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Friday, December 31, 2010
Mind Control
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
WHY DO GOOD THINGS HAPPEN TO BAD PEOPLE?
Pastor Rick Jackson
Some years ago a Jewish Rabbi wrote a book entitled “Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?” after his 14 year old son died. Of course, the theme is older than that by thousands of years but there are several things that should cause us to realize the question ought be, why do good things happen to bad people?
I. THERE ARE NO GOOD PEOPLE
1. All of Us Are Sinners [Rm. 3:10, Ecclesiastes 7:20]
For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
2. All Sinners Owe a Sin Debt [Rm. 3:23, Ezekiel 18:20 \]
The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
3. No Sinner Can Save Himself of Any Other [Rm. 5:8]
II. A LOVING GOD PROVIDES GOOD THINGS FOR BAD PEOPLE
1. The Ultimate Saviour- God Himself [Acts 20:28]
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
Hebrews 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
2. The Ultimate Sacrifice- Christ Paid Our Hell [Is. 53, 2 Corinthians 5:21]
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
3. The Ultimate Salvation- Ours for the Asking [Jn. 1:12, Revelation 2:11]
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
1 John 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
III. THE OBLIGATION TO LIVE RIGHT
Since it has no bearing on us attaining Heaven why should we live right? To ask the question shows the old nature is still active within our bodies. But the answer is easily obtained.
1. The Creator Has Every Right to Expect His Creation to Obey Him [Mark 1:27]
And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
Mark 4:41 And they feared exceedingly °, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
2. The Redeemer Has Every Right to Expect His People, Property and Purchased Possession Obey Him [1 Corinthians 6:20]
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
1 Corinthians 7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
3. The God of Heaven has Promised a Blessing though It May Not Be What We Expect [1 Samuel 12:14]
If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God:
Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
Acts 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
Some years ago a Jewish Rabbi wrote a book entitled “Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?” after his 14 year old son died. Of course, the theme is older than that by thousands of years but there are several things that should cause us to realize the question ought be, why do good things happen to bad people?
I. THERE ARE NO GOOD PEOPLE
1. All of Us Are Sinners [Rm. 3:10, Ecclesiastes 7:20]
For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
2. All Sinners Owe a Sin Debt [Rm. 3:23, Ezekiel 18:20 \]
The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
3. No Sinner Can Save Himself of Any Other [Rm. 5:8]
II. A LOVING GOD PROVIDES GOOD THINGS FOR BAD PEOPLE
1. The Ultimate Saviour- God Himself [Acts 20:28]
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
Hebrews 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
2. The Ultimate Sacrifice- Christ Paid Our Hell [Is. 53, 2 Corinthians 5:21]
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
3. The Ultimate Salvation- Ours for the Asking [Jn. 1:12, Revelation 2:11]
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
1 John 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
III. THE OBLIGATION TO LIVE RIGHT
Since it has no bearing on us attaining Heaven why should we live right? To ask the question shows the old nature is still active within our bodies. But the answer is easily obtained.
1. The Creator Has Every Right to Expect His Creation to Obey Him [Mark 1:27]
And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
Mark 4:41 And they feared exceedingly °, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
2. The Redeemer Has Every Right to Expect His People, Property and Purchased Possession Obey Him [1 Corinthians 6:20]
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
1 Corinthians 7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
3. The God of Heaven has Promised a Blessing though It May Not Be What We Expect [1 Samuel 12:14]
If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God:
Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
Acts 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Quotes of the Week
All that tread the globe are but a handful to the tribes that slumber in its bosom. - William Cullen Bryant
It has been said that death comes equally to us all and makes us all equal when it comes. - Dr. James Ray
This the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it, or use it for good, but what I do today is important because I am exchanging a day in my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving behind in its place something that I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, not loss, good and not evil, success and not failure, in order that I shall not regret the price that I have paid for it. - Samuel F. Pugh
It has been said that death comes equally to us all and makes us all equal when it comes. - Dr. James Ray
This the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it, or use it for good, but what I do today is important because I am exchanging a day in my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving behind in its place something that I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, not loss, good and not evil, success and not failure, in order that I shall not regret the price that I have paid for it. - Samuel F. Pugh
Monday, December 27, 2010
The Trinity in Ephesians
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Sunday, December 26, 2010
WHEN FAITH MEETS GOD [2]
JOB 38:39-39:30
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE FEEDING OF THE WILD ANIMALS [38:39-41]
1. The Lair of the Lions [v. 39-40]
2. God Hears the Ravens [v. 41]
3. The Application by Jesus [Luke 12:22-25]
II. THE NATURE OF VARIOUS ANIMALS [39:1-18]
1. The Hill Dwellers [v. 1-8]
2. The Untamable [v. 9-12] “Unicorns”=wild aurochs- a type of wild ox thought to be extinct
The wild-ox called re'em (Strong's # 07214) in the Bible (Numbers 23:22 and 24:8, Deuteronomy 33:17, Job 39:9–10, Psalms 22:21, 29:6, 92:10 and Isaiah 34:7) is occasionally associated with the aurochs and has incorrectly been translated as "unicorn" in the past (The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Entry for 'Wild Ox', Copyright, 1939, by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.).
