Aaron's Rod that budded

Sumner Wemp

Jun 30, 2008

Aaron's rod that budded

WOW Aaron's rod that budded was also to be put in the Ark as a testimony. Again we see another story of tragedy in the life of Israel in their wilderness wanderings, recorded in Numbers 16-17. The people were not satisfied with their leaders

"And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore than lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord" Num 16:3.

Does this sound familiar to some congregations today?

In the first place, Moses did not take this honor on himself'; God chose him. The congregation did not act very holy along the way, even though they thought they were holy. Because of their sin and rebellion, God did a most unusual thing to judge Korah and those who followed him.

The ground clave asunder that was under them: and the earth opened her mouth and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. They, and all that pertained to them, went down alive into the pit [hell], and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation vv. 31-33).

It is still a dangerous thing to rebel against God and His leaders!

To show the others who was to be the spiritual leader, God old them to take twelve rods and write the name of the twelve tribes of Israel on them, with Aaron's name on the one for the tribe of Levi. They were to lace them before the Ark overnight, and in the morning the owner of the rod that blossomed was to be the leader. When Moses went into the tabernacle of witness, "Behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds: (17:8). Here was God's seal on the one to be His leader and priest.

"And the Lord said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels" (v. 10).

So it was to be a sign for Israel for years to come of their rebellions and of God's seal on Aaron and his sons as priests of God. Ministers of God need the seal of a life-giving ministry and of souls being saved as they minister the Word of God.

All Because of Calvary ABC Sumner

“I would rather bring one sinner to Jesus Christ than unravel all the mysteries of the divine Word, for salvation is the one thing we are to live for.” – Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Go to www.sumnerwemp.com click on quotes for excellent encouragement and they provide an excellent devotional or sermon.

WOW. If I were a pastor I would preach this one.

Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath.

THE HARD KNOCKS FAMILY REUNION

GENESIS 46

Pastor Rick Jackson

We have been teaching on the various "schools" of "hard knocks" that Joseph attended and eventually how he educated his brothers but their father Jacob had a degree or two in hard knocks as well. Here we find a Hard Knocks Homecoming coupled with a family reunion where everybody is present!

I. THE STATE OF ISRAEL [v. 1-6]

Now we are not referring to the state of Israel in the sense of the country of Israel but rather the condition of Israel the man, his state of mind and soul. It was this type of state Paul had in mind in the book of Philippians
2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
2:20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

1. ISRAEL'S RESPONSE [45:28, 46:1]

Psalm 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Isaiah 58:14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

2. ISRAEL'S REMINDER [46:2-4, 28:10-15]

3. ISRAEL'S RECEPTION [46:5-6]

Acts 11:1 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
1 Thessalonians 4:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
2 Thessalonians 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

II. THE STOCK OF ISRAEL [v. 7-27]

1. THE CHILDREN OF LEAH [v. 7-15]

2. THE CHILDREN OF ZILPAH [v. 16-18]

3. THE CHILDREN OF RACHEL [v. 19-22]

4. THE CHILDREN OF BILHAH [v. 23-27]

III. THE SATISFACTION OF ISRAEL [v. 28-34]

Psalm 90:14 O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

1. THE RESTORATION OF TRUST [v. 28]

2. THE REUNION OF HEARTS [v. 29-30]

3. THE RESPECT OF AN EXPLANATION [v. 31-34]

IF YOU'RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT SAY "AMEN!"

Pastor Rick Jackson

1 Kings 8:54-66

Christians ought be the happiest, most glad people in all the earth. I realize we ought be joyful and that you can have joy when you can't have happiness but really we ought be happy most if not all the time!

Well, what have we got to be happy about? Brother Wayne's in the hospital again, my bunions are hurting, gas is $4 a gallon, the kids are fussy, it's hot outside and my sweetheart is upset with me. I've got one word for you...

"SO?"

So? That's right, so! Let's look in this section of Scripture and be reminded of a few things that ought make us happy.

1. I'M HAPPY THERE'S A GOD IN HEAVEN! [v. 54]

You know what? I have never seen a truly happy atheist. They are always upset because they see something that reminds them of the God they don't believe in! Isaiah 57:21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

2. I'M HAPPY THERE'S A GOD IN HEAVEN THAT FORGIVES THOSE THAT CALL UPON HIS NAME! [v. 33, 54, Romans 10:9-13 ]

Joel 2:32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered:

I'm so happy and here's the reason why
Jesus took my burden all away
Now I'm singing as the days go by
Jesus took my burden all away
Once my heart was heavy
With a load of sin
But Jesus took the load
And gave me peace within
Now I'm singing as the days go by
Jesus took my burden all away.

3. I'M HAPPY THERE IS A GOD IN HEAVEN THAT LISTENS TO MY PRAYERS! [v. 54]

Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

4. I'M HAPPY THERE IS A GOD IN HEAVEN WHO KEEPS HIS PROMISES! [v. 55-56a]

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.

5. I'M HAPPY THERE IS A GOD IN HEAVEN WHO GAVE US HIS WRITTEN WORD! [v. 56b]

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
3:15-16 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

6. I AM HAPPY THERE IS A GOD IN HEAVEN WHO WILL NOT FORSAKE HIS CHILDREN [v. 57]

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Where did He say that?

Deuteronomy 4:31 (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

7. I AM HAPPY THERE IS A GOD THAT MAINTAINS THE CAUSE OF HIS PEOPLE [v. 58-59]

Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. [Eph. 5]

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:

1 Timothy 1:16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
Hebrews 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

8. I'M HAPPY THERE IS A GOD WHO HAS A CAUSE FOR ALL PEOPLE! [v. 60]

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

9. I AM HAPPY THERE IS A GOD IN HEAVEN THAT ALLOWS US TO SERVE HIM! [v. 61-65]

Psalm 100:2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
John 13:16-17 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
1 Peter 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
1 Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

10. I AM HAPPY THERE IS A GOD IN HEAVEN THAT ALLOWS US TO COME TOGETHER TO WORSHIP HIM AND GO HOME HAPPY! [v. 66]

Psalm 26:8 LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.
Psalm 122:1 A Song of degrees of David. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
Hebrews 10:23-25 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Are there unicorns in the Bible?

