CHRIST OUR PASSOVER

EXODUS 12



Pastor Rick Jackson



1 Corinthians 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:



The passover is a defining moment in Israel's history. It marked the beginning of a new calendar for them, it set the tone for them as a nation, it points back to a milestone and forward to the Rock of Ages, the Lord Jesus Christ. For the Passover to mean something significant in our lives we learn several truths in Exodus 12.



I. IT HAS TO BE PERSONAL [v. 1-13]



1. Its Association [v. 1-5]



2. Its Application [v. 5-7]



3. Its Assurance [v. 8-13] "when I see the blood"



II. IT HAS TO BE PERMANENT [v. 14-27]



1. Picture of Sanctification [v. 14-20]



2. Picture of Salvation [v. 21-24]



3. Picture of Instruction [v. 25-27]



III. IT HAS TO BE POWERFUL [v. 28-51]



1. To overcome the wages of sin [v. 28-30]



2. To overcome the course of the world [v. 31-41]



3. To overcome the tendencies of the flesh [v. 42-51]

THE UNAVAILABLE OPTION

PSALM 2

Pastor Rick Jackson

The Word of God tells us that there is a spiritual war raging all around us. Since the angel Lucifer turned against God he has sought to turn anyone and anything against God. This is a conflict in which neutrality is an impossibility. The Lord Jesus said in Luke 11:23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

When Adam sinned he aligned the world's system with the Devil's side. This world is no friend of grace. The Bible says [James 4:4] Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

You have a choice but the choice is to be God's servant or Satan's servant. There is no middle ground, no other options, no neutrality. Psalm 2 clearly draws the line in the sand to help you make the decision concerning what side you will be on.

I. THE WICKEDNESS OF THE WORLD [2:1-3]

1. It's Rage [v. 1a, Jn. 15:18]]

2. It's Ramblings [v. 1b, Rm. 1:21ff]

3. It's Rebellion [v. 2-3, I Jn. 2:15-17]

II. THE FOCUS OF THE FATHER [2:4-6]

1. Derision [v. 4]

2. Displeasure [v. 5]

3. Determination [v. 6]

III. THE SUPREMACY OF THE SON [2:7-9]

1. The Resurrection Proclaimed [v. 7, Acts 13:33, Rm. 1:4]

2. The Reign Promised [v. 8]

Psalm 110:1 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Matthew 22:44 The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?

Mark 12:36 For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Acts 2:35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool .

Hebrews 1:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?

3. The Reign's Power [v. 9, Rev. 19]

IV. THE SENSIBILITY OF THE SPIRIT [2:10-12]

1. Listen to Reason [v. 10, Is. 1:18]

2. Lean to Rejoicing [v. 11] "Trust & Obey"

3. Learn to Repent [v. 12, John 16:7-11]

QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Was Darwin a God-hater?‏

Q: Was Darwin a God-hater?

A: Darwin was both a product of his times and his own man. Like all of us, he was trying to make sense of his world. Yet true knowledge of the world begins by trusting God and His Word. Unfortunately, our nature is to rebel against our loving Creator.

“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” —1 Timothy 2:3–4

Darwin the God-hater, bent on overturning Christian culture: this is how many Christians view Charles Darwin. But let’s dig a little deeper.

Actually this is easy to do because Darwin kept a personal diary from an early age until his death. When we dig, we find not a satanic ogre but an intellectual who embodied the many contradictions and conflicts prevalent in the British culture of Victorian England—a man like any other, a man whom God wanted to save. Even secular biographies unwittingly shout, “God pursued Darwin.”

Read about what made Darwin tick, who influenced him, and more in The Pursuit of Darwin. It’s a sneak peek at the upcoming issue of Answers magazine.

Christmas Sale

Use coupon code EVERYTHING. Expires December 1, 2008. See site for details.

News to Note Quick Look

The “magic box” of evolution: A grape-sized cell inching along the ocean floor may be one of the world’s “oldest” living fossils. Read more.

Hiding his creation credentials: 2009 marks the anniversary of the birth of one of the greatest scientists of all time. Read more.

Also: Charlie who?; worm glue to ease your pain; would they even want to come back?; we’e quite skeptical, actually; and as if they weren’t close enough already! Read more.

Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program

Creationist resources—are there any?
The big bang—is it true?
Teaching how to think—now that’s radical!
The gap theory—what’s wrong with it?
Extraterrestrial life—in outer space?

After Eden

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.

CHURCH CATS

Johnny's mother looked out the window and noticed him "playing church" with their three kittens. He had the kittens sitting in a row, and he was preaching to them.

She smiled and went about her work. A while later she heard loud meowing and hissing and ran back to the open window to see Johnny baptizing the kittens in a tub of water. She called out, "Johnny, stop that! Those kittens are afraid of water!"

Johnny looked up at her and said, "They should have thought about that before they joined my church."

I AM THANKFUL

I am thankful for the many blessings the Lord us given me personally and us, the human race, collectively. After all, am I the only one who enjoys eating, breathing, thinking, etc.? Two things I wish to share with you are the devotionals I read every day and from time to time have shared with you. But why not sign up for them yourselves? That way you don't miss a single one.

The first is "Days of Praise" from the Institute of Creation Research. This comes every day and has a special Creator God emphasis though certainly not limited to Creation. I have been amazed at how "easily" Creation enters the picture but then again, that only makes sense. We are part of the Creation, we live in the Creation, and we can know the Creator! Here is today's:

November 27 - Fruit of Our Lips‏


By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." (Hebrews 13:15)

Unique to the United States is the national holiday Thanksgiving. We are encouraged to recognize the bounty and wonder of our land, and express gratitude in some formal way.
In many homes, however, thanks have become a vague expression of happiness for prosperity rather than a "sacrifice of praise" to our El Shaddai.

Would you pray this prayer of thanksgiving with me?

O, Lord God of heaven and earth, our finite minds and feeble speech can never produce fitting praise of Thee. Although our hearts sometime fill with gratitude and overflow with the joy of knowing Thee, we stumble at our innermost thoughts. Please hear the groaning of our spirit as we try to hold Thee to our breast. Please, Father, receive our childlike thanks and our murmured whispers of love.

And, O Father in heaven, we thank Thee for Thy mercy. Every day we claim its renewed power. Every day we must have Thy mercy extended to our lives.

Help us, O God, to heed the prompting of Thy Spirit in our hearts and to obey Thy Word. We accept the gentle chastening of Thy loving hand and yield to Thy voice.

We gratefully acknowledge that all things come from Thee, and we pray that Thy bounty would supply our daily bread, and that Thy mercy and grace would forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. HMM III

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

November 27, 2008

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The second devotional is First Light and comes from the Bill Rice Ranch in Murfreesboro, Tn. Longtime readers of this blog know the Ranch has a special place in my heart and rightly so. The Lord has done many things for me through the ministries of the Bill Rice Ranch, and now, every weekday, I get a compelling devotional from the mind and keyboard of my friend, Evangelist Wil Rice. I recommend you sign up for it! Here's today's:

First Light

Jeremiah 21:4-5 "Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that are in your hands, wherewith ye fight against the king of Babylon, and against the Chaldeans, which besiege you without the walls, and I will assemble them into the midst of this city. And I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and with a strong arm, even in anger, and in fury, and in great wrath."