Julius Caesar wrote about aurochs in Gallic War Chapter 6.28, "...those animals which are called uri. These are a little below the elephant in size [should hgt.=6‘6“], and of the appearance, color, and shape of a bull. Their strength and speed are extraordinary; they spare neither man nor wild beast which they have espied. These the Germans take with much pains in pits and kill them. The young men harden themselves with this exercise, and practice themselves in this sort of hunting, and those who have slain the greatest number of them, having produced the horns in public, to serve as evidence, receive great praise. But not even when taken very young can they be rendered familiar to men and tamed. The size, shape, and appearance of their horns differ much from the horns of our oxen. These they anxiously seek after, and bind at the tips with silver, and use as cups at their most sumptuous entertainments." [wikipedia]
3. The Bird Brains [v. 13-18]
III. THE CAPABILITIES OF GOD’S CREATURES [v. 19-30]
1. Horses for Competition [v. 19-25] a competitive spirit
2. Homes for Hunters [v. 26-30]
3. Heavenly Caretaker- The Application by Jesus [Mt. 10:29-31]
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE FEEDING OF THE WILD ANIMALS [38:39-41]
1. The Lair of the Lions [v. 39-40]
2. God Hears the Ravens [v. 41]
3. The Application by Jesus [Luke 12:22-25]
II. THE NATURE OF VARIOUS ANIMALS [39:1-18]
1. The Hill Dwellers [v. 1-8]
2. The Untamable [v. 9-12] “Unicorns”=wild aurochs- a type of wild ox thought to be extinct
The wild-ox called re'em (Strong's # 07214) in the Bible (Numbers 23:22 and 24:8, Deuteronomy 33:17, Job 39:9–10, Psalms 22:21, 29:6, 92:10 and Isaiah 34:7) is occasionally associated with the aurochs and has incorrectly been translated as "unicorn" in the past (The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Entry for 'Wild Ox', Copyright, 1939, by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.).
Julius Caesar wrote about aurochs in Gallic War Chapter 6.28, "...those animals which are called uri. These are a little below the elephant in size [should hgt.=6‘6“], and of the appearance, color, and shape of a bull. Their strength and speed are extraordinary; they spare neither man nor wild beast which they have espied. These the Germans take with much pains in pits and kill them. The young men harden themselves with this exercise, and practice themselves in this sort of hunting, and those who have slain the greatest number of them, having produced the horns in public, to serve as evidence, receive great praise. But not even when taken very young can they be rendered familiar to men and tamed. The size, shape, and appearance of their horns differ much from the horns of our oxen. These they anxiously seek after, and bind at the tips with silver, and use as cups at their most sumptuous entertainments." [wikipedia]
3. The Bird Brains [v. 13-18]
III. THE CAPABILITIES OF GOD’S CREATURES [v. 19-30]
1. Horses for Competition [v. 19-25] a competitive spirit
2. Homes for Hunters [v. 26-30]
3. Heavenly Caretaker- The Application by Jesus [Mt. 10:29-31]
WHY CAN’T EVERY DAY BE LIKE CHRISTMAS?
Psalm 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Pastor Rick Jackson
If you try to boil Christmas down to 3 basic ingredients in a general sense I think you would find those ingredients to be The Gifts of Christmas, the Spirit of Christmas, and the Celebration of Christmas though not necessarily in that order. Even the world acknowledges these 3 aspects but we Christians hopefully lean toward a more spiritual version. In answer to the question, Every day can be like Christmas. The Gifts, the Spirit and the Celebration of Christmas can continue.
I. THE GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS [2 Corinthians 9:15]
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
1. God Daily Offers Salvation
Isaiah 49:8 Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;
2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
2. God Daily Gives [Psalm 68:19]
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
3. God Daily Hears our Prayers [Psalm 86:3]
Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily.
Psalm 88:9 Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.
4. God Daily Gives Us Bread [Matthew 6:11, 33-34] Give us this day our daily bread.
5. God Daily Speaks Through the Gift of His Word [Pr. 8:33-34]
Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
II. THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS
The cheerfulness, the joy, the love, the peace on earth… [Gal. 5:13-26] Not only can we have it- we are commanded to have it!
III. THE CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS [Col. 3:12-13]
1. Giving & Receiving [v. 14-15]
2. Singing [v. 16]
3. Decorations [v. 17]
What better decorations than letting our light shine [Mt. 5:14-15]
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
And to let our life be decorated with good works [v. 16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
So Christmas can be celebrated on a daily basis. As Ebenezer Scrooge said in Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in repentance, “I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.”
And Dickens closes by saying, Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all and infinitely more… and it was always said of him that he knew how to keep Christmas well if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us!”
