QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Q: What should Christians think about the paranormal?

A: Haunted houses, ghosts, demons—our Western culture can’t seem to get enough of the spirit world. The latest Gallup poll indicates that 42% of Americans believe in demon possession, 37% believe in haunted houses, and 32% believe in ghosts. (Not just Americans are enthralled—40% of the British believe in haunted houses, too.)

Though interest in the paranormal is widespread, the majority of people are skeptical. They discount all spirit activity, going so far as to deny the existence of Satan and demons. Yet outright denial of Satan and demons is not the answer either. That view rejects the revelation in the Bible and the phenomena witnessed clearly and broadly in many lands and societies. The first- and second-world countries, not just third-world countries, experience demonic powers, whether knowingly or unknowingly.

Unless we have a biblical view of God, mankind, and the spirit world, we will not have the perspective to understand the evil that plagues our world.


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To read more about the biblical position is on such things, see Demons on a Leash.


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News to Note Quick Look
Whoa, there’s a controversy?: Darwinism is a controversial topic, and many believe creation should be taught in the classroom. But why is that news? Read more.


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Latest on “Junk” DNA: Has the U.S. government finally supported creationist research? Alas, no, but the results of a National Institutes of Health study fit squarely within the young-earth creation framework. Read more.


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Also: Darwin and a creator? Leviathan found? Super-seeing Shrimp, and 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
Neutrality—is there such a thing?
Carbon 14—a creationist?s friend!
Evolution—what it is and what it?s not!
Evolution—its fruits are evil!
Social problems—can we blame evolution?
After Eden

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

Women! What Men desperately Need.

Sumner Wemps Spiritual Encouragement & Motivation  view archive

Women! What Men desperately Need From the writings of Sumner Wemp   WOMEN! What men desperately need.   "If any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives" 1 Peter 3:1. "Likewise, husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge" 3:7. That goes for women as well to dwell with their husbands according to knowledge. Here is something every wife needs to know about men, their husband.   Men need admiration Why is it that most men marry women who are shorter than they are, younger than they are? A man needs a woman to look up to him, not just physically but in every way. If women catch on to this and do it, they will wrap their man around their little finger forever.   Men have inferiority complexes MOST men have an inferiority complex. Deep down inside very few men have a superiority complex. Over the past 13 years, I have mentored over 300 pastors, missionaries, evangelists and business men for various lengths of time. ALL of them need encouragement and admiration, believe me. I DO! Women need "attention" more on that next week.   The demands on husbands Today, the world is success oriented. If a man doesn't own two cars, a boat and climbing the ladder of success, he can feel a failure deep down inside. He needs to know his wife admires him no matter what.   The reason he hangs out... Men hang out with men who accept them, who admire them. Believe me, if he gets the admiration of his wife and children he wont need those men he hangs out with nearly as much. Oh, dear wife, learn this. Look at his good points and strengths. Brag on him and rave about his good points. Let him know he is the greatest guy in the world in your eyes. If he isn't, you had better magnify his good points until you feel that way about him and lo and behold he will act like the best and become the best just for you. Doesn't that make sense? Most husbands will become what you think of them to be. THINK on this. It is a powerful truth. Oh, my, the influence you have over your husband.     Dear people, almost daily I am getting emails about marriages that are in trouble or breaking up right now. Happy marriages don't happen, they are worked at. Do it dear people, do it.   Prayer:  Father give this husband and wife knowledge to know what each other needs to make their marriage filled with joy and Your purpose for them. In Jesus name   In most marriages the problem is not your spouse it is you and your walk with God.  We need to look at what we do and why we are doing it, and ask one question "Is what we are doing and wanting glorifiying God".  If it is not glorigying God think of a way you can Glorify Him, if you can't don't do it.  We are known by our actions so make sure our actions are from God not to glorify ourselves.    Click here for the East-West Ministries Website.

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The Sacrifice of Praise

The Sacrifice of Praise   October 29, 2009     "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." (Hebrews 13:15)     A sacrifice is a costly thing. But the sacrifices which God desires are not merely animals on an altar, or fruits of the harvest, or gifts of money and goods. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit" (Psalm 51:17). "For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt-offerings" (Hosea 6:6). "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1).     But how can praise and giving thanks to His name be considered a sacrifice? This is "the fruit of our lips." The ancient prophet even called it "the calves of our lips" (Hosea 14:2). To bear the fruit of praise on our lips means sowing the seeds of praise in our hearts, "for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" (Matthew 12:34).     Note that the sacrifice of praise must be offered continually to qualify as a true sacrifice. "Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be" (James 3:10). "Let your speech be always with grace" (Colossians 4:6).     Consider the example of Paul and Silas: After casting them into prison for preaching the gospel, "the magistrates rent off their clothes . . . laid many stripes on them . . . and made their feet fast in the stocks" (Acts 16:22-24). Yet, instead of cursing or complaining, "at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God" (Acts 16:25).     That was a genuine sacrifice! "In every thing give thanks" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). No matter how difficult the circumstances, those who know the Lord always have much for which to praise His name and so should offer such sacrifices continually. HMM     Print this article | More Days of Praise articles         Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

