Q: Is evolutionary indoctrination a “slam dunk for science and the Constitution”?
A: Noted philosophy professor and author Dr. Barbara Forrest answered the question above in the affirmative on February 16 in her DARWIN2009 keynote evening lecture at Northern Kentucky University (just a few miles down Interstate 275 from our ministry and the Creation Museum). She was in our area to discuss her involvement in defending evolution in the 2005 lawsuit against the Dover, Pennsylvania, school district over the teaching of intelligent design (ID) in its public schools.
Dr. Forrest’s lecture was one in a series of events in the Cincinnati metro area this year as evolutionists celebrate the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his book On the Origin of Species. Dr. Forrest is a professor of philosophy in the Department of History and Political Science at Southeastern Louisiana University and co-author of Creationism’s Trojan Horse: The Wedge of Intelligent Design (2004; 2007, 2nd ed.).
The lecture, attended by about 180 people (evidently mostly from the university community), was very enlightening. I found that I agreed with much of what she said about the Intelligent Design Movement (IDM), but many of her criticisms also apply to her own evolutionist camp (as I will show).
Continue reading Dr. Terry Mortenson’s review of Dr. Forrest’s lecture at “Slam Dunk for Science and the Constitution”?
Don’t Miss Out!
The next session of our online education courses begins soon and registration is open until March 2. 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, making it 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 the geologic record? Join us for a 6-week study in Creation Apologetics and Geology. You will explore how we arrive at the age of the earth, understand radiometric dating claims, how plate tectonics fits with the Flood and the Ice Age, the authority of Scripture, and more. Interact with other students from around the world, discuss the ideas you are learning with Dr. Andrew Snelling in live chats, 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
It designed itself?: Have Canadian scientists uncovered the key that makes an evolutionary origin of life plausible? Read more.
Overselling snake oil: Philip Skell, a member of the National Academy of Sciences for more than three decades, cautions against protecting Darwinism through censorship. Read more.
Also: evolution in action—oh, never mind; the mystery mountains; worthy of all our praise?; and don’t miss . . . . Read more.
Prayer Requests
View the current prayer requests to keep track of and pray for current ministry needs. Thank you!
Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program
Fossil crayfish—how different are they?
Lucy—is she alive and well?
Another “ape-man”—or just a bad guess?
A squashed mosquito—now why’d it die?
The creation ministry—it breaks down barriers!
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.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
February 27 - The Holy Ghost in David
The Holy Ghost in David
February 27, 2009
"For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness." (Psalm 95:7-8)
It is an interesting coincidence that verses 7-11 of Psalm 95 are quoted almost verbatim in verses 7-11 of Hebrews 3. The two writers are both referring, of course, to the 40 years of wandering by the children of Israel in the wilderness.
The Hebrews reference contains an important insight on biblical inspiration. It is introduced by the words "the Holy Ghost saith" (Hebrews 3:7), showing that God was actually the real author of the psalm. Then, the same phrase ("To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation") is quoted again in Hebrews 3:15, but this time it is introduced merely by "it is said."
Then, remarkably, it is quoted still a third time (Hebrews 4:7), where it tells us that God was "saying in David" this grave warning. In other words, the same Scripture was attributed both to David and to the Holy Spirit. Perhaps even more significantly, the phrase "it is said" is seen to be equivalent to "God says." All of this is a clear affirmation of the divine inspiration of the Old Testament Scriptures.
Finally, the fact that the same warning ("Harden not your hearts") is cited three times in the space of just 19 verses, all quoting the original warning in Psalm 95:8, must mean that God considers it extremely important that we harden not our hearts! It is possible that even a child of God can become so involved in doubts concerning God’s Word that he becomes useless to God and thus simply must be allowed to die in a spiritual wilderness, never knowing the great blessings of a life of obedient faith. "The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart" (Psalm 19:8). Our hearts should rejoice at His Word, not be hardened against it. HMM
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Institute for Creation Research 1806 Royal Lane Dallas TX 75229
Thursday, February 26, 2009
QUOTES OF THE WEEK!
Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. - Jesus
I would here sound a warning to all ladies: The solemn word of Jesus in this discourse should cause women to think on their manner of dress. The woman who dresses to entice men, who deliberately presents an appearance suggestive or tempting to men, is as guilty of adultery as the man who looks lustfully upon her! I thank God that even in this age of nudism there are still born-again Christian women who are careful of their manner of dress. A woman should be ... modest in her apparel and not invite the lustful attention of immoral men. -Oliver B. Greene
1 Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; - Paul
-----------------------------------------------------
Galatians 4:13 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
And that certainly is my desire. I've asked the Lord to help me stay alive all my life. You may think that's a strange request but I have known some people who died before they die. In fact at Emory Clinic I must have seen 200 people in the different waiting rooms where they had me scheduled. And people just looking straight ahead- wouldn't even pick up a magazine in front of them to read. -Missionary Glenn Dix testifying after being diagnosed with terminal cancer
--------------------------------------------------
There are Christians who are quick to witness and give out tracts to those who do any work for them, but by their way of doing business do not reflect any credit on the One whose name they proclaim. -George S. Syme Jr.
I would here sound a warning to all ladies: The solemn word of Jesus in this discourse should cause women to think on their manner of dress. The woman who dresses to entice men, who deliberately presents an appearance suggestive or tempting to men, is as guilty of adultery as the man who looks lustfully upon her! I thank God that even in this age of nudism there are still born-again Christian women who are careful of their manner of dress. A woman should be ... modest in her apparel and not invite the lustful attention of immoral men. -Oliver B. Greene
1 Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; - Paul
-----------------------------------------------------
Galatians 4:13 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
And that certainly is my desire. I've asked the Lord to help me stay alive all my life. You may think that's a strange request but I have known some people who died before they die. In fact at Emory Clinic I must have seen 200 people in the different waiting rooms where they had me scheduled. And people just looking straight ahead- wouldn't even pick up a magazine in front of them to read. -Missionary Glenn Dix testifying after being diagnosed with terminal cancer
--------------------------------------------------
There are Christians who are quick to witness and give out tracts to those who do any work for them, but by their way of doing business do not reflect any credit on the One whose name they proclaim. -George S. Syme Jr.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
SIGNIFICANT TRUTHS
JEREMIAH 29
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. SIGNIFICANT TRUTHS ABOUT LIFE [v. 4-6]
1. God Speaks [v. 4a]
2. God Chastens [v. 4b, Hebrews 12]
3. God Expects [v. 5-6] (Life goes on)
II. SIGNIFICANT TRUTHS ABOUT RESPONSIBILITY [v. 7-10]
The root word of responsibility is “response”. We have a responsibility to have the proper response to what God says, does, and expects.
1. Brighten the Corner Where you Are [v. 7a, Philippians 4:11]
2. Pray for the Peace of That Place [v. 7b]
3. Accept God’s Plan [v. 7c-10]
III. SIGNIFICANT TRUTHS ABOUT RESULTS [v. 11-19]
1. God wants the Best for Us [v. 11]
2. God wants Sweet Fellowship with Us [v. 12-16]
3. God wants Obedience [v. 17-19]
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. SIGNIFICANT TRUTHS ABOUT LIFE [v. 4-6]
1. God Speaks [v. 4a]
2. God Chastens [v. 4b, Hebrews 12]
3. God Expects [v. 5-6] (Life goes on)
II. SIGNIFICANT TRUTHS ABOUT RESPONSIBILITY [v. 7-10]
The root word of responsibility is “response”. We have a responsibility to have the proper response to what God says, does, and expects.
1. Brighten the Corner Where you Are [v. 7a, Philippians 4:11]
2. Pray for the Peace of That Place [v. 7b]
3. Accept God’s Plan [v. 7c-10]
III. SIGNIFICANT TRUTHS ABOUT RESULTS [v. 11-19]
1. God wants the Best for Us [v. 11]
2. God wants Sweet Fellowship with Us [v. 12-16]
3. God wants Obedience [v. 17-19]
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
God Will Win
Daily Devotional for February 24, 2009
From:Evangelist Wil Rice IV (firstlight@billriceranch.org)
Exodus 9:16 "And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to show in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth."
God Will Win
On June 27, 1876-more than 130 years ago-General George Armstrong Custer led his men . . . straight into defeat. What Custer thought would be an easy victory against a village actually turned out to be total destruction for him and his men at the hands of the Sioux nation and Sitting Bull. Despite the fact that the Sioux won the Battle of Little Bighorn, they lost the war. It was bound to happen. Why? Though I do not care for General Custer, he was defeated, but there were a lot more where he came from.
I do not care what "the score" may be right now; the truth is, God will win the war. He always does. But how He wins is up to you. God can work through you or against you; with you or without you; in this lifetime or in eternity. Whether you see it or you do not, God will win.
With God, there is no such thing as a "win-win" or a "win-lose" situation. One word describes God's record-WIN. God will win. He is the One Who raised up Pharaoh (Exodus 9:16). Do you suppose Pharaoh realized this? Did the Jews know this? God raised up Pharaoh for His (God's) glory and to show His (God's) power. God will win. Pharaoh might not have submitted to it, but some of his servants did. Exodus 9:20 says that Pharaoh's servants who feared God's judgment "made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses." God will win; it was just a matter of how. And these servants were wise enough to realize this.
Throughout Exodus 8-9, God makes known that He will win. Exodus 8:10 declares, "That thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD our God." Verse 22 repeats, "To the end thou mayest know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth." Chapter 9, verses 14 and 29 say, "That thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth," and, "That thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD'S." God won-He made it clear that He will win.
God will win. He will win today, and you can ask Pharaoh about that.
For more information about the Bill Rice Ranch visit our website: billriceranch.org
From:Evangelist Wil Rice IV (firstlight@billriceranch.org)
Exodus 9:16 "And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to show in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth."
God Will Win
On June 27, 1876-more than 130 years ago-General George Armstrong Custer led his men . . . straight into defeat. What Custer thought would be an easy victory against a village actually turned out to be total destruction for him and his men at the hands of the Sioux nation and Sitting Bull. Despite the fact that the Sioux won the Battle of Little Bighorn, they lost the war. It was bound to happen. Why? Though I do not care for General Custer, he was defeated, but there were a lot more where he came from.