Pastor Rick Jackson
If you try to boil Christmas down to 3 basic ingredients in a general sense I think you would find those ingredients to be The Gifts of Christmas, the Spirit of Christmas, and the Celebration of Christmas though not necessarily in that order. Even the world acknowledges these 3 aspects but we Christians hopefully lean toward a more spiritual version. In answer to the question, Every day can be like Christmas. The Gifts, the Spirit and the Celebration of Christmas can continue.
I. THE GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS [2 Corinthians 9:15]
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
1. God Daily Offers Salvation
Isaiah 49:8 Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;
2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
2. God Daily Gives [Psalm 68:19]
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
3. God Daily Hears our Prayers [Psalm 86:3]
Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily.
Psalm 88:9 Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.
4. God Daily Gives Us Bread [Matthew 6:11, 33-34] Give us this day our daily bread.
5. God Daily Speaks Through the Gift of His Word [Pr. 8:33-34]
Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
II. THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS
The cheerfulness, the joy, the love, the peace on earth… [Gal. 5:13-26] Not only can we have it- we are commanded to have it!
III. THE CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS [Col. 3:12-13]
1. Giving & Receiving [v. 14-15]
2. Singing [v. 16]
3. Decorations [v. 17]
What better decorations than letting our light shine [Mt. 5:14-15]
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
And to let our life be decorated with good works [v. 16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
So Christmas can be celebrated on a daily basis. As Ebenezer Scrooge said in Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in repentance, “I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.”
And Dickens closes by saying, Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all and infinitely more… and it was always said of him that he knew how to keep Christmas well if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us!”
Saturday, December 25, 2010
QUESTION OF THE WEEK - Was Jesus really born of a virgin?
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Posts of Christmas Past
Friday, December 08, 2006
ANSWERING THE CHRISTMAS CRITICS (1)
ROMANS 14:1-12
Rick Jackson
There was an interesting letter on the editorial page of the Bradford County Telegraph last year (12-1-05). A lady, whom to my knowledge I do not know, wrote,
The following is "Just My Opinion" but I would like to know - "What do you think, are you willing to change?"
My answer is “no”. I am not willing to change because of someone’s opinion. I am willing to conform to the Word of God. Romans 3:4
What is wrong with Christians celebrating the birth of Jesus on his "real" birthday? Why don't Christians just let the world have their "Happy Holidays" their "Santa Clauses," their lighted trees and all the other traditions" that go with Dec. 25? Guys, believe it or not, this is not the day Jesus was born and I can tell you exactly when it was.
It will take a major portion of this sermon to discount this statement But let’s see how her opinion continued.
It was Tishri 15 (that is a Jewish feast day, their New Year or Rosh Hashanah). Jesus fulfilled every one of the Jewish Feast Days. On the exact days those feast happened, in the time of Jesus, those feast were fulfilled. The only feast left to fulfill is the Feast of Trumpets, and that is the Rapture.
There is not one hint in the Scriptures that Jesus was born on Rosh Hashanah. There would have been a lot of Jewish rituals going on during that time and none is indicated by either Luke or Matthew. Matthew’s silence is deafening since his purpose was to present Christ as the King of the Jews and this would certainly have bolstered that claim.
Now, do you understand why the Shepherds were out watching their sheep by night? It was not cold weather in September.
Dr. Mark Cambron, respected Bible scholar had heard this unsubstantiated claim that it is too cold for the sheep in December. We must remember Israel is not North Dakota or even Ohio. Dr. Cambron was at the shepherds’ field in Bethlehem one Christmas eve and noticed there were shepherds present. He asked them, “Why are sheep here and not in folds. Isn’t it too cold?” They replied, “This is when the grass grows best, so we graze here!” Then he noticed the grass was indeed thick and over knee high. Hearsay destroyed by eyewitnesses!
If Christians go to the "real" birth of Jesus and celebrate it, then all those people who are fighting over not having "their" symbols displayed, or the ACLU fighting to eliminate every thing religious, would perhaps stop. No other religion will be allowed to put up their symbol on our special day.It doesn't belong to them, it belongs to the Christians.
That’s a rather naïve view isn’t it? II Th. 1:4, II Tm. 3:11-12
See, right now, they are telling us that Dec. 25 does not belong to Christians, it belongs to those who worship Santa Clause. And you know what? They are right. Separating the two times of the year, would also help teach your child the truth about Jesus, especially if you are a Christian.
I never had a problem teaching my kids the truth about Jesus or Santa. Dt. 6:4-7, Eph. 6:4
See, here is the Christians problem (as I see it). We have put our Lord and Saviors birth right up there with "pagan" beliefs.
Actually Satan constantly tries to get people to believe his lie rather than God’s truth. Jn. 8:44
Does God approve of this? Does God back us in our efforts to keep Jesus as our symbol for this paganism day of worship?
Does she really believe we shouldn’t worship Jesus on any day someone else has set aside for paganism? I worship Jesus on Dec. 25th, July 4th, October 31st and every other day of the year!
