How a radical atheist got saved and the dramatic results

Sumner Wemp

A fantastic story how an atheist got saved!

35 years ago I preached in a church and a white man was there with an Afro hair do on top and his beard. Just the whites of his eyes shone through. After the service a fine Christian girl asked me if I saw the man with all the hair. I told her I would have been blind not to. She told how she came out of a grocery store, ran into a lady, gave her a tract and led her to Christ right there in the parking lot. This man was her husband, Dale Cutlip. He was an atheist and debated atheism and would I go see him and try to lead him to Christ. I am no debater and did not want to but after she begged me, I said I would. She gave me their address. It was in the opposite side of town from me.

I planned to go Monday night but could not make it. The same happened every night until Friday night and I knew I had to go. They lived in an enormous apartment complex. It took one half hour to find them. I knocked and when Dale opened the door, I almost fainted. He had no shirt on and had an afro on top, in his beard and on his chest. I thought I was looking at the missing link. He blurted out, "preacher, what is going on. You won't believe it." I asked him three times before he invited me in and then said, "You wont believe it, I am an atheist and when you knocked I was reading the Bible."

I said, "I know what is going on, sit down. I want to tell you. I just told him the gospel, how God loves him, Christ died for his sins, paid the debt in full, rose again and was seen by hundreds of people and if he would believe God that Christ suffered and died for his sins too and receive the Lord Jesus in his heart, God would save him. Without hesitation, he said he would. The three of us knelt in front of his couch with me in the middle. He prayed out loud with me to receive the Lord Jesus. With tears flowing he knocked me out of the way, grabbed his wife and we all wept and rejoice.

He was genuinely saved. Four weeks later, I saw him at church and did not recognize him for he was shaved, clothed and in is right mind. Today I get his prayer letter. He is an evangelist and has led thousands to Christ. He has 61 missionary affiliates in 12 countries. It is awesome what God has done with Dale. It all started with a college girl handing a lady a tract in a parking lot and led her to Christ. God would not let me get there until He had him ready, reading the Bible.

O dear people the "harvest in plenteous" They are all over the place.You and I MUST get the gospel to every person and have the eternal privilege of leading people to Christ, who God has ready, to be saved.

Our world needs to be saved. You and I must get the gospel to more people to see our country saved. Makes sense.

"I am debtor both to the wise and the unwise" and to God, and to lost people to "preach the gospel to every person"

Go to www.sumnerwemp.com for some transforming brief messages. I just got 2000, tracts "Your ticket to heaven" to give out at Halloween. Call 1-877-872-2871 to order tracts. What an eternal opportunity. ABC Sumner

"Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire? "

BLESSINGS FROM THE BILL RICE RANCH

On October 2, 2008 a small band of intrepid warriors, weary from the daily struggles of life, made their way through the splendors of north Florida, the long winding roads of Georgia, and the treacherous mountains of Tennessee to the Bill Rice Ranch for much needed rest, relaxation, and recharging.

As usual, the ranch did NOT disappoint!On Thursday night, October 2, 2008 after a fantastic meal (the food at the Ranch is utterly delicious) we had our first service. Evangelist Wil Rice IV was the speaker and there was no doubt that he was "prayed up" as he preached out! See Oct. 20th blog for details.

The second speaker that night was Evangelist Rick Flanders. His text was James 5:16-20 and his title was "One Man whose Prayers Can Change"

He reminded us that the Word of God [Dt. 11, 28] when coupled with the man of God [I K. 17] praying in the will of God can change things.

Elijah was such a man. Carmel was such a place [I K. 18]

I. PRAY FOR WISDOM [James 1:5]

1. Wisdom is the principle thing [Pr. 4:7]
2. Wisdom comes from the Word of God [II Tm. 3:15]
3. Wisdom comes by the Spirit of God [Rm. 8]

II. PRAY IN FAITH [James 1:6-8]

1. Lust means "my will" as opposed to God's will [v. 12-14]
2. Lust is a great obstacle to a prayerful life [4:2-3]
3. The lust filled man like all of us owes God everything--- but he isn't going to give God what he owes Him! [4:8]

III. VOLUNTEER TO HELP OUT [2:14-17]

Pray, "Lord, what can I do to answer my own prayer?"

TRICKS OR TREATS?

In just a few days Halloween will be observed by many. There are many reasons to not like Halloween - greed, it's cultic history, it's occultic tendencies and it's promotion of overtly dangerous behavior to name just a few.
There are ways for Christians to turn this day from a day in which Satan gets glory to one in which God gets the glory. Anytime that happens its a good thing. We'll see some of these truths in a message I have entitled "Tricks or Treats".

I. TRICKS OF THE DEVIL

1. Doubt & Denial [Gn. 3:1-5]

2. Deceit & Desperation [Jn. 8:44, II Cor. 11:12-15, Rev. 12:12]

3. Defeat & Devouring [I Pet. 5:8-9]

II. TREATS OF GOD

1. His Unchangeableness (He is Immutable) [Jm. 1:17, Heb. 13:8]

2. His Graciousness [Heb. 2:9, Eph. 2:8-9]

3. His Liberalness [Jm. 1:5]

III. TRAITS OF THE TRUE BELIEVER [Eph. 6]

1. Fight Deception With truth [v. 10-14]

2. Fight Greed with the Gospel [v. 15]

3. Fight Fire with Fire (the Devil's fiery darts with God's Firepower) [v. 16-19, Rm. 10:17, Jer. 23:29, Rm. 12:20, Heb. 1:7, 12:29]

Don't handle it yourself... let God handle it!

Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

How often we are tempted to "get back" at those who wrong us. The truth is--- we never have to do that. "I don't get mad, I just get even" may sound tough but it isn't Scriptural. God's timing is always right, God's way is always best, and God's dealings are always just. Let me give you a personal example.

I few years ago several individuals started slandering me. I wanted badly to strike back but for the most part I let it go lest I cause more harm than good. I talked to the Lord about it and then left it in His hands the best I could. Since then I have been vindicated and these individuals have very obviously been dealt with far better than I could have ever done.