I do not care what "the score" may be right now; the truth is, God will win the war. He always does. But how He wins is up to you. God can work through you or against you; with you or without you; in this lifetime or in eternity. Whether you see it or you do not, God will win.
With God, there is no such thing as a "win-win" or a "win-lose" situation. One word describes God's record-WIN. God will win. He is the One Who raised up Pharaoh (Exodus 9:16). Do you suppose Pharaoh realized this? Did the Jews know this? God raised up Pharaoh for His (God's) glory and to show His (God's) power. God will win. Pharaoh might not have submitted to it, but some of his servants did. Exodus 9:20 says that Pharaoh's servants who feared God's judgment "made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses." God will win; it was just a matter of how. And these servants were wise enough to realize this.
Throughout Exodus 8-9, God makes known that He will win. Exodus 8:10 declares, "That thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD our God." Verse 22 repeats, "To the end thou mayest know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth." Chapter 9, verses 14 and 29 say, "That thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth," and, "That thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD'S." God won-He made it clear that He will win.
God will win. He will win today, and you can ask Pharaoh about that.
For more information about the Bill Rice Ranch visit our website: billriceranch.org
Monday, February 23, 2009
Lesson from a Lab
Exodus 5:22-23 "And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all."
Lesson from a Lab
Breck, my chocolate Labrador dog, knows exactly what dogs know-not much. Some of my most frustrating moments are spent trying to save Breck from Breck! Recently I bought her a kids' swimming pool for the back yard so that she could stay cool and refreshed in the Tennessee heat. Wouldn't you know it, but Breck had her pool for Sunday dinner! The pool was not for my benefit-I have air conditioning in my house. I am not the one who is going to spend every summer day outside in the basking heat. The pool was for Breck, and she is the one who destroyed it!
People can be the exact same way. Breck fights against the help I am trying to give her because she is an ignorant dog. People, on the other hand, can be frustrating to work with because of a little arrogance mixed with ignorance. This was the case for Moses in Exodus 5. He met Pharaoh, gave God's message, and what happened to the children of Israel? They were given more work-harder work-and their officers were taken and beaten. Now Pharaoh was upset and the children of Israel were discouraged and mad at Moses.
Had God "evil entreated" Moses and the people? No, of course not. But it would have seemed so if you were Moses or the Israelites. But living by faith is living in obedience in light of God's character, not man's response. Was Moses speaking to Pharaoh the right thing? Yes. Did things get better? No. Things got worse before they got better. Oftentimes the same is true when working with people-things can get worse before they get better. But faith lives in light of God's character, not in light of how much better or worse things become.
Sometimes it is easier for us to see man's response than God's character. But God does not change. God is God, no matter if the people with whom we work acknowledge Him or not. Pharaoh and God's people were a discouragement to Moses. Sometimes, discouragement can come in the form of parents or adults who should be on the side of what is right, but are not. Remember to live in light of God's character.
God's response to Moses is recorded in Exodus 6:2-8. God reminds him of Who He is ("I am the LORD."), what He has done ("And I appeared. . . ."), and what He will do because of the promises He made ("And I have also established my covenant with them. . . ."). God declares in verse 6, "I am the LORD, and I will. . . ." That was good news for Moses to remember, and that is good news for us, too. Moses responded according to God's character-"I am the LORD, and I will."
Our obedience is not based on our greatness or abilities or people's response; it is based on God's character. Things may seem like they get worse, but things will get better if you will live in obedience in light of God's character today.
For more information about the Bill Rice Ranch visit our website: billriceranch.org
Sunday, February 22, 2009
LAYING DOWN THE LAW [part three]
EXODUS 23
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE APPLICATION OF GODLINESS IN LEGAL MATTERS [v. 1-9]
1. Do Right even if others don't [v. 1-3]
2. Do Right even to your enemy [v. 4-5]
3. Do Right even if it doesn't pay [v. 6-9]
II. THE APPLICATION OF GODLINESS IN COMMERCE [v. 10-12]
1. It was good for the soil [v. 10-11a]
2. It was good for the poor & animals [v. 11b]
3. It was good for everybody [v. 12]
III. THE APPLICATION OF GODLINESS TO LIFE [v. 13-33]
1. The Feasts of the Lord [v. 14-19]
2. The "Face" of the Lord [v. 20-26, I Cor. 10:1-11]
3. The Fear of the Lord [v. 27-33]
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE APPLICATION OF GODLINESS IN LEGAL MATTERS [v. 1-9]
1. Do Right even if others don't [v. 1-3]
2. Do Right even to your enemy [v. 4-5]
3. Do Right even if it doesn't pay [v. 6-9]
II. THE APPLICATION OF GODLINESS IN COMMERCE [v. 10-12]
1. It was good for the soil [v. 10-11a]
2. It was good for the poor & animals [v. 11b]
3. It was good for everybody [v. 12]
III. THE APPLICATION OF GODLINESS TO LIFE [v. 13-33]
1. The Feasts of the Lord [v. 14-19]
2. The "Face" of the Lord [v. 20-26, I Cor. 10:1-11]
3. The Fear of the Lord [v. 27-33]
WHAT THE TRUTH OF THE SECOND COMING BRINGS!
WHAT THE TRUTH OF THE SECOND COMING BRINGS
Pastor Rick Jackson
The Second Coming of Christ, depending on how you look at it, covers a period of at least 7 years, from the Rapture before the Tribulation to the "Touchdown Coming" after it. Take the truth of the Second Coming and see what it should bring.
THE TRUTH OF THE SECOND COMING OUGHT BRING:
1. An Earnest Expectation Among Believers [I Th. 1:9-10]
2. A Great Comfort to the Sorrowing [I Th. 4:13-18]
3. A Solemn Warning to the Lost [I Th. 5:1-3]
4. A Galvanizing Alertness to the Saved [I Th. 5:4-10]
5. A Blessed Assurance in the Promises [II Th. 1:7-2:2]
6. A Dynamic Devotion to Christ [II Tm. 4:8]
7. A Purifying Hope for the Hopeful [I Jn. 3:1-3]
Pastor Rick Jackson
The Second Coming of Christ, depending on how you look at it, covers a period of at least 7 years, from the Rapture before the Tribulation to the "Touchdown Coming" after it. Take the truth of the Second Coming and see what it should bring.
THE TRUTH OF THE SECOND COMING OUGHT BRING:
1. An Earnest Expectation Among Believers [I Th. 1:9-10]
2. A Great Comfort to the Sorrowing [I Th. 4:13-18]
3. A Solemn Warning to the Lost [I Th. 5:1-3]
4. A Galvanizing Alertness to the Saved [I Th. 5:4-10]
5. A Blessed Assurance in the Promises [II Th. 1:7-2:2]
6. A Dynamic Devotion to Christ [II Tm. 4:8]
7. A Purifying Hope for the Hopeful [I Jn. 3:1-3]
Saturday, February 21, 2009
QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Why does science need God?
Q: Why does science need God?
A: It is one of those embarrassing historical ironies that modern science could not have arisen except in the atmosphere of a Christian world-and-life view. Nevertheless, the scientific community today persists in playing the prodigal by assuming an antagonistic stance against the Christianity of divine revelation. Hypnotized by Darwin’s evolutionary scheme and enchanted with the products of scientific technology, modern man has granted science a secularized godship and bows before it in fetish idolatry.
The pitting of science against revelation is certainly odd. For, a certain state of affairs is needed for the scientific endeavor to be meaningful or fruitful. The scientist must believe that the state of affairs is conducive to science, or he would not venture into the scientific enterprise. He must believe that there is a world of things and processes that can be known and that he himself sustains a relationship to this world that allows him to know these objects and events. But then, what reason can the scientist give for his belief that the state of affairs is actually conducive to science? Why is the world such as it is and not otherwise?
Here the scientist, who depends on the self-sufficiency of his logico-empirical procedures, is in a predicament. His response is usually to make various hypotheses about the world and then point to the beneficial results that flow from such hypotheses; he gives, can give, no reason for those hypotheses—they just are, because they work. If pressed, or if he is philosophically inclined, he may even go so far as to say that his “working hypotheses” have no reason unless it be “chance.”
In other words, the consistent naturalistic scientist seems to hold to an irrational set of beliefs about the state of affairs simply in order that his “rational” scientific endeavor may get off the ground. It is rather obvious that prior to any scientific endeavor we must begin either from speculation (about “chance” hypotheses) or from revelation. The Scriptures (of the one Person who knows) reveal how it is that this world, and man in it, are such as to make scientific endeavor meaningful. The state of affairs that exists is due to the creation and providence of the sovereign God. If science (so-called) could actually refute the truths of Scripture, then there would be no actual basis for science at all. The desire of the scientific community to pit its enterprise and conclusions against Christian revelation is ultimately suicidal.
Continue reading why science needs the Triune God at Revelation, Speculation, and Science, the first of our articles by Dr. Greg Bahnsen.
Don’t Miss Out!
The next session of our online education courses begins soon and registration is open until March 2. 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, making it 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 the geologic record? Join us for a 6-week study in Creation Apologetics and Geology. You will explore how we arrive at the age of the earth, understand radiometric dating claims, how plate tectonics fits with the Flood and the Ice Age, the authority of Scripture, and more. Interact with other students from around the world, discuss the ideas you are learning with Dr. Andrew Snelling in live chats, 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
Indoctrinate—or else!: Some evolutionists are taking the culture war over origins to the next step: boycotting an entire U.S. state in protest of the state’s education laws. Read more.
Those wacky creationists: Stephen Moss of Britain’s The Guardian aims to answer the question “who exactly are” creationists? Will his answer be on target or way off base? Read more.
Also: aliens among us, no longer one in a billion, another branch of the family, and don’t miss . . . . Read more.
Prayer Requests
View the current prayer requests to keep track of and pray for current ministry needs. Thank you!
Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program
Mammal-like reptiles—are they evolutionary transitions?
Design in Nature—what does it mean?
Whale evolution—another fairy tale!
Noah’s Flood—was it worldwide?
Poodles and Bichons—the end of the line!
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.