Your Phone is Ringing

Nothing is more annoying than a cell phone that will not be answered. And nothing is more embarrassing than realizing it is your phone! You know the feeling, don't you? You hear a phone ringing . . . and ringing . . . and ringing, and you feel like saying, "Will the clod whose phone is ringing please answer it!" While thinking this in your head, you hear someone else's voice saying, "Excuse me, your phone is ringing." You were looking all around, but your number was being called!

God has your number. If you are not careful, you can start looking at everyone else around you when God is "calling" your number. That is exactly what happened to King Zedekiah in Jeremiah 21. He thought Babylon was the problem; as it turned out, he was the problem.

We learn from this passage that God is no respecter of persons. Judah was no better than Babylon in God's sight. God is no respecter of positions. The king was just the same as a peasant in Israel. And God will reward without regard. He says in verse 14, "But I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings. . . ."

Ironically, Israel's condition made Zedekiah's prayer futile. He asked God to remedy the problem, but he was the problem. Don't we do the same thing? We can pray, "God, come clobber this wicked person-take care of this problem," when in fact, we are the wicked ones. Israel had made themselves the enemy of God. They were focused on Babylon, but God said, "I will turn back the weapons of war in your hands. . . . I myself will fight against you. . . ." God took their wickedness seriously!

Think of King David and his righteous indignation to the story the prophet Nathan told him. David could see the injustice and guilt of the man in the story, but he realized his "phone" was ringing when Nathan said, "Thou art the man."

Israel had been given to be a blessing. How sad that God was not able to use Israel to reach Babylon or execute judgment. Israel had made themselves the enemies of God. We learn that our own relationship with God should be our unchanging standard for life.

Near Denver, Colorado, you suddenly leave the flatlands of the state and come face-to-face with the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. You cannot miss the mountains-something that huge and heavy does not move. You can always know the direction you are traveling by using the Front Range as your standard. So it is in your life. The unchanging standard for where you are in life should be where you are in your relationship with God Almighty.

Zedekiah prayed for God to clobber Babylon; a better prayer would have been David's prayer in Psalm 139:23-24: "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Is your phone ringing this morning? May the Lord help us to learn the lesson that Zedekiah learned.


Prayer Requests:
- Happy Thanksgiving from the Bill Rice Ranch!

For more information about the Bill Rice Ranch and to sign up for this devotional visit our website: billriceranch.org

THANKSGIVING

I. AMERICAN THANKSGIVING

The Origins of Thanksgiving [from www.christianlaw.org]

Americans are beginning to forget the important origins of our national Thanksgiving holiday. Its spiritual significance is no longer taught in our nation’s public schools. In fact, most school children today are taught that Thanksgiving originated when the Pilgrims invited their Indian friends to dinner to thank them for providing sustenance after the Mayflower landed. As with much of modern American revisionist history, there really is much more to the story.

Coming to America

The Atlantic crossing in the fall of 1620 had been an extremely difficult journey for the Pilgrims. For two months, 102 people were wedged into what was called the “tween decks” of the Mayflower—the ship’s cargo space with only about five-and-a-half feet of headroom. No one was allowed above deck because of the terrible storms. This was no pleasure trip.

The Pilgrims comforted themselves on their journey by singing from the Book of Psalms. This “noise” irritated one of the ship’s paid crewmembers. He told the Pilgrims he was looking forward to throwing their corpses overboard after they succumbed to the routine illnesses common on such voyages. As it turned out, this crewmember himself was the only person to die on the voyage and be thrown overboard.

God providentially protected His own people. A little-known fact about the Mayflower is that this ship normally carried a cargo of wine; and the wine spillage from previous voyages had soaked the beams, acting as a disinfectant to prevent the spread of disease.

During one terrible storm, the main beam of the mast cracked. Death was certain if this beam could not be repaired. At that moment, the whole Pilgrim adventure could very easily have ended on the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. Providentially, the Pilgrims had with them a large iron printing press screw. That screw repaired the beam, saving the ship and all on board.

“Land Ho!”

After sixty-six days at sea, land was sighted off Cape Cod, Massachusetts, not the place these Pilgrims wanted to be. They intended to establish their new colony in the northern parts of Virginia (which then extended to the Hudson River in modern-day New York), but two factors interrupted their plans. The winds had blown them off course, yes; but they later learned that other Englishmen who wanted to settle in the same part of Virginia had actually bribed the ship’s crew to land them farther north.

Despite this chicanery, God was in charge and the Pilgrims landed exactly where God wanted them to be. Had they actually made landfall near the Hudson River, they most certainly would have been immediately attacked by hostile Indians. Instead, they arrived at the one spot along the coast where hostile Indians had been providentially removed from the land.

Many years before the Mayflower journey, local Indians had captured a Frenchman on a fishing expedition to that region. Just as they were about to kill him, the Frenchman warned them God would be angry, would destroy them all, and would replace them with another nation. The Indians boastfully replied that his God could never kill them. Yet, a year or two before the Pilgrims arrived in this very same region, nearly all the native inhabitants had been wiped out by a plague.

Help Arrives

Despite this miraculous provision of safety from hostile Indians, the Pilgrims barely survived their first winter on the Cape. Only four families remained intact; but God was still faithful. In the spring of 1621, He sent Squanto, an English-speaking Indian who offered to teach the Pilgrims how to survive in this strange new land.

Squanto was one of only a few local Indians who escaped the plague. He had been captured as a young man and taken to England as a slave. During that time he mastered the English language. When he was freed, he returned to his native territory on the Cape shortly before the Pilgrims arrived. Probably the most important thing Squanto taught the Pilgrims was how to plant the native winter staple crop--corn.

The Pilgrims thanked God for this wonderful helper. They also repaid Squanto by sharing with him the most valuable treasure they had brought with them from England—the Gospel. Squanto died a year or two after coming to the aid of the Pilgrims, but before his death he asked them to pray with him that he might go to be with their God in Heaven.

Peace and Thankfulness

Squanto introduced other Indians to the Pilgrims, and these Indians were also impressed with the Pilgrims’ God. During the summer of 1621, it appeared the year’s corn harvest would not survive a severe drought. The Pilgrims responded by calling for a day of fasting and prayer. By the end of the day, it was raining. The rain saved the corn, which miraculously sprang back to life.

One of the Indians who observed this miracle remarked that the Pilgrims’ God must be a very great God because when the Indians pow-wowed for rain, it always rained so hard that the corn stalks were broken down. They noticed the Pilgrims’ God acted differently by sending a very gentle rain that did not damage the corn harvest.