What Women need and Want

Sumner Wemps Spiritual Encouragement & Motivation view archive

What Women need and Want From the writings of Sumner Wemp What Women need and want... Men need and want ADMIRATION. See Friday's email. Women need and want ATTENTION. Someone sent me a book entitled "What men know about women?" You guessed it, it was totally blank, NOTHING. Someone said if a man thinks for one minute he can understand women he has timed it just about right! Why women do it There is a valid reason women have their weeping spells, spend so much time shopping, fixing their hair, changing the furniture around and a thousand other things characteristic of women. Women need attention. God wired them that way. They will do anything in the world to get attention (more on this later). If we men every realize that and feed them the right kind of attention it can transform the relationship and marriage. Her hair do Here is a woman, she goes to the beauty parlor, gets her hair washed, rolled up in those rat tails (curlers), sits under the hair dryer. The operator spend hours, it seems, fixing her hair. She comes home and her husband never notices. Finally she asks, "How do you like my new hair do." He hasn't slipped, he slupped. Than he makes a quick glance and says casually, "It looks fine" or some other casual remark and she begins to bawl. The smart husband will stop everything and rave about her hair and how beautiful she is. That will get him a few hundred points that night. Husbands are to "cherish" their wives Eph. 5:29. That means to give her TLC, tender loving care, and that includes noticing her, giving her attention. Notice your wife Husbands notice you wife, her dress, her shoes, her makeup, any thing new and PAY ATTENTION by giving her the compliments she deserves and desires. More on this and examples of what to do. Next time I am going to tell you how to save tons of money if you will do this one simple thing. Prayer: Father, help us men to understand our wives and notice them, pay attention to the hundreds of signs that they need our attention. In Jesus name As husbands we need to pay attention to our wives and notice them every chance we get. This dovotion is sent by East-West Ministries on behalf of Summner Wemp. Click here for the East-West website.

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POEM OF THE WEEK - HE MAKETH NO MISTAKE

He Maketh No Mistake

by A. M. Overton

My Father's way may twist and turn,

My heart may throb and ache,

But in my soul I'm glad I know

He maketh no mistake.

- - -

My cherished plans may go astray,

My hopes may fade away,

But still I'll trust my Lord to lead

For He doth know the way.

- - -

Tho' night be dark and it may seem

That day will never break,

I'll pin my faith, my all in Him;

He maketh no mistake.

- - -

There's so much now I cannot see,

My eyesight's far too dim;

But come what may, I'll simply trust

And leave it all to Him.

- - -

For by and by the mist will lift,

And plain it all He'll make.

Through all the way, tho' dark to me,

He made not one mistake.

QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

The Devil has no happy old men. - H.A. Ironside

What is worldliness? Many think it is doing or not doing certain things (usually they have a list of those things!). A definition of "world" needs three parts. First, the word world or cosmos means order, not disorder. It is translate "adorn" in 1 Peter 3:3 and 5. The words "cosmetic" and "cosmetology" are built on the word cosmos and mean to adorn, put in order. Second, our definition must recognize that Satan is the ruler of this world (John 12:31). So far our definition states that the world is that orderly system ruled by Satan. Third, we need some specific characteristic of that system. A list would be endless, so we need a umbrella characteristic. Here is my suggestion--the world is characterized by leaving God out. So a definition is: the world is that orderly system ruled by Satan that leaves God out. We can leave Him out of good things, bad things, things that are neither good or bad or which can become good or bad. They just leave God out. So you can test if something--activity, thought, goal, etc.-- is worldly by asking, Does it leave God out? What is the opposite of worldliness? It is godliness. "Do not love the world" (1 John 2:16). -Dr. C. C. Ryrie, author of Ryrie Study Bible

"Pray without ceasing": (1 Thessalonians 5:17). This seems impossible, but that's what Paul commands. Yet he practiced it (1 Thess.1:3 and 2:13), and Paul was a very busy man. How can we ever begin to pray without ceasing? Here's something that will help clarify this command. Outside the New Testament "without ceasing" is used of having a hacking cough. You don't cough all the time, but you do have a cough all the time. We don't verbalize prayers all the time, but the prayer line is always open between us and the Father. An important benefit of this conscious communion with our Lord is to remind us that we are dependent on Him all the time, and we will find ourselves expressing that dependence in specific prayers. - Charles Ryrie

My wife is a great cook. She makes some great meals using many different methods of cooking, but my favorites tend to come out of the Crock-Pot. I love the food that comes out of the Crock-Pot, but I do not love the time it takes to prepare it. "Can’t you just stick it in the microwave?" I ask.
"No, it will not taste the same," she replies.
Powerful, Word-saturated, and Spirit-filled preaching comes from the Crock-Pot, not the microwave. Preachers who try to microwave God’s truth on the "quick and easy" setting in the name of "saving time" will find the meal from God’s Word will not taste the same. Spirit-led preaching calls for the slow-simmering effect of the Crock-Pot, where the longer the meal saturates in the simmering heat, the juicier and more tender it becomes.” - Greg Heisler

God the Father showed us how to live when He released His dear Son to us.
God the Son showed us how to die when He released Himself to the Father.
God the Spirit will show us how to live and die as we learn to release whatever has us in its grip.