Are there unicorns in the Bible?

Some people claim the Bible is a book of fairy tales because it mentions unicorns. However, the biblical unicorn was a real animal, not an imaginary creature. The Bible refers to the unicorn in the context of familiar animals, such as peacocks, lambs, lions, bullocks, goats, donkeys, horses, dogs, eagles, and calves (Job 39:9–12, KJV.) In Job 38–41, God reminded Job of the characteristics of a variety of impressive animals He had created, showing Job that God was far above man in power and strength.

Job had to be familiar with the animals on God’s list for the illustration to be effective. God points out in Job 39:9–12 that the unicorn, “whose strength is great,” is useless for agricultural work, refusing to serve man or “harrow (plow) the valley.” This visual aid gave Job a glimpse of God’s greatness. An imaginary fantasy animal would have defeated the purpose of God’s illustration.

Modern readers have trouble with the Bible’s unicorns because we forget that a single-horned feature is not uncommon on God’s menu for animal design. (Consider the rhinoceros and narwhal.) The Bible describes unicorns skipping like calves (Psalm 29:6), traveling like bullocks, and bleeding when they die (Isaiah 34:7). The presence of a very strong horn on this powerful, independent-minded creature is intended to make readers think of strength.

The absence of a unicorn in the modern world should not cause us to doubt its past existence. (Think of the dodo bird. It does not exist today, but we do not doubt that it existed in the past.). Eighteenth century reports from southern Africa described rock drawings and eyewitness accounts of fierce, single-horned, equine-like animals. One such report describes “a single horn, directly in front, about as long as one’s arm, and at the base about as thick . . . . [It] had a sharp point; it was not attached to the bone of the forehead, but fixed only in the skin.”

To read the rest, see Unicorns in the Bible?

News to Note Quick Look

Four legs and a fin: According to a much-ballyhooed report in Nature, scientists have found another fish-to-tetrapod “missing link.” Just don’t look at the fine print. Read more.

Finding a twin: Sooner or later, say some astronomers, we’ll run across an extrasolar planet so similar to our own planet that we’ll be able to call it “Earth’s twin.” Too bad we won’t be able to see it though. Read more.

Also: Neanderthal power tools, character assassination, the origin of sarcasm (seriously), and giving human rights to apes. 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.

Satan's Strategic Plan

"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." (2 Corinthians 11:3)

The magnificent book of Genesis sets the foundation for Scripture, revealing the "Roman numerals" upon which the rest of the Bible's message is built. Apart from the actual events of the creation week, the fall of Adam and Eve, and the subsequent horrific growth of sin and the awful judgment of the Flood, the gospel message would make little sense.

Paul's warning showcases the importance of Satan's strategy to ensnare humanity in the same trap. The Devil's tactics change with time and culture, but the strategy remains the same.
First, Satan always attempts to make us doubt the Word of God (Genesis 3:1). If we question the accuracy, the meaning, the authenticity, the historicity, or any other shade of "all scripture" (2 Timothy 3:16), then we begin edging onto a slippery slope that will only lead to the next stage.

Second, Satan always confronts the doubter with a denial of the Word of God (Genesis 3:4). When one begins to deny the authority, the capability, or the will of God to carry out His Word, the slide into the final phase is inevitable.

Third, Satan ultimately heaps denegration on the Person of God Himself (Genesis 3:5). Once one embraces the thought that the Word of God is not trustworthy and that God either will not or cannot do what He says, it absolutely follows that God is either a liar, a hypocrite, or a capricious and whimsical ogre.

May God protect us from the "wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11). HMM III

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INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH

www.icr.org

June 27, 2008

QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

The Word of God is the seed of the Church, the blood of martyrs acts as a fertilizer. - FAJ

What in the world do you plan to do for Heaven's sake? - Missionary Roy Ackerle

The Lord had the strength and I had the weakness so we just teamed up. - Vance Havner

If it doesn't matter in Eternity, then it really doesn't matter! - Unknown

I thought about many things but the most awesome, the most terrifying, the most shattering thought I've ever had is my personal accountability to God one day. - Daniel Webster

The time to stop temptation is the moment it rears its ugly head. - TA

Happy marriages must be worked at. - Sumner Wemp

God is most concerned about who we are, because who we are determines what we do. - Ken Harrell

Truth out of balance is heresy. - Steve Kreloff

To be almost saved is to be totally lost.

God grades on the cross, not the curve.

In the sentence of life, the devil may be a comma - but never let him be the period.

I've tried to lift France out of the mud. But she will return to her errors and vomitings. I can't prevent the French from being French. - Charles de Gaulle

THE GAMES PEOPLE PLAY

Proverbs 26:17-19 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. PEOPLE HAVE A TENDENCY TO PLAY GAMES

1. People are Religious [Jer. 2:26-29]

2. People Worship Things [Lk. 9:25]

3. People Worship Power [Jn. 11:48, III Jn. 9-10]

II. PEOPLE PLAY GAMES WITH SEVERE HANDICAPS

1. The Brashness of Adolescence [Eccl. 12:1]

2. The Busyness of Adulthood [Lk. 12:16-21]

3. The Blindness of Age [Mt. 18:3]

III. PEOPLE NEED TO REMEMBER TO PLAY BY THE RULES

1. God Sets the Rules [Romans 9:20]

Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? ° Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?