Then, to let me know He had it under control I came across a cassette tape I was given 5 or more years ago that I had never heard (it was accompanied by several hundred others). It had been taped in 1989 by a friend of mine in Tennessee and had made its way to me in Florida and waited until just the right time for me to play (ain't God good?). It was primarily a tape of a church service that my friend was taping via radio but after the service the tape recorded a lesson given by J. Vernon McGee. Here is a transcript of part of that message:

Isaiah 43:3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

Now when He says He gave these nations for a ransom that seems to contradict Scripture. Because God doesn't do that sort of thing according to our way of looking at it. But have you ever noticed that God says "that these nations that I used to discipline you- I will judge those nations. I permitted them to treat you as they did, and now I will judge them." And that's what He means when he says here He gave them.

And you find that in Proverbs 21:18, "The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright." Do you know why God permitted that enemy to cross your pathway and cause you all the trouble that he did? And you often wondered why. God did it in order to bring you into line. In order to develop you, my friend. God gave him for your deliverance and that's the way that He does these things. And we're told here in Proverbs 11:8, "The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead." Takes his place. And I have observed this, God has let several people really mistreat me. I'll be honest with you I talked to Him about it because I thought He was wrong. But now I noticed the Lord is paddling these individuals, and I must confess I'm rather satisfied and I see now what He means here that He intends to do it just that way and it did something for me by the way.

Wow! Confirmation upon confirmation. What had I done in the meantime? I had prayed for those individuals. Not imprecatory prayers mind you. I confess I do not like those folks but God said "love your enemies" so I prayed for them anyway. Not because I am so devout and holy but because it's easier to obey God than to fight Him. I don't like "whuppin's". Let's let God handle things. He does it better than us anyway and the results are far less messy in our lives.

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you!

QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

King Nebuchadnezzar needed a wake-up call, and God gave him one! God took him down from his pedestal and made him to act like a cow. Make no mistake about it—God will not share His glory with another. He resists the proud and will bring them down. Just because people who are living in obvious pride seem to be prospering does not mean that God does not care. He is a patient God, but His judgment will come.
For Nebuchadnezzar, it was twelve months after he was warned that the judgment came—from a king to a cow. To us, this seems like a terrible turn of events; in God's eyes, a king and a cow are not very different in terms of greatness. God looks on the heart of a man, not on his position. -Evangelist Wil Rice



You should not do everything you can do—but you can do everything that you should do. ...In every decision we make, the question to ask ourselves is not "Can I?" but "Should I?" We can do everything that we should do—God will take care of the "how." -W. R.

people are peculiar. They want the front of the bus, the back of the church, and the middle of the road. - Evangelist Louis Arnold

All that really matters in this life is that I am right with God and that I am bringing others to Jesus. - L. A.

I want to get closer to Christ every day. I want Jesus to be the most intimate associate of my life. - L.A.

FEELING FROGGY?

EXODUS 8:1-15

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE WISDOM OF THE TRUE GOD [v. 1-6]

1. The Word [v. 1]

2. The Warning [v. 2-4]

3. The Way [v.5-6] (He will do exactly what He says He will do)

II. THE FOOLISHNESS OF THE NATURAL MAN [v. 7-11]

1. He has NO Power [v. 7]

2. He has NO Prayer [v. 8]

3. He has NO Perspective [v. 9-11]

Because I had used the Bible in a discussion with someone I got a couple of email responses that showed this fellow had no perspective.

so your prove[sic] is the written word that is a joke. That would mean anything written is true. It is so sad that people like you are fallowers[sic] and belief anything some people tell you. Why dont you step back and think for youself[sic] instead of repeating something somebody told you.

reframe[sic] from mentioning your bible in your response cause it is wrote by MAN!!!!!!! NOT GOD SO SAVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

III. THE SENSE & NONSENSE OF IT ALL!

1. Intercessory Prayer Works [v. 12-13, I Tm. 2:1-6]]

And while it is true that Pharaoh was probably never saved--- many Egyptians and Israelites were!

2. Sin Has Consequences [v. 14, Gal. 6:6-7]

Proverbs 14:9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.

3. You Cannot Fool God [v. 115, Heb. 4:12]

HERE'S YOUR SIGN

MATTHEW 24:1-3

Pastor Rick Jackson

It is a well known fact that people twist the Scriptures to their own destruction. They often take the plain words of the Bible and claim they say the exact opposite. There are those who say Jesus never claimed to be God. There are those that say the way of salvation is to keep the law. There are those who say we can know when Jesus is coming again with certainty. The certainty is... He's coming back and we cannot know when so we should be ready always!

I. THE BIG PICTURE [v. 4-12]

1. Expect Satanic Turmoil [v. 4-5]

2. Expect Global Turmoil [v. 6-8]

3. Expect Religious Turmoil [v. 9-12]

II. THE BIG PROPHECY [v. 13-31]

1. The Bright Spot [v. 13-14]

2. The Bad Spell [v. 15-21]

3. The Big Sign [v. 22-31]

III. THE BIG PATTERN [v. 32-51]

1. The Tribulation is Relatively Short [v. 32-34]

2. The Timing is Indistinguishable [v. 35-42]

3. The Thing is--- to be Ready! [v. 43-51]

QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - For Whom Should We Vote?

A: Would you vote for someone like Eliab if he were running for office? He was an impressive Old Testament character. And he was a tall and handsome man! Surely we should vote for such a person? After all, when comparing him to his little brother David (the future king of Israel), the prophet Samuel did!

The Lord said to Samuel, however: “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

Many of us will soon be deciding whom to vote for in the U.S. presidential election (as well as congressmen, senators, and other offices). This will be just the second opportunity for me to vote for the president of the most powerful nation on earth.

Just over four years ago, my homeland of Australia passed legislation to allow its citizens to obtain citizenship in another country, yet retain their Australian citizenship. My family and I (having lived in the USA for over 17 years at the time) immediately applied to become American citizens.

Not long after, there was a presidential election. My wife and I had to decide whom we should we vote for, and I learned a lot in that process. Here’s how we came to our decision.

Read more about how Ken Ham starts from Scripture when heading into the polls in For Whom Should We Vote?

News to Note Quick Look

Chemicals + volcanoes + time/chance = life?: Zzzzzap! All it took was a helping of primordial stew and a bolt of lightning—or perhaps the hot gases of an angry volcano—and, voilà, you’ve got life. Read more.