Jn. 4:24, Rm. 14:5
Now, if you want to support Santa Clause and all that goes with it, I see no problem with that, but just remember - this is not the birth of Jesus. Don't let the attributes of Santa Clause become the same as Jesus' attributes.
Which is it? Does she have a problem with it or does she not? I personally have a problem with it. Is. 42:8, I Cor. 2:8, Ps. 24
Separating of the two times, will put a stop to this.
No. It won’t. Why would it?
The Jewish celebration on or near Dec. 25, called Hanukkah (celebration of lights) has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus. Now, I know this is not pagan; this is a true event for them, the Jews. But it is still not Christmas.
Celebrating God’s light is closer to Christmas than Rosh Hashanah. Jn. 1:1-5, 9-12, 8:12, 9:5
Here is my second problem I see with the Christian community. They are not willing to make any changes, even if it is making a change for the "truth."
Her truth or God’s truth? She hasn’t proved anything. “My problem” “Christian community” Who’s that?
They would rather sit right where they are and let the ACLU and all the other religions of the world dictate to us, about the birth of our Savior; and send money to organizations to fight to keep Dec. 25 for Jesus.
I haven’t sent anyone any money. But if I did it would be to preserve our right to celebrate Christmas in a Christ honoring fashion.
If this world's system eventually gets to the point where there is no "Merry Christmas" and it all becomes "Happy Holidays," guys, don't panic, just remember: It isn't the birth of Jesus any way. Just my opinion.
The last three words are the truest thing she has said in her whole letter. The rest reminds me of the Texas longhorn… a point here and a point there and a lot of bull in-between So can we pinpoint Christmas to December at least. Let’s see.
Bible fact # 1 In I Chr. 24:1-19 David organized the priests for the Temple. There were 24 orders for the 12 months, two orders per month (v. 18-19). Note in the fourth month, the latter part of the month is the order of Abijah (v. 10).
Bible fact # 2 In Ex. 12:2, 13:4 God says the month Nisan is the first month of the Jewish calendar. Nisan falls in our Mar. /Apr. which puts the order of Abijah in our July.
Bible Fact # 3 Zechariah was serving in July. (Lk. 1:5-7) Not yet 50 but advanced in years (people age differently, in US pioneer days the average lifespan was 35). Luke 1:8-23. He went home in August and John the Baptist was conceived in August or September (1:24). Her first month would be Sept. or Oct. Her 6th month would be Feb.-March. (1:26-36 Mary conceived in Elisabeth’s 6th month so her first month would be March-April. Count it out. April, May, June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., December.
Late December is when the shepherds are out in their fields to watch their sheep by night. The night the angels came. Luke 2:8-15. The night, Christ was born. I for one am not going to let the Devil steal my Christmas.
1. Worship in Spirit and truth Jn. 4:24
2. Be fully persuaded in your own mind. Rm. 14:5-6
3. Whatever ye do, do it unto the Lord Col. 3:17-25
ROM. 14:5
Rick Jackson
Last week we saw in the Bible that Jesus WAS born in late December, maybe even Dec. 25th! This week we look at a few other criticisms of Christmas. Had they put as much work into studying the matter out as they do criticizing they would know the answers themselves. It seems the only exercise they get is jumping to conclusions. Let’s examine some of their complaints and answer them with more Christmas facts!
I. THEY SAY "CHRISTMAS TREES ARE OF PAGAN ORIGIN" [Jer. 10:1-4]
1. Jeremiah is not talking about Christmas trees [Jer. 10:5-15] He is referring to wooden idols, carved by men, overlaid with gold, etc.
2. Christmas trees are actually Christian.
John R. Rice recounts the origin of the Christmas tree.
In the 8th century a missionary named Boniface went to Germany to preach Christ. The Germanic tribes worshipped the oak tree as a symbol of deity. Boniface told them it was a poor symbol for God since it sheds its leaves and appears dead in winter. He told them the tree that should remind them of God was the evergreen. Always green and thriving.
Christmas trees became popular in England primarily through the influence of the German-born, Prince Albert, husband of England’s Queen Victoria. In America the trees were introduced by German immigrants in Pennsylvania.
3. The tree reminds me of Calvary [Gal. 6:14, I Pt. 2:24]
4. The light on top reminds me of Jesus. [Jn. 8:12, 9:5, I Jn. 1:5]
5. The other lights remind me of Jesus’ word [Mt. 5:14]
II. Critics say giving gifts has become too commercialized.
It can be but need not be. [II Cor. 9:15, Jn. 3:16, Rm. 6:23, 12:6, Acts 3:6 ]
What are we doing to aid the critics? What are we doing to silence them?
ANSWERING THE CHRISTMAS CRITICS (1)
ROMANS 14:1-12
Rick Jackson
There was an interesting letter on the editorial page of the Bradford County Telegraph last year (12-1-05). A lady, whom to my knowledge I do not know, wrote,
The following is "Just My Opinion" but I would like to know - "What do you think, are you willing to change?"