2. The Rules Abide [1 Peter 1:23]

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

3. The Rules Rule [2 Timothy 2:5]

And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

--------------

Proverbs 15:31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
John 8:35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
John 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing .
1 Corinthians 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
2 Timothy 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
Hebrews 7:3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever
1 John 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
1 John 2:14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
1 John 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

Stress

My cousin, the Great Sandini, sent me this one a year ago!

A lecturer when explaining stress management to an audience,raised a glass of water and asked"How heavy is this glass of water?"
Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g.

The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

He continued,"And that's the way it is with stress management.If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later,as the burden becomes increasingly heavy,we won't be able to carry on. "

"As with the glass of water,you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again.When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden."

"So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down.
Don't carry it home.
You can pick it up tomorrow.
Whatever burdens you're carrying now,let them down for a moment if you can.

"So, my friend, Put down anything that may be a burden to you right now.
Don't pick it up again until after you've rested a while.

Here are some great ways of dealing with the burdens of life:

* Accept that some days you're the pigeon,and some days you're the statue.

* Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.

* Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.

* Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.

* If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.

* If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply be kind to others.

* Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.

* Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.

* The second mouse gets the cheese.

* When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

* Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.

* You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.

* Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.

* We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.

*A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today...I did.

FRIENDS VS. SOUTHERN FRIENDS

My niece sent me this one some time back...

FRIENDS: Never ask for food.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Always bring the food.

FRIENDS: Will say "hello".
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will give you a big hug and a kiss.

FRIENDS: Call your parents Mr. and Mrs.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Call your parents Mom and Dad

FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Cry with you.

FRIENDS: Will eat at your dinner table and leave.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will spend hours there, talking, laughing, and justbeing together.

FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.

FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will kick the whole crowds' back-ends that left you.

FRIENDS: Are for a while.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Are for life.

FRIENDS: Might ignore this.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will share this.

THE PRESSURES OF LIFE (Part 3)

Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Pastor Rick Jackson

In the past few weeks we have been examining the pressures of life. We have seen some of them are self-inflicted, we have seen the world, the flesh and the devil take a hand in pressuring us. We have seen others pressure us. Sometimes the pressure comes from above. That's right, sometimes the pressures of life are from God. Now granted, when God pressures us it is for our good and His glory but the pressure is on nonetheless.

Job didn't know everything about the pressure he was under but he knew God would use it to help him be a better person.

Joseph said essentially the same thing when he declared to his brothers in Gn. 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

Pressure from God can come in many forms. One of the main forms for people, especially the lost, is in the area of:

I. CONVICTION

John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

1. Conviction of Sin [v. 9] Of sin, because they believe not on me;

2. Conviction of Righteousness [v. 10] Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

3. Conviction of Judgment [v. 11] Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

Here God brings the pressure but it's to bring about the salvation of the soul. Christians may find themselves under conviction to bring about a closer walk with the Lord. Which brings us to another area of pressure from the Lord and that is in the realm of:

II. CONTROL

Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

Galatians 5:16-17 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

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

It's not a matter of saying "I want to control my life". The only control we have is to decide who we are going to let control us, God or the world, the flesh, and the devil. Ultimately it's either God or the Devil. The pressure comes in making the choice.

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 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

Another area of pressure is when it comes time to show

III. COMPASSION

Compassion. It leaves us vulnerable, does it not, to show compassion?

Matthew 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Luke 10:33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

1 John 3:17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

Jude 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

Really then the pressure God puts upon us boils down to one thing doesn't it?

IV. CHOICES

1. Choose to Live by Trusting Christ!

2. Choose how to Live by Following Christ!

3. Choose to Die to Self by emulating Christ!

Do those three, and the pressure is basically off in every other area.

THE SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS REUNION

GENESIS 44-45

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE CREATIVE POP QUIZ [44:1-13]

1. The Material Caught Them Off Guard [44:1-6]

2. The Men Communicated Off Hand [44:7-9]

3. The Men Claimed the Offense [44:10-12]

They could have left without Benjamin but they "owned" the offense.

II. THE COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM [44:14-34]

1. A Golden Opportunity [44:14-17]

2. A Glorious Oration [44:18-32]

3. A Gracious Offer [44:33-34]

III. THE GRADUATION FESTIVITIES [45:1-28]

1. The Revelation & Testimony of Joseph [v. 1-8]

2. The Charge & Restoration by Joseph [v. 9-15]

3. The Riches & the Graciousness of God [v. 16-28]

Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

QUESTION OF THE WEEK!

Q: Were cavemen really primitive?

A: What comes into your mind when you hear the word cavemen? We have been so evolutionized that the majority of people immediately think of hairy, brutish men usually dressed in animal skins who carry a big club, which they use to attract (well, clobber) a wife. We also think of them making grunting noises to each other because they have not yet learned to speak properly. And sadly, the terms cavemen, primitive, and prehistoric tend to go together into the same sentence and then into our thought processes.

In contrast, when we hear the words the sixties, we usually think of the Beatles, the assassination of JFK, and the Apollo moon landings. Would you ever think there could be a connection with these two apparently different worlds?

In a place called Kinver, near Stourbridge in the center of England, some rock houses, now owned by the National Trust, are a fascinating place to visit. These caves were the basis for eleven separate houses for many years. The last inhabitant was forced to leave in 1967 due to legislation which prohibited dwellings that were devoid of electricity, sanitation, and running water. Reluctantly, these cavemen of the sixties left their caves for normal houses.

To see these modern day “cavemen” for yourself and to read more, visit Kinver Caveman on our site.

News to Note Quick Look

Evolution Overhaul: A bill on its way to the governor of Louisiana proposes the unthinkable: let students bring their critical thinking skills to bear on Darwin’s conjecture. As you can imagine, evolutionists aren’t happy. Read more.

A Trio of Super-Earths: None of them have been named Krypton, but astronomers have identified three “Super-Earths” in a star system 42 light-years from Earth. What is a “super-earth” anyway? Read more.