Flying off with the truth: Chinese paleontologists have discovered another “feathered dinosaur.” So how should we interpret it: a “feathered” dinosaur or a feathered “dinosaur”? Read more.

Also: dinos at the disco, Godwit Airlines, probably a bad campaign, and fun in the sun—almost literally. 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.

MECHANICAL DICTATION IS NOT A BAD THING

For another, longer and equally good treatment of the so-called Mechanical Dictation method I recommend Dr. John R. Rice's book OUR GOD-BREATHED BOOK-THE BIBLE usually available from Ebay or Amazon.com as well as from http://www.swordofthelord.com
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"And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying . . ." (Leviticus 1:1)

This introductory verse to what many erroneously consider a dry and difficult book of the Bible actually introduces a remarkable phenomenon. All the rest of the chapter consists of a direct quotation from the Lord Himself. In fact, most of the rest of the book also consists solely of the direct words of God, except for an occasional interjection of a statement that God was still speaking. In all, 717 of the 832 verses in Leviticus (that is 86 percent) consist of the very words of God, directly quoted. This is more than any other book of the Bible, except for the books of the prophets, some of which also consist almost entirely of verbatim statements from God. The same situation is found in lesser, but still substantial, degrees in other historical books, not to mention the extensive quotations from the sermons and discourses of Christ in the four gospels.

While it is true that the Holy Spirit used many different means by which to convey the Scriptures (all of which are verbally inspired and fully inerrant) to writing, it is also true that, on many occasions, what amounts to the "diction" method was used by Him. Evangelicals have often been intimidated by the scientists' ridicule of this "mechanical theory" of inspiration, but they should not be. God is well able to use whatever means He chooses to reveal His word to men, and we should simply take Him at His word!

Leviticus is a guidebook for the consecration and cleansing of God's people--especially His priests. In the New Covenant, all believers are priests, and therefore are expected to be consecrated and pure. "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light" (1 Peter 2:9). HMM

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INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org (FROM October 22, 2008 )

QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

The future of this Republic is in the hands of the American Voter. -Dwight D. Eisenhower

Men must be governed by God or they will be ruled by tyrants. -William Penn

It is impossible to enslave, mentally or socially, a Bible-reading people. The principles of the Bible are the groundwork of human freedom. -Horace Greeley

Bad men cannot make good citizens. it is impossible that a nation of infidels or idolaters should be a nation of free men. It is when a people forget God that tyrants forge their claims. -Patrick Henry

A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the people discover they can vote themselves largess out of the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidate promising the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that democracy always collapses over a loose fiscal policy- to be followed by a dictatorship. -Lord Woodhouselee

The first thing necessary to control the people, is to separate them from their heritage. -Karl Marx

quotes found in the Fall 2008 PCC Update.

ARE YOU CLAIMING OR MIS-CLAIMING THAT PROMISE?

Pastor Rick Jackson

There is a familiar poem to many that is not quite true. It goes like this:

Every promise in the Book is mine!
Every chapter, every verse, every line.
I am standing on His Word divine,
Every promise in the Book is mine!

Of course in one very wide sense this is true. I can learn from every word in the Bible. I can own a Bible. But is every promise God gave someone in the Bible a promise I can claim as valid to me personally? The answer is "no". There are promises given to certain individuals for them at that time that do not apply to me. The land of Israel was promised to Abraham and his descendants. Can I, as a Gentile, claim God has given me the land of Israel? No, of course not. Can I be blessed by noting that God keeps His promises? Of course! David was promised his seed would sit on Israel's throne forever, can I expect the same? Paul was promised no-one would die in a shipwreck with him. Does that mean nobody will die in a shipwreck if a Christian is on board? It's silly to think so is it not? It's like the man who opened his Bible with the expectation God would tell him what to do. He opened his Bible and read, “Judas went out and hanged himself”. Nervously he tried again and read, “Go thou and do likewise”. Trying one more time he read, "That thou doest, do quickly.”

With that in mind I want to draw your attention to three oft claimed verses that actually have a very limited scope and should not be claimed by everyone!

I. ABSENT FROM THE BODY IS NOT NECESSARILY PRESENT WITH THE LORD!

[II Cor. 5:6-8]

"Oh well, at least he's better off." That's as stupid as saying "He's probably up there right now chasing the girls" to a grieving widow! (A comment I actually heard given by a Bible ignorant person)

1. It was written to the Saints [1:1]

2. The saints are those who are in Christ [1:18-22]

3. Those "in Christ" have believed the Gospel [4:1-7]

It is to them this promise is given, is applicable and can be claimed!

II. ALL THINGS DO NOT NECESSARILY WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD [Rm. 8:28]

1. This is to them that know God [Rm. 5:1, 8:1]

2. This is 'to them that love God" [Jn. 14:15, 15:10]

3. This is "to them who are called according to His purpose"

or rather, to be doing what God wants you to do when God wants you to do it where God wants you to do it!

For instance, suppose I had stayed at Grace Bible Church when God told me to come to Bradford Baptist. Would I still be called? Yes, but not according to His purpose! Joseph, Daniel, and John the Baptist suffered in the will of God, in God's purpose.

David loved God and was called but did his sin with Bathsheba work out for good? No, the chastening did but the sin did not!

III. GOD MAY NOT SUPPLY ALL YOU THINK YOU NEED [Phil.4:19]

1. This is for those who have learned the secret of contentment [4:11-12]

2. This is for those who are dependent upon Christ [4:13]

3. This is for those that give to God [4:10, 14-20, Mt. 6:33]

1st Kings 17:8-16 is the Old Testament example of this New Testament truth.

A Joke Doc sent me...

I urgently needed a few days off work, But, I knew the Boss would not allow me to take leave. I thought that maybe if I acted 'Crazy' then he would tell me to take a few days off. So, I hung upside-down on the ceiling and made funny noises. My co-worker asked me what I was doing.

I told her that I was pretending to be a light bulb, so that the Boss might think I was 'Crazy' and give me a few days off.
A few minutes later the Boss came into the office and asked, 'What in the world do you think you are you doing?'

I told him I was a light bulb.