It was that miraculous corn harvest in 1621 that provided grain for the Pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving meal with their Indian friends and helpers. The evidence of history shows that on this first Thanksgiving Day, both the Pilgrims and Indians thanked God for His great provision and for His goodness toward them all.

Unlike other Europeans who came to America, these Bible-believing Pilgrims were model Christians in their dealings with the native populations. During their first year on the Cape, Squanto, acting as a friend and interpreter, had assisted the Pilgrims in negotiating an important peace treaty with Chief Massasoit, leader of the nearby Wampanoag Indians. The two populations, Indian and Pilgrim, kept that treaty of peace for more than fifty years.

The Tradition Continues

The story of Thanksgiving doesn’t end there. The holiday itself was not officially celebrated until almost 170 years later, after the Revolutionary War had been won and our American Constitution had been adopted. In 1789, Congress approved the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution. Congress then “recommended a day of public thanksgiving and prayer” to thank God for blessing America. President Washington declared November 26, 1789, as the first national day of prayer and thanksgiving to the Lord.

Another 75 years later, after the Civil War ended, President Abraham Lincoln officially established the last Thursday in November as a day to acknowledge “the gracious gifts of the Most High God,” which He had bestowed on America. Every president continued this tradition until 1941 when Congress officially made Thanksgiving a national holiday.

Teach Your Children

Now that you know the true story of Thanksgiving, this year make sure your children and grandchildren learn it too. As America is currently facing serious challenges both at home and abroad, let’s join together with countless generations before us in giving thanks to God for blessing and preserving our nation. Let’s make sure that all our children and grandchildren learn Whose hand of protection has been on America; and let’s all pray that He will continue to bless and sustain our nation as we continue to acknowledge and honor Him.

II. HEAVENLY THANKSGIVING

1. The Reasons for Heavenly Praise [Ps. 148:1-56]

2. Last Reference to Giving of Thanks [Revelation 11:16-17]

3. The Last Reference to Giving of Praise [Revelation 19:5-6]

Technically as it relates to God, "thanksgiving" is for what He has done, while "Praise" is for Who He is!

III. EARTHLY THANKSGIVING

1. Should Be Sung

Nehemiah 12:46 For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.
Psalm 69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 95:2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
Psalm 147:7 Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:
Isaiah 51:3 For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.

2. Should be Spoken

Psalm 26:7 That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.
Psalm 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
Psalm 107:22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.
Psalm 116:17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
2 Corinthians 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

3. Should Be Shown

Psalm 50:14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:
Jonah 2:9 But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Colossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
1 Timothy 4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
1 Timothy 4:4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

Water is Basic

Jeremiah 2:13 "For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water."

Water is Basic

My dad-in-law works in the medical profession as an anesthetist. That means he puts people to sleep for a living. I guess we have that in common about our professions! Anytime someone in my family gets sick, my dad-in-law always says, "Make sure you drink plenty of water!" Why? Water is basic. Water sustains life. Any substitute can not fully replace your need for water.

So often we can substitute what is life-giving for something else in order to meet the need we have. Israel had substituted Egypt, false gods, and false confidence for God Almighty. The fact of the matter is we all have needs and we cannot provide for any of them. We are tempted to meet our needs in our own way, or in the strength of someone else, to the exclusion of God's help.
Have you ever been thirsty? I mean really thirsty? When you are, you have three options. First, you can ignore the need and go thirsty-you will die from lack of water. Second, you can exert effort without any benefit-picture a marathon runner who needs water opening a can of soda (effort without benefit). Or third, you can go to the source for water. Only water can meet your need when you are thirsty. All other substitutes only go so far.

I have traveled some backroads in Arizona close to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Down one road is an old ranger station that I enjoy exploring occasionally. Once I discovered a cistern out back which was designed to collect rainwater from the roof. When I lifted the lid on the cistern, there was water in there alright-it had probably been in there for years, evidenced by the dead rats floating on the top! Was I thrilled with this "find"? No-that water will not help anybody. What a lousy substitute for fresh, clear water that refreshes your thirst!

God is the "fountain of living waters." He is the only Source that will quench your thirst. The illustration of cisterns in Jeremiah 2 pictures the choice we have this morning. When one goes without water, he has a choice: he can ignore the need, exert effort without any benefit, or he can go to the Spring of living water. God's power has not diminished over time-He is just as able to quench your thirst as He was for Moses and the children of Israel.

God created us, our need for physical water, and our need for Him. To whom will you look today? The "fountain of living waters" is completely sufficient and able to meet your every need.

Gambling at Calvary‏

"They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture." (Psalm 22:18)
The 22nd psalm is justly famous as a remarkable prophetic preview of the sufferings and death of the Lord Jesus on the cross, written by David approximately 1,000 years before it was fulfilled. It describes in accurate detail the sufferings of the Lord, and the actions of the sneering spectators as they watched Him die.

One of the most heartless acts of the Roman soldiers carrying out the crucifixion was the indignity of stripping Him of the garments He was wearing and then dividing them among themselves, even gambling to determine who would get His seamless vesture. The significance of this cruel scene is indicated by the fact that it is one of the very few specific events in the life of Christ recorded in all four Gospels.

We must not forget that the Lord Jesus Christ once had been arrayed, as it were, in beautiful garments that "smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces" (Psalm 45:8). But He who was "equal with God" chose to be "made in the likeness of men" that He might eventually suffer "even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:6-8) in order to save our unworthy souls. "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9).

He who had created the heavens, when He came to earth, had to say that "the Son of man hath not where to lay his head" (Matthew 8:20). And His few remaining possessions were scavenged by His executioners as He died. Yet through His great sacrifice, He has provided "everlasting habitations" for us (Luke 16:9) and "all spiritual blessings in heavenly places" (Ephesians 1:3). Indeed, we do know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ! HMM

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MISSOURI, MISERY, & MADNESS

EXODUS 10-11

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. REASONS FOR MISSOURI [10:1-2]

1. To Show the World [v. 1]

2. To Show Future Generations [v. 2a-b]

3. To Show With Certainty the True God [v. 2c]

II. QUESTIONS OF MISERY [10:3-9]

1. How long will you let pride control you? [v. 3-6]

Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

2. How long will you let pride destroy us? [v. 7]

3. Who should be allowed to worship God? [v. 8-9]

III. COMPROMISES OF MADNESS [10:10-11:10]

1. Worship God but young people don't need to [10:10-20]

2. Worship God but not with all your belongings [10:21-26]

3. Worship God but don't tell others about Him [10:27-11:10]

FOLLOWERS OF PAUL, DISCIPLES OF CHRIST

1 Corinthians 4:16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
Philippians 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample

Pastor Rick Jackson

II TIMOTHY

I. THE TENDERNESS OF PAUL

1. We must love the Saviour! [4:8]

Romans 8;28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose

2. We must love the Lost! [2:24-26]

Romans 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

3. We must love the Brethren [2:2]

Philemon 1:5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
Philemon 1:7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
Hebrews 13:1 Let brotherly love continue.