Several years ago, the investment firm of E. F. Hutton had a slogan, “When E. F. Hutton talks, everyone listens.” If only people had this respect and reverence for God and His Word! That is the kind of ear we ought to have for the matchless Word of the Living God. If you do not incline your ear, you might miss something! It has been said that God will not only hold us accountable for what we hear but also for what we would have heard if we had listened. – Dr. David Jeremiah

The mediocre teacher tells.
The good teacher explains.
The superior teacher demonstrates.
The great teacher inspires. -- William Arthur Ward

In a Sunday school class, a pastor asked a young boy, "What is the Trinity?" The boy had a soft voice and answered quietly, "The Trinity is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." The pastor leaned forward and said, "I'm sorry, I didn't understand what you said." To which the bright young man replied, "You're not supposed to—it's a mystery!"----- Dale Flynn of WOL

WHAT'S SO IMPORTANT?

EPH. 1:1-3

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE IMPORTANCE OF IDENTIFICATION

1. Are You A Saved One? [1:1, 15, 18; 2:19; 3:8, 18; 4:12; 5:3; 6:18] "saints"

2. Are You A Serving One? [1:1, 1 Corinthians 4:2] "faithful"

3. Are You A Surrendered One? [1:1] "an apostle... by the will of God"

by this Paul was saying (1) I belong to Christ (2) I have been commissioned by Christ (3) my authority is a delegated authority

II. THE IMPORTANCE OF RECEPTION [v. 2]

1. The Source is Important "from God..."

2. The Satisfaction is Important "Grace"

how is God propitiated or satisfied toward us... only by the reception of His grace

3. The Shalom is Important "Peace"

what is is the opposite of peace? conflict? Rm. 5:1

III. THE IMPORTANCE OF REALIZATION [v. 3]

1. Christ acknowledges God the Father

2. Christians acknowledge Him as the Architect of Spiritual Blessings

3. Christians acknowledge Christ as the Author of Spiritual Blessings

God the Father chose to:

-bless us
-bind us
-bond us

in Heavenly places in Christ

JESUS IS COMING!

Matthew 24:14

Pastor Rick Jackson

In answering these questions Jesus pointed out 3 major things to His disciples. #1 - the way things will be, #2 - the way things were, and #3 - the way things are. And he uses a force of nature, a famous man, and a frailty of mankind to illustrate these truths. First, Jesus points out:

I. THE WAY THINGS WILL BE [illustrated by a force of nature] v. 7-8


Some interesting facts about earthquakes:

1. Earthquakes are on the Increase

According to the New World Encyclopedia from Jesus day until 1800 they were less than 10 major earthquakes. From 1800-1900 there were 6, from 1900-1950 there were 8, and from 1951-2000 there were 31, and from 2001-2009 there have been 25.

So for 1800 years there were only 10, ten there were 6 in 100 years, 8 in 50 years, 31 in 50 years, and finally 25 in 9 years.

2. Earthquakes are Unpredictable

They can happen anywhere [Cal., FL, TN, etc.]

The can happen anytime [Hurricane season, flood warnings, blizzard watch, etc. but not quakes]

3. Earthquakes hit the Unprepared the Worse [like sorrow, like death, like Christ's return!]

Secondly, Jesus points out:

II. THE WAY THINGS WERE [illustrated by a famous man-Noah] v. 36-39

1. Business as usual - Noah saved out of it!

2. Lot's day-business as usual - Lot saved out of it! [Lk. 17:28-30]

3. Day of Christ's Coming - business as usual - Christians saved out of it! [II Pet. 2:5-9]

And finally, the Lord points out:

III. THE WAY THINGS ARE [illustrated by a frailty of mankind] v. 42-44

1. A Thief comes Unannounced [v. 42, II Pet. 3:3-10]

2. A Thief comes Unexpectedly [v. 43, I Th. 5:2-4]

3. A Thief comes Uninvited [v. 43b-44, Ps. 2:1-3]

Here are the facts:

Jesus is coming again!

It can be anytime!

Great sorrow ill be on the unprepared!

You can prepare NOW by trusting Him!

If you have trusted Him you prepare by living for Him!

QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - How does a biblical creationist deal with plant carnivory?‏

Q: How does a biblical creationist deal with plant carnivory?

A: A menu of rats may be expected with coyotes and owls—but plants? As improbable as it sounds, there are plants that can digest rats and other small vertebrates. Recently, news agencies and websites were deluged with headlines that a new species of “rat-eating” plant was discovered by a botanical team led by Stewart McPherson. Apparently the researchers got wind of a story that took place in 2000.

As the tale goes, two Christian missionaries to the Philippines got lost in central Palawan while attempting to ascend Mount Alexandria. They were rescued 13 days later and recounted seeing large carnivorous pitcher plants on the slope of the mountain. Their botanical descriptions were unique enough to cause McPherson and team to mount a two-month expedition to the area in 2007. Upon hiking through dense forests and climbing up Mount Alexandria, they spotted the first specimen at around 1600 meters in elevation.

What are these plants? Why do they eat animals and how are we to understand them within a biblical model of creation?

Continue reading about plant carnivory in The Genesis of “Rat-Eating” Plants.

News to Note Quick Look

Meet “Ardi”: Evolutionists aren’t yet sure if they should call it a human ancestor, but one thing they do know is that “Ardi” does away with the idea of a “missing link.” Read more.

“Dylan to Darwin: Don't Look Back”: Evolution is a one-way street, new research confirms. So can it go only forward, or only backward? Read more.

Also:

Dinosaurs Had “Earliest Feathers”

Mighty T. Rex Killed by Pigeon Parasite?

Neurobiologists Discover Butterfly Chronometer

and don’t miss . . . .