A: It is one of those embarrassing historical ironies that modern science could not have arisen except in the atmosphere of a Christian world-and-life view. Nevertheless, the scientific community today persists in playing the prodigal by assuming an antagonistic stance against the Christianity of divine revelation. Hypnotized by Darwin’s evolutionary scheme and enchanted with the products of scientific technology, modern man has granted science a secularized godship and bows before it in fetish idolatry.
The pitting of science against revelation is certainly odd. For, a certain state of affairs is needed for the scientific endeavor to be meaningful or fruitful. The scientist must believe that the state of affairs is conducive to science, or he would not venture into the scientific enterprise. He must believe that there is a world of things and processes that can be known and that he himself sustains a relationship to this world that allows him to know these objects and events. But then, what reason can the scientist give for his belief that the state of affairs is actually conducive to science? Why is the world such as it is and not otherwise?
Here the scientist, who depends on the self-sufficiency of his logico-empirical procedures, is in a predicament. His response is usually to make various hypotheses about the world and then point to the beneficial results that flow from such hypotheses; he gives, can give, no reason for those hypotheses—they just are, because they work. If pressed, or if he is philosophically inclined, he may even go so far as to say that his “working hypotheses” have no reason unless it be “chance.”
In other words, the consistent naturalistic scientist seems to hold to an irrational set of beliefs about the state of affairs simply in order that his “rational” scientific endeavor may get off the ground. It is rather obvious that prior to any scientific endeavor we must begin either from speculation (about “chance” hypotheses) or from revelation. The Scriptures (of the one Person who knows) reveal how it is that this world, and man in it, are such as to make scientific endeavor meaningful. The state of affairs that exists is due to the creation and providence of the sovereign God. If science (so-called) could actually refute the truths of Scripture, then there would be no actual basis for science at all. The desire of the scientific community to pit its enterprise and conclusions against Christian revelation is ultimately suicidal.
Continue reading why science needs the Triune God at Revelation, Speculation, and Science, the first of our articles by Dr. Greg Bahnsen.
Don’t Miss Out!
The next session of our online education courses begins soon and registration is open until March 2. 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, making it 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 the geologic record? Join us for a 6-week study in Creation Apologetics and Geology. You will explore how we arrive at the age of the earth, understand radiometric dating claims, how plate tectonics fits with the Flood and the Ice Age, the authority of Scripture, and more. Interact with other students from around the world, discuss the ideas you are learning with Dr. Andrew Snelling in live chats, 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
Indoctrinate—or else!: Some evolutionists are taking the culture war over origins to the next step: boycotting an entire U.S. state in protest of the state’s education laws. Read more.
Those wacky creationists: Stephen Moss of Britain’s The Guardian aims to answer the question “who exactly are” creationists? Will his answer be on target or way off base? Read more.
Also: aliens among us, no longer one in a billion, another branch of the family, and don’t miss . . . . Read more.
Prayer Requests
View the current prayer requests to keep track of and pray for current ministry needs. Thank you!
Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program
Mammal-like reptiles—are they evolutionary transitions?
Design in Nature—what does it mean?
Whale evolution—another fairy tale!
Noah’s Flood—was it worldwide?
Poodles and Bichons—the end of the line!
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.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
PATRIOTIC THOUGHTS OF THE WEEK
thanks to Beka--- who first brought this to my attention. - Daddyman
----------------------------------------------------------------------
WorldWatch First appeared in print in The Rhinoceros Times, Greensboro, NC
By Orson Scott Card
October 5, 2008
Would the Last Honest Reporter Please Turn On the Lights?
An open letter to the local daily paper -- almost every local daily paper in America:
I remember reading All the President's Men and thinking: That's journalism. You do what it takes to get the truth and you lay it before the public, because the public has a right to know.
This housing crisis didn't come out of nowhere. It was not a vague emanation of the evil Bush administration.
It was a direct result of the political decision, back in the late 1990s, to loosen the rules of lending so that home loans would be more accessible to poor people. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were authorized to approve risky loans.
What is a risky loan? It's a loan that the recipient is likely not to be able to repay.
The goal of this rule change was to help the poor -- which especially would help members of minority groups. But how does it help these people to give them a loan that they can't repay? They get into a house, yes, but when they can't make the payments, they lose the house -- along with their credit rating.
They end up worse off than before.
This was completely foreseeable and in fact many people did foresee it. One political party, in Congress and in the executive branch, tried repeatedly to tighten up the rules. The other party blocked every such attempt and tried to loosen them.
Furthermore, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were making political contributions to the very members of Congress who were allowing them to make irresponsible loans. (Though why quasi-federal agencies were allowed to do so baffles me. It's as if the Pentagon were allowed to contribute to the political campaigns of Congressmen who support increasing their budget.)
Isn't there a story here? Doesn't journalism require that you who produce our daily paper tell the truth about who brought us to a position where the only way to keep confidence in our economy was a $700 billion bailout? Aren't you supposed to follow the money and see which politicians were benefitting personally from the deregulation of mortgage lending?
I have no doubt that if these facts had pointed to the Republican Party or to John McCain as the guilty parties, you would be treating it as a vast scandal. "Housing-gate," no doubt. Or "Fannie-gate."
Instead, it was Senator Christopher Dodd and Congressman Barney Frank, both Democrats, who denied that there were any problems, who refused Bush administration requests to set up a regulatory agency to watch over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and who were still pushing for these agencies to go even further in promoting subprime mortgage loans almost up to the minute they failed.
As Thomas Sowell points out in a TownHall.com essay entitled Do Facts Matter? "Alan Greenspan warned them four years ago. So did the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers to the President. So did Bush's Secretary of the Treasury."
These are facts. This financial crisis was completely preventable. The party that blocked any attempt to prevent it was ... the Democratic Party. The party that tried to prevent it was ... the Republican Party.
Yet when Nancy Pelosi accused the Bush administration and Republican deregulation of causing the crisis, you in the press did not hold her to account for her lie. Instead, you criticized Republicans who took offense at this lie and refused to vote for the bailout!
What? It's not the liar, but the victims of the lie who are to blame?
Now let's follow the money ... right to the presidential candidate who is the number-two recipient of campaign contributions from Fannie Mae.
And after Franklin Raines, the CEO of Fannie Mae who made $90 million while running it into the ground, was fired for his incompetence, one presidential candidate's campaign actually consulted him for advice on housing.
If that presidential candidate had been John McCain, you would have called it a major scandal and we would be getting stories in your paper every day about how incompetent and corrupt he was.
But instead, that candidate was Barack Obama, and so you have buried this story, and when the McCain campaign dared to call Raines an "adviser" to the Obama campaign -- because that campaign had sought his advice -- you actually let Obama's people get away with accusing McCain of lying, merely because Raines wasn't listed as an official adviser to the Obama campaign.
You would never tolerate such weasely nit-picking from a Republican.
If you who produce our local daily paper actually had any principles, you would be pounding this story, because the prosperity of all Americans was put at risk by the foolish, short-sighted, politically selfish, and possibly corrupt actions of leading Democrats, including Obama.
If you who produce our local daily paper had any personal honor, you would find it unbearable to let the American people believe that somehow Republicans were to blame for this crisis.
There are precedents. Even though President Bush and his administration never said that Iraq sponsored or was linked to 9/11, you could not stand the fact that Americans had that misapprehension -- so you pounded us with the fact that there was no such link. (Along the way, you created the false impression that Bush had lied to them and said that there was a connection.)
If you had any principles, then surely right now, when the American people are set to blame President Bush and John McCain for a crisis they tried to prevent, and are actually shifting to approve of Barack Obama because of a crisis he helped cause, you would be laboring at least as hard to correct that false impression.
Your job, as journalists, is to tell the truth. That's what you claim you do, when you accept people's money to buy or subscribe to your paper.
But right now, you are consenting to or actively promoting a big fat lie -- that the housing crisis should somehow be blamed on Bush, McCain, and the Republicans. You have trained the American people to blame everything bad -- even bad weather -- on Bush, and they are responding as you have taught them to.
If you had any personal honor, each reporter and editor would be insisting on telling the truth -- even if it hurts the election chances of your favorite candidate.
Because that's what honorable people do. Honest people tell the truth even when they don't like the probable consequences. That's what honesty means. That's how trust is earned.
Barack Obama is just another politician, and not a very wise one. He has revealed his ignorance and naivete time after time -- and you have swept it under the rug, treated it as nothing.
Meanwhile, you have participated in the borking of Sarah Palin, reporting savage attacks on her for the pregnancy of her unmarried daughter -- while you ignored the story of John Edwards's own adultery for many months.
So I ask you now: Do you have any standards at all? Do you even know what honesty means?
Is getting people to vote for Barack Obama so important that you will throw away everything that journalism is supposed to stand for?
You might want to remember the way the National Organization of Women threw away their integrity by supporting Bill Clinton despite his well-known pattern of sexual exploitation of powerless women. Who listens to NOW anymore? We know they stand for nothing; they have no principles.
That's where you are right now.
It's not too late. You know that if the situation were reversed, and the truth would damage McCain and help Obama, you would be moving heaven and earth to get the true story out there.
If you want to redeem your honor, you will swallow hard and make a list of all the stories you would print if it were McCain who had been getting money from Fannie Mae, McCain whose campaign had consulted with its discredited former CEO, McCain who had voted against tightening its lending practices.
Then you will print them, even though every one of those true stories will point the finger of blame at the reckless Democratic Party, which put our nation's prosperity at risk so they could feel good about helping the poor, and lay a fair share of the blame at Obama's door.
You will also tell the truth about John McCain: that he tried, as a Senator, to do what it took to prevent this crisis. You will tell the truth about President Bush: that his administration tried more than once to get Congress to regulate lending in a responsible way.
This was a Congress-caused crisis, beginning during the Clinton administration, with Democrats leading the way into the crisis and blocking every effort to get out of it in a timely fashion.
If you at our local daily newspaper continue to let Americans believe --and vote as if -- President Bush and the Republicans caused the crisis, then you are joining in that lie.
If you do not tell the truth about the Democrats -- including Barack Obama -- and do so with the same energy you would use if the miscreants were Republicans -- then you are not journalists by any standard.
You're just the public relations machine of the Democratic Party, and it's time you were all fired and real journalists brought in, so that we can actually have a daily newspaper in our city.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
WorldWatch First appeared in print in The Rhinoceros Times, Greensboro, NC
By Orson Scott Card
October 5, 2008
Would the Last Honest Reporter Please Turn On the Lights?