II. THE TOUGHNESS OF PAUL!

1. Stand! - Don't be a compromiser! [2:1-2, 4:7a]

2. Stay! - Don't be a quitter! [2:3, 4:7b, 10]

3. Serve! - Don't be half-hearted! [2:4-5, 4:7c]

Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

III. THE TESTIMONY OF PAUL!

1. Paul had Confidence! [1:12, 2:15-19]

2. Paul had convictions! [3:15-17]

3. Paul had Courage! [4:6-8]

Acts 20:22-24 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Who is this Darwin guy, anyway?

Q: Who is this Darwin guy, anyway?

A: Throughout 2009 the world will be celebrating Darwin’s birthday (February 12, 1809) and the publication of On the Origin of Species (November 24, 1859). Meanwhile, Bible-believing Christians have had 150 years to reflect on Darwin’s life and work. What have we learned?

First, it’s important to get our facts straight. Darwin was not a demon or an angel, but a human being like the rest of us, struggling with difficult personal and intellectual questions.

Second, Darwin made some valuable scientific observations and raised some good questions. Scientists are still trying to answer many of those questions today.

The January issue of Answers magazine asked leading minds in creation science to share their perspectives on both Darwin and his book, and to report on the latest efforts by creationists to provide an alternative explanation for the origin of species.

To learn more about the special upcoming issue of Answers magazine that could be called a “Creationist Manifesto for the Twenty-first Century,” visit our special Year of Darwin webpage.
Don’t Miss Out!

The next session of our online education courses begins soon and registration is open until November 20. Foundations in Creation Apologetics is a 12-week course designed to equip you to defend your faith in an evolution-dominated world that is increasingly hostile to Christianity. Each weekly lesson is designed so that you can work at your own pace, so it is ideal for both students and working people. The lessons focus on helping you understand the issues involved and how to use the information you learn to share your faith with others. As a student, you will be involved in reading articles, watching videos, discussing ideas with classmates and instructors, and applying what you have learned in the assessments.

Want to learn more about how the Bible is confirmed by archaeology, science, and everything we see around us? Join us for a 6-week study in Creation Apologetics and the Bible. You will explore how we arrive at the age of the earth, the historical accuracy of the biblical record, the authority of Scripture, and more. Interact with other students from around the world and strengthen your faith as you dive deep into God’s Word in this course.

For more information about these learning opportunities, visit edu.answersingenesis.org.

News to Note Quick Look

A “no rejection” solution: It’s a substantial victory in stem cell research—and a reminder that we don’t need to sacrifice life in pursuit of successful therapies. Read more.

Seeing is believing, but they’ll take aliens on faith: Considering all the conclusions astronomers have drawn about exoplanets, it’s surprising that they’ve never actually seen them. That is, until now. Read more.

Also: foot evolution: a big flop; embracing your inner marsupial; are you dumber than Homo erectus?; supposed missing links: Tiktaalik, “Lucy,” . . . hazentine?; all in the family; this is where it gets woolly; water, water everywhere—but nary a hint of life; does this turtle rescue evolution?; and who’s really robbing Genesis? Read more.

Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program

Six periods or six days—can we know?
Meteor showers—evidence for a young universe?
Christians—should they believe in a young earth?
Genesis—does it say how God created?
Gorgeous opals—produced in months?

After Eden

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.

ARE YOU CONTENDING OR PRETENDING?

Evangelist Matt Downs, 28, a staff evangelist of the Bill Rice Ranch, preached his last message of this revival and like the 6 previous messages it was Biblical, inspirational, and practical. I recommend this young preacher to any Pastor or Church seeking an evangelist for meetings.

Jude 1-3

I. WHAT WE NEED TO CONTEND AGAINST:

1. Unbelief [v. 5]

2. Rebellion [v. 6, I Sam. 15:2-23]

3 things a rebel can't be:

A rebel can't be taught because they think they already know everything.

A rebel can't be corrected because they think they are always right.

A rebel can't be used of God ... period!

3. Fornication [v. 7]

4. False Teachers [v. 11]

II. HOW WE NEED TO CONTEND:

1. Grow Up! [v. 20]

2. Keep Up! [v. 21]

3. Speak Up! [v. 22]

4. Stay Up! [v. 24]

SHINE

Brother Downs preached from Mt. 5:13-16 on the subject "SHINE"

Seek to be friendly [Lk. 10:30-37]
Hell is real [Rev. 20:14-15]
Inconvenient opportunities can be turned into great ones [Acts 8:26ff]
Never be discouraged [Heb. 12:2-3]
Explain the Gospel clearly and in your own way [I Cor. 15:1-4]

The people saved this week both expressed a desire to follow the Lord in believer's baptism and continue in fellowship at Bradford Baptist Church. Another lady, Nancy, was led to Christ by Brother Matt after the service.

He Went The Wrong Way!

Tonight Brother Matt Downs preached on Jonah.

I. Jonah Rebelled [Chapter 1]

Why?

1. He thought he was too good.

2. He thought they were too wicked.

3. He didn't want to obey God.

II. Jonah Prayed [Chapter 2]

Why does God allow or sometimes send trouble into our lives?

1. To wake us up

2. To say to us, "Come on back" [Lam. 3:40]Praise the Lord 1 was saved and there were several decisions among Christians.

III. God Repeated the Call [Chapter 3]

IV. God Accepted Nineveh's Repentance [Ch. 4]

Revival with Evangelist Matt Downs

Tonight Brother Downs preached a very practical message from Mark 4:37-41 on "Obedience to Christ."

He pointed out from the text:

1. Winds Obeyed Jesus Christ [4:39]

2. Wackos Obeyed Jesus Christ [5:1-20]

3. Will You Obey Jesus Christ?

-In Purity [Mt. 5:8]

-In Peacemaking [Mt. 5:9]

-----"I'm sorry. I was wrong."

-----"I forgive you."

-----"I'm listening."

-----I Love you!"

Revival with Evangelist Matt Downs

Matt Downs is a 28 year-old staff evangelist of the Bill Rice Ranch. We have had Brother Matt at our church previously but never for a full-week meeting. What a blessing this young evangelist has been to us.

He preached Monday night on "David & the Dwarf" from I Sam. 16, 18 & Ps. 51. He pointed out that in Psalm 51 David was praying and asking God to restore what he had previously had had with God. Speaking of when David was anointed and up until he committed the sin with Bathsheba:

1. David was Right with God [v. 10]

2. David had a Relationship with God [v. 11]

3. David was Rejoicing in God [v. 12]

4. David was Reaching others for God [v. 13]

Eph. 2:10 teaches that we are a specific tool that God has for a specific purpose.

QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

Joy is an outward expression of an inward delight. - Evangelist Jim Cook

God is not impressed by pedigree. By pedigree, I mean your family heritage, your church, or your college. I happen to have several preachers in my family, but my kids aren't impressed by the number of preachers-they are concerned about the preacher they live with! The truth is, a great family heritage is just one generation away from complete reprobates. Being a member of a good, Bible-preaching church does not gain you privileged status with God, either. Thank God for your college, too, but none of the parts of your "pedigree" impress God one bit! -Evangelist Wil Rice

Those who do not cast down evil thoughts risk being cast down by evil thoughts. -Rand Hummel, Today's Christian Preacher, Fall 2008.

It's no disgrace to fail; it is a disgrace to do less than your best to keep from failing. Evangelist Bob Jones Sr.

A young couple moves into a new neighborhood. The next morning while they are eating breakfast, the young woman sees her neighbor hanging the wash outside. "That laundry is not very clean", she said. "She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap." Her husband looked on, but remained silent. Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same comments. About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband: "Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this?" The husband said, "I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows." And so it is with life........... What we see when watching others depends on the purity of the window through which we look. -Unknown

Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. The third is to be kind. - Henry James

QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Are you drowning in questions?‏

A: For long-time supporters who have used our website over the years, you’ve probably gotten used to our Get Answers starting page, where we have articles categorized in a number of common categories related to our ministry. We also direct others interested in the origins debate and biblical authority to that page. It’s our central point for people to explore our information and get answers!

But while the current version of the page has been reliable, we’ve been hard at work adding features that will allow users to find articles and other resources even more easily and quickly. These new features include:

Themed categories—We’ve rearranged our numerous categories by theme, so each of the broader categories listed on the left includes related, more specific sub-categories that drop down after your selection. (In the past, all categories were in one alphabetical list.)

Keywords—We’ve spent the last year-and-a-half giving each article we run keywords. Now you can tap into that resource, finding just the articles you’re looking for.

Filters—You can now cross-filter your results by keyword, publication type, difficulty level, and author, all listed on the right side of your screen. Just click a few of each and see what articles match your filters!

Sorting—Within result lists, you can sort by date (most recent) or popularity.

Get Answers 2.0 is a public beta—that means we’re asking you to help us by testing the interface, and telling us how you like it. Also, don’t worry, we’ve kept the original Get Answers page just a click away, if you prefer to use it.

Why delay? Take a look at our new Get Answers 2.0 now!

Don’t Miss Out!

The next session of our online education courses begins soon and registration is open until November 20. Foundations in Creation Apologetics is a 12-week course designed to equip you to defend your faith in an evolution-dominated world that is increasingly hostile to Christianity. Each weekly lesson is designed so that you can work at your own pace, so it is ideal for both students and working people. The lessons focus on helping you understand the issues involved and how to use the information you learn to share your faith with others. As a student, you will be involved in reading articles, watching videos, discussing ideas with classmates and instructors, and applying what you have learned in the assessments.

Want to learn more about how the Bible is confirmed by archaeology, science, and everything we see around us? Join us for a 6-week study in Creation Apologetics and the Bible. You will explore how we arrive at the age of the earth, the historical accuracy of the biblical record, the authority of Scripture, and more. Interact with other students from around the world and strengthen your faith as you dive deep into God’s Word in this course.

For more information about these learning opportunities, visit edu.answersingenesis.org.

News to Note Quick Look

If it looks like design, it must be evolution: Proteins that act like “adaptive machines”—are they evidence for evolution or intelligent design? Read more.

Out on a limb: Once again, it’s “evolution in action.” Once again, it isn’t. Read more.

Also: living with your ancestors; skeletons in Darwin’s closet; didn’t dinos disco?; the shifting sands of pyramid dating; silk: a “miracle material”; Santa Claus is coming to town—atheists say you better be good! Read more.

Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program

The separation of the continents—did it happen?
Varves—what in the world are they?
Jonah—3,000 years in the whale?
Is 1,000 years—like a day?
Computer programs—do they prove evolution?

After Eden

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.

"I AM" in the Pentateuch‏

"And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it." (Genesis 15:7)

There are seven "I am's" in the Book of Genesis. The first is a beautiful figure of speech ("I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward" Genesis 15:1)but the others are all names and titles of God. The first of these is in our text above, identifying Jehovah Himself (the LORD) with the "I am."

The next is Genesis 17:1: "I am the Almighty God." The Hebrew here is El Shaddai ("God the nourishing sustainer"), also found in 35:11. Next is in 26:24: "I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee." Then, "I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac" (28:13). "I am the God of Bethel" (31:13). Beth-el means "the house of God." Finally, God says: "I am God, the God of thy father" (46:3).

In Exodus there are 21 places where God says: "I am." Most of these are merely variations of the different names of God as noted above in the "I am's" of Genesis, but six do give new insight. The first, of course, is the great assertion of Exodus 3:14 where God identifies Himself as "I AM THAT I AM." The others: "I am the LORD in the midst of the earth" (8:22); "I am the LORD that healeth thee" (15:26); "I the LORD thy God am a jealous God" (20:5); "For I am gracious" (22:27 ); "I am the LORD that doth sanctify you" (31:13 ).

In the remaining books of the Pentateuch, the phrase, "I am the LORD your God," occurs very frequently, but there are two important new "I am's." "I am holy" occurs six times (e.g., Leviticus 11:45) and "I am thy part and thine inheritance" is recorded in Numbers 18:20 . The great theme of all these claims and names of God is that the mighty God of time and space is also a caring, personal God. We can trust Him, and He cares for us. HMM

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BLESSINGS FROM THE BILL RICE RANCH (4)

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!

Two great services on Thursday night and a good nights sleep did nothing but prepare us for the next day of blessing.

On Friday morning, October 3, 2008 after a fantastic breakfast (the food at the Ranch is utterly delicious) we had our first service of the day. Evangelist Bill Rice III was the preacher and as usual he preached the Word with power.

The second speaker of the day was Evangelist Troy Carlson. His text was Eph. 4:10-16, his sermon was practical. powerful and pointed. He reminded us that verse 12 is about body building, v. 15 tells us to "grow up!" and v. 16 says the result is that more members will be added.

1. You (Christians) are part of a team, the body of Christ [v. 4]
2. The team has a goal! [v. 12]
3. The Devil also has a goal since he's the leader of the opposing team! [v. 27]

The Devil wants you to keep your sin options open! [v. 25]
He encourages us to categorize sin [5:3] with ours not being as bad as others'
He wants us to live like there are plenty of tomorrows [5:14]

The team is hurt when you as an individual fail! [4:27]

Life is not about YOU - so focus on making yourself the best you can with the goal being team victory!

Like saying, "If the Devil is going to get a foothold in our church... it's not going to be me!"

3 F's THAT MAKE FOR A GOOD REPORT

Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. FORGET THE PAST [Phil. 3:13-14]

1. Forget Past Victories [v. 13]

Forget in the sense that you hide it from the forefront of your mind, it's importance is diminished because you have more ground to cover.

