My niece, Melissa, sent me these:
THINGS YOU DON'T HEAR ANYMORE........
Be sure to refill the ice trays, we're going to have company after while.
Watch for the postman, I want to get this letter to Aunt Mary in the mail today.
Quit slamming the screen door when you are on your way out!
Be sure and pull the windows down when you leave, it looks like a shower is coming up.
Don't forget to wind the clock before you go to bed.
Wash your feet before you go to bed, they are nasty from playing outside all day barefooted.
Why can't you remember to roll up your pant legs? Getting them caught in the bicycle chain so many times is tearing them up.
You have torn the knees out of that pair of pants so many times there is nothing left to put a patch on.
Don't you go outside with your good school clothes on!
Go comb your hair; it looks like the rats have nested in it all night.
Be sure and pour the cream off the top of the milk when you open the new bottle.
Take that empty bottle to the store with you so you won't have to pay a deposit on another one.
Put a dish towel over the cake so the flies won't get on it.
Quit jumping on the floor! I have a cake in the oven and you are going to make it fall if you don't quit!
Let me know when the Fuller Brush man comes by, I need to get a few things from him.
You boys stay close by, the car may not start and I will need you to help push it off.
There's a dollar in my purse, get 5 gallons of gas when you go to town.
Open the back door and see if we can get a breeze through here, it is getting hot.
You can walk to the store; it won't hurt you to get some exercise.
Don't sit too close to the TV. It is hard on your eyes.
If you pull that stunt again, I am going to wear you out!
Don't lose that button; I'll sew it back on after awhile.
Wash under your neck before you come to the table, you have beads of dirt and sweat all under there.
Get out from under the sewing machine; pumping it messes up the thread!
Be sure and fill the lamps this morning so we don't have to do that tonight in the dark.
Here, take this old magazine to the toilet with you when you go,
we are almost out of paper out there.
Go out to the well and draw a bucket of water so I can wash dishes.
Don't turn the radio on now, I want the battery to be up when the Grand Ole Opry comes on.
No! I don't have nine cents for you to go to the show. Do you think money grows on trees?
Eat those vegetables, they'll make you big and strong like your daddy.
That dog is NOT coming in this house! I don't care how cold it is out there, dogs just don't come in the house.
Sit still! I'm trying to get your hair cut straight and you keep moving and it is all botched up.
Hush your mouth! I don't want to hear words like that! I'll wash your mouth out with soap!
It is time for your system to be cleaned out. I am going to give you a dose of castor oil tonight.
If you get a spanking in school and I find out about it, you'll get another one when you get home.
Quit crossing your eyes! They will get stuck that way!
Soak your foot in this pan of coal oil so that bad cut won't get infected.
When you take your driving test, don't forget to signal each turn. Left arm straight out the window for a left turn; left arm bent up at the elbow for a right turn; and straight down to the side of the door when you are going to stop.
It is: "Yes Ma'am!" and "No Ma'am!" to me, young man, and don't you forget it!
Y'all come back now, ya hear!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
To the Fourth Generation
"Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me" (Deuteronomy 5:9).
This seemingly unwarranted penalty imposed on the innocent grandchildren of the idolater cannot possibly negate the later promise of God through the prophet Ezekiel: "The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteous of the righteousness shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him" (Ezekiel 18:20).
And certainly it cannot obviate the clear promise of Christ Himself in the last chapter of the Bible: "Let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17). Anyone who desires to do so may accept the Lord's gracious offer of salvation, regardless of the possible wickedness or anti-Christian religion of any of his ancestors.
At the same time, a man should realize that his decision to follow a false religion and then bring up his children in that false religion will almost certainly affect his grandchildren and great grandchildren as well. Many of the latter will actually be children while their great grandfather is still alive. It is a simple fact that most children (though not all) will continue in their parents "religion." They can, if they wish, choose to leave their parents' religion and become Christians, but most will not.
What a great responsibility, therefore, each father has! He should quickly accept Christ (whose credentials as our Creator and Redeemer are impeccable!) as his Savior and Lord, and then diligently train his own children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). HMM
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INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
February 28, 2008
This seemingly unwarranted penalty imposed on the innocent grandchildren of the idolater cannot possibly negate the later promise of God through the prophet Ezekiel: "The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteous of the righteousness shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him" (Ezekiel 18:20).
And certainly it cannot obviate the clear promise of Christ Himself in the last chapter of the Bible: "Let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17). Anyone who desires to do so may accept the Lord's gracious offer of salvation, regardless of the possible wickedness or anti-Christian religion of any of his ancestors.
At the same time, a man should realize that his decision to follow a false religion and then bring up his children in that false religion will almost certainly affect his grandchildren and great grandchildren as well. Many of the latter will actually be children while their great grandfather is still alive. It is a simple fact that most children (though not all) will continue in their parents "religion." They can, if they wish, choose to leave their parents' religion and become Christians, but most will not.
What a great responsibility, therefore, each father has! He should quickly accept Christ (whose credentials as our Creator and Redeemer are impeccable!) as his Savior and Lord, and then diligently train his own children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). HMM
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INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
WHAT WE OUGHT BE DOING (II)
MT. 23:23
Rick Jackson
Last week we saw things Jesus said “these ought ye to have done”. I got a real testy email from a man I dubbed “Mister PHD” trying to straighten me out on his hobby horse. He wasn’t very kind and I saw no reason to advertise his meanness by allowing his unfounded comments to be published on my blog. Isn’t it interesting that people will do exactly what Jesus said – that is, ignore weightier matters, and strain at a gnat and swallow a camel?
Last week we saw we ought tithe, judge rightly, be merciful, and have faith. Let’s see what other things the Word of God says we ought be doing.
WE OUGHT:
ALWAYS PRAY [Luke 18:1]
SERVE ONE ANOTHER HUMBLY [John 13:14]
MAKE IT A PRIORITY TO OBEY GOD [Acts 5:29]
THINK BIBLICALLY ABOUT GOD [Acts 17:29-31]
WORK AND SHARE [Acts 20:35, Romans 15:1, 3 John 1:8]
THINK BIBLICALLY ABOUT OURSELVES [Romans 12:3, 1 Corinthians 11:7-15]
FORGIVE AND RESTORE REPENTANT BRETHREN [2 Corinthians 2:7]
THINK BIBLICALLY ABOUT OUR FAMILIES [2 Corinthians 12:14, Ephesians 5:28]
WATCH THE CONTENT AND CHARACTER OF OUR SPEECH [Colossians 4:4, 6; 1 Timothy 5:13, Titus 1:11, James 3:10, 4:15 ]
PLEASE GOD [1 Thessalonians 4:1, 2 Thessalonians 3:7, Hebrews 2:1, 5:12; 2 Peter 3:11, 1 John 2:6, 1 John 3:16, 4:11
Rick Jackson
Last week we saw things Jesus said “these ought ye to have done”. I got a real testy email from a man I dubbed “Mister PHD” trying to straighten me out on his hobby horse. He wasn’t very kind and I saw no reason to advertise his meanness by allowing his unfounded comments to be published on my blog. Isn’t it interesting that people will do exactly what Jesus said – that is, ignore weightier matters, and strain at a gnat and swallow a camel?
Last week we saw we ought tithe, judge rightly, be merciful, and have faith. Let’s see what other things the Word of God says we ought be doing.
WE OUGHT:
ALWAYS PRAY [Luke 18:1]
SERVE ONE ANOTHER HUMBLY [John 13:14]
MAKE IT A PRIORITY TO OBEY GOD [Acts 5:29]
THINK BIBLICALLY ABOUT GOD [Acts 17:29-31]
WORK AND SHARE [Acts 20:35, Romans 15:1, 3 John 1:8]
THINK BIBLICALLY ABOUT OURSELVES [Romans 12:3, 1 Corinthians 11:7-15]
FORGIVE AND RESTORE REPENTANT BRETHREN [2 Corinthians 2:7]
THINK BIBLICALLY ABOUT OUR FAMILIES [2 Corinthians 12:14, Ephesians 5:28]
WATCH THE CONTENT AND CHARACTER OF OUR SPEECH [Colossians 4:4, 6; 1 Timothy 5:13, Titus 1:11, James 3:10, 4:15 ]
PLEASE GOD [1 Thessalonians 4:1, 2 Thessalonians 3:7, Hebrews 2:1, 5:12; 2 Peter 3:11, 1 John 2:6, 1 John 3:16, 4:11
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Prepared Hearts
"For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments" (Ezra 7:10).
It does not come naturally into our hearts to seek, obey, and then teach others the words of God as found in the Scriptures. Therefore, like Ezra, we must prepare our hearts.
The Hebrew word for "prepare" means to "stand erect," and thus takes special effort. One's natural "heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked" (Jeremiah 17:9) not at all inclined to "stand up" for the word of God.
But Ezra did, even in the court of a pagan king and in the midst of the enemies of God's people in a far country, and even among the backslidden people of his own nation. He prepared his heart, fixing it in firm faith on the laws and promises of God. And, because he did, he could testify: "I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD my God was upon me" (Ezra 7:28).
On the other hand we read, for example, of King Rehoboam whose rebellion and sin led to the dividing of Israel into two kingdoms and eventually into the captivity. These judgments came because, unlike Ezra, Rehoboam "did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD" (II Chronicles 12:14).
Thus, our hearts need to be prepared to seek God and His word, but how do we get them prepared? First, we must come to Him in true humility. "LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear" (Psalm 10:17).
God is then the One who actually prepares our hearts! "The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD" (Proverbs 16:1). We can only prepare our hearts to seek and serve God if we humbly call on Him to do the preparing. HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
It does not come naturally into our hearts to seek, obey, and then teach others the words of God as found in the Scriptures. Therefore, like Ezra, we must prepare our hearts.
The Hebrew word for "prepare" means to "stand erect," and thus takes special effort. One's natural "heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked" (Jeremiah 17:9) not at all inclined to "stand up" for the word of God.
But Ezra did, even in the court of a pagan king and in the midst of the enemies of God's people in a far country, and even among the backslidden people of his own nation. He prepared his heart, fixing it in firm faith on the laws and promises of God. And, because he did, he could testify: "I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD my God was upon me" (Ezra 7:28).
On the other hand we read, for example, of King Rehoboam whose rebellion and sin led to the dividing of Israel into two kingdoms and eventually into the captivity. These judgments came because, unlike Ezra, Rehoboam "did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD" (II Chronicles 12:14).
Thus, our hearts need to be prepared to seek God and His word, but how do we get them prepared? First, we must come to Him in true humility. "LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear" (Psalm 10:17).
God is then the One who actually prepares our hearts! "The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD" (Proverbs 16:1). We can only prepare our hearts to seek and serve God if we humbly call on Him to do the preparing. HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
Sunday, February 24, 2008
THE MATHEMATICS OF SIN
GENESIS 27:1-28:9
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. REBELLION MULTIPLIED [27:1-29]
We do our families no favors when any member rebels against the will of God. Better to divide families over righteousness than over unrighteousness.
Matthew 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Better yet when families unite over righteousness!
Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
1. ISAAC'S POSITION TO DEFY GOD [25:23, 27:1-4]
1) Self-pity [v. 1-2]
2) Self-indulgence [v. 3-4]
3) Self-deception [v. 4]
2. REBEKAH'S PATTERN TO DEFY ISAAC [27:5-17]
1) Showed a lack of faith
2) Sad use of God-given authority
3) Supported the false idea that the end justifies the means
3. JACOB'S PATH TO DEFY ISAAC [27:11-23]
1) Did not appeal to his mother's faith [v. 11-12]
2) Did not appeal to his own faith [v. 18-23]
3) Did not appeal to his father's faith [v. 24-29]
4. ESAU'S POSITION TO DEFY AUTHORITY [27:30-41]
1) Emphasized the earthly [v. 30-34]
2) Excused the flesh [v. 35-36]
3) Entertained the Devil [v. 37-41]
Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
II. RESTORATION DIVIDED [27:33-28:9]
RESTORATION REJECTED - PATTERNS UNBROKEN/ RESTORATION RECEIVED PATTERNS BROKEN
1) Rebekah- a Christian in denial [27:42-44]
2) Issac- a Christian coming out of denial [27:33, 28:1-5]
Heb. 11:20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. [Rm. 10:17]
3) Esau- a natural man in denial [26:34-35, 28:6-9]
4) Jacob- A Christian out of defiance [28:7]
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. REBELLION MULTIPLIED [27:1-29]
We do our families no favors when any member rebels against the will of God. Better to divide families over righteousness than over unrighteousness.
Matthew 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Better yet when families unite over righteousness!
Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
1. ISAAC'S POSITION TO DEFY GOD [25:23, 27:1-4]
1) Self-pity [v. 1-2]
2) Self-indulgence [v. 3-4]
3) Self-deception [v. 4]
2. REBEKAH'S PATTERN TO DEFY ISAAC [27:5-17]
1) Showed a lack of faith
2) Sad use of God-given authority
3) Supported the false idea that the end justifies the means
3. JACOB'S PATH TO DEFY ISAAC [27:11-23]
1) Did not appeal to his mother's faith [v. 11-12]
2) Did not appeal to his own faith [v. 18-23]
3) Did not appeal to his father's faith [v. 24-29]
4. ESAU'S POSITION TO DEFY AUTHORITY [27:30-41]
1) Emphasized the earthly [v. 30-34]
2) Excused the flesh [v. 35-36]
3) Entertained the Devil [v. 37-41]
Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
II. RESTORATION DIVIDED [27:33-28:9]
RESTORATION REJECTED - PATTERNS UNBROKEN/ RESTORATION RECEIVED PATTERNS BROKEN
1) Rebekah- a Christian in denial [27:42-44]
2) Issac- a Christian coming out of denial [27:33, 28:1-5]
Heb. 11:20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. [Rm. 10:17]
3) Esau- a natural man in denial [26:34-35, 28:6-9]
4) Jacob- A Christian out of defiance [28:7]
FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT - THE LIFE OF PAUL
ACTS 9:1-6
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE WAY TO GOD
1. SAUL HEARD THE GOSPEL [7:51-60]
2. SAUL HATED THE GOSPEL [8:1-3, 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.
3. SAUL HEEDED THE GOSPEL [9:1-6]
2 Thessalonians 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
II. THE WILL OF GOD
1. BE WILLING [Acts 9:6a, Luke 9:23]
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
2. BE OBEDIENT [Acts 9:6b-9]
3. BE WISE [Acts 9:10-11]
Note what God did NOT tell Saul and what He did tell him.
James 1:5-8 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
III. THE WORK OF GOD
1. DO WHAT YOU KNOW TO DO NOW! [v. 12-19]
2. BE WHAT YOU CAN BE NOW! [v. 20]
3. BE BECOMING WHAT YOU WILL BE [v. 21-30; 11:22-26; 13:2, 9, 13; 14:12]
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE WAY TO GOD
1. SAUL HEARD THE GOSPEL [7:51-60]
2. SAUL HATED THE GOSPEL [8:1-3, 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.
3. SAUL HEEDED THE GOSPEL [9:1-6]
2 Thessalonians 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
II. THE WILL OF GOD
1. BE WILLING [Acts 9:6a, Luke 9:23]
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
2. BE OBEDIENT [Acts 9:6b-9]
3. BE WISE [Acts 9:10-11]
Note what God did NOT tell Saul and what He did tell him.
James 1:5-8 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
III. THE WORK OF GOD
1. DO WHAT YOU KNOW TO DO NOW! [v. 12-19]
2. BE WHAT YOU CAN BE NOW! [v. 20]
3. BE BECOMING WHAT YOU WILL BE [v. 21-30; 11:22-26; 13:2, 9, 13; 14:12]
Saturday, February 23, 2008
QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Evolution and school violence—a sad connection?
People have been shocked in recent times at the outbreak of violence in public schools in America and around the world. Some schools have installed metal detectors to try to curb such violent behavior.
What does evolution have to do with this sad—and shocking—situation?
What we see happening is the end result of an education system that has effectively eliminated God from the classroom. When you think about it, generations of young people are being brainwashed each day in evolutionary ideas. They are being told that they are nothing special—they are just animals that have evolved from some primitive form of life over millions of years.
The more society as a whole thinks this way, the more people will act consistently with what they’ve been taught. If life is not special, then it has no value. If there’s no God, and thus no absolute authority, then anyone can decide right and wrong for themselves.
Most of the students probably don’t realize the connection of violence with evolution (though some have)—but underneath it all, this anti-God belief system has subtly caused them to think life is hopeless and without any purpose.
For more information, see The “Why?” question—why is school violence in the headlines again?
News to Note Quick Look
Get Expelled!: In what could be the biggest push the Intelligent Design Movement has seen in years, American actor, comedian, lawyer, writer, economist, game show host, and speechwriter Ben Stein is releasing the documentary Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed this spring. Make plans to see it! Read more.
“Evolution” now in Florida schools: The Florida Board of Education has passed new standards for science education that, for the first time in the state’s history, support the teaching of “evolution” (as opposed to more vague descriptions of Darwin’s theory). Read more.
Also: Planet-hunting on the increase, salt and water on Mars, and the “frog from hell.” Read more.
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.
http://pastorjax.blogspot.com/ For a dose of Starke Reality stop by for a visit!
What does evolution have to do with this sad—and shocking—situation?
What we see happening is the end result of an education system that has effectively eliminated God from the classroom. When you think about it, generations of young people are being brainwashed each day in evolutionary ideas. They are being told that they are nothing special—they are just animals that have evolved from some primitive form of life over millions of years.
The more society as a whole thinks this way, the more people will act consistently with what they’ve been taught. If life is not special, then it has no value. If there’s no God, and thus no absolute authority, then anyone can decide right and wrong for themselves.
Most of the students probably don’t realize the connection of violence with evolution (though some have)—but underneath it all, this anti-God belief system has subtly caused them to think life is hopeless and without any purpose.
For more information, see The “Why?” question—why is school violence in the headlines again?
News to Note Quick Look
Get Expelled!: In what could be the biggest push the Intelligent Design Movement has seen in years, American actor, comedian, lawyer, writer, economist, game show host, and speechwriter Ben Stein is releasing the documentary Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed this spring. Make plans to see it! Read more.
“Evolution” now in Florida schools: The Florida Board of Education has passed new standards for science education that, for the first time in the state’s history, support the teaching of “evolution” (as opposed to more vague descriptions of Darwin’s theory). Read more.
Also: Planet-hunting on the increase, salt and water on Mars, and the “frog from hell.” Read more.
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.
http://pastorjax.blogspot.com/ For a dose of Starke Reality stop by for a visit!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Things We Ought To Do
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone" (Matthew 23:23).
This sharp rebuke by Jesus to the legalists of His day should also be taken seriously by us today. Although we are saved by grace alone, there are many things we ought to do, not as a matter of credit toward salvation, but as gratitude for our salvation. Surely judgment, mercy, and faithfulness are high on such a list.
Other "oughts" of the born-again Christian life would include the following incomplete listing:
Prayer: "Men ought always to pray, and not to faint" (Luke 18:1).
Obedience to God as Priority: "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
Working and Sharing: "So laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).
Gracious in Speech: "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man" (Colossians 4:6).
Walking with God: "As ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more" (I Thessalonians 4:1).
Heeding God's Word: "We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip" (Hebrews 2:1).
Sanctified Behavior: "What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness" (II Peter 3:11).
HMM
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February 20, 2008
This sharp rebuke by Jesus to the legalists of His day should also be taken seriously by us today. Although we are saved by grace alone, there are many things we ought to do, not as a matter of credit toward salvation, but as gratitude for our salvation. Surely judgment, mercy, and faithfulness are high on such a list.
Other "oughts" of the born-again Christian life would include the following incomplete listing:
Prayer: "Men ought always to pray, and not to faint" (Luke 18:1).
Obedience to God as Priority: "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
Working and Sharing: "So laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).
Gracious in Speech: "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man" (Colossians 4:6).
Walking with God: "As ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more" (I Thessalonians 4:1).
Heeding God's Word: "We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip" (Hebrews 2:1).
Sanctified Behavior: "What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness" (II Peter 3:11).
HMM
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February 20, 2008
Mister PHD* and his Hobby Horse
*I know the correct version is PhD but apparently Mister PHD didn't. He signed his attack "His Full Name, PHD, author of Book I Don't Want To Advertise" [italics indicate words changed to keep from giving this guy publicity]
Mister PHD tried to leave a comment on my blog yesterday that related back to Wednesday's blog. Apparently I struck a nerve. He isn't a regular reader of my blog but rather someone who evidently searches the internet for any mention of his favorite topic and then... HE POUNCES! Maybe I should have nicknamed him Pounce De Leon but then again maybe not. Fortunately for all of my regular readers (both of you- heh, heh, *sniff*) I don't allow comments without seeing and approving them first. Why? Because this is MY blog and I feel responsible for what goes up (I have had some real wackos trying to get attention for themselves and their heretical views - not that Mister PHD is a heretic, but I have screened some that were).
I also don't feel a need to give every bozo or egomaniac a platform for his views especially if it's an obvious hobby horse. Let them get their own blog! Or website or whatever and don't expect me to advertise it for them. Not that I mind advertising worthwhile projects (hence the links given and various endorsements from time to time). By the way PHDboy does have his own website and guess what it's devoted to? Hobby horse rides again!
His opening volley started out like this:
Sir
(1) You have violated the most important very first rule of biblical interpretation which is taught in seminary. You have ignored the context!
I didn't violate anything or ignore the context. In the church service where I preached the message more was given than just the outline contained in the blog. But even the blog was clear to anyone not blinded by the dust from his hobby horse's hooves. What Mister PHD did was violate:
the second great commandment
Mt. 22:36-40 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
the Golden Rule
Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
the rule of charity
1 Corinthians 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
the way of restoration
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Read his opening from above again. Can't you feel the love? Can you sense the spirit of meekness of trying to help a brother (he thinks is) in error? No? Me neither.
The “you” of Mt 23:23 is “you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites.” Jesus was speaking, not to the church, but to the interpreters of the law whom the people had allowed to be over them.
Well DUH! I am perfectly aware of who Jesus was speaking to and did not try to hide that fact. Hence I quoted the whole verse on the blog instead of just giving the reference as I sometimes do. I was making application of the principles Jesus was telling the Pharisees and scribes they had missed.
Well from there he goes on to tear apart (in his own mind) one point of the four that were given in my message. He continues the rudeness, misrepresentations and bias throughout and I see no reason to go point by point with such a narrow minded opinionated individual that cannot conceive that good men might disagree on minor matters (and it was on the minor matter that he is fixated on). Some of his arguments against that one point would have to be applied to the other three weightier matters but since those aren't his hobby horse he doesn't go there. He's written a book to prove his point and I must say, even without having read it, of all the books that have ever been written it certainly is one of them.
Ecclesiastes 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
Hmmm. Maybe I should write a book and then go on the web and blindside anyone who doesn't hold my perfect view and... and... and... then again --- maybe not.