An open letter to the local daily paper -- almost every local daily paper in America:
I remember reading All the President's Men and thinking: That's journalism. You do what it takes to get the truth and you lay it before the public, because the public has a right to know.
This housing crisis didn't come out of nowhere. It was not a vague emanation of the evil Bush administration.
It was a direct result of the political decision, back in the late 1990s, to loosen the rules of lending so that home loans would be more accessible to poor people. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were authorized to approve risky loans.
What is a risky loan? It's a loan that the recipient is likely not to be able to repay.
The goal of this rule change was to help the poor -- which especially would help members of minority groups. But how does it help these people to give them a loan that they can't repay? They get into a house, yes, but when they can't make the payments, they lose the house -- along with their credit rating.
They end up worse off than before.
This was completely foreseeable and in fact many people did foresee it. One political party, in Congress and in the executive branch, tried repeatedly to tighten up the rules. The other party blocked every such attempt and tried to loosen them.
Furthermore, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were making political contributions to the very members of Congress who were allowing them to make irresponsible loans. (Though why quasi-federal agencies were allowed to do so baffles me. It's as if the Pentagon were allowed to contribute to the political campaigns of Congressmen who support increasing their budget.)
Isn't there a story here? Doesn't journalism require that you who produce our daily paper tell the truth about who brought us to a position where the only way to keep confidence in our economy was a $700 billion bailout? Aren't you supposed to follow the money and see which politicians were benefitting personally from the deregulation of mortgage lending?
I have no doubt that if these facts had pointed to the Republican Party or to John McCain as the guilty parties, you would be treating it as a vast scandal. "Housing-gate," no doubt. Or "Fannie-gate."
Instead, it was Senator Christopher Dodd and Congressman Barney Frank, both Democrats, who denied that there were any problems, who refused Bush administration requests to set up a regulatory agency to watch over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and who were still pushing for these agencies to go even further in promoting subprime mortgage loans almost up to the minute they failed.
As Thomas Sowell points out in a TownHall.com essay entitled Do Facts Matter? "Alan Greenspan warned them four years ago. So did the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers to the President. So did Bush's Secretary of the Treasury."
These are facts. This financial crisis was completely preventable. The party that blocked any attempt to prevent it was ... the Democratic Party. The party that tried to prevent it was ... the Republican Party.
Yet when Nancy Pelosi accused the Bush administration and Republican deregulation of causing the crisis, you in the press did not hold her to account for her lie. Instead, you criticized Republicans who took offense at this lie and refused to vote for the bailout!
What? It's not the liar, but the victims of the lie who are to blame?
Now let's follow the money ... right to the presidential candidate who is the number-two recipient of campaign contributions from Fannie Mae.
And after Franklin Raines, the CEO of Fannie Mae who made $90 million while running it into the ground, was fired for his incompetence, one presidential candidate's campaign actually consulted him for advice on housing.
If that presidential candidate had been John McCain, you would have called it a major scandal and we would be getting stories in your paper every day about how incompetent and corrupt he was.
But instead, that candidate was Barack Obama, and so you have buried this story, and when the McCain campaign dared to call Raines an "adviser" to the Obama campaign -- because that campaign had sought his advice -- you actually let Obama's people get away with accusing McCain of lying, merely because Raines wasn't listed as an official adviser to the Obama campaign.
You would never tolerate such weasely nit-picking from a Republican.
If you who produce our local daily paper actually had any principles, you would be pounding this story, because the prosperity of all Americans was put at risk by the foolish, short-sighted, politically selfish, and possibly corrupt actions of leading Democrats, including Obama.
If you who produce our local daily paper had any personal honor, you would find it unbearable to let the American people believe that somehow Republicans were to blame for this crisis.
There are precedents. Even though President Bush and his administration never said that Iraq sponsored or was linked to 9/11, you could not stand the fact that Americans had that misapprehension -- so you pounded us with the fact that there was no such link. (Along the way, you created the false impression that Bush had lied to them and said that there was a connection.)
If you had any principles, then surely right now, when the American people are set to blame President Bush and John McCain for a crisis they tried to prevent, and are actually shifting to approve of Barack Obama because of a crisis he helped cause, you would be laboring at least as hard to correct that false impression.
Your job, as journalists, is to tell the truth. That's what you claim you do, when you accept people's money to buy or subscribe to your paper.
But right now, you are consenting to or actively promoting a big fat lie -- that the housing crisis should somehow be blamed on Bush, McCain, and the Republicans. You have trained the American people to blame everything bad -- even bad weather -- on Bush, and they are responding as you have taught them to.
If you had any personal honor, each reporter and editor would be insisting on telling the truth -- even if it hurts the election chances of your favorite candidate.
Because that's what honorable people do. Honest people tell the truth even when they don't like the probable consequences. That's what honesty means. That's how trust is earned.
Barack Obama is just another politician, and not a very wise one. He has revealed his ignorance and naivete time after time -- and you have swept it under the rug, treated it as nothing.
Meanwhile, you have participated in the borking of Sarah Palin, reporting savage attacks on her for the pregnancy of her unmarried daughter -- while you ignored the story of John Edwards's own adultery for many months.
So I ask you now: Do you have any standards at all? Do you even know what honesty means?
Is getting people to vote for Barack Obama so important that you will throw away everything that journalism is supposed to stand for?
You might want to remember the way the National Organization of Women threw away their integrity by supporting Bill Clinton despite his well-known pattern of sexual exploitation of powerless women. Who listens to NOW anymore? We know they stand for nothing; they have no principles.
That's where you are right now.
It's not too late. You know that if the situation were reversed, and the truth would damage McCain and help Obama, you would be moving heaven and earth to get the true story out there.
If you want to redeem your honor, you will swallow hard and make a list of all the stories you would print if it were McCain who had been getting money from Fannie Mae, McCain whose campaign had consulted with its discredited former CEO, McCain who had voted against tightening its lending practices.
Then you will print them, even though every one of those true stories will point the finger of blame at the reckless Democratic Party, which put our nation's prosperity at risk so they could feel good about helping the poor, and lay a fair share of the blame at Obama's door.
You will also tell the truth about John McCain: that he tried, as a Senator, to do what it took to prevent this crisis. You will tell the truth about President Bush: that his administration tried more than once to get Congress to regulate lending in a responsible way.
This was a Congress-caused crisis, beginning during the Clinton administration, with Democrats leading the way into the crisis and blocking every effort to get out of it in a timely fashion.
If you at our local daily newspaper continue to let Americans believe --and vote as if -- President Bush and the Republicans caused the crisis, then you are joining in that lie.
If you do not tell the truth about the Democrats -- including Barack Obama -- and do so with the same energy you would use if the miscreants were Republicans -- then you are not journalists by any standard.
You're just the public relations machine of the Democratic Party, and it's time you were all fired and real journalists brought in, so that we can actually have a daily newspaper in our city.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Why Christians have not changed the world!
Sumner Wemp (see link at upper left)Feb 13, 2009
Why Christians have not changed the world.
SATAN HAS BLINDED THE EYES OF MULTITUDES OF GOOD CHRISTIANS.
This has come to a head in the past month and I must reason with you about it.
1. We are not giving the one thing that will change people and the whole world but we think we are. Recently I heard a couple of good Christians telling how they were witnessing to some unsaved and they told the person what all the Lord meant to them and how much they loved Him and how He changed their lives. Not once did they tell him how to be saved.
2. Several times recently I heard Christians tell how they gave lost people the gospel and quoted over and over John 3:16. Excuse me but John 3:16 does not contain one word of the gospel the gospel which alone is "the power of God unto salvation." Rom 1:16. That lost person does not have a clue what "God gave His only begotten son" means. Not once did they tall how the Lord Jesus suffered and died for our sins, was buried, rose again and was seen by hundreds.
3. I have heard this hundreds of times as I heard several times recently on TV how Christ died on the cross. Those two thieves also died on a cross but that is not the gospel. What those thieves did had nothing to do with saving anyone. the gospel is Christ died for our sins. Sin is the problem. The gospel is Christ died for those sins, paid the debt in full.
4. Then so often preachers and people say "Christ died for us".
Those dear military people are dying for us but NOT FOR OUR SINS and that is the good news, the GOSPEL that will save and change a person into a new creature. The bottom line is we must tell the plain pure gospel which is "the power of God unto salvation." Rom 1:16. The Biblical pure gospel is "How Christ died for our sins, was buried, rose again and was seen of hundreds." 1 Cor 15:1-5. If you add to it or take away you are in serious danger of the anathema of God. You must read Gal 1:6-10.
I LOVE YOU. ABC Sumner 1 Jn 3:2.
Why Christians have not changed the world.
SATAN HAS BLINDED THE EYES OF MULTITUDES OF GOOD CHRISTIANS.
This has come to a head in the past month and I must reason with you about it.
1. We are not giving the one thing that will change people and the whole world but we think we are. Recently I heard a couple of good Christians telling how they were witnessing to some unsaved and they told the person what all the Lord meant to them and how much they loved Him and how He changed their lives. Not once did they tell him how to be saved.
2. Several times recently I heard Christians tell how they gave lost people the gospel and quoted over and over John 3:16. Excuse me but John 3:16 does not contain one word of the gospel the gospel which alone is "the power of God unto salvation." Rom 1:16. That lost person does not have a clue what "God gave His only begotten son" means. Not once did they tall how the Lord Jesus suffered and died for our sins, was buried, rose again and was seen by hundreds.
3. I have heard this hundreds of times as I heard several times recently on TV how Christ died on the cross. Those two thieves also died on a cross but that is not the gospel. What those thieves did had nothing to do with saving anyone. the gospel is Christ died for our sins. Sin is the problem. The gospel is Christ died for those sins, paid the debt in full.
4. Then so often preachers and people say "Christ died for us".
Those dear military people are dying for us but NOT FOR OUR SINS and that is the good news, the GOSPEL that will save and change a person into a new creature. The bottom line is we must tell the plain pure gospel which is "the power of God unto salvation." Rom 1:16. The Biblical pure gospel is "How Christ died for our sins, was buried, rose again and was seen of hundreds." 1 Cor 15:1-5. If you add to it or take away you are in serious danger of the anathema of God. You must read Gal 1:6-10.