2. Forget Past Failures [v. 13, Heb. 12:1] - because they're over.

Confess the sins, forsake them and keep running the race! FIDO!

Forget the failures of others! One man said, "I never forgive" To which John Wesley replied, "Then sir, I hope you never sin."

Clara Barton was asked by a lady if she remembered when that lady had once done her wrong. Barton said, "I distinctly remember forgetting it!"

3. Forget the Pleasures [Num. 11:1-10]

II. FACE THE FUTURE WISELY

1. Don't Worry (undue concern) About It! [Mt. 6:34]

2. Don't Count On It! [James 4:13-14]

3. Don't ignore It! [Mk. 1:1-8, Mt. 6:19-20]

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.

III. FOCUS ON THE PRESENT

1. Be Today What You Ought Be [Phil. 4:13-14]

2. Do Today What You Ought Do {James. 4:15-17]

3. Live Today How You Ought Live [Psalm 118:24]

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it

November 11 - Wars and Rumors of Wars‏

"And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet." (Mark 13:7)

Most major cities and our nation's capital have many memorials to honor the veterans and their sacrifices in past wars. Some of those memorials are magnificent, stressing the glory and joy of victories won. Others are somber and heartrending, stressing the pain and sacrifice necessary to gain and hold onto freedom. All seek to honor the people involved, for the cost is and has been enormous.

Yet, Jesus said that "such things must needs be!" Some wars are more observably "necessary" than others, like wars to stop the spread of evil or to bring judgment on evil nations (1 Samuel 15:2-3, etc.).

But all wars have their sources in the wickedness of men (James 4:1). One of the chief responsibilities of national leaders is to wield the "sword" of national power against those who do evil (Romans 13:4).

It is for those reasons that we honor the soldiers who demonstrate strength in the battle as King David and his "mighty men" did (2 Samuel 23:8-22). It is for this reason that we erect monuments to commemorate great victories (Judges 6:24) or signal events in the battles for freedom (Joshua 4:5-7).

War is hideous and touches the lives of all involved. Yet it "must be" until the day when "they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more" (Micah 4:3).

Until that day comes, honor the memory of those who have given their lives and their livelihood to serve in this necessary duty. HMM III

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INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org

November 11, 2008

QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

People would not be so quick to get upset and "church-hop" if they were in the habit of denying themselves and putting others' wishes first instead of succumbing to the idea that each song, each Bible version quoted, or the behavior of each person in the church must be pleasing to them. - Pastor Terry Green [The Biblical Evangelist, July-Aug. 2008, pg. 11]

Here's my strategy on the Cold War: We win, they lose. - Ronald Reagan

The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help. - Ronald Reagan

The trouble with our liberal friends are not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.
- Ronald Reagan

Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was too strong.- Ronald Reagan

I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress.
- Ronald Reagan

The taxpayer: That's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination. - Ronald Reagan

Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other. - Ronald Reagan

The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program.
- Ronald Reagan

It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first.
- Ronald Reagan

Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
- Ronald Reagan

Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed, there are many rewards; if you disgrace yourself, you can always write a book.
- Ronald Reagan

No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is as formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.
- Ronald Reagan

If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.
- Ronald Reagan

PLAGUES, PRIDE & PURPOSE

EXODUS 9


Pastor Rick Jackson

1. MURRAIN [v. 1-7]

"The Murrain out of Spain falls mainly on the plain"

1. Explanation of God's Will [v. 1]

2. Exclamation of God's Warning [v. 2-5]

3. Execution of God's Wrath [v. 6-7]

II. BOILS [v. 8-12]

"What it boils down to for them was trouble"

1. Visual Aids [v. 8-9]

2. Visible Actions [v. 10-11]

3. Verified Accuracy [v. 12]

III. HAIL [v.13-35]

"Hail to the chief (pharaoh)"

1. Hear God's Purpose [v. 13-16]

2. Accept God's Provision [v. 17-21]

3. Secure God's Protection [v. 22-35]

ELECTIONS & GOD'S ELECT

Pastor Rick Jackson

Like many of you I was both pleased and displeased with the results of Tuesday's elections. Some people I wanted in office did not get elected. Some people I voted for did get elected. Some amendments I voted for were passed (as well as some in other states I was pulling for but couldn't cast a vote). For me elections have nothing to do with race or party but everything to do with right and principles.

So, now someone is going into office and you didn't vote for them. You don't like them and you don't like what they stand for. What do you do?

I. THERE SHOULD BE A CONSIDERED RESPECT

Consider this, even if you don't like the person you should respect the Office.

1. This was Paul's consideration [Acts 23:1-5]

2. This was Michael's consideration [Jude 1:9] Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

3. This was Jesus's consideration [Jn. 19:8-11]

II. THERE SHOULD BE A CALCULATED RESPONSE

1. There is the Rule of Conscientious Duty [Rm. 13:1-7]

2. There is Room for Conscientious Objections [Acts 4:18-21]

3. There is the Responsibility for Careful Confrontation [II Sam. 12:1, 7ff]

III. THERE SHOULD BE A CHRISTIAN REGARD

1. Prayer is a Christian Duty [I Sam. 12:13-25]

2. Power is a Divine Prerogative [Hosea 13:9-11]

3. Prayer is a Protective Hedge [I Tm. 2:1-8]

QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Did Ken Ham walk with dinosaurs?

Q: Did Ken Ham walk with dinosaurs?

A: Walking with Dinosaurs is much more than a theatrical stage show that is now on a two-year run in large arenas around America. It is a 70-minute lecture on evolution as much as it is a form of entertainment that features large, realistic-looking animatronic dinosaurs. That is not too surprising, given that Walking with Dinosaurs was spun off from the evolution-filled BBC TV program of the same name (the British series was eventually shown on American TV—see our review of the TV program).

The stage show we saw last Sunday evening on the campus arena of Northern Kentucky University—which showcased an impressive collection of 12-plus dinosaurs—took up the entire floor of the arena. Overall, it manifested the same commitment to visual quality as the ground-breaking BBC TV series. Children around us shrieked with glee and named the dinosaurs as they came out from behind a huge curtain and paraded in front of us, as puppeteers of a high-tech sort (with no wires, though) manipulated the realistic movements of the huge creatures. Simulated earthquakes and a comet collision also enhanced the show, but the program does suffer from some lulls, especially when the narrator gives the audience an overview of supposed dinosaur-evolution history and how they are still with us today (as birds).

The heavy evolutionary emphasis of Walking with Dinosaurs—including the frequent use of the evolutionary timeline of millions of years—is in direct contrast to what we present in our Creation Museum located just a 20-minute drive west of the arena. Unfortunately, Walking with Dinosaurs is so well crafted that it helps make its scientific claims appear legitimate.
Read more about Ken Ham’s experience “walking with dinosaurs” in Staged Evolution.

News to Note Quick Look

Hickory, dickory, dock, these mice turned back the clock: Mice frozen for 16 years have been successfully cloned by Japanese scientists. Could mammoths be next? Read more.