Mister PHD tried to leave a comment on my blog yesterday that related back to Wednesday's blog. Apparently I struck a nerve. He isn't a regular reader of my blog but rather someone who evidently searches the internet for any mention of his favorite topic and then... HE POUNCES! Maybe I should have nicknamed him Pounce De Leon but then again maybe not. Fortunately for all of my regular readers (both of you- heh, heh, *sniff*) I don't allow comments without seeing and approving them first. Why? Because this is MY blog and I feel responsible for what goes up (I have had some real wackos trying to get attention for themselves and their heretical views - not that Mister PHD is a heretic, but I have screened some that were).
I also don't feel a need to give every bozo or egomaniac a platform for his views especially if it's an obvious hobby horse. Let them get their own blog! Or website or whatever and don't expect me to advertise it for them. Not that I mind advertising worthwhile projects (hence the links given and various endorsements from time to time). By the way PHDboy does have his own website and guess what it's devoted to? Hobby horse rides again!
His opening volley started out like this:
Sir
(1) You have violated the most important very first rule of biblical interpretation which is taught in seminary. You have ignored the context!
I didn't violate anything or ignore the context. In the church service where I preached the message more was given than just the outline contained in the blog. But even the blog was clear to anyone not blinded by the dust from his hobby horse's hooves. What Mister PHD did was violate:
the second great commandment
Mt. 22:36-40 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
the Golden Rule
Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
the rule of charity
1 Corinthians 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
the way of restoration
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Read his opening from above again. Can't you feel the love? Can you sense the spirit of meekness of trying to help a brother (he thinks is) in error? No? Me neither.
The “you” of Mt 23:23 is “you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites.” Jesus was speaking, not to the church, but to the interpreters of the law whom the people had allowed to be over them.
Well DUH! I am perfectly aware of who Jesus was speaking to and did not try to hide that fact. Hence I quoted the whole verse on the blog instead of just giving the reference as I sometimes do. I was making application of the principles Jesus was telling the Pharisees and scribes they had missed.
Well from there he goes on to tear apart (in his own mind) one point of the four that were given in my message. He continues the rudeness, misrepresentations and bias throughout and I see no reason to go point by point with such a narrow minded opinionated individual that cannot conceive that good men might disagree on minor matters (and it was on the minor matter that he is fixated on). Some of his arguments against that one point would have to be applied to the other three weightier matters but since those aren't his hobby horse he doesn't go there. He's written a book to prove his point and I must say, even without having read it, of all the books that have ever been written it certainly is one of them.
Ecclesiastes 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
Hmmm. Maybe I should write a book and then go on the web and blindside anyone who doesn't hold my perfect view and... and... and... then again --- maybe not.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
ARE YOU SPIRITUAL?
"But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man" (I Corinthians 2:15).
The word rendered "spiritual" is the Greek word pneumatikos, from which theologians have coined the term "pneumatology," the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Thus a "spiritual" person is one who is not only born again spiritually through faith in Christ and the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit, but also tries diligently to follow the leading of the indwelling Spirit and to understand and obey the precepts of the Bible inspired by Him.
A spiritual person will have "the mind of Christ" (I Corinthians 2:16), able to judge all things by spiritual standards and Biblical revelation. He or she will "walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit," knowing that "to be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Romans 8:4,6). As such, spiritual believers prayerfully make decisions seeking God’s will, they are "led by the Spirit of God" (Romans 8:14). And since they "walk in the Spirit," they "shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16).
They will often and repeatedly be "filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18) for Christian service. Furthermore, they will manifest "the fruit of the Spirit" in their lives and personalities--that is, "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance" (Galatians 5:22,23).
Yet while "he that is spiritual" is thereby able to discern and evaluate all things by such divine standards, he will find himself often misunderstood by unsaved relatives and acquaintances, for "the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: . . . because they are spiritually discerned" (I Corinthians 2:14).
Nevertheless, "he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting" (Galatians 6:8).
HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
February 21, 2008
The word rendered "spiritual" is the Greek word pneumatikos, from which theologians have coined the term "pneumatology," the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Thus a "spiritual" person is one who is not only born again spiritually through faith in Christ and the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit, but also tries diligently to follow the leading of the indwelling Spirit and to understand and obey the precepts of the Bible inspired by Him.
A spiritual person will have "the mind of Christ" (I Corinthians 2:16), able to judge all things by spiritual standards and Biblical revelation. He or she will "walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit," knowing that "to be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Romans 8:4,6). As such, spiritual believers prayerfully make decisions seeking God’s will, they are "led by the Spirit of God" (Romans 8:14). And since they "walk in the Spirit," they "shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16).
They will often and repeatedly be "filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18) for Christian service. Furthermore, they will manifest "the fruit of the Spirit" in their lives and personalities--that is, "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance" (Galatians 5:22,23).
Yet while "he that is spiritual" is thereby able to discern and evaluate all things by such divine standards, he will find himself often misunderstood by unsaved relatives and acquaintances, for "the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: . . . because they are spiritually discerned" (I Corinthians 2:14).
Nevertheless, "he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting" (Galatians 6:8).
HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
February 21, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
WHAT WE OUGHT BE DOING
Matthew 23:23
Pastor Rick Jackson
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
This verse was recently highlighted in the devotional booklet, Days of Praise, along with others that teach us what we ought to be doing! Let us consider this verse.
1. WE OUGHT BE TITHING! [Mt. 23:23]
The tithe is the Lord's. The Bible says in Malachi to not give it to Him is robbing God. Someone may say but tithing was under the law, we are under grace. Tithing was before the law (Abraham), during the law, and after the law. But aren't we to give as God has prospered us--- well, what do you think tithing is if not percentage giving. The more God gives you the more you tithe. I knew a man who said he made too much money to tithe. He couldn't afford to tithe because he made too much money! A tithe, the starting place by the way- not the ending place, is 10 cents on the dollar whether you make $10, $100 or $1,000,000. Jesus didn't say they were wrong for titihing. He said, "Yes, you should have done that but you ought to have done these things too!"
2. WE OUGHT JUDGE RIGHTLY [John 7:24]
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. Judging by appearance is wrong and so is judging motives [Mt. 7:1] but we can judge actions and words by the Word of God! Is abortion wrong? What saith the Scripture? Is capital punishment wrong? What saith the Scripture?
3. WE OUGHT BE MERCIFUL [Matthew 5:7]
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Luke 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Luke 10:37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
4. WE OUGHT HAVE FAITH [Romans 10:17]
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
1) Saving faith - Eph. 2:8-9
2) Securing faith - Mk. 11:20-26
3) Living faith - Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
4) Strong faith - Romans 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
5) Standing faith - 1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
6) Shielding faith - Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
7) Sacrificing, serving faith - Philippians 2:17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
8)Steadfast, establishing faith - Colossians 2:5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
Colossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein ° with thanksgiving.
9) Working faith - 1 Thessalonians 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
10) Growing faith - 2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth
Pastor Rick Jackson
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
This verse was recently highlighted in the devotional booklet, Days of Praise, along with others that teach us what we ought to be doing! Let us consider this verse.
1. WE OUGHT BE TITHING! [Mt. 23:23]
The tithe is the Lord's. The Bible says in Malachi to not give it to Him is robbing God. Someone may say but tithing was under the law, we are under grace. Tithing was before the law (Abraham), during the law, and after the law. But aren't we to give as God has prospered us--- well, what do you think tithing is if not percentage giving. The more God gives you the more you tithe. I knew a man who said he made too much money to tithe. He couldn't afford to tithe because he made too much money! A tithe, the starting place by the way- not the ending place, is 10 cents on the dollar whether you make $10, $100 or $1,000,000. Jesus didn't say they were wrong for titihing. He said, "Yes, you should have done that but you ought to have done these things too!"
2. WE OUGHT JUDGE RIGHTLY [John 7:24]
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. Judging by appearance is wrong and so is judging motives [Mt. 7:1] but we can judge actions and words by the Word of God! Is abortion wrong? What saith the Scripture? Is capital punishment wrong? What saith the Scripture?
3. WE OUGHT BE MERCIFUL [Matthew 5:7]
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Luke 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Luke 10:37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
4. WE OUGHT HAVE FAITH [Romans 10:17]
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
1) Saving faith - Eph. 2:8-9
2) Securing faith - Mk. 11:20-26
3) Living faith - Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
4) Strong faith - Romans 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
5) Standing faith - 1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
6) Shielding faith - Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
7) Sacrificing, serving faith - Philippians 2:17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
8)Steadfast, establishing faith - Colossians 2:5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
Colossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein ° with thanksgiving.
9) Working faith - 1 Thessalonians 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
10) Growing faith - 2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
QUOTES OF THE WEEK!
Memorable quotes
The ultimate reason to serve God - BECAUSE HE IS GOD! - Evangelist Tim Thompson
Nobody gets by with sin! - Evangelist Robert L. Sumner
God's men are always a puzzle to God's enemies. - Sumner
------------------------------------------------------------
Foolish quote
The snowman is, of course, white and invariably male....[His] ritual location in the semi-public space of garden or field imaginatively reinforces a spatial social system, marking women’s proper sphere as the domestic-private and men’s as the commercial-public....It presents an image, however jocular, of a masculine control of public space. - University of Birmingham (UK) art historian Tricia Cusack
-------------------------------------
Childish quotes
I only know the names of two angels. Hark and Harold. -- Gregory, 5
Everybody's got it all wrong. Angels don't wear halos anymore. I forget why but scientists are working on it. -- Olive, 9
It's not easy to become an angel! First, you die. Then you go to heaven, then there's still the flight training to go through. And then you got to agree to wear those angel clothes. -- Matthew, 9 [People don't become angels. This kid's been listening to too many adults who don't know their Bible - Rick, 51]
Angels work for God and watch over kids when God has to go do something else. Mitchell, 7
My guardian angel helps me with math, but he's not much good for science. --Henry, 8
Angels don't eat, but they drink milk from Holy Cows. -- Jack, 6
Angels talk all the way while they're flying you up to heaven. The main subject is where you went wrong before you got dead. -- Daniel, 9
When an angel gets mad, he takes a deep breath and counts to ten. And when he lets out his breath, somewhere there's a tornado. -- Reagan, 10
Angels have a lot to do and they keep very busy. If you lose a tooth, an angel comes in through your window and leaves money under your pillow. Then when it gets cold, angels go north for the winter. -- Sara, 6
Angels live in cloud houses made by God and his son, who's a very good carpenter. -- Jared , 8
All angels are girls because they gotta wear dresses and boys didn't go for it. -- Antonio, 9
My angel is my grandma who died last year. She got a big head start on helping me while she was still down here on earth. -- Katelynn, 9
Some of the angels are in charge of helping heal sick animals and pets. And if they don't make the animals get better, they help the child get over it. -- Vicki, 8
What I don't get about angels is why, when someone is in love, they shoot arrows at them. --Tommy, 8
Angels help God sort out all the messages he gets every Sunday morning. ---Phil, 9
The ultimate reason to serve God - BECAUSE HE IS GOD! - Evangelist Tim Thompson
Nobody gets by with sin! - Evangelist Robert L. Sumner
God's men are always a puzzle to God's enemies. - Sumner
------------------------------------------------------------
Foolish quote
The snowman is, of course, white and invariably male....[His] ritual location in the semi-public space of garden or field imaginatively reinforces a spatial social system, marking women’s proper sphere as the domestic-private and men’s as the commercial-public....It presents an image, however jocular, of a masculine control of public space. - University of Birmingham (UK) art historian Tricia Cusack
-------------------------------------
Childish quotes
I only know the names of two angels. Hark and Harold. -- Gregory, 5
Everybody's got it all wrong. Angels don't wear halos anymore. I forget why but scientists are working on it. -- Olive, 9
It's not easy to become an angel! First, you die. Then you go to heaven, then there's still the flight training to go through. And then you got to agree to wear those angel clothes. -- Matthew, 9 [People don't become angels. This kid's been listening to too many adults who don't know their Bible - Rick, 51]
Angels work for God and watch over kids when God has to go do something else. Mitchell, 7
My guardian angel helps me with math, but he's not much good for science. --Henry, 8
Angels don't eat, but they drink milk from Holy Cows. -- Jack, 6
Angels talk all the way while they're flying you up to heaven. The main subject is where you went wrong before you got dead. -- Daniel, 9
When an angel gets mad, he takes a deep breath and counts to ten. And when he lets out his breath, somewhere there's a tornado. -- Reagan, 10
Angels have a lot to do and they keep very busy. If you lose a tooth, an angel comes in through your window and leaves money under your pillow. Then when it gets cold, angels go north for the winter. -- Sara, 6
Angels live in cloud houses made by God and his son, who's a very good carpenter. -- Jared , 8
All angels are girls because they gotta wear dresses and boys didn't go for it. -- Antonio, 9
My angel is my grandma who died last year. She got a big head start on helping me while she was still down here on earth. -- Katelynn, 9
Some of the angels are in charge of helping heal sick animals and pets. And if they don't make the animals get better, they help the child get over it. -- Vicki, 8
What I don't get about angels is why, when someone is in love, they shoot arrows at them. --Tommy, 8
Angels help God sort out all the messages he gets every Sunday morning. ---Phil, 9
Monday, February 18, 2008
PERKS OF BEING OVER 50
The Great Sandini sent me this one!