I LOVE YOU. ABC Sumner 1 Jn 3:2.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Sack lunches & honor
Though I cannot verify the veracity of this account it certainly "rings" true and was sent to me by a trusted friend, a retired Marine (Semper Fi!) and missionary to our military! He thought it was true and so do I.
I put my carry on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap, I thought. Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation.
'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me.
Petawawa. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Afghanistan.
After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time.. As I reached for my wallet, I overheard soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch.
'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base '
His friend agreed. I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms andsqueezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was asoldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'
Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?'
'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class.
'This is your thanks..' After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.
Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, an said, 'I want to shake your hand.'
Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot.. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.'
I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.>> Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm. When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars! Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'
Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little... A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life,wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America' for an amount of 'up to and including My life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.'
I put my carry on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap, I thought. Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation.
'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me.
Petawawa. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Afghanistan.
After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time.. As I reached for my wallet, I overheard soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch.
'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base '
His friend agreed. I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms andsqueezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was asoldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'
Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?'
'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class.
'This is your thanks..' After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.
Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, an said, 'I want to shake your hand.'
Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot.. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.'
I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.>> Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm. When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars! Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'
Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little... A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life,wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America' for an amount of 'up to and including My life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.'
Monday, February 16, 2009
LETS PLAY A DUET WITH THE MASTER
By Sumner Wemp
THANKS TO MY DEAR FRIEND, JOHN GRANT FOR THIS STORY
THE PIANIST
When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, a mother returned to her seat and discovered that her child was missing. Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage. To her horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.' At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy's ear, 'Don't quit . . Keep playing.' Then, leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child, and he added a running obbligato. Together, the old master and the young novice transformed what could have been a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was so mesmerized that they couldn't recall what else the great master played. Only the classic, ' Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.'
Perhaps that's the way it is with God. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren't always graceful flowing music. However, with the hand of the Master, our life's work can truly be beautiful. The next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You may hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, 'Don't quit . . . Keep playing.'
May you feel His arms around you and know that His hands are there, helping you turn your feeble attempts into true masterpieces.
"Without me ye can do nothing." Jn 15:5.
"Enoch walked with God" hand in hand Gen 5:22.
"And he had this testimony, that he pleased God" Heb 11:5.
Dear Christian, there is a world our there going to hell. They desperately need you to "keep playing" give the gospel to every creature like He told you and let Him put His arms around you and win souls to Christ and "change" the world 2 Cor 5:17.
We MUST for the devil is "changing" the world and especially the good ole USA. Will you? "The harvest is plenteous" He said so.
By the hundreds people have asked how I see so many people saved in stores, service stations, hospitals, restaurants etc. Simple. Please don't show your wicked heart and accuse me of boasting. Every person I ever saw saved YOU could have led them to Christ. I just keep looking for the ones God has ready.
1. He that sows sparingly is going to reap sparingly. I sow a lot of seed as you who have been with me by email know. Each week I give out 50 to 100 gospel tracts. He that does not sow wont reap at all. Make sense.
2. I stay in love with Jesus. Notice I did not say I am good or never fail or sin. I CONFESS SIN all the time. BUT I surely love Jesus. Please try this. Over and over through the day, I remember or remind myself how the Lord Jesus suffered and died for my sins, paid my debt in full, was buried, rose again and was seen by hundreds. That keeps my heart on fire. I picture Calvary and Jesus dying for my sins.
3. DON'T ever talk about your church or any one's. The church cant save. It is too easy to get into a debate about which church is better or best. NONE can save. I NEVER argue with a person." The servant of the Lord MUST not strive", argue. I have literally walked out of a house or away from a person trying to argue with me.
4. My word but I have good news to tell people. The way to heaven has already been paid in full. Christ suffered and died for ALL of our sins. They were all yet in the future and He paid for all of them. I find most people do not know that. AND most Christians never never tell Christ died for our sins. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation to them that BELIEVE it will get them to heaven.
5. Be gracious and kind. I never have people get mad or even upset. I don't try to beg them to accept Christ. if they are not ready it wont do one bit of good to push.
Above all keep the joy of the Lord in your own heart and give everyone a Ticket to Heaven. ABC Sumner
Go to www.sumnerwemp.com read all new articles and rejoice. Call 1-877-872-2871 or write Good News Pub. 1300 Crescent St. Wheaton, Ill. 60187 USA to get "Your Ticket to Heaven'" tracts.
Invest in eternity. Jesus is coming any minute now.
THANKS TO MY DEAR FRIEND, JOHN GRANT FOR THIS STORY
THE PIANIST
When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, a mother returned to her seat and discovered that her child was missing. Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage. To her horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.' At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy's ear, 'Don't quit . . Keep playing.' Then, leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child, and he added a running obbligato. Together, the old master and the young novice transformed what could have been a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was so mesmerized that they couldn't recall what else the great master played. Only the classic, ' Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.'
Perhaps that's the way it is with God. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren't always graceful flowing music. However, with the hand of the Master, our life's work can truly be beautiful. The next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You may hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, 'Don't quit . . . Keep playing.'
May you feel His arms around you and know that His hands are there, helping you turn your feeble attempts into true masterpieces.
"Without me ye can do nothing." Jn 15:5.
"Enoch walked with God" hand in hand Gen 5:22.
"And he had this testimony, that he pleased God" Heb 11:5.
Dear Christian, there is a world our there going to hell. They desperately need you to "keep playing" give the gospel to every creature like He told you and let Him put His arms around you and win souls to Christ and "change" the world 2 Cor 5:17.
We MUST for the devil is "changing" the world and especially the good ole USA. Will you? "The harvest is plenteous" He said so.
By the hundreds people have asked how I see so many people saved in stores, service stations, hospitals, restaurants etc. Simple. Please don't show your wicked heart and accuse me of boasting. Every person I ever saw saved YOU could have led them to Christ. I just keep looking for the ones God has ready.
1. He that sows sparingly is going to reap sparingly. I sow a lot of seed as you who have been with me by email know. Each week I give out 50 to 100 gospel tracts. He that does not sow wont reap at all. Make sense.
2. I stay in love with Jesus. Notice I did not say I am good or never fail or sin. I CONFESS SIN all the time. BUT I surely love Jesus. Please try this. Over and over through the day, I remember or remind myself how the Lord Jesus suffered and died for my sins, paid my debt in full, was buried, rose again and was seen by hundreds. That keeps my heart on fire. I picture Calvary and Jesus dying for my sins.
3. DON'T ever talk about your church or any one's. The church cant save. It is too easy to get into a debate about which church is better or best. NONE can save. I NEVER argue with a person." The servant of the Lord MUST not strive", argue. I have literally walked out of a house or away from a person trying to argue with me.
4. My word but I have good news to tell people. The way to heaven has already been paid in full. Christ suffered and died for ALL of our sins. They were all yet in the future and He paid for all of them. I find most people do not know that. AND most Christians never never tell Christ died for our sins. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation to them that BELIEVE it will get them to heaven.
5. Be gracious and kind. I never have people get mad or even upset. I don't try to beg them to accept Christ. if they are not ready it wont do one bit of good to push.
Above all keep the joy of the Lord in your own heart and give everyone a Ticket to Heaven. ABC Sumner
Go to www.sumnerwemp.com read all new articles and rejoice. Call 1-877-872-2871 or write Good News Pub. 1300 Crescent St. Wheaton, Ill. 60187 USA to get "Your Ticket to Heaven'" tracts.
Invest in eternity. Jesus is coming any minute now.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
LAYING DOWN THE LAW [part 2]
EXODUS 22
Pastor Rick Jackson
A reminder:
After the giving of the 10 Commandments, which were a general overview of what God was giving, came the more specific cases and elaborations dealing with the 10. The next few chapters deal with specific types of the broad sins laid out in the 10 and punishment suitable for the law breakers. Throughout all this we should note several truths:
I. THE LAW WAS PRACTICAL
1. FOR A PEOPLE WITH NO POLICE
2. FOR A PEOPLE WITH NO PRISONS
II. THE LAW WAS PREVENTATIVE
1. IT PREVENTED "OVERKILL"
2. IT PREVENTED "ABUSE" (people getting away with their sins)
III. THE LAW WAS PROCLAMATIONAL
1. IT PROCLAIMED GOD'S HOLINESS & MAJESTY
2. IT PROCLAIMED GOD'S LOVING INTEREST & CARE
-------------------------------------------------------------
I. PROPERTY RIGHTS [v. 1-15]
1. Punishment for Theft, Protection for Innocent Purchasers [v. 1]
2. Penalties for Theft, Reasonable Property Defense [v. 2-4]
3. Property Violations [v. 5-6]
4. "Rental " Responsibilities [v. 7-15]
II. PARENTAL PRIVILEGE [v. 16-17]
1. The Seriousness of Seduction [v. 16]
2. The Satisfaction of a Father [v. 17]
III. MISCELLANEOUS PROCLAMATIONS [v. 18-31]
1. Seriousness of Soul-murder [v. 18-20]
2. Protection of the Under-privileged [v. 21-27]
3. Respect for Authorities [v. 28, word for "gods" is translated judges in vs. 8-9]
4. Put God First [v. 29-31]
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Pastor Rick Jackson
A reminder:
After the giving of the 10 Commandments, which were a general overview of what God was giving, came the more specific cases and elaborations dealing with the 10. The next few chapters deal with specific types of the broad sins laid out in the 10 and punishment suitable for the law breakers. Throughout all this we should note several truths:
I. THE LAW WAS PRACTICAL
1. FOR A PEOPLE WITH NO POLICE
2. FOR A PEOPLE WITH NO PRISONS
II. THE LAW WAS PREVENTATIVE
1. IT PREVENTED "OVERKILL"
2. IT PREVENTED "ABUSE" (people getting away with their sins)
III. THE LAW WAS PROCLAMATIONAL
1. IT PROCLAIMED GOD'S HOLINESS & MAJESTY
2. IT PROCLAIMED GOD'S LOVING INTEREST & CARE
-------------------------------------------------------------
I. PROPERTY RIGHTS [v. 1-15]
1. Punishment for Theft, Protection for Innocent Purchasers [v. 1]
2. Penalties for Theft, Reasonable Property Defense [v. 2-4]
3. Property Violations [v. 5-6]
4. "Rental " Responsibilities [v. 7-15]
II. PARENTAL PRIVILEGE [v. 16-17]
1. The Seriousness of Seduction [v. 16]
2. The Satisfaction of a Father [v. 17]
III. MISCELLANEOUS PROCLAMATIONS [v. 18-31]
1. Seriousness of Soul-murder [v. 18-20]
2. Protection of the Under-privileged [v. 21-27]
3. Respect for Authorities [v. 28, word for "gods" is translated judges in vs. 8-9]
4. Put God First [v. 29-31]
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
QUESTION OF THE WEEK! -
Q: Can an intellectual be a Christian?