He said, 'You are clearly stressed out.' Go home and recuperate for a couple of days.'

I jumped down and walked out of the office...

When my co-worker followed me, the Boss asked her, '...And where do you think you're going?!'

(You're gonna love this....)

She said, 'I'm going home too. I can't work in the dark.

BLESSINGS FROM THE BILL RICE RANCH

On October 2, 2008 a small band of intrepid warriors, weary from the daily struggles of life, made their way through the splendors of north Florida, the long winding roads of Georgia, and the treacherous mountains of Tennessee to the Bill Rice Ranch for much needed rest, relaxation, and recharging. As usual, the ranch did NOT disappoint!

On Thursday night, October 2, 2008 after a fantastic meal (the food at the Ranch is utterly delicious) we had our first service. Evangelist Wil Rice IV was the speaker and there was no doubt that he was "prayed up" as he preached out! The following are some of the things the lord laid on his heart and that I wrote down.

Text:Proverbs 20:1

Wine will mock you with things you wouldn't say... do... places you wouldn't go! Liquor will rage against your life... home... health... happiness. Alcohol is deceiving. it makes and breaks promises. [Just as we were getting into this message he slapped us in the face by saying...]

"Your Temper will do the same thing!" [And then he proved it v. 3]!

He compared drunk driving to road rage.

Gal. 5:16-24

"Drink responsibly? That's an oxymoron. More moron than oxy!"

The results of self in control are immorality, unkindness, and being out of control.

The results of being Spirit-controlled are morality, kindness, and being under control.

"This is written for believers, not make believers." [referring to Eph. 5:20]

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The message was a real blessing and a great way to start the meeting. One of our men said, "Wil pulverized us with the first message and then we were putty in their hands for the rest!"

OVERLOOKING THE OBVIOUS

EXODUS 7

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE FAITH PROGRAM [v. 1-5, Rm. 10:14-11:2]

1. The Audible Word Spoken [v. 1-2, Rm. 10:14-15]

2. The Active Word Rejected [v. 3-4, Rm. 10:16]

Hebrews 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

3. The Accomplishing Word Activated [v. 5, Rm. 10:17-11:2]

II. THE FULL PROCESS [v. 6-13]

1. Command Proceeds [v. 6-10]

2. Counterfeit Produced [v. 11-12a]

3. Confirmation Provided [v. 12b-13]

III. THE FIRST PLAGUE [v. 14-25]

1. The Battle Commences [v. 14-21]

2. The Bitter Counterfeit [v. 22-23]

3. The Bad Consequences [v. 24-25]

Though the magicians had done similarly (only in a much smaller fashion) they didn't reverse what God had done.

IDENTIFYING THE ANTICHRIST

Daniel 9

Pastor Rick Jackson

Back in the 1960s and the 1970s there was a rumor going around that Secretary of State Henry Kissinger was the Antichrist. Later in the 70s it was rumored to be Jimmy Carter. Since then I have heard that Ronald Wilson Reagan or Bill Clinton must be the Antichrist. Now there's a new name for the office of the Antichrist going around... can anyone guess the new candidate?

There's an email going around the Internet since March that says this:

According to the book of Revelations [sic] Chapter 13: The beast will be allowed to have authority for 42 months, which is almost a four-year term of a Presidency. The anti-Christ will be a man, in his 40's, of MUSLIM descent, who will deceive the nations with persuasive language, and have a MASSIVE Christ-like appeal. The prophecy says that people will flock to him and he will promise false hope and world peace, and when he is in power, he will destroy everything. Is it OBAMA?

I have read where people thought the Antichrist was the pope. One Bible teacher of former days thought Mussolini, the Italian dictator up into WWII was the Antichrist. At least he had some actual Biblical information to go on. What does the Bible say about the Antichrist? Can we identify him? Is he alive today?

I. THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE ANTICHRIST

Just as the Bible gives us information to identify Christ the Messiah (His tribe, place of birth, time of birth, type of birth, etc.) which not only identify Him but excludes others (anyone born outside of Bethlehem for example) so the Bible does the same for the Antichrist. There are certain things we know that will be true of him that identify him and excludes others. Here are just a few.

1. He's the man of a place [Dan. 9:26-27] -the revived Roman Empire

2. He's the man of a people [Rev. 13:1, 17:15] -the nations of the Gentiles

3. He's the man of perdition [II Th. 2:1-9] -won't be revealed until after the rapture

II. THE EXPRESSION OF THE ANTICHRIST [I John. 2:18]

John reminds his readers that while the Antichrist is coming since we are in the last days already (in his day and on up into ours) there are many expressions of Antichrists already. The expression of antichrist thinking is blatantly anti-trinitarian. These are characterized by:

1. Liars that deny the Father and the Son [2:22-23]

2. Liars that deny the Holy Spirit and the Son [4:1-6]

3. Liars that deny the Deity of Christ [II Jn. 7-11]

III. THE INCARCERATION OF THE ANTICHRIST [Rev. 19-20]

If Obama was the Antichrist no email would stop him from attaining power. It has been proven that he and all the others mentioned in the introduction cannot be the Antichrist. The Antichrist will be Satanically empowered. So Who can stop this blasphemer yet to be revealed?

1. The Lord Jesus will be revealed at the end of the tribulation [19:11-16]

2. The False prophet and the Antichrist will be thrown into the lake of fire [19:19-21]

3. Satan himself will be incarcerated [20:1-10]

Which group will you be in? Which master are you serving now?

QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - What Was the Post-Flood World Like?

A: The Flood of Noah’s day was the greatest catastrophe in earth history, and it involved much more than rain. It reshaped the surface of the earth, spawning massive volcanoes and earthquakes that dwarf anything observed in modern times. Such a tremendous catastrophe would have radically altered the earth’s climate, resulting in an Ice Age.

In general terms, an “ice age” is a time of extensive glacial activity that covers a relatively large area with ice. During the Ice Age, which ended a few thousand years ago, 30% of the land surface of the earth was covered by ice. In North America an ice sheet covered almost all of Canada and the northern United States.

We know the extent of the Ice Age because the glaciers left features on the landscape similar to features we observe around glaciers today, such as lateral and terminal moraines. A “lateral moraine” is a mound of rocks of varying sizes deposited to the side of a moving glacier, and a “terminal” or “end” moraine is a mound of rocks dumped in front of the glacier.