If you're not over 50, this is what you have to look forward to.
1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.
2. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.
3. No one expects you to run--anywhere.
4. People call at 9 pm and ask, "Did I wake you???"
5. People no longer view you
as a hypochondriac.
6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.
7. Things you buy now won't wear out.
8. You can eat dinner at 4 pm.
9. You can live without romance but not your glasses.
10. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.
11. You no longer think of speed limits as challenge.
12. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room.
13. You sing along with elevator music.
14. Your eyes won't get much worse.
15. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.
16. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather
service.
17. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.
18 Your supply of brain cells is finally down to a manageable size.
19. You can't remember who sent you this list!
And you notice these are
all in Big Print for your convenience.
You should send this to anyone you can remember!
If you're not over 50, this is what you have to look forward to.
1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.
2. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.
3. No one expects you to run--anywhere.
4. People call at 9 pm and ask, "Did I wake you???"
5. People no longer view you
as a hypochondriac.
6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.
7. Things you buy now won't wear out.
8. You can eat dinner at 4 pm.
9. You can live without romance but not your glasses.
10. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.
11. You no longer think of speed limits as challenge.
12. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room.
13. You sing along with elevator music.
14. Your eyes won't get much worse.
15. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.
16. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather
service.
17. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.
18 Your supply of brain cells is finally down to a manageable size.
19. You can't remember who sent you this list!
And you notice these are
all in Big Print for your convenience.
You should send this to anyone you can remember!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
True Learning
"And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them" (Deuteronomy 5:1).
In a day when more people are going to school than ever before in history, it is important to learn the best subjects. "Learn not the way of the heathen" is God's command (Jeremiah 10:2).
Most important of all is to learn the word of God, as our text states; and then to obey it, once we have learned it. "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:4). Obedience to what we learn in Scripture, of course, means learning many other things from the Scriptures.
"Learn to do well" is one example (Isaiah 1:17), and "learn to maintain good works" (Titus 3:14) is another. These do not come naturally, so they must be learned!
Perhaps even more difficult, but still vitally important, is the lesson Paul had to learn. "I have learned," he said, "in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Philippians 4:11). Even Christ, the incarnate Creator, had lessons that could only be learned by becoming man. "Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered" (Hebrews 5:8). And we, in turn must learn from Him. "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me," He said (that is, "learn from me"), "and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matthew 11:29).
The very first mention of learning in the Bible, however, is vitally important. "I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children" (Deuteronomy 4:10). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
February 17, 2008
In a day when more people are going to school than ever before in history, it is important to learn the best subjects. "Learn not the way of the heathen" is God's command (Jeremiah 10:2).
Most important of all is to learn the word of God, as our text states; and then to obey it, once we have learned it. "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:4). Obedience to what we learn in Scripture, of course, means learning many other things from the Scriptures.
"Learn to do well" is one example (Isaiah 1:17), and "learn to maintain good works" (Titus 3:14) is another. These do not come naturally, so they must be learned!
Perhaps even more difficult, but still vitally important, is the lesson Paul had to learn. "I have learned," he said, "in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Philippians 4:11). Even Christ, the incarnate Creator, had lessons that could only be learned by becoming man. "Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered" (Hebrews 5:8). And we, in turn must learn from Him. "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me," He said (that is, "learn from me"), "and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matthew 11:29).
The very first mention of learning in the Bible, however, is vitally important. "I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children" (Deuteronomy 4:10). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
February 17, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Is science impossible without evolution?
Some evolutionists have argued that science isn’t possible without evolution. They teach that science and technology actually require the principles of molecules-to-man evolution in order to work. They claim that those who hold to a biblical creation worldview are in danger of not being able to understand science!
Critical thinkers will realize that these kinds of arguments are quite ironic because evolution is actually contrary to the principles of science. That is, if evolution were true, the concept of science would not make sense. Science actually requires a biblical creation framework in order to be possible.
Science presupposes that the universe is logical and orderly and that it obeys mathematical laws that are consistent over time and space. Even though conditions in different regions of space and eras of time are quite diverse, there is nonetheless an underlying uniformity.
Scientists are able to make predictions only because there is uniformity as a result of God’s sovereign and consistent power. Scientific experimentation would be pointless without uniformity; we would get a different result every time we performed an identical experiment, destroying the very possibility of scientific knowledge.
Evolutionists are able to do science only because they are inconsistent. They accept biblical principles such as uniformity, while simultaneously denying the Bible from which those principles are derived.
Read the entire article: Evolution: The Anti-science.
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.
http://pastorjax.blogspot.com For a dose of Starke Reality stop by for a visit!
Critical thinkers will realize that these kinds of arguments are quite ironic because evolution is actually contrary to the principles of science. That is, if evolution were true, the concept of science would not make sense. Science actually requires a biblical creation framework in order to be possible.
Science presupposes that the universe is logical and orderly and that it obeys mathematical laws that are consistent over time and space. Even though conditions in different regions of space and eras of time are quite diverse, there is nonetheless an underlying uniformity.
Scientists are able to make predictions only because there is uniformity as a result of God’s sovereign and consistent power. Scientific experimentation would be pointless without uniformity; we would get a different result every time we performed an identical experiment, destroying the very possibility of scientific knowledge.
Evolutionists are able to do science only because they are inconsistent. They accept biblical principles such as uniformity, while simultaneously denying the Bible from which those principles are derived.
Read the entire article: Evolution: The Anti-science.
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.
http://pastorjax.blogspot.com For a dose of Starke Reality stop by for a visit!
Friday, February 15, 2008
WHO ARE YOU LISTENING TO?
It may be bad grammar but it's a fair question. I was talking with another politically conservative person and found out that they were fairly despondent over the political scene. Their candidate dropped out of the race and they think the others aren't good enough. They have been listening to a lot of the conservative radio hosts and were just down on America's chances. They were even considering NOT voting!
I have voted in every election since I registered to vote the day I turned 18. I am now 51 and have never, to my memory, missed national, state, county or city elections. I count it my responsibility to vote and believe God does too! If you're not part of the process you're part of the problem. I am a conservative Christian- morally, spiritually, politically, theologically and any other "allys" you can think of. I don't listen to a lot of the conservative talking heads though I probably agree with most of what they say (way too many commercials for my taste) BUT I am optimistic not pessimistic about America and the world! Why? Partially because of what I listen to!
I listen to good Christian music, good fundamental messages, or the Word of God- the Bible on CDs. I don't have my trust in the Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Libertarians, etc. ... my trust is in the Lord! The Bible says "put not your trust in princes" and "Have faith in God!" And so I do. I participate as I have already mentioned but "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills. My help cometh from the Lord!"
Who are you listening to? "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God!"
I have voted in every election since I registered to vote the day I turned 18. I am now 51 and have never, to my memory, missed national, state, county or city elections. I count it my responsibility to vote and believe God does too! If you're not part of the process you're part of the problem. I am a conservative Christian- morally, spiritually, politically, theologically and any other "allys" you can think of. I don't listen to a lot of the conservative talking heads though I probably agree with most of what they say (way too many commercials for my taste) BUT I am optimistic not pessimistic about America and the world! Why? Partially because of what I listen to!
I listen to good Christian music, good fundamental messages, or the Word of God- the Bible on CDs. I don't have my trust in the Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Libertarians, etc. ... my trust is in the Lord! The Bible says "put not your trust in princes" and "Have faith in God!" And so I do. I participate as I have already mentioned but "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills. My help cometh from the Lord!"
Who are you listening to? "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God!"
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Asking in Jesus' Name
"And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son" (John 14:13).
In the Gospel of John there are at least six promises that, if we pray in Jesus' name, God in Christ will answer our prayer. The first is in our text, which promises that God the Father may be glorified in God the Son. Note also the equivalent promises in John 14:14; 15:16; 16:23,24,26.
Such promises seem almost too comprehensive and unconditional to be understood literally. The key, however, is the significance of the phrase, "in my name." This obviously means more than simply beginning or ending our prayer with this or some similar phrase.
[I have taught this since the 1970s when I was taught the truth by the late John R. Rice. Though I have had many not want to believe it- none could argue away the truth of the Scripture in favor of their biased belief that it was to just tack on the phrase at the end of a prayer. It never bothered them that they didn't get it and thus could NOT have been praying "in Jesus' Name". -Rick]
In the first place, we must recognize that it is only through Jesus Christ our mediator that we dare enter the presence of the omnipotent God at all. "No man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6), He said. That being true, it also implies that our prayer must be in agreement with what Christ Himself would pray. No Christian should ask for something he knows to be against God's will. "If we ask any thing according to His will . . . we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him" (I John 5:14,15).
When we come to the Father in Christ's name, we are in a very real sense representing Him. Therefore, we must come with clean hands and motives worthy of the One in whose name we profess to come. Unconfessed, unrepented sin would surely misrepresent Him, and we could hardly speak in His name in such a case. Finally, acknowledging His power and promise, we must come believing, not doubting His word, if we come in His name.
Then, not only is the Father glorified, as says our text, but we shall rejoice. "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it you. . . . ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full" (John 16:23,24). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
In the Gospel of John there are at least six promises that, if we pray in Jesus' name, God in Christ will answer our prayer. The first is in our text, which promises that God the Father may be glorified in God the Son. Note also the equivalent promises in John 14:14; 15:16; 16:23,24,26.
Such promises seem almost too comprehensive and unconditional to be understood literally. The key, however, is the significance of the phrase, "in my name." This obviously means more than simply beginning or ending our prayer with this or some similar phrase.
[I have taught this since the 1970s when I was taught the truth by the late John R. Rice. Though I have had many not want to believe it- none could argue away the truth of the Scripture in favor of their biased belief that it was to just tack on the phrase at the end of a prayer. It never bothered them that they didn't get it and thus could NOT have been praying "in Jesus' Name". -Rick]
In the first place, we must recognize that it is only through Jesus Christ our mediator that we dare enter the presence of the omnipotent God at all. "No man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6), He said. That being true, it also implies that our prayer must be in agreement with what Christ Himself would pray. No Christian should ask for something he knows to be against God's will. "If we ask any thing according to His will . . . we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him" (I John 5:14,15).