Just Add Life: “The odds are improving that life exists beyond Earth,” begins a ScienceNOW article, crediting the change to a study of a “billions-of-years-old” meteorite. But is there any substance behind the bravado? Read more.

Also: time-traveling apes, a dinosaur graveyard, old news on the appendix, the Creation Evolution Museum, and fighting fire with fire. 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.

The carrying of the Ark, a strong warning

Sumner Wemp

Jun 20, 2008

The carrying of the ark. A strong warning

Carrying the Ark is mentioned next: "And thou shalt put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them"(Ex. 25:14). The Ark, to be carried by Israel as they journeyed through the wilderness assured them of God's presence. Today we journey as pilgrims and strangers through the wilderness of this world; we also are assured of God's presence with us, for our bodies are "the temple of the Holy Spirit". The staves (v. 15) were never to be taken out as long as they were still traveling in the wilderness. So, as long as we are in the world we have the assurance that the Holy Spirit will abide with us (see Jn 14:16). When the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines (1 Sam. 4), Eli's daughter-in-law gave birth to a son and named him Ichabod, meaning "the glory is departed" (vv. 19-22). Because God plagued the Philistines so severely, they sent the Ark back to Israel, where it remained in the home of Abinadab in Kirjath-jearim. Many years later when David had established his throne in Jerusalem, he placed the Ark on an ox-drawn cart contrary to the instructions in Numbers 4, to take it up to Jerusalem (2 Sam. 6). During the journey, one of David's men was killed by the Lord when he touched the Ark to steady it. David, fearing the Lord's wrath would not take the Ark into Jerusalem; therefore, he put it in the house of Obed-edom. It remained there three months and Obed-edom and his household were blessed by God. Reassured, David had the ark carried up to Jerusalem by bearers, with sacrifices and great rejoicing

David was so overjoyed that he girded himself with a simple loincloth and danced in front of the procession. His first wife, Michal, was disgusted with him and berated him for his unkingly behavior. He told her that he was willing to humble himself even more in order to celebrate before the Lord, to whom he owed his position as king. It was the custom that at the head of any parade, usually a slave "danced" in honor of the one the procession was made. David humbled himself and danced before the Lord in honor of the God of Israel. As punishment for her scorn, Michal remained childless to the day of her death..

Today we need to yield to the Holy Spirit to do all that He urges us to do "before the Lord," and not be stopped by criticism or scoffing we receive. This is not at all to endorse wild fanaticism or disorderly behavior; but, as Vance Havner said, "Too many go to the ball games and act like a bunch of wild men and then come to church and sit like a bunch of wooden men." With a heart of love and devotion to the Lord Jesus, controlled and motivated by the Holy Spirit, we should so walk in the Spirit as to do even the unusual to the glory of God. "Whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God" 1 Cor. 10:31. ABC Sumner

YOU can "preach the Gospel to every person" Mk 16:15 through a good Gospel tract Call 1-877-872-2871 ask for "Sales" and order "Your Ticket to Heaven." Never have I seen the Lord use a tract so powerfully.

'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.' a 7 year old girl

www.sumnerwemp.com

The Father of Lights

"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." (James 1:17)

God, Himself, is both author and finisher of everything we have that is good. This, of course, is the testimony concerning His creation in the beginning, which was both "very good," and "finished" (Genesis 1:31, 2:1). The unique name "Father of lights" seems to suggest a remarkable scientific insight. Since light is the most basic form of energy, and yet is equivalent also to all other forms, and since literally everything in the physical universe is energy in some form, it is singularly appropriate to speak of the totality of all God's good and perfect gifts in creation as "lights." And, since all these energies are not now being created (only "conserved"), their original source can only be from the Father of lights!

There even seems to be a hint of both of the two great laws of science here: energy conservation as well as energy deterioration. The term "variableness," used only here, means literally transmutation." Just as God is immutable, the total amount of His created "lights" is conserved--neither created nor destroyed. The Second Law states that, in all energy conversions (that is, in everything that happens), the entropy of the universe increases. "Entropy" means "in-turning," coming from two Greek words, en and trope--the second of which is used in this verse. Entropy is a measure of disorganization, and its inexorable increase is a result of God's curse on the creation following man's rebellion. Thus, although the total energy of the universe is conserved (by the First Law), the available energy is decreasing (by the Second Law). Nevertheless, God Himself is not bound by this law which He has imposed, for a time, on His creation. With Him is not even a "shadow" of any "turning" (trope). God never changes, and His purposes can never be defeated! HMM

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INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org

June 19, 2008

QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

Ulcers are not caused by what you eat but (by) what's eating you. - Henry Hodges

Christianity without Judaism is like a building without a foundation. Judaism without Christianity is like a foundation without a building. - Jacob Gartenhaus

When I was saved I didn't become a converted Jew. I became a converted sinner, - and a completed Jew. - J.G.

Be sure to announce your subject and give your text so the people will have something to think about as you speak. - J.G.

I'll be here for awhile. The Bible says "the poor you have with you always." - J.G.

The perversion of prayer- you must be careful‏

Sumner Wemp 2008

sumnerwemp.com

The Perversion of Prayer

After God had given the prescription for prayer, He warned, "Ye shall offer no strange incense thereon" (Ex. 30:9). There was to be no perversion of the offering of the incense. Anything offered other than what God had prescribed was "strange incense," a perversion of what He had instructed. The word "strange" in Hebrew means "alien" or "foreign," so anything offered that was not in accordance with God's prerequisites was alien or foreign. Jesus warned, lest our prayers be as that of the hypocrites, that we should not pray to be seen or heard of men, and not to make vain repetitions as the heathen do. Those practices are "strange incense."