Two particular aspects of the Flood were instrumental in causing the Ice Age: (1) extensive volcanic activity during and after the Flood, and (2) the warm oceans following the Flood.
To learn more about the cause and extent of the Ice Age, see Setting the Stage for an Ice Age.

News to Note Quick Look

Sticking its neck out: The supposed missing link Tiktaalik is back in the news again, rearing its ugly “evolutionary” head on the supposed transitional element of a mobile neck. Read more.

Shopping for fossils: The world’s oldest (allegedly) fossilized impression of a flying insect wasn’t found in a rock quarry in an exotic setting; it was found behind a strip mall in suburban Massachusetts. 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 Beginning of the Creation‏

"For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be." (Mark 13:19)

The phrase "from the beginning of the creation" or equivalent occurs at least six times in the New Testament, indicating beyond question that the world was created at a definite beginning-point of time. All other cosmogonies, on the other hand, are evolutionary cosmogonies, which deny a real beginning for the space/time cosmos at all.

What almost seems a redundancy in our text is the phrase "the creation which God created." Evidently the Lord thought it vital to stress the fact of divine creation, especially as the great last-days "affliction" draws near.

That the "creation" mentioned in this verse refers explicitly to the cosmos, is evident from the parallel passage in Matthew 24:21, where the same prophecy is rendered as follows: "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time." Here "world" is actually the Greek kosmos, referring to the ordered universe of heaven and earth. Thus, according to the Bible, the entire universe (including even time itself) came into existence at the "beginning," when God created it, as recorded in Genesis 1:1.

Note especially the significance of Mark 10:6 in this connection: "But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female." Jesus was here quoting from the account of the creation of Adam and Eve (Genesis 1:27) and included what seemed an almost incidental confirmation that God created them, not after many billions of years of cosmic evolution, but from the very beginning of creation! Man and woman were not divine afterthoughts, as evolution would imply, but were the very reason why God created the universe in the first place. HMM

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INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH

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QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

Paper is patient... and so is God. - a Gideon (recognizing that the Word of God in print can reach someone years after they have received it)

BE TOUGH ON YOURSELF

I Corinthians 9:24-27


Pastor Rick Jackson


When you decide to buy an expensive item sometimes you have to sacrifice for a while to save for it. An athlete may deny himself some pleasures in the food and drink department in order to attain the physical prowess he desires. A student must give up some TV time to study if she wants to make that grade which will help her GPA. In all these things, and more, it boils down to this thought, "Be Tough on Yourself!"

In a similar way in order for us to be the Christians we want to be, that we need to be, that we ought to be, we must learn the same lesson, 'BE TOUGH ON YOURSELF!"

How?

I. BE ESTABLISHED IN YOUR FAITH! (Be sure you are saved!)

-Paul was sure! "For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." - II Tm. 1:12

-John was sure! "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." - I Jn. 5:13

-Job was sure! "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me." - Job 19:25-27

-and You can Know!

II. BE RIGID IN YOUR CONVICTIONS!

-Joshua stood firm! "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." Joshua 24:15

-Daniel stood firm! "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself." Dan. 1:8

-Paul stood firm! "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." I Cor. 9:27

-Josiah stood firm! "And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left." II Chr. 34:2

III. BE ACTIVE IN YOUR QUEST!

1. Spend Time In Prayer! -Jesus taught "that men ought always to pray, and not to faint" Lk. 18:1

2. Spend Time In God's Word! Isaiah reminded us, "Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read!" - Isaiah 34:16

3. Spend Time At Church! Hebrews declares, "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." - Heb. 10:25

IV. BE POSITIVE IN YOUR TESTIMONY! (Witness positively for Jesus Christ)

David said, "Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy" - Ps. 107:2

Paul said, "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit" - Eph. 5:18

Peter said, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." - I Pet. 3:15

V. BE FERVENT IN YOUR LIFE! - Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

A FERVENT CHRISTIAN:

-Has faith in God! "Have faith in God!" -Mk. 11:22

-Is not a Quitter! "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle." - II Th. 2:15

-Looks for the return of Jesus Christ! "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" - Titus 2:13

-Seeks to Witness to lost souls! "Let your light so shine..." Mt. 5:16

True Success

Ezekiel 2:6-7 "And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house. And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious."

True Success

If I asked you if you wanted to be successful today, undoubtedly your answer would be, "Yes!" None of us want to fail, even in the smallest of tasks. But what really constitutes success? We associate success with meeting goals we have in mind, but what constitutes success in the eyes of God?

Let's take a look at the calling of Ezekiel in this chapter. Verse 3 gives God's commission to Ezekiel: "Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day." Ezekiel's calling was not going to be the easy or rewarding. Often in the Bible, God sends His people up against tremendous odds! Here He tells Ezekiel that the people to which He must go are rebellious, impudent, and stiffhearted. And on top of that, they had been this way for generations!

Verse 4 gives God's command. He says, "I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD." Ezekiel was simply called to go and be God's messenger to these people.

Verse 5 reveals to us what constitutes success in the eyes of God: "And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them." Did God constitute Ezekiel's success upon the people's response? No. In fact, He does not give Ezekiel any sort of promise of "fruit." God judged Ezekiel's success by whether he did what God had told him to do. Success is measured by our obedience to God!

The road would not be easy for Ezekiel to travel-and in the eyes of man, Ezekiel's life would appear to be a waste. But were men like Ezekiel and Jeremiah (another rejected prophet who saw little fruit) truly successful?

Well, what is the goal? Obedience to God. Then, yes, both of these men were a success in the eyes of God! Many very gifted and talented people have made it onto the pages of history books or have gained wealth and fame, but they have not obeyed God. When they stand before their Creator, they will not be deemed successful.

God values a man or woman who obeys His calling with the gifts that He bestows on them.What about you? Are you successful in the eyes of God? Truthfully, it is His opinion that matters most. Ezekiel did not see masses of people respond to his preaching, but He did what God had called Him to do. That is true success!


Prayer Requests:
1. West Branch Families on the Move Conference in Santa Maria, CA (Oct. 17-18)
2. Revival services tonight in Danville, IL.