When we come to the Father in Christ's name, we are in a very real sense representing Him. Therefore, we must come with clean hands and motives worthy of the One in whose name we profess to come. Unconfessed, unrepented sin would surely misrepresent Him, and we could hardly speak in His name in such a case. Finally, acknowledging His power and promise, we must come believing, not doubting His word, if we come in His name.
Then, not only is the Father glorified, as says our text, but we shall rejoice. "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it you. . . . ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full" (John 16:23,24). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
“DIFFERENT KINDS OF KISSES”
In honor of Valentines Day I give you:
DIFFERENT KINDS OF KISSES
Song of Solomon 1:2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.
by Pastor John M. Keeter
Fellowship Baptist Church
Williamston , NC
www.fellowshipbaptistwilliamston.com
[edited and adapted for this blog by Rick Jackson]
A Kiss is MORE than just a kiss!
"A kiss is the babies right, the lovers privilege & the hypocrites mask!"
"To the young girl FAITH……The married woman HOPE…..Old maid CHARITY!"
However you look at it, one thing is sure, kissing is a pleasant reminder that two heads are better than one!
Popular culture has a lot to say about kisses. Radio airwaves are filled with songs about them, but the kiss is not strictly the domain of youngsters and songsters.
A Kiss is an EXPRESSION of AFFECTION---EVIDENCE of EMOTION between two people!
The world has TAINTED and PAINTED a kiss out to be casual and careless.
But there are SPIRITUAL as well as PHYSICAL realities!!!
There’s a regular KALEDIOSCOPE of KISSES in the CANON of SCRIPTURE!
A scriptural study of the word "kiss" in scripture yields surprising results.
I. The FOND Kiss of AFFECTION - A KISS OF DESIRE
Someone has said, “You've got to kiss a lot of FROGS before you find a prince”
This is NOT a scriptural principle-in fact- it is the opposite!
Should be reserved for and returned by only the right one!
* BTW…….Many get married stop kissing each other, and start kissing another!
Your children should see you kiss…..they see the wrong kinds of kisses all the time on TV and in the media.
II. The Figurative Kiss of ATONEMENT - A KISS OF DELIVERANCE
Ps. 85:10 - Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
How does such a meeting take place? It happens in Christ!
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. -John 1:17
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: -Romans 5:1
Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
III. The Forgiving Kiss of Acceptance - A KISS OF DELIGHT
Luke 15:20 - And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him."
The love of the prodigal's father is a picture of the love of our Heavenly Father.
The prodigal expected rebuke and reprisals from his father. But what he got from his father was a kiss, compassion, and joy that he had returned.
You may be a great way off, but He is ready to run toward you if you will but take that first step. If you are a Christian who is out of the will of God, arise, and come to your Father. The blessings will be immeasurable.
IV. The Family Kiss of Assembly - A KISS OF DEDICATION
1 Corinthians 16:20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
Romans 16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
2 Corinthians 13:12 Greet one another with an holy kiss.
1 Thessalonians 5:26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
There was obviously a lot of kissing going on in the early churches, which is foreign to us to day.
-In France and other countries men kiss each other on the cheek.
-In most Arab countries, men greet one another with a kiss on both sides of the face.
-In Hawaii, a circle of flowers, is placed around the neck and then a cheek kiss is given.
The holy kiss was not immoral or impure, but the result of real, God-inspired love.
The "holy kiss" was like the modern day heartfelt handshake or a hug.
Culture changes but the Commandment to “Love one another” has not!
- the demand that Christians love one another is never outdated.
Platonic family love should STILL be seen!!!
V. The Famous Kiss of appreciation - A KISS OF DEVOTION
Luke 7:37-38 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner... brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
Simon the Pharisee had a problem with this "sinful" woman.
SHE was THANKFUL……
VI. The FAKE Kiss of APOSTACY - A KISS OF DECEPTION
Luke 22:47-48 And while he was yet speaking, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near to Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said to him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
Judas KISSED the DOOR of HEAVEN and went to HELL!
People today…* KISS the TRUTH GOODBYE ….and KISS UP to the WORLD!
Jesus let him know the irony of the situation, that He had been betrayed by a kiss, a sign of fidelity, love and affection. Prov. 27:6 - Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Prov 7 warns of the wicked woman’s kissing….her enticement to evil ….being like a Cobras charm.
VII. The Farewell Kiss of ADIOS - A KISS OF DEPARTURE
Acts 20:36-38 -And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
A kiss goodbye isn’t ever easy! Whether in DEATH or DUTY we have to cut connections
Thank God farewells are never final for believers! Goodbye at the grave will be a hello in Heaven!
VIII. THE FABULOUS KISS OF ACCEPTANCE - A KISS OF DELIVERANCE
Psa. 2 "Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him."
IX. THE FOOLISH KISS OF ARROGANCE - A KISS OF DEGRADATION
Hosea 13:1-2 When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died. And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.
X. THE FAITHFUL KISS OF ABSTINENCE - A KISS OF DEDICATION
I King 19:18 -Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
[These last 2 were adapted from a "Brother Van." I don't have any more information on him at this time. - Rick]
DIFFERENT KINDS OF KISSES
Song of Solomon 1:2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.
by Pastor John M. Keeter
Fellowship Baptist Church
Williamston , NC
www.fellowshipbaptistwilliamston.com
[edited and adapted for this blog by Rick Jackson]
A Kiss is MORE than just a kiss!
"A kiss is the babies right, the lovers privilege & the hypocrites mask!"
"To the young girl FAITH……The married woman HOPE…..Old maid CHARITY!"
However you look at it, one thing is sure, kissing is a pleasant reminder that two heads are better than one!
Popular culture has a lot to say about kisses. Radio airwaves are filled with songs about them, but the kiss is not strictly the domain of youngsters and songsters.
A Kiss is an EXPRESSION of AFFECTION---EVIDENCE of EMOTION between two people!
The world has TAINTED and PAINTED a kiss out to be casual and careless.
But there are SPIRITUAL as well as PHYSICAL realities!!!
There’s a regular KALEDIOSCOPE of KISSES in the CANON of SCRIPTURE!
A scriptural study of the word "kiss" in scripture yields surprising results.
I. The FOND Kiss of AFFECTION - A KISS OF DESIRE
Someone has said, “You've got to kiss a lot of FROGS before you find a prince”
This is NOT a scriptural principle-in fact- it is the opposite!
Should be reserved for and returned by only the right one!
* BTW…….Many get married stop kissing each other, and start kissing another!
Your children should see you kiss…..they see the wrong kinds of kisses all the time on TV and in the media.
II. The Figurative Kiss of ATONEMENT - A KISS OF DELIVERANCE
Ps. 85:10 - Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
How does such a meeting take place? It happens in Christ!
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. -John 1:17
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: -Romans 5:1
Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
III. The Forgiving Kiss of Acceptance - A KISS OF DELIGHT
Luke 15:20 - And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him."
The love of the prodigal's father is a picture of the love of our Heavenly Father.
The prodigal expected rebuke and reprisals from his father. But what he got from his father was a kiss, compassion, and joy that he had returned.
You may be a great way off, but He is ready to run toward you if you will but take that first step. If you are a Christian who is out of the will of God, arise, and come to your Father. The blessings will be immeasurable.
IV. The Family Kiss of Assembly - A KISS OF DEDICATION
1 Corinthians 16:20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
Romans 16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
2 Corinthians 13:12 Greet one another with an holy kiss.
1 Thessalonians 5:26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
There was obviously a lot of kissing going on in the early churches, which is foreign to us to day.
-In France and other countries men kiss each other on the cheek.
-In most Arab countries, men greet one another with a kiss on both sides of the face.
-In Hawaii, a circle of flowers, is placed around the neck and then a cheek kiss is given.
The holy kiss was not immoral or impure, but the result of real, God-inspired love.
The "holy kiss" was like the modern day heartfelt handshake or a hug.
Culture changes but the Commandment to “Love one another” has not!
- the demand that Christians love one another is never outdated.
Platonic family love should STILL be seen!!!
V. The Famous Kiss of appreciation - A KISS OF DEVOTION
Luke 7:37-38 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner... brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
Simon the Pharisee had a problem with this "sinful" woman.
SHE was THANKFUL……
VI. The FAKE Kiss of APOSTACY - A KISS OF DECEPTION
Luke 22:47-48 And while he was yet speaking, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near to Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said to him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
Judas KISSED the DOOR of HEAVEN and went to HELL!
People today…* KISS the TRUTH GOODBYE ….and KISS UP to the WORLD!
Jesus let him know the irony of the situation, that He had been betrayed by a kiss, a sign of fidelity, love and affection. Prov. 27:6 - Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Prov 7 warns of the wicked woman’s kissing….her enticement to evil ….being like a Cobras charm.
VII. The Farewell Kiss of ADIOS - A KISS OF DEPARTURE
Acts 20:36-38 -And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
A kiss goodbye isn’t ever easy! Whether in DEATH or DUTY we have to cut connections
Thank God farewells are never final for believers! Goodbye at the grave will be a hello in Heaven!
VIII. THE FABULOUS KISS OF ACCEPTANCE - A KISS OF DELIVERANCE
Psa. 2 "Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him."
IX. THE FOOLISH KISS OF ARROGANCE - A KISS OF DEGRADATION
Hosea 13:1-2 When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died. And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.
X. THE FAITHFUL KISS OF ABSTINENCE - A KISS OF DEDICATION
I King 19:18 -Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
[These last 2 were adapted from a "Brother Van." I don't have any more information on him at this time. - Rick]
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
IT'S NICE TO BE RIGHT
Most women understand that we men like to be right. We're not always right (especially when it comes to women) but we do enjoy being right. Maybe that's why we love sports so much. When two teams are playing we have a 50% chance of being right about the outcome! But there are things more important than sports! There, I said it! The skeleton is out of the closet. But wait, before I go very far on this fascinating subject I must add... that's not the subject of this blog.
Dr. Lee Roberson used to say, "Critics are a dime a dozen. Any fool can criticize." Some time back I had a man nit-picking everything he could about me so he could justify leaving the church. One of the things he criticized was my propensity to send birthday and anniversary cards out late. He made the statement, "If I couldn't send them out on time, I wouldn't send them at all." (Which by the way is what he does- he doesn't send them out at all.) I said, "No, I disagree. The fact that I am willing to send out cards late (I do get some out on time and I am working on this flaw) shows the person I care enough to put myself on the line and that even though I didn't get it out in time- I did get it out." Of course, he disagreed. He did eventually leave the church as was his perogative.
What's my point? I caught up on my cards and letters recently and yes, some of them were late. One late card was to a missionary our church supports. As is my custom, I apologized for the lateness of the card and assured him of our prayers and support. Today, I got the nicest thank you note from said missionary. He wrote:
Thank you very much for taking the time to write personal notes to us. We are astounded that you'd take such a vital and precious and limited resource and spend it on us. We surely don't feel worthy, yet we are very grateful.
For most of the past year I've been buried by the work and correspondence has suffered. Please don't think we are at all unthankful.
When I read that I recalled the conversation with Mr. Picky that I referenced before. Wow, if I was a lesser man I'd call him up and say "Nyah, nyah, nyah." As it is I think I'll just say, sometimes it's nice to be right.
Please realize much of this blog was written tongue-in-cheek though the facts are true. The names were changed to protect the picky.
Remember, it's nice to be important but it's more important to be nice!
Nyah!
Dr. Lee Roberson used to say, "Critics are a dime a dozen. Any fool can criticize." Some time back I had a man nit-picking everything he could about me so he could justify leaving the church. One of the things he criticized was my propensity to send birthday and anniversary cards out late. He made the statement, "If I couldn't send them out on time, I wouldn't send them at all." (Which by the way is what he does- he doesn't send them out at all.) I said, "No, I disagree. The fact that I am willing to send out cards late (I do get some out on time and I am working on this flaw) shows the person I care enough to put myself on the line and that even though I didn't get it out in time- I did get it out." Of course, he disagreed. He did eventually leave the church as was his perogative.