A: It was the debate of the century: Does God Exist? In the academic setting of the University of California (Irvine), atheist Dr. Gordon Stein would formally debate pastor and philosopher Dr. Greg Bahnsen. But this debate would go quite differently than most. Rather than merely presenting various scientific and historical evidences for God, Dr. Bahnsen methodically showed that the Christian God must be presupposed in order to make sense of anything whatsoever! The things we take for granted such as science, morality, and even the very laws of logic used in such debates, only make sense in the Christian worldview with the biblical God at its foundation. Thus, God must exist!
Greg had “pulled out the rug” from under his opponent, demonstrating that only Christian theism could make sense of the debate itself. Dr. Stein was unable to answer this powerful argument, and his own arguments for atheism were systematically demolished by Dr. Bahnsen’s keen intellect. With appropriate gentleness and respect, Dr. Bahnsen had rationally destroyed the position of his opponent.
Christianity had unequivocally triumphed over atheism. And the audience knew it. They chuckled at Dr. Bahnsen’s frequent use of humorous and memorable analogies, and at his quick and clear answers to Dr. Stein’s attacks. When I first listened to this debate, I was truly amazed at Greg’s arguments and responses; they were both brilliant and thoroughly biblical. I said to myself, “This man thinks and argues like Christ.” Indeed, the brilliant responses that Christ in His earthly ministry gave to His critics are echoed in the way Dr. Bahnsen debated. I decided to find out more about Dr. Bahnsen and his strikingly effective approach to apologetics.
Continue reading Dr. Jason Lisle’s review of “the antidote to sloppy apologetics” and announcement of our new web series at New Apologetics Web Series with Greg Bahnsen, Ph.D.
Readers may note that some articles this and next week seem familiar. We wanted to make these older “gems” more easily available to those coming to the site during the “week of Darwin.” We hope you enjoy reading—or rereading—these responses to common Darwinism-related topics.
News to Note Quick Look
Darwin is the News: Two weeks ago, we covered Darwin in the news. This week, Darwin is the news! Read more.
God, our imaginary friend?: Religion? It’s all in your head: New Scientist takes an unmitigated swipe at theism. Read more.
Also: cockroaches inspire robots, Darwin inspires robots, abortion and morality, the Neanderthal Symphony, Bible-based geology education, and don’t miss . . . . Read more.
Prayer Requests
View the current prayer requests to keep track of and pray for current ministry needs. Thank you!
Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program
Valentine’s Day—it supposedly evolved?
Two famous birthdays—two different legacies
Racism—stop looking on the outside!
The term “races”—get rid of it!
Racism & prejudice—what’s the answer?
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.
A: It was the debate of the century: Does God Exist? In the academic setting of the University of California (Irvine), atheist Dr. Gordon Stein would formally debate pastor and philosopher Dr. Greg Bahnsen. But this debate would go quite differently than most. Rather than merely presenting various scientific and historical evidences for God, Dr. Bahnsen methodically showed that the Christian God must be presupposed in order to make sense of anything whatsoever! The things we take for granted such as science, morality, and even the very laws of logic used in such debates, only make sense in the Christian worldview with the biblical God at its foundation. Thus, God must exist!
Greg had “pulled out the rug” from under his opponent, demonstrating that only Christian theism could make sense of the debate itself. Dr. Stein was unable to answer this powerful argument, and his own arguments for atheism were systematically demolished by Dr. Bahnsen’s keen intellect. With appropriate gentleness and respect, Dr. Bahnsen had rationally destroyed the position of his opponent.
Christianity had unequivocally triumphed over atheism. And the audience knew it. They chuckled at Dr. Bahnsen’s frequent use of humorous and memorable analogies, and at his quick and clear answers to Dr. Stein’s attacks. When I first listened to this debate, I was truly amazed at Greg’s arguments and responses; they were both brilliant and thoroughly biblical. I said to myself, “This man thinks and argues like Christ.” Indeed, the brilliant responses that Christ in His earthly ministry gave to His critics are echoed in the way Dr. Bahnsen debated. I decided to find out more about Dr. Bahnsen and his strikingly effective approach to apologetics.
Continue reading Dr. Jason Lisle’s review of “the antidote to sloppy apologetics” and announcement of our new web series at New Apologetics Web Series with Greg Bahnsen, Ph.D.
Readers may note that some articles this and next week seem familiar. We wanted to make these older “gems” more easily available to those coming to the site during the “week of Darwin.” We hope you enjoy reading—or rereading—these responses to common Darwinism-related topics.
News to Note Quick Look
Darwin is the News: Two weeks ago, we covered Darwin in the news. This week, Darwin is the news! Read more.
God, our imaginary friend?: Religion? It’s all in your head: New Scientist takes an unmitigated swipe at theism. Read more.
Also: cockroaches inspire robots, Darwin inspires robots, abortion and morality, the Neanderthal Symphony, Bible-based geology education, and don’t miss . . . . Read more.
Prayer Requests
View the current prayer requests to keep track of and pray for current ministry needs. Thank you!
Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program
Valentine’s Day—it supposedly evolved?
Two famous birthdays—two different legacies
Racism—stop looking on the outside!
The term “races”—get rid of it!
Racism & prejudice—what’s the answer?
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.
Friday, February 13, 2009
PITY THE BLIND!
I was a drama major in college before the Lord called me to preach. After he called me to preach I went ahead and finished my degree at the secular institution I was in to have a degree with which to enter seminary. The way I figured it was, "I will be involved in public speaking as a preacher I might as well have a degree in it via drama!"
When I was a Junior in college a 6 hour course was developed for drama majors called "Drama Conservatory". About every three weeks we put on a one-act play and were involved in almost every aspect of the "theatre". One of us would direct and the others would act, construct the set, sell tickets, etc. My first part was a very small one because the other students did not know if I had any talent (some people still don't think there is an answer). Eventually we did over 20 plays in 2 years and I was able to have a few starring roles, so to speak.
Back to my first part. I played a blind man lost in the woods with several other blind people. The one sighted person had died of a heart attack unbeknowngst to us. I had one line "Pity the Blind!" which I gave at several intervals. Apparently I was not only blind... I had a screw loose as well! The others were much more conversant than me and the play was called.... are you ready for this... "The Blind." Fortunately it was the first production we did and was soon mercifully forgotten as we rolled out the other plays every 2 to 3 weeks.
Blind people do not necessarily need pity more so than anyone else. A strange fact I learned in St. Augustine, home to the Florida School for the Deaf & Blind, is that, generally speaking, deaf people feel sorry for blind people because they cannot see while blind people feel sorry for deaf people because they cannot hear!
There is a saying, "There are none so blind as those who WILL not see." I know a lot of people like that and I'm figuring you do too. I was reading an excellent book PAY-PER-VIEW by Dr. Jeff Amsbaugh the other day and one paragraph reached out a slapped me in the face. It could have been written about a couple I know but I am sure Amsbaugh had someone else in mind. The paragraph went like this:
In certain homes one parent is emotionally distant and unavailable while the other parent gets too close to the child and smothers him or her with attention. Sometimes one parent is authoritarian while the other parent is completely passive. When the parents do not present united front, the child becomes confused. This confusion has the potential to be a breeding ground for bitterness and rebellion.
That is exactly what happened in the home I mentioned earlier. Unfortunately they decided to blame the local church for their family problems and so who knows if they will ever get resolved. Hopefully, by the grace of God they will. In the meantime let us be careful of our own blind spots and remember to, "Pity the blind!"
When I was a Junior in college a 6 hour course was developed for drama majors called "Drama Conservatory". About every three weeks we put on a one-act play and were involved in almost every aspect of the "theatre". One of us would direct and the others would act, construct the set, sell tickets, etc. My first part was a very small one because the other students did not know if I had any talent (some people still don't think there is an answer). Eventually we did over 20 plays in 2 years and I was able to have a few starring roles, so to speak.
Back to my first part. I played a blind man lost in the woods with several other blind people. The one sighted person had died of a heart attack unbeknowngst to us. I had one line "Pity the Blind!" which I gave at several intervals. Apparently I was not only blind... I had a screw loose as well! The others were much more conversant than me and the play was called.... are you ready for this... "The Blind." Fortunately it was the first production we did and was soon mercifully forgotten as we rolled out the other plays every 2 to 3 weeks.
Blind people do not necessarily need pity more so than anyone else. A strange fact I learned in St. Augustine, home to the Florida School for the Deaf & Blind, is that, generally speaking, deaf people feel sorry for blind people because they cannot see while blind people feel sorry for deaf people because they cannot hear!
There is a saying, "There are none so blind as those who WILL not see." I know a lot of people like that and I'm figuring you do too. I was reading an excellent book PAY-PER-VIEW by Dr. Jeff Amsbaugh the other day and one paragraph reached out a slapped me in the face. It could have been written about a couple I know but I am sure Amsbaugh had someone else in mind. The paragraph went like this:
In certain homes one parent is emotionally distant and unavailable while the other parent gets too close to the child and smothers him or her with attention. Sometimes one parent is authoritarian while the other parent is completely passive. When the parents do not present united front, the child becomes confused. This confusion has the potential to be a breeding ground for bitterness and rebellion.
That is exactly what happened in the home I mentioned earlier. Unfortunately they decided to blame the local church for their family problems and so who knows if they will ever get resolved. Hopefully, by the grace of God they will. In the meantime let us be careful of our own blind spots and remember to, "Pity the blind!"
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Darwin's Day?