To read a prayer from a prayer book simply because we think it is pretty, when it has not become our own from our heart, is certainly strange incense not prescribed by God. Many times in churches people pray aloud with high-sounding phrases and cliches they have heard from others, and we become more conscious of what they are saying than to whom they are praying. Praying to be heard of men can easily become the strange incense we are warned not to offer.

What would a mother think if her little child came and read to her a flowery statement by someone else, as though it were her own request? The mother would rather have her come and just say what she wants, out of her heart in her own words. Whether flowery and high-sounding or not, this would be real and not foreign to her. The best way to pray is to come with open, bared hearts, sincerely before God, and simply make our requests known to Him. God is not so much concerned with the words and the way we express them as He is with the earnestness of our hearts and our coming in faith, believing. We need to be sure that our prayer is our own, from our heart, prescribed by God, ascending to Him. Any other prayer is strange incense forbidden by God.

Practical application: God asks us to "Pray the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into the harvest" "The harvest truly is plenteous but the laborers are few." Matt. 9:37, 38. Studies show that less than 5% of Christians ever lead a soul to Christ. The results? "But while men (Christians) slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat." America is drowning, with tares chocking out the wheat. America was founded on the Lord Jesus Christ and Christian principles. Now the tares, unbelievers, atheists, irreligious, godless and the likes are doing everything possible to rule out God, the Bible and Christianity. When have you heard prayed in your church on Sunday morning, "Send forth laborers." When have YOU prayed what God told us to pray, "Send forth laborers". Politicians can not change people. We can lead them to Christ and He can change them for "if any man be in Christ he is a new creature" 2 Cor. 5:17. We Christians are to blame and we MUST obey God and like Peter say, "At thy word, I will" Lk 5:5 and go fishing for men to change them, our nation and the world.. Make sense?

Misuse of the Bible

". . . his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." (2 Peter 3:16)

It is vitally important for every Christian to study and use the Scriptures, for they constitute our only real authority (note Matthew 5:18; John 10:35; 14:26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21; etc.). In doing this, however, it is just as important that we not misuse the Scriptures, for this can be almost as dangerous as ignoring them altogether.

Many people twist the Scriptures, seeking to make them fit some opinion of their own, hoping thereby to give a pseudo-biblical authority to their peculiar prejudices, instead of allowing the Lord to say what He means. Such distortion of Scripture has generated a plethora of cults and heresies--past and present. This was essentially Christ's view of the Pharisees: "in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matthew 15:9).

Similar--perhaps even worse--is claiming to receive new Scripture, or perhaps new (and authoritative) insight on existing Scripture. "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it" (Deuteronomy 4:2). "Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar" (Proverbs 30:6).

Cults and heretics distort and supplement the Scriptures, but still deadlier are the liberals who try to explain away the Scriptures. "If any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life" (Revelation 22:19). This act of distorting and then denying God's word ("Yea, hath God said. . . . Ye shall not surely die," Genesis 3:1, 4) was the very lie of Satan which brought sin into the world. No wonder the Bible warns so severely against it! HMM

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INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org

June 16, 2008

JOSEPH, PROFESSOR IN THE SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS

GENESIS 42-43

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. LESSONS NEEDED [42:1-24]

1. Jacob's Reality Revealed [v. 1-5]

2. Joseph's Responsibility Remembered [v. 6-9a]

3. Joseph's Reasoning Rewarded [v. 9b-24]

II. LESSONS TAUGHT [42:25-43:11a]

1. The Weight of Guilt [42:25-28]

2. The Weight of Faithlessness [42:29-36]

3. The Weight of Wisdom [42:37-43:11a]

Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

III. LESSONS LEARNED [43:11-34]

1. Judah & Israel (Jacob) exhibit growth [v. 11-15]

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

2. Joseph's Stewardship & Steward exhibit faith [v. 16-23]

1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

3. Compassion & Patience are exhibited by Joseph [v. 24-34]

Hebrews 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
James 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
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.
James 5:10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
James 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
2 Peter 1:6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

Q: Could people have lived for over 900 years?

A: Many people find it difficult to believe that Methuselah lived to be 969 years old. Nevertheless, the Bible teaches quite plainly that the early patriarchs often lived to be nearly 1,000 years old and even had children when they were several hundred years old! Similar claims of long life spans are found in the secular literature of several ancient cultures (including the Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, Indians, and Chinese). But even a life span of nearly 1,000 years is sadly abbreviated when we consider that God initially created us to live forever.

According to the Bible, God created the first humans—Adam and Eve—without sin and with the ability to live forever. God gave the first human couple everything they needed for their eternal health and happiness in the Garden of Eden; but He warned them not to eat fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil or they would die, as indeed would all their descendants after them (Genesis 2:16–17). When Satan’s deception prompted Eve to disobey this command and then Adam willfully disobeyed, their minds and bodies profoundly changed (Genesis 3). Not only did they become subject to death, but their firstborn child (Cain) became the world’s first murderer. Truly, the wages of sin is death, physically and spiritually. It is sobering to think that the Bible would have been only a few pages long—from creation to the fall into sin—were it not for the undeserved love of God who both promised and sent the Messiah to save us from sin and death (Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 25:8; Psalm 49:14–15; 1 John 5:13).

For 1,500 years after creation, men lived such long lives that most were either contemporaries of the first man, Adam, or personally knew someone who was! The ten patriarchs (excluding Enoch) who preceded the Great Flood lived an average of 912 years. Lamech died the youngest at the age of 777, and Methuselah lived to be the oldest at 969.

To read more about the extrabiblical and biological evidence for long life spans, see Did People Like Adam and Noah Really Live over 900 Years of Age?

News to Note Quick Look

Growing a new germ: Has E. coli evolved in front of our very eyes? A recent report in New Scientist claims that it has—and is a poke in the eye for creationists. But when we take a look at the facts, is this actually the case? Or is this another example of the emperor trying on new clothes? Read more.