What's my point? I caught up on my cards and letters recently and yes, some of them were late. One late card was to a missionary our church supports. As is my custom, I apologized for the lateness of the card and assured him of our prayers and support. Today, I got the nicest thank you note from said missionary. He wrote:
Thank you very much for taking the time to write personal notes to us. We are astounded that you'd take such a vital and precious and limited resource and spend it on us. We surely don't feel worthy, yet we are very grateful.
For most of the past year I've been buried by the work and correspondence has suffered. Please don't think we are at all unthankful.
When I read that I recalled the conversation with Mr. Picky that I referenced before. Wow, if I was a lesser man I'd call him up and say "Nyah, nyah, nyah." As it is I think I'll just say, sometimes it's nice to be right.
Please realize much of this blog was written tongue-in-cheek though the facts are true. The names were changed to protect the picky.
Remember, it's nice to be important but it's more important to be nice!
Nyah!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Ye Which Are Spiritual
"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted" (Galatians 6:1).
According to the New Testament, there are two broad categories of Christian believers, carnal and spiritual--that is, those whose actions and decisions are mainly governed by the "flesh" and those who normally are governed by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Paul noted this fact when he wrote to the bickering Christians in the church at Corinth. "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ" (I Corinthians 3:1).
Even though true believers can behave carnally, the fact that they are "babes in Christ" confirms that they are "in Christ." They just need to grow up, as it were, into spiritual maturity through partaking of both the milk and the meat of the Scriptures. Note I Peter 2:2 ("desire the sincere milk of the word") and Hebrews 5:14 ("strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age") for the God-given principle of Christian growth.
But our text also has a warning for spiritual Christians! When confronted with the fact of a "fault" (that is, literally, a willful sin) in the life of a Christian brother, we must remember that our own spirituality does not guarantee that we ourselves are immune from sin. We must be careful to help rather than to condemn such a weak brother because we still can "also be tempted," even though we usually try diligently to obey God's word and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
It is vital, the apostle reminds us, that "ye which are spiritual" maintain a true "spirit of meekness" in our interactions with fellow believers, as well as with the unsaved. HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH http://www.icr.org/
February 11, 2008
According to the New Testament, there are two broad categories of Christian believers, carnal and spiritual--that is, those whose actions and decisions are mainly governed by the "flesh" and those who normally are governed by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Paul noted this fact when he wrote to the bickering Christians in the church at Corinth. "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ" (I Corinthians 3:1).
Even though true believers can behave carnally, the fact that they are "babes in Christ" confirms that they are "in Christ." They just need to grow up, as it were, into spiritual maturity through partaking of both the milk and the meat of the Scriptures. Note I Peter 2:2 ("desire the sincere milk of the word") and Hebrews 5:14 ("strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age") for the God-given principle of Christian growth.
But our text also has a warning for spiritual Christians! When confronted with the fact of a "fault" (that is, literally, a willful sin) in the life of a Christian brother, we must remember that our own spirituality does not guarantee that we ourselves are immune from sin. We must be careful to help rather than to condemn such a weak brother because we still can "also be tempted," even though we usually try diligently to obey God's word and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
It is vital, the apostle reminds us, that "ye which are spiritual" maintain a true "spirit of meekness" in our interactions with fellow believers, as well as with the unsaved. HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH http://www.icr.org/
February 11, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
FROM SERVICE TO SADNESS - THE LIFE OF ISAAC
Genesis 26
Pastor Rick Jackson
The story of Isaac is not necessarily a pretty one. Overshadowed by his father, his youngest son, and his next to the youngest grandson Isaac doesn't really stand out but on occasion. He lived longer than Abraham, Jacob or Joseph but he seemed to live less. He never committed what we would consider great sins but he never exemplified the victorious Christian life except for a few instances. When he submitted to Abraham, when he prayed for his wife to bear children, when he had blessed his sons and saw the hand of God even in the midst of his wife's coniving. What happened? Look first at:
I. THE SLIDE OF A BELIEVER [v. 1-10]
1. TURNING TO THE WORLD [v. 1]
2. TEMPTED TO LEAVE THE KNOWN WILL OF GOD [v. 2]
3. TIMID ABOUT FOLLOWING THE PATTERN HIS FATHER SET [v. 3-5]
4. TAKING HIS FATHER'S FAILURE A STEP FURTHER [v. 6-7]
5. THINKING OTHERS WEREN'T OPEN TO RIGHTEOUSNESS [v. 8-10]
II. THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD [v. 11-13]
1. GOD BLESSED HIM INDIRECTLY [v. 11]
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. GOD BLESSED HIM DIRECTLY [v. 12]
3. GOD BLESSED HIM UNDESERVEDLY [v. 12-13] 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:
Psalm 103:8-14 The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep [his anger] for everHe hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, [so] great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, [so] far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth [his] children, [so] the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we [are] dust.
III. THE FRIENDSHIP OF THE WORLD [v. 14-35]
1. DOESN'T LAST [v. 14-16] Lot learned that the hard way.
John 15:18-24 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.
2. DOESN'T BEHAVE [v. 17-21]
3. DOESN'T COMPARE [v. 22-25]
4. DOESN'T COMPREHEND [v. 26-33]
Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
5. DOESN'T COME CHEAPLY [v. 34-35]
Pastor Rick Jackson
The story of Isaac is not necessarily a pretty one. Overshadowed by his father, his youngest son, and his next to the youngest grandson Isaac doesn't really stand out but on occasion. He lived longer than Abraham, Jacob or Joseph but he seemed to live less. He never committed what we would consider great sins but he never exemplified the victorious Christian life except for a few instances. When he submitted to Abraham, when he prayed for his wife to bear children, when he had blessed his sons and saw the hand of God even in the midst of his wife's coniving. What happened? Look first at:
I. THE SLIDE OF A BELIEVER [v. 1-10]
1. TURNING TO THE WORLD [v. 1]
2. TEMPTED TO LEAVE THE KNOWN WILL OF GOD [v. 2]
3. TIMID ABOUT FOLLOWING THE PATTERN HIS FATHER SET [v. 3-5]
4. TAKING HIS FATHER'S FAILURE A STEP FURTHER [v. 6-7]
5. THINKING OTHERS WEREN'T OPEN TO RIGHTEOUSNESS [v. 8-10]
II. THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD [v. 11-13]
1. GOD BLESSED HIM INDIRECTLY [v. 11]
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. GOD BLESSED HIM DIRECTLY [v. 12]
3. GOD BLESSED HIM UNDESERVEDLY [v. 12-13] 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:
Psalm 103:8-14 The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep [his anger] for everHe hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, [so] great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, [so] far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth [his] children, [so] the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we [are] dust.
III. THE FRIENDSHIP OF THE WORLD [v. 14-35]
1. DOESN'T LAST [v. 14-16] Lot learned that the hard way.
John 15:18-24 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.
2. DOESN'T BEHAVE [v. 17-21]
3. DOESN'T COMPARE [v. 22-25]
4. DOESN'T COMPREHEND [v. 26-33]
Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
5. DOESN'T COME CHEAPLY [v. 34-35]
WHAT DO YOU VALUE?
James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
Pastor Rick Jackson
What is it that you value? Years ago I was staying for the summer with my brother. He had a two car garge and in one side was his vehicle and on the other side was his new riding lawnmower. I asked him one day, without attitude, why my car was left out in the weather and his lawnmower was sitting in the garage. He replied simply and without sarcasm, "Because the lawnmower is worth more than your car!" That made perfect sense to me. It was a used car but a new riding lawnmower and the mower actually cost more than the car, and was more likely to be damaged by the weather as well.
Your vehicle is probably worth more than a bike. But your house is worth more than your vehicle (not always). But then your family is worth more than your house. If you were in the Sahara water would be more precious than a million dollars and if you were in space air would be worth more than a billion dollars! So, it is sometimes hard to decide what is precious.
Our text teaches that food is precious. Obviously if you were starving you would trade a diamond for an apple. What are some things we should consider as precious? The word "precious" (timios) here is used less than 15 times in the New Testament. What does God tell is precious?
1. A GOOD NAME
Acts 5:34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
Proverbs 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
2. A GOOD MARRIAGE
Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
3. THE SAVIOUR'S BLOOD
1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
4. THE WORD OF GOD
2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Psalm 19:9-11 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward
5. FAITH IN CHRIST
1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
6. HEARTFELT SERVICE FOR CHRIST
1 Corinthians 3:11-14 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
7. HEAVEN
Revelation 21:11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
Revelation 21:19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
Pastor Rick Jackson
What is it that you value? Years ago I was staying for the summer with my brother. He had a two car garge and in one side was his vehicle and on the other side was his new riding lawnmower. I asked him one day, without attitude, why my car was left out in the weather and his lawnmower was sitting in the garage. He replied simply and without sarcasm, "Because the lawnmower is worth more than your car!" That made perfect sense to me. It was a used car but a new riding lawnmower and the mower actually cost more than the car, and was more likely to be damaged by the weather as well.
Your vehicle is probably worth more than a bike. But your house is worth more than your vehicle (not always). But then your family is worth more than your house. If you were in the Sahara water would be more precious than a million dollars and if you were in space air would be worth more than a billion dollars! So, it is sometimes hard to decide what is precious.
Our text teaches that food is precious. Obviously if you were starving you would trade a diamond for an apple. What are some things we should consider as precious? The word "precious" (timios) here is used less than 15 times in the New Testament. What does God tell is precious?
1. A GOOD NAME
Acts 5:34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
Proverbs 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
2. A GOOD MARRIAGE
Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
3. THE SAVIOUR'S BLOOD
1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
4. THE WORD OF GOD
2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Psalm 19:9-11 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward
5. FAITH IN CHRIST
1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
6. HEARTFELT SERVICE FOR CHRIST
1 Corinthians 3:11-14 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
7. HEAVEN
Revelation 21:11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
Revelation 21:19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
Saturday, February 09, 2008
QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Do Creationists Reject Science?
by Peter Galling, AiG–U.S. [the links may not work, if that is the case go to the Answers In Genesis website using the link in the upper left and use their search engine. This information came from them anyway. -Rick]
Anyone familiar with the creation/evolution debate should know that anti-creationists love to lob the accusation that creationists are “anti-science” or that they “reject science.” Evolutionists frequently label creationists “flat-earthers” and even go as far as suggesting that consistent creationists should deny the law of gravity!
What’s more, these assertions are sometimes made with the implication (or outright allegation) that creationists are openly anti-science.1 So, for those who haven’t already made up their minds before hearing us out—or reading what we’ve written many times on this website—are we truly against science? Not at all! Answers in Genesis (like other creationist groups) affirms and supports the teaching and use of scientific methodology, and we believe this supports the biblical account of origins. So why all the disagreement?
Starting Points
Much of the problem stems from the different starting points of creationists and Darwinists. Everyone, scientist or not, must start their quests for knowledge with some unprovable axiom—some a priori belief on which they sort through experience and deduce other truths. This starting point, whatever it is, can only be accepted by faith; eventually, in each belief system, there must be some unprovable, presupposed foundation for reasoning (since an infinite regression is impossible).
For Bible-believing Christians, God’s Word is our starting point: our presupposed foundation through which we interpret and balance fallen man’s ideas, including those derived scientifically. Although some may consider this a foolish faith, everyone has such faith in something. But which is foolish: faith in the unmovable Word of the omniscient creator God or faith in man’s fallible, changing ideas?