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

Time and death?or sin and death?

Aboriginal legends—related to Genesis?

Evolution and creation—it’s an authority issue!

Creation—He did it His way!

Radiometric dating—it shows a young earth!

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.

Perfect Peace

 

Isaiah 26:3-4 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:"     Perfect Peace   Every summer at camp, we sing a chorus that is written specifically for that summer's theme. So most times, this song is written several months before we actually use it. Isaiah 26 is also a song written in advance for a special occasion. I'm so glad we are still able to benefit from it today!     Take a look at verses 3-4: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace. . . ."  This peace is not just a restful feeling that you can get from vacation, a pill, or a soft bed. No, this is the perfect peace that only God can give. It is a complete peace deep down in your soul.     What is the duration of this peace? Verse 4 says, "For in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength." It is forever! God will never stop making this peace available. Just as it was available in Isaiah's day, it is available to each child of God today.   Who is this perfect peace given to? Verse 3 tells us that it is granted to those "whose mind is stayed on thee [God]." It all begins with the mind. In your thoughts, who or what are you placing your trust in today? Are you trusting in God today?   Notice that the verse says this peace is for those whose mind is stayed on God. This means a continuing dependence. Trust in God is something that must be settled every single day. It is not like our decision to trust Christ-eternal life is settled forever! In contrast, having a mind stayed on God is not something we can settle in one decision and not concern ourselves with afterwards. Our trust wants to waver-our sinful nature wants to pull our trust away from God to other things.   A wonderful reminder is that God's strength is perfect and never wavers! Think of the story of Peter walking on the water. For most of us, our trust would not even get us out of the boat! As his eyes were stayed on his Savior, he walked on water-something he could never have done on his own. As soon as he took his eyes off the Lord, he started to sink. Our minds must be stayed on the Lord.   Why does God choose to give this perfect peace to those whose minds are stayed on Him? "Because he trusteth in thee." God's provision is based upon my depending on Him for it. Yes, God's resources are unlimited, but I cannot benefit from them until I am willing to depend upon Him to meet those needs. God will never help us against our will; so verse 4 exhorts us, "Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength."   Have you noticed that many times it is easier to trust God with eternity than to trust Him for this afternoon? If our powerful God can take care of us for all eternity, can He not be trusted to take care of us today? Is your mind stayed on the Lord today? Trust Him for your every need, and you will know the perfect peace that only He can give!     Prayer Requests: 1. Revival services tonight in Linden, PA and Santa Maria, CA  2. Recruiting of college summer staff today 3. West Branch Men on the Move Conference in Fort Collins, CO today and tomorrow 4. Ranch evangelists traveling to services this weekend in Woodbridge, VA; Fort Collins, CO; Terre Haute, IN; Taylors, SC; and Williamsport, PA     Check for revival services and events in your area on our website: billriceranch.org

firstlight@billriceranch.org.   Bill Rice Ranch | 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road | Murfreesboro | TN | 37128

Rule #2 of Marriage

Sumner Wemps Spiritual Encouragement & Motivation view archive

Rule #2 of Marriage From the writings of Sumner Wemp Rule # two for a wonderful marriage. Rule no.2 Keep courting, DATING, after you get married. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:14a "The Christian husband brings holiness to his marriage" Five suggestions for men to encourage time, dating, with his wife: 1. A marriage relationship is dynamic and always changing. Stay in tune by dating and learning what is new, 2. Create a safe environment to discuss the adventures of life while on a date. Stay clear of walls and discuss positive and kind topics. 3. Plan for the future. Dare to dream! Take time on a date to share what you want the future to look like. Make a plan. 4. Dating started your relationship with a one on one alone time --- use dating to build your relationship to the next level of intimacy and block the pull of the world from your relationship. 5. All cars need regular maintenance. Gas, oil changes, tire work etc. The more you maintain your car the better it performs. Marriage is like that and dating is the maintenance for marriage. The more dating or marriage maintenance you do the better the performance of the relationship. Doesn't that make sense? Women will work ten times harder to make the marriage work. Come on men, you are the "leader" in the home. God said so! "Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God" 1 Cor. 11:3. Lead your marriage to the shop, go on a date, and have it serviced. Do these five things. You will be glad you did. Prayer: Father, bless this man of God and may he lead his family to a marriage filled with love, joy and peace, for his good and Your glory. In Jesus name. Scripture: "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God" Rom. 11:33. A great marriage is the best witness for God that I have ever seen. So strive to have a great godly marriage and be the best witness you can. Click here for the East-West Ministries website.

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WHO LOVES YOU BABY?

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Pastor Rick Jackson

What is interesting about this verse is it gives us a peek behind the Devil's persona. When a lion goes out to hunt does he feel sorry for his prey? Does he feel remorse for what he is about to do? Or is he just out to satisfy his appetite? Of course, we don't blame the lion because he does not think on the same level on which we think, he does not reason, he does not consider the long term effects of his actions. Not so with Satan. The Bible plainly declares he is your personal enemy! He is searching for those whom he can completely destroy if he can. He wants to destroy you!

Strangely enough e don't think about that very often but people often accuse God of trying to spoil their fun, of ruining their lives, and of attempting to make them miserable. Grouch Marx once got on an elevator with a Catholic priest. The priest said, "I want to thank you for all the joy you have brought into this world."
Groucho replied, And I want to thank you for all the joy you have taken out of this world!"
That is the opinion that many have of God, that He doesn't like us, that He wants to rob us of joy- but is that the case? Look at Psalm 103 and we'll see, as Kojak used to ask, "Who loves you baby?"