Time before time: Physicists in the U.S. have claimed we may be able to detect time before time: what existed before the fabled big bang. Read more.

Also: a dinosaur-like battle, spotting a unicorn, fishing for monkeys, and the missing Scandinavians. Read more.

Meet a Zonkey

If you have never met a zonkey before—or have never heard of one—then we have a special treat for you. During your visit to our Creation Museum (near Cincinnati, Ohio), be sure that you leave time for the brand new Petting Zoo. There you’ll discover an exciting mix of unique animals, including a camel, llamas, goats, a zonkey, and a zorse.

What is a zonkey? Quite simply, a zonkey is a cross between a donkey and a zebra—a cross that demonstrates the species that have arisen from the original created kinds. In similar fashion, a zorse is a zebra–horse mix. Now’s your chance to see both up close.

Find out more:

Creation Museum

Zonkey, Zorse, and Camel Arrive!

This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.

"The greatest scam in history!"‏

While I think the title of this report is overly dramatic, global warming is one of the great scams of history.

+ + + MEDIA RESEARCH CENTER+ +MRC NEWS REPORT FOR DECEMBER 5, 2007+ +From the Desk of:Douglas Mills 12/5/2007

News organizations, threads and bloggers are all clamoring over Weather Channel founder John Coleman’s charge that the Global Warming craze is the "greatest scam in history." In an article appearing in ICECAP, Coleman took aim at Al Gore and called out politically motivated scientists who have teamed with extreme eco-environmentalists to manipulate data to"create an illusion of rapid global warming." The worst part, according to Coleman, is that "their ridiculous,manipulated science has been accepted as fact and become a cornerstone issue"--affecting conscientious citizens. One has to wonder if the charges levied by Coleman--a former ABC"Good Morning America" weatherman for seven years--will be responsibly addressed by the mainstream media. Read the full and fascinating NewsBusters.org report: http://www.mrcaction.org/r.asp?u=2368&rid=12940491

Daily Rules from God's Word

1. Wake Up!! Decide to have a good day. "Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up!! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!! For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up!!... To the Lord. "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Phillippians 4:13

6. Reach Up!!... For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up!!... Your Prayers. "Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6

8. Speak Up! ... Psalm 107:2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

All in a day. WOW, read what GOD did in a restaurant.

This was sent to me by Sumner Wemp on Jan 21, 2008. I don't know why I waited until today to post it. Maybe someone needs the encouragement now.

"All in a day" One day last week, Celeste and I went out to eat. The receptionist was very friendly and I gave her "Your ticket to heaven." She grabbed it and said, "Oh, I need that." I have heard the same statement scores of time. I always reply, "We all do. Just do what it says at the end of the tract from your heart."

When the waitress came and took our order, I gave her "Your Ticket to Heaven" tract. You should have seen her face. He eyes fill up and she said, "How did you know I needed that?" I told her, "I know we all need a ticket to heaven and asked her to be sure to read it and do what it says at the end from her heart. The restaurant was filled and they were very busy. She came back to the table and literally was sobbing she was so burdened.

A waiter stopped at our table and just said, "Hi". I gave him a Ticket to Heaven" tract and he saw it and blurted out, "Can I have another one to give my friend.

As we were leaving, the bar tender stepped out just ahead of us and smiled at me. I take such things as an invitation to get the gospel to him. I gave him a "Ticket to Heaven." He said, "Hey, I like that. I will read it".Then I told him, "Just do what it says at the end from your heart."

Celeste and I went back there today to eat. Teressa, the waitress, was at the point of tears today. I poured the gospel into her and she either got saved or assurance of her salvation today. The bar tender was "so glad" to see me today and he assured me he was saved but not where he ought to be.

People ask me, "how do you stay so fired up? Simple, just doing what you just read and seeing God work in people's lives. The harvest is plenteous. We Christians just aren't sowing enough seeds.

Join the 10,000 who get our brief encouraging and teaching Emails MWF. Write me at sumner@sumnerwemp.com. See our web site www.sumnerwemp.com for great motivation, encouragement and much more, then enter our free book drawing. Get our newest tract, "Your Ticket to Heaven" Call 1-877-827-2871 to order them. ABC Sumner

The quote of the month is by Jay Leno : 'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, 'Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'' AMEN AND AMEN.

Three Worldly Powers

"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." (1 John 2:16)

This well known passage identifies three fountainheads of ungodly power that will, if unchecked and unguarded, ensnare a believer into a sinful lifestyle.

Sensual power (lusts of the flesh) is a body-oriented and emotion-driven reaction to fleshly appetites that can never please God (Romans 8:8) and is in constant warfare with the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:17). We are told to "flee" these "youthful lusts" (2 Timothy 2:22) that are a "corruption" (2 Peter 1:4) of the "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14) God-designed human body.

Visual power (lusts of the eyes) is an intellect-oriented and imagination-driven stimulation of wishful thinking that will take control of behavior (Matthew 6:22-23) if not carefully curtailed (Job 31:1; 2 Peter 2:14). Although impacting men more than women, this kind of "lust" will "conceive" sin instead of merely reacting to it (James 1:13-15)

Personal power (the pride of life) is a self-oriented and ego-driven desire for dominance that has no ethic or limiting factor, other than the praise of men, not God (John 12:43). Such pride, dominated by the "natural mind" (1 Corinthians 2:14) and a "deceitful" heart (Jeremiah 17:9), spirals into a self-love that twists and distorts human behavior into a litany of ungodliness that loves pleasure rather than God (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

Giving in to these "worldly" powers may grant us pleasures for "a season" (Hebrews 11:25) but will surely make us an "enemy of God" (James 4:4). May our Lord Jesus grant that we stay armed against such "wiles" (Ephesians 6:11), covered and protected with the "whole armour of God" (Ephesians 6:13-17). HMM III

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INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org

June 10, 2008

QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

Prayer - Don't give God instructions - just report for duty! - Sumner Wemp

"You don't have to be listed in Who’s Who to know what’s what" READ THE WORD OF GOD EVERY DAY. You will know more truth than 90% of the world. -S.W.