Two Kinds of Science
Also causing confusion is the simple distinction some try to make between “faith” and “science.” Answers in Genesis believes this dichotomy is in error, because some form of faith (in a religion) is required to believe in creation or evolution. Both creation and evolution make claims about an unrepeatable past that was not observed by humans. This is distinctly different from normal science, which is a methodological system governing directly observed, repeatable results (such as laboratory experiments). Take a look at the difference between this type of science, called “operational” science, and its counterpart, “origins” science, which requires extrapolation beyond the presently available data—in other words, faith in a story about the unobserved past.
Operations science
Based on: the senses (assuming they are reliable)
Use: experiments
Deals with: the present
Results in: repeatable conclusions, technology
Origins science
Based on: assumptions about the past
Use: extrapolation
Deals with: the past
Results in: unrepeatable stories about the past
Operations science is used by millions of scientists worldwide, who perform experiments and tests that result in discoveries about the world around us and new technologies. A perfect example would be the work of scientist-monk Gregor Mendel, father of genetics. His meticulous operations science involved careful cross-breeding of various pea plants, along with copious notes on the combinations and results. His years of work led to our knowledge of how genes work in the present, and have led to significant scientific advancements.
On the other hand, examine the origins science of Charles Darwin (and others like him). Darwin made observations, yes; he then borrowed the already-existing idea of natural selection and mixed it with a view he assumed was true (based on his rejection of the Bible): uniformitarianism. Thus, by combining observations, scientific ideas, and anti-God philosophy, Darwin published a speculation on how all of life could have descended from a common ancestor.
Although Mendel had presuppositions about how created things would behave, based on biblical ideas, his work was borne of observations + careful, repeated experimentation + testable conclusions. Mendel produced hypotheses whose predictions could be tested. Darwin’s work was the result of observations + philosophical presuppositions + speculation. Darwin produced a story about a past that could neither be observed nor tested experimentally.
Thus, Answers in Genesis argues that evolutionary ideas are origins science, not operational science; evolution is, itself, a religious worldview, just as creation is part of a religious worldview, which affects how scientists do origins science. It is impossible to escape the presuppositions that give rise to one’s theory on origins. Those who portray evolutionism as solid science (contrasting it with [construed as blind] “faith” in creationism) ignore the fact that scientific data must be interpreted through a worldview.
As for operations science, creationists are staunch supporters of it. Furthermore, we believe that the basic principles required for operations science are specifically biblical (that is, operations science requires belief in a understandable universe, in the ability to discover truth, and in the consistent workings of nature). See The Creationist Basis for Modern Science and The biblical origins of science for more on this topic.
Another way our opponents attempt to mislead the public is by claiming that no scientists accept the Bible’s account of creation. But once again, this claim is far from the truth. There are many PhD scientists alive today who accept biblical creation, and many famous scientists of the past accepted the Bible’s account as well. Visit Creation scientists and other biographies of interest to read about some of these individuals and articles about how creation scientists are discriminated against. Answers in Genesis itself employs several PhD scientists, including (for example) Ivy League-educated, award-winning anatomist Dr. David Menton.
The allegations that creationists reject, dislike, or hamper science are all flat-out wrong and/or deceptive. They distract from the real issue and lead to misunderstandings about the nature of (and philosophical assumptions behind) origins science, produce errant stereotypes of creationists, foster close-mindedness and discrimination against creationism, and cause people to forget the biblical basis for science. Creationists are strong supporters of science—but not of naturalistic philosophy masquerading as science.
What about the classroom?
Another of the popular caricatures of creationists in general is of the “book burner” who wants to remove all vestiges of evolution from the public schools. In fact, we are often accused of wanting to force the teaching of creation and suppress all disagreement. However, this is certainly not the case. The classroom is exactly where the evolutionary model should be taught. In fact, we believe that when students are taught evolution—with all its flaws—they are better equipped to understand the bias each scientist carries and better able to understand the differences between operational and origins science. After all, students will encounter Darwinism when they turn on the TV or go through a museum, etc.; it’s important that they understand the theory and the faith behind it.
We are also against mandating the teaching of creation in public schools (although a fair treatment of the issue would be ideal). After all, staunch evolutionists, in particular, may be unlikely to accurately present the creation view if they are forced to discuss both sides. We want students to hear the truth of God’s Word and how science shows a young earth and a global Flood, but forcing someone to teach what they do not accept may be counterproductive. Although creationist teachers have been forced to exclude the Bible from science classes for years and, in many cases, cannot even question the evolutionary paradigm without fear of losing their jobs; we are not asking for the reverse from evolutionists. A searching student should be able to find ample information on the creationist worldview from their churches, parents, or reputable creationist websites. There is a special section, in fact, on AnswerInGenesis.org for students.
We believe that the evidence, when speaking for itself, attests to the faith required to assemble a viewpoint on origins. When students have access to both sides of the argument, we have no doubt they will see that evolution, like creation, is a position supportable only through faith. When they see that many of the “evidences” for evolution are simply suppositions, they will understand that only God can give an eye-witness account. And, as we know from science, first-hand experience is much more reliable than just-so stories.
For more information:
Evolution & creation, science & religion, facts & bias
A look at some myths about scientists
Naturalism, Origin and Operation Science
Evolution Is Religion—Not Science (ICR Impact article)
Q&A: Science
Footnotes
For example, in a widely circulated 2006 Associated Press article, Dylan Lovan wrote, “That [dinosaurs lived with man], of course, is contradicted by science, but that’s the point of [our $27 million] Creation Museum rising fast in rural Kentucky.” We opined then that such inaccuracy could “[give] many readers the false impression that we wholeheartedly agree that our views contradict science—and are spending millions of supporter donations to show it! In fact, Mr. Lovan’s article makes it sound as though we may have signs around the museum that say, ‘Everything you see here, of course, is contradicted by science!’”
Anyone familiar with the creation/evolution debate should know that anti-creationists love to lob the accusation that creationists are “anti-science” or that they “reject science.” Evolutionists frequently label creationists “flat-earthers” and even go as far as suggesting that consistent creationists should deny the law of gravity!
What’s more, these assertions are sometimes made with the implication (or outright allegation) that creationists are openly anti-science.1 So, for those who haven’t already made up their minds before hearing us out—or reading what we’ve written many times on this website—are we truly against science? Not at all! Answers in Genesis (like other creationist groups) affirms and supports the teaching and use of scientific methodology, and we believe this supports the biblical account of origins. So why all the disagreement?
Starting Points
Much of the problem stems from the different starting points of creationists and Darwinists. Everyone, scientist or not, must start their quests for knowledge with some unprovable axiom—some a priori belief on which they sort through experience and deduce other truths. This starting point, whatever it is, can only be accepted by faith; eventually, in each belief system, there must be some unprovable, presupposed foundation for reasoning (since an infinite regression is impossible).
For Bible-believing Christians, God’s Word is our starting point: our presupposed foundation through which we interpret and balance fallen man’s ideas, including those derived scientifically. Although some may consider this a foolish faith, everyone has such faith in something. But which is foolish: faith in the unmovable Word of the omniscient creator God or faith in man’s fallible, changing ideas?
Two Kinds of Science
Also causing confusion is the simple distinction some try to make between “faith” and “science.” Answers in Genesis believes this dichotomy is in error, because some form of faith (in a religion) is required to believe in creation or evolution. Both creation and evolution make claims about an unrepeatable past that was not observed by humans. This is distinctly different from normal science, which is a methodological system governing directly observed, repeatable results (such as laboratory experiments). Take a look at the difference between this type of science, called “operational” science, and its counterpart, “origins” science, which requires extrapolation beyond the presently available data—in other words, faith in a story about the unobserved past.
Operations science
Based on: the senses (assuming they are reliable)
Use: experiments
Deals with: the present
Results in: repeatable conclusions, technology
Origins science
Based on: assumptions about the past
Use: extrapolation
Deals with: the past
Results in: unrepeatable stories about the past
Operations science is used by millions of scientists worldwide, who perform experiments and tests that result in discoveries about the world around us and new technologies. A perfect example would be the work of scientist-monk Gregor Mendel, father of genetics. His meticulous operations science involved careful cross-breeding of various pea plants, along with copious notes on the combinations and results. His years of work led to our knowledge of how genes work in the present, and have led to significant scientific advancements.
On the other hand, examine the origins science of Charles Darwin (and others like him). Darwin made observations, yes; he then borrowed the already-existing idea of natural selection and mixed it with a view he assumed was true (based on his rejection of the Bible): uniformitarianism. Thus, by combining observations, scientific ideas, and anti-God philosophy, Darwin published a speculation on how all of life could have descended from a common ancestor.
Although Mendel had presuppositions about how created things would behave, based on biblical ideas, his work was borne of observations + careful, repeated experimentation + testable conclusions. Mendel produced hypotheses whose predictions could be tested. Darwin’s work was the result of observations + philosophical presuppositions + speculation. Darwin produced a story about a past that could neither be observed nor tested experimentally.
Thus, Answers in Genesis argues that evolutionary ideas are origins science, not operational science; evolution is, itself, a religious worldview, just as creation is part of a religious worldview, which affects how scientists do origins science. It is impossible to escape the presuppositions that give rise to one’s theory on origins. Those who portray evolutionism as solid science (contrasting it with [construed as blind] “faith” in creationism) ignore the fact that scientific data must be interpreted through a worldview.
As for operations science, creationists are staunch supporters of it. Furthermore, we believe that the basic principles required for operations science are specifically biblical (that is, operations science requires belief in a understandable universe, in the ability to discover truth, and in the consistent workings of nature). See The Creationist Basis for Modern Science and The biblical origins of science for more on this topic.
Another way our opponents attempt to mislead the public is by claiming that no scientists accept the Bible’s account of creation. But once again, this claim is far from the truth. There are many PhD scientists alive today who accept biblical creation, and many famous scientists of the past accepted the Bible’s account as well. Visit Creation scientists and other biographies of interest to read about some of these individuals and articles about how creation scientists are discriminated against. Answers in Genesis itself employs several PhD scientists, including (for example) Ivy League-educated, award-winning anatomist Dr. David Menton.
The allegations that creationists reject, dislike, or hamper science are all flat-out wrong and/or deceptive. They distract from the real issue and lead to misunderstandings about the nature of (and philosophical assumptions behind) origins science, produce errant stereotypes of creationists, foster close-mindedness and discrimination against creationism, and cause people to forget the biblical basis for science. Creationists are strong supporters of science—but not of naturalistic philosophy masquerading as science.
What about the classroom?
Another of the popular caricatures of creationists in general is of the “book burner” who wants to remove all vestiges of evolution from the public schools. In fact, we are often accused of wanting to force the teaching of creation and suppress all disagreement. However, this is certainly not the case. The classroom is exactly where the evolutionary model should be taught. In fact, we believe that when students are taught evolution—with all its flaws—they are better equipped to understand the bias each scientist carries and better able to understand the differences between operational and origins science. After all, students will encounter Darwinism when they turn on the TV or go through a museum, etc.; it’s important that they understand the theory and the faith behind it.
We are also against mandating the teaching of creation in public schools (although a fair treatment of the issue would be ideal). After all, staunch evolutionists, in particular, may be unlikely to accurately present the creation view if they are forced to discuss both sides. We want students to hear the truth of God’s Word and how science shows a young earth and a global Flood, but forcing someone to teach what they do not accept may be counterproductive. Although creationist teachers have been forced to exclude the Bible from science classes for years and, in many cases, cannot even question the evolutionary paradigm without fear of losing their jobs; we are not asking for the reverse from evolutionists. A searching student should be able to find ample information on the creationist worldview from their churches, parents, or reputable creationist websites. There is a special section, in fact, on AnswerInGenesis.org for students.