The phrase "Bless the Lord" appears numerous times in this Psalm. We know what it means to curse,to denigrate, to bless means just the opposite, to lift up, to honor. Spurgeon said:

Jehovah is worthy to be praised by us in that highest style of adoration which is intended by the term bless--"All thy works praise Thee ,O God, but thy saints shall bless thee." your very life and essential self should be engrossed with this delightful service, and each one of us can arouse his own hart to the engagement. Let others forbear if they can: "Bless the Lord O my soul." Let others murmur, but do thou bless. Let others bless themselves and their idols, but do thou bless the LORD.

I. LOOK AT HIS BENEFITS [v. 1-12]

1. What He is Doing [v. 1-6]

2. What He has Done [v. 7]

3. What He is [v. 8]

4. What He will Not Do [v. 9]

5. What He has Not Done [v. 10-12]

II. LOOK AT HIS BEHAVIOUR [v. 13-19]

1. He has Compassion [v. 13]

He acts in accordance with His compassion [Jn. 3:16]

2. He has Knowledge [v. 14]

just as an architect or a builder knows the load bearing capacity of a structure's frame...

3. He has Everlasting Mercy [v. 15-17a]

4. He has Everlasting Righteousness [v. 17b-18]

that's our security!

5. He has Everlasting Rule [v. 19]

III. LOOK AT HIS BLESSING [v. 20-22]

1. From His Angels [v. 20]

2. From His Hosts [v.21]

3. From His Creation [v. 22]

Wives

Sumner Wemps Spiritual Encouragement & Motivation view archive

Wives From the writings of Sumner Wemp W.I.F.E. She is something. Meet her here. W. Wise in communication. "She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue" Pro. 31:26. "The wise woman builds her house" Pro. 14:1. The house is the wife's palace. She should have the biggest input as to the house, the kind of house, rooms etc. "But she builds it," makes it a home. "but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down" " Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion" Pro 11:22. I. Innocent in conduct. "Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight" 1 Peter 3:4. What a beautiful lady she is. GOD THINKS SO! AND SO DO MEN! F. Faithful in companionship. The aged women "Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God" Titus 2:3-5. "Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." Pro. 31:11,12. "But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband" 1 Cor. 7:34. E. Excellent in Character "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies" Pro. 31:10. "In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything" 1 Tim. 3:11. " Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good " Titus 2:3. O dear wife, you are special. You have so much power and influence for good. For the most part, men will treat you like to command in your behavior, appearance and character. Prayer: Father bless our dear wives and use them greatly to help turn our world back to sanity, decency and honor. In Jesus name. All because of Calvary, sumner This can be carried over to all of us that we are first to be beautiful on the inside (following Gods will) then we will be seen and beautiful on the outside. www.eastwest.org

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Times, Seasons, and Purpose

 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"     Not too long ago, I came across a picture that I had taken while we were driving down a coastal highway in South Florida. The picture is a beautiful, lavish house with elaborate landscaping and a stretch limo parked in the driveway-the owners of this home undoubtedly could buy almost anything their hearts desired! King Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes, was also a man of untold wealth. Not only was he rich, but he was also the wisest man on earth!     Contrary to today's thinking, both wealth and wisdom are folly by themselves. They only matter when they are used to affect eternity. You see, everything has its season, and things of earth will pass away. Ironically, the surest thing in life is the fact that life will end! This is the basis of King Solomon's message in Ecclesiastes 3: "to everything there is a season."     A sense of time automatically brings restraint.  All things in this life have a definite beginning and end. Notice the "seasons" mentioned in the next few verses: "A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which was planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. . . ." And the list goes on. We must be reminded that we only have a short time here on this earth.     This restraint should give us a sense of responsibility.  Whatever we are going to do, we'd better do now! Before we know it, the season of sowing will be past. So make the most of every day-don't take time for granted. What are you putting off that should be done for the Lord today? What eternal goals are you aiming for today?     With this sense of responsibility, the Lord gives us a wonderful reminder. Verse 11 says, "He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end." God has a purpose behind every season and time throughout history, and He also has a purpose for every season in your life.   God is the One who determines our purpose in life. His plan for my short life is part of His great plan for the ages! No life-no matter how short-is an accident. God has a specific, unique purpose for every life.     His purposes also extend to each season within our lives. Each changing season brings with it a unique purpose. So find pleasure in the season you are in today! Yes, be busy doing the work God has given you for today, but don't get too busy to enjoy your life. Everything that we have is given to us by our loving God! Verse 22 says, "Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?"     Be mindful today that your life is only for a season, but rejoice in the truth that God has a purpose for your life today! Make the most of your "portion" today and enjoy what the Lord has given you.     Prayer Requests: 1. Revival services tonight in National City, CA; Petersburg, IN; Linden, PA 2. Recruiting of college summer staff today and tomorrow (10/19-20)   Check for revival services and events in your area on our website: billriceranch.org

firstlight@billriceranch.org.     Bill Rice Ranch | 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road | Murfreesboro | TN | 37128

DON'T BLAME GOD

Isaiah 50

Pastor Rick Jackson

A student asked his teacher, "Why did you give me a "D" on my report card?"
"I didn't give you a "D". You earned a "D". I merely recorded the grade."

