouragement," implying a tender act of incentive. The agape love which the Holy Spirit produces in the life of a believer produces the incentive to unity. When believers truly love one another in this fashion, unity prevails.
Fellowship of the Spirit: The Holy Spirit makes possible a precious relationship between believers. Through the Spirit's empowering, our wills can be molded into Christlikeness, enabling us to live in unity with our fellow saints.
Bowels and mercies: In the western world, the heart is referred to as the seat of our innermost affections, here called "mercies," or, literally, "compassionate yearnings and actions." When Christians have tender compassion for one another, divisions cease.
The four prerequisites for unity are then Christ-like humility, Spirit-produced agape love, a yielding of the will of each believer to the Spirit, and tenderheartedness toward one another. May God grant that "they will know we are Christians by our love." JDM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
Churches haven't changed much in 2000 years. The call to unity in these verses is as needed now as it has always been. Let us examine the prerequisites for unity found here.
Consolation in Christ: The Greek word translated "consolation" is frequently translated "exhortation," and that seems appropriate here. The "exhortation in Christ" immediately follows this passage where His beautiful life of humility becomes the exhortation to unity among believers, since disunity ultimately comes from pride (v.3).
Comfort of love: Comfort could be rendered "encouragement," implying a tender act of incentive. The agape love which the Holy Spirit produces in the life of a believer produces the incentive to unity. When believers truly love one another in this fashion, unity prevails.
Fellowship of the Spirit: The Holy Spirit makes possible a precious relationship between believers. Through the Spirit's empowering, our wills can be molded into Christlikeness, enabling us to live in unity with our fellow saints.
Bowels and mercies: In the western world, the heart is referred to as the seat of our innermost affections, here called "mercies," or, literally, "compassionate yearnings and actions." When Christians have tender compassion for one another, divisions cease.
The four prerequisites for unity are then Christ-like humility, Spirit-produced agape love, a yielding of the will of each believer to the Spirit, and tenderheartedness toward one another. May God grant that "they will know we are Christians by our love." JDM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
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