Is the truck on empty? Fill it up with some fun-gas: Factors in petroleum production: high pressure and heat, millions of years, underground drilling, and . . . tree fungus? Read more.

Also: a village full of Crocodile Hunters; breaking the ice—and all credulity; shields up!; evolutionists catch up on “races”; obituary: Michael Crichton, 66, author. 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.

Illustration of the Week

Once you are a child of the King, you are His forever.

Nothing you go through on this earth escapes His notice. he will not abandon you or forsake you -- even when your circumstances make you feel He couldn't possibly be paying attention to you.

Here's a story my Dad used to like to tell to illustrate this point:

A lone survivor of a shipwreck found himself on an uninhabited island. After a while he managed to build a hut where he placed the small amount of food he had gathered. Every day the man scanned the horizon for any passing ships. one day, he spotted a boat. He waved frantically, but the ship disappeared over the horizon.

To compound his sadness, he returned to his hut, only to find it in flames. Gone was his shelter. Destroyed was his only hope for nourishment and survival.

The next day a ship arrived. It was the same one that had passed the day before. The captain explained, "We saw your smoke signal."

What seemed like an accident, unplanned -- and unwanted -- by the man turned out to be an incident planned by God in His great design. The fire that destroyed the man's only sustenance actually saved his life!

Jonathan Falwell

ICR News--November Acts & Facts is now available‏

This is really worth your while. The online version of a magazine I get regularly. Here are a few titles of articles in this issue:

The November issue of Acts & Facts is now available.
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH
http://www.icr.org/
NOVEMBER 2008

Creation Evangelism -John D. Morris, Ph.D.

Life in the Letters: Uncovering creation truth in ancient cultures -Ava Ford, M.D.

Sleuthing Superfaults -Larry Vardiman, Ph.D.

Man of Science, Man of God: Louis Pasteur -Christine Dao

A New Theory of Climate Change -Larry Vardiman, Ph.D.

The Contrasting Religions of Creation and Evolution -John D. Morris, Ph.D.

Complex Plant Systems: Rooted in God's Genius -Frank Sherwin, M.A.

The Gaps in "The God of the Gaps" -Brian Thomas, M.S.

A Heritage of Thanksgiving -Henry M. Morris IV

Book Review: Slaughter of the Dissidents -Brian Thomas, M.S.

Click here to view these articles


I kid you not this is really good stuff and quite readable! The regular feature, Man of Science- Man of God, is invaluable. You cannot go wrong checking this out and it's free!

BLESSINGS FROM THE BILL RICE RANCH (3)

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!

Two great services on Thursday night and a good nights sleep did nothing but prepare us for the next day of blessing.

On Friday morning, October 3, 2008 after a fantastic breakfast (the food at the Ranch is utterly delicious) we had our first service of the day. Evangelist Bill Rice III was the preacher and as usual he preached the Word with power!
--------------------------------

II Timothy 4:1-4

"Last days" [3:1ff] is not a reference to a future time, but the Church Age, the time from Christ's first coming to His second.

We are often more concerned about the way we feel about stuff rather than what we know about stuff.

A sermon is a way of organizing information to present it.

To often we undermine preaching... "I'm not going to preach at you this morning..."

What undermines Bible preaching?

1. No interest in the subject [thinking versus feeling].

"How did I feel about the service?" as opposed to "What did I learn in the service?" [4:3a]

It is not wrong to be moved but we need to be moved by truth!

2. Interest in the man rather than the message.

More concerned about the way something is said than what is being said! [4:3b]

3. Tendency to enjoy the sermon. [4:3c]

"the hearing" not "the learning."

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

The result [v.4] "turned to fables"

What should we do in preaching?

1. We should listen.

2. We should learn.

3. We should live (do it). But we can't unless we turn to God for help!

THEY WALK AMONG US‏

My one and only sister sent me this one that someone sent her. Are they true? I don't know but I know I have met people like them.

They Walk Among Us in Retail...
I was at the checkout of a K-Mart. The clerk rang up $46.64 charge. I gave her a fifty dollar bill. She gave me back $46.64. I gave the money back to her and told her that she had made a mistake in MY favor. She became indignant and informed me she was educated and knew what she was doing, and returned the money again. I gave her the money back. Same scenario! I departed the store with the $46.64.

They Walk Among Us at Starbucks....
I walked into a Starbucks with a buy-one-get-one-free coupon for a Grande Latte. I handed it to the girl and she looked over at a little chalkboard that said 'buy one-get one free .' 'They're already buy-one- get-one-free,' she said, 'so I guess they're both free'. She handed me my free Lattes and I walked out the door.

They Walk Among Us at the beach....
One day I was walking down the beach with some Friends when one of them shouted, 'Look at that dead bird!' Someone looked up at the sky and said, 'Where?'

They Walk Among Us in Real Estate...
While looking at a house, my brother asked the real estate agent which direction was north because, he explained, he didn't want the sun waking him up every morning. She asked, 'Does the sun rise in the North?' When my brother explained that the sun rises in the East, and has for some time, she shook her head and said, 'Oh I don't keep up with all that stuff.'

They Walk Among Us in Tech support...
I used to work in technical support for a 24/7 call center. One day I got a call from an individual who asked what hours the call center was open. I told him, 'The number you dialed is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.' He responded, 'Is that Eastern or Pacific time?' Wanting to end the call quickly, I said, 'Uh, Pacific.'

They Walk Among Us as relatives....
My sister has a lifesaving tool in her car designed to cut through a seat belt if she gets trapped. She keeps it in the trunk.

They Walk Among Us at the Liquor Store...
My friends and I were on a beer run and noticed that the cases were discounted 10%. Since it was a big party, we bought 2 cases. The cashier multiplied 2 times 10% and gave us a 20% discount. [Quite frankly anyone who drinks qualifies as a "they walk among us"]

They Walk Among Us at the Airport...
I couldn't find my luggage at the airport baggage area, so I went to the lost luggage office and told the woman there that my bags never showed up. She smiled and told me not to worry because she was a trained professional and I was in good hands. 'Now,' she asked me, has your plane arrived yet?'

They Walk Among Us at the Pizza Parlor...
While working at a pizza parlor I observed a man ordering a small pizza to go. He appeared to be alone and the cook asked him if he would like it cut into 4 pieces or 6. He thought about it for some time before responding. 'Just cut it in to 4 pieces; I don't think I'm hungry enough to eat 6 pieces.'

They Walk Among us at the Bookstore...
One summer I worked at a Bible Book Store while my friend (the owner) went on vacation. A lady came in and wanted to see some red-letter editions of the Bible. Of course a red-letter edition has the words of Jesus in red. After looking at several she said, No thank you. My Bible at home has more red letters than these."

Yep, They Walk Among Us! They Walk Among Us, and they Reproduce, and Worst of all .....they Voted!