I. DON'T BLAME GOD FOR TROUBLE [v. 1-3]

1. Blame Sin [v. 1]

2. Blame Your Apathy [v. 2a]

3. Blame Your Inattention [v. 2b-3]

II. DON'T BLAME GOD FOR TRYING [v. 4-8]

1. Jesus Spoke as None Else [v. 4]

2. Jesus Lived as None Else [v. 5-7]

3. Jesus Invites as None Else [v. 8]

Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

III. DON'T BLAME GOD FOR WHO YOU TRUST [v. 9-11]

1. The Chance is for Everyone [v. 9]

Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

2. The Christ is for Everyone [v. 10]

3. The Choice is for Everyone [v. 11, Romans 1:18ff]

LIVING BY FAITH

Habakkuk 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. LIVING BY FAITH STARTS WITH SALVATION [ROMANS 1:17]

1. The Gospel of Christ [v. 16, I Cor. 15]

2. The Power of God [v. 16, 1 Peter 1:5]

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

3. The Reception of Faith [v. 16-17, Eph. 2:8-9]

II. LIVING BY FAITH IS SOLIDLY SCRIPTURAL [GAL. 3:11]

1. As Proved by the Example of Abraham [v. 6-9]

2. As Proved by the Curse of the Law [v. 10-13]

3. As Proved by the Promise of the Spirit [v. 14-22]

III. LIVING BY FAITH IS A SERIOUS SUBJECT [HEB. 10:38]

1. Rejecting the Truth is a Death Sentence [v. 26-29]

2. Realizing the Truth is a Dynamic Strategy [v. 30-37]

3. Respecting the Truth is a Definitely Smart [v. 38-39]

QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Can an anti-creationist reveal the truth of Scripture?‏

Q: Can an anti-creationist reveal the truth of Scripture?

A: A well-known University of Minnesota–Morris professor who has a history of hate speech against creationists—especially Answers in Genesis and the Creation Museum—inadvertently admitted recently that we were not wrong. This was kind of a blessing in disguise and also reveals much about his character. Professor Paul (P.Z.) Myers said:

First, there is no moral law: the universe is a nasty, heartless place where most things wouldn’t mind killing you if you let them. No one is compelled to be nice; you or anyone could go on a murder spree, and all that is stopping you is your self-interest (it is very destructive to your personal bliss to knock down your social support system) and the self-interest of others, who would try to stop you. There is nothing ‘out there’ that imposes morality on you, other than local, temporary conditions, a lot of social enculturation, and probably a bit of genetic hardwiring that you’ve inherited from ancestors who lived under similar conditions.

Myers admits there is no morality or anything that imposes it either (i.e., God) in his worldview. This means that from his own worldview, there is no such thing as right and wrong. Accordingly, this means that there must be nothing wrong with teaching the truth of creation as revealed in the Bible. Ironically, perhaps, it also means that there is nothing wrong in showing the problems with false religions like humanism and evolution.

Continue reading Bodie Hodge’s commentary on a well-known evolutionist in Anti-creationist Professor Inadvertently Reveals the Truth of Scripture.

News to Note Quick Look

Is God our “separator?”: An Old Testament professor thinks the translations of Genesis should be rewritten—to accommodate her view on what the text actually means. Read more.
Bird Brains VIII: Yet another experimental study teaches us more about the sophisticated (and, perhaps, surprising) intelligence of crows. Read more.

Also:

What about Earth?

Veggie-loving spider

From bone to bone

And Don’t Miss . . .

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

Adam’s race—are you a member?
“External” features—they’re only minor!
Genetics—it confirms only one race!
Inter-racial relationships—what’s the problem?
Genesis—it has the answer to racism!

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.

The Precious Blood

The Precious Blood   October 17, 2009     "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." (1 Peter 1:18-19)     The concept of the shed blood of Christ offered in substitutionary sacrifice for guilty and condemned sinners is profoundly offensive to the modern mind. Even many evangelicals who believe in the concept doctrinally, usually de-emphasize it in their pulpits and classroom ministries. But it is still in the Bible and is inestimably important.     Our lost souls could never have been redeemed ("bought back") from hell by all the silver and gold in the universe. The blood of Christ, however, is infinitely "precious" (i.e., "valuable" or "costly") because it was the life ("the life of the flesh is in the blood"--Leviticus 17:11) of the very Creator of life! Its shedding on the altar of divine sacrifice was, therefore, eminently sufficient "to make an atonement |or 'covering'| for |our| souls."     The blood is not only a covering, however. Its cleansing and life-giving powers purge our sins and make us righteous before a holy God. "Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him" (Romans 5:9). The application of the blood to our souls becomes effective, of course, only "through faith in his blood" (Romans 3:25).     Not only is the precious blood able to blot out past sins, but "the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). It is sufficiently powerful to overcome every attack of the wicked one. "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb" (Revelation 12:11). Finally, its efficacy is eternal and will never lose its power, for it is "the blood of the everlasting covenant" (Hebrews 13:20). HMM     Print this article | More Days of Praise articles       Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229      www.icr.org/change

Hear What I Pray-Guard What I Say!