My answer is “no”. I am not willing to change because of someone’s opinion. I am willing to conform to the Word of God. Romans 3:4
What is wrong with Christians celebrating the birth of Jesus on his "real" birthday? Why don't Christians just let the world have their "Happy Holidays" their "Santa Clauses," their lighted trees and all the other traditions" that go with Dec. 25? Guys, believe it or not, this is not the day Jesus was born and I can tell you exactly when it was.
It will take a major portion of this sermon to discount this statement But let’s see how her opinion continued.
It was Tishri 15 (that is a Jewish feast day, their New Year or Rosh Hashanah). Jesus fulfilled every one of the Jewish Feast Days. On the exact days those feast happened, in the time of Jesus, those feast were fulfilled. The only feast left to fulfill is the Feast of Trumpets, and that is the Rapture.
There is not one hint in the Scriptures that Jesus was born on Rosh Hashanah. There would have been a lot of Jewish rituals going on during that time and none is indicated by either Luke or Matthew. Matthew’s silence is deafening since his purpose was to present Christ as the King of the Jews and this would certainly have bolstered that claim.
Now, do you understand why the Shepherds were out watching their sheep by night? It was not cold weather in September.
Dr. Mark Cambron, respected Bible scholar had heard this unsubstantiated claim that it is too cold for the sheep in December. We must remember Israel is not North Dakota or even Ohio. Dr. Cambron was at the shepherds’ field in Bethlehem one Christmas eve and noticed there were shepherds present. He asked them, “Why are sheep here and not in folds. Isn’t it too cold?” They replied, “This is when the grass grows best, so we graze here!” Then he noticed the grass was indeed thick and over knee high. Hearsay destroyed by eyewitnesses!
If Christians go to the "real" birth of Jesus and celebrate it, then all those people who are fighting over not having "their" symbols displayed, or the ACLU fighting to eliminate every thing religious, would perhaps stop. No other religion will be allowed to put up their symbol on our special day.It doesn't belong to them, it belongs to the Christians.
That’s a rather naïve view isn’t it? II Th. 1:4, II Tm. 3:11-12
See, right now, they are telling us that Dec. 25 does not belong to Christians, it belongs to those who worship Santa Clause. And you know what? They are right. Separating the two times of the year, would also help teach your child the truth about Jesus, especially if you are a Christian.
I never had a problem teaching my kids the truth about Jesus or Santa. Dt. 6:4-7, Eph. 6:4
See, here is the Christians problem (as I see it). We have put our Lord and Saviors birth right up there with "pagan" beliefs.
Actually Satan constantly tries to get people to believe his lie rather than God’s truth. Jn. 8:44
Does God approve of this? Does God back us in our efforts to keep Jesus as our symbol for this paganism day of worship?
Does she really believe we shouldn’t worship Jesus on any day someone else has set aside for paganism? I worship Jesus on Dec. 25th, July 4th, October 31st and every other day of the year!
Jn. 4:24, Rm. 14:5
Now, if you want to support Santa Clause and all that goes with it, I see no problem with that, but just remember - this is not the birth of Jesus. Don't let the attributes of Santa Clause become the same as Jesus' attributes.
Which is it? Does she have a problem with it or does she not? I personally have a problem with it. Is. 42:8, I Cor. 2:8, Ps. 24
Separating of the two times, will put a stop to this.
No. It won’t. Why would it?
The Jewish celebration on or near Dec. 25, called Hanukkah (celebration of lights) has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus. Now, I know this is not pagan; this is a true event for them, the Jews. But it is still not Christmas.
Celebrating God’s light is closer to Christmas than Rosh Hashanah. Jn. 1:1-5, 9-12, 8:12, 9:5
Here is my second problem I see with the Christian community. They are not willing to make any changes, even if it is making a change for the "truth."
Her truth or God’s truth? She hasn’t proved anything. “My problem” “Christian community” Who’s that?
They would rather sit right where they are and let the ACLU and all the other religions of the world dictate to us, about the birth of our Savior; and send money to organizations to fight to keep Dec. 25 for Jesus.
I haven’t sent anyone any money. But if I did it would be to preserve our right to celebrate Christmas in a Christ honoring fashion.
If this world's system eventually gets to the point where there is no "Merry Christmas" and it all becomes "Happy Holidays," guys, don't panic, just remember: It isn't the birth of Jesus any way. Just my opinion.
The last three words are the truest thing she has said in her whole letter. The rest reminds me of the Texas longhorn… a point here and a point there and a lot of bull in-between So can we pinpoint Christmas to December at least. Let’s see.
Bible fact # 1 In I Chr. 24:1-19 David organized the priests for the Temple. There were 24 orders for the 12 months, two orders per month (v. 18-19). Note in the fourth month, the latter part of the month is the order of Abijah (v. 10).
Bible fact # 2 In Ex. 12:2, 13:4 God says the month Nisan is the first month of the Jewish calendar. Nisan falls in our Mar. /Apr. which puts the order of Abijah in our July.