We believe that the evidence, when speaking for itself, attests to the faith required to assemble a viewpoint on origins. When students have access to both sides of the argument, we have no doubt they will see that evolution, like creation, is a position supportable only through faith. When they see that many of the “evidences” for evolution are simply suppositions, they will understand that only God can give an eye-witness account. And, as we know from science, first-hand experience is much more reliable than just-so stories.
For more information:
Evolution & creation, science & religion, facts & bias
A look at some myths about scientists
Naturalism, Origin and Operation Science
Evolution Is Religion—Not Science (ICR Impact article)
Q&A: Science
Footnotes
For example, in a widely circulated 2006 Associated Press article, Dylan Lovan wrote, “That [dinosaurs lived with man], of course, is contradicted by science, but that’s the point of [our $27 million] Creation Museum rising fast in rural Kentucky.” We opined then that such inaccuracy could “[give] many readers the false impression that we wholeheartedly agree that our views contradict science—and are spending millions of supporter donations to show it! In fact, Mr. Lovan’s article makes it sound as though we may have signs around the museum that say, ‘Everything you see here, of course, is contradicted by science!’”
Friday, February 08, 2008
CHURCH CATS
Johnny's mother looked out the window and noticed him "playing church" with their three kittens. He had the kittens sitting in a row, and he was preaching to them.
She smiled and went about her work. A while later she heard loud meowing and hissing and ran to the bathroom and saw Johnny baptizing the kittens in the tub. She said, "Johnny, stop that! Those kittens are afraid of water!" Johnny looked up at her and said, "They should have thought about that before they joined my church."
She smiled and went about her work. A while later she heard loud meowing and hissing and ran to the bathroom and saw Johnny baptizing the kittens in the tub. She said, "Johnny, stop that! Those kittens are afraid of water!" Johnny looked up at her and said, "They should have thought about that before they joined my church."
Thursday, February 07, 2008
It Is Enough
"And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die" (Genesis 45:28).
When someone exclaims, "It is enough," either a requirement has been satisfied, or a need has been fulfilled, or a limit has been reached. This phrase occurs seven times in the Old Testament (two different Hebrew words), and three times in the New (each a different Greek word).
In its first occurrence (in our text), Jacob is overcome with thankful emotion at the news that his beloved son, long given up for dead, is still alive. For a very different reason, Pharaoh later cried: "Entreat the LORD (for it is enough) that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail" (Exodus 9:28).
"It is enough: stay now thine hand" (II Samuel 24:16; I Chronicles 21:15). This command of God to the death angel stopped the destruction of Israel following David’s sin of numbering his people. Later, when Elijah thought he could bear no more, "he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough" (I Kings 19:4).
On the other hand, "There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough: The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough" (Proverbs 30:15,16).
In the New Testament, Jesus said: "It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord" (Matthew 10:25). As the time of His arrest was drawing near, He told His disciples: "It is enough, the hour is come" (Mark 14:41). When they produced two swords, "He said unto them, It is enough" (Luke 22:38).
There obviously are many types of circumstances which can lead one to cry: "Enough!" But "in the ages to come," there will never be an end to "the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:7). We can never get enough of God! HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
February 7, 2008
When someone exclaims, "It is enough," either a requirement has been satisfied, or a need has been fulfilled, or a limit has been reached. This phrase occurs seven times in the Old Testament (two different Hebrew words), and three times in the New (each a different Greek word).
In its first occurrence (in our text), Jacob is overcome with thankful emotion at the news that his beloved son, long given up for dead, is still alive. For a very different reason, Pharaoh later cried: "Entreat the LORD (for it is enough) that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail" (Exodus 9:28).
"It is enough: stay now thine hand" (II Samuel 24:16; I Chronicles 21:15). This command of God to the death angel stopped the destruction of Israel following David’s sin of numbering his people. Later, when Elijah thought he could bear no more, "he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough" (I Kings 19:4).
On the other hand, "There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough: The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough" (Proverbs 30:15,16).
In the New Testament, Jesus said: "It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord" (Matthew 10:25). As the time of His arrest was drawing near, He told His disciples: "It is enough, the hour is come" (Mark 14:41). When they produced two swords, "He said unto them, It is enough" (Luke 22:38).
There obviously are many types of circumstances which can lead one to cry: "Enough!" But "in the ages to come," there will never be an end to "the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:7). We can never get enough of God! HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
February 7, 2008
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
REMEMBER THEM
HEBREWS 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
Pastor Rick Jackson
The United States is a nation that is given to remember. Generally when we say "remember" we mean that we should recall, and not forget, a past event. Rallying cries like "Remember the Alamo!", "Remember the Maine!", & "Remember Pearl Harbor" have stirred the blood of Americans for over 175 years. The Word of God tells us in Heb. 13:3 not to remember a past event, but a present reality. For almost 2000 years Christians have been persecuted all over the world and that is certainly still true today.
Indeed we use it the same way sometimes. "Remeber to look both ways before crossing the street." "Remember, I before E except after C." So God says, "Remember Them!"
I. REMEMBER THEM THAT ARE IN BONDS!
1. REMEMBER THEM PURPOSEFULLY! [13:3, 16] - COMMUNICATE!
Galatians 6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
Philippians 4:14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
1 Timothy 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
2. REMEMBER THEM PRAYERFULLY! [13:3] COMMUNE!
Genesis 18:27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:
Exodus 25:22 And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.
3. REMEMBER THEM PROVIDENTIALLY! [13:3] COMMANDED!
II. "AS BOUND WITH THEM"
1. THEY ARE PART OF THE BRETHREN! [10:19, 13:22]
B.A.S.I.C. - brothers and sisters in chains
Acts 15:36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
2 Corinthians 8:23 Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
2. THEY ARE PART OF THE BODY! [13:3]
III. "AND THEM WHICH SUFFER ADVERSITY" Adversity carries with it the idea of maltreatment:--which suffer adversity, torment (but in this case not bondage)
1. THERE IS MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SUFFER [11:25, 37]
2. THERE IS MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SUPPORT
Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
Hebrews 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
Pastor Rick Jackson
The United States is a nation that is given to remember. Generally when we say "remember" we mean that we should recall, and not forget, a past event. Rallying cries like "Remember the Alamo!", "Remember the Maine!", & "Remember Pearl Harbor" have stirred the blood of Americans for over 175 years. The Word of God tells us in Heb. 13:3 not to remember a past event, but a present reality. For almost 2000 years Christians have been persecuted all over the world and that is certainly still true today.
Indeed we use it the same way sometimes. "Remeber to look both ways before crossing the street." "Remember, I before E except after C." So God says, "Remember Them!"
I. REMEMBER THEM THAT ARE IN BONDS!
1. REMEMBER THEM PURPOSEFULLY! [13:3, 16] - COMMUNICATE!
Galatians 6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
Philippians 4:14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
1 Timothy 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
2. REMEMBER THEM PRAYERFULLY! [13:3] COMMUNE!
Genesis 18:27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:
Exodus 25:22 And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.
3. REMEMBER THEM PROVIDENTIALLY! [13:3] COMMANDED!
II. "AS BOUND WITH THEM"
1. THEY ARE PART OF THE BRETHREN! [10:19, 13:22]
B.A.S.I.C. - brothers and sisters in chains
Acts 15:36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
2 Corinthians 8:23 Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
2. THEY ARE PART OF THE BODY! [13:3]
III. "AND THEM WHICH SUFFER ADVERSITY" Adversity carries with it the idea of maltreatment:--which suffer adversity, torment (but in this case not bondage)
1. THERE IS MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SUFFER [11:25, 37]
2. THERE IS MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SUPPORT
Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
Hebrews 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Give Thanks
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (I Thessalonians 5:18).
In everything give thanks? What about when we lose our jobs, or when we get sued for an accident, or when we are laid up with a long illness, or when a loved one dies? It is easy enough to give mental assent to this command, as long as things are going smoothly, but it becomes one of the most challenging passages in the Bible when deep adversity surrounds us.
But it is in the Bible! Furthermore, there are many other passages to the same effect. For example: "Be filled with the Spirit; . . . Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:18,20). And how about this? "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice" (Philippians 4:4).
How can one "glory in tribulations"? (Romans 5:3). There is only one way, of course, and that is by faith, following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5).
No matter what trials we must endure, we will never have to suffer as He did when He, "for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame" (Hebrews 12:2). Likewise, we can "reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18). "Our light affliction" endures only "for a moment" in light of eternity (II Corinthians 4:17).
It is only by faith that "we know that all things work together for good to them that love God" (Romans 8:28). But that faith is in the infinite God who loves us with an everlasting love. Therefore, we must "look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen" (II Corinthians 4:18), and continue to thank and praise God. HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.orgFebruary 5, 2008
In everything give thanks? What about when we lose our jobs, or when we get sued for an accident, or when we are laid up with a long illness, or when a loved one dies? It is easy enough to give mental assent to this command, as long as things are going smoothly, but it becomes one of the most challenging passages in the Bible when deep adversity surrounds us.
But it is in the Bible! Furthermore, there are many other passages to the same effect. For example: "Be filled with the Spirit; . . . Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:18,20). And how about this? "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice" (Philippians 4:4).
How can one "glory in tribulations"? (Romans 5:3). There is only one way, of course, and that is by faith, following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5).
No matter what trials we must endure, we will never have to suffer as He did when He, "for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame" (Hebrews 12:2). Likewise, we can "reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18). "Our light affliction" endures only "for a moment" in light of eternity (II Corinthians 4:17).
It is only by faith that "we know that all things work together for good to them that love God" (Romans 8:28). But that faith is in the infinite God who loves us with an everlasting love. Therefore, we must "look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen" (II Corinthians 4:18), and continue to thank and praise God. HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.orgFebruary 5, 2008
Monday, February 04, 2008
Thine, O Lord
"Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all" (I Chronicles 29:11).
This is one of the great doxologies of Scripture, originally a part of King David's prayer at the time of Solomon's coronation as his successor. Although David and Solomon were the greatest kings of Israel, and two of the greatest kings in the world of their age, David rightly acknowledged that the Lord Himself was the true King, not only of Israel, but of all heaven and earth. He is head, the supreme ruler, over all.
This is the first occurrence in Scripture of the great testimony of worship: "Thine is the kingdom." In the modern world, however, there are relatively few who acknowledge Him as King of Creation. Except for a small minority, most people believe that the universe has evolved, and man is king.
But David's prayer will be echoed again in the great prayer of the cherubim: "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created" (Revelation 4:11). Then, soon afterwards, "the four and twenty elders" utter their prayer: "We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty . . . because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned" (Revelation 11:16,17).
Someday, every knee will bow and every tongue shall confess Him as King of kings and Lord of lords. "Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion. . . . Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. . . . Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him" (Psalm 2:6,10,12). In that day, "there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him" (Revelation 22:3). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
February 4, 2008
This is one of the great doxologies of Scripture, originally a part of King David's prayer at the time of Solomon's coronation as his successor. Although David and Solomon were the greatest kings of Israel, and two of the greatest kings in the world of their age, David rightly acknowledged that the Lord Himself was the true King, not only of Israel, but of all heaven and earth. He is head, the supreme ruler, over all.
This is the first occurrence in Scripture of the great testimony of worship: "Thine is the kingdom." In the modern world, however, there are relatively few who acknowledge Him as King of Creation. Except for a small minority, most people believe that the universe has evolved, and man is king.
But David's prayer will be echoed again in the great prayer of the cherubim: "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created" (Revelation 4:11). Then, soon afterwards, "the four and twenty elders" utter their prayer: "We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty . . . because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned" (Revelation 11:16,17).
Someday, every knee will bow and every tongue shall confess Him as King of kings and Lord of lords. "Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion. . . . Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. . . . Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him" (Psalm 2:6,10,12). In that day, "there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him" (Revelation 22:3). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
February 4, 2008
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