 

Psalm 141:1,3 "LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee... Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips."       What was the first thing that came out of your mouth this morning? Scary thought, isn't it? If you are like me, my mouth is ready to start talking before I'm awake enough to guard it properly. We can say some pretty scary things when our lips are unguarded! For instance, have you ever been afraid of what you would say if you talked in your sleep or were put under anesthesia?   This is why this prayer of David is so important for us. The psalm begins as prayer to the Lord. Many of the psalms start off with a prayer to God for help or deliverance; the reassurance, or answer to the prayer, is never far behind. Let the first person you talk to in the morning be the Lord, and let a prayer be the first words out of your mouth! Those who do not have any problems never pray-for the rest of us, prayer should be a priority!   Notice what David prayed in verse 3: "Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." A "watch" is a person who watches-brilliant, I know! Like a paid guard, a watch stays awake while others are sleeping to guard something very important. Here, David asks God to set a guard in front of his mouth. What we say with our lips is so important. Our mouths can be used for tremendous good or for tearing someone down in an instant. Though we try, we cannot do a good job of guarding the "door of our lips" on our own. We need the Lord's help every day-so ask for it!   Not only did David ask the Lord to guard his mouth, but he also asked God to guard His actions. Verse 4 says, "Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works. . . ." May we always depend upon the Lord for help in doing what is right. When we get away from depending upon Him, we are setting ourselves up for trouble.   Notice what else David asked in verse 5: "Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil. . . ." Yes, it's true that we must ask the Lord for help in speaking and doing right, but when we fail, we need a true friend to lovingly "shoot straight" with us. This kind of friend is worth a thousand times more than the man or woman who only tells us what we want to hear. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend" (Proverbs 27:6).   This psalm is certainly a model prayer for anybody and for any morning! Hear what I pray-guard what I say. What better way to start your morning than to start it with prayer! "Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul to thee." (Psalm 143:8)     Prayer Requests: 1. Revival services tonight in Harned, KY, and Hustontown, PA 2. BRR Ladies' Retreat continuing today and tomorrow  3. Revival meetings at First Baptist Church of Santa Maria, CA this month 4. Ranch evangelists traveling to services this weekend in National City, CA; Petersburg, IN; Linden, PA; and Magna,UT   Check for revival services and events in your area on our website: billriceranch.org

Bill Rice Ranch | 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road | Murfreesboro | TN | 37128

DR. FRED AFMAN NOW WALKING STREETS OF GOLD

When I first went to Temple Baptist Theological Seminary (as it was called back then) in 1978 one of my professors was Dr. Fred Afman. He looked at my name on the class roll, called out "Fred Jackson" and waited for a response. I responded but instead of going on to the next name he asked if Fred was short for something else.
"Frederick"
"How do you spell that?"
"F-R-E-D-E-R-I-C-K"
"I'm glad to hear you spell it correctly. That's how mine is spelled also."
This was my introduction to one of the greatest Bible teachers of our age. I had many good seminary teachers, two stand out as favorites, Dr. Afman was one of them. Even though I haven't seen him in a number of years I wept when I heard of his passing. Heaven is just getting sweeter and sweeter.

The Bible I preach from is a Rice Reference Bible, Dr. Afman was one of the consulting editors. My view of the Song of Solomon [often called the 3 person view] was greatly influenced by this man of God [it makes way more sense than the more commonly held 2 person view and is Biblically sound].

Dr. Afman never shied away from difficult verses in class. He explained them thoroughly as a good Bible teacher should. One explanation went against the commonly held view of a text but Dr. Afman skillfully laid out the Bible truth of the matter. One student remarked, "You certainly have ruined a lot of good preaching." To which Dr. Afman replied, "I may have ruined some preaching, but since it wasn't Biblical, it wasn't good preaching."

After leaving Chattanooga in 1991 I would occasionally find my way back to the area and when on campus I always tried to go by and see Dr. Afman. He always had time for me [indeed, come to think of it-he always had time for me when I was a student as well] and he always remembered me--- "Brother Jackson, the student who knew how to spell Frederick." I remember you too, Dr. Afman, and I thank God I got to know you and for the part you had in molding my life.


From the website of The International Board of Jewish Missions http://www.ibjm.org/radio.htm comes the following: In January 1972, IBJM went on the air with a weekly radio broadcast called "The Voice of Jacob," hosted by Dr. Orman Norwood. At the time it was only heard over a small, local church outreach called WDYN. By October 1972, the program had merged with another program and had increased to thirty minutes. It featured well-known instructor and expositor, Dr. Fred Afman, a teacher of Old Testament studies at Tennessee Temple University. Dr. Afman has over fifty years experience teaching the Bible, and he has taught every book of the Bible, verse-by-verse, on The Everlasting Nation Radio Broadcast since 1972


Here is his obituary from the chattanoogan:

Dr. Fred Afman

Tennessee Temple University Professor For 35 Years

posted October 15, 2009
Fred Afman

Dr. Fred Afman, 88, died on Wednesday, October 14, 2009.

Fred Afman was born to Dutch parents, Martinus and Martha Afman on August 17, 1921, in Hopkinsberg, Mi.

After graduating from Plainwell High School, he was called by God to pursue a lifetime of ministry. He attended Bob Jones College in Cleveland, Tn., from 1941-1946. In 1947, he married Martha Elizabeth Fyne. Fred joined the Bible faculty of Bob Jones University in 1948, and taught there for 25 years. During those years he earned his MA and PhD in Old Testament.He preached in churches throughout the Southeast. In 1971, he moved to Chattanooga, and taught at Tennessee Temple University and Seminary for 35 years. Through 60 years of teaching Bible, Dr. Afman influenced over 22,000 students.