Bible Fact # 3 Zechariah was serving in July. (Lk. 1:5-7) Not yet 50 but advanced in years (people age differently, in US pioneer days the average lifespan was 35). Luke 1:8-23. He went home in August and John the Baptist was conceived in August or September (1:24). Her first month would be Sept. or Oct. Her 6th month would be Feb.-March. (1:26-36 Mary conceived in Elisabeth’s 6th month so her first month would be March-April. Count it out. April, May, June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., December.
Late December is when the shepherds are out in their fields to watch their sheep by night. The night the angels came. Luke 2:8-15. The night, Christ was born. I for one am not going to let the Devil steal my Christmas.
1. Worship in Spirit and truth Jn. 4:24
2. Be fully persuaded in your own mind. Rm. 14:5-6
3. Whatever ye do, do it unto the Lord Col. 3:17-25
ROM. 14:5
Rick Jackson
Last week we saw in the Bible that Jesus WAS born in late December, maybe even Dec. 25th! This week we look at a few other criticisms of Christmas. Had they put as much work into studying the matter out as they do criticizing they would know the answers themselves. It seems the only exercise they get is jumping to conclusions. Let’s examine some of their complaints and answer them with more Christmas facts!
I. THEY SAY "CHRISTMAS TREES ARE OF PAGAN ORIGIN" [Jer. 10:1-4]
1. Jeremiah is not talking about Christmas trees [Jer. 10:5-15] He is referring to wooden idols, carved by men, overlaid with gold, etc.
2. Christmas trees are actually Christian.
John R. Rice recounts the origin of the Christmas tree.
In the 8th century a missionary named Boniface went to Germany to preach Christ. The Germanic tribes worshipped the oak tree as a symbol of deity. Boniface told them it was a poor symbol for God since it sheds its leaves and appears dead in winter. He told them the tree that should remind them of God was the evergreen. Always green and thriving.
Christmas trees became popular in England primarily through the influence of the German-born, Prince Albert, husband of England’s Queen Victoria. In America the trees were introduced by German immigrants in Pennsylvania.
3. The tree reminds me of Calvary [Gal. 6:14, I Pt. 2:24]
4. The light on top reminds me of Jesus. [Jn. 8:12, 9:5, I Jn. 1:5]
5. The other lights remind me of Jesus’ word [Mt. 5:14]
II. Critics say giving gifts has become too commercialized.
It can be but need not be. [II Cor. 9:15, Jn. 3:16, Rm. 6:23, 12:6, Acts 3:6 ]
What are we doing to aid the critics? What are we doing to silence them?
Friday, December 24, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Mary and the Grace of God
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Wednesday, December 22, 2010
POEM OF THE WEEK
CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN
Adapted by Rick Jackson from an unknown source
I’m looking forward to this Christmas in Heaven,
A glorious wonderful day!
I will stand with the saints of the ages,
Who found Christ, the Truth, and the Way.
I will sing with the Heavenly choir,
Just think! I who longed to sing,
And oh, what celestial music
We will bring to our Saviour and King.
We will sing the glad songs of redemption,
How the Redeemer to Bethlehem came,
And how they had called Him Jesus,
That all might be saved through His name.
We will sing once again with the Angels
The song that they sang that blest morn,
When shepherds first heard the glad news
That Christ, the Saviour was born.
Oh Dear Ones, I wish you to know
No Christmas on earth can compare,
With all the rapture and glory,
We’ll witness in Heaven so fair.
You know how I always loved Christmas,
It seemed such a wonderful day,
With friends and loved ones around me,
The children so happy that day.
Yes, now I can see why I loved it,
And oh what joy it will be,
When you and my loved ones are with me,
To share in the glories I’ll see.
So dear ones on earth, here’s my greeting,
Look up till the day dawn appears,
And oh what a Christmas awaits us,
Beyond all partings and tears!
But it’s only for those who respond,
To the invitation so gracious and true,
From the crucified, risen Saviour
Who did this all for you!
Adapted by Rick Jackson from an unknown source
I’m looking forward to this Christmas in Heaven,
A glorious wonderful day!
I will stand with the saints of the ages,
Who found Christ, the Truth, and the Way.
I will sing with the Heavenly choir,
Just think! I who longed to sing,
And oh, what celestial music
We will bring to our Saviour and King.
We will sing the glad songs of redemption,
How the Redeemer to Bethlehem came,
And how they had called Him Jesus,
That all might be saved through His name.
We will sing once again with the Angels
The song that they sang that blest morn,
When shepherds first heard the glad news
That Christ, the Saviour was born.
Oh Dear Ones, I wish you to know
No Christmas on earth can compare,
With all the rapture and glory,
We’ll witness in Heaven so fair.
You know how I always loved Christmas,
It seemed such a wonderful day,
With friends and loved ones around me,
The children so happy that day.
Yes, now I can see why I loved it,
And oh what joy it will be,
When you and my loved ones are with me,
To share in the glories I’ll see.