For more information about the Bill Rice Ranch visit our website: billriceranch.org

An Iraq Veteran has a personal message for Barack Obama

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8

WHAT GOD KNOWS

-
EXODUS 6

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. GOD KNOWS WHO HE IS [v. 1-5]

1. He Knows there Is No Other [v. 1-3a]

2. He Knows There Is No Greater [v. 3b-4]

Hebrews 6:13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself

3. He Knows There Is No Wiser [v. 5]

The word "heard" is shama`, which means to hear intelligently

II. GOD KNOWS WHAT HE WILL DO [v. 6-8]

1. He Will Bring Out of Bondage [v. 6]

2. He Will Bring Into A Relationship [v. 7]

3. He Will Bring Unto A Heritage [v. 8]

III. GOD KNOWS WHO WE REALLY ARE [v. 9-30]

1. He Knows Where We Are From [v. 9-13]

Psalm 40:2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

2. He Knows Us Personally [v. 14-25]

Luke 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

3. He Knows What We Can Be [v. 26-30]

A FLAG TO FOLLOW

I KINGS 18

Pastor Rick Jackson

I sought a flag to follow, a cause for which to stand,
I sought a valiant leader, Who could my love command;
I sought a stirring challenge, Some noble work to try,
To give my life fulfillment, my dreams to satisfy.

I sought a ringing answer for all my doubts inside,
A torch of truth uplifted, My searching steps to guide;
I sought a word of wisdom, A true authority,
I sought to know life's purpose, to solve it's mystery.

I sought for satisfaction, for yearnings deep within,
I sought for full deliverance, from chains of guilt and sin
I sought for peace and pardon, for freedom from my fears
I sought a hope to cling to beyond these passing years.

I found them all in Jesus, the Life, the Truth, the Way;
Beneath His flag I'll take my stand and follow Him today!

I. FOLLOW HIM BECAUSE [I Kings 18]

1. Because of What He Is [v. 21]

2. Because of What He Does [v. 24]

3. Because of Who He Is [v. 39]

II. FOLLOW HIM DESPITE [The Gospels]

1. What You Do

Matthew 4:18-20 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
Matthew 9:9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
John 1:43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.
John 1:45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

2. What It Cost [Luke 9:23-26, 51-62; 18:18-30]

3. What Others Do [Jn. 10:22-33; 21:19-22]

III. FOLLOW FOR [Phil. 3]

1. The Power [v. 9-10]

2. The Purpose [v. 11-16]

3. The Pattern [v. 17-21]

QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Did Abel Break God’s Law?

A: Was Abel eating meat soon after the curse when he wasn’t supposed to be (Genesis 1:29), since he kept the flocks and sacrificed an animal in Genesis 4:2–4?

This alleged contradiction comes from assuming Abel was doing something that Scripture doesn’t say he was. The relevant passages are:

Genesis 1:29And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food”

Genesis 4:2–4Then she bore again, this time his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his offering

Those assuming this is a contradiction are assuming that Abel, who was commanded by God to be vegetarian, was eating the meat from his sacrifice. Matthew indicates that Abel was righteous and therefore was surely not being disobedient to God’s command in Genesis 1:29 to be vegetarian.

Matthew 23:35 so that upon you may fall the guilt of all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.

So, there is no reason to assume that Abel was eating any of the meat—and thus, there is no contradiction.

Many claim that there are contradictions in the Bible—perhaps someone has asked you about them or you yourself have wondered about certain verses or difficult passages. Our new series, Contradictions, will answer some of the toughest questions that critics raise about Scripture and show that God’s Word is true from the very first verse.

You can read the rest of our answer to this week’s alleged contradiction at Contradictions: Meat of the Matter. Check back each Monday for a new installment!

News to Note Quick Look

The oldest “footprints” around: They may not be much to look at, but the supposed oldest “footprints” are trampling over previous estimates of the age of animals. Read more.

Another case of “evolution” in action: Evolution observed in nature—again! Will it convince us this time? Read more.

Also: the invention of a missing link; saying goodbye to human evolution; E.T., phone Edinburgh; hold Jeremiah 38:1 in your hands; beware the Pterodrone; and more media coverage of museum milestones. 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.

Witnessing is not the great debate. Please learn this.

Sumner Wemp

Witnessing is NOT "The Great Debate" {Please learn this}

How many people debated Madeline Murray O'Hare? Not one of them won her to Christ. Here is the best verse on this. Please soak it in. "The servant of the Lord must not strive ...in meekness instructing those who oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance (change their minds) to the acknowledging of the truth" 2 Tim. 2:24, 25.

"Be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you. 1 Pet. 3:15.

Question? How many people have actually asked you that? Me? NOT ONE.

Question 2. Has anyone ever asked you to give the gospel, the good news, to every person?
YES. The Lord Jesus Himself said, "Preach the gospel to every creature" Mk 16:15.

To be a soul winner and help change the world we must get off the negative platform and get on the positive ;platform, give the gospel, the good news, that Christ suffered and died for our sins, was buried, rose again and was seen by hundreds. 1 Cor 15:3-8, for "that is the power of God unto salvation" Rom 1:16.

Two very good Christian schools made a big deal about how they were training their students to "defend their faith." To God be the glory. I have lead hundreds to Christ in personal work, not by defending my faith but by giving them the gospel which is "the power of God unto Salvation." Please let this sink in. It will take the gloom out of witnessing and put the joy and power in your witnessing. I was asked to go see a radical atheist. All l did was give him the gospel and God gave him repentance, he acknowledged the truth and received the Lord Jesus. He was gloriously saved and is now in full time Christian ministry. I got a letter from him today. He has led thousands to Christ. Please don't go around with intentions of "defending your faith" but go around presenting the gospel and see the glorious difference.

I love YOU, ABC Sumner

"This tract is the tool that the Holy Spirit used to draw me on Jan 16, 1962." The tract "God's simple plan of salvation" by Ford Porter. God uses tracts, do you? WOW Wonder Of Wonders Call 1-877-872-2871 ask for "sales" to order "Your Ticket to Heaven"

PRAY, we have a method and plan to see the this tract translated and published in 100 languages! Are you in a country with a different language. Drop us a note and let us tell you our plan. PLEASE.

QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

The rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. - Mark Twain (Samuel L. Clemens)

-

It's no wonder that truth is stranger than fiction. Fiction has to make sense.

-

Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.

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And finally... a serious quote:

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"Darwinism will lose, most importantly, because of the evidence. Even though Darwinists have had almost 150 year to find some, the evidence for their view is underwhelming, at best. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be reading almost every month about some discovery or other that finally ‘proves’ it." --- p. 198 ----The Politically Incorrect Guide to Darwinism and Intelligent Design by Jonathan Wells. Washington, D. C.: Regnery Press, 2006. 273 pp. paperback.

YOM KIPPUR

LEVITICUS 16

Pastor Rick Jackson

Our Jewish friends today observe Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement (covering), different than did their ancient ancestors for many reasons but one very important reason--- they have no Temple nor Tabernacle whereby to keep the Divine instructions given in our text. Depending on what branch of Judaism they belong to the Jews of today observe this day with some differences among themselves. It is not the current practices we want to look at today but rather the initial practices given by God to the nation of Israel via Moses.

I. LESSONS FROM LEVITICUS

1. The High priest and his family needed cleansing [16:1-14]

2. The Nation of Israel needed cleansing [16:15-17]

3. The Earthly Tabernacle needed cleansing [16:18-20]

4. The Atonement (covering) required animal blood sacrifice [16:21-28]

5. The Atonement would have to be repeated annually [16:29-34]

II. HIGHLIGHTS FROM HEBREWS

1. The Sinless High Priest Needs No Cleansing [7:26-28]

2. The Whole World Needs Cleansing [1:1-3; 2:1-13]

3. The Heavenly Tabernacle is the Original [9:1-7, 11, 23-24]

4. The High Priest Paid With His Own Pure Blood [9:13-14]

5. The High Priest's Offering is Sufficient, Singular and Satisfactory --- not lacking, not repeatable, never needing to be repeated [9:9, 26; 10:1-4, 11-14]

III. FAITHFUL COMMENTARY FROM FIRST CORINTHIANS

1. It's A Matter of Revelation [11:23-26]

2. It's A Matter of Reflection [11:27-28]

3. It's A Matter of Relationship [11:29-32]

Daily Devotional for October 7, 2008‏

Isaiah 32:8 "But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand."
Liberal Can Be Good!

Is the word liberal a good or bad word to you? No matter your views politically, the word liberal is usually taken as an insult by politicians, even if they truly are liberals. The word liberal just means "generous." So it can be both a good and a bad term, depending upon what the liberal person is being generous with. A "liberal" in relation to Scripture is someone who is generous or loose with the Bible-not a good thing. A "liberal" in relation to government is someone who is generous or loose with the laws and money of the land. But a "liberal" in relation to life is someone who lives generously, giving of their time and possessions. Of this kind of "liberal," God has many good things to say.

In Isaiah 32, we see this simple truth: a generous person is known by his actions. In other words, it is impossible to be generous of heart without actually giving to those around you. Profound truth, isn't it? Verse 8 says, "But the liberal deviseth liberal things. . . ." What you are will come out in what you do.

Weeks ago, I was in a service and saw a pastor friend wearing a nice, western-cut brush jacket, and I was quick to compliment him on it. He responded by having me try it on right there-it fit like a glove. Then he said, "You like this jacket? It's yours!" You are probably wondering what I did next? I responded, "I like your boots too!" Of course he knew I was just kidding. This same man also sent my family a tire swing because we enjoyed his while at his house.

When I think of this pastor friend, I always think of his generosity to my family. And do you know how I want to treat him in return? I want to be generous right back! A different man recently told me that he prays for me regularly. Guess who I now pray for regularly? Yep-this man who gives of his time to pray for me. Do you want to be a generous person? Start giving of yourself, your time, and your possessions for the good of others.

We also see in verse 8 that the generous person "stands" by his actions. This simply means that all of his giving will in turn come back to him. This truth is found throughout Scripture. Proverbs tells us, "He that watereth shall be watered." Luke says, "Give, and it shall be given unto you." Matthew 7:12 says, "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them."

The Lord cares for the man who gives of himself for God's sake and the sake of others.
Also remember that every person is judged and rewarded for his actions. Someone who is greedy and selfish will have others be greedy and selfish in return. On the other hand, the generous man will be rewarded over and over again. A generous man need never worry about living in drought-his life will be fruitful.

My granddad used to say to those adults who brought campers with them for a week of camp, "If ever you've lived for someone else, live for someone else this week." The truth is, we should live everyweek with that attitude! Is your life characterized by generosity? The generous life is a fruitful life!


Prayer Requests:
1. Bill Rice Ranch Ladies Retreat (Oct. 9-11)
2. Ranch Evangelists preaching tonight in Petersburg, IN; and Walls, MS.

For more information about the Bill Rice Ranch visit our website: billriceranch.org

October 6 - The Mind of Christ‏

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:5)

Although salvation is free, it is not cheap, since it required the Creator Himself to become man and submit to an agonizing death on the cross. This was the mind of Christ!

And, by the same token, although our salvation is not conditioned on any meritorious acts of our own, the standard by which we must measure our lives is nothing less than the perfect life of Jesus Christ. In the first place, our words and deeds are to be compared to His: "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps" (1 Peter 2:21). Our standard of holiness is to be His life of holiness. "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation meaning 'behavior'" (1 Peter 1:15).

If we truly follow His steps, they may well lead to suffering and persecution, but "he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked" (1 John 2:6), and this involves a willingness to be "crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20). The Christian life is pre-eminently to be characterized by unselfish love, but again the standard of that love is nothing less than the love of Christ Himself. "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another" (John 13:34).