Dr. Afman was a faithful member, Sunday School teacher, and usher at Highland Park Baptist Church for as long as his health allowed. Dr. Afman also served with International Board of Jewish Missions, teaching the Everlasting Nation radio program for 35 years.

Fred enjoyed the weekly fellowship of the Christian Businessmen Association, and taught at their fall retreats for over 20 years. Dad was renowned for his kind words and he never met a stranger. He always expressed appreciation and spoke to everyone. A great sense of humor warmed many hearts. He loved playing and enjoyed being a spectator at sporting events. He was a great father and truly loved by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his wife Martha Afman; parents; brother, Bill Afman; and sisters, Marian Cosgrove and Elizabeth Gren.

Survivors include his children, Frederick Martin Afman, Lemoine Elizabeth (Foster) Afman-Radford, Joel Thomas Afman, Martha June (Jim) Lehe, and Jon (Tonya) Afman; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters, Margaret (Earl) Bostwick and Gerry Cave; and brother, Bob (Hilda) Afman.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, and 2-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 19, at Woodland Park Baptist Church, 7501 Standifer Gap Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.

Memorial donations may be made to the International Board of Jewish Missions, P.O. Box 1386, Hixson, Tn. 37343.

Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 404 South Moore Road. http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_161021.asp

HAVE YOU LEARNED THE LESSONS OF THE STORM?

ACTS 27:1-10

Pastor Rick Jackson

Sometimes we don't learn certain lessons unless they are taught to us by a storm. Now its better if we can learn it from the Word, but as this passage shows, some people don't listen to the Word. Let us not be of that group.

THE STORM TEACHES US:

1. Experts are Not always Right [v. 11]

2. Inconvenience isn't your Biggest Problem [v. 12]

3. Circumstances are not the best Indicators of Action [v. 13]

4. We are Not in Charge [v. 14-15]

5. Sometimes an Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure [v. 16-17a]

6. Our Value System may Need Adjusting [v. 17b-19]

7. Faith in man is Not as secure as Faith in God [v. 20-23]

8. The Christian, in the will of God, is Unsinkable [v. 24]

9. The Christian must Not take God's Will for Granted [v. 25-32]

10. God will Not do for you what you can do for yourself [v. 33-44]

QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new. - Albert Einstein
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Romans 12:3-5 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

And that's why your part in this body is critical for the success of the body of Christ. If you're part of our hearing and you don't function- we won't hear well. If you're part of our sight and you won't see- we won't see well. And so we have all of these parts that are critical and important to the functioning of the church.

Think of the choir- if all we had was a choir full of altos. Man, we would miss the tenor part, the bass part, the soprano part- you wouldn't see that harmony, you wouldn't see that blending of all of that coming together. And throughout this church God makes some beautiful music, if His people, gifted by Him, do that which God has called them to do.

{illustrates with a football team center deciding he doesn't won't to do his part anymore so he can catch the ball and you lose the team}

And when you don't have a team you don't have a chance to win. And if we don't function as the body we cannot win! That's God's way, that's God's plan. And we'll lose as a body, a church, and you'll lose as a gifted Christian. But if all of us will say, "I'll seek God's will for me and I'll give God glory, have no will of my own, I'm going to honor God the very best that I can in the place that God has put me- I am going to try to be an All-American in my spot- and I'm going to do my maximum- He'll help the team to win. And when the team wins, the team rejoices. Who's the team? It's the body, it's the church. And when the team wins the Coach is glorified isn't He? Who's the Coach? Jesus. That's right.

Now we all have to give our best. Every single member of Highland Park Baptist Church must do their best in your area for the glory of God, the body of Christ, the church.

{illustrates with when a quarterback gets hit a fan might yell} "Put the boy out the game! All he does is fumble!" It's easy to sit up in that stand, eating your popcorn, and drinking your Coke and holler "Pull the boy out." Right? Let's put you in the game!... you get hit and you won't care where the ball is. You want back in the stands with your popcorn and Coke. You have a new attitude. You see what I am saying? It's easy to sit out there and say why did he fumble the ball?
It's easy to be the pastor when you not the pastor, you know? I've been doing this for 27 years and I've found a whole lot of folks who never pastored even a 5 member class knows how to do it better than I do. You know, years of training, education, everything else, serving the Lord, experience- some good experience- some bad experience- and they know more about pastoring than the pastor does.

It's easy to sit out there and direct the choir when you're not in it. Isn't it? Here's what I think you ought to do... and you couldn't carry a note if your head was... had it in a bucket- amen? Discuss Sunday School teachers, or the bus ministry and you ain't even been near a bus. It's easy to discuss the ushers... if you won't usher. Right? It's easy to discuss Sunday School teachers when you won't teach. It's easy to discuss meals if you won't cook. It's easy to say, "We ought to win this community to Christ" if you don't go visit.

-David Bouler, January 22, 1992

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Even a mistake may turn out to be the one thing necessary to a worthwhile achievement. - Henry Ford
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It's discouraging to make a mistake, but it's humiliating when you find out you're so unimportant that nobody noticed it. - Chuck Daly
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Today's plans produce tomorrow's results. - J.R. Faulkner

Live by faith today. Can't live yesterday over, can't live tomorrow yet. - J. Don Jennings