So dear ones on earth, here’s my greeting,
Look up till the day dawn appears,
And oh what a Christmas awaits us,
Beyond all partings and tears!
But it’s only for those who respond,
To the invitation so gracious and true,
From the crucified, risen Saviour
Who did this all for you!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Origin of the Races
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Monday, December 20, 2010
The Way People (Don't) Think
I was at a gas station just the other day and the vehicle in front of me had two contradictory bumper stickers on it.
One said, "Co-exist". You know which one I mean? The preachy one where all the letters are made to resemble the symbols of the various world religions. The idea is, "We (or you) are all worshipping the same God so we should co-exist. Sounds good right? Not necessarily.
In the first place we all already coexist. I'm here, you're here- we are coexisting. Hitler coexisted with Roosevelt, Stalin and Churchill- not peaceably mind you, but they all existed at the same time- hence, they coexisted.
Now perhaps the bumper sticker meant that all "religions" should co-exist peacefully. That is basically impossible. I don't mean that all religions should arm their adherents with guns and shoot anyone not of their persuasion but the very basis of their beliefs preclude they cannot agree theologically speaking. Nor should they.
Truth has never been able to coexist peacefully with error, falsehood and lies. To do so Truth would cease to be truth. The nature of truth is to be free from falsehood. Darkness and light cannot coexist, truth and untruths cannot coexist, what concord hath Christ with Belial?
"Oh no," someone is thinking about now, "He quoted from the Bible. He is intolerant." No more intolerant than those who are against me quoting from the Bible. It is amazing how intolerant the "tolerance" crowd really is toward true Bible Christianity.
When I was in high school a friend and I were discussing the need of the United States having a military. She was of the opinion that the United States should disband all their military and the U.S.S.R. would then do the same. I opined that if the U. S. was to do that it would not be long before we were learning to speak Russian. She responded that violence is never the answer and I countered that sometimes you must violently defend yourself or others. The argument went back and forth until in frustration this young lady reared back and said forcefully, "Violence is NEVER the answer!" while she struck her fist solidly and forcefully on my chest!
Yes, you read that right, the peaceful, "violence is never the answer" girl hit me! It was not to accentuate her point, she had merely lost control of the argument, her position and herself. I blinked several times, looked down at my chest and back at her and gave the satisfied grin of one who knows he just won the argument. And though I did not respond in violence we both realized that point was made- being able to defend yourself against physical assault is a necessity to a nation as well as to an individual.
Whilst I certainly do not think we should start a Christian holy war against those who disagree with us I do believe we should stand up for what we believe and the right to express it as given in our constitution. Freedom of religion not freedom from religion. Strangely enough the crowd that strives to strike fear in peoples hearts claiming we wish to establish a theocracy [which is patently false] they ignore the fact that others wish to do that very thing, have said so publicly and often, and shown it by their actions [remember 9-11?]. The Obamanation continues...
This same car had another bumper sticker on it that called for the use of coal to stop completely. Coal can be used cleanly now but they didn't ask for that- they wanted it stopped now and forever! Makes one wonder why they cannot coexist with the pro-coal crowd.
One said, "Co-exist". You know which one I mean? The preachy one where all the letters are made to resemble the symbols of the various world religions. The idea is, "We (or you) are all worshipping the same God so we should co-exist. Sounds good right? Not necessarily.
In the first place we all already coexist. I'm here, you're here- we are coexisting. Hitler coexisted with Roosevelt, Stalin and Churchill- not peaceably mind you, but they all existed at the same time- hence, they coexisted.
Now perhaps the bumper sticker meant that all "religions" should co-exist peacefully. That is basically impossible. I don't mean that all religions should arm their adherents with guns and shoot anyone not of their persuasion but the very basis of their beliefs preclude they cannot agree theologically speaking. Nor should they.
Truth has never been able to coexist peacefully with error, falsehood and lies. To do so Truth would cease to be truth. The nature of truth is to be free from falsehood. Darkness and light cannot coexist, truth and untruths cannot coexist, what concord hath Christ with Belial?
"Oh no," someone is thinking about now, "He quoted from the Bible. He is intolerant." No more intolerant than those who are against me quoting from the Bible. It is amazing how intolerant the "tolerance" crowd really is toward true Bible Christianity.
When I was in high school a friend and I were discussing the need of the United States having a military. She was of the opinion that the United States should disband all their military and the U.S.S.R. would then do the same. I opined that if the U. S. was to do that it would not be long before we were learning to speak Russian. She responded that violence is never the answer and I countered that sometimes you must violently defend yourself or others. The argument went back and forth until in frustration this young lady reared back and said forcefully, "Violence is NEVER the answer!" while she struck her fist solidly and forcefully on my chest!
Yes, you read that right, the peaceful, "violence is never the answer" girl hit me! It was not to accentuate her point, she had merely lost control of the argument, her position and herself. I blinked several times, looked down at my chest and back at her and gave the satisfied grin of one who knows he just won the argument. And though I did not respond in violence we both realized that point was made- being able to defend yourself against physical assault is a necessity to a nation as well as to an individual.