November 4 - The Powers That Be‏

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." (Romans 13:1)

This day in our country we will vote for the men and women who will lead us for several years. Their beliefs and philosophies will impact our lives far beyond their specific terms in office. The choice we make is both a rare privilege and an awesome responsibility.

There are three perspectives that would be good for us to review as we prepare to exercise this duty.

First to consider is what this will require of us as subjects of those who are appointed over us. We will be required to:

• Submit to the laws they enact (1 Peter 2:13).
• Pay the taxes they require (Romans 13:6).
• Honor their authority (1 Peter 2:17).
• Pray for them by name (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
• Fear them if we do evil (Romans 13:4).

Then, there is the anticipated behavior of what we should expect them to do. They should:

• Be a terror to evil works (Romans 13:3).
• Exercise the "sword" of judgment against those who do evil (Romans 13:4).
• Promote a "quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" (1 Timothy 2:2).
• Punish evil and praise good (1 Peter 2:14).

Finally, all who ultimately are placed in authority over men are there by God's appointment (our text). Sometimes the most unassuming are raised up (1 Samuel 2:8) or the evil leader is used to demonstrate God's power (Romans 9:17). We must seek God's will in our choices, but we can be assured that He is in charge (Psalm 11:4). HMM III

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November 4, 2008

1009 and counting!

Oops. I missed the milestone 9 posts back! It's hard for me to believe that I have posted over 1000 blogs already and that I have had almost 11,000 "hits" in that same time.

If I have been of any help or blessing to anyone all the praise must go to Jesus Christ my Lord. Any errors are mine. God bless!

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" PS 33:12

I exhort that prayer be made for Kings, for all that are in authority Sounds like this is to pray for the elections! Why? "That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life...' 1 Tim. 2:1-2.

Don't we all want that? THEN PRAY AND PRAY AND PRAY SOME MORE!

My father was in the first world war. He came home from Germany and marched in the parade in his uniform every year. I was so proud of him. He later became the commander of the veterans of foreign wars and attend every meeting. Thankfully he did not die in the war as so many of his buddies, friends, and family. Today you and I only have to vote to retain this freedom. You and I know there is an all out attack by Satan to destroy our Christian country.

Then pay your dues and vote. I am sure you have exhorted your people to vote for their Christian values. Being 86 years old, I feel this is the most crucial election in my whole lifetime and every Christian must vote to keep our freedom of religion.

Love you, ABC Sumner

Remember after the election we will have to "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar and unto God the things that are Gods."

I exhort that prayer be made for Kings and all in authority‏

Nov 3, 2008

"I exhort that prayer be made for Kings, for all that are in authority..." Sounds like this is to pray for the elections! Why? "That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life..." 1 Tim. 2:1-2. Don't we all want that? THEN PRAY AND PRAY AND PRAY SOME MORE!

Pray for God to forgive us of our sins. [2 Chron. 7:14] If the 50 million born again Christians each led just ONE soul to Christ, we would have a very different world. The harvest is plenteous, but the LABORERS ARE FEW, VERY FEW, less than 5 % ever lead a soul to Christ.

Question? How many people did you personally lead to Christ? How many did you share the gospel with so they had a chance to be saved? "To him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not to him it is SIN."

"Sumner, are you trying to lay a guilt on us?" YES, if you did not even try to lead a soul to Christ. All for your eternal good and God's glory. Make sense? Pay your dues, go vote tomorrow. You must vote for those who have Christian values. Let us all humble ourselves before the Lord, lets cry out for His mercies and His directions.

Halloween, I am sure I gave the gospel to more lost people than any church in America had in church this morning. That is not to boast but to point out the opportunity we each had Friday night. I hope you did too.

Please believe me, I LOVE YOU, ABC Friday night a 16 year old girl said, Thanks for caring for me" as I gave her, "Your Ticket to Heaven." Sumner "Blessed in the nation whose God is the Lord" PS 33:12. May it be so Wed in the USA

Diluting the Word of God‏

And 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, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." (Revelation 22:19)

It is a very serious error to try to add some new revelation to God’s written Word, as many cults and false religions do. This is the warning of verse 18 (see also Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:6).

It is even more dangerous, as shown in the above text (the third from the last verse of the Bible), to delete (or even dilute) any of the words of the Bible. Note that the warning emphasizes the words, not just the thoughts. The sad fact is that a great many liberal theologians, especially in the past hundred years or so, have been doing just that, thinking thereby to make Christianity more compatible with modern science and philosophy. But they are literally playing with fire--this same book had just warned that any whose names do not remain in the book of life will be "cast into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15). Tragically, many of the sections they seek to "take away" are the references to hell.

God has promised to guard His word against any such deletions. "The words of the LORD are pure words: . . . Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever" (Psalm 12:6-7).

There are also many who would not try to take away any of the words from the text, but who then dilute their intended meaning in order to attract unbelieving intellectuals. This also is dangerous. Peter warns against those who would "wrest, . . . scriptures, unto their own destruction" (2 Peter 3:16). We must never forget the words of the Bible are "pure words," meaning just what they say. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God God-breathed, and is profitable . . ." (2 Timothy 3:16). HMM

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November 3, 2008

LICE, FLIES, & FOLLY

EXODUS 8:16-32

Pastor Rick Jackson

The Egyptians had gods for everything. We have already seen in the first two plagues several false gods defeated. The Nile, the crocodile god,the frog god and other ancillary gods connected with those areas. The plagues so far have been closely associated with water. These next two plagues will come from the land and from the air. The God of the Hebrews is the God of everything that He created and since He created everything He is the God of everything. Later enemies of Israel would learn the God of the Hebrews is not only the God of the mountains, He is also the God of the valleys!

8:15 is a "know better" verse. Pharaoh knew better than to promise something and then go back on it, and God knew better than to believe Pharaoh in the first place but God has a greater purpose in mind!

I. THE LOUSY LICE [v. 16-19]

1. The Swift Command [v. 16] remember- Pharaoh knew better!

2. The Strange Catastrophe [v. 17]

3. The Satisfying Capitulation [v. 18]

II. THE "FRIENDLY FLIES" [v. 20-24]

1. Here We See Swarms [v. 20-21]

(note the Bible doesn't say "flies" but this was added by the translators, the Psalmist under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit actually tells us it was different kinds of flying insects--- possibly including the sacred scarab beetle of Egypt!)

Psalm 78:45 He sent divers sorts of flies among them, which devoured them; and frogs, which destroyed them.
Psalm 105:31 He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and lice in all their coasts.

2. Here We See Separation [v. 22]

3. Here We See A Sign [v. 22-24]

III. THE WISDOM OF THE WORLD [v. 25-32]

1. Be Part of the World [v. 25-27]

James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever ° therefore will be ° a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

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.

2. Don't Be Very Different [v. 28-30]

Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
1 Peter 2:9 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:
2 Corinthians 6:16-18 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

3. The End Justifies the Means [v. 31-32]

Galatians 6:7-9 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

JAMES 3:13-18