Darwin's Day
February 12, 2009
"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction." (2 Peter 2:1)
Thousands of clergy have signed "An Open Letter Concerning Religion and Science." On the Sunday closest to Charles Darwin's birthday, these "pastors" eulogize him and endorse evolutionary science as compatible with the Bible. Here are five reasons why this idea is grossly wrong.
• The Bible has absolutely no hint of ages of evolutionary development. Forcing the "days" of Genesis 1 to mean "ages" can be done, but there is no support for that idea in the rest of Scripture (Psalm 33:6-9, 148:5-6; John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:3; Revelation 4:11; etc.).
• Evolution is not observed at all today. Empirical science is based on observation and verification. Nothing (from bacteria to people) is "evolving" into a "higher order." Period.
• Fossil data does not show any transitional forms. If evolution occurred prior to recorded history, it can only be documented by the fossils embedded in the water-deposited rocks of earth. Those "missing links" are still missing.
• God's character absolutely forbids evolutionary methods. God's holiness demands truth, and His omniscience demands perfection. He cannot know what is best and then "create" something inferior. He wrote that He took six days to create the universe (Exodus 20:11). And He cannot lie!
• God's stated purpose for creating excludes evolution. The creation reveals the Creator (Romans 1:20, Psalm 19:1-4), gives authority to the message of Jesus Christ (John 1:1-14, Colossians 1:16-18), and is the foundation for the gospel and for worship (Revelation 14:6-7). Creating is what God does at the moment of the new birth (Ephesians 2:8-10). HMM III
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Wednesday, February 11, 2009
IF GOD...
Pastor Rick Jackson
We have been doing a series of "If" messages on Wednesdays that comes to a close with this message as far as I know. The phrase "If God" appears 10 times in the New Testament. each time it is used it is very instructive for us.
I. IF GOD IS YOUR FATHER WHY WORRY? Matthew 6:30
II. IF YOU DON'T LOVE JESUS DON'T CLAIM GOD IS YOUR FATHER! John 8:42
III. MAKE YOUR PLANS WITH GOD IN MIND. Acts 18:21
James 4:15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that
1 Corinthians 4:19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will...
IV. WHY FEAR ANYONE ELSE? Romans 8:31-39
V. WHY COMPLAIN ABOUT GOD'S TIMETABLE? Romans 9:22
VI. WHY ASSUME GOD WON'T JUDGE A LACK OF FAITH? Romans 11:18-27
VII. WE SHOULD WITNESS TO THE LOST. 2 Timothy 2:25
VIII. WE ONLY CAN DO WHAT GOD WILL ALLOW. Hebrews 6:1-3
1 Corinthians 16:7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit. (emphasis here on what God allows in #III the emphasis is proper mindset)
IX. GOD WILL JUDGE THE WICKED 2 Peter 2:1-9
X. WE OUGHT TO LOVE OTHERS AS GOD LOVES US 1 John 4:11
We have been doing a series of "If" messages on Wednesdays that comes to a close with this message as far as I know. The phrase "If God" appears 10 times in the New Testament. each time it is used it is very instructive for us.
I. IF GOD IS YOUR FATHER WHY WORRY? Matthew 6:30
II. IF YOU DON'T LOVE JESUS DON'T CLAIM GOD IS YOUR FATHER! John 8:42
III. MAKE YOUR PLANS WITH GOD IN MIND. Acts 18:21
James 4:15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that
1 Corinthians 4:19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will...
IV. WHY FEAR ANYONE ELSE? Romans 8:31-39
V. WHY COMPLAIN ABOUT GOD'S TIMETABLE? Romans 9:22
VI. WHY ASSUME GOD WON'T JUDGE A LACK OF FAITH? Romans 11:18-27
VII. WE SHOULD WITNESS TO THE LOST. 2 Timothy 2:25
VIII. WE ONLY CAN DO WHAT GOD WILL ALLOW. Hebrews 6:1-3
1 Corinthians 16:7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit. (emphasis here on what God allows in #III the emphasis is proper mindset)
IX. GOD WILL JUDGE THE WICKED 2 Peter 2:1-9
X. WE OUGHT TO LOVE OTHERS AS GOD LOVES US 1 John 4:11
Capitol South
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How's Your Week Been?
Genesis 41:52 "And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction."
How's Your Week Been?
"How has your week been?" Has anyone asked you that before? The most common answer is "good," but most people don't really mean it! The truth is, you don't know completely how your day or your week has been. Remember Joseph? One day he is highly favored of his father, and the next his is in a pit. One day he is rescued and sold as a slave to a very rich man, and the next day he is in prison because of that man's wife. However, God gives him favor, and he becomes second-in-command under Pharaoh.
Joseph summarizes his life-the good and the bad-in Genesis 41. "God made me to be fruitful in the land of affliction." Why was this true? Because Joseph was doing what was right. If your standard is how good the weather is, if people like you, or if nothing bad has happened, your answer is most likely different from Joseph. A "nice" day is not the same as a day with significance.
The reason Joseph's life was significant and "good" was based on his determining to do right which resulted in, first of all, God's timing. Genesis 41 accounts of the butler forgetting his promise to Joseph and then remembering him. But that was God's timing. In other words, Joseph could have confidence in God's timing because he had determined to do right.
Joseph's determining to do right also resulted in God's enabling. Joseph told Pharaoh as much in Genesis 41:16 when he says, "It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace." So Joseph's estimation of his life was "good" because of God's enabling and God's timing.
So how has my week been? Ask me five years from now. Your estimation of a day or week might just be amended by history. History has a way of showing us God's footprint. "God has made me to be fruitful"-that was Joseph's standard of success. He considered God's will, not his own; God's timing, not his own; and he did it all with God's enabling, not his own.
For more information about the Bill Rice Ranch visit our website: billriceranch.org
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Brother Wil has hit the nail on the head again. We are prone to think that if we have trouble we are out of the will of God when sometimes God has led us right into trouble to prepare us for His Will. Christians die in the will of God, they are persecuted in the will of God, they lose their jobs in the will of God, they are ill and infirm in the will of God--- they key we often miss is that it is in "the will of God".
Not that it is easy. Joseph was frustrated at times as are we all. But his ultimate trust brought him through and God will bring us through if we continue to trust in Him and live for Him as Joseph did.
Thanks Brother Wil, thanks Joseph, and thank you God for the mercies that are new every morning! -Rick
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Inerrancy According to Christ
Inerrancy According to Christ
February 10, 2009
"For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." (Matthew 5:18)
Here is the commentary of the Lord Jesus on the doctrine of plenary verbal inspiration. Not only were the words of the Bible divinely inspired, but even the very letters! The "jot" was the smallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet (yod, the tenth letter). The "tittle" was a small horn-like appendage which transformed one Hebrew letter into another. Thus, a stronger statement of absolute verbal inspiration than this could hardly be imagined.
Further, the phrase "in no wise" is actually a double negative in Greek. In New Testament Greek it was used for strong emphasis. According to none other than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, every word--even every letter--of the "law" must be fulfilled. This certainly includes the books of the Pentateuch--including even the often-maligned and distorted opening chapters of Genesis!
He applied the same principle to other parts of Scripture as well. "The scripture cannot be broken," He said (John 10:35) in the course of an exposition of Psalm 82:6, based on one single word used in the verse, supporting the vital doctrine of His own deity.
It is clear that Christ taught the doctrine of full, verbal inspiration of the Holy Scriptures. It is sad and inexcusable that so many today who call themselves Christians repudiate this vital teaching of the Lord Jesus by rejecting, diluting, or "interpreting" the plain statements of the Word of God. And, lest anyone equivocate by suggesting that, since the original writings have all been lost, we no longer can know what the divinely given words may have been, we should remember Christ's promise: "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away" (Matthew 24:35). HMM
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Institute for Creation Research 1806 Royal Lane Dallas TX 75229
Monday, February 09, 2009
QUOTES OF THE WEEK!
Making a difference begins with being different. This is truly where difference-making begins--with modeling a difference in our manner of life. -Paul Chappell
If I has thousand lives to live I would give them all to Jesus. -P.C.
Reject the devil's allurement. Resist his efforts to draw you into a lesser life--to dampen your light. Let a passionate personal walk with Christ lead you into purity and usefulness for the Lord! -P.C.
...decent dress doesn't produce a right heart--it should reflect one! Christ-honoring dress should be the product of a pure heart, not the white-washed exterior of a proud one. -Cary Schmidt
All the quotes in today's blog were taken from "the Baptist Voice", a ministry publication from Lancaster Baptist Church & West Coast Baptist College. For more information go to www.thebaptistvoice.com
If I has thousand lives to live I would give them all to Jesus. -P.C.
Reject the devil's allurement. Resist his efforts to draw you into a lesser life--to dampen your light. Let a passionate personal walk with Christ lead you into purity and usefulness for the Lord! -P.C.