Whilst I certainly do not think we should start a Christian holy war against those who disagree with us I do believe we should stand up for what we believe and the right to express it as given in our constitution. Freedom of religion not freedom from religion. Strangely enough the crowd that strives to strike fear in peoples hearts claiming we wish to establish a theocracy [which is patently false] they ignore the fact that others wish to do that very thing, have said so publicly and often, and shown it by their actions [remember 9-11?]. The Obamanation continues...
This same car had another bumper sticker on it that called for the use of coal to stop completely. Coal can be used cleanly now but they didn't ask for that- they wanted it stopped now and forever! Makes one wonder why they cannot coexist with the pro-coal crowd.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Science--True and False
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Saturday, December 18, 2010
Question of the Week- What are Fringe Issues?
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Friday, December 17, 2010
Cursed or Blessed
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Everything You Need
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Thursday, December 16, 2010
Quotes of the Week
Our churches do not superstitiously observe days, merely as days, but as memorials of important facts. Christmas might be kept as well upon one day of the year as another; but there should be a stated day for commemorating the birth of our Saviour, because there is a danger that what may be done on any day will be neglected every day. - Samuel Johnson
It is reported that a young boy went with his parents to the Mall during the holiday shopping season (I expressly did not say Christmas shopping season, since I see no connection between Christ and the year-end spending frenzy that characterizes American culture). He saw a long line of children with their parents, waiting excitedly and expectantly for a chance to sit on Santa’s lap. The boy in absolute but profound innocence asked his parents, “Where’s the line for people waiting to see Jesus?”
Good question. -Doug Kutilek
--------------------------------
A genius is one who shoots at something no one else can see - and hits it. - Author Unknown
Lots of people talk to animals. Not very many listen, though ... that's the problem. - Benjamin Hoff
The bureaucratic mentality is the only constant in the universe. - Dr. McCoy, Star Trek IV
This next year, both Groundhog Day and the State of the Union address occur on the same day. As Air America Radio pointed out, "It is an ironic juxtaposition of events; one involves a meaningless ritual in which we look to a creature of little intelligence for prognostication while the other involves a groundhog." - Unknown email source
It is reported that a young boy went with his parents to the Mall during the holiday shopping season (I expressly did not say Christmas shopping season, since I see no connection between Christ and the year-end spending frenzy that characterizes American culture). He saw a long line of children with their parents, waiting excitedly and expectantly for a chance to sit on Santa’s lap. The boy in absolute but profound innocence asked his parents, “Where’s the line for people waiting to see Jesus?”
Good question. -Doug Kutilek
--------------------------------
A genius is one who shoots at something no one else can see - and hits it. - Author Unknown
Lots of people talk to animals. Not very many listen, though ... that's the problem. - Benjamin Hoff
The bureaucratic mentality is the only constant in the universe. - Dr. McCoy, Star Trek IV
This next year, both Groundhog Day and the State of the Union address occur on the same day. As Air America Radio pointed out, "It is an ironic juxtaposition of events; one involves a meaningless ritual in which we look to a creature of little intelligence for prognostication while the other involves a groundhog." - Unknown email source
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
WHAT CHILD IS THIS [3]
MATTHEW 1:18-25
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE CHILD OF THE MIRACLE BIRTH [v. 18-20]
There are many miracle births in the Bible but only one like this.
1. As revealed in Genesis 3:14-15]
2. As revealed in Isaiah 7:14
3. As revealed in Jeremiah 31:22
How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter? for the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man.
II. THE CHILD OF THE MIRACLE WORK [v. 21]
1. The Defeat of Satan [Gn. 3:15]
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
2. The Salvation of Souls [v. 21, Luke 19:10]
3. The Fulfiller of Prophecy [v.22, Acts 3:18]
But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.
III. THE CHILD OF THE DIVINE NATURE [v. 22]
1. God with Us [Is. 9:6]
2. The Word made Flesh [John 1:1-15]
3. The Fullness of God [Jn 1:16, Colossians 1:19, 2:9]
For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE CHILD OF THE MIRACLE BIRTH [v. 18-20]
There are many miracle births in the Bible but only one like this.
1. As revealed in Genesis 3:14-15]
2. As revealed in Isaiah 7:14
3. As revealed in Jeremiah 31:22
How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter? for the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man.
II. THE CHILD OF THE MIRACLE WORK [v. 21]
1. The Defeat of Satan [Gn. 3:15]
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
2. The Salvation of Souls [v. 21, Luke 19:10]
3. The Fulfiller of Prophecy [v.22, Acts 3:18]
But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.
III. THE CHILD OF THE DIVINE NATURE [v. 22]
1. God with Us [Is. 9:6]
2. The Word made Flesh [John 1:1-15]
3. The Fullness of God [Jn 1:16, Colossians 1:19, 2:9]
For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Degrees of Punishment
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Monday, December 13, 2010
The First Doubter
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