Research is what I'm doing when I don't know what I'm doing. - Wernher Von Braun (scientist, creationist, 1912-1977)

We are not retreating. We are advancing in another direction. - General Douglas McArthur (1880-1964)

FINISHING THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS

GENESIS 41



Pastor Rick Jackson



I. HE HAD LEARNED TO ACCEPT GOD'S TIMING [v. 1-13]



Psalm 37:23-24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.



1. The Blessing of Trouble [v. 1-8a]



2. The Bankruptcy of Godless Religion & Education [v. 8]



3. The Behavior of a Repentant Servant [v. 9-13]



II. HE HAD LEARNED TO ACCENTUATE GOD'S PROVISION [v. 14-37]



1. He Prepared to Represent the Saviour [v. 14]



2. He Plainly Presented the Saviour as Soverign [v. 15-16]



3. He Patiently Presented the Saviour's Solution [v. 17-37]



III. HE LEARNED TO ACCLIMATE HIMSELF TO GOD'S COMMISSION [v. 38-57]



1. He was given a new position [v. 38-44]



Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.



2. He was given a new family [v. 45-52]



3. He was given a new outreach [v. 53-57]

THE PRESSURES OF LIFE (Part 2)

Last week we saw how pressure is sometimes self-inflicted. Even when we don't bring it on ourselves though pressure can be a constant.

I. SOME OTHER SOURCES OF PRESSURE [II Corinthians 11]

1. Other Christians [v. 1-2, 5-]

2. Satan [v. 3]

3. False Preachers [v. 4-15]

Note that the pressure can build and come from more than one source [v. 16-23]

4. Enemies of the true faith [v. 24-25a]

5. Surroundings & Situations [v. 25b-26]

6. Evil people [v. 26, 32-33]

7. Physical infirmities [v. 27]

8. Spiritual responsibilities [v. 28-29]

II. SOME OUTWARD SIGNS OF PRESSURE

1. Suffering [I Cor. 12:26]

And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

2. Sorrow [John 11]

14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

3. Success [Dt. 8:10-14]

When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;

III. SOME OBVIOUS WAYS TO HANDLE PRESSURE [Pr. 3]

1. Read & Apply the Word of God [v. 1-4]

2. Trust God [v. 5-6]

3. Live For God [v. 7-10]

4. Learn from God [v. 11-26]

5. Live like God [v. 27-35] Be Christlike!



1.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK!

Q: Is there evidence for the creation model?

A: When God first created animals, he created them according to their kinds, with the ability to reproduce, and with instructions to increase in number and fill the earth (and seas; Genesis 1:20–22, 24–28). After the Flood, land animals and birds that had been preserved on the Ark again reproduced to fill the earth (Genesis 8:15–19).

Baraminologists (creation scientists who work to identify created kinds) have determined that many animals represented by a single breeding pair on the Ark have diversified so that today they are typically represented by a whole family. For example, the family Canidae is believed to be made up of animals from one baramin, a single created kind. This family includes dogs, wolves, coyotes, foxes, and jackals. It consists of 34 species from 14 genera that are widely distributed on every continent except Antarctica, confirming that they have indeed increased in number and multiplied on the earth (cf. Genesis 8:17). The Bible mentions dogs, foxes, wolves, and possibly jackals. Both dogs and wolves are first mentioned less than a millennium after the Flood, indicating that diversification occurred very rapidly.

Historically, evolutionists have told us that changes in living things occur at a slow, deliberate pace. Yet the creation model clearly requires that significant changes be able to occur quite rapidly, if necessary, as animals multiply and fill the earth. Today we see animals that have adapted to a variety of different environments and niches. Is there any scientific evidence that animals can adapt so quickly? Indeed there is! One example in lizards appeared in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences earlier this year.

To find out what this example is, see Life: Designed by God to Adapt.

News to Note Quick Look

Dancing the two-step: Might the missing link have done a dance move on its way to bipedalism? Read more.

It’s a small world: The finding of the smallest known extrasolar planet yet is giving hope to those who already believe aliens are out there. Read more.

Also: dating a rat; water, water, everywhere; dealing a blow to Martian life; and looking out of the Milky Way. 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.

The Whole Armor of God

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6:13)

This modern age of terrorism, drugs, sexual license, rampant crime, and worldwide unbelief is surely an evil day; and each Christian urgently needs "the whole armor of God" to stand against the devil's wiles today. This armor is clearly described here in Ephesians 6:14-18, but it seems that Satan's wiles have confused it in the minds of many Christian educators. Paraphrasing this passage, their view might be expressed somewhat as follows: "Gird your loins with an open-ended search for truth, and have on the breastplate of value sensitivity, your feet shod with the gospel of academic tolerance; above all, taking the shield of accreditation and legal protection, with the helmet of economic security and the sword of evolutionary thought, praying always to the Department of Education and your academic peers." Such Christian compromise is no armor at all.

How much better to be undergirded with revealed truth, founded on creation and biblical inerrancy, than by a "search" for truth! The true breastplate is righteousness, both imputed and practiced, and the true peace of God through Christ adorns the beautiful feet of those who carry the gospel. The shield is faith, which must be exercised first of all in special creation (Hebrews 11:3). The helmet, protecting the mind, is the genuine hope of salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:8). With no armor for the back, since the Christian is "to stand," not to retreat, the chief offensive weapon is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God which meets each particular need. Finally, insistent prayer is both an offensive and a defensive weapon. The "weapons of our warfare" are "mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds" (2 Corinthians 10:4). HMM

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INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org

June 6, 2008

THE LAST WORDS OF A CONDEMNED MAN

II TIMOTHY 4:6-8

Most of us are probably familiar with the words of the great Apostle to the Gentiles in these verses. But don't miss the valuable jewels around these great boulders of truth.