...decent dress doesn't produce a right heart--it should reflect one! Christ-honoring dress should be the product of a pure heart, not the white-washed exterior of a proud one. -Cary Schmidt
All the quotes in today's blog were taken from "the Baptist Voice", a ministry publication from Lancaster Baptist Church & West Coast Baptist College. For more information go to www.thebaptistvoice.com
Sunday, February 08, 2009
LAYING DOWN THE LAW [part 1]
Exodus 21
Pastor Rick Jackson
After the giving of the 10 Commandments, which were a general overview of what God was giving, came the more specific cases and elaborations dealing with the 10. The next few chapters deal with specific types of the broad sins laid out in the 10 and punishment suitable for the law breakers. Throughout all this we should note several truths:
I. THE LAW WAS PRACTICAL
1. FOR A PEOPLE WITH NO POLICE
2. FOR A PEOPLE WITH NO PRISONS
II. THE LAW WAS PREVENTATIVE
1. IT PREVENTED "OVERKILL"
2. IT PREVENTED "ABUSE" (people getting away with their sins)
III. THE LAW WAS PROCLAMATIONAL
1. IT PROCLAIMED GOD'S HOLINESS & MAJESTY
2. IT PROCLAIMED GOD'S LOVING INTEREST & CARE
-----------------------------------------------------------
I. Caring provision for the financially challenged [v. 1-11]
II. Capital punishment [v. 12-17]
-for premeditated murder [v. 12-14]
-for parental abuse [v. 15, 17]
-for kidnapping [v. 16]
III. Concise penalties [v. 18-
-for causing debt to be incurred [v. 18-19]
-for causing permanent bodily damage [v. 20-21, 26-27]
-for causing premature birth [v. 22-25]
-for negligence resulting in damage [v. 28-36]
Pastor Rick Jackson
After the giving of the 10 Commandments, which were a general overview of what God was giving, came the more specific cases and elaborations dealing with the 10. The next few chapters deal with specific types of the broad sins laid out in the 10 and punishment suitable for the law breakers. Throughout all this we should note several truths:
I. THE LAW WAS PRACTICAL
1. FOR A PEOPLE WITH NO POLICE
2. FOR A PEOPLE WITH NO PRISONS
II. THE LAW WAS PREVENTATIVE
1. IT PREVENTED "OVERKILL"
2. IT PREVENTED "ABUSE" (people getting away with their sins)
III. THE LAW WAS PROCLAMATIONAL
1. IT PROCLAIMED GOD'S HOLINESS & MAJESTY
2. IT PROCLAIMED GOD'S LOVING INTEREST & CARE
-----------------------------------------------------------
I. Caring provision for the financially challenged [v. 1-11]
II. Capital punishment [v. 12-17]
-for premeditated murder [v. 12-14]
-for parental abuse [v. 15, 17]
-for kidnapping [v. 16]
III. Concise penalties [v. 18-
-for causing debt to be incurred [v. 18-19]
-for causing permanent bodily damage [v. 20-21, 26-27]
-for causing premature birth [v. 22-25]
-for negligence resulting in damage [v. 28-36]
SHOW US THE FATHER!
John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, shew us the Father?
JOHN 6:1-15
I. HOW JESUS IS LIKE GOD THE FATHER
1. JESUS CARES FOR ALL OUR NEEDS [v. 5]
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
2. JESUS KNOWS WHAT HE WILL DO [v. 6]
Isaiah 14:27 For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?
Romans 11:34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
3. JESUS KNOWS US [v. 2, 15]
Jeremiah 17:9-10 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
John 2:25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
II. WHAT JESUS LIKES TO DO
1. JESUS LIKES TO HELP US GROW [v. 5-6, 2 Peter 1:1-9, 3:18]
2. JESUS LIKES TO PRAY [v. 11, 15]
Mark 6:46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
3. JESUS LIKES TO MEET OUR NEEDS TOTALLY [v. 11-12a]
1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
III. WHAT JESUS LIKES
1. FAITH [v. 8]
Luke 7:9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
2. ORDER [v. 10]
Luke 9:14 For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.
1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
3. SERVICE [v. 11-13]
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
JOHN 6:1-15
I. HOW JESUS IS LIKE GOD THE FATHER
1. JESUS CARES FOR ALL OUR NEEDS [v. 5]
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
2. JESUS KNOWS WHAT HE WILL DO [v. 6]
Isaiah 14:27 For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?
Romans 11:34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
3. JESUS KNOWS US [v. 2, 15]
Jeremiah 17:9-10 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
John 2:25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
II. WHAT JESUS LIKES TO DO
1. JESUS LIKES TO HELP US GROW [v. 5-6, 2 Peter 1:1-9, 3:18]
2. JESUS LIKES TO PRAY [v. 11, 15]
Mark 6:46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
3. JESUS LIKES TO MEET OUR NEEDS TOTALLY [v. 11-12a]
1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
III. WHAT JESUS LIKES
1. FAITH [v. 8]
Luke 7:9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
2. ORDER [v. 10]
Luke 9:14 For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.
1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
3. SERVICE [v. 11-13]
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - What went on in Darwin's brain?
Q: What went on in Darwin’s brain?
A: Evolutionists often assert that one of Charles Darwin’s main contributions was to explain the apparent design in nature without appealing to a designer. The theory of evolution by means of natural selection provided a completely naturalistic explanation for the variety of living creatures on earth. They compare the contribution of Darwin to that of Copernicus. Copernicus and others showed that the earth moved around the sun and thus was not at the center as most believed. In a similar fashion, it was commonly believed that man was at the center or pinnacle of creation—that man alone among all creatures was special. In arguing that common descent and natural selection account for the origin of man from lower life-forms, Darwin proposed a natural law to explain the origin of man without a creator.
Prior to Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, the argument from design for the existence of a Creator was considered quite compelling. Indeed, while at Cambridge, Darwin was required to study Paley’s Natural Theology. To creationists, the argument from design seems no less compelling today. The amazing complexity and variety of living things does strongly point to a Creator. It is difficult to account for it all by chance and natural law. Darwinian proponents, of course, disagree.
Surprisingly, Darwin acknowledged the strength of the design argument long after Origin was published. In his autobiography, Darwin wrote:
Another source of conviction in the existence of God, connected with the reason and not with the feelings, impresses me as having much more weight. This follows from the extreme difficulty or rather impossibility of conceiving this immense and wonderful universe, including man with his capacity of looking far backwards and far into futurity, as the result of blind chance or necessity. When thus reflecting, I feel compelled to look to a First Cause having an intelligent mind in some degree analogous to that of man; and I deserve to be called a Theist.
Why should we not get too enthusiastic about Darwin’s comment? Read on and take a peek at Darwin’s logic in Darwin, Design, and the Brain.
News to Note Quick Look
He was that scientist guy, right?: A poll in Britain reveals widespread doubt over Darwinism—or does it? Read more.
Raiders of the lost 24-IPC: It could almost be the plot of an evolutionary Indiana Jones adventure: deep beneath the sands of Arabia, lost and hidden for millennia, lay a secret molecule that transcends what we think we know. Read more.
Also: just like home; 1 of 38,000?; it’s a “whale”; that won’t stop ’em; beat it, Stein!; and don’t miss . . . . Read more.
Prayer Requests
View the current prayer requests to keep track of and pray for current ministry needs. Thank you!
Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program
By death came man—who said that?
A grave—dug up for evolution!
Charles Darwin—he was a racist!
Evolution in our society—more evil!
An evangelist—destroyed by millions of years!
Upcoming Events
View upcoming events in your area or request an event at our Events page.
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.
A: Evolutionists often assert that one of Charles Darwin’s main contributions was to explain the apparent design in nature without appealing to a designer. The theory of evolution by means of natural selection provided a completely naturalistic explanation for the variety of living creatures on earth. They compare the contribution of Darwin to that of Copernicus. Copernicus and others showed that the earth moved around the sun and thus was not at the center as most believed. In a similar fashion, it was commonly believed that man was at the center or pinnacle of creation—that man alone among all creatures was special. In arguing that common descent and natural selection account for the origin of man from lower life-forms, Darwin proposed a natural law to explain the origin of man without a creator.
Prior to Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, the argument from design for the existence of a Creator was considered quite compelling. Indeed, while at Cambridge, Darwin was required to study Paley’s Natural Theology. To creationists, the argument from design seems no less compelling today. The amazing complexity and variety of living things does strongly point to a Creator. It is difficult to account for it all by chance and natural law. Darwinian proponents, of course, disagree.
Surprisingly, Darwin acknowledged the strength of the design argument long after Origin was published. In his autobiography, Darwin wrote:
Another source of conviction in the existence of God, connected with the reason and not with the feelings, impresses me as having much more weight. This follows from the extreme difficulty or rather impossibility of conceiving this immense and wonderful universe, including man with his capacity of looking far backwards and far into futurity, as the result of blind chance or necessity. When thus reflecting, I feel compelled to look to a First Cause having an intelligent mind in some degree analogous to that of man; and I deserve to be called a Theist.
Why should we not get too enthusiastic about Darwin’s comment? Read on and take a peek at Darwin’s logic in Darwin, Design, and the Brain.
News to Note Quick Look
He was that scientist guy, right?: A poll in Britain reveals widespread doubt over Darwinism—or does it? Read more.
Raiders of the lost 24-IPC: It could almost be the plot of an evolutionary Indiana Jones adventure: deep beneath the sands of Arabia, lost and hidden for millennia, lay a secret molecule that transcends what we think we know. Read more.
Also: just like home; 1 of 38,000?; it’s a “whale”; that won’t stop ’em; beat it, Stein!; and don’t miss . . . . Read more.
Prayer Requests
View the current prayer requests to keep track of and pray for current ministry needs. Thank you!
Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program
By death came man—who said that?
A grave—dug up for evolution!
Charles Darwin—he was a racist!
Evolution in our society—more evil!
An evangelist—destroyed by millions of years!
Upcoming Events
View upcoming events in your area or request an event at our Events page.
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.
Friday, February 06, 2009
QUOTES OF THE WEEK!
Sinlessness is complete conformity to the will of God. - Alban Douglas quoted by Rev. Bob Circeo on "Gospel Dynamite" in the early 1990s
The first time I see a jogger smiling, I'll give it a try. Joan Rivers
If it weren't for the fact that the TV set and the refrigerator are so far apart, some of us wouldn't get any exercise at all. - Joey Adams
The only exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions, running down their friends, side-stepping responsibility, and pushing their luck. - Author Unknown
It is said that power corrupts, but actually it's more true that power attracts the corruptible. - David Brin
The love of liberty is the love of others; the love of power is the love of ourselves. - William Hazlitt
There is danger from all men. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty. - John Adams
There is nobody meaner in this world than a Christian out of the will of God. Are you listening? I mean, even the world's crowd won't be as mean as a Christian who's backslid and out of God's will, with a tormented spirit. David Bouler, HPBC, 9-1-1991
The first time I see a jogger smiling, I'll give it a try. Joan Rivers
If it weren't for the fact that the TV set and the refrigerator are so far apart, some of us wouldn't get any exercise at all. - Joey Adams
The only exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions, running down their friends, side-stepping responsibility, and pushing their luck. - Author Unknown
It is said that power corrupts, but actually it's more true that power attracts the corruptible. - David Brin
The love of liberty is the love of others; the love of power is the love of ourselves. - William Hazlitt
There is danger from all men. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty. - John Adams
There is nobody meaner in this world than a Christian out of the will of God. Are you listening? I mean, even the world's crowd won't be as mean as a Christian who's backslid and out of God's will, with a tormented spirit. David Bouler, HPBC, 9-1-1991
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