To love as He loved; to walk where He walked; to be holy as He is holy; to follow His example in word and deed--all this requires that we think as He thought, that the very attitude of our soul be like His. In position, we do "have the mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16), but in practice, we still come far short. May God help us to cast down "imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God," and bring "into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). HMM

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October 6, 2008

THE EXODUS OF COMMON SENSE

EXODUS 5:1-6:1

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. WRONG ANSWER

1. The Direct Approach [v. 1]

2. The Destructive Answer [v. 2]

3. The Dire Warning [v. 3]

II. WRONG REASONING

1. The Arrogance of Ignorance [v. 4-9]

2. The Implementation of Ignorance [v. 10-19]

3. The Continuation of Ignorance [v. 20-21]

III. WRONG RIGHTED

1. Moses Exhibits Ignorance [v. 22]

2. Moses Exhibits Forgetfulness [v. 23, 3:19-20]

3. God Exhibits Grace [6:1]

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE...

Pastor Rick Jackson

Sixteen years doesn't mean the same thing to everybody. To some its a lifetime or more, to others it seems but a few days. A lot can happen in 16 years. A lot can change in 16 years. A lot can stay the same in 16 years. Consider:

I. THE LOCAL CHURCH HAS CHANGED IN 16 YEARS

1. Some are no longer with us.

Some have moved away [Acts 18:1-2] After these things Paul departed from Athens, and, came to Corinth; ; And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.

Some have passed away [1 Thessalonians 4:13-14] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him

Some have gone away [1 John 2:19] They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

2. Some have Come to us [Acts 18:1-2]

3. Some Have Been Saved [Acts 2:47] Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

II. THE PASTORAL QUALIFICATIONS HAVEN'T CHANGED [I Tm. 3]

No man is perfect. Not this pastor nor any other. But the Scripture gives us a standard for the man who would pastor a church.

1. The Life must be right [v. 1-3]

2. The Home must be right [v. 4-5]

3. The Testimony must be right [v. 6-7]

III. THE FOUNDATIONS HAVE NOT CHANGED!

1. God's Person Has Not Changed!

Malachi 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

2. God's Word Has not Changed!

Psalm 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
Psalm 119:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
1 Peter 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

3. God's Salvation Has not Changed!

Luke 24:25-27 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby ° we must be saved.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Are There Contradictions in the Bible?

A: Someone says, “You can’t trust the Bible! It’s full of contradictions!”

It is a popular view these days. Many people have the impression that the Bible is simply an outdated book of fairytales and contradictions. We are told that biblical stories are fine for children, and perhaps they even contain some moral value. “But, surely” says the critic, “such stories cannot be taken seriously in our modern age of science and technology.”

After all, the Bible speaks of floating ax-heads, the sun apparently going backwards, a universe created in six days, an earth that has pillars and corners, people walking on water, light before the sun, a talking snake, a talking donkey, dragons, and a senior citizen taking two of every animal on a big boat! On the surface, these things may seem absurd, particularly to those unfamiliar with the Christian worldview. But to make matters even worse, it is alleged that the Bible contains contradictions. That is, the Bible seems to say one thing in one place, and then the opposite in another. Which are we to believe? Obviously, two contradictory statements cannot both be true.

While we might come to accept many of the peculiar claims of Scripture, a genuine contradiction cannot be true even in principle. It is not possible to have a sunny night, a married bachelor, dry water, a true falsehood, and so on. Thus, the claim that the Bible contains contradictions is a serious challenge indeed. For if the Bible has even one real contradiction, then it cannot be completely true. Yet the Christian asserts that the Bible is the Word of God and without error. The claim of contradictions is a serious allegation against the Christian worldview, and we must be prepared to defend the Bible against such claims.

Many claim that there are contradictions in the Bible—perhaps someone has asked you about them or you yourself have wondered about certain verses or difficult passages. This new web-only series, Contradictions, will answer some of the toughest questions that critics raise about Scripture and show that God’s Word is true from the very first verse. Read the introduction,
then check back each Monday for a new installment and get equipped.

News to Note Quick Look

The Copernican bubble pops: As secular cosmology tries to cope with the visible evidence, the explanatory model gets more and more “improbable” and “outlandish.” Read more.

Rocks of age (again): Humbly lying on the tundra shores of Canada’s Hudson Bay are the world’s oldest rocks—4.28 billion years old, to be exact. Read more.

Also: the dino–bird–elephant connection, let it snow (in time for Martian Christmas), if by “magical” you mean “miraculous,” an irreligious zealot, and can we participate? Read more.

The First Sacrifice‏

"Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them." (Genesis 3:21)

This action by the Lord is very significant. God Himself apparently sacrificed some of His animal creation (possibly two innocent and blemish-free sheep) in order to provide clothing for the first man and woman. In the first place, this tells us that clothing is important in God's plan for human beings; nudity became shameful once sin entered the world.

In the second place, we learn that symbolically speaking, clothing must be provided by God Himself. Man-made "aprons" of fig leaves will not suffice, as they represent human works of righteousness which can never make us presentable to God: ". . . we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). However, God has sacrificed His own "Lamb of God" (John 1:29), pure and spotless, yet also willing to die for us. Thereby ". . . he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness" (Isaiah 61:10), fashioned from the perfect righteousness of the Lamb.

But in order to do this, the innocent blood of the sacrifice must be shed, for "the life of the flesh is in the blood" (Leviticus 17:11). When sin entered the world, there also came "death by sin" (Romans 5:12), and "without shedding of innocent blood is no remission of sin" (Hebrews 9:22).

How much of this could have been comprehended by Adam and Eve as they watched God slay their animal friends so that they once again could walk with God we do not know, but it changed their lives. Just so, when we really see "the precious blood of Christ" (1 Peter 1:19) spilled in sacrifice for our redemption, our lives also are forever changed. He hath covered me with the righteousness of Christ. HMM

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INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH http://www.icr.org/

October 3, 2008

QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

Ironically, the surest thing in life is the fact that life will end! - Evangelist Wil Rice

Most Christians live such subnormal Christian lives that if someone lives a normal Christian life, people think they are abnormal. - Dr. Chafer, founder of Dallas Theological Seminary

Someone else said, "If you are not fishing for men, you are not following." - Sumner Wemp

The highest office in the land is that of citizen. - Harry S. Truman

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. - Sir Edmund Burke

It is an indispensable duty which we owe to God, our country, ourselves and posterity, by all lawful ways and means in our power to maintain, defend and preserve these civil and religious liberties for which many of our fathers fought, bled and died, and to hand them down entire to future generations. - Journal of the Continental Congress, 1774