I. THE TRUTH ABOUT OURSELVES


1. We are dependent upon others [v. 9, 21]

2. We are dying [v. 13, 20]

1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

3. We are despised [v. 16]

1 Corinthians 1:28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
1 Corinthians 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.

II. THE TRUTH ABOUT PEOPLE

1. People will forsake you [v. 10, 16]

2 Corinthians 4:9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor ° forsake thee.


2. People will oppose you [v. 14-15]

Acts 9:13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

3. People will profit you [v. 11]

can be profitable [v. 11] eu[crhstoß euchrestos, yoo'-khrays-tos; easily used, i.e. useful:--profitable, meet for use.


2 Timothy 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
Philemon 1:11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:


III. THE TRUTH ABOUT THE LORD


1. The Lord will stand with us [v. 17]


2. The Lord will strengthen us [v. 17]

Acts 9:22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
Romans 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
1 Timothy 1:12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
2 Timothy 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 11:34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.


3. The Lord will deliver us [v. 17-18]

2 Corinthians 1:10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;

4. The Lord will preserve us [v. 18]

1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began
Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

5. The Lord will be with us [v. 22]

QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

Praise God for the hammer, the file, and the furnace. The hammer molds us, the file sharpens us, and the fire tempers us. - Samuel Rutherford

Blind metaphysical necessity, which is certainly the same always and every where, could produce no variety of things. All that diversity of natural things which we find suited to different times and places could arise from nothing but the ideas and will of a Being, necessarily existing. - Isaac Newton, Father of Universal Gravitation

Gravity explains the motion of the planets, but it cannot explain who set the planets in motion. God governs all things and knows all that is or can be done. - Newton

...this author humbly insists that it is essential to believe the Genesis record of origins in order to please God. Believing the Genesis record obviously includes the manner in which living things were created ("full-grown" with a superficial appearance of history; e.g., Adam and Eve); the order in which things were created 9e.g., the earth before the sun and moon; trees before marine life; and flying creatures and whales before reptiles and land mammals); and the duration of creation events (six 24-hour days only a few thousand years ago). - Dr. John C. Whitcomb

JOSEPH IN THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS- THE EARLY DAYS

GENESIS 40

Pastor Rick Jackson

By way of introduction read Genesis 39:20-23. Here's a young man, rejected by his brethren, falsely accused of attempted rape for refusing to give in to immorality and imprisoned for the crime he did not commit.

Ps. 105:17-19 He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.

In Joseph's life we see very clearly:

I. THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD [v. 1-5]

1. The Place God Wants You To Be [v. 1-3]

2. The People God Wants You To Meet [v. 4]

3. The Preparation God Wants You To Make [v. 5]

II. THE PROMINENCE OF GOD [v. 6-15]

This refers to the prominence of God in the life of Joseph as he lived the Biblical admonition of Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

1. It was Displayed in Compassion [v. 6-7]

1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
Jude 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

2. It was Displayed in Conversation [v. 8]

3. It was Displayed in Conviction [v. 9-15]

III. THE PATH OF GOD [v. 16-23]

1. The Expectation of Equality is Erroneous [v. 16-17]

2. The Message of Mercy is Extended [v. 18-19]

How often does a person get to know when his death is nigh so he can prepare?

3. The Solace in Setback is Sovereignty [v. 20-23]

THE PRESSURES OF LIFE (Part 1)

LUKE 10:38-42

Pastor Rick Jackson

Pressure is something we all understand. Few people have no pressures. Pressure, like trouble, is almost a universal constant. If you are living you probably have certain pressures you face every day. it's how you handle the pressures of life that makes the difference!

I. PRESSURE IS OFTEN SELF-INFLICTED

Isn't that strange? Strange but true, pressure is ofttimes self-inflicted. Martha is a good example of self-inflicted pressure.

1. HER POSSESSION [v. 38]

2. HER EXPECTATION [v. 39-40]

This was HER expectation not the Lord's. She put this pressure on herself and then blamed Mary for not helping HER with HER expectation. Then she practically snapped at the Lord Jesus for not helping HER reach Her expectation! She could have given an aspirin a headache!

3. HER MESS [v. 41]

Jesus told her she was worried about many things that she herself had stirred up! Her type personality, like almost any other type, can be focused and channeled properly and can be very productive. But, unchecked, it can be very destructive. Gasoline. properly funneled can power an engine and enable you to drive a car. It can also explode and cause much damage.

II. SELF-INFLICTED PRESSURE CAN THAN PRODUCE SINS OF COMMISSION

1. Sins of the Tongue [v. 40, Jn. 11:20-27]

2. Sins of the Temper [v. 40]

3. Sins of the Thoughts [v. 40] "Lord, dost thou not care"

III. SELF-INFLICTED PRESSURE CAN BE CAUSED BY SINS OF OMISSION

1. Lack of Preparation

1 Samuel 7:3 And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.
Amos 4:12 Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.

2. Lack of Prayer [Matthew 26:41]

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

3. Lack of Participation [Hebrews 10:25]

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

IV. HOW CAN WE SURVIVE THE SELF-INFLICTED PRESSURES OF LIFE?

1. Make the Word of God a Priority [Colossians 3:16]

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Lk. 10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus feet, and heard his word.

2. Make the Peace of God a Reality [Colossians 3:15]

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

2 Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

John 11:20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.

Sometimes, you just have to let God BE GOD!

3. Keep the Relationship With God Personal!

We all know that relationships don't have to be personal. They can be very businesslike. Polite but impersonal. God wants us to have a different kind of relationship with us. He has made those of us who have trusted Christ part of His family.

He tells us in 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him... but why? Why should we do this?
"